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High-school prom, anyone? On summer nights, The Temptress makes frequent forays up the Hudson River from her West 41st Street berth, loaded with people, music, and unfortunate dance moves. With a hardwood dance floor, two full bars, a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled performance space and a capacity of 500, the fifties-era former Navy vessel is the site of everything from bar mitzvahs and corporate booze cruises to the Rocks Off concert series, which has featured such diverse acts as sleaze-rockers Nashville Pussy and New Mexico freak-folk act Brightblack Morning Light. Though it resembles a suburban banquet hall, the ship's blue-carpeted interior retains touches of retro charm. Two Titanic-style curved staircases lead from the dance floor to the second level—equipped with tables and wide windows with views of the Statue of Liberty. Downstairs, there’s a large kitchen that doubles as a green room for band members. And, with full-range speakers blasting music onto two outdoor decks, it’s nearly impossible not to join in the revelry. — Candace Taylor

The Temptress sails north on the Hudson River toward the George Washington Bridge, turns around and sails down the Hudson, and hesitates by the Statue of Liberty before cruising the harbor and returning to Pier 81.