When lining up near the Hudson River just won't do

In lieu of catching the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks by camping out near the Hudson River, many New Yorkers seek different locations to watch the spectacle.

Sailing The allure of New York City cruises have won over couples and families who are willing to spend almost $900 for a package to experience the Cornucopia Majesty - one of the largest yachts on the harbor.

Dustin Mantell, who oversees the operation of holiday cruise websites including July4thCruises.com, says the schooner is expecting one thousand attendees to watch the fireworks on Wednesday. "There's not a better vantage point then to see [them] here," he said.

Alavi and her fiancee will celebrate Independence Day on the roof deck of the Truffles building at 34 Desbrosses Street. "This year I'm not budging; I have my own front row seat for the fireworks,"she said.

Katie Hall, 33, of the Upper West Side, recently had a rooftop brunch and is throwing another for the holiday. "People are being smarter with time and money," she said.

Another party planner, who is requesting anonymity out of fear that her landlord will bust her plans, says having 10 friends on her rooftop is more "intimate" than attending a "crowded" ticketed event.

"There's always the danger of paying money and being disappointed," said the Greenpoint resident.

When asked if her friends try to get in on her rooftop parties, she said they do, because rooftop access is "a rarity."