Not sure if you would be interested in this (like if you want to do things in NYC) but if you come down the NYS Thruway you could book Yankee Trails Cruise Express and just stay in Albany night before. The bus is $95 pp RT and takes you to the pier and picks you up there at end of the cruise. You can park during the cruise at their office in Rensselaer for free. Just an option for you