New York City grew partly because of its proximity to the sea. The large harbor didn't freeze, and ships could bring cargo and passengers from all over the world. New York City residents and tourists alike can cruise the harbor and Hudson River or tour docked ships.
The South Street Port Museum is a maritime museum that houses many exhibits and has several historic ships on display. Ships permanently moored at the museum's pier include the Ambrose, Peking, Wavertree and Helen McAllister. You can view these ships and tour the Ambrose and Helen McAllister. The Pioneer, Lettie G. Howard and W.O. Decker are available for public sails and can be chartered.
The U.S.S. Intrepid is an aircraft carrier that was renovated into a museum with many exhibits.
The Spirit Cruise offers buffet dining, entertainment and dancing for up to 600 people. Bateaux is an all-glass ship with dining, plush seats, jazz, blues and Broadway music for up to 300 people. Atlantica is an elite yacht that can be chartered for groups of 100 to 400, and offers a choice of dining and entertainment options. Manhattan by Sail provides cruises on New York's only tall clipper ship during the day, at twilight or at night as the harbor lights up.
A tradition by the U.S.Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard to dock recently active military ships takes place in New York City every May. Ships parade past the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum then dock at various piers in the city. Ship crews can visit city attractions while visitors tour the military vessels and attend military demonstrations, band concerts, inflatable jousting competitions and a tug-of-war. Performers salute the troops, and displays, entertainment and ceremonies take place on the piers
