Circle Line sightseeing cruises are a Manhattan staple recommended by both avid Big Apple Visitors and local New Yorkers. Some locals brand the cruise as "touristy," but most recommend it as a good way to see the landmarks of the New York Harbor.
All sightseeing tours leave from Manhattan and show a portion of the New York Harbor. The most inclusive cruise will take you by the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty and under the Brooklyn Bridge. A special tour, which leaves from downtown, also allows you to get off at Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close.
Circle line tours last anywhere from 40 minutes to three hours. There are five regular tour options, plus the Lady Liberty tour option. The short 40-minute tour is labeled "The Beast," and is a speedboat tour. The shortest yacht tour is seventy-five minutes.
The sightseeing tours that leave from Manhattan are priced from $16 to $34.
The Statue of Liberty cruise which leaves from downtown is about $15 for children, and about $25 for adults. Cruise prices vary depending on which boat you choose and the time of year. Senior pricing is also available.
Sightseeing cruises in the New York Harbor began in 1908 with a steamer named "The Tourist." Circle Line was formed in 1945, as several competing companies merged into one. Circle Line continues dominate the market in New York Harbor sightseeing to this day.
The most important thing to think about when planning a cruise is the weather. These cruises are open deck cruises, and the temperature is normally cooler on the water than on land. Check the forecast and bring a jacket.
Another thing to remember, especially in summer months, is that this is a very popular attraction. You may need to get tickets early to ensure a spot on the boat.
