Sightseeing Cruises Around New York City

UPDATED JUNE 2018: See the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and more iconic New York City sights on one of these family cruises.

Even lifelong New Yorkers are surprised by what they don’t know—and haven’t seen yet—when they hop on one of New York City’s top sightseeing cruises.

Sightseeing Cruises, like the famous Circle Line (it’s the oldest and largest sightseeing cruise line in New York), offer amazing views and perspectives of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, as well as provide a colorful narrative. Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, you’ll be surprised by how little you know about New York’s storied history (and geography).

Plus, a sightseeing cruise is a manageable, relaxing way to see (and hear about) the The Big Apple’s best sights. Read: no hot, crowded sidewalks or long entrance lines.

And, if the kids get hungry (they always do), many of New York’s best sightseeing cruises have snack bars that offer sandwiches, salads, little treats, and, plenty of beverages.

Here, the line-up of cruises and the sights you’ll see:  

Best of NYC Cruise

This NYC sightseeing cruise circumnavigates the whole island of Manhattan. You’ll see 101 NYC sights, five boroughs, three rivers, and more than 20 bridges.

Sights include:

Operating schedule: daily, year-round

Cruise duration: 2.5 hours

2018 pricing: $43 for adults; $36 for children ages 3-12
 

Harbor Lights Cruise

What makes this cruise special is that it’s done at dusk, as the sun begins to set. You get to see the stunning skyline in shades of pinks, reds, and soft orange. Lady Liberty is in all her glory as the sky puts on a light show.

Sights include:

Cruise duration: 2 hours

2018 pricing: $40 for adults; $33 children ages 3-12

Landmark Cruise

This cruise is good for little kids who don’t have a super long attention span. It’s shorter than the Best of NYC (this one is only 90 minutes), but you still get great views of the Manhattan skyline, pictures with the Statue of Liberty in the background, and you’ll pass under three famous bridges.

Sights include:

Cruise duration: 1.5 hours

2018 pricing: $37; $35 seniors; $31 children ages 3-12
 

Liberty Cruise

This cruise is for those who want to focus on downtown Manhattan and its sights. Plus, it’s only an hour, so it’s good for those on a tight schedule. Get close to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and One World Trade, while learning lots of interesting facts.

Sights include:

Cruise duration: 1 hour

2018 pricing: $31; $26 children ages 3-12
 

Statue By Night Cruise

This quick one-hour sightseeing cruise is a great pre-dinner experience. Hop on board, and admire how regal the Statue of Liberty looks with a cotton-candy sky behind her.

 Sights include:

Cruise duration: 1 hour

2018 pricing: $32 for adults; $27 for children ages 3-12

Summer DJ Series Cruise

What do you get when you combine today's hottest DJs and New York City's best views? The Circle Line's Summer DJ Series. Spend the evening dancing, drinking, and taking in the sites while the sun goes down over the Big Apple

Cruise duration: 3 hours

2018 pricing: $35 for adults

Crunch CruiseFit Series Cruise

If you have to work out, there's no better place to be than on the beautiful Hudson river. Each cruise offers two 30-minute workout sessions and light bites, while sailing to the Statue of Liberty.

Cruise duration: 2 hours

2018 pricing: $35 for adults

Rockin' the River Music Cruise

This one-of-a-kind NYC sightseeing cruise offers front row seats to impressive musicians and the New York City skyline during sunset

Cruise duration: 2 hours

2018 pricing: $35 for adults