Boat Tour Questions, Answered
Here are straightforward answers to the questions people ask most before booking a cruise on the Hudson or New York Harbor.
Before You Book A Cruise
What will a cruise cost?
Every tour here publishes a from-price, starting at $25 per person for a 50-minute Liberty cruise and reaching $1,200 per group for the private speedboat charter.
Which pier do I leave from?
Manhattan departures cluster around Hudson River piers, Chelsea Piers and Battery Park. Hudson Valley cruises board further north, at Kingston and Albany.
When can you cruise?
Cruises sail much of the year. The Beast speedboat season ends before peak fall color, then foliage yacht tours, a Thanksgiving harbor cruise and holiday carol sails carry the calendar into winter.
Can I cancel for free?
Almost every tour here offers free cancellation before departure. A handful, including some brunch cruises, list their own terms on the live booking page.
Does every cruise see the statue?
Nearly all of them do. The quickest option circles the Statue of Liberty in just 50 minutes, from $25 per person.
Is a dinner cruise worth it?
Brunch, lunch and dinner cruises here start at $115.13 per person. Most run between two and three hours, with live music on several departures.
Are children allowed?
Most sightseeing cruises welcome families. High-speed rides such as The Beast set age minimums, and each listing spells out the exact rule before you pay.
How long are the cruises?
The Beast packs its thrill into 30 minutes. A 90-minute landmarks cruise sits in the middle, and the gourmet dinner cruise with live music spans a full 3 hours.
Can you charter a boat?
Yes. Private charters include NYCbySEA's two-hour luxury tours from $499.99, plus private sailing and speedboat picks.
What is sailing on a schooner like?
A shared schooner sail is slower and quieter than a motor cruise. The Statue Day Sail aboard the schooner Adirondack runs 1 hour 45 minutes from $60.08 per person, and the sunset sail runs 2 hours from $90.12, both with a complimentary drink on board (see Can You Sail On The Hudson River?).