Freedom Liberty Statue Express

NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour runs through Big City Tourism. Rated 4.4 across 646 reviews. Runs 1 hour 15 minutes. From $42.99.

Overview

This is a 75-minute express cruise that leaves from Pier 78 at Hudson River Park and runs down the Hudson to the Statue of Liberty before turning back. The boat does not stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island. Instead it pauses near the statue for about 15 minutes, and the rest of the time is spent gliding past the Manhattan and New Jersey waterfront.

A native New Yorker guide narrates the whole trip, mixing history with local recommendations while landmarks scroll past: Hudson Yards and Little Island on the way out, then One World Trade Center, the Financial District, the Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo, Governors Island and Ellis Island as the boat nears the harbor. The vessel has an open-air rooftop deck plus a climate-controlled indoor lounge with restrooms, and a bar and concession area where drinks and snacks can be bought.

After docking, a free shuttle runs to major attractions such as Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards and Central Park, which makes the cruise easy to pair with other sightseeing. It suits travellers who want close views of the statue and skyline without the time commitment of a ferry landing on the islands, and reviews suggest the guides and crew are a big part of the experience.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Board at Pier 78Meet at Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, 455 12th Ave. There is no public parking lot directly at the pier, so plan arrival accordingly.
2. Waterfront sightsThe cruise passes Hudson Yards, the Empire State Building area, Chelsea, Little Island and, across the river, Hoboken, with live commentary throughout.
3. Lower Manhattan and bridgesThe boat continues past Tribeca, One World Trade Center, the Financial District, Battery Park City and Lower Manhattan, then out toward the Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo, the Manhattan Bridge and Governors Island.
4. Statue of Liberty pauseThe boat spends about 15 minutes at the Statue of Liberty for photos, with Ellis Island also in view. There is no disembarkation at either island.
5. Return and shuttleCruise back to Pier 78. A free shuttle transfer then runs between the pier and major NYC attractions.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the trip, from seating on deck to how the shuttle works afterward.

• Dress for the deck. The rooftop deck is open-air, so wind and spray come with the territory. Bring a layer even on mild days, and have rain gear handy since one reviewer noted bad weather can thin the crowd but still leaves the city views from the water impressive.
• Plan your photos. The roughly 15 minutes at the statue is the main photo window. Reviewers describe getting strong shots of Lady Liberty and the skyline, and one said the guide deliberately allowed time for photos at points of interest, so keep a camera or phone within easy reach rather than buried in a bag.
• Eating and drinking. Food and drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard at the bar and concession area when offered. One reviewer found food service slow, though the same review praised the service staff.
• Standing room outside. One reviewer wished there were seats on the outdoor deck, since sightseeing from the roof may mean standing. Indoor seating is available in the lounge if standing for stretches is a problem.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and there is no public parking lot at the pier. Build in time to reach Pier 78 by transit, taxi or on foot, though one reviewer who arrived slightly late reported the crew waited for them and their child.
• Motion and comfort. A reviewer who usually gets seasick called the ride smooth. The vessel is climate-controlled inside, with restrooms and indoor and outdoor seating.

Common issues. A few travellers wanted clearer information before boarding about optional VIP deck fees and seating access, a point that comes up in the booking page's own review summary. One reviewer wished there were seats outside on deck. Food service was slow in one account, though the staff were praised. Weather can affect the experience, and there is no parking at the pier itself. No smoking is allowed onboard.

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