Circle Line Ultimate Sightseeing Loop

NYC Ultimate Sightseeing Cruise with Statue of Liberty runs through Circle Line. Rated 4.6 across 7,921 reviews. Runs 2 hours 30 minutes. From $39.

Overview

This is the long one: two hours and 30 minutes on the water with Circle Line Sightseeing, the only sightseeing cruise that loops all the way around Manhattan. The route touches all five boroughs, runs through three rivers and passes under seven bridges, with more than 100 city landmarks along the way. You board at West 43rd Street and 12th Avenue and return to the same pier.

After South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the boat continues past the United Nations headquarters, Gracie Mansion, Yankee Stadium, the Cloisters and the George Washington Bridge before looping back. A live English-speaking guide narrates the whole trip, and several recent reviewers singled out the guides as a highlight, with some mentioning singing during the cruise.

It suits first-time visitors who want the full waterfront picture in one outing, and anyone who wants skyline views from the water. Vessels have both open decks and climate-controlled cabins, so it works in most weather.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Circle Line pierCheck in at Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, 83 North River Piers at West 43rd Street and 12th Avenue. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure and go straight to boarding with your voucher.
2. Hudson River and harborCruise down the Hudson past the High Line, then out into the harbor to pass Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, where the boat slows for photos.
3. East River bridgesPass South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge as the boat works up the East River, with views of the United Nations and the Chrysler Building.
4. Upper ManhattanContinue north past Gracie Mansion, the Cloisters area, Yankee Stadium, Harlem and Columbia University.
5. Harlem River and returnPass under the George Washington Bridge and head back down the Hudson to the Circle Line pier.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points make the difference between a good trip and a great one here.

• Arrive early. The listing asks passengers to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Your voucher lets you skip the ticket line and go directly to boarding.
• Bring headphones. The live narration is in English only. A free audio guide in nine languages, including Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese, is available through the Circle Line app, but you need your own headphones and should download it before boarding. Travellers repeatedly flag this, and one reviewer found the audio could not be used without an internet connection.
• Layer up. There are open decks and heated, air-conditioned cabins, so you can move between them. On a rainy departure one reviewer found staff handing out towels to dry wet seats, which suggests the outdoor deck stays usable in light rain.
• Buy food onboard. Outside food and drink are not permitted. The onboard cafe sells snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails during the cruise.
• Pick your side. With a full island loop, sights appear on both sides of the boat at different points. Reviewers describe the trip as excellent for photos, so plan to move around rather than claiming one spot.
• Free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is free onboard, according to the listing. One reviewer still found the app-based audio guide would not work without an internet connection, so download it before you leave shore.

Common issues. The biggest gripe in reviews is the audio guide: it must be downloaded from the app, one traveler could not get it to work without an internet connection, and several say clearer instructions about bringing headphones would help. The listing also warns that on rare occasions, during exceptionally high tides, the boat may not be able to circle the entire island and the route will be adjusted. Gratuities and food are not included.

Picking Your Boat Tour