Harbor Lights Cruise: New York’s illuminated skyline

What you need to know about the Harbor Lights night cruise

• The Harbor Lights cruise is one of New York’s most popular boat tours. It’s by far the best-selling cruise in our New York Excursions section, and for good reason: it’s one of the city’s most spectacular experiences. This night cruise lets you see Manhattan’s skyline and New York Harbor lit up after dark.
• The Harbor Lights cruise runs on a set schedule. You board at Pier 83 in the late afternoon for a 7 pm departure. Note: from January 5 to March 5, the cruise departs at 5 pm. Pier 83 is on the Hudson River at the end of 42nd Street.
• In summer, you’ll catch the sunset over New York. In winter, the entire cruise takes place after dark, since the sun sets around 5 pm.
• The boat heads down the Hudson toward the southern tip of Manhattan. Have your camera ready: you’ll see sweeping views of the Financial District buildings and One World Trade Center, glowing in the fading light. The ship then circles all of Downtown, heading up the East River and passing under the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Once night falls, you return by the same route, so you see the Financial District again—this time fully lit. The entire Harbor Lights cruise lasts 2 hours.

How to book your Harbor Lights cruise

• To book, go to the Harbor Lights cruise reservation page. Booking is secure and available in multiple currencies and languages.
• The price includes the 2-hour cruise, commentary from an English-speaking guide, and WiFi access.

Tip

• The Harbor Lights cruise is included in the New York Explorer Pass. If you use your pass for this cruise, one attraction will be deducted from your total activities. We’ll provide all the practical details when you get your pass.

The Harbor Lights cruise route

Visitor reviews

• Florence Champallier : “I have wonderful memories of this cruise. The view of Manhattan at dusk was just amazing! Highly recommended.”
• Gilles Le Chatelain : “A magical moment. We left in the sun and returned at night. My best memory and some beautiful photos.”
• Zu Lie : “A beautiful experience for our first evening in New York.”
• Monique Cerniac : “Truly worth doing.”
• Linda Mithra : “Almost the best memory of our week in New York.”
• Maryse Chabbert : “Definitely a must-do!”
• Peggy Nice : “Wonderful memory! I take this cruise on every visit to New York!”
• Morgan Gareau : “A cruise you really should do. I’ve taken it on all three of my trips because I wanted to show it to others. For me, it’s essential on a first visit. It gives you a view and a different perspective of Manhattan. Plus beautiful photos and memories as the sun sets.”
• Sylvie Multon Giuliano : “Pure magic. Plus, when we were there, there was a wedding on board and the couple invited us to their celebration. It was so unexpected but amazing. They were so cool, kind, and genuine.”
• Rich-rich Kdeux : “Sunset departure with a return at night when Manhattan is all lit up. Classy.”
• Monique Chervy : “Unforgettable! Perfect weather! Great atmosphere! Only downside: the champagne wasn’t French! Ha! A wonderful moment to do again and again!”
• Martine Lachance : “A magical moment. Even if it’s cool, definitely go to the highest deck on the boat. The view is simply stunning.”

Harbor Lights cruise in photos