I tested for you… the 1.5-hour cruise around Manhattan
New York is a port, so why not treat yourself to a cruise? I boarded the famous Landmark Cruise, a 1.5-hour journey circling Lower Manhattan.
Among the various harbor cruises in New York, my husband and I chose the Landmark Cruise, a 1.5-hour cruise that loops around Lower Manhattan.
The boat departs mid-afternoon from Pier 83, the dock facing 12th Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets, right next to the Intrepid aircraft carrier.
After showing our tickets, we board and head to the upper deck. As we leave the dock, the boat reverses slowly, giving us a close look at the aircraft carrier on our left. The captain then shifts forward, and we begin our descent along the Hudson River. Iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building emerge from the skyline as we move south.
A guide on board narrates the history of the landmarks and New York in general, in English.
Face to face with One World Trade Center
Downtown, we’re struck by the stunning beauty of the One World Trade Center, an octagonal building where sunlight reflects brilliantly. This tower stands proudly in the middle of the Financial District.
While it’s hard to look away from Battery Park and the Financial District, the view across to New Jersey opens up on the other side, including its distinctive Colgate clock. But New Jersey seems rather plain compared to Manhattan.
Here, the boat slows down to approach Ellis Island gently. This iconic gateway to the United States was where more than 12 million immigrants landed between 1892 and 1954, seeking a better life and the American dream.
The Statue of Liberty from every angle
After exploring the buildings of Ellis Island, we soon find ourselves facing our French monument, the Statue of Liberty, also known as “Liberty Enlightening the World.” Standing 93 m (305 ft) tall, you’ll have plenty of time to photograph it from every angle.
The boat then turns around and passes Governors Island, Battery Park, and the Staten Island Ferry terminal. We glide under the Brooklyn Bridge and head up the East River, with the DUMBO neighborhood and Williamsburg on the right, and South Street Seaport and Two Bridges on the left.
After the Williamsburg Bridge, the boat turns around again, so you can enjoy the full skylines of both Manhattan and Brooklyn without moving.
Book your tickets in advance
Practically speaking, the boat has restrooms and a food and beverage counter.
You can stay warm on the lower deck or settle on the upper deck to feel the spray from New York Harbor and hear the distant sirens of the city.
Tip: departure is scheduled for 3:30 pm, but you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure if you already have your tickets. You can book them directly on our site on the page for the Landmarks Cruise. If you haven’t bought tickets in advance, note that you’ll need to arrive 2 hours early to wait in line. It’s definitely worth booking ahead!