Cruises in New York Harbor

The most popular cruises in New York are the two evening cruises. The Harbor Lights cruise departs daily at 7 pm and lets you admire the skyline at night or at sunset. The sunset cruise adjusts with the seasons to get closer to the Statue of Liberty.

These daytime cruises let you see New York from the water. Most of them head down the Hudson River to reach New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, then either head back up the Hudson or follow the East River.

Liberty Cruise

The Liberty cruise combines the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty, offering views of Manhattan and Midtown buildings. Duration: 1 hour.

These cruises offer a unique way to spend an evening in New York! Dinner cruises and brunch cruises let you enjoy a meal while sailing through New York Harbor. The popular jazz cruise features live music from the Boat Band, a trio of musicians. You’ll board a beautiful yacht styled after 1920s luxury vessels.

Looking for an exclusive cruise experience in New York? Board a yacht or sailboat! These two exceptional cruises let you navigate New York Harbor without the large cruise ships. Two unique, intimate experiences!

For the July 4th fireworks, book a special cruise. These cruises position you near the fireworks launch site, giving you a prime viewing spot away from the crowds on shore. Note: capacity is very limited, so book as early as possible!

In New York for New Year’s Eve? Don’t miss the fireworks over the Statue of Liberty. To watch the show without waiting hours in the cold and crowds, board a warm boat. Here are the different New Year’s Eve cruises in New York.

1. Because New York is a port! It’s easy to forget, but New York sits on the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast. It’s actually the busiest cargo port in the United States, competing with Long Beach, the port of Los Angeles.
2. To see New York from a whole new angle! A cruise through New York Harbor is essential to change your perspective and see the city from the water. You’ll see the famous Manhattan skyline—the row of buildings stretching across the horizon.
3. To get up close to the Statue of Liberty! All cruises in New York Harbor pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Every cruise stops for a few minutes at the base of the statue, and that face-to-face moment with Lady Liberty is a highlight of any New York trip.
4. To celebrate a special occasion! Planning a birthday, proposing, or marking another milestone in New York? Why not do it aboard a ship—at a dinner cruise, brunch, or the famous jazz cruise? Cruises are made for celebration!
5. To give your feet a break while still seeing the city! Harbor cruises are perfect for exploring without walking. Visiting New York means a lot of walking—easily 20,000 steps a day. So why not keep sightseeing while relaxing on a boat?

• New York has many different cruises, each with its own route, concept, and type of vessel. How do you choose the right one for you? Here are the differences!
• Pick the route that interests you most, keeping in mind all cruises pass the Statue of Liberty. Beyond that, they vary widely. A one-hour cruise focuses only on the statue, while a 2.5-hour cruise circles all of Manhattan. Choose based on what you want to see and how long you want to be on the water.
• Next, choose your boat type. You can pick between large cruise ships and smaller vessels, including sailboats and yachts. Again, it depends on what you want. For photography, large ships offer perfect city views. For a more intimate or private experience, sailboats and yachts are better.
• Also consider the cruise concept. Some focus purely on sightseeing, while others combine sightseeing with dining or live music. Choose what matches your interests. Do you just want photos, or do you want to eat onboard? Prices differ accordingly.