More about: New York cruises and boat tours
At some point during your trip, you'll want to relax after hours of walking and exploring New York. A cruise on the Hudson River is a great way to relax while admiring the best views of the city.
There is a wide variety of cruises, each with a different duration and itinerary. I've selected what I think are the best options:
NYC Manhattan Circle Line Cruise around Statue of Liberty by day
From Midtown to the Brooklyn Bridge, by boat
Perfect if you feel like relaxing while enjoying the best skyline in Manhattan. Seeing the Brooklyn Bridge and the most iconic skyscrapers from the Hudson River will leave you speechless.
A one-hour boat trip around Manhattan is a quick and very comfortable way to enjoy the best views of the New York skyline. On this cruise, you'll see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Centre, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge from the water.
Choose your departure time, morning or afternoon, and board at the port in Midtown accompanied by a professional guide who will tell you interesting facts and anecdotes about the city. What's more, this boat has an open-air deck, so you can go outside (weather permitting) to take photos and enjoy the views even more. If you take the cruise in winter, wrap up warm and don't miss out on spending some time on deck.
Why I like this option: without having to invest a lot of time or money, you can enjoy the main attractions of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Recommended if... you want to take a break from long walks and swap the pavement for the Hudson River. You won't regret it!
NYC Manhattan Circle Line Cruise around Statue of Liberty by night
The most comprehensive night cruise around Manhattan Island
If you don't mind spending a little extra, you can enjoy an extra hour of sailing and admire the illuminated Manhattan skyline.
A more complete way to spend the night in New York is to take a two-hour cruise on the Hudson River, which will allow you to see the illuminated Manhattan skyline from the sea and discover another side of the Big Apple. This is especially true if you have previously climbed one of the city's skyscrapers to admire it from above.
With this night-time boat trip around New York with Circle Line, you can take an extended tour around the island of Manhattan and learn more about the city's history from a guide while admiring the wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge from the sea.
With this cruise around New York, the only one that completely circles the island of Manhattan, you will depart from Pier 83 at 7 p.m. to discover all the secrets of the five boroughs of the Big Apple as you sail along the city's three rivers (Hudson, East and Harlem), glide under its iconic bridges and gaze at the Manhattan skyline. Amazing views that will become an unforgettable memory of your trip to the United States.
Why I like this option: for very little extra, you can enjoy a night tour to see New York's buildings lit up.
Recommended if... you want to make the most of the experience and think that the one-hour cruise might not be enough.
Compare the 2 Hudson River cruise options
From Midtown to the Brooklyn Bridge, by ferry
Perfect if you feel like relaxing for a while while enjoying the best skyline in Manhattan. Seeing the Brooklyn Bridge and the most iconic skyscrapers from the Hudson River will not leave you indifferent.
The most comprehensive night cruise around Manhattan Island
If you don't mind spending a little extra, you can enjoy an extra hour of sailing and admire the illuminated Manhattan skyline. An unforgettable experience.
Discover cruises in New York that include dinner
If cruising the Hudson is a pleasure that allows you to relax while enjoying the most spectacular views of Manhattan, embarking on a cruise that also includes dinner, appetisers or live music takes the experience to the next level.
There are different options to choose from: some offer a buffet dinner, others serve a more gourmet multi-course dinner, and the size or type of boat also influences the price. But don't worry, there's an option for every budget and every taste, so you're sure to find the one for you.
All this while you sail along the Hudson and watch the lights of the Manhattan skyline come to life. A highly recommended experience that you can choose to spend your last evening in New York and say goodbye to the city in style.
How much does a cruise around Manhattan cost?
The price of cruises on the Hudson can vary depending on their duration, itinerary and the type of boat you choose: the cheapest start at £30 on Hellotickets, if you want a daytime cruise like the Circle Line to the Statue of Liberty, and the most premium can reach £140, if you are looking for a complete luxury boat trip with gourmet dinner.
The most premium cruises usually depart at sunset or in the evening, so you can enjoy the sunset and the lights coming on. If you have enough budget, take a more VIP boat trip, with dinner included and live music to liven up the trip. The evening will undoubtedly be very special and unforgettable.
If you prefer to enjoy an evening experience on the Hudson River without breaking the bank, you can always book a night cruise around Manhattan to the Statue of Liberty. You'll enjoy the views and cross some of the most iconic bridges.
Other cruises and boat trips in New York
New York offers a wide variety of nautical experiences to suit all tastes. Beyond the most popular tours, you can enjoy themed cruises, sunset cruises, architectural tours or even musical evenings on the water. Here is a selection of options so you can choose the one that best suits your travel plans:
- Manhattan Architecture Cruise, from €134
- Express cruise to the Statue of Liberty, from €24
- Ferry cruise to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, from €53
- New York tour with cruise and bus tour, from €91
- Sailboat cruise to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, from €60
- Sightseeing cruise around the Statue of Liberty, from €32
- Panoramic cruise around New York, from €35
- Circle Line cruise to the Statue of Liberty, from €30
- Christmas cruise in New York with chocolate and carols, from €116
- Sunset jazz cruise in New York, from €120
- New York sightseeing bus with cruise to the Statue of Liberty, for €87
How long do cruises around Manhattan last?
The duration of Hudson River cruises depends on the route you choose, but they can be express, lasting one hour, or longer, up to three hours. Some are limited to the southern part of Manhattan, where you'll have spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Financial District skyline.
Others go further and take you to Ellis Island or Liberty Island so you can see the Statue of Liberty up close while moving away from Manhattan Island and observing the grandeur of its skyline from afar.
My recommendation is that before booking an itinerary, you check the type of boat, the itinerary and the highlights you will find along the route. Either way, get your camera ready because you'll want to capture it all! Here is a list of what you will see on a Hudson River cruise depending on the itinerary and duration.
What is the best time of day to take a cruise around Manhattan?
Any time of day is good, but a sunset cruise on New York's Hudson River is undoubtedly the one that will leave you with the best colours and unforgettable views. Throughout the year, cruise departure times are adjusted to coincide with sunset so that you can embark in time to enjoy the last moments of daylight.
Little by little, the sky will turn pink and orange, giving way to the New York night and the lighting of all the skyscrapers and bridges. The night-time atmosphere on the Hudson is very special and romantic, especially if you take a trip on one of the boats that includes dinner and live music.
Another good time to enjoy a cruise around Manhattan is in the middle of the day, especially if it's a clear day: you'll get a crystal-clear view of all the buildings, it will be easier to identify Manhattan's main attractions and the photos will be spectacular.
Tips for taking a cruise on the Hudson River
Taking a cruise in New York is a great idea, but since you're embarking on this experience, it's best to follow these basic tips to enjoy your cruise on the Hudson River. Take note!
- Book in advance to ensure you get a place on the day and at the time you want to sail. Some itineraries are in high demand, so if you don't want to be left behind, make sure you get your tickets well in advance.
- Check what type of boat you will be sailingon and what is included in the price: are you booking a cruise with dinner? Is it a buffet dinner or a gourmet dinner served at your table? What is the itinerary? How long does the tour last? Read the description carefully before choosing the one that best suits you.
- Plan your day well so you're on time: bear in mind that the boat won't wait for anyone and punctuality is important. Arrive early and take the opportunity to explore the area before or after your boat trip.
- Don't worry too much about the dress code: unless you're going on one of the more special cruises (with dinner and live music), the dress code is casual or informal. However, for more premium evening cruises with dinner included, avoid the "tourist look", shorts and flip-flops.
Everything you need to know about cruises in New York
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Booking tickets in advance is important: Regardless of the type you choose, in order to secure your place at the time and date you want, it is best to book your Hudson River cruise in advance. Once you do, you will receive a voucher via email that you will need to present at the meeting point indicated for boarding.
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The meeting point: The most common departure point is one of New York's piers. When you purchase your tickets for the Manhattan boat tour, you will be told which pier your boat will depart from, but they are all located in central areas of the city and are easy to get to.
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About the guides and commentary: Most cruises include live commentary in English with a guide to learn more about the places of interest. However, for those who do not understand the language, some tours offer commentary in other languages. To listen to it in your language, you need to download a free app and follow the instructions provided in the booking. It's that simple!
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Photos and videos: You can take as many photos and videos as you like. If possible, stand next to the water to get a better angle and, if you have a zoom lens, use it to get the best shots of the Manhattan skyline. If you also like architecture and want to understand a little more about what you are seeing, this cruise to see the architecture of Manhattan is the best option.
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Wi-Fi on board: Some of these cruises in New York include Wi-Fi on board, so you can upload your photos immediately to your social media and show off your trip.
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Seating is assigned ona first-come, first-servedbasis. Arrive at the pier 45 minutes before departure to board calmly and get the best spot.
Are there any free or discounted cruises in New York?
No, there are no free boats on the Hudson River, and as this is a very popular activity, it is difficult to find discounts or special prices. However, if you are looking for a way to save money on your trip, I recommend considering the New York ferry. The ferry, being a public transport service, is much cheaper than tourist boats.
You can cross from one pier to another or even from one side of the river to the other for a minimal price and still enjoy the views of Manhattan from the water. Of course, the experience won't be as exclusive, but at least you won't have to give up sailing in New York.
Another way to take advantage of a special price or take a cruise in a very convenient way is with one of the city's tourist cards. If you have a New York Pass or even a ticket for the New York tourist bus, it may include a free pass for a city cruise. I'll tell you more about this later.
Do tourist cards include New York cruises?
To make the most of your visit to New York, you can buy a tourist card that will give you access to the main tourist attractions, saving you time and money, as most of these sites have a special queue for pass holders.
The difference between passes is their duration and the number of attractions you have access to. Finding the ideal pass for you depends on the type of trip you are planning in the Big Apple. We recommend that you take a look at our post on tourist passes in New York so that you can find the one that suits you best and clear up any doubts.
If you are thinking of taking a boat trip around the city, the tourist cards that include this activity are:
New York City Explorer Pass
The New York City Explorer Pass includes:
- Pass for Circle Line boats.
- Access to the New York Water Taxi.
New York Pass
This New York Pass includes:
- Pass for Circle Line boats.
- Access to the New York Water Taxi.
New York Sightseeing Flex Pass
The New York Sightseeing Flex Pass includes:
- Cruise with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access.
- Round-trip ferry tour to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Why is a cruise around New York worth it?
One of the great advantages of booking a cruise on the Hudson is that it offers a panoramic view of the city while allowing you to see its monuments from a different perspective, the sea. This is especially true if you've already had the opportunity to admire the Big Apple skyline from above, from one of the fantastic viewpoints offered by certain skyscrapers.
What's more, these cruises around New York are the perfect opportunity to celebrate an anniversary or birthday with your partner in a very original way, as some have a bar on board where you can order drinks to toast a special moment.
And if you're visiting the city with your family, a cruise on the Hudson with children is a very comfortable and fun way for them to see the sights without getting too tired. They'll love getting on a boat!
Discover the best options for crossing the Hudson if you're an adrenaline junkie
The Hudson River in New York City isn't just home to peaceful and relaxing cruises for New Yorkers and tourists. Its waters also offer high-speed motorboat and zodiac rides.
If you're an adrenaline junkie and want to do something different, don't hesitate to join this zodiac ride on the Hudson River in New York City.
If you're interested in a cruise in New York, you might also like
A boat trip around New York is a comfortable and peaceful way to see the city and learn about it, but it's not the only one. There are other ways to explore the Big Apple:
- The first option is guided walking tours of New York: Walking around the city is a very special way to get to know it, as you can pay attention to details that would otherwise go unnoticed. Here is a list of the best ones: 13 Best New York City Tours.
- The second option is the tourist bus: a very practical idea, as it allows you to discover the most important areas of New York quickly while travelling in comfort. You can find out more about this option in this guide to the best tourist buses in New York. From the boat, you may not be able to see some of the monuments clearly, but this minor inconvenience can be easily solved with a tourist bus route.