Visit New York: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

I love going on tours.  Whether it's a walking tour, a cruise, or even a bus tour, I find that tours are a great way to explore a city, and learn all about it too!

While in New York, we went on a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises has been offering sightseeing cruises to over 60 million passengers for over 70 years.  They offer a variety of cruises, allowing guests amazing views of New York City.

The morning of the cruise, we went to the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises ticket office to exchange our New York CityPASS tickets for the Landmarks Cruise (several cruise options available).  We arrived just before opening at 9am, exchanged our tickets, and we were told to return at 11:45am for our 12:30pm cruise.

We actually returned at 11:30am in case there was a long line already forming, and there was one, but for a different cruise, yet people didn't know it was for a different cruise.

The boarding process was pretty chaotic.  People kept lining up in a line that they were not supposed to be in (perhaps an employee should hold up huge signs to let guests know which tour is currently boarding).  Fortunately, there were a few very friendly and patient employees directing people where to go.

Finally, we were able to form a line for our cruise.  After a security bag check and an obligatory photo op, we made it on board, and we were eager to see all of the landmarks of New York City.

It was an overcast day, and it was pretty chilly on the top deck of the boat, but we still had spectacular views of the city.

The narrator onboard pointed out the different landmarks, and told tidbits of information about the city and its history.  As we cruised down the Hudson River, we were told the story of the infamous plane crash that took place in that very river (a Circle Light Sightseeing Cruises ship actually responded to the accident!).

We learned about the different features of the One World Trade Center, what types of activities are offered at Chelsea Piers, the challenges of building the Lincoln Tunnel, and how the Woolworth Building was once the tallest building in the world!

We saw the Empire State Building, got a glimpse of the Trinity Church, and went past Battery Park.  We saw hundreds of buildings in a myriad of sizes, colors, and designs.

We even saw and learned about several popular spots in New Jersey.

We cruised under several bridges while on the East River - the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge.

Seeing Manhattan Island's skyline from the water was spectacular, and cruising under the bridges was so neat, but one of the biggest highlights was seeing the Statue of Liberty.

It was thrilling to see this beacon of hope!

The 1.5-hour Landmarks Tour was very interesting and informative.  Guests can also download the Circle Line Skyline Navigator App to enhance their cruise experience.

We sat on the left side (port side) as recommended by an employee, but there really is no bad side, and you are allowed to walk around to take photos (just be courteous to other guests and don't block their way for a long time).  The lower deck has huge windows for great photo ops as well.

Onboard there are restrooms, a bar, a cafe, and a gift shop.

Circle Line's Landmarks Cruise was a fantastic way to see so many of New York's icons!


Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Pier 83, W 42nd St

New York, NY 10036
(212) 563-3200

Mahalo to CityPASS for the New York CityPASSes!  Gratuity was paid on our own.