NYC Cruises, Boat Rides & Tours City Cruises

Table Of Content

• Circle Line - Harbor Lights Night Cruise
• The Best Sunset Boat Tours & Sailing Trips in New York City
• Classic Harbor Line: Champagne City Lights Cruise
• Champagne Brunch Sail Aboard The Classic Schooner Shearwater
• Best dinner cruises in NYC
• Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack
• Chinese Lunar New Years Day NYC Chinatown Firecrackers, Festivals and Parades

We have tried all of the boat tours so you’re getting an inside scoop on the best sightseeing cruises, sailing trips and dinner cruises here in the city. Not only that but there are all kinds of New York City boat tours that you can do, from leisurely harbor rides and buffet cruises to exciting speedboat and sailing adventures. All of these tours go past some of the Big Apple’s most popular attractions, like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Of course, there are unique aspects to each boat ride, so I’ll tell you what to expect from each one.

Circle Line - Harbor Lights Night Cruise

Not only is this one of the best Statue of Liberty tours for people on a budget, but it also takes you past other top landmarks along the way. For example, you’ll sail past Ellis Island, Governor’s Island, and the South Street Seaport. Also, before we begin, I’ll tell you that several of these tours are included in the New York Pass and the New York Sightseeing Pass, so consider reading our guide to the best NY city passes.

The Best Sunset Boat Tours & Sailing Trips in New York City

During the tour, which is led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll sail around New York Harbor, past some of the top attractions that make the Big Apple so iconic. The highlight of this NYC sightseeing cruise is the Statue of Liberty, which you’ll see up-close from the water. Your boat will get within 100 feet of Lady Liberty, so you’ll be able to see the full splendor of her 305-ft frame. First, this one-hour cruise is a quick and affordable NYC boat ride that I recommend if you’re short on time but want to enjoy some sightseeing. Regarding September, any New Yorker will tell you that September has to be the most pleasant month for sunny skies and low heat and humidity.

Classic Harbor Line: Champagne City Lights Cruise

Afterward, it’s time to get back to the action and continue zipping through the harbor. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. See the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Skyline, Freedom Tower, Ellis Island, and experience NYC from the water!

Champagne Brunch Sail Aboard The Classic Schooner Shearwater

The area south of 59th Street is packed with architecturally significant buildings; there’s the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth Building, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center, just to name a few. Dinner cruises are very popular and especially in the summer, it is the ideal way to explore New York City while eating a great meal and have a couple of drinks. As you sail along the waterfront, you’ll learn about the city’s development and how it grew into one of the most famous urban centers in the world.

October has particularly gorgeous weather, and you've also escaped all the heat and summer tourism crowds. The fall foliage in Central Park is absolutely gorgeous during October and the leaves look almost like they are on fire. We have a parking attendant and security personnel to ensure the safety of your vehicle and we offer covered parking as well. Norwegian Prima is one of the best cruises for solo travelers departing from New York City.

Sunset Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack

Whether from the upper deck of a yacht or hunkered down on a speedboat, views from the harbor show NYC at its absolute finest. From the Statue of Liberty to the One World Trade Center, you can take in all the biggest sights without dealing with packed subway cars and endless traffic jams. While some NYC sightseeing cruises pack you on like sardines, New York Harbor Tours’ private boat rides offer an intimate and exclusive experience of the city.

Skyline Cruises

Suri Cruise chats with friends in NYC days before her 18th birthday - Page Six

Suri Cruise chats with friends in NYC days before her 18th birthday.

Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:57:00 GMT [source]

Then, sail under the Brooklyn Bridge, the most famous bridge in NYC, and make your way up the East River to see Manhattan from the other side. Seemingly all cruise operators in New York City are back on the water, giving you plenty of options to relax on a boat and enjoy mesmerizing views while maybe even sipping cocktails and eating cheese. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. You can expect balmy temperatures to reign supreme in the months from April to June and September until November.

The vessel is operated by a professional sailing captain and crew, who will expertly navigate the schooner through the harbor. If it’s a chilly evening, the crew will hand out blankets to keep you warm while you enjoy the views of the NY skyline at golden hour. Taking a boat ride in NYC is one of the best ways to see a different perspective of the Big Apple. While there are lots of different tours in New York City, a cruise can be a more relaxing way to go sightseeing. A dinner harbor cruise is an excellent way to combine a lovely dinner and sightseeing.

This 90-minute New York City river cruise is another affordable option if you want to see several popular landmarks in one tour. During this boat ride, you’ll travel down the Hudson River and get stunning views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan’s west side. While you sail along, your tour guide will tell you interesting stories and trivia about the Big Apple and some of its top attractions. Head next door to get your hands on the banging street tacos aboard this one-of-a-kind three-level floating Mexican restaurant made for good times. Situated on a luxury yacht, La Barca boasts a large outdoor deck area, and two temperature-controlled indoor decks, accompanied by three bars that serve a selection of agave-based spirits, tequila and more. The boat takes several cruise trips a day, meaning you and the gang can enjoy swaying to a mix of Latin pop, salsa and dance hits—taking in the city's skyline as you float along the Hudson River.

If I had to recommend a cruise in New York City right now, it’d be the Champagne City Lights Cruise and the Day Sail to the Statue of Liberty (so awesome!!!). Fall festivals in NYC are packed with literally hundreds of events to choose from in October, so definitely mark that down in your itinerary of things to experience. Some other highlights of October in the City include the Chelsea Market and Oyster bash. There will also be wine tasting events held at hotels such as Rooftop Reds n Brooklyn during that month.

Let us share the passion for the city's waterways, landmarks, and history with you. Unparalleled ViewsPick a seat on the outdoor deck or enjoy the view from the huge panoramic windows in our temperature-controlled indoor cabins. Plus, New York is home to the oldest cruise terminal in the United States. Nowadays, there are two hubs, one in Manhattan and another in Brooklyn. An additional cruise terminal, in Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, also serves the area. As you make your way along the Hudson River, your guide will point out important skyscrapers in Lower Manhattan, like the Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower.

The NYC sunset sailing with wine tasting gives you the chance to gaze out as the sun drops below Manhattan, seeing NYC’s biggest landmarks (including the Statue of Liberty) all lit up in a golden glow. And to top it all off, you’re on a luxurious sailing boat, which is equipped, crucially, with a full bar. Hop on the Seabourn Quest in October for an unforgettable journey through the colors of autumn. Spend a gorgeous fall day in Central Park before setting sail from New York to Montréal by way of Martha's Vineyard, Boston, Halifax, and Prince Edward Island on a 12-day itinerary along the eastern seaboard. This is a small ship that’s especially popular among North Americans, Europeans, and Australians, and a cruise line that’s beloved by foodies. Seabourn is known for its indulgent steaks, endless caviar, and partnership with award-winning chef Thomas Keller, who has a namesake restaurant on board.