‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

What to expect on your Circle Line cruise

Guests taking a selfie on a boat with the Statue of Liberty in the background.

✔️ Statue of Liberty and skyline views

Guests on Liberty Super Express viewing New York City skyline.

✔️ Live guide with fun NYC facts

Circle Line cruise boat on Hudson River with New York City skyline at dusk.

✔️ Cruise past iconic sights

Circle Line cruise with view of New York City skyline and Empire State Building.

✔️ Open-air decks and indoor seating

Things to know before booking your tickets

  • Circle Line offers something for every kind of traveler. Want the full NYC loop? Go for the New York City Sightseeing Cruise. Short on time? The 50-min Express or 90-minute Landmarks Cruise is perfect. Focused on Lady Liberty? Pick the Statue of Liberty Cruise.
  • If your goal is to see the Statue of Liberty up close and fast, pick the Statue of Liberty Cruise or the 50-min Express. For a full city experience with skyline, bridges, and boroughs, the Best of NY City Sightseeing Cruise is the way to go.
  • All cruises depart from Pier 83 in Midtown Manhattan (W 42nd St & 12th Ave). Please arrive at least 30 minutes before check-in and boarding.
  • Tickets are valid for a single, round-trip cruise only, no stops or reboarding.
  • All cruises include entertaining and informative commentary by local guides. No need for headphones or apps, just relax and listen.
  • Popular slots (especially afternoon and sunset) sell out fast, so booking early is recommended.
  • The speedboat ride is not wheelchair accessible and may not suit guests with mobility needs

All your Circle Line cruise options explained

Statue of Liberty at sunset with Circle Line cruise boat in New York Harbor.

Statue of Liberty cruises

  • Quick and scenic cruises that take you straight to NYC’s most iconic landmark. Ideal if you’re short on time or focused on the Statue.
  • Some cruises include live narration and indoor/outdoor seating.

Average duration: 50–60 minutes

Recommended experiences:

  • Statue of Liberty Cruise
  • Statue of Liberty Express Cruise
Cruise passengers view New York City skyline, including One World Trade Center, on Circle Line Liberty Midtown Cruise.

NYC Landmark & Full Island Sightseeing Cruises

  • Choose from two great NYC cruises: The 90-Minute Landmarks Cruise offers skyline views and famous sights like the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge with live commentary. For the full experience, the Full NYC Sighting Cruise circles the entire island, covering all five boroughs and 20+ bridges.

Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours

Recommended Experiences:

  • 90-minute NYC Landmarks Cruise
  • New York City Sightseeing Cruise
Guests enjoying splashes on NYC Speedboat Ride with city skyline in background.

High-speed boat ride

  • Thrill-packed and fast-paced, ideal for adventure seekers who want Statue views with a splash of adrenaline. 
  • Expect high-speed spins, pumping music, and waterfront excitement. 

Average duration: 45–50 minutes

Recommended experience:

  • Statue of Liberty Speedboat Ride

A glimpse of what to expect

Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island with New York City skyline in the background.
Ellis Island view from 60 Mins Lady Liberty Cruise, New York City.
New York City skyline with One World Trade Center at dusk.
Lower Manhattan skyline with Brooklyn Bridge, New York City.
Manhattan Bridge at dusk with city skyline, New York City.

Know before you go

Tourists taking a selfie on a boat with New York City skyline and Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
  • Circle Line cruises generally run daily between 10am and 7pm.
  • Boarding begins 30-45 minutes before departure time. Arrive early to secure the best seats.

Pier 83 (Circle Line Cruises):

  • All Circle Line cruises depart and return from Pier 83, West 42nd St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036 | Find on Maps
  • Located in Midtown Manhattan, easily accessible by subway, taxi, or bus.
  • Look for the Circle Line signs and ticket kiosks once you reach the pier.
  • Closest subway station: 42nd St – Port Authority Bus Terminal
  • Subway lines: A, C, E
  • Walk: Approximately 10–12 minutes west on 42nd Street to 12th Avenue
  • Also accessible via M42 crosstown bus, which stops just steps from the pier
Guests raising hands on NYC speedboat ride with city skyline in view.
Manhattan skyline from the water on a sunny day.

Time of day

  • Morning: Quieter, with softer light, perfect for a relaxed experience and cooler weather.
  • Afternoon: Brightest skyline views, ideal for photography and landmark spotting.
  • Evening (sunset/dusk): Magical lighting, perfect for photos and romantic vibes, especially on Harbor Lights or Speedboat Ride.
  • For fewer crowds, try weekday or early morning slots.
Guests enjoying NYC Speedboat Ride with Statue of Liberty in the background.

Time of year

  • Spring (April–June): Comfortable temperatures, moderate crowds.
  • Summer (July–August): Long daylight hours and most departure slots available, but also the busiest.
  • Fall (September–October): Crisp air, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage along the Hudson.
  • Winter (Nov–March): Cruises still run, but dress warmly; fewer departures and indoor seating are essential.
Modern washroom facilities with sinks and mirrors in a tourist attraction.
  • Indoor climate-controlled cabins and open-air decks are available on all boats
  • Snack bar and full-service bar with drinks and light bites
  • Restrooms are on board every vessel
  • Live guided narration throughout the cruise
  • Seating is first-come, first-served; arrive early for the best views
Hudson River view with New York City skyline and Statue of Liberty in the distance.
  • For stunning skyline shots, choose a cruise around sunset, the lighting is ideal for Instagram-worthy photos.
  • The water’s surface can create gorgeous mirror-like images of NYC’s skyline and bridges, especially just after sunset.
  • Before or after your cruise, explore local spots around Pier 83 for classic New York eats like pizza, pretzels, or Halal food carts.
  • Bring binoculars or a zoom lens to get a closer look at architectural details or capture that perfect shot of Lady Liberty.
  • Cruises can get crowded, share railings, seating, and photo spots kindly with others.
  • Cruises depart promptly, so late arrivals may not be accommodated.
  • All cruises are round-trip and return to the same pier they depart.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, even in summer, as it can get breezy on deck.

Frequently asked questions about Circle Line Cruise tickets

Can I bring food or drinks onboard?

Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but each boat has a snack bar and a full-service bar offering beverages, snacks, and light meals.

Can I choose where I sit?

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early if you want the best outdoor deck or window seat. There are no assigned seats with your ticket.

Is narration available in other languages?

Narration is live and in English. Select cruises may offer audio guides in other languages, but availability is limited; check at the ticket counter before boarding.

What happens in bad weather?

Cruises operate rain or shine. Boats have enclosed, climate-controlled cabins, so you’ll stay dry and comfortable even if the weather turns. Only extreme conditions may cause cancellations.

Can I upgrade my ticket on the spot?

In some cases, yes, if a longer cruise or time slot is available, upgrades can be made at the Pier 83 ticket office. It's subject to availability and price differences.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?

No, there is currently no public Wi-Fi on Circle Line cruises. It’s a good opportunity to unplug and enjoy the views, or download maps and content beforehand.

Top Things to Do in New York
Top Attractions:
Entertainment:
Top Experiences:
Travel Guide:
City Cards:
New York Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX