Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

New York City , United States of America

Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

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(3488 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline.

Sit back and unwind on a relaxing two and a half hour cruise around Manhattan Island. You'll see all the sights on the only New York cruise to circumnavigate Manhattan in its entirety.

Choose between two ticket types:

Cruise with Standard Seating which includes general admission boarding and seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin.

Cruise with Premium Seating which includes advanced boarding and exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.

Available options

Cruise with Standard Seating

General admission boarding, Seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin

Cruise with Premier Seating

Advance Boarding. Exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.

What's included

Free Wi-Fi on board

Live narration by Circle Line’s world-famous guides (in English)

2.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise

Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for more.

Outdoor deck

Air-conditioned vehicle

Restroom on board

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Part entertainer, part historian, your knowledgeable tour guide brings New York's breathtaking sights and fascinating history to life. Beverages, food and souvenirs are available for purchase on board.

See New York's most iconic building along with several other notable buildings that make the Manhattan skyline unforgettable.

Stop 3 Pass by

One of the highlights of the cruise. Lady Liberty stands in NY Harbor as a beacon of freedom. Get your up-close as our boats pause at several points around Liberty Island so guests can get the perfect snap. It's a bucket list moment.

Stop 4 Pass by

Home to attractions like Edge, City Climb and The Vessel, Hudson Yards is Manhattan's newest neighborhood on the west side.

Stop 5 Pass by

New York's newest park rises up from the Hudson River's west side. These sculptural, flower like pillars connect to create a unique greenspace like no other.

Stop 6 Pass by

One World Trade Center, also known as One World Trade, One WTC, and formerly the Freedom Tower is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan. One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh-tallest in the world.

Stop 7 Pass by

New York's historic immigration center will forever be a part of the city's immense history.

Stop 8 Pass by

A former Army post and Coast Guard installation, this island has been re-imagined as a public park in New York Harbor.

This historic district has been reborn and revitalized offering new dining and shopping experiences.

Stop 10 Pass by

Your cruise takes you sailing down the Hudson, around Battery Park, up the East River, past the South Street Seaport and under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Stop 11 Pass by

Classic Art Deco architecture, the building dons gargoyles that depict car ornaments and a spire modeled on a radiator grille.

Stop 12 Pass by

In its 100+ year history, Yankee Stadium, the 'cathedral of baseball,' has hosted over 6,800 Yankees regular season home games.

Stop 13 Pass by

The world’s busiest suspension bridge spans the Hudson River and carries over 103 million vehicles per year.

Stop 14 Pass by

See the building where representatives from around the globe meet to discuss the world's top issues.

What's not included

Food & Beverages (Available for Purchase Onboard)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Audio guide

DE KO PT JA EN ZH-CN IT FR ES

Written guide

DE KO PT JA ZH-CN IT FR ES

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

1,977 reviews

5★

1288

4★

441

3★

139

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

1,511 reviews

5★

1010

4★

295

3★

102

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.

Please arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the departure time for boarding.

Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board

Non-English-speaking guests can now make the most of their cruise with the free Circle Line Sightseeing app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app lets you follow along with a guided tour in your language, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Be sure to bring your own headphones, as headsets aren't provided. Download the app today and enjoy exploring New York City like never before!

Meeting point

Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York
Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Pier 83 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10019

Important notes

• This is your ticket. Please print this ticket and bring it with you or show it on your mobile device.
• Please arrive at Pier 83 (42nd St and 12th Ave) at least 30 minutes prior to the departure time.
• Boarding is on a first come, first serve basis.
• Once you arrive, go directly to the boarding line for your cruise. Our crew will scan your ticket when you board.
• This ticket expires after your scheduled cruise departure time and is only valid for the specified cruise. If you miss your cruise, you must retain this ticket in order to rebook your cruise.
• Rebooking is subject to availability and must be rebooked at the Circle Line Box Office.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information