New York City: Landmarks Cruise with Live Guide & Statue Views

Summary

See Manhattan’s icons from the river with stories and laughter

You’ll feel New York shift beneath you as you cruise past icons like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State Building on this 1.5-hour landmarks cruise. Enjoy live narration from local guides, pause for photos near Lady Liberty herself, and drift between indoor comfort or breezy decks as Manhattan unfolds around you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how everyone shuffled for a spot by the rail — even before we’d pulled away from the pier. There’s this low hum of excitement, people pointing at the skyline like they can’t quite believe it’s real. Our guide — can’t remember his name, but he had that classic New York wit — started off with a story about Ellis Island that made half the boat laugh and one older woman tear up. The city feels different from the water, somehow softer around the edges but still buzzing.

I kept drifting between the open deck and inside (the AC is no joke in July), just taking in all these landmarks I’d only seen in movies: Empire State Building poking out above everything else, One World Trade Center shining in the haze. When we got close to Lady Liberty, everyone went quiet for a second — except for one kid who yelled “She’s huge!” and honestly, same. The boat paused long enough for us to get our photos without anyone rushing us. I tried to snap one with my phone but mostly ended up just watching her instead.

The guide pointed out Little Island (I didn’t even know that was a thing), Governors Island off to the side, and then suddenly we were gliding under Brooklyn Bridge. There’s something about seeing all these places stacked together — old brick next to glass towers, ferries weaving through kayaks — that makes you realize how much is packed into this city. Someone behind me ordered a pretzel from the snack bar and it smelled so good I almost got one too, but I was too busy staring at Hudson Yards’ weird shiny structure (The Vessel? Looks cooler than I expected). We looped back past United Nations Headquarters and I caught myself thinking about all those languages spoken inside while our guide switched between English and Spanish jokes over the speakers.

By the time we docked again, my phone was full of blurry photos and my head felt lighter. Maybe it was just being on the water or maybe it was hearing all those stories mixed with engine noise and wind. Either way, if you’re in New York even for a day, this Circle Line cruise is worth squeezing in — even if you butcher every building name like I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New York City Landmarks Cruise Highlights

• Board the Circle Line cruise
• Listen to tour guide's commentary
• See Manhattan skyline and Empire State Building
• View Statue of Liberty up close
• Pass Hudson Yards and The Vessel
• See Little Island park
• View One World Trade Center
• Pass Ellis Island immigration center
• Sail down Hudson and East River
• Pass South Street Seaport and Brooklyn Bridge
• See revitalized historic district
• View United Nations Headquarters
• Pass Governors Island park
• Purchase food, drinks, or souvenirs onboard

Top questions

How long does the Circle Line landmarks cruise take?

The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours from departure to return.

Is there live narration during the New York City landmarks cruise?

Yes, there is live narration by Circle Line’s guides in English throughout the tour.

Can I get close-up views of the Statue of Liberty on this cruise?

Yes, the boat pauses near Liberty Island so guests can enjoy close-up views and take photos.

Are food and drinks available on board?

Beverages, snacks, and souvenirs are available for purchase during the cruise; outside food or drinks aren’t allowed.

Is there Wi-Fi available on Circle Line boats?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided on board for passengers.

Are restrooms available during the cruise?

Yes, restrooms are available on board each sightseeing vessel.

Is this New York City landmarks cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the experience.

Can children join this sightseeing cruise?

Yes, children of all ages are welcome; infants under 3 ride free with an infant ticket from the box office.

Are audio guides available in other languages?

You can download free audio guides in nine languages via Circle Line’s app using onboard Wi-Fi; bring your own headphones.

What’s included

Your day includes a 1.5-hour New York City landmarks cruise with live English narration by local guides (plus app-based audio in nine languages), free onboard Wi-Fi so you can listen or share photos instantly, access to both outdoor decks and air-conditioned indoor seating for comfort in any weather, plus restrooms right on board for convenience along the way.