New York City: Statue of Liberty & Skyline 90-Min Cruise

Summary

Statue of Liberty up close city skyline rush bridges and river wind

You’ll board at Pier 78 for a 90-minute cruise past New York’s icons—the Statue of Liberty up close, Ellis Island’s history, and Manhattan’s wild skyline. Expect live stories from your guide, free digital photos snapped onboard, and time to just watch city lights flicker as you pass under famous bridges. It’s quick but somehow lingers with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the boat to feel so open—like you could just reach out and touch the water. We left Pier 78 with the sun still hanging on, not quite sunset but that weird in-between where Manhattan’s glass looks almost soft. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of telling stories that made Ellis Island feel personal—he pointed at a spot and said his own grandmother came through there. I got goosebumps for a second. The wind off the Hudson was colder than I thought it’d be in May, but everyone seemed too busy craning their necks for photos to care.

When we got close to the Statue of Liberty, people sort of hushed themselves without meaning to. It’s bigger than you think from the shore—her torch looked gold against the gray sky. There was this guy named Li taking pictures for us (free digital ones, which is nice because my phone camera is hopeless), and he made me laugh when he tried to get my group to say “cheese” in three languages. I probably butchered it in Mandarin—Li just grinned and gave me a thumbs up anyway.

The private skyline cruise was only ninety minutes but somehow packed in Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, even a glimpse of Empire State Building through some low clouds. The snack bar had pretzels that tasted like they’d been waiting for someone all day (not complaining—I needed salt after all that wind). I kept thinking about how many people must’ve crossed those bridges before us. We sailed under Brooklyn Bridge right as a subway rattled overhead—felt like classic New York chaos but from this weirdly peaceful angle.

I still think about that moment drifting back toward Midtown, lights flickering on along the riverbanks. You can’t really see New York until you’re looking at it from the water—you know? The whole thing felt both huge and strangely personal at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 90-minute New York City river cruise

• Depart from Pier 78
• Pause near Statue of Liberty for photos
• Pass by Ellis Island
• View Manhattan skyline and One World Trade Center
• Pass under Brooklyn Bridge
• Pass by Empire State Building
• See South Street Seaport
• Return to Pier 78

Top questions

How long does the New York City Statue of Liberty cruise last?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes from departure at Pier 78 to return.

Does the tour include getting off at the Statue of Liberty?

No, you do not leave the boat; there is a photo stop near the statue.

Are digital photos included on this NYC skyline cruise?

Yes, complimentary digital photos are taken by an onboard photographer during your trip.

Is there food or drink available on the boat?

A snack bar with food and beverages (including a full bar) is available for purchase onboard.

Are there multiple departure times for this tour?

Yes, there are several departures throughout the day including sunset and evening options.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Pier 78 at Hudson River Park in Midtown Manhattan.

Is live narration provided during the cruise?

Yes, a professional guide provides live narration throughout the tour.

Can infants join this Statue of Liberty cruise?

Infants age 3 and under can ride for free; strollers are allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Pier 78 with flexible departure times, live narration by a local guide sharing real stories as you pass each landmark, complimentary digital photos taken by an onboard photographer so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying again, plus access to a snack bar stocked with food and drinks (even cocktails if you want one). Just show up early—they won’t wait if you’re late—and everything else is handled right there on the boat.