NYC Skyline Night Cruise: Statue of Liberty & Harbor Views

See Manhattan lit up from the water on a 1920s yacht

You board a 1920s yacht in lower Manhattan and cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the One World Trade Centre skyline, all lit at night. One drink is included, and you sit at an assigned table in a climate-controlled salon. The whole experience moves at a pace that lets you actually look and photograph, not rush. Small groups keep the boat from feeling crowded.

Step-by-step itinerary

Night cruise with NYC skyline views

• Cruise along Hudson River by Financial District
• Pass by Ellis Island
• View Statue of Liberty lit at night
• Cruise by Governors Island and Manhattan tip

The experience

What does the Statue of Liberty actually look like when it's lit up at night, and how close can you really get to it from the water? That's the question that pulls most people toward this night cruise around New York Harbor. You board a 1920s-inspired motor yacht with climate-controlled seating in the main salon, and the boat moves out past the Financial District, where One World Trade Centre rises against the dark sky. The route takes you into the harbor itself, so Ellis Island and Governors Island appear as you move through the water, and then the Statue comes into view: lit and solid against the night.

The yacht holds small groups, which means you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other people trying to get the same shot. You get an assigned table in the salon, which is where most people settle in once the boat gets moving. One complimentary beverage comes with your ticket (beer, wine, Champagne, rosé, soda, or coffee), so you're not starting the evening with an empty hand. The cruise circles the lower part of Manhattan and the surrounding harbor, which takes the evening at a pace that lets you actually look instead of just rushing between photo spots.

The boat itself is the draw here. A 1920s motor yacht has a different feel than the standard tour ferry. There's something about the design and the smaller capacity that changes how the night feels. You're on the water, the city is lit, and you're moving slowly enough to see it. The Statue of Liberty photograph is a real possibility from this angle, and the skyline views are what they promise. If you've been in New York for a few days and want to see the harbor and the landmarks from a different vantage point without spending the whole evening on it, this is the shape of that evening.

What’s included

• Your evening includes a night cruise around lower Manhattan and the surrounding harbor, with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and One World Trade Centre.
• One complimentary beverage (beer, wine, Champagne, rosé, soda, or coffee/tea) is included.
• You are seated at an assigned elegant table in the climate-controlled main salon of the 1920s-inspired motor yacht.

Options for this experience

6 options

Standard TourGuide in English · 18:00

Cocktail Tour of the City LightsGuide in English · 18:00, 18:15 and 19:30One cocktail is included with each ticket; more can be bought onboard with a credit card.

Wine & bites option for the holidayGuide in English · Available from 1 Dec · 17:45Wine, Cheese & Light Bites: Enjoy a flight of three glasses of holiday wines and festive light bites on this night cruise around NYC. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes. This experience lasts 90 minutes. Wine, Cheese & Light Bites: Enjoy a flight of three glasses of holiday wines and festive light bites to pair with this self-guided tasting menu.

See 3 more options

Off-peak holiday night cruiseGuide in English · Available from 19 Nov · 7 departure times: the first at 17:30, the last at 20:30A festive night cruise: Take this 1.25-hour night cruise around NYC on boats fully decorated for the holiday season. Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes. One drink is included: choose a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, soda or hot cocoa. Additional drinks can be purchased with a credit card. A great night out: this departure offers a fine chance to see the Statue and the NYC skyline lit up at night. Off peak pricing applies.

Peak holiday night cruiseGuide in English · Available from 1 Dec · 17:45, 18:15 and 20:30A festive night cruise: Take this 1.25-hour night cruise around NYC on boats fully decorated for the holiday season. Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes. One drink is included: choose a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, soda or hot cocoa. Additional drinks can be purchased with a credit card. A great night out: this departure offers a fine chance to see the Statue and the NYC skyline lit up at night. Peak pricing applies.

Night cruise featuring live jazzGuide in English · 18:30 and 19:45Onboard performance by a live jazz band

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 17:30, the last at 20:30

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 80 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Classic Harbor Line NYC

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline lit at night without spending hours on a tour: the yacht moves at a pace that lets you look and photograph, and the small group size means you're not fighting crowds for a view.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the cruise depart?

Departure time is not listed in the product details. Check with the operator for available departure windows.

Is the Brooklyn Bridge included in the route?

The operator does not guarantee up-close views of the Brooklyn Bridge during this experience.

Can I bring children on the cruise?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Adult ticketing applies to all travelers.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals that perform a manual task to assist a person are permitted. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility concerns?

Accessibility varies by boat. Please coordinate with the operator in advance if you need assistance with boarding or have questions about accessibility.

What if I'm part of a large group?

Large group bookings are not permitted. Multiple bookings may be subject to added fees or cancellation by the operator.