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This Tour is No Longer Being Offered
Since 1986 NY Waterway has been providing sightseeing cruises as well as commuter services via their 38th Street ferries. The NY Waterway 2-hour Full Manhattan Cruise offers visitors the unique chance to circle Manhattan, as well as a chance to see many of New York City's popular attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, the Cloisters, South Street Seaport and the Empire State Building.
About NY Waterway 2-hour Full Manhattan Cruise
In just two hours, the NY Waterways Full Manhattan Cruise offers visitors the opportunity to circle the island of Manhattan, as well as see the other four boroughs. The ship travels from 38th Street on the West Side, north via the Hudson River and back around via the East River.
Over the course of the two-hour cruise, the friendly, good humored tour guide pointed out important landmarks, and was very knowledgeable about the 20 bridges that connect Manhattan with outlying areas. The trip featured a closeup of the Statue of Liberty -- a perfect picture taking opportunity. Since visiting this attraction on its own can take the better part of a day, this is a great opportunity for those short on time to view the popular attraction. The guide pointed out where the World Trade Center towers would have been, and discussed the impact of their loss and plans for reconstruction.
The two-hour cruise passed quickly. The diverse landscape of Manhattan is great to see -- for visitors who might not leave midtown Manhattan, it's a unique opportunity to get a broader view of New York City.
Attractions Featured on NY Waterway's Full Manhattan Cruise
- Jacob Javits Center
- World Financial
- Battery Park
- Ellis Island
- Statue of Liberty
- Wall Street
- South Street Seaport
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Empire State Building
- Chrysler Building
- United Nations
- Roosevelt Island
- Gracie Mansion
- Harlem
- Yankee Stadium
- Palisades of New Jersey
- George Washington Bridge
- Grant's Tomb
- Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument
- Passenger Ship Terminal
- The Intrepid
Essential Information about the NY Waterway 2-hour Full Manhattan Cruise
- NY Waterway 2-hour Full Manhattan Cruise leaves from 38th Street at 12th Avenue
- Mass Transit to NY Waterway: A/C/E, 1/2/3, N/R/Q, 7 or S to 42nd St./Times Square - change to the M42 or M50 Bus running along 42nd Street which will take you to the 42nd Street/12th Avenue -- walk south
- Free NY Waterway Buses: Red, White, & Blue NY Waterway buses run along bus routes on 57th Street, 49th Street, 42nd Street, 34th Street -- hail them down as you would a cab, and they'll bring you directly to the ferry terminal for free
- NY Waterway Phone: 1-800-53-FERRY
- NY Waterway 2-hour Full Manhattan Cruise Cost: Adults $26, Children $13, Senior Citizens $21
- NY Waterway Cruise Payment: Cash and Major Credit Cards
Helpful Tips for NY Waterway 2-hour Full Manhattan Cruise
- Limited concessions are available on board, but you can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
- They begin boarding the boat about 10 minutes before departure -- arrive about 20-30 minutes before departure for time to buy your tickets. Viewing is best from the top deck, which fills quickly, so line up early to get the best seats.
- Picture taking opportunities are limited -- from most seats you'll need to shoot through a window.
- Bathrooms onboard tend to be cleanest early in the trip -- plan accordingly.