
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 New York City
Experience iconic NYC landmarks from the water with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather, fewer crowds

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 New York City
Best Time
Perfect weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience iconic NYC landmarks from the water with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.
"This was probably one of the best experiences I had in my life and definitely on this trip! It’s a must try when visiting NYC."

🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Look for online promo codes to save money on tickets. Arrive early for the best seats!
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's windy and chilly on the water, even on warm days. Bring a coat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Statue of Liberty Up-Close
Hudson River
Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lady Liberty from the water. Perfect for photos!

Manhattan Skyline Panorama
Hudson and East Rivers
Witness the iconic NYC skyline, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, from a unique vantage point.

Brooklyn Bridge Views
East River
Sail beneath or alongside the majestic Brooklyn Bridge for stunning architectural perspectives and cityscapes.

The Beast Speedboat Ride
Hudson River
An exhilarating speedboat adventure with thrilling twists and turns, offering a fun, fast-paced way to see the sights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Peak Times
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Look for online promo codes to save money on tickets. Arrive early for the best seats!
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's windy and chilly on the water, even on warm days. Bring a coat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
📸 Port Side is Best
For counter-clockwise Manhattan tours, the port side (left facing the bow) offers the best general viewing.
💧 Prepare to Get Wet!
On 'The Beast' speedboat, expect to be splashed. It's part of the fun!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online for Discounts
Look for online promo codes to save money on tickets. Arrive early for the best seats!
🧥 Dress in Layers
It's windy and chilly on the water, even on warm days. Bring a coat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
📸 Port Side is Best
For counter-clockwise Manhattan tours, the port side (left facing the bow) offers the best general viewing.
💧 Prepare to Get Wet!
On 'The Beast' speedboat, expect to be splashed. It's part of the fun!
☕ Snack Bar Available
Most boats have a snack bar for refreshments, but bringing your own water is always a good idea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Circle Line cruises for their incredible views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, and bridges, often highlighting the informative and entertaining tour guides. Many enjoy the exhilarating 'Beast' speedboat ride and the overall value for money. Some minor critiques include the potential for chilly winds and the need to arrive early for the best seats.
"We took the two-hour Harbor Lights evening cruise. The views of Manhattan from different angles and the Statue of Liberty at night were truly impressive. The guide was very informative.
We arrived at boarding 15 minutes before departure, and the ship was packed with passengers—all the good seats were taken. So if you want a good seat, arrive early. It's not that important, though, as people move around during the cruise, and you're guaranteed great photos and videos.
The bar onboard seemed a bit pricey.
Honestly, two hours seemed a bit long. Next time, I'd prefer a shorter tour."
Maxim A
"Came here to take the 2.5h NYC cruise that was part of the attraction offered in the Go City Pass.
It was an eye opening experience taking the cruise round the entire Manhattan island and up to the Bronx. The tour brings you past many attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Yankee Stadium, multiple famous bridges of Manhattan as well as the beautiful skyline of NYC among many others.
The tour guide (forgot his name), on the 24 Nov 10am cruise, was vey funny and interactive, big shoutout to him for his effort and enthusiasm during the cruise.
Overall, the cruise was decent and well worth it to experience the true NYC in a nutshell. If you have a City Pass, can consider joining this 2.5h cruise."
Tong Peng Tan
"My husband and I were visiting NYC for the first time and a friend recommended the Circle Line Cruise to us- I'm so glad they did because it was a blast! We did the Best of NYC cruise that went all the way around Manhattan, and it was so cool to be able to see all the sights while comfortable and warm inside the boat (especially as it was a cold and rainy day). We did go out on the deck to see the Statue of Liberty; I was pleasantly surprised by how close we got to see it and we got some great photos. Inside the windows are huge so you don't feel like you are missing out by being inside and we enjoyed a few drinks that were pretty decent. Maybe it was because of the weather, but we took the 1:30 cruise the Sunday after Thanksgiving and it was pretty open inside so we had the pick of the seats. Lastly, Alexis was an amazing tour guide, she had a very dry humor that we enjoyed and bonus is a great singer and serenaded us a couple times! I would definitely recommend a cruise with Alexis any day."
Sarah C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pier 83 is located at 710 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019. You can reach it via subway lines A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, or 7 to Times Square-42nd Street, then take a bus or a taxi/rideshare west. Alternatively, the M50 bus runs directly to the pier.
Yes, there is a parking garage adjacent to Pier 83. However, parking in Manhattan can be expensive, so consider public transportation or rideshares if you're on a budget.
The closest subway stations are 50th Street (1 train) and 7th Avenue (C, E trains), both requiring a walk or a short bus/taxi ride to the pier.
Absolutely! Public transport is a popular and efficient way to reach Pier 83. The M50 bus is a direct route, and other subway lines connect to nearby bus routes or walking distances.
While Pier 83 is a primary departure point, Circle Line also offers departures from Battery Park and Wall Street/Pier 11 for some of their tours. Always check your ticket for the correct departure location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets online through the Circle Line website, at the ticket office at Pier 83, or through third-party vendors. Booking online in advance is often recommended, especially for popular times.
Yes, keep an eye out for online promo codes and discounts, especially when booking in advance. Sometimes, package deals or special offers are available.
For 'The Beast,' it's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out. Walk-up tickets might be available minutes before departure in less busy times.
While some online bookings may allow mobile tickets, it's always a good idea to check the specific instructions when booking. Having a printed copy can be a reliable backup.
The ticket office at Pier 83 is typically open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Circle Line website for the most up-to-date operating hours for ticket sales and cruise departures.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Best of NYC' cruise (2.5 hours) offers a comprehensive tour around Manhattan, covering the Statue of Liberty and all bridges. 'The Beast' is a thrilling speedboat ride. Consider your interests: sightseeing or adventure.
Cruise durations vary. The 'Best of NYC' tour is about 2.5 hours, while 'The Beast' is a shorter, high-speed experience. Special event cruises, like Oktoberfest, can be longer.
Expect incredible views of the NYC skyline, Statue of Liberty, and bridges. Most tours have informative and entertaining guides. 'The Beast' offers a high-speed thrill.
Yes, boats have both enclosed, air-conditioned seating and uncovered upper deck seating. Arriving early helps secure a good spot on the upper deck.
Absolutely! The cruises are designed for sightseeing, and there are many opportunities to take photos of landmarks from excellent angles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, most Circle Line boats have a snack bar where you can purchase drinks and light snacks. Some special event cruises, like the Oktoberfest cruise, may include food.
Generally, it's best to check Circle Line's policy on outside food and beverages. While some water might be allowed, it's safer to rely on the onboard snack bar or eat before/after your cruise.
The area around Pier 83 has various dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, especially as you move further into Midtown Manhattan.
Some special themed cruises, like the Oktoberfest cruise mentioned, may include food and drinks as part of the package. Standard sightseeing cruises typically do not include meals.
Onboard snack bars typically offer items like chips, pretzels, hot dogs, and beverages. Specific offerings can vary by boat and season.
📸 📸 Photography
The uncovered upper deck offers the best panoramic views. Arriving early allows you to secure a seat on the upper deck, ideally on the port side for the best general viewing angles.
You'll have fantastic photo opportunities of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Manhattan skyline (including One World Trade Center and Empire State Building), and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Yes, the cruises make a stop or slow down in front of the Statue of Liberty, providing excellent angles for close-up photos.
Morning cruises often have softer light and fewer crowds. Sunset cruises offer dramatic lighting and city views as the lights begin to twinkle.
A smartphone with a good camera is usually sufficient for capturing great shots. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring it along, but be mindful of the wind and sea spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Circle Line Cruise
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, 'The Beast' Speedboat Ride is a must. This shorter, high-octane tour zooms down the Hudson River, offering thrilling spins and a close-up encounter with the Statue of Liberty. It's a fun, fast-paced experience perfect for those who want excitement along with their sightseeing.
Circle Line also hosts special themed cruises, such as Oktoberfest cruises or holiday-themed tours, which often include entertainment, food, and drinks, providing a unique way to experience the city. Always check their schedule for seasonal offerings and specific departure points, as not all cruises leave from Pier 83.
Maximizing Your Sightseeing Experience
Consider the port side of the boat for general viewing on tours that go counter-clockwise around Manhattan, as this is typically the side that faces the most iconic landmarks during the main part of the tour. While the guides are informative, remember that their commentary might cease in certain areas, so be prepared to identify landmarks yourself or use a good map.
Don't forget to dress appropriately for the weather. The wind on the water can be significantly cooler than on land, so layers, a windbreaker, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, even on seemingly mild days. This preparation ensures you can comfortably enjoy the entire duration of the cruise without being affected by the elements.
The Value of Water-Based Exploration
Beyond the most famous landmarks, these cruises offer a unique appreciation for the city's geography, including its numerous bridges and waterfront neighborhoods. The Brooklyn Bridge, in particular, is a breathtaking sight when viewed from the water, offering a different architectural appreciation. For many, the experience is not just about seeing the sights but also about the refreshing sea breeze and the feeling of escape from the bustling city streets. It's a chance to see the city's grandeur from a relaxed, yet awe-inspiring, vantage point.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit