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Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 New York City

4.5
·16k reviews·New York, United States

Experience iconic NYC landmarks from the water with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning cruises

Perfect weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Circle Line Cruises

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 New York City

Best Time

Morning cruises

Perfect weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience iconic NYC landmarks from the water with breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.

4.5
(16k reviews)

"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."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Statue of Liberty Up-Close

Statue of Liberty Up-Close

Hudson River

Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lady Liberty from the water. Perfect for photos!

TikTokInstagram
Manhattan Skyline Panorama

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.

TikTokInstagram
Brooklyn Bridge Views

Brooklyn Bridge Views

East River

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

TikTok
The Beast Speedboat Ride

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.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book in Advance for Peak Times

While walk-up tickets are sometimes available, booking online in advance, especially with promo codes, can save money and guarantee your spot, particularly during busy seasons or for popular cruises like 'The Beast'. Arrive early to secure prime seating on the upper deck. TikTokReddit

Dress for the Elements

New York City weather can be unpredictable. Even on sunny days, the wind on the water can be chilly. Pack layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A coat is highly recommended, especially for morning or evening cruises. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning cruises
Why
Perfect weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset cruises
Why
Magical golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How we saw that Statue of Liberty for $4.50! 🗽🍎 Alternatively, you can see it for free on the Staten Island ferry. ⛴️ We would’ve had to take the subway south anyways to see it for free and just decided to pay the $4.50 (one way) to see it. In hindsight I think I preferred the smaller boat anyways! #newyork #nyc #thingstodoinnyc #statueofliberty #newyorkcity #travel #traveltips #traveling
@ryderthedal
39.9K likes • 725.1K views

🎯 Book Online for Discounts

Look for online promo codes to save money on tickets. Arrive early for the best seats! TikTokReddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

It's windy and chilly on the water, even on warm days. Bring a coat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Reddit

Save this tip ‼️This $4.5 ferry ride to Midtown Manhattan has one of the best skyline views I’ve seen. You get both The Vessel and The Empire State Building in one shot 📸 Board from Battery Park, Wall Street/Pier 11, DUMBO or Hoboken and enjoy the ride! 📍Midtown Manhattan, New York ##newyorkcity##newyork##manhattan##nyctiktok##newyorktiktok##fyp##nyc##nycferry ##nycbucketlist#empirestatebuilding #...
@andrew_molchan
25.3K likes • 323.2K views
NYC seeing from the water with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. 1/5 hrs of pure magic. The boat leaves from Pier 83, buy tickets in advance and enjoy the ride! ♥️🗽 Follow @andreiaferrarezitravels for more travel tips and planning. #ny #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #cruiseship #boattrip #boattrips #manhattan #statueofliberty #empirestatebuilding #oneworldtradecenter #brooklyn #traveltips #travellin...
andreiaferrarezitravel
38 likes • 622 views

📸 Port Side is Best

For counter-clockwise Manhattan tours, the port side (left facing the bow) offers the best general viewing. Reddit

💧 Prepare to Get Wet!

On 'The Beast' speedboat, expect to be splashed. It's part of the fun! Reddit

Admiring the New York Skyline from the Circle Line Cruises . . #CircleLine #BoatTour #NewYorkSkyline #statueofliberty #Cruise #OneWorld #Sightseeing #EricsNewYork
visitnewyork
509 likes • 16.1K views

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! TikTokReddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

It's windy and chilly on the water, even on warm days. Bring a coat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Reddit

📸 Port Side is Best

For counter-clockwise Manhattan tours, the port side (left facing the bow) offers the best general viewing. Reddit

💧 Prepare to Get Wet!

On 'The Beast' speedboat, expect to be splashed. It's part of the fun! Reddit

☕ Snack Bar Available

Most boats have a snack bar for refreshments, but bringing your own water is always a good idea. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(16k reviews)

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

Stunning landmark views
Entertaining tour guides
Exhilarating speedboat rides

What People Dislike

Chilly winds on deck
Need to arrive early for seats

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Yes, keep an eye out for online promo codes and discounts, especially when booking in advance. Sometimes, package deals or special offers are available. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

Yes, boats have both enclosed, air-conditioned seating and uncovered upper deck seating. Arriving early helps secure a good spot on the upper deck. Reddit

Absolutely! The cruises are designed for sightseeing, and there are many opportunities to take photos of landmarks from excellent angles. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

The area around Pier 83 has various dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, especially as you move further into Midtown Manhattan. TikTok

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. TikTok

Onboard snack bars typically offer items like chips, pretzels, hot dogs, and beverages. Specific offerings can vary by boat and season. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, the cruises make a stop or slow down in front of the Statue of Liberty, providing excellent angles for close-up photos. TikTokReddit

Morning cruises often have softer light and fewer crowds. Sunset cruises offer dramatic lighting and city views as the lights begin to twinkle. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Circle Line cruises can be a fantastic family outing. 'The Beast' speedboat is a huge hit with kids for its thrilling speed and splashes, though ensure your children are comfortable with loud noises and getting wet. Reddit For a more relaxed experience, the 'Best of NYC' cruise offers plenty of sights to keep younger ones engaged, with opportunities to spot boats and birds. TikTok Pack snacks and drinks, and consider bringing a small blanket for comfort on the upper deck. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While New York City can be expensive, Circle Line offers a relatively affordable way to see major attractions. Look for online discounts and promo codes when booking your tickets to reduce costs. Reddit Consider the $4.50 Staten Island Ferry as a free alternative for Statue of Liberty views if budget is extremely tight, though it lacks the close-up perspective and commentary of a Circle Line tour. TikTok Bringing your own water bottle and a few snacks can also help save money onboard. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Circle Line cruises are a photographer's dream. Aim for the upper deck seating for unobstructed views and arrive early to claim a spot on the port side for the best angles of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Reddit The sunset cruises offer magical golden hour light, perfect for dramatic cityscapes. Reddit Be prepared for wind and potential sea spray, and consider a lens cloth and a secure way to hold your camera. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Choosing Your Circle Line Cruise

Circle Line offers a variety of cruises, each catering to different interests and time constraints. The 'Best of NYC' Cruise is a popular choice, lasting approximately 2.5 hours and circumnavigating the entire island of Manhattan. This tour provides comprehensive views of major landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the iconic skyline. It's ideal for first-time visitors who want to see as much as possible from the water. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram

Maximizing Your Sightseeing Experience

To make the most of your Circle Line cruise, strategic planning is key. Arrive at the pier at least an hour before departure, especially if you want to secure a prime spot on the upper deck. This allows you ample time to board, find your preferred seating, and soak in the pre-departure atmosphere. The upper deck offers unobstructed views, which are crucial for photography and simply enjoying the panoramic vistas. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The Value of Water-Based Exploration

Seeing New York City from the water offers a perspective that is simply unattainable from land. Circle Line cruises provide an up-close and personal view of the Statue of Liberty, allowing for stunning photographs and a true appreciation of its scale. TikTokInstagram The Manhattan skyline unfolds dramatically as you glide along the Hudson and East Rivers, showcasing the architectural marvels that define the city's silhouette. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok 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. Instagram It's a chance to see the city's grandeur from a relaxed, yet awe-inspiring, vantage point. Reddit