By:Daniel Brooks
Planning a vacation with kids in New York? You should definitely consider a sightseeing cruise with all the family. Although there isn’t actually a specific sightseeing cruise for kids here in NYC, there are many boat tours that are perfectly suitable for families with children.
Still, a cruise in New York with children requires advance preparation for a smooth and enjoyable trip, so below you’ll find a full guide for a family-friendly cruise covering all the important aspects - choosing the right cruise type, understanding the costs, and learning essential tips. Let’s begin.
As mentioned, we are not familiar with any specific cruise for children in New York, but most of the standard sightseeing cruises here are completely family-friendly and it is very common to see families with kids on sightseeing boat tours.
The most popular cruises for families in New York are the sightseeing and Statue of Liberty cruises. Less popular are the dinner or lunch cruises and special boat excursions, which are more suitable for couples and romantic getaways.
So which cruise type should you choose? Well, from our experience, the Circle Line’s Landmarks Cruise is one of the most popular cruises for families with children as it is not too long (only an hour and a half) and covers the most famous landmarks in NYC including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and many more.
Another very popular and family-friendly option is the Circle Line’s Liberty Super Express Cruise, which is a very short cruise (50 minutes only) dedicated to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
But overall, as said, most of the sightseeing cruises here are great for kids and families, and you should be fine with any kind of sightseeing cruise you choose.
In most of the cruise companies in New York, children under the age of 3 don’t need a ticket and can enter for free, children between the ages of 3-12 get a reduced price, and children aged 13 and above are considered adults.
In most cases, cruise tickets for children aged 3-12 are 20%-40% cheaper than adult tickets and on average the tickets price for kids on sightseeing cruises will be between $12-$25, depending on the type of cruise and company
Here are 2025 Child Ticket Prices for Popular NYC Sightseeing Cruises:
| Cruise Company & Tour Type | Child Ticket Price (Ages 3-12) |
|---|---|
| Circle Line - Best of NYC Cruise | $40 |
| Circle Line - Statue of Liberty Cruise | $24 |
| Circle Line - Landmarks Cruise | $34 |
| Circle Line - Harbor Lights Cruise | $36 |
| Statue City Cruises - General Admission | $12 |
| Statue City Cruises - Pedestal Access | $16 |
| Manhattan by Sail - Daytime Statue Sail | $22.50 |
| Liberty Cruise NYC - Express | $16-$18 |
Book ahead - The most desirable cruises get sold out, especially during peak tourist season (summer, holidays). Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time, especially if you have specific time preferences.
Choose the right duration - For young kids, shorter cruises (60-90 minutes) work best. Circle Line’s Liberty Cruise or Manhattan by Sail’s daytime sails work for kids with short attention spans.
Consider boarding times - Early morning cruises are less apt to be crowded and weather is cooler in summer months. Avoid late afternoon departures if your children need early bedtimes or dinners.
Pack intelligently - Pack sunscreen, hats, light sweaters (even in summer, it can be windy on the water), snacks, and water. Food facilities are present on most boats, but be prepared to pay a premium.
Strollers permitted but space is limited - The majority of cruise lines permit strollers aboard, but space can be restricted. Bring a light, collapsible stroller if necessary.
Come early - Make sure to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to departure time to get through security (especially for Statue of Liberty cruises) and claim a good seat for your family.
Bathroom facilities - There are bathrooms on all large ships, but take a bathroom break before boarding. Lines form fast on busy cruises.
Indoor/outdoor options - Most cruises have indoor and outdoor seating. This is handy for changing weather or if your child needs relief from the sun or wind.
Ask about kids’ facilities - Some cruises offer children’s audio guides, junior ranger programs (Statue of Liberty cruises), or special activities for kids.
Weather conditions - The cruises operate rain or shine (except for extreme weather conditions). Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate rain clothing if required.
