Answer: Both day cruises and night cruises offer wonderful tourist experiences, and if you have the chance, we personally recommend doing both.  

A daytime cruise lets you see New York and Manhattan in the clearest light, giving you the opportunity to photograph Manhattan’s landmarks  like the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty from a unique perspective. You can choose a standard sightseeing cruise that departs during the day, or go for a brunch or lunch cruise.

A night cruise in New York, on the other hand, has a special charm of its own. It allows you to see Manhattan lit up at night, with all the landmarks glowing and sparkling in the dark. Evening cruises are especially popular among couples, as they offer a more romantic atmosphere with the option of taking a romantic dinner cruise. You can read our full guide to night cruises in Manhattan.

Our tip: Try to book a cruise that departs around sunset, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds in one single ride.