By:Tyler Ford
A New York cruise is one of the best ways to discover Manhattan from a unique and exciting perspective. During the cruise, you’ll pass by many of New York’s most famous landmarks - first and foremost, of course, the iconic Statue of Liberty. So, which landmarks will you get to see and photograph from a unique angle during your cruise?
The Empire State Building is one of the most well-known and iconic buildings in New York City and is considered one of the city’s defining symbols. The building stands 381 meters tall and has 103 floors. It’s open to visitors and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of all of New York.
The High Line is a well-known park located in southwest Manhattan, and you can also see it during a cruise along the Hudson River. The park stretches for about 2 kilometers and was built on the infrastructure of an old elevated railway line that was abandoned.
Eleventh Avenue is a unique 23-story residential tower located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. The building, which can be seen during the cruise, features 1,647 windows set at different angles and offers views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.
One World Trade Center is a building you simply can’t miss during your cruise. It was built on the site of the Twin Towers, which were destroyed in the September 11 attacks. Today, it stands as the tallest building in the United States and the tallest in the Western Hemisphere.
The Woolworth Building is a famous skyscraper in New York that was once the tallest building in the world. It was designed in the style of European cathedrals and stands out with its unique architecture among Manhattan’s modern skyscrapers.
Ellis Island is a regular stop on the route of every New York cruise - no matter which one you choose, you’ll pass right by it and be able to see it up close. This man-made island is located not far from the Statue of Liberty and once served as the main immigration processing center for the United States.
Today, the center is closed and operates as a museum dedicated to the history of immigration. You can visit the island, but access is only possible via a special ferry (Regular sightseeing cruises do not stop there and only pass nearby).
The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island across from Manhattan, is the main highlight of every New York cruise and the central attraction of the entire experience. No matter which cruise you choose, all of them stop just a few meters away from the statue for several minutes, allowing you to admire it up close and take amazing photos.
Important note: the cruise only passes by the statue and stops briefly near it - it does not allow you to disembark on the island or enter the statue. To do that, you’ll need to take this special ferry, which provides access to the island and the statue itself.
South Street Seaport is a historic district in Lower Manhattan, New York, featuring 19th-century commercial buildings and an old maritime port. Today, it serves as a cultural, shopping, and entertainment hub, with a maritime museum, historic ships, restaurants, and markets.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a landmark that every New York cruise passes under. It’s one of the most famous bridges in New York, connecting Manhattan to the borough of Brooklyn. Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, it is now one of the city’s most iconic symbols.
The Manhattan Bridge is another one of New York’s most famous and recognizable bridges, connecting Lower Manhattan to the borough of Brooklyn. This bridge is also included in the route of most New York cruises.
The Williamsburg Bridge is the third of New York’s three most famous bridges, connecting Manhattan to the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn. This bridge usually marks the turnaround point for most New York cruises, unless you’ve chosen a full island cruise that circles all the way around Manhattan.
The United Nations Headquarters is one of the most well-known buildings in New York. It serves as the main center for the UN and hosts its General Assembly meetings. The building is located on the east side of Manhattan, along the banks of the East River. Not all New York cruises go that far and you’ll usually pass by it only on a full island cruise that circles all of Manhattan.
Not far from the United Nations Headquarters stands the famous Chrysler Building, which is considered one of the most iconic skyscrapers in New York, and you will get a great view of it if your cruise includes a full circle around Manhattan. This striking and distinctive tower was once the tallest building in the world, until it was surpassed by the Empire State Building.
If your cruise continues north (as part of a full island loop), you’ll also pass under the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge - a complex of three bridges connecting the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. These impressive structures are considered a fascinating example of architectural achievement.
Another landmark you’ll pass during a full-circle Manhattan cruise is the famous Yankee Stadium, located in the Bronx. During the cruise, you’ll get to see the stadium from a unique angle.
