By:Rachel Zimmerman
The Starship Landmark cruise by Starship Tours and Events is one of the highest-rated sightseeing cruises in New York City. It is a roughly 90-minute cruise, with prices starting at $27, departing from Pier 78 in Hudson River Park.
At the start of the cruise, the boat heads south along the Hudson River, passing Hudson Yards and Little Island, the newer park built directly over the water and designed to look like a floating island above the Hudson. As we continued toward Lower Manhattan, the skyline became more dramatic, with One World Trade Center standing out on the horizon and Ellis Island coming into view.
Like most cruises in New York, the highlight comes with the stop near the Statue of Liberty. Here, the boat slowed down and allowed genuine time for photos, rather than a quick pass. Everyone pulled out their cameras, and we were given more than enough time to photograph the statue without feeling rushed.
One interesting extra that Starship offers is a digital photographer on board, providing professional photos in front of the Statue of Liberty. It did feel a bit like a gimmick at first, but it worked, and it is especially recommended for families or groups who want one good photo without arguing over who takes it and who appears in the frame. We liked it.
The live narration included with the cruise accompanied us throughout the journey and was a central part of the experience. The guide was excellent, combining knowledge, stories, humor, and high energy, and at certain points even music. That said, there were moments when it was hard to hear, mainly due to engine noise, especially when we stayed in the lower areas of the boat. On a cruise where narration plays such an important role, seat selection clearly makes a real difference.
The Starship cruise offers a choice between a standard area and a VIP area. We chose to stay in the standard area for the entire cruise. Toward sunset, as the temperature dropped and the wind picked up, it became clear that the VIP area has an advantage in terms of warmth and the ability to move comfortably between indoor and outdoor spaces. For us personally, the seating was reasonable, and we did not feel the need to upgrade. In practice, we went outside mainly for photos and returned indoors once it got cold. The standard area is perfectly sufficient for those willing to trade a bit of comfort for a lower price.
It is worth noting that there was some confusion around what food and drinks were allowed on board. Our takeaway is simple: if you plan to eat before boarding, it is better to do so in advance and not assume you can bring food with you. On a cruise this short, we found ourselves preferring to skip food altogether, as every minute outside felt like another opportunity to capture the skyline from a different angle.
To be honest, not everything was perfect. At times, the boat felt somewhat crowded, and seating was limited to the point where we had to stand for part of the cruise. In addition, taking photos through the windows did not always work well, mainly due to slightly dirty glass and reflections that interfered with getting a sharp image. These are small details, but they do affect the overall experience.
The meeting point also required attention, and it was clear that anyone arriving unprepared could easily get confused. Arriving about 30 minutes early, as requested, turned out to be critical, and we definitely recommend doing the same.
Bottom line, this is a cruise that delivers exactly what it promises. 90 focused minutes of New York from the water, with the Statue of Liberty, bridges, skyline views, and narration that turns the route into a living story. When everything comes together, it feels like one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to see a large part of the city in a short amount of time. For those planning a sunset or evening cruise, dressing warmly is important, and if warmth and a quieter environment for hearing the narration matter to you, upgrading to VIP can significantly enhance comfort and overall experience.
