Answer: This is one of the most common and confusing questions among many travelers. The ferry to the Statue of Liberty is the only way to visit Liberty Island, where the statue stands. If you want to actually reach the island, walk around the statue or even climb up, this is the only way to get there. Ferry tickets can be purchased through the following page.

The Statue of Liberty Cruise, on the other hand, is a sightseeing cruise that offers a boat tour along the Hudson River and East River around Manhattan. During the cruise, the boat also passes near Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. The cruise does not allow access to Liberty Island. It only sails close to it and lets you take photos of the statue from the water. This is the key and most important difference between the two.

Many websites that offer a Statue of Liberty Cruise describe it in a way that can be misleading, and as a result, many travelers mistakenly believe they will be able to get off on Liberty Island. It is important to know that the only way to reach the island is by ferry, not by cruise.

Why do many travelers still choose the cruise instead of the ferry? Because not everyone wants to climb the statue or visit the island. Some prefer to simply sail by, enjoy the views and take great photos from up close. In addition, unlike the ferry, the cruise offers a longer route that passes by famous Manhattan sights and provides a more relaxed and tourist friendly experience.