The Best 1 Hour NYC Sightseeing Cruises - Full Comparison

Classic New York skyline cruise from Midtown with a close Statue of Liberty photo stop and top rated live guides.

Route: Departs from Pier 83 on West 42nd Street in Midtown, sails south along the Hudson River past Chelsea Piers, the High Line and One World Trade Center, then approaches the Statue of Liberty for photos before returning to the same pier.

Statue distance: Close approach in front of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a dedicated photo stop.

Landmarks seen: Empire State Building, the High Line, Chelsea Piers, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline along the Hudson River.

Island landing: No landing on Liberty Island or Ellis Island. This cruise is sightseeing only.

Included: 1 hour cruise from Midtown, live guide on board, downloadable audio guide and access to the outdoor deck.

Not included: Food and drinks (available for purchase on board) and admission to any attractions along the route.

Departure point: Pier 83, West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Check in: Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. It is recommended to arrive 45 to 60 minutes before your cruise time.

Tickets: Show your smartphone ticket at the boat at Pier 83.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.

Large modern sightseeing vessels with indoor and outdoor areas and comfortable seating. This option feels like the classic New York sightseeing cruise experience.

Travelers who want a polished, classic New York sightseeing cruise that combines Midtown skyline views with a strong Statue of Liberty photo stop from a very convenient Midtown location.

Budget friendly one hour cruise from Downtown that sails very close to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Route: Departs from Pier 36 on South Street in Downtown Manhattan. The boat sails along the East River, passes under the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge, continues past South Street Seaport and Battery Park, then approaches Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty at very close range before returning to Pier 36.

Statue distance: Approaches within about 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for very close up photos from the boat.

Landmarks seen: Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Battery Park, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, Hudson River and the Lower Manhattan skyline with views of One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building in the distance.

Island landing: No landing on Liberty Island or Ellis Island. You stay on the boat for the entire cruise.

Included: 1 hour sightseeing cruise with a live guide and indoor and outdoor seating.

Not included: Food and drinks (available for purchase on board).

Important: The cruise sails in all weather conditions, so bringing a light jacket is recommended. You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to purchase or consume alcohol.

Departure point: 299 South Street, Pier 36, New York, NY 10002. The boat is docked behind the building and can be reached by walking around either side.

Check in: Check in ends 10 minutes before departure. You should arrive at least 20 minutes before your cruise time.

Tickets: Show your smartphone ticket at Slip 4, usually boarding the Majestic Princess or Emerald Princess.

Accessibility: The boat is wheelchair accessible for manual wheelchairs. Electric or motorized wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

Medium sized sightseeing boats focused on getting very close views of Lady Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Reviews praise the views but mention that organization, delays and interior comfort can vary.

Budget conscious travelers who want some of the closest possible boat views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from Downtown, and who are less focused on premium vessel comfort.

Quick and straightforward one hour Statue of Liberty cruise from Downtown with clear skyline and bridge views.

Route: Departs from Pier 36 at 299 South Street, usually from Slip 4. The cruise sails along the East River with views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, then continues past Battery Park and Governors Island to approach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before returning to Pier 36.

Statue distance: Sails to within roughly 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty for excellent photo opportunities from both indoor and outdoor areas.

Landmarks seen: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Battery Park, Governors Island and the Lower Manhattan skyline with views of One World Trade Center and the Financial District.

Island landing: No landing on Liberty Island. This is a continuous one hour loop by boat only.

Included: 1 hour boat tour with a live guide on board.

Not included: Food and drinks (if available, they are extra).

Departure point: Pier 36, 299 South Street, Slip 4, New York, NY 10002.

Check in: You should arrive 15 minutes before the sailing time.

Tickets: Once you arrive at Pier 36, walk toward the river. The boat is located at Slip 4, where you scan your mobile voucher.

Accessibility: The boat is wheelchair accessible for non motorized wheelchairs. Motorized wheelchairs are not permitted.

Medium sized sightseeing boat with indoor and outdoor seating. The focus is on an efficient route with skyline, bridges and Statue of Liberty views, without a long or complex tour format.

Visitors who want a quick, direct Statue of Liberty sightseeing cruise from Downtown with clear views and live commentary, and who prefer a simple, no frills experience.