This past week I joined my son, mother and sister on a tour of Manhattan. Yes, you are wondering why I would do that when I live near NYC and have for many, many years! For one thing, it was a boat tour. I was invited by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises to go on their Harbor Lights Tour. Who can resist the city at night? For another thing, my mom is visiting from out of town and I knew she would get a real kick out of seeing NYC all lit up at night, close up and person. In addition, my son is very Instagram obsessed at the moment, and I knew that he would get a lot of enjoyment out of snapping photos while circling the island. Was I right? Yes!
Sure enough, we all loved circling the island of Manhattan, getting up-close and personal views of our favorite landmarks. We got the boat at 42nd Street and 12th Avenue. Boarding was easy and efficient. From the Statue of Liberty to the United Nations to the Empire State Building, we saw NYC from what seemed like an “insider’s” view. We rode under bridges, passed the newly built Freedom Towers and rode along side Governor’s Island. We had a professional tour guide share details and wonderful tid-bits about all the sites we passed. Whether you live in NYC or not, you will enjoy the incredible views and history provided by the guide.
Tips for a Stress Free Ride
Playing tourist isn’t always easy, though. We arrived 30 minutes before the ride took off and all the good seats were gone. There are a few things I wish I had known beforehand so I have a few tips to make your cruise a great success for you and your family:
1. Arrive early, as in one hour before departure. There is a limited number of seats available on the top deck which is outside and offers the best views. Once those seats are taken, you must sit inside enclosed windows.
2. The tour guide sits inside most of the time and is resistant to passengers getting up to take photographs. There is more freedom outside and I highly recommend standing outside to capture great images.
3. Concessions are pricy on the boat, so bring a few bottles of water and then head to Gotham Market on 45th Street and 11th Avenue afterwards for amazing, reasonably priced food.
4. Bring a good camera that is fully charged. You won’t want to be camera-less on this ride!
5. Book your tix online in advance and save money ($5 each, which adds up).
As the sun went down and the city lit up, the moments on the boat became even more precious and exciting, for all of us. There is nothing like a boat ride around the city you have lived in and near for half your time to make you realize just how beautiful it really is.
Pricing for Circle Line Boat Tours is available here.
Disclosure: I was given complimentary tickets to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.
I used to live in NYC and we still have fun taking our daughter back. We used to bristle at playing tourists and doing all the things we used to avoid but now we just enjoy it. Who doesn’t love getting close to Lady Liberty?
These are great tips! I love all of the beautiful pictures too.
Thanks, Cristi!
I haven’t been to NYC since I was a freshman in high school. I would love to go back! I’ll have to remember to take a boat tour when I do.
I hope you get to, Melissa.
I grew up in Chicago and loved the boat tours. You never get tired of seeing the buildings.
Couldn’t agree more, Tara.
Love the pictures and thanks for the tips!
Boat tours are a lot of fun…I’ve done a few, but none in NYC – that sounds like fun. My favorite was cruising the waters to view all of the creative, expensive homes on the water in Miami which had a lot of history behind them.
Yona, I love Miami – that must have been amazing. Thanks for stopping by!