New York City Tours
Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
4.5

Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

By Circle Line Cruises
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About
As twilight descends over New York City, take in the lights of the Manhattan skyline from a boat on this evening harbor cruise. Listen to live commentary on the harbor’s sights—including One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Chrysler Building—as you gear up for a night on the town. Book ahead to guarantee your spot on this popular evening outing.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 3-99, max of 600 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: German, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, French, Spanish
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Highlights
  • New York Harbor cruise at dusk showcases lit-up Manhattan skyline
  • Learn more from in-depth live commentary on the sights 
  • Prebook a spot on this popular early-evening activity
  • Purchase food and beverages on board

  • Live narration by Circle Line’s world-famous guides (in English)
  • Free Wi-Fi on board
  • 2-hour sightseeing cruise
  • Download the free Circle Line App to listen to the tour in Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian or Chinese. Headsets not included
What's not included
  • Available for purchase
  • Available for purchase
  • Available for purchase

Make your way to Pier 83, arriving with plenty of time before your desired departure for this popular evening cruise. Seeing the lights of Manhattan’s skyline blink on from the water is a great way to kick off an evening exploring New York City. As the boat departs, find a seat or hang out by the railing for great views and photo ops of the twinkling NYC and New Jersey shorelines. Sights include the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, South Street Seaport, the United Nations, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Return to Pier 83 at the conclusion of your cruise.

Start:
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, 83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
    Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019 Directions: • Exchange your voucher for a boarding pass at the Circle Line Ticket WindowDIRECTIONS By Subway (Metro): • 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, A, C, E, N, or R train to Times Square 42nd Street • B, D, F, or Q train to 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, • 4, 5, or 6 train to 42nd Street Grand Central Station • All options are approximately 15-25 minute walk to the pierBy Bus: • Take the west-bound M42 or M50 bus and get off at the last stop 42nd Street and 12th AvenueBy Car:: • From George Washington Bridge, Westchester or Connecticut: Take the Henry Hudson Parkway (Route 9A), go south to West 43rd Street. Make a right at 43rd Street to Pier 83 • From Lincoln Tunnel, New Jersey: Upon exiting the tunnel, follow uptown signs on Dyer Avenue to the 3rd light. Turn left onto 42nd Street. Turn right on 11th Avenue and turn left on 43rd Street. Go straight on 43rd Street to Pier 83 • From Midtown Tunnel, Queens and Long Island: Take 2nd Avenue downtown to 34th Street. Right on 34th Street to 10th Avenue. Turn right on 10th Avenue and left on 43rd Street. Go straight on 43rd Street to Pier 83 Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2800HLC

    • For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Guests need to arrive at least 30-minutes prior to departure for boarding.
    • Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
    • Non-English speaking guests may now download the complimentary Circle Line Sightseeing app on their mobile device from iTunes or the Google Play store. This app allows guests to listen to a guided tour while on the boat. Available languages include: Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian and Chinese. Headsets are not provided.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 600 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.
    What is the departure point for the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?
    The cruise conveniently departs from Pier 83 @ West 42nd Street and the West Side Highway, in Midtown Manhattan.
    Answered Jun 2021
    Is there parking near the departure for the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?
    Parking available at Circle Line Sightseeing, Pier 83, W 42nd Street. $30 before 3 pm weekdays and $35 after 3 pm weekdays and all weekends. (Prices subject to change.)
    Answered Jun 2021
    Can I take the subway to get to the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?
    Yes - Take the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q or R train to Times Square 42nd St; train B, D, F to 5th Ave and 42nd St, or 4, 5, 6 train to 42nd St Grand Central Station. Take the M42 bus west or walk 5 avenues west to Pier 83 (about 1 mile or 1.6km).
    Answered Jun 2021
    Can I take a bus to get to the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?
    Yes - From 42nd Street take the M42 bus going West, directly to the Circle Line Pier. From 49th Street take the M50 bus directly to the Circle Line pier.
    Answered Jun 2021

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2800HLC

    From
    ₹4,654.75
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA
      Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019 Directions: • Exchange your voucher for a boarding pass at the Circle Line Ticket WindowDIRECTIONS By Subway (Metro): • 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, A, C, E, N, or R train to Times Square 42nd Street • B, D, F, or Q train to 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, • 4, 5, or 6 train to 42nd Street Grand Central Station • All options are approximately 15-25 minute walk to the pierBy Bus: • Take the west-bound M42 or M50 bus and get off at the last stop 42nd Street and 12th AvenueBy Car:: • From George Washington Bridge, Westchester or Connecticut: Take the Henry Hudson Parkway (Route 9A), go south to West 43rd Street. Make a right at 43rd Street to Pier 83 • From Lincoln Tunnel, New Jersey: Upon exiting the tunnel, follow uptown signs on Dyer Avenue to the 3rd light. Turn left onto 42nd Street. Turn right on 11th Avenue and turn left on 43rd Street. Go straight on 43rd Street to Pier 83 • From Midtown Tunnel, Queens and Long Island: Take 2nd Avenue downtown to 34th Street. Right on 34th Street to 10th Avenue. Turn right on 10th Avenue and left on 43rd Street. Go straight on 43rd Street to Pier 83 Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point
    • Pass by
      Brooklyn Bridge
      Statue of Liberty
      Manhattan Skyline
      Circle Line Cruises
      New York Harbor
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Circle Line Cruises
      13,842
      United States
    • Georgieray10
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous 👌
      This was absolutely fabulous. 90 minutes with a tour guide who was extremely knowledgeable and funny. You can buy drinks and snacks and I would recommend this highly.
      Written 13 October 2024
    • tammypC6497YF
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Boat tour
      Great trip. The tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining . We got to see a lot of the Manhattan skyline and best part was seeing the Statue of Liberty
      Written 11 October 2024
    • Sightsee37281199123
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Boat Trip!
      Fantastic! You see everything. Very comfortable and our guide was extremely knowledgeable (and fun). We feel like we had the whole,e NYC experience and now have such a better understanding of all of the boroughs. Boat was clean and plenty of seats inside or out.
      Written 11 October 2024
    • W5868DTkd
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      NYC girl playing tourist for the day . . .
      October 8th was the perfect day for this experience and Andy, our tour guide was so knowledgeable about everything NYC, and some Jersey. As a life long New Yorker, I learned a bunch and would definitely recommend anyone to be a tourist for a day.
      Written 8 October 2024
    • katymcm84
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing tour!
      Absolutely superb! Our guide Andy was excellent, so much knowledge and felt like you were listening to a friend chatting! Highly recommend!
      Written 8 October 2024
    • Odyssey254871
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to see lower Manhattan
      Perfect length of tour in a comfortable open top boat which took in the main sights of Manhattan. The tour allowed plenty of time to get great photos of the buildings/bridges & of course the Statue of Liberty. A little bit more about the history and characters of Nee York might have added to the experience but I would definitely recommend this tour company.
      Written 6 October 2024
    • meganoN9975LO
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Boat tour
      It was ok at best. Views were great as expected (because NYC). Only issue was the tour guide. He would tell us about buildings only after we had passed them and unfortunately did not stop speaking even when there was nothing pertinent to say. It’s ok to be silent occasionally and let the guests enjoy the view without interruption.
      Written 5 October 2024
    • kimg239
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Circle Line Tour needs timing shift.
      The boat was well maintained and clean. The itinerary was great. David (Oct. 4) had lots of good information. We were seated towards the back of the boat. By halfway through the tour, each point of interest he noted was BEHIND us. The timing needs corrected.
      Written 4 October 2024
    • G7241AMcherylw
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Cruise around Manhattan
      Guide spoke too fast, sound would fade out, bad jokes. Ride itself was very nice and views of Manhattan were great. If the tour guide says "Hi, I'm Andy" - get off and go on a different trip
      Written 4 October 2024
    • jemma m
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Definitely recommend
      This was a great cruise. A fabulous opportunity to see Manhattan from the water and put all the places you’ve heard of into place. In addition to that and despite the rain and cold, Alexis the tour guide brought added sparkle with her commentary and singing making this trip the very best. Thanks Alexis 😁
      Written 2 October 2024
    • Trip36687
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Complete Manhattan tour
      Very professional, extremely friendly,loads of food n drink available,but slightly expensive. Complete Manhattan tour at 13:30 with the ferry tour guide David,was amazing. Sit on top weather permitting on port/left side as you face front of ferry,so close to statue of liberty Get there 45 mins before departure time
      Written 1 October 2024
    • donnacJ8382QK
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Stay far away
      horrible trip 1) we booked premiere tickets - there was no shelter for the rain 2) wound up sitting in main cabin w folding chairs despite paying premium seating pricing but had no choice to move because of weather 3) went downstairs to eat at 10.30 am and wanted gravy on my schnitzel but they had already run out of gravy 4) ordered a drink downstairs only then to find out there was a small inside section for premiere seating - folding chairs only and no way to hear the band for Oktoberfest - music could have at least been piped in 5) monotone guide 6) dirty windows making it difficult to enjoy views 7) 3 hours at bear mountain way too long
      Written 29 September 2024
    • Spades440
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Statue of Liberty tour and tour guide Steve!
      We last minute booked a 45 minute cruise from the South St Harbor at Pier 16 to see the Statue of Liberty in less than an hour on a rainy day. We sat up top in the open since we were already wet and had the pleasure of listening to tour guide Steve (born and raised in Queens)! The boat went under the Brooklyn Bridge and then around south manhattan before going to the Statue of Liberty and slowing down so everyone could get their photos. Then we returned!! A fantastic experience that offered amazing views with an amazing tour guide!
      Written 29 September 2024
    • mzungubabe
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Landmarks cruise
      I took the landmarks cruise, which takes about 90 minutes. It travels up the Hudson and then circles around the Statue of Liberty so that people on both sides can get a good view and photos. The narration was interesting and our guide even ended by singing My Way!
      Written 27 September 2024
    • jamiedH6251DG
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend this tour!
      This tour is incredible! If you get Andy as a tour guide you are very lucky. He was so informative, engaging and funny. I highly recommend this tour as one of the first things you do in NYC to help you orient to the city.
      Written 26 September 2024
    See all 13,842 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles847 reviews
    Excellent
    567
    Very good
    161
    Average
    52
    Poor
    28
    Terrible
    39

    Debra S
    Madison, WI63 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2021 • Family
    Our sunset cruise went out with a visible dark line of storms over the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. Torrential rain began within minutes of pushing off from the pier. The boat was packed. Due to lightning all around the upper deck and open bow we’re cleared which meant everyone was crammed inside. Children screamed when there was lightning. Many adults proceeded to get drunk. The rain didn’t clear during the 2 hour cruise but the brunt of the storm passed within 45 minutes. Many very vocal people were angry that the boat did not turn back. Most figured as long as the boat was not rocking, which it did not at all, it was fine enough to be out. In the end my teenage daughter was happy with this unique experience so I am not going to complain.
    Written 11 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    883amitj
    Monroe Township, United States2 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2022
    We went on the second Saturday of Sept 2022 for the Harbor Lights Cruise. The cruise was packed, about 700 people in all. We took this cruise to enjoy the NYC cityscape lights after sunset and take pictures to post in social media. The cruise was so crowded that it was impossible to take any pictures. Circle line has covered both decks of the boat with chairs (about 8 seats on each side per aisle, there are about 20 aisles), there is hardly any room left to stand and take pictures. To add to our misery they waited till 15 min before departure time to start boarding, had only two people to scan tickets and just one ramp to board ~700 people on the boat. The boat left 15 minutes after the official departure time. The boat itself was okay, it was clean and had some snack available for purchase and restrooms were clean. I don't think this experience was worth the time and money invested, save your money and take one of the free or paid commuter ferries around the city.
    Written 11 September 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    anniesimmons2424
    Knoxville, TN12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2023 • Family
    This trip was amazing! The cruise begins just as the sun is beginning to set, and provides stunning sunset views as well as full night views with all of the lights and water reflection. The excursion is narrated, and our tour guide was Andy, who was very knowledgeable as well as enjoyable to listen to. The trip is about 2 hours in length, and snacks, beer and concession type food are available if you want to pay. The views are really great from inside the climate controlled cabin, but if you want that amazing, open air view, get there early (45 min-hour) for a seat that will be against the boat, unobstructed. The boat gets VERY full, and while we had amazing views and loved the trip, those folks on the outside edge of the boat had the very best seats. I highly recommend this harbor cruise while in the city!! There are plenty of rides for hire after the cruise ends, so no worries about getting an uber or taxi.
    **I got incredible pictures, but I'm having trouble posting more than one for some reason.
    Written 17 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Chelsey C
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Couples
    Purchased the premier seats. Not really sure what we paid the extra $30 for. On the website premier tickets includes exclusive seating and cushioned seats. When we arrived on board, we were directed to an area that had the same regular seats as general, and were told we had access to a "private" deck. Once the boat got moving, there was no staff monitoring the access of this "exclusive" area with "private" deck so people were freely moving about. We could have easily paid the general seating price and access to the same area and deck as the premier seating. Additionally, the tour guide talked incessantly for two straight hours shattering some very serene moments of the sunset cruise with fake advertisements and his own personal life just to hear the sound of his own voice.
    Written 17 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    BBoyDTF
    Crandall, TX402 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our Harbor Lights Cruise overall. Was able to board really early in hopes to get a good spot out on the deck to get pics.

    We were on what seemed to be the first ride that did not have any social distancing b/c the boat just kept filling, and filling, and filling…..up to the point that we were a little late leaving the dock b/c it seemed they kept selling tickets up til leave time. This is my only complaint as it was packed tighter than any other place we were at for our 5-day stay.

    Besides this? The weather was perfect, the ride is smooth, the narration is just enough to keep our attention but not overtake a nice boat ride or personal conversation.

    The views from the city are just fantastic! You see so much more than in the streets or any high rise viewpoints. I hope to go back and take the entire circle Manhattan cruise in the future.
    Written 3 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Claire G
    39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2022
    One of the best experiences from my latest visit to NYC. Myself, mam and sister visited in Nov'22 and we wanted to do a boat tour and we were so happy we booked this one. We booked the basic ticket which was fine. I couldn't see any evidence of upgrading being worth it. The deck is packed with seats so if you want a side seat of the boat you may get there a lot in advance. We were there about 30 mins early and it was already packed with people. The tour guide comes across a bit droll at the start and i was starting to dread 2 hours of listening to him, but he soon showed why he is in the position. He is so knowledgeable and the facts and trivia just flow from him and honestly the 2 hours passed so quickly. The views of the city are absolutely class. I would not recommend buying alcohol or snacks onboard as the prices are scandalous. My sister got a vodka/lemonade which cost a fortune and barely looked like a shot in the beaker, and that's with the mixer added. Better to bring your own if you can. Wrap up well as it will be baltic cold, but i think it adds to the experience. Lastly, when the tour is over you will be met with loads of dodgy 'taxi and limo' drivers offering to take you back to your hotel. The tour is highly recommended and is a great way to start an evening in NYC
    Written 15 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Daniel L
    32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the best way to see the lights of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Forget the free Staten Island ferry this is the way to go. Would recommend buying the premium tickets if you can, we didn’t know about this option so couldn’t, that way you get access to the top deck that’s not so crowded. Never the less the standard seats are good enough, but you need to be out the back in the open air to get the best views. There are lots of seats but they get taken, it’s a first come first served basis so I’d recommend getting there an hour before at 6pm. We got there at 6.30 and just about managed to get seats outside at the back. There are lots of people on board but don’t let this put you off everyone moves about and there are plenty of photo opportunities. If you like a drink the queue to get to the bar takes time so I’d recommend doubling up or you can get a bucket of beer(5) for a reasonable price, comes full of ice, it’s a good option and will see you through to the end of the trip. I’m glad we did this trip, nearly didn’t and would have missed out.
    Written 5 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    seetheWow
    Irvine, CA210 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perhaps my expectations were higher. I have taken similar trips on daytime boats and taken a bus trip during night. So i knew what the night skyline should look like. Wanted to see that from the boat, taking in a different perspective. Unfortunately, that never happened. The blame goes to the tour timing. In June, we started at 7 pm and were back before 9. The city hadn’t lighted up yet. To top that, the deck was closed much before docking (about 8:35-8:40 pm). Pictures taken from inside the boat had glass reflections and needed to be deleted.
    On the positive side, snacks and coffee were available on board. And the evening views were nice. There was some commentary (not heard from the deck) which was useful information.
    Written 20 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kat
    Saint Louis, MO4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2021 • Couples
    This was an excellent way to view the city lights of New York (Manhattan and Brooklyn), Jersey City and the Statue of Liberty. If you arrive extra early, maybe an hour, you can buy these premium tickets, an additional cost, that I think would be worth it as you can sit in a small, enclosed space on the top deck at the front of the boat (especially if it’s cold). If you don’t get the premium tickets, the very back of the boat on the upper deck was a good spot as you can easily see both sides of the boat and awesome views from the back as well. My husband and I were happy we made time to do this!
    Written 10 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Parkrunner71
    399 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We pre-booked online before travelling to New York and whilst we were initially disappointed that the premier seating had sold out and we had to go for standard seating, I'm not sure the premium would have been really worth it.
    The standard seating provided an excellent experience, with great views of New York, Jersey City, Brooklyn, and its connecting bridges and The Statue of Liberty, plus more.
    The weather leading up to our Harbour Lights experience had been very hot and humid, so we were appreciative of the breeze as we cruised along taking in the sights, watching the lovely sunset and the illuminating cityscape.
    The commentary along the way was also very good, with lots of interesting facts and insights from an adopted New Yorker who clearly loves the city and his job.
    If you are looking for a relaxed and enlightening vista of New York, then this experience should definitely be on your itinerary.
    Written 12 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise provided by Circle Line Cruises

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