By Betsy Bender
About Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
A mainstay of
New York City tourism, Circle Line Sightseeing
cruises have been entertaining passengers with scenic boat rides around the NY harbor since 1945. An informative, and often amusing, tour is presented by a professional guide during each cruise. The family-friendly cruise line features a variety of year-round tours available during mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends. During the summer months, Circle Line also offers numerous adults-only cruises featuring a variety of live music. Advance reservations are recommended. Parties of 20 or more are eligible for discounted group rates.
Full Island Cruise
The longest cruise offered by Circle Line, the three-hour tour circles around the entire 35 miles of Manhattan. Passengers enjoy a relaxing boat ride they sail past the famous NYC skyline as well as seven major bridges, five boroughs, three rivers, more than 25 iconic landmarks and the Statue of Liberty.
Semi-Circle Cruise
The two-hour tour sails down the Hudson and features close-up views of the Statue of Liberty as well as mid and lower Manhattan. Cruise around the Battery, then along the East River as the boat travels under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges before reaching the United Nations.
Liberty Cruise
If you are pressed for time, this 75-minute tour is a quick way to see the highlights of New York. Passengers will travel past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the historic immigration center as well as lower Manhattan and the World Financial Center.
Harbor Lights Evening Cruise
Enjoy the twinkling lights of the "city that never sleeps" with scenic views from the water. Passengers are treated to panoramic views of the New York City skyline as the cruise sails down the Hudson, around the Battery, up the East River and then returns to the 42nd Street pier.
The Beast
Only available from May through September, the 70 foot off-shore racing power boat up speeds up to 45 m.p.h. as the captain treats passengers to a wet and wild ride through the New York harbor. The 30-minute trip soars past NYC skyscrapers for a spin around the Statue of Liberty. There is a brief stop for a photo opportunity near Ellis Island before the boat races back through the harbor.
About the Author:
Betsy Bender is a media consultant with experience in publishing, event management, media relations, digital media and television production. Specializing in entertainment, travel and sports, Bender has worked with high-profile personalities, facilitated publicity campaigns for network television programs and traveled to more than 100 cities in eight countries, including Russia and Australia.
Photo Credits:
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