NYC Cruises: Top 5 Sailing Tours You Can’t Miss
Have you wondered about seeing New York City from a totally fresh viewpoint? You see, it’s almost as if hopping aboard a boat could be just the ticket. We’re talking about gliding past legendary landmarks, feeling the harbor breeze, and grabbing those postcard-perfect snaps. What’s more, the city offers a bunch of boat tours, each giving you something special. Let’s have a look at some awesome NYC cruises that should certainly be on your radar. Ready to weigh anchor?
1. Circle Line Sightseeing: The Classic Harbor Tour
First off, have you heard of Circle Line Sightseeing? Very likely you have. And frankly, they’re pretty much a household name in NYC boat tours. What’s cool, is that their “Classic Harbor Tour” tends to be great for people who want to soak in most of the city’s highlights. So, in some respects you get to sail around Manhattan, spot the Statue of Liberty, cruise past the Financial District, and gaze at the Brooklyn Bridge – all in two and a half hours. It’s pretty much a crash course in NYC sightseeing from the water.
Actually, I took this tour last summer with my family, and everyone, really, loved it. What really hit us was how close we got to Lady Liberty – great photo ops, by the way. Now, there’s a guide, very informative guide, filling you in on fun facts and stories about the city. What makes it a win? This trip does all the big-ticket things.
Why This Tour?
- Iconic Views: The big landmarks, covered.
- Guided Experience: What it gets you is a knowledgeable guide, who tells stories.
- Comfortable Cruising: Nice boats so, very comfortable to be on.
2. Manhattan by Sail: A Touch of Elegance
Want something classy? What you may like is Manhattan by Sail. As a matter of fact, this company sails classic schooners – really, these beautiful sailing vessels offer a refined, serene experience. That said, if you are up for, “sunset sail,” wow that is very spectacular as you skim past the skyline. What’s great, that tour sometimes involves sipping champagne while taking in some spectacular views. Fancy, right?
Listen, I’ve chatted with so many people who did this tour, who say that it offers something other boat tours do not, is a very special ambiance. Really, you won’t find throngs of tourists pushing and shoving. You get a calmer, more refined sailing vibe. Instead, people are just enjoying the city as well as sipping on fancy drinks, just that, chatting with each other.
Why This Tour?
- Elegant Setting: Experience sailing on an old, absolutely beautiful schooner.
- Sunset Views: Ideal to get that perfect lighting on the city.
- Relaxed Vibe: Fewer crowds that are more chilled than on other tours.
3. The Beast Speedboat Ride: For Thrill-Seekers
Maybe elegance just isn’t quite your thing. Have you, in any case, ever wanted to inject a serious rush of adrenaline? In fact, “The Beast” is your answer. What you are going to get is a high-speed speedboat ride. What that ride is, is basically straight past the Statue of Liberty and back, is basically a thirty-minute blast. This could be just what you wanted if you’re an adrenaline junkie!
Really, one of my friends, named Alex, does “The Beast” nearly every summer, and he says the same things every time: “It’s basically like a roller coaster on water!” So, imagine wind whipping by you, music blasting, and water spraying all over. Is that your type of boat ride? Just bear in mind, this may not be suitable for those looking for, like, a history lesson – unless your idea of learning history means doing it at a 45 mph
Why This Tour?
- Adrenaline Rush: Go very, very fast and have fun
- Quick Thrill: Thirty minutes of pure excitement.
- Unique Experience: Basically, you don’t see speedboats every day.
4. NYC Ferry: A Budget-Friendly Option
Money is tight? Or just really aren’t looking to blow all your cash on some fancy tour? In that case, you can certainly take the NYC Ferry. As a matter of fact, for just the price of a subway ride, which is actually $2.75 you will get killer views of the skyline. What makes this so easy is it actually stops at various points along the East River. Just stay on the boat for the whole loop, if you want, and take some photos!
I typically suggest this to friends who are just visiting New York because of what a low cost option it is to see the city. As a matter of fact, the views rival some of the more costly cruises. What they’ve said is that while you don’t have a tour guide telling you what you’re looking at, they’ve had just as fantastic of a time by either Googling what they’re seeing or actually just enjoying the view!
Why This Tour?
- Affordable: Cheap to just get on board.
- Great Views: See some great stuff without breaking the bank.
- Flexibility: Jump on, jump off, and explore different neighborhoods.
5. Classic Harbor Line: City Lights Sail
What are you going to say to seeing New York come alive at twilight? In that case, the Classic Harbor Line’s “City Lights Sail” could certainly be something. Very refined, actually. What’s special about that trip, that the setting sun casts a completely warm glow over the skyscrapers and everything switches to millions of twinkling lights. Pretty much unreal!
So, last fall I actually surprised my wife with this trip for our anniversary, and it seemed magical. First, there’s the skyline, of course, looking stunning all illuminated, then a gentle sway of the boat. What that turned out to be, was really something special and romantic. The trip is usually not crowded, and many, many say the staff make sure to make everyone feel special.
Why This Tour?
- Magical Atmosphere: Seeing the city shine, just something completely else.
- Romantic: Good option for date night!
- Intimate Setting: Actually fewer crowds compared to some of the daytime tours.