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

New York, United States

From $49.00

Select Date and Travelers

Reserve Now & Pay Later
Secure your spot while staying flexible
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the lights of New York City at sunset on this twilight cruise along the Hudson River and into New York Harbor. Book your ticket in advance online to spare any fuss on the night, and set sail to enjoy the illuminated landmarks while learning about the city from a guide’s informative commentary. A great way to end a day of sightseeing or kick off a night on the town.
  • New York evening sightseeing cruise on the Hudson River and New York Harbor
  • Admire the full-sweep views of Manhattan’s lights only possible from a boat
  • Learn about the sights from a live guide and buy drinks and snacks on board
  • Prebook your ticket to confirm a place on your ideal evening

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

See NYC from the water—with live narration—when the sun sets and the city lights switch on.

What's Included

  • Live narration by Circle Line’s world-famous guides (in English)
  • Free Wi-Fi on board
  • 2-hour sightseeing cruise
  • Snacks
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Soda/Pop

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • 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

Start time

07:00 PM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Travel independently to the departure point at New York City’s Pier 83. Aim to arrive in good time for your cruise to secure the best seats—they're available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Relax and soak up the panoramic views as your boat sets sail along the Hudson Riverand into New York Harbor. Admire Manhattan’s skyline and its landmarks such as One World Trade Center, the United Nations Headquarters, South Street Seaport, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and more.

Then, take in the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and cruise by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, all as an on-board guide shares snippets on their background and the Big Apple's history.

During your sightseeing, head for the on-board concession areas to buy drinks and snacks (both own expense), and snap up mementoes from the souvenir store.

Your cruise comes to an end when your boat arrives back at Pier 83.

Brooklyn Bridge

Admission Ticket Free

Statue of Liberty

Admission Ticket Free

Manhattan Skyline

Admission Ticket Free

Circle Line Cruises

Admission Ticket Free

New York Harbor

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Guests need to arrive at least 30-minutes prior to departure for boarding.
  • Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 600 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

about cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

Q:What is the departure point for the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A:The cruise conveniently departs from Pier 83 @ West 42nd Street and the West Side Highway, in Midtown Manhattan.

Jun 2021

Q:Is there parking near the departure for the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A: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.)

Jun 2021

Q:Can I take the subway to get to the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A: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).

Jun 2021

Q:Can I take a bus to get to the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A: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.

Jun 2021

Q:How early should I arrive for the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A:Boarding begins a half-hour before departure. Please plan on arriving 45-minutes to 1-hour before the scheduled departure to allow for time to check-in and also find seating on your cruise.

Jun 2021

Q:Is seating assigned during the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A:Seats are first-come, first-serve so arrive early! There is seating available both inside as well as out on deck. The boats typically sail on time, so please leave enough time for traffic delays and plan to arrive early.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my young child with me on the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A:Yes - For children or infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.

Jun 2021

Q:Are food and/or drink available during the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A:Yes, there is a freshly prepared menu of sandwiches, salads, and snacks as well as a full bar serving up hot and cold beverages, beer, wine, and cocktails available in the onboard cafe to purchase.

Jun 2021

Q:Can I bring my own food/drink onboard the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A:Sorry - no outside food or drink is permitted.

Jun 2021

Q:Are restrooms available onboard during the New York City Harbor Lights Cruise?

A:Yes, there are restrooms onboard for your convenience.

Jun 2021

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Melissa_H
This was breathtaking! A one of a kind experience. The views were incredible and being able to see it in daylight and see the night lights in one cruise was truly amazing. We had an excellent tour guide. I would definitely recommend this to anyone visiting NY.

Reviews

4.5
1,970 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,970 reviews
NYC must do
Marlyce_A, May 2023
Wonderful way to cap a weekend in NYC. I did this tour with my family when we visited my grandpa as a kid. This brought back great memories and now my kids have experienced it.
Great experience
Carlos_B, May 2023
The narration was fantastic, I enjoyed it but would’ve been nicer with fewer people, I would’ve paid more to have less people on the cruise
Harbor cruise without lights
Kirsten_O, May 2023
Great view of Manhattan skyline with good information from guide. However left early and we did not really see lights but we did have the start of sunset. Pretty crowded on the boat, if you did not get the right seat it is challenging
Great experience
Andrea_W, May 2023
The experience was Great!!!! I really recommend to do this if you are visiting New York . The tour guide was the funniest
Wonderful and interesting cruise
Kathleen_F, May 2023
A very well thought out and operated cruising experience. Wonderful sights and the commentary by our host, Dave, was very entertaining and full of great insights and explanations. Thank you for a great evening.
Showing off the city
Cindy_B, May 2023
I had previously been on a night cruise in NYC with a friend that was scheduled through Viator. This was my husbands and our friends first time to the city and I knew this was must for them to see it all at night. They were very pleased and so was I! It's a beautiful sight!
Very Nice 👍
Douglas_R, May 2023
I had trouble getting the APP to bring up the actual TICKETs barcode. Fortunately at the CruiseLine window they gave me two tickets so we could get on the ship. Otherwise very good . The ship ride was really informative and got lots of good pictures
New York
Michelle_C, May 2023
If you want reviews you should accept a few words instead of wanting a minimum. I have taken the time to filled this out in a positive manner and it has been rejected Bavaria’ because you want more words than I have time to give out want to spend on this. The tour was good and enjoyable. That’s it!
Viator, You Need Customer Service Training
Francine_B, May 2023
I had reservations for Friday May 19, 2023. Unfortunately life happened... There was the an accident and heavy traffic. We arrived at 7:03pm, 3 minutes after the boat left. I called Viator but received incorrect information on how to rectify the matter. Initially I was told to call to reschedule for Sunday May 21, 2023 but now I am getting the runaround. This was suppose to be a Birthday present for my Fiance. Thanks Viator for ruining a special occasion/weekend and taking my money!!!
1 traveler found this review helpful
Bad Situation
Michael_R, May 2023
Unfortunately our first train from Peekskill to Grand Central at 10:30 was cancelled and then second train was delayed so we did not get down there in time….My nephew and nieces were in town from California and that was purpose of trip …I was in constant contact with your guide to update my situation …I asked for a refund and was denied he said he would give me a voucher to do trip again ..They won’t be here anymore they leave tomorrow…I know policy says 24 hours but this was something beyond my control and think I am entitled to refund
Wonderful!
Allyn_W, May 2023
Andy, our tour guide was fantastic. He knew so many stories and details that really enriched the experience.
More Daylight than night. should be refunded
Roger_P, May 2023
Disappointed....this was not a city lights cruise, more a day light cruise with 15mins of darkness/lights at the end. Started 10 mins before scheduled 7pm start...we got on 6.25pm and all outside seating already taken....sunset wasn't until after 8pm and it wasn't dark until 8.30pm and we were back at pier 8.45pm. Cruise should not start until 8pm at earliest this time of year....it was not the City lights boat tour we paid for!!!
Great tour guide
Jana_W, May 2023
The tour guide is the highlight. The information provides during the cruise was worth the price of admission. The sites were amazimg providing us some great pictures to take home with us.
Good guide and beautiful...
Thomas_B, May 2023
Good guide and beautiful weather. Lights were great on the way back. A little cold and windy. May want to bring a medium weight jacket.
Fabulous evening cruise
Jane_T, May 2023
A very lovely evening trip , views were spectacular and the guide was great. The sunset over the Statue of Liberty was amazing.
Worth the Money!
Tara_W, May 2023
We loved the experience! Our tour guide was knowledgeable and funny! My only issue was that it was cold. I wish they sold sweatshirts on board. They would have made a killing last night!
I had booked tickets for...
Jose_R, May 2023
I had booked tickets for my wife and I but unfortunately there was an accident on our way that delayed everything so I called to explain my situation and you guys couldn’t even help me change the day I wasn’t asking for a refund just wanted to Change the date it was horrible basically stole my money….
Great lights good selection of drinks on board
Pat_M, May 2023
We loved this cruise, the lights were amazing. Big comfortable boat, the best trip while in NY. Easy to find location, manage to get a spot on the front, it’s a must if you want to really get the views.
Great Views!
Elizabeth_S, May 2023
The AMAZING views! Weather was perfect as well. Great way to see all the different parts of Manhattan that I’ve never had time to see before!
Beautiful views and the...
Natalie_H, May 2023
Beautiful views and the tour guide was entertaining, get there earlier for the top of the boat seats
It was fun!
Renee_W, May 2023
Beautiful views, scenery and historical context. The length of the cruise was also appropriate. We’d definitely do this again.
Perfect tour
Kati_m, May 2023
Perfect tour the instructor was knowledgeable with fascinating stories very interesting history telling
Poor service
Patrick_D, May 2023
Could not make the cruise due to the storm in New York on Sunday & did not get a refund. I sent an email earlier in the evening but did not get a reply.
Worth the time and effy
Laura_s, May 2023
Great views of islands and Manhattan, smooth sailing. Ride around Ellis island and Statue of Liberty are worth the price of admission alone
Fun boat ride
hannahduvall123, May 2023
It was nice to see all the New York City lights and jersey lights from the water. The windows on the boat were pretty dirty, so it was hard to get a nice picture from the inside.
hoghly recomended
Franco_R, May 2023
beautiful experience, magical lights at sunset and the view of Manhattan is unique. Perfect timing and duration of the cruise
Twilight Cruise in difficult visibility conditions
James_R, May 2023
We enjoyed this twillight cruise despite the terrible New York weather on the day, which meant some of the tall buildings were not visible due to the low cloud, mist and rain. The cruise takes you close to the Statue of Liberty and under 3 bridges on the East River. The commentator was clearly very knowledgeable on the history of New York, but he did come across as a little arrogant at times and kept the microphone on when in conversation with two priority customers, that was a little odd. The seating was basic and there was a lack of clear signage as to where you could and couldn't sit. We didn't try the food or drink served so can't comment. All passengers were photographed before boarding, which staff on-board try to sell you.
2 travelers found this review helpful
Amazing
Penny_R, May 2023
A bit cold, regardless of that the experience was amazing. So nice to see NYC from the water. The only bit annoying was people standing right in front of you while trying to take photos.
Great cruise! Well worth it!
Jodi_F, Apr 2023
Wonderful tour!!! Highly recommend!!! The tour guide was so informative and let us know so much about the area
Romantic
Enock_N, Apr 2023
It's very romantic sceanary and it's very educational. It's as good as it gets to seeing the statue of liberty.
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Product code: 2800HLC

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