New York City

Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

Badge of ExcellenceNew York City, USA
  • 2 hours
  • 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. This tour is a great way to end a day of sightseeing or kick off a night on the town.
  • Evening sightseeing cruise on the Hudson River and New York Harbor
  • Admire Manhattan’s lights from a new perspective
  • Learn about the sights from a live guide
  • 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
  • Download the free Circle Line App to listen to the tour in Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian or Chinese. Headsets not included
  • 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 River and into New York Harbor. Admire Manhattan’s skyline and its landmarks such as One World Trade Center, 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 (Pass By)

Statue of Liberty (Pass By)

Manhattan Skyline (Pass By)

Circle Line Cruises (Pass By)

New York Harbor (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • 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
  • Most travelers 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 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.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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
Joanne_S
Definitely recommend the Harbour Lights cruise when visiting New York. Amazing views and very informative.

Reviews

4.5
2,343 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 2,343 reviews
Aqesome!
Daniel_B, Apr 2024
The sights were priceless and seeing the Statue of Liberty at night all lighted was spectacular! The bridges and the views as the sun was setting were jaw dropping. Would do this again and again!
Excellent
Helen_D, Apr 2024
Interesting and very informative . Tour guide had passion for the city and was very knowledgeable, we recommend this trip
A must in NYC
Joanne_S, Apr 2024
Definitely recommend the Harbour Lights cruise when visiting New York. Amazing views and very informative.
Awesome!!!
KIMC, Apr 2024
This tour was well worth it. The city lights were amazing, the Statue of Liberty was amazing to see at night. It was very cold the night of our tour but it was still a great night.
Fun! Enjoyable and I would do it again!
Sandra_W, Apr 2024
Smooth boat ride, the sights, the well informed captain. However, the volume of the people standing and talking while the captain was narrating was not so pleasant at times.
Worth every penny - great sightseeing for a evening
Mel_K, Apr 2024
The guide was excellent - totally full of the best information as we sailed along the shore line. It was cold, but plenty of room downstairs - with drinks
Too Crowded/ Loud
Brittany_D, Apr 2024
Unfortunately it was sooo loud from everyone talking that I could barely hear the guide for half of the cruise. It felt like a zoo with people standing up and moving around to take pictures… I couldn’t get any pics for the first half because everyone was rudely just going in front of everyone else. Also had a problem with my ticket and had to go to the counter and wait for them to print it… so even though I was early I had to waste a bunch of time and got a pretty bad seat. The good thing is the boat turns around so you can see things from either side you sit, just one is more during day and one is nighttime view. I wish the crew would ask people to remain seated/ would up the volume of the speakers since everyone was talking/ shouting. From what I did hear, it was good information and did have some lovely views. I would not book again, though, and plan on trying to get a refund.
Very fun trip to the islands!
Daniel_H, Apr 2024
Exactly as described! I had a great time on this tour! Sure the food isn’t Michelin star quality, but cooking for 40-50 people, it was perfectly fine. Staff were very friendly and helpful. I’d definitely do it again.
never again. Definately find a different boat.
laurence_s, Apr 2024
Terrible trip. View was great. People were standing in front of our seats and we had to keep fighting to see the views properly because the crew wouldn't control them. Terrible line ups for super expensive drinks. Pier washrooms were filthy.
Beautiful Evening Skyline
Brenda_M, Apr 2024
It was a great tour with great commentary. Beautiful sights of the skyline at night. It was a cold night so we would have certainly enjoyed it more had the weather been better. It was well organized and run smoothly.
Excellent tour
DAVID_H, Apr 2024
Lovely night time harbour cruise. Big spacious boat, food and drinks available to purchase. Saw all the highlights, including plenty of time at the Statue of Liberty for photos.
Statue of Liberty
Christine_C, Apr 2024
Excellent tour. Loved seeing the Statue of Liberty. The tour guide was great. Had great information.
New York Anniversary cruise 🛳
Keith_H, Apr 2024
We went with my son which made it extra special and it was our 9th wedding anniversary on the day of the trip
It was a nice experience,...
Annette_M, Apr 2024
It was a nice experience, the weather didn’t quite cooperate and I didn’t dress warm enough, but the experience was still amazing. I feel we learned a lot about our history.
Great way to spend an evening
Philip_H, Apr 2024
Great night, even with awful weather. Andy the tour guide was brilliant with extensive knowledge and a fantastic sense of humour.
Brilliant cruise
michael_c, Apr 2024
Brilliant tour, but was dragged out at the last 20mins. Really memorable cruise, food and drink was nice as well
NYC cruise
Phan_H, Mar 2024
Not enough seats and boat went super slow on the way back just to stretch it for 2 hours. Guide was not great.
Absolutely book this experience!
ILENE_O, Mar 2024
Aside from the beauty of the city skyline at dusk, as well as it lit up with the city lights, our guide/narrator was absolutely the best! As a long time native New Yorker, he provides personal experience about the different burrows in NY, as well as tons of historical facts of different areas throughout the city. His words depicted a detailed visualization into the buildings as they were first built, and their purpose, to how they're currently occupied today. I would absolutely do this boat experience again with family and friends.
Wonderful Way to Spend the Evening
Meridith_T, Mar 2024
Loved the cruise! The tour narrator was excellent, gave interesting facts about New York history. Great views of the city and up close views of the Statue of Liberty. I would definitely recommend the Harbor Lights Cruise.
Great Experience
Nathan_P, Mar 2024
We decided to take this tour even though it was a cold and windy evening. And it was a great experience. Peter, our guide, did a terrific job with all that he had to say during the tour. It was informative, got us up close, and made great memories for our family in a short trip to NYC.
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From $54.00

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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