river tours nyc

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of New York for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy New York without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

The 12 best boat tours in NYC in 2024

All aboard! Book these NYC boat tours for incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and other iconic landmarks

Photograph: Manhattan By Sail

In all of planet Earth, there is no other skyline quite like that of New York City. Whether by air or by land , the Big Apple’s skyscrapers and landmarks are iconic. But there’s one way of touring NYC that beats out the rest, hands down—by boat.  Whether from the upper deck of a yacht or hunkered down on a speedboat, views from the harbor show NYC at its absolute finest. From the Statue of Liberty to the One World Trade Center, you can take in all the biggest sights without dealing with packed subway cars and endless traffic jams. Below are some of the Big Apple’s biggest and best boat tours.

Want more nautical things to do? These are NYC's best boat bars for sips and snacks . 

How do we determine the cream of the crop? Our staff picks combine the top, most recent reviews with some of our personal favorites to make sure you get the best deal on the web. Throughout this article, you may notice some affiliate links – these have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best NYC boat tours

1.  luxury brunch, lunch or dinner harbor cruise.

So this is how to really do an NYC boat tour. Choose which fine dining food option you fancy and then settle into a blissful tour around New York Harbor, with a live pianist your exceptional aural entertainment. And sure, the luxury dining and the music might be pretty good but you wait until you gaze out across the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center from your private table with 360-degree panoramic views. 

Don't miss: The sultry sounds of the onboard jazz pianist who's on a mission to get people dancing.  

2.  Statue of Liberty Express Cruise

Perfect for the sightseer who knows exactly what he or she wants, this Circle Line express tour goes right to the Statue of Liberty – no pit stops this time. Listen to an expert guide point out some lower Manhattan landmarks before pausing for photos right next to Lady Liberty. And since this cruise only takes an hour, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest itinerary.

Don't miss: The perfect photo opp of the famous sculpture and other harbor landmarks. 

3.  NYC: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan

Here’s one for the schmoozy, romantic vacationers who are seeking a maximum NYC experience. This sunset sailing cruise with a live jazz band will have you gazing (and jiving) out as the sun drops below Manhattan. Sitting on a 1920's sailing boat, you'll sail past NYC’s biggest landmarks (including the Statue of Liberty) while a live band plays a mix of beloved classics to contemporary R&B renditions. With an alcoholic drink in hand, live jazz in your ears, and the city lights sparkling in your eyes across the water, you're in for a swingingly good time.

Don't miss:  Asking the band to play your favorite tune.

4.  Manhattan: Private Sailing Yacht Cruise

Don’t want to share your views of the city skyline? You don’t have to on this private tour of the Hudson River at sunset. It’s your party, so you can bring any food or drinks you like on board. You’ll feel like a high roller as you kick back on your private yacht for the evening.

Don't miss: Chill with your crew on any of the three lounge areas, including the outdoor deck and sun pad. 

5.  Circle Line: Best of NYC Cruise

How better to get your bearing in a city as enormous as NYC than by circumnavigation? The Circle Line’s two-and-a-half-hour tour does a full loop of Manhattan Island, taking passengers past plenty of the city’s most popular sights in the process. Spanning three rivers and all five boroughs, you’ll even pass within touching distance of Lady Liberty herself. In other words, get your camera ready!

Don't miss: Non-English speakers can download the Circle Line app for a translated commentary. 

6.  New York City: Alive After Five Cocktail Cruise

Get a taste of the Big Apple’s nightlife scene with this happy hour boat tour on the Hudson River. The Alive After Five cocktail cruise has everything you need: a fully stocked bar, a dance floor, and a killer DJ. Did someone say tequila? 

Don't miss:  Views of the Manhattan skyline as the sun goes down and the lights turn on. 

7.  New York Water Taxi Cruises

You can't miss the water taxis, they look just like the car versions: big, bright and yellow. These little beauties cruise round New York Harbor daily, passing major sites like the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. You can stay on and complete the entire loop in 70 minutes, or hop on and off as you please, exploring the greats eats, shops and attractions in NYC's waterside neighborhoods.

Don't miss: They have a team that can help you create a custom route for your journey. 

8.  AIANY: Manhattan Architecture Tour Cruise

The area south of 59th Street is packed with architecturally significant buildings; there’s the Chrysler Building, the Woolworth Building, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center, just to name a few. This 90-minute boat tour on a 1920's yacht is led by a member of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects, meaning architecturally speaking, you're in good hands. With their guidance, you'll cover all of Manhattan’s most significant structures, plus the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

Don't miss: Sip complimentary beer, wine, or Champagne from the bar while you learn about infrastructure, parks, and architecture.

9.  Staten Island Ferry

Put your purse away, because the Staten Island Ferry is totally free. That's right, in one of the most expensive cities in the world, you can find a free ride. This old chugger has been going since before any bridges were built, transporting folks from the 'burbs to Manhattan in 25 minutes. Boats leave South Ferry at Battery Park and run 24 hours a day.

Don't miss: The stunning panoramas of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

10.  New York City: Sunset Sail Aboard a Schooner

Fresh air, ocean waves, a free drink and front row (floating) seats to one of the most famous sunsets in world. It's fair to say that this lesuirely cruise on the Schooner America 2.0 really does have it all. Sit back and relax as the crew guides this 1800's style sailboat out into the harbor while deep gold light wraps up the city. You'll glide peacefully past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the sun dips behind the Manhattan skyline. What better way to say goodbye to a perfect NYC day?

Don't miss : Your complimentary drink that you get to sip on board.

11.  Circle Line: Beast Speedboat Ride

Adrenaline junkies will want to book tickets for this supercharged half-hour ride through New York Harbor. The 70-foot speedboat known as the  Beast  zooms toward the Statue of Liberty at 45 miles per hour, kicking up plenty of waves. In fact, the ride can get so intense that guides recommend wearing wetsuits.

Don't miss : The ride is accompanied by a thumping soundtrack to really kick things into high gear.

12.  NYC: Statue of Liberty Day Sail with Onboard Bar

This historic experience will have you feeling like you've just stepped into the heart of  The Great Gatsby – or really any other seafaring period drama. Sail Manhattan have two vessels for this experience – the 1920's restored Shearwater sailing boat, and The Clipper, a majestic tall ship with billowing sails. You'll sail down the Hudson River on one of these spectacular ships, with the aim of the 1.5 hour sail to give you an awe-inspiring (and crowd-free) view of NYC's biggest landmark hits. 

Don't miss : The open bar that's slinging drinks all hour long.

Keen to beat the summer heat?

Where to go in nyc when you don’t have air-conditioning.

• Things to do

When it’s as hot as it is humid in New York City, that leaky window unit just isn’t going to cut it

Want to rent your own boat?

The best boat rentals in nyc.

Debating between a two-hour hire or a full-day trip along the Hudson? Choose a boat to start your adventures around NYC

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Local Marketing Solutions
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

Best of NYC

PIER 83, MIDTOWN

The only sightseeing cruise that completely circles Manhattan. See all of NYC's landmarks from temperature-controlled indoor seats or our huge outdoor deck.

• Outdoor Deck Space
• Snacks & full bar
• Photo stop at the Statue of Liberty

Cruises starting Friday, June 28

CRUISE SUMMARY

Our World Famous Best of New York Cruise

Experience the only sightseeing cruise in New York City that completely goes around the island of Manhattan in our temperature-controlled, state-of-the-art boats.

During this 2 hour and 30 minute cruise you’ll cruise along all three NYC rivers, pass under 20 bridges and see over 130 of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Manhattan skyline , Little Island , Hudson Yards , One World Trade Center , Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Brooklyn , Yankee Stadium , the George Washington Bridge and, of course, an up close look at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island !

Our world-famous tour guides tell the story of New York City as you journey around the full island and enjoy the best sightseeing experience NYC has to offer!

Please Note In the rare event that extreme high tides or other occasions out of our control prevent us from circumnavigating the entire island of Manhattan as planned, we'll modify our route to still give you a fantastic 200+ landmarks tour. If you have concerns, please give us a call as early as 9:30 AM the morning of the day you plan to take a cruise (212) 563-3200.

What you'll see

Our flagship cruise with the best views + every NYC landmark

Sit back, relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty while our award winning tour guides narrate every detail along your route.

Empire State Building

Standing 1,250’ (381m) tall, it was the world's tallest building from 1931 until the World Trade Center was completed in 1972.

Chrysler Building

Classic Art Deco architecture, the building dons gargoyles that depict car ornaments and a spire modeled on a radiator grille.

An extraordinary 1.45 mile-long (2.33 km) elevated park built on an abandoned section of a former railroad.

Statue of Liberty

Standing 305’ (93m) tall, Lady Liberty has welcomed visitors since she was bequeathed to America from France in 1886.

Ellis Island

The busiest US immigrant port processed over 12 million immigrants from 1892 to 1954.

South Street Seaport

The South Street Seaport is a historic area in New York City. It features some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge

The longest suspension bridge when it opened in 1883, its 276’ (84m) high towers are built of limestone, granite and cement.

Manhattan Bridge

Constructed in 1901, the Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge, connecting Lower Manhattan with Downtown Brooklyn.

United Nations Headquarters

Designed by an international team of architects, the UN is an international zone with its own fire department and postal service.

Gracie Mansion

This federal-style home, currently the residence of NYC mayors, was once a country estate, an ice-cream parlor and a museum.

Yankee Stadium

In its 85+ year history, this “cathedral to baseball” has hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games.

George Washington Bridge

The world’s busiest suspension bridge spans the Hudson River and carries over 103 million vehicles per year.

Onboard Amenities

Our state-of-the-art boats come equipped with almost everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable cruise.

Unparalleled Views Pick a seat on the outdoor deck or enjoy the view from the huge panoramic windows in our temperature-controlled indoor cabins.

Did You Say ... Incredible Outdoor Deck The best way to see NYC and Lady Liberty is "al fresco" - outside in the fresh air, enjoying the cool breezes and the warm sunshine. It doesn't get better than this!

Temperature-Controlled Indoor Space Whether it's hot or cold, rainy or sunny, we have a temperature-controlled indoor deck with plenty of seating for everyone

Onboard Café *Freshly prepared menu of sandwiches, salads and snacks available to purchase.

Refreshing Drinks *Enjoy a full bar serving hot and cold beverages including beer, wine and cocktails.

Free WiFi No need to wait to upload your favorite photos and selfies!

George Washington bridge

Guests Looking at Henry Hudson Bridge

Onboard Offerings

While we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing outside food or beverages, we've got you covered with a fully stocked snack bar and a delightful selection of beer, wine, and cocktails available onboard.

Click Here for our Full Onboard Menu

Plan Your Visit

Get ready, Get set, Get Directions to Pier 83

What To Do When You Arrive

• If you purchased Premier Tickets directly from circleline.com, please alert a red-shirted Ambassador and they will help you get through security to get to your seat quickly.
• If you bought standard tickets from circleline.com, Viator, Get Your Guide or Expedia, please go directly to boarding at the entrance to our Pier. Please have your bag open and ready to be checked by our security personnel.
• If you have a CityPASS and you have reserved your seats in advance at citypass.circleline.com , please proceed to directly to security.
• If you have another pass, such as NY Pass, Explorer Pass or Sightseeing Pass, or a voucher, please go to our ticket office to pick up your tickets and proceed to the security line.

Parking at Pier 83

If you're driving to Pier 83 we've got parking for you!

We offer convenient parking just steps away from our boats. We have a parking attendant and security personnel to ensure the safety of your vehicle and we offer covered parking as well.

Our daily rates start at $35.

Our Sightseeing Cruises Are Smoke-Free!

Smoking is not permitted on Circle Line’s regular sightseeing cruises including Liberty Midtown, Liberty Super Express, Statue at Sunset, Landmarks, Best of New York and Harbor Lights.*

Smoking may be permitted in designated areas on Circle Line’s Music Cruises, Bear Mountain Cruises, 4th of July and New Year’s Eve Cruises. Please plan your trip accordingly.

The Best Way to See New York City Architecture

Aiany new york around manhattan architecture boat tour.

During this architecture boat tour of NYC, you will explore new and enduring architecture, engineering marvels, and the revitalized waterfront from the teak decks of Classic Harbor Line’s elegant motor yachts. This fully narrated NYC architecture boat tour is in collaboration with the AIANY (American Institute of Architects New York). The story of NYC’s development is described as a broad overview for visitors but includes deeper insights to satisfy demanding locals. During this New York architecture tour you’ll catch new and alluring sites including Little Island at Pier 55, the Hudson Yards “mega-project”, the continuing ascent of “supertall” luxury residential towers, and join a discussion of how cities might adapt in the post-Covid era.

Continuing education credits available »

Our AIANY Architecture Boat Tour makes a great gift! Purchase a CHL gift card at the link below

BUY GIFT CERTIFICATE

AIANY Climate Change and Architecture Tour

Aiany industrial waterway tour into freshkills park, nyc architecture tours.

Join us for the best way to see NYC architecture as we cruise around the island of Manhattan with the American Institute of Architects (AIANY) as your guide. This is the most comprehensive and elegant sightseeing tour of the New York City skyline available.

Classic Harbor Line New York is proud to offer various architecture boat tours that are the best way to see New York City’s iconic buildings and classic architecture along the Hudson River, East River, Harlem River and NY Harbor. Tours include: AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour, AIANY Climate Change Tour: Resiliency, Sustainable Architecture and the Future of NYC, the AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture tour in Spanish and AIANY Industrial Waterfront Tour to Freshkills Park.

Our meticulously designed 1920s-style yachts offer comfortable, teak-detailed, climate-controlled cabins with excellent sight lines to see all of NYC’s top landmarks. Guests are free to wander the decks for even greater New York skyline views!

What do the

Nyc architecture tours cover.

The best way to see the Manhattan skyline, are provided by AIANY guides and are scheduled almost daily. They offer visitors, locals, architecture tourists, and students insightful narration covering New York’s iconic landmarks, historic sights, modern architecture, and engineering feats including Art Deco spires, harbor monuments and infrastructure. See the Chrysler Building, World One Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge, plus recent buildings by Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Bjarke Ingles, as well as other world-renowned architects. This NYC architecture tour is packed with the modern high-rise residential buildings, Super-talls, awe-inspiring structures that coat the NYC skyline!

The official NYC Architecture Cruise features are thematically linked to illustrate the transformation of NYC’s waterfront industry to booming residential development, ecologically-driven park design and resilient urban planning to accommodate storm surge and rising sea levels. The tour also covers themes related to housing and NYC infrastructure.

AIA CES 1.5 to 2.5 LU HSW Continuing Education Credits offered.

“A fabulous trip. There are many buildings in NY that are best seen from the water, and of course, the boat takes you close to the bridges. The docent was excellent – well informed, and his remarks were very well paced, giving us time to both listen and to look at the buildings (and landscape). The crew members were friendly and attentive, though never obtrusive. The boat feels quite luxurious, and there is a chance to walk around, go outside, or stay inside (the views from inside are very good. My friends and I had a wonderful time and learned a lot, and we plan to ask others to join us when we are all in NY. Very happy passengers, we were.”

– A Chicago Architecture Tour Guide

You May Also Like

Sunset Cruises

Sailing Excursions

Yacht Cruises

Sightseeing in NYC

Mini Yachts

Architecture Cruises

Dining/Pairing Cruises

Narrated Cruises

Fireworks Cruises

Music Cruises

Family Friendly

Chelsea Piers Departures

Specialty Cruises

Fall Foliage

4th of July

Live Stream

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

NYC Boat Tours Compared

Cruise around manhattan.

Living in a city surrounded by two rivers means there are a lot of opportunities to get out on the water. As a local, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of boat rides and encourage you to do the same. 

Seeing the city from this perspective makes for a lovely outing and offers plenty of great photo-ops. 

This post compares New York City boat tours, including cruises around Manhattan and night cruises, ferries, speedboats, and sailboats.

• Biggest Variety of Boat Tours
• Most Thrilling Speedboat Tour
• Most Relaxing Sailboat Tour
• Most Affordable Boat Tour
• Best Night Cruise

When writing this post I relied on my experience and that of my fellow local tour guides. I also looked at what members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group had to say.

Our group of over 340,000 members consists of locals, frequent visitors to NYC and newcomers to the city.

You don't need to join the group to search for and read the posts, comments, and suggestions.

Check out the group once you are finished reading this post. A link can be found at the bottom of the page .

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

BIGGEST VARIETY OF BOAT TOURS (CIRCLE LINE)

Probably the most popular, and most well-known cruise company is the Circle Line.

They offer 3 different sightseeing boat tours, as well as themed tours, such as a sunset tour . Below the details of each are provided.

All Circle Line cruises run daily and last between 1 to 3 hours.

Sightseeing commentary is provided throughout the tours and paid bars are onboard.

Where do Circle Line tours depart from?

All Circle Line boats leave from the west side of Midtown Manhattan, at West 42nd Street on the Hudson River.

The cost of the trip varies depending on which cruise you select.

Since Circle Line Cruises are included for free in the New York Pass, Explorer Pass, and New York Sightseeing Pass, you can save money by taking advantage of one of the tourist passes!

Read our guide about these tourist discount passes to find out if one is a good fit for you. 

Does Circle Line go around Manhattan?

Yes, they currently have two different cruises that will take you around Manhattan (more or less).

This company currently has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide.

Although there are some negative reviews, a majority of customers felt that the views and commentary provided on their cruise were excellent.

I've taken both day and night Circle Line tours over the years and have always been satisfied with the quality and experience.

TIP : Many of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group members suggest that it's worth purchasing premium seating.

Liberty Cruise

This 1-hour cruise (also referred to as the Statue of Liberty Express) covers the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and One World Trade Center.

This cruise gets very positive reviews.

• Departs several times daily
• Adult - $31 | Child - $26 

Included for free with the purchase of many of the tourist discount passes .

This cruise is sometimes included in a combo package with a Big Bus hop-on-hop-off bus ticket .

If you're interested in visiting Liberty Island, read our post on Statue of Liberty cruises for more details.

Landmark Cruise  

This 90-minute cruise focuses on Lower and Midtown Manhattan, with the highlights being views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other notable architecture.  

This cruise also gets very positive reviews.

• Departs 2-3 times daily.
• Adult - $37 | Child - $31 | Senior - $34

Included for free with the purchase of any of the tourist discount passes . 

Best of NYC Cruise

This 2.5-hour NYC sightseeing cruise circles around the entire island of Manhattan and includes commentary on the Lady Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Harlem, and Yankee Stadium, among other things.  

This is their flagship tour and it offers excellent views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Adult - $44 | Child - $37
• Departs 2 - 3 times per day

This cruise is included for free with the New York Pass and the NYC Explorer Pass, both tourist discount cards.  

MOST THRILLING SPEEDBOAT TOUR (THE BEAST)

The Beast is exactly that! It's fast, furious and a fun way to enjoy New York City's water!

I've taken my nieces and nephews on this ride and though I was a bit nervous, they had a blast!

Needless to say, if you are traveling with kids, take them on The Beast.

Operated by the Circle Line company mentioned above, the Beast travels at 45 mph (73 kph) and gets within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty.

The Beast Speedboat Ride has earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide.

Very few people have left negative reviews, indicating that this speedboat tour is a pretty fun experience. 

How much does the Beast NYC cost?

• $30 - Adult | $25 - Child
• Departs every hour on the hour 11 am – 6 pm from Pier 81 ( map ).
• Available Wednesday - Sunday.

The Beast is included for free in at least one of the NYC tourist attraction passes , such as the Go City Explorer Pass.

RIB New York

A RIB (rigid-hulled inflatable Boat) is safe, exciting, and perfect for sightseeing.

With speeds of up to 50 mph, there’s a good chance that you’ll get splashed while seeing such popular sites as the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, The World Trade Center, and more.

Tickets start at $39 per person

• Not currently available.

MOST RELAXING SAILBOAT TOUR (MANHATTAN BY SAIL)

This isn't the kind of boating adventure you probably had in mind when you planned your trip to New York City.

But when you think about it, sailboats were once the only way to travel the city's waterways.

As a history lover who likes to get out on the water, I loved sailing around New York City. I could imagine what it was like during the colonial era!

  Ticket prices are a bit higher than some other options on our list, but you can also enjoy some of these services for free with various attraction passes .

Manhattan by Sail 

Manhattan by Sail has 2 types of boats, the Shearwater and Clipper City, each offering a variety of tours.

Sailing adventures include trips near the Statue of Liberty, NYC Skyline sightseeing, and sunset outings around the city.

Manhattan by Sail is a good option for those using a tourist pass, as some of these passes typically include this service.

Currently, Manhattan by Sail offers at least one of their cruises on the New York Sightseeing Pass.

• Adult Tickets: $45 and up
• Child Tickets: $25 and up

Much like their competitors, Manhattan by Sail has received respectable reviews with an overall score of at least 4½ out of 5 stars .

Guests note that the prices are very reasonable and they provide excellent service. Customers also report that it’s easy to move around on the boat despite the boats being crowded sometimes.

Classic Harbor Line  

There are 3 types of boats available, the Luxury Yacht Manhattan, the Schooner Adirondack, and the Schooner America 2.0.

Each offers different tours of surrounding sites, as well as a brunch option. You can expect sails at sunset, around the Statue of Liberty and tours that provide views of the NYC skyline.

• Adults: $60 and up
• Children: $28 and up

Reviews for this service are pretty good, with most people giving Classic Harbor Line at least 4 ½ out of 5 stars .

The only complaint anyone had was that the boats may be crowded at times.

Aside from those issues, most people report that the views are spectacular and the service is excellent.

MOST AFFORDABLE BOAT TOUR (FERRIES)

One of the best things you can do in NYC without spending a lot of money is to take a ride on the NYC Ferry .

Though it's a commuter service, it can be used like a traditional boat tour. It costs just $4 per person.

As it travels along the East River from neighborhood to neighborhood, you'll see a lot of the city and the views are amazing .

You can get off the ferry at any of the stops, though to get back on again, you will have to pay for a new ride. Still, at such a low cost, it's worth using the ferry like a hop-on, hop-off tour!

If you’re looking for transportation that will allow you to enjoy a self-guided tour of NYC, this is one of the most affordable options.

Though it isn't a cruise company, the NYC Ferry has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

My fellow tour guides and I take these ferries all the time as a way to get around the city quickly. Plus the view is a whole lot better than looking out of a subway car window!

Learn more about this ferry line and others from our visitor's guide to riding NYC ferries .

New York Water Taxi 

Like its competitors, New York Water Taxi offers a hop-on-hop-off boat service that takes 90 minutes to complete.

However, you are free to jump off and explore the city at your own pace, hopping back on whenever you wish at several stops throughout the city.

NYWT offers 6 piers to explore compared to the 4 offered by City Sightseeing.

Although this isn’t technically a boat tour, they do provide recorded narration describing some of the sights you’ll see on the cruise.

This company runs about as frequently as similar services.

With a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Viator, New York Water Taxi might be more popular than its competition.  

Ticket Costs:

• $37 - Adult | $26 - Child
• Departure every 30 - 40 minutes from each stop (10 am to 7 pm).

All-Day Access Passes are sometimes available at no extra cost with the New York Pass. This is not currently being offered, but it will likely return to the pass very shortly.

City Sightseeing Cruise

This is a hop-on, hop-off service with several terminals.

This boat makes stops at South Street, DUMBO, the World Financial Center, and Midtown. City Sightseeing also offers twilight and night tours.

They also offer a rainy day guarantee, which allows you to use your boat ticket at several popular indoor attractions.

The entire route takes 90 minutes if you do not get off. 

• $35 - Adult | $25 - Child
• Schedule posted below

The cruise service is also usually included for free with the purchase of the Sightseeing Pass and in their multi-day bus passes .

BEST NIGHT CRUISE (CIRCLE LINE)

Interested in hearing some great live music while drifting along the water or are you looking to wine and dine that someone special? Night cruises offer both these experiences.

You can read about the many options from our complete post on the best dinner cruises in NYC in which we provide a list of the best dining cruises in the city based on 5 criteria: lowest price, best dinner, best music, most romantic, and best specialty cruise.

We also include information about saving money on these services with tourist passes and offer sites, so you can get a good deal on your dinner cruise.

Circle Line

If you're looking for a sunset cruise, consider one of these below outings.

This company offers a 60-minute Statue by Night Tour. See the Statue of Liberty after dark!

Cruises depart at 7:30 pm (19:30) from Pier 16/South Street Seaport ( map ).

Harbor Lights Tour

There is also a 90-minute Harbor Lights Tour which departs just before sunset so you can enjoy the skyline while the sun goes down!

Departs at 7 pm (19:00) from Pier 81 ( map ).

This cruise is well-reviewed.

• Adults/$41 | Children/$34

Included for free with the purchase of the New York Pass and the Explorer Pass.

Statue by Night Cruise

• $31 – Adult | $19 – Child
• Departs at 7:30 pm (19:30) from Pier 16/South Street Seaport ( map )

What Boat Ride in NYC is Free?

This section summarizes the various free, and almost free, options for you to get out on the water of NYC.

Though none of these options are "official" boat tours, each offers guests incredible views of the New York skyline, Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and more.  

• Staten Island Ferry
• East River Ferry
• IKEA Shuttle Ferry
• Kayaking + Rowb oats

Budget Tip:  If you are planning on purchasing the one of the New York City tourist passes, most have boat tours included in the price. Read our post to see if one of New York tourist passes are for you . 

1.   Staten Island Ferry  

This may be the best-known "secret" in the Big Apple. This is a free commuter ferry.

It just so happens that this ferry offers one of the best views of the New York skyline including a pretty close look at the  Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The ferry departs Lower Manhattan and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Staten Island, where you could get off and explore or just get back on and return to Manhattan. The ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal.  

The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, so consider making this also a fantastic thing to do at night for a sparkling view of the city. 

Riding the ferry before or after our Lower Manhattan Tour  is a great way to spend half a day without spending half your budget!

We also offer this tour as a GPS-enabled audio tour .

2.  NYC Ferry  

This is the cheapest boat ride in NYC, after the free Staten Island Ferry.  This is also a commuter ferry and costs the same as a subway, just $4 one way. 

The East River Ferry connects Lower and Midtown Manhattan making stops in Brooklyn and in Queens along the way.

In the summer, the ferry also goes to  Governors Island , located just near the tip of Manhattan.

From start to finish a ride is about 45 minutes.

Riding the ferry will give you great views of Lower Manhattan , the Freedom Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge (you ride right under it), the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge and more.

Read our NYC Ferry  post for all the details, schedules, stops and how to buy your ticket.

3. Water Taxi IKEA Shuttle Ferry  

This ferry service runs from Wall Street Terminal to Red Hook in Brooklyn.

It's free on weekends and $5 on weekdays. If you make at least a $10 purchase at IKEA, then your weekday ride is free.

It's a great way to get to the cool NYC neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn and back without taking the subway.

4. Free Kayaking

The Downtown Boathouse , one of the organizations that run the kayak rides is an all-volunteer organization. Donations are accepted.

They have four locations: Pier 26, Governors Island, Pier 40 and Pier 96.  

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse also offers free kayaking, where you can kayak underneath the Brooklyn Bridge .

5.  Village Community Boathouse  

Perfect for a more adventurous soul, Village Community Boathouse offers guests the chance to participate in completely free community rowing sessions after dusk from April - November.  

On Sundays they also have an additional rowing session at noon, as well as a variety of other activities intermittently throughout the year.

During the winter, guests can join in for a free boat-building lesson.

Is the Statue of Liberty ferry free?

No. Although there are many ways to save money on this activity, it is not free to visit the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty ferry is the only way to reach this island. If you only want to see the landmark from a short distance, consider taking a Statue of Liberty cruise instead.

For more details, read our post covering how to visit the Statue of Liberty .

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 new york city boat tours with the best views.

Escape the crowded city streets and admire the iconic skyline from the water.

The 9 New York City Boat Tours

Getty Images

Taking a boat tour is a must-do when visiting New York City , as it gives you a full view of the mighty Manhattan skyline and many of its famous bridges and buildings. Whether you're looking for a leisurely kayak trip along the Hudson River or a romantic sunset sail, you'll find a cruise to suit your interests. Consulting both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News gathered nine of the best New York City boat tours.

Classic Harbor Line – AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour

Price: Adults from $116; students from $86 Duration: 2.75 hours

Admire some of the city's most significant architecture on this cruise from Classic Harbor Line. With a member of the American Institute of Architects as your guide, you'll spot towering residential buildings, Little Island at Pier 55 and more. Guides will also discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impacts on cities. Reviewers who enjoy the cruise's quiet, intimate atmosphere describe it as the highlight of their trip and say it offers a unique perspective compared to other boat cruises in the city.

Tours depart once or twice daily; between January and March, tours only operate Thursday through Sunday. The company also offers sunset, brunch and jazz cruises.

Check prices & availability on:

Circle Line Sightseeing – Best of NYC Cruise

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $38 Duration: 2.5 hours

See all of the Big Apple's top landmarks with this cruise from Circle Line Sightseeing. The tour, which departs from Pier 83, completely circles Manhattan. During the trip, you'll see the Empire State Building , the Statue of Liberty , the Brooklyn Bridge , Yankee Stadium and more. Reviewers say the tour provides a great overview of the city and describe onboard guides as engaging storytellers. Others note that if there's a high tide you will not be able to do a full circle of Manhattan.

Tours typically depart multiple times daily, though specific times vary depending on the season. Boats are equipped with free Wi-Fi and an onboard cafe. The company also offers an express cruise to the Statue of Liberty and an evening Harbor Lights cruise, among others.

The BEAST Speedboat Ride

Price: Adults from $32; kids from $25 Duration: 30 minutes

Those who love a good thrill may want to check out The BEAST Speedboat Ride. The boat reaches speeds of about 45 mph as it makes its way from Pier 83 to the Statue of Liberty. Reviewers say the ride is fast and fun and warn you'll likely get wet if you sit in the back.

Tours, which last about 30 minutes, run from early May through the end of September and depart hourly from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

New York Media Boat – Adventure Sightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $75 Duration: 1 hour

Designed for photographers, the Adventure Sightseeing Tour takes riders on a U.S. Navy-designed boat past key city sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Chelsea Piers, among others. The captain stops the boat multiple times throughout the narrated cruise for photo opportunities. Participants praise the informative guides and say the tour is a great option for kids, who are sure to enjoy the thrilling boat speeds. Others say the cruise delivers on its promise of yielding great photos.

Tours run multiple times daily. The company also offers private charters.

Manhattan Kayak Company – Skyline Kayak Tour

Price: From $65 Duration: 90 minutes

For a unique perspective of the New York skyline, consider this tour from Manhattan Kayak Company. The Skyline Kayak Tour, designed for kayakers with little to no experience, spends some time teaching you how to kayak followed by a paddle on the Hudson River. The tour includes a few stops so that guides can share information about the city's history. Reviewers say it is a great value and a fun way to see the city.

Participants must be 12 or older, and kids 12 to 14 must be in a tandem kayak with an adult. Tourgoers must also weigh less than 225 pounds. Tours depart at varying times Thursday through Tuesday. There is an occasional Wednesday tour during the fall months. Manhattan Kayak Company also offers intermediate and advanced kayak tours, as well as stand-up paddleboard tours.

City Experiences – New York Signature Brunch Cruise

Price: Adults from $74; kids from $63 Duration: 2 hours

This tour glides by sites like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center while you enjoy a buffet brunch complete with unlimited mimosas, music, games and open-air decks. Reviewers say the staff is welcoming and they had a great experience.

The tour departs from Pier 61 on Sundays at noon. City Experiences also offers a traditional sightseeing cruise of the city.

Manhattan By Sail – Clipper City Day Sail

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $35 Duration: 90 minutes

This cruise takes you around the city on the largest tall ship in New York City. The boat offers large decks perfect for enjoying skyline views – as well as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – as you cruise around the New York harbor. Plus, you can purchase snacks and drinks on board. Reviewers describe the tour as interesting, relaxing and informative and say the crew is personal and professional.

Tours operate weekly, though specific days and times vary. Manhattan By Sail also operates a Wine & Jazz cruise, a sunset cruise and more.

City Experiences – New York Bateaux Premier Lunch Cruise

Price: Adults from $72; kids from $53 Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy an elegant cruise on a European-style, glass-enclosed boat with Bateaux New York (operated by City Experiences). The cruise, which takes passengers past top New York City landmarks, also includes a buffet lunch, a pianist and narration about the city. Alcohol is available for an additional cost, and casual attire is recommended. Reviewers say the service is excellent, though the food receives mixed reviews.

Cruises depart weekly, though specific times and days vary. Bateaux New York also operates brunch and dinner cruises.

Brooklyn Sail – Group Sail

Price: From $80 Duration: 2.5 hours

Climb aboard the Enchantress with just five other passengers for a cruise with Brooklyn Sail. During your outing, you'll see Governors Island, Tribeca, the Statue of Liberty and more. Plus, you're welcome to bring your own food and drink (though the company asks you to avoid red wine and messy foods). Tour-takers say it's an amazing experience, with many noting it makes a great gift.

Tours depart several times daily, but sailings are limited in the colder months. The ship departs from Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park . Brooklyn Sail also runs private charters and offers sailing lessons.

Interested in more New York City tours? Check out the:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Food Tours
• Best New York City Bus Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Walking Tours

Tags: New York City , Travel , Tours , Vacations , New York Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Amazon prime day luggage deals.

Amanda Norcross June 25, 2024

Sun Princess Review

Holly Johnson June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #
• My Offers 5

Front-row seats for fireworks. The best 4th of July views are on the water BOOK NOW

Dad jokes are funnier on the water. Reel in Father’s Day on a cruise BOOK NOW

Stars, Stripes, & Savings. Set sail for 20%* off 4th of July cruises BOOK NOW & SAVE

Book early for 20%* off Father’s Day. Cruise into a new family tradition BOOK NOW & SAVE

City Cruises – New York

City cruises.

View Cruises

Host Your Group Event on the Water

Recommended Experiences in New York

What people are saying, new york city cruises blog.

Anchoring Employee Engagement with City Cruises Daytime Social Events 

The Perfect Intimate and Small Wedding Venues in New York City

The Best Idea for a Post-Wedding Brunch in New York City

A Fun-Filled Father’s Day 2024 in New Jersey

Extraordinary Experiences You Can’t-Miss This Summer (2024)

Throw an Unforgettable New York City Bachelor Party

Plan a Last Splash with a Bachelorette Party in New York City

A Unique Idea for a Bridal Shower in New York City

Feel Showered with Love with a Bridal Shower in New Jersey

Get Ready for the Big Day with a Rehearsal Dinner in New York

Frequently asked questions, what are the top cruises in new york.

• NYC Dinner Cruises
• NYC Sightseeing Cruises
• NYC Brunch Cruises
• Cocktail Cruises in New York City

More about the best boat tours in New York

Are private boat charters in new york available.

• NYC Private Boat Charters
• NYC Wedding Cruises
• New York City Corporate Events
• New York City School Events

Which landmarks and famous sights can you see on a New York cruise?

Water & boat attractions in new york city.

City Cruises New York | Statue Cruises | NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise | New York Alive After Five Cruise | New York Signature Dinner Cruise | Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise | Bateaux New York Premier Brunch Cruise | Bateaux New York Premier Lunch Cruise | New York Signature Brunch Cruise Pier 15 | New York Signature Brunch Cruise Pier 61 | New York Signature Lunch Cruise

Things to do near New York City

Things to do in New Jersey | Things to do in Toronto | Things to do in Gananoque | Things to do in Chicago | Things to do in Philadelphia | Things to do in Boston | Things to do in Niagara Falls | Things to do in Washington DC | Things to do in Alexandria | Things to do in Baltimore | Things to do in Weehawken

Recommended for New York

Official NYC Downtown Experience – Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory | Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour | Fully Guided Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island | Meet The Met: Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour | NYC: 9/11 Memorial Tour & Priority Entrance 9/11 Museum Tickets |   Must-See Manhattan including SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Ticket | NYC: 9/11 Memorial Tour with Priority Entrance Observatory Tickets | Met Express: Highlights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art | Devour Food & Drink Tours | Walks

Trending Attractions

Chicago Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour | New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise | Depths & Discovery of the 1000 Islands Cruise | Boston’s Freedom Trail with North End Neighborhood Walk | CODZILLA Thrill-boat Ride | Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour | 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise | Voyage to Niagara Falls Boat Tour | Washington DC Monuments Tour From The Wharf | Mount Vernon from DC or Alexandria | Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Holiday Experiences in New York City

New York 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 61 | New York 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15 | New York Father’s Day Signature Dinner Cruise | New York Father’s Day Signature Brunch Cruise Pier 15 | Bateaux New York Mother’s Day Premier Plus Afternoon Brunch Cruise | Bateaux New York Thanksgiving Day Premier Dinner Cruise | New York Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise | Bateaux New York Christmas Eve Premier Dinner Cruise | New York Christmas Eve Signature Dinner Cruise | New York Christmas Day Signature Dinner Cruise | Bateaux New York New Year’s Eve Premier Plus Dinner Cruise | Bateaux New York New Year’s Day Premier Dinner Cruise | New York New Year’s Day Signature Dinner Cruise | Bateaux New York Easter Premier Plus Dinner Cruise |   Valentine’s Bateaux New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise

Be the first to get offers and news

Shopping cart.

Find Your Experience

The 16 Absolute Best Cruises in New York

There’s nothing better than exploring New York City by boat on a hot summer day. The warm summer breeze, amazing skyline views, and pure relaxation are the reasons why we highly recommend a boat trip in NYC in the summer.

You'll also love this:

• The 6 Best Jazz Cruises in NYC
• The 4 Best Dinner Cruises in NYC
• The 11 Best Statue of Liberty Cruises

We have tried all of the boat tours so you’re getting an inside scoop on the best sightseeing cruises, sailing trips and dinner cruises here in the city. Some of them offer live jazz music, open bars, and dancing. It’s the ultimate summer experience you shouldn’t miss.

Classic Harbor Line: Champagne City Lights Cruise

We had an amazing time onboard the luxurious 1920s inspired motor yacht. Combine sightseeing with a romantic evening and step onboard the 1920s inspired boat at Pier 62 (Chelsea Piers – W. 22nd and Hudson River). During the 90-minutes long tour, you’ll get to see iconic NYC sights along the water and most importantly breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Especially in the summer, you can admire the most beautiful sunset during this special cruise. There is seating inside the yacht and outside seating as well.

Classic Harbor Line: Sailboat Day Cruise to the Statue of Liberty

By far the best way to admire New York City’s iconic skyline is from the water. With this day cruise along the Hudson River, you can take in the most recognized cityscape in the world while relaxing on board the elegant Adirondack schooner. Sip complimentary wine, beer, and Champagne while looking out over iconic sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Battery Park.

Circle Line - Harbor Lights Night Cruise

The Harbor Lights Cruise by Cricle Line is an amazing way to see the NYC from the water. As the lights start to sparkle across the Hudson and East Rivers at dusk you see the beauty of the city at night from a whole different angle.

Circle Line - Best of NYC Cruise

The Best of NYC Cruise takes you once around the whole island of Manhattan. This is a great way to explore the city from the water and see more than 25 of the top sights NYC has to offer. Because this is one of the most popular cruises make sure to book your tickets beforehand online to secure your spot.

60-Min Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

You start at the South Street Seaport right next to New York’s most famous bridge – the Brooklyn Bridge. From there, you will make a leisurely drive to the southern tip of Manhattan and you will be in the Port of New York where you can see the Statue of Liberty for the first time. On the way there you can also clearly see the new highest building in the evening skyline: the One World Trade Center.

What is the Best Cruise in New York for you?

There are over 40 boat and sailing tours in New York and it’s not easy to choose the best one. That’s where our Cruise Finder comes in. It will help you find the best boat tour for you!

Spirit: Lunch Cruise

Relax on a comfortable boat as it cruises around New York Harbor and Manhattan on this relaxing 2-hour afternoon cruise that includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and DJ’ed music. Get great views and a different perspective on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building. And indulge in the delicious buffet lunch while doing it. Upgrade the afternoon to receive a welcome glass of champagne in a souvenir glass, a table for your party size, and access to a platinum open bar.

Classic Harbor Line: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan

From one of our absolute favorite boat tours in New York there is also a Jazz Cruise. You are on board a luxury yacht in the style of the 1920s, which has a wonderful charm and is not to be compared with the big sightseeing ships. The jazz cruise starts at the Chelsea Piers and takes you along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York. On the way you can enjoy a wonderful view of the New York skyline and smooth jazz at the same time.

And the best part? The first drink is included in the price of the Jazz Cruise!

New York Harbor Evening Sail with Live Jazz

You will sail with the beautiful tall ship “Clipper City” from Battery Park southwards into the harbor of New York and can admire the illuminated One World Trade Center and the skyline from close range. The atmosphere on the tall ship is really very special: you are surrounded by locals, the hustle and bustle of the city is far away and you are immediately deeply relaxed.

Circle Line - Liberty Cruise

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty from close by, without all the hassle of having to wait in a long line for the ferry and being one of very many toruists on Liberty Island, this is the perfect alternative. The Liberty Cruise by Circle Line is a great way to see the NYC skyline from the water, as well as get up close to the Statue of Liberty for some amazing pictures.

Bateaux: Dinner Cruise

Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world’s great cities, and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the on-board executive chef. Upgrade to enjoy a romantic or first class VIP experience including a private table and French sparkling wine.

Honorable William Wall

The Honorable William Wall, affectionately called “Willy Wall”, is the floating clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club. The clubhouse is anchored in New York Harbor north of Ellis Island from May to October. What is so special about it? It’s definitely an insider’s spot, which not only gives you a great view of Ellis Island and of course the Statue of Liberty – you can also enjoy the sunset from here.

Manhattan By Sail: Champagne Brunch

Step back in time and enjoy a Sunday brunch on board a 1920s schooner in New York Harbor. Choose from a plentiful buffet, while you take in close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.

New York City Sunset Cruise: Sail Schooner Adirondack

The sailing trip into the sunset is definitely one of my highlights in New York and definitely one of the best cruise in New York. During this two-hour tour, the Statue of Liberty awaits you, you can have a drink and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere!

Champagne Brunch Sail Aboard The Classic Schooner Shearwater

At the Champagne Brunch Sail you will start the day in a very relaxed way with the historic tall ship “Shearwater”. The two-ship is located in the probably most expensive marina in Manhattan in direct proximity of the One World Trade Center. You start directly at the Hudson River, from where you sail towards the harbour. From the Shearwater you can relax and admire the skyline – best with a glass of champagne in your hand!

For the locals, the New York Ferry or NYC Ferry is one of the most important means of transport when it comes to reliability and speed. Unfortunately, the subway is always a problem, which is why you sometimes never know exactly if it is running and if so when. Not so with the NYC Ferry – and the best? For $3 you can take a really great boat tour along the East River!

Boat and Sailing trips in NYC

Fall in love with New York City during one of the amazing sailing trips. You will get to see the iconic skyline of Lower Manhattan , Ellis Island and Lady Liberty herself while enjoying your time on the vessel with wine, cheese, and live music.

Dinner Cruises in Summer

Take your date on a fancy yacht for the perfect night out. Dinner cruises are very popular and especially in the summer, it is the ideal way to explore New York City while eating a great meal and have a couple of drinks.

4th of July cruises

Avoid long lines and hours of waiting outside to watch the fireworks. Just hop on a yacht and relax. The 4th of July dinner cruises offers you front-row seats for the stunning 4th of July fireworks by Macy’s.

The 8 Absolute Best Jazz Cruises in New York

The 11 Absolute Best Dinner Cruises in NYC Right Now (2024)

The 12 Best Statue of Liberty Cruises

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Cruise the Hudson River aboard the Pride of the Hudson!

Cruise through the majestic Hudson Highlands aboard the luxurious Pride of the Hudson on the Hudson River! Your adventure will begin at Pride’s Landing in Newburgh, NY and your captain will narrate the sights along the way!

Bask in the open air on the spacious sundeck or enjoy the comfort of our climate controlled main salon featuring huge wrap-around windows. Our friendly and professional crew will respond to all of your needs.

• We specialize in Sightseeing Cruises, Weddings and Private Charters
• Elegance for all affairs
• 2 Hour narrated sightseeing cruises
• Customized cruises for Schools and Camps
• Two Cash Bars-light Snacks
• Air-conditioned and Heated
• From our ship see: Bannerman’s Island, Cold Spring, Storm King Mountain, Breakneck Mountain, and West Point
• Cruises from May 1st – October 31st
• Coast Guard Inspected

Hudson River Cruises

Sightseeing tours starting from newburgh ny, cruises multiple days a week aboard the luxurious pride of the hudson.

 More Information      Book Now!

Ready for a Hudson River Cruise?

Cruise along the Hudson River  aboard the luxurious  Pride of the Hudson !

Your adventure will begin at Pride’s Landing in Newburgh, NY and your captain will narrate the sights along the way, including:

• Washington’s Headquarters  – established as a historic site in 1850 because George Washington spent so much time here during the Revolutionary War!
• Mount Beacon  – the highest point between the Catskills and the Atlantic Ocean. Beacon fires were built here during the Revolutionary War.
• Bannerman Island  – this historic Island is known for its warehouse, built to resemble a Scottish Castle.
• Breakneck Mountain  – legend has it that the mountain was named for a farmer’s bull that fell down the cliff and broke its neck. A granite quarry at its base supplied material for the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge, the base of the Statue of Liberty, and sidewalks in New York City.
• Cold Spring – a quaint town known for its restaurants and antiques.
• World’s End – the deepest point of the Hudson River. Explorers believed that the river stopped there, but eventually realized that after the sharp “S” bend it continued
• Constitution Island  – during the Revolutionary War, chains were run from here to West Point.
• West Point – the United States Military Academy at West Point boasts beautiful & historic buildings including Eisenhower Hall, their chapel, field house, & more.

Bask in the open air on the spacious sundeck  or enjoy the comfort of our  climate controlled main salon  featuring huge wrap-around windows. Our friendly and professional crew will respond to all of your needs.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

All departures from Pride’s Landing; Newburgh, NY. Rain or Shine.

ADVANCE PURCHASE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED BECAUSE CRUISES OFTEN SELL OUT IN ADVANCE!

Pride of the hudson gift cards.

Gift a luxurious day or evening cruise on the Hudson River aboard the Pride of the Hudson. Our gift certificates are the perfect solution for making any special event or occasion a truly unique and memorable experience.

 Purchase A Gift Card!

CHOOSE YOUR HUDSON VALLEY SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Hudson River-Independence

Enjoy the changing colors on this fantastic Fall Foliage cruise, roundtrip from the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ – New York City! The Hudson River will be your guide, cruising North along the landscape of New York. Through the Catskill Mountains, you’ll dock in some of the oldest towns in America, while the world is framed by glorious reds, oranges and yellows! The Hudson River Valley is well known for its Autumn colors for good reason. Immerse yourself in the history of this scenic region – from the American Revolution, presidential mansions, and historic artists, to the Legends of Sleepy Hollow in Tarrytown – Autumn is an amazing time to visit the Hudson River.

Ports of call: Albany, Kingston, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, New York City

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Embark in New York City, NY Enjoy a delightful day of cruising along the Hudson River to West Point.

2 Catskill, NY Steeped in history and tradition, the United States Military Academy at West Point offers visitors the opportunity to walk on the grandiose grounds once trekked by some of the nation’s greatest generals, like Patton, Eisenhower and MacArthur. Founded in 1802 by an act of Congress, the Academy has been of significant military importance to America since Revolutionary days. Tour the West Point Museum and Cadet Chapel and view magnificent vistas of the Hudson Valley from atop the campus grounds.

3 Albany, NY The picturesque region of what is today the city of Albany was discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609 on a failed attempt to find a quick passage to China for the Dutch East India Company. Today the capital city of New York state welcomes visitors with majestic architecture and grand views of the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Be sure to explore the New York State Museum and the newly renovated State Capitol building, originally built in the late 1800’s.

4 Kingston, NY/Hyde Park, NY With the invention of the steamboat in 1807, the Hudson River became a waterway of leisurely travel with literally hundreds of vessels making their way up and down the picturesque passage. Originally the capital of New York in the late 1700’s, today Kingston preserves the maritime heritage of the Hudson River at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Kingston is also located in an area of the Hudson River often referred to as “Millionaires Row” – with palatial estates and grand mansions reminiscent of the mid-1800’s when wealthy New York businessmen began buying property in the beautiful valley for summer retreats.

5 West Point, NY The US Military Academy at West Point offers visitors the opportunity to walk on the hallowed grounds once traversed by some of the nation's greatest generals.

6 Sleepy Hollow, NY The riverside town of Sleepy Hollow is forever immortalized in the works of one of the country’s first great writers, Washington Irving. The author found inspiration in the tales and scenery of the Hudson Valley as the basis for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle.” Today Washington Irving’s country home, Sunnyside, is a Registered National Historic Landmark and welcomes visitors with legends and lore.

7 New York City, NY Discover the sights, sounds and history of this extraordinary city! From South Street Seaport to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History, New York encapsulates the culture and spirit of America. Explore the Big Apple on your own, or join a narrated tour of the city’s biggest landmarks.

8 Disembark in New York City, NY End your journey where it began in the vibrant city of Manhattan. Reflect upon your wonderful adventure as you begin your travels home. Or, stay an extra day or two to explore more.

Map & Gallery

Cabin Categories

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

Onboard Experience

The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on. The large staterooms with interior entrances ensure you have a relaxed, private area to watch the river from, or visit any of the many onboard lounges. Daily entertainment will be brought onboard, including musicians, historians and naturalists.

Regionally-Inspired Menus

American Cruise Lines uses fresh, local ingredients to show off the culinary glory of the region you’re cruising in. On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack.

Eagle Society

Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. After 3 cruises, you’ll receive complimentary premium shore excursions. After 10 cruises, you’ll get a complimentary 11th cruise. There are special Eagle Society cruise dates every year. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well.

• Best of the Northwest
• Travel Abroad
• Travel Health
• Travel Warnings
• US Travel Security
• Vessel Sanitation Program
• Airline On-Time Stats
• Airline Status
• Portland City Tours, Oregon Wine Tours, Mt. Hood Tours
• World Clock
• Travel Agents
• Travel Insurance
• Video Gallery
• Cruise Recipes

Sign up for our e-Newsletter & receive exclusive offers!

10000 NE 7th Ave Suite 125, Vancouver, WA 98685 Contact

Call us at 800-578-1479

We are closed for the season. Thank you to all of our customers, hope to see you next spring!

Hudson Cruises, Inc.

Hudson river boat tours in ny, a scenic trip you'll love.

With more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, Captain Guy ensures that locals and visitors alike enjoy their adventure on the Hudson — so much so that Hudson Cruises, Inc. was featured in USA Today’s Travel Tips as one of their top three “Dinner Cruises in the Hudson River Valley.”

From public cruises to a private charter cruise, we offer it all. Enjoy a scenic trip or start a new tradition with old friends aboard our vessels. We offer weekly sightseeing cruises.

More Hudson Experiences

Private cruises.

Learn More »

TripAdvisor's #1 Tour in Hudson, NY

We loved this two hour cruise. It was very comfortable and informative and the crew were helpful and friendly. They also have very convenient hours and great views!

What a wonderful boat ride and a a beautiful day. We really enjoyed seeing the eagles and the beautiful foliage. Great narration about the Hudson River.

The captain was knowledgeable and welcoming. We loved the trip on the boat. We got a good vantage point from which to view the Hudson River and we were able to see historic sites like Olana from the boat.

Our cruise was informative and relaxing. The staff was helpful and the scenery was awesome. Many birds were pointed out along the ride, as well as focal points along the Hudson River.

We had a ball! Our crew was wonderful and it was a wonderful day on the river! Highly recommend for a lovely afternoon with friends and family.

• Gift Certificates & Season Passes
• Live Support: 845-340-4700

Tour Updates & Safety Information

Hudson River Cruises is excited to continue our almost 40-year tradition of sightseeing cruises on the historic Hudson River. The health and well being of our guests and crew members is our number one priority. Our policies are designed to keep everyone safe, while also allowing for an enjoyable experience.

• All unvaccinated guests over the age of 2 are requested to wear a facial mask while indoors on the vessel.

We are running at up to full capacities which does not allow for much distancing on a passenger vessel. Please bring your mask if you are uncomfortable in what could be a crowded environment or if you are unvaccinated.

More Questions?

Call 843-277-9337 or email us . Live support office hours are 7 days a week 8am-5pm

• Buy Tickets
• Buy Gift Certificates
• General Line: 845-340-4700
• Sightseeing Cruises
• Special Event Cruises
• Private Events
• Group Tours
• Hotel Packages
• Captain’s Blog
• 845-340-4700
•   Buy Tickets Now

Holiday Sale Big Savings

Now cruising.

Your list of top things to do in the Hudson Valley has to include a sightseeing cruise on the Hudson River! Enjoy clear views of historic Hudson River lighthouses, waterfront mansions, and other notable sites aboard the Rip Van Winkle II.

Looking for a fun weekend evening activity? Look no further! Share a unique experience with family and friends and dance the night away aboard a DJ Dance or Live Music cruise on the Hudson River!

Make your next special occasion stand out! Whether celebrating a class reunion, birthday party, anniversary, graduation party or any other special occasion, a cruise down the historic Hudson River makes it truly unforgettable.

Planning a group tour? We’re the Hudson Valley tourism experts! For over 35 years, we've shared our love and knowledge of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley with residents, visitors, and groups of all types.

THE HUDSON VALLEY'S PREMIER SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCE

Featuring guided tours, live music, sunset cruises & more.

For over 35 years, Hudson River Cruises has provided passengers a first-hand view of the historic shoreline from the decks of the Rip Van Winkle II. From our location in the heart of the Hudson River Valley in Kingston NY, we provide a delightfully unique opportunity to explore this scenic shoreline.

As you relax on the cool shaded deck of the Rip Van Winkle II, visit our beverage & snack bars for tasty refreshments. Your experienced guide will point out millionaires' sumptuous estates, picturesque Hudson River lighthouses and quaint, sleepy villages surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites.

Our Sightseeing Tour Route

Experience the Hudson Valley like never before aboard a Hudson River Cruise. Explore the Tour Route Below!

GOURMET DINNER & CRUISE

Add a premium dinner package to your sightseeing experience.

You can’t find a more romantic setting in the summer than on the historic Hudson River! Add a Dinner Package to your 2:30 Cruise and enjoy a delicious dinner at Mariner's Restaurant after your Sightseeing Cruise.

Live Music Cruise

Enjoy live music along the scenic hudson river.

If you love music outdoors in the summertime, a Hudson River Cruise with live music is a must-do experience! You’ll cruise along the scenic shores of the Hudson River as you take in the sights, sounds, and summer vibes.

A TOP THING TO DO IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

The top-rated sightseeing experience on the hudson river.

Looking for the most relaxing, fun way to spend an afternoon in the Hudson Valley? Grab your friends and family and come aboard the Rip Van Winkle II for the ultimate sightseeing experience.

view calendar

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SUNSET CRUISE!

Enjoy a delicious meal and fun voyage on the hudson river.

Come Aboard and Enjoy a Sunset Sightseeing Cruise as we cruise past the Rondout and Espous Lighthouses!

Elevate Your Next Event with a Private Charter

Make your next private event or special occasion unique and memorable with a cruise on the Rip Van Winkle II. From corporate events to weddings and everything in between — a Hudson River Cruise is sure to exceed the expectations of any group gathering.

Unique Private Events

With room for up to 300 passengers and views unlike any other, the Rip Van Winkle II is the ultimate event venue in the Hudson Valley. From weddings and rehearsal dinners to birthdays and anniversaries, a private cruise on the Hudson will make your next event unforgettable!

Unforgettable Group Tours

From educational school field trips to tourism excursions, a Hudson River Cruises group tour is the best way to experience the Hudson Valley. Bring your group aboard the Rip Van Winkle II for an afternoon or evening of fun!

Gift Certificates

Gift the experience of a day or evening cruise on the Hudson River aboard the Rip Van Winkle II. Hudson River Cruises’ gift certificates are the perfect solution for making any special event or occassion a truly unique and memorable experience.

What People Are Saying About Hudson River Cruises

Subscribe to our mailing list

• Sightseein Cruise
• Charters & Weddings

Dock: 1 East Strand Street Kingston, NY 12401

(845) 340-4700 or 1-800-843-7472

Business Office (Mailing Address): 40 Rondout Landing Kingston, NY 12401

Copyright © 2024 Hudson River Cruises. Website Powered by Twin Cities Agency Diedrich RPM

Cruises Depart Daily!

Take a trip through Lock 18 on the Erie Canal

RESERVE YOUR CRUISE TICKETS TODAY!

Sightseeing cruises.

Cruise through a Lock!

GROUP SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

Groups of 25 or more

THE ERIE CANAL EXPERIENCE

Cruise The Historic Erie Canal!

• Departs Daily!

ERIE CANAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Our sight seeing cruises depart daily! Enjoy the scenery of the Mohawk Valley as you cruise the calm waters of the Erie Canal, learning about the history of the area and locks.

• Tags Daily Cruise

CONNECT WITH US

Erie Canal Cruises, Inc

We welcome you to beautiful Mohawk Valley and Erie Canal Cruises. Erie Canal Cruises tour boat Lil’ Diamond II is docked at Gems Along the Mohawk, the Official Mohawk Valley Visitor Center. Located at 800 Mohawk Street in Herkimer, NY, we are directly across from the New York State Thruway Exit 30.

We invite you to join us on our USGC Certified vessel for a fun and historically fascinating cruise, back to a time when the canal was just a vision and the barges were pulled by mules and horses. Travel thru a hundred-year-old lock, relax and enjoy – you’ll be glad you did.

NEWS & EVENTS

Special Events

Make your plans now to get on board the most popular cruise on the Erie Canal.

Give the gift of cruising!

Our cruise gift cards are a perfect gift for everyone on the list.

OVER 1,000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRIPADVISOR!

A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR ALL AGES

This cruise was very informative and narrated well by the captain as well as a recording. The price was very reasonable and my husband and I really enjoyed how the lifts worked. A very enjoyable day!

WHAT A GEM!

We thoroughly enjoyed this hidden gem of a cruise! Everyone was friendly and the captain was incredibly knowledgeable. Kids should take this cruise to learn about the rich history of our canal system.

INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL

Cruising the Erie Canal was a beautiful adventure. It was exciting to actually enter the lock and see how the water is controlled for boats along the Mohawk River. The historical and geographical information was very interesting, as well. A very worthwhile experience.

FUN AND EDUCATIONAL

The captain had a wonderful personality, and great knowledge. The mate was very helpful as well. Great cruise, lots of history and wonderful views.

ERIE CANAL CRUISE

Great cruise. Very informational. Had a great time. Very comfortable ride. The Locks were exciting. Captain was very entertaining. Had dinner after the cruise in the Waterfront Grille and it was excellent. Great service and great food.

CANAL CRUISE

Very nice cruise. The captain was very informative narrating the cruise. The scenery was very peaceful and we even saw a bald eagle! The locks were interesting and fun to be in while we went to different levels of the river. Great trip. Really enjoyed it.

10 Best Eco-Tours You Can Take In New York City

• Choose eco-friendly transportation: Use the highly efficient and cheap mass transit system of subways and buses in NYC to reduce carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable tourism.
• Explore NYC's top attractions sustainably: Opt for these eco-friendly NYC tours that have a minimal impact on the environment and showcase the city's history, parks, and cultural landmarks. Walk, cycle, or take an eco sailboat tour to experience the Big Apple while being environmentally conscious.
• Embrace sustainable food options: Join a walking food tour that showcases quintessential New York street food while walking through the city's streets instead of using vehicles. By supporting local eateries and choosing sustainable transportation, tourists can contribute to a greener New York City.

Eco-tourism and eco-travel in New York City? Yes, the world's busiest cosmopolitan does a lot to make it an environmentally friendly destination. The best example of this is its highly useful and used mass transit system of subway and bus services. Citizens and visitors are highly encouraged to use this super efficient and cheap mode of transportation within the city.

Sustainable tourism is conscientious travel, and this means being careful with the environment and respecting the community. Visitors can contribute towards this effort by choosing mass transit over taxis, staying at eco-friendly New York City hotels or homestays that make an effort to be “green,” shopping at a locally owned store, and eating at a diner or coffee shop instead of at a branded fast-food chain. Plus, New York City recycles its bottles and cans (including bottled water), and travelers can look for containers for recyclables before discarding litter.

Outside of the everyday small things that people can do to be eco-friendly during an NYC vacation, they can also be kind to the environment while sightseeing and having fun in the Big Apple. Tourists have an incredible amount of interesting things to do in NYC, and the city offers them lots of eco-friendly options while doing so - in the form of eco-friendly NYC tours. Here is a list of some of the best eco-tours in New York City that let travelers explore its top sights and sounds while ensuring a low-impact, low carbon footprint at the same time.

The following eco-friendly tours in New York City were selected based on their minimal impact on the environment, low carbon footprint, and appreciation and value of nature. From walking and cycling tours to excursions to botanical gardens and farms that highlight nature's importance, these environmentally friendly NYC tours are worth it for eco-conscious travelers.

Historic NYC Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown New York City! No other historical neighborhood can lay claim to so much impact or influence in the world over a relatively brief period in global events, and so a tour like this one is an essential item on the bucket list of things to do in NYC for anyone.

The tour retraces the evolution of Lower Manhattan, the historic role of New York Harbor, and the covert activities of the Revolutionary War. While on the tour, visitors will explore key historical locations like Wall Street, Stone Street Historic District, Trinity Church, Federal Hall, Hamilton's grave site, etc., and discover how Lower Manhattan has transformed since 9/11.

Downtown Manhattan is one of the most densely populated places in New York City, and a walking tour is a refreshing and most eco-friendly way of seeing this iconic city.

• Price: $50 per person
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Meeting Point: Upon reservation, travelers will receive a confirmation with maps and the best mode of transportation to get to the meeting point
• Reservation: Click here for reservations

Related: Just 25 Beautiful Photos Of New York City's Skyline

Central Park Walking Tour

Central Park is certainly one of the most popular places in New York City. They say even a few days walking through Central Park (which is free to visit) will not be enough to cover its many hidden corners and stories. The only way to see the park to justify the park's true potential is by walking, and this expert-led Central Park Walking Tour offers views and entrance to areas unavailable to even cyclists.

It is a relaxing stroll of a little over two hours covering the history, structures, plants, animals, and movies filmed in the park, told in a way both entertaining for adults and children. Visitors are expected to have a moderate fitness level of being able to walk for 2 hours at a comfortable pace. Being a rather large park, it's best to follow a guide who knows it very well to have a richer experience.

• Price: $45 per person
• Duration: 2 hours
• Meeting Point: CENTRALPARKHORSES, 7TH AVE &, Central Park S, New York, NY 10019

This tour will have a maximum of 12 travelers.

New York Botanical Garden Visit

Located in the Bronx, the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden is nature's paradise in every season of the year. With 50 breathtaking gardens, indoor rain forests and deserts, 50 acres of native forest, a river, waterfalls, and rolling green hills, the Garden is a blessing for the environment and a must-see destination for NYC visitors.

The garden is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. Most of the Garden consists of outdoor spaces and are open in all weather conditions. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and exploration. Refreshments are available at the Pine Tree Café within the property.

• Price: $35 per adult, $31 per student/senior (65+), $15 per child (2-12), Free (children under 2, members)
• Duration: All day pass
• Location: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458

Related: The New York Botanical Gardens Are Home To NYC's Old Growth Forests, But That's Not The Only Reason To Visit

New York City Skyline Night Sailboat Tour

Seeing New York City's lights at night is a spectacle that just cannot be missed. City Lights Sail on America 2.0 is a breathtaking eco-friendly cruise through the waters of New York Harbor, sailing past One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, all lit up brilliantly to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that begs to be repeated, and more than just once.

This incredible eco-friendly ride is one of the best places to view the New York City skyline . It's better enjoyed with a romantic companion or a close group of friends who want to have a quiet, relaxed evening and watch the most admired skyline in the world. Each seat allows a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, or soda, and additional beverages are available for purchase by credit card.

• Price: $76 per person
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Extreme high winds, fog, torrential rain, extremely low temperatures, etc., may contribute to a cancelation decision.

New York Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

New York City isn't just a bustling financial capital. With its rich history of culture and cuisine, it is also a food capital of the world, with delicacies from around the globe in fine dining restaurants as well as finger-licking street food.

This tour allows visitors an opportunity to contribute towards a greener New York by walking the vehicle-riddled streets of Manhattan instead of using a cab or bus, all the while sampling several quintessential New York street food favorites like classic bagels, New York-style pizza and gourmet doughnuts. The local tour guide takes visitors to some of New York’s best under-the-radar eateries.

• Price: $85 per person
• Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
• Meeting Point: IFC Center, 323 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014

This tour requires a minimum number of 12 travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, guests will be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Hudson River Greenway Bike Tour

Nothing could define an eco-friendly activity more than people using their energy while exploring nature. This is a small-group guided bike tour along the Hudson River in New York City on one of the most popular places to ride, offering beautiful water views, fresh unpolluted air, and a dedicated bike path that is closed to car traffic.

The use of a bicycle and a helmet is included in the Hudson River Greenway Bike Tour, so visitors have one less thing to be concerned about. Just land up there with comfortable clothing and shoes (suggested shorts or track pants with sneakers and a T-shirt) and get ready to spend some time refreshing yourself from the city's bustle. The tour prefers small groups of no more than 15 to allow a more personal experience for the group.

• Price: $53 per person
• Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
• Meeting Point: Pier 84 at Hudson River Park, 555 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Infant seats are available on request.

A Day In Brooklyn Bike Tour

Brooklyn is one of New York City's coolest neighborhoods. This bicycle tour through Brooklyn explores tough-to-reach areas that most tourists often miss. The eco-friendly ride also goes through popular landmarks and hidden gems, like areas under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, including breweries and eateries to stop and refuel.

Photo stops and complimentary tastings along the way make this a popular choice for active New York City visitors, especially those who prefer environment-friendly activities that are fun, informative, and don't leave a carbon footprint.

• Price: $118 per person
• Duration: 5 hours
• Meeting Point: Under the Manhattan Bridge - Brooklyn, NY 11205. (This location is a Lock away SeflStorage. Guests are requested to wait at the front gate for a tour guide to meet them here)

This tour will have a maximum of 12 travelers. The minimum age for travelers is 13 years old.

Prospect Park Walking Tour

Prospect Park is a 585-acre park located in the center of Brooklyn. On this tour, the experienced guide helps the visitors discover hidden treasures, natural wonders, and little-known tales of Prospect Park .

While taking in the beauty of this iconic park’s woodlands, waterways, wildlife, and landmarks, visitors also get to explore layers of history, flora, and the architecture of the surroundings. The tour gives an insight into how the park supports environmental conservation, historic preservation, and recreational and cultural access for locals and visitors from around the world.

• Price: $25 per person (children under 5 are free)
• Meeting Point: Brooklyn Public Library Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza

Related: The Ultimate Eco-Travel Checklist: 10 Things To Be Aware Of When Traveling

Farm.One Classic Tasting Tour

Farm.One’s indoor hydroponic farm uses LED lighting, hydroponics, and technology to grow hundreds of culinary plants with no pesticides or chemicals and up to 90% less water than a traditional farm. The tour offers visitors a chance to connect with fellow plant lovers while experiencing new flavors and culinary plants in a sensory experience not easily found anywhere else in New York.

This 1 hour guided tour takes visitors to the grow room, display racks, and packing room. It allows guests to taste rare herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers. Each visitor gets a complimentary 0% ABV beverage crafted with Farm.One greens.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Location: 625 Bergen Street in Brooklyn, New York

Exploration Day At Randall’s Island Urban Farm

Despite its concrete density, New York City has hundreds of farms and gardens that produce fruit, vegetables, and herbs that are distributed and consumed within the city. Randall’s Island Urban Farm, set on 1 acre of land, grows hundreds of plants and teaches visitors about sustainable farming practices like pollination and composting.

The farm also has rice paddies, berry bushes, and greenhouses, all of which are open to the public on Exploration Days during weekends in the summer months. Throughout the year, the farm hosts over 200 free public events on the grounds of Randall's Island Park Alliance, including tours, waterfront activities, annual Earth Day and Harvest Festivals, and more.

• Price: Free
• Duration: Subject to individual interest
• Timing and Reservation: There are specific days when visitors can explore the farm. Please check for relevant information .

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North America Chevron

United States Chevron

New York Chevron

Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in NYC 2024

By Juliet Izon

There may be no city more closely associated with 4th of July than NYC , due in large part to the famed Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event, which is the largest Independence Day celebration in the country. This year, the dazzling display in the sky will feature over 60,000 shells in more than 30 colors, as well as live performances from Tanner Adell, Luis Fonsi, The War And Treaty, and Lainey Wilson.

Also new for this season is a return to the west side of the city for the firework barges. “This year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display will launch an inspiring spectacle of patriotic color, light and sound from the Hudson River for the first time in more than a decade,” said executive producer Will Coss in a statement. The location change means some riverside New Jersey residents will be treated to firework designs like cross rings, strobing comets, and waterfalls (but no such luck for Brooklyn this year).

One of the highlights of the celebration last year was the use of a drone display for the first time ever. As for what Macy’s Studios and their partner Pyro Spectaculars by Souza have in store for this season? They’re most excited to launch the new silver cascading burst, a never-before-seen firework that features a center kaleidoscope and alternating red and blue colors. Coss is mum on more of the particulars, but you should expect the unexpected: “Our team has been hard at work developing new ways to surprise and delight our fans,” Coss said.

Read on for the best places to catch the brilliant display, from 360-degree rooftop terraces, to river cruises in the center of the action.

Where are the 4th of July fireworks in NYC?

This year, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will be launched from barges on the Hudson River, roughly between 14th Street and 34th street.

What time are the 4th of July fireworks?

The two-hour live broadcast on NBC and Peacock will start at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, with fireworks set to launch around 9:25 p.m.

Where can you not see the fireworks?

For the first time since 2013, the fireworks will be launched from the Hudson River, which means the east side of Manhattan and Brooklyn will not have great views of the display.

Official viewing points

While the official viewing platform locations have not yet been announced, information on their exact whereabouts and how to access them will be posted on the Macy’s website when available. Good news: If you can snag a spot at one, entrance is totally free.

Observation decks

New York is home to many a skyscraper, but not all are created equal when it comes to fireworks viewing. The observation decks positioned on the west side of Manhattan or at the tip of the island will have the best vantage points for the show. And, of course, the well-situated are taking full advantage of their location by throwing parties. The Edge , the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, is hosting a bash with an open bar, unlimited appetizers, and a live DJ. And further downtown, One World Observatory is celebrating with not one, but two events: An all-inclusive dining experience at on-site restaurant ONE Dine; and ticketed access to the observatory during the display.

Hotel parties

While rooftop soirees at hotels might not be quite as sky-high as observation decks, they more than make up for their lack of height with stellar food and cocktail offerings. Again, hotels on the west side will have better vantage points: If picture-perfect, ’grammable spots are important to you, make sure to ask if the fireworks view will be unobstructed wherever you're headed. Some of our favorite hotel fetes to keep an eye out for? Gansevoort Meatpacking will be throwing a rooftop viewing party , with food and drink available for an additional cost. For something a bit more intimate, Equinox Hotel New York is running a special package for the event, which includes a river-view room, bottle of champagne, and $150 credit toward food and drink. And if ringing in America’s birthday with top-notch food and cocktails is a must, then grab a ticket to Nubeluz ’s event at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad , which will include bites like lobster rolls and strawberry shortcakes, as well as tons of seasonal specialty drinks.

Restaurants with a view

Manhattan also boasts quite a few restaurants with a view, a few of which are taking advantage of their tall perches to throw some fabulous celebrations. Overstory has impressive 360-degree views of the fireworks show from their outdoor terraces: Tickets include tons of canapés as well as cocktails, spirits, and beer. And just a few blocks away, Manhatta is hosting their Sky-High 4th of July , a summer barbecue with everything from brisket to boozy snow cones, plus live music, mini-golf, and even full-court pickleball.

River cruises

There may be no way to get closer to the fireworks action than by being on the Hudson River itself. And many of the city’s famed cruising companies will be offering special trips just for the 4th of July holiday. Much of Classic Harbor Line ’s fleet will be running that night, from cruises with Yacht Manhattan and Manhattan II, along with a Fourth of July sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack. For a dinner cruise option, look into booking a spot on the four-level Hornblower Infinity, which will be host to a party by July4th.com; or one of City Cruises’ three cruises (we’re partial to the glass-enclosed Bateaux .)

About the author: New York City-based Juliet Izon regularly covers the city's latest and greatest for Condé Nast Traveler, including our annual guide to the best places to watch 4th of July fireworks in NYC.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

10 hot river cruises to book this year

There are classic river itineraries — the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Nile — that anyone who appreciates the ease and camaraderie of river cruising can book with most of the top cruise lines. But those aren't your only options.

The most exciting river cruises to book this year are the new offerings that go off the beaten path, explore an unsung river or combine a standard seven-night sailing with a novel land tour.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are 10 new itineraries for 2024 and 2025 that are taking river cruising beyond the familiar, including several on recently launched or soon-to-debut river ships.

AmaWaterways' 7-night Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia

Love South America but have already cruised the Amazon? Consider AmaWaterways ' newest ship, AmaMagdalena. Debuting in January 2025, the 60-passenger ship will sail two alternating seven-night itineraries year-round on Colombia's Magdalena River, traveling from Cartagena to Barranquilla and vice versa.

With the Wonders of Colombia itinerary , you'll board AmaMagdalena in coastal Cartagena, a popular Caribbean port on Panama Canal transits that you can now also enjoy on a river cruise. Arrive a day early or book a two-night precruise add-on to see sights such as the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Gold Museum.

Following a sunset sail away, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of Colombia via a local music experience in Palenque, the first "free town" in the Americas after a 1713 decree from the Spanish crown freed residents from slavery. You can also check out 19th-century Calamar on a paola (a two-person bicycle taxi) and the jazz music and local handicrafts available in Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox.

El Banco and Magangue round out the list of port calls before the cruise ends with a tour of the floating village of Nueva Venecia and an evening Carnival celebration in the seaside port of Barranquilla.

Choose the Magic of Colombia itinerary , from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and you'll visit the same ports, just in a different order. Rather than end your cruise with the Carnival celebration, you'll experience it on your first day. You can also book several precruise and postcruise land tours, including three nights precruise in Medellin, three nights postcruise in Panama or both.

AmaMagdalena will be joined in June 2025 by 64-passenger AmaMelodia. Both vessels will offer spacious (237- to 516-square-foot) staterooms and suites, as well as a heated pool on the sun deck and two dining options: the main restaurant, serving Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, and an intimate alfresco dining experience.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

American Cruise Lines' 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers

American Cruise Lines ' itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington already attract travelers who appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, but now the cruise line has a 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary that takes scenic appreciation to another level.

The trip combines an eight-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers with a seven-night land tour to three national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The itinerary visits five states and begins or ends in either Portland, Oregon, or Jackson, Wyoming, depending on whether you do the land or cruise portion first.

What will you see on this cruise? If you start in Portland, you'll overnight before boarding one of the company's modern, 180-passenger river ships: American Jazz, American Harmony or American Song. Your first day will be spent enjoying scenic cruising along the Columbia River, with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as a backdrop, as you head to Astoria, Oregon. The historic seaside city is known for its beautiful Victorian houses and red trolleys.

Geology enthusiasts and anyone who remembers the devastating May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens will be fascinated by the port call in Kalama, Washington, where you can take an included guided excursion to the National Volcanic Monument. The following day will be spent cruising the Columbia River Gorge before you arrive in Stevenson, Washington, where a visit to 620-foot Multnomah Falls is a highlight. The final two days feature views of the dramatic landscapes of the Snake River in eastern Washington as you call on Richland before disembarking in Clarkston.

The guided national parks tour begins with a drive to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, for a lake cruise followed by an overnight in Kalispell, Montana. Once in Glacier National Park, you'll navigate Going-to-the-Sun Road and dine at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

The tour continues on to Yellowstone National Park, where your adventure guides will offer insight as you explore Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall and Old Faithful, among other highlights. A visit to Grand Teton National Park and its Jackson Lake Lodge follows, with your final day spent admiring the park's incredible mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.

Related: The best US river cruises

American Cruise Lines' 50-night The Great United States

If 15 nights aren't enough to satisfy your wanderlust, American Cruise Lines offers a 50-night version of The Great United States program for 2025.

The 2025 sailing encompasses three cruises. It takes the 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary described above and adds a 21-night Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, aboard 180-passenger American Serenade, which will call on 21 ports in six states. Along the Mississippi, you'll have a chance to visit Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri; and the landmark Gateway Arch in St. Louis. You can also enjoy legendary blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.

That segment will be followed by a 14-night, 14-port cruise along the coast of New England on 125-passenger American Pioneer (debuting in 2025). The ship will sail round-trip from Boston and visit scenic coastal ports in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the quintessential New England islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Tour options will include visits to the Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, an SUV adventure along the dunes of Provincetown on Cape Cod and a tour of the gilded mansions of Newport in Rhode Island.

In total, you'll check off 15 states from your must-visit list during this river cruise. That's an impressive number of destinations to visit in a single trip.

Avalon Waterways' 7-night Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Portugal's Douro River Valley is beloved by oenophiles. Over the past few decades, it has also attracted river cruisers seeking a relaxing itinerary punctuated by sleepy small towns and the daily enjoyment of local food and wine.

In March 2024, Avalon Waterways added the Douro River to its offerings when it debuted 102-passenger Avalon Alegria sailing an itinerary called Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro . The seven-night cruise is round trip from Porto, where there's time at the start and end of your cruise to explore this colorful city's historic port-wine cellars, churches and bridges (including the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, designed in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel).

Noteworthy stops range from an afternoon call on Porto Antigo, with included excursions to monasteries and churches in Braga and Guimaraes, to a call at Peso de Regua, where sightseeing and wine tasting go hand in hand. You'll even have an opportunity to add an optional excursion from Pinhao to the elaborate 18th-century Baroque palace Casa de Mateus (of rose wine fame).

Save time for the onboard activities, too. After a full-day excursion from Barca d'Alva to Salamanca, Spain — a city known for its mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles — you can learn how to paint azulejos (Portugal's famous blue-hued handmade tiles) or enjoy a pastry-making demonstration on the ship the next morning.

Related: The best river cruises in Europe

CroisiEurope's 7-night A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys

Germany is known for its scenic river valleys, and a new itinerary from French river cruise line CroisiEurope doesn't skimp on beautiful vistas. Called A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys , the seven-night, round-trip sailing departs from Strasbourg, France, and visits the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar river valleys.

The ship for this itinerary, 81-passenger Elbe Princesse II, is one of CroisiEurope's three paddle river boats. It normally navigates the Elbe River between Berlin and Prague. However, from July to October 2025, the ship will be cruising the Rhine and its tributaries.

This river cruise kicks off on the Saar River, famous for the Great Bend at Mettlach (the river equivalent of a hairpin turn), and overnights in the town of Saarburg, Germany. After a morning scenic cruise onto the Moselle River, you'll visit Trier, Germany, known for its ancient Roman structures and its photogenic medieval buildings, before continuing on to Cochem, Germany, where you can enjoy an afternoon visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle.

Larger cities like Koblenz, Germany, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and home to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, are also on the itinerary. The trip features a stop in wine-centric Rudesheim, Germany, as well, so you can sample some vino and enjoy a ride on a scenic train while in the Rhine Valley.

The final day calls on a trio of German ports on the Neckar River. In the morning, you'll visit Mannheim and disembark for a coach transfer to Heidelberg, home to pink-hued Heidelberg Castle, historic churches and atmospheric beer halls. You'll then reboard Elbe Princesse II in Heidelberg and sail to Eberbach, a medieval city with an abundance of half-timbered homes and ancient fountains. The ship will overnight as you enjoy a final gala dinner before disembarking in Strasbourg the next morning.

Riverside Luxury Cruises' 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery

With the March 2024 debut of 110-passenger Riverside Debussy, Europe-based newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises has added more than a half-dozen new three- to 21-night itineraries, with options on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. In October 2024, the ship will sail an 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery itinerary from Budapest to Frankfurt that combines the highlights of two rivers and visits four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

You'll embark Riverside Debussy in Hungary's capital before cruising past the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building on your way to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia is home to a hilltop castle, a walkable pedestrian zone and pubs serving local beer.

The next day, discover the history and artistry of Vienna with visits to its Hapsburg-era palaces, 16th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral and numerous museums. Charming Durnstein, Austria, is known for its medieval castle and a riverfront abbey with a pretty blue-and-white spire, while the golden-hued abbey in nearby Melk, Austria, celebrates the flavor of apricots in preserves and liquors.

As you reach Passau, Germany, which sits on the confluence of three rivers, you'll enter Bavaria and discover a walkable city with a domed 17th-century Baroque cathedral. The next day on the Main River (a Rhine tributary), you'll tour Regensburg, Germany, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, before spending two days exploring Nuremberg, Germany, which has a notably complex history.

Rounding out the cruise are calls on Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim, Germany, with bustling Frankfurt — where historic remnants of the Middle Ages meet modern skyscrapers — serving as the departure port.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Scenic's 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe

If you have two months to spare, a fascination with history, a love of fine wines and a generous budget, you can explore the rivers of Europe in one epic trip with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The new 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe journey — available on two dates in 2025 ( May 4-July 9 and Aug. 16-Oct. 21 ) — explores more than a half dozen major rivers and waterways and calls on almost 60 ports in 13 countries.

The first part of the journey begins in Bucharest, Romania, with an overnight in a luxury hotel before you set sail on one of Scenic's 163-guest Space-Ships from Giurgiu. You'll cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers all the way to Belgium and the Netherlands, then backtrack along the Rhine to Basel, Switzerland, taking some time to explore towns along the Moselle River.

This portion of the trip will take 36 days, and you'll explore ports in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. You'll spend two days each in Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam, and scenic highlights include Austria's Wachau Valley and Germany's Rhine River Gorge, with its many hilltop castles.

After a flight from Zurich to Paris, you'll start the next leg of your trip when you board 124-passenger Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River. Visit historic Rouen and Honfleur or take excursions to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and the WWII beaches at Normandy.

Next, you'll fly from Paris to Bordeaux and board 149-passenger Scenic Diamond for a 10-night journey along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of France's Bordeaux wine region.

On day 57, you'll fly from Bordeaux to Porto, Portugal, to board 96-passenger Scenic Azure on the Douro River for the final 10-night leg of your trip. You'll explore the legendary port cellars of Porto, taste wine amid the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and venture into Spain for a day trip to Salamanca. Your river cruise — and this epic 66-night journey — concludes back in Porto with an overnight, allowing you more time to experience this exceptional city.

Tauck's 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris

Tauck's newest river offering in Europe for 2025 is its 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris itinerary. This multiriver and land journey is available from April to October on Tauck ships Joy and Savor.

You'll start your journey with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel and enjoy ample time to take in sights such as Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. You'll then transfer to Regensburg, Germany, for a nine-day cruise to Trier along the Main, Rhine, Moselle and upper Danube rivers, as well as the Main-Danube Canal.

Ports and cities visited on excursions include Frankfurt, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim and Boppard, Germany. Exclusive experiences available to Tauck guests range from a private reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg near Frankfurt to a visit to the legendary Nurburgring racetrack near Koblenz.

You'll continue your trip on land with a quick stop in Luxembourg for a walking tour of its capital city. Afterward, you'll board a train to Paris, where your journey will conclude with a two-night stay at L'Hotel du Collectionneur.

Uniworld's 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul itinerary to its 2025 journeys. The two-week cruise offers you the chance to experience these two legendary cities, visit landmarks along the Seine River and then travel by luxury sleeper train for five nights from Paris through six additional countries to Istanbul. A 14-night reverse itinerary from Istanbul to Paris is also available.

If you begin your journey in Paris, you'll board Uniworld's 128-passenger Joie de Vivre for a seven-night Seine River cruise. Highlights include visits to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and Normandy's medieval capital, Rouen, known for its 11th-century cathedral and Joan of Arc history. A second stop in Rouen gives you a choice of excursions to the beaches of Normandy. This portion of the trip concludes with a stop at Versailles and an overnight in Paris.

You'll then transfer to Gare de Lyon and board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. First stop: the vineyards of Champagne for a tasting. The next day, the majestic scenery of the Austrian Alps are a daytime highlight, while dinner and a private classical concert in Vienna are on the evening agenda. After a morning exploring the city, you'll be back on board as your train heads to Postojna, Slovenia, where you'll enjoy a nighttime tour of the intricate Postojna Caves.

A visit to the Serbian capital of Belgrade rewards you with a traditional feast, while the next day's stop in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, offers architectural and archeological gems in a city dating back 7,000 years. Upon disembarking in Istanbul, you'll spend a night at the luxurious Four Seasons Sultanahmet and have time to explore nearby sights, which include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Viking's 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer from Nuremberg to Basel

Viking 's newest itinerary for 2025 is the 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer , which cruises from Nuremberg to Basel (or vice versa) from May to November and visits cities in Germany, France and Switzerland. It's a new mix of ports for Viking, including some lesser-known historic towns in Germany's Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions.

You'll board one of the cruise line's 190-passenger Viking Longships in Nuremberg, where an overnight offers time to learn about the city's medieval structures and past as a staging ground for Nazi rallies. More medieval architecture awaits in Bamberg, famous for its river-spanning Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) and its rauchbier (smoked beer). If wine is your preferred spirit, you're in luck, as Wurzburg, a city in Germany's Franken wine region, is also on the itinerary.

As you continue your cruise, you'll see the vibrant half-timbered houses and sample the hearty Bavarian cuisine (think: bratwurst and pork knuckle) of Marktheidenfeld, Germany. A visit to bustling Frankfurt, which provides a stark contrast between historic and modern Germany, is also in order after an afternoon spent sailing past the Main River's castle-topped hillsides.

France's Alsace region gets its turn when you call on Strasbourg, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town encircled by the Ill River. The itinerary also includes a stop across the Rhine in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest and a town full of vineyards. You'll end your journey with a full day of exploring charming guild house-lined Marktplatz, history-rich streets and more than 40 museums in Basel.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

After split with NYC July 4 hot dog competition, Joey Chestnut heads to army base event in Texas

NEW YORK (AP) — Competitive eater  Joey “Jaws” Chestnut  will take his hot dog-downing talents to an army base in Texas for America’s Independence Day this year after a falling out with organizers of the event that made him famous, the annual 4th of July eating contest in Brooklyn’s Coney Island.

Chestnut, of Indiana, will compete against soldiers in Fort Bliss, in El Paso, in a 5-minute hot dog eating contest. That’s instead of the 10-minute Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, where he competed against the world’s top competitive eaters since 2005 and hadn’t lost since 2015. In 2021 he set the current record of 76 hot dogs, in 10 minutes.

Organizers of that event initially said he couldn’t attend due to a sponsorship conflict, which Chestnut said involved a deal with Impossible Foods, which makes plant-based hot dogs.

Chestnut said he was "  gutted  " he couldn’t compete in the event in Coney Island, where he said he loved the atmosphere and the sometimes-sweltering crowds.

“Those people have been sitting in the sun, waiting. They know what to expect. And they’re not shocked. They’re cheering and yelling and pushing me,” Chestnut said Thursday in a phone interview.

But Chestnut says he’s not going to sit home and do nothing. And he’s hopeful the soldiers will push him to perform. Fearful of being “lazy” in competition with amateurs, the perennial world champion will try to out-eat four soldiers, pitting his frank-swallowing total against theirs combined. If they work together, they might even beat him.

“If they (each) break ten, that’d be pretty good,” Chestnut said Thursday as he fasted on water, lemon juice and liquified calories as part of his pre-competition routine.

Around 15,000 people, mostly soldiers and their families, are expected to attend the annual “Pop Goes the Fort” celebration at Fort Bliss. It also is to include fireworks and performances by the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the 1st Armored Division Band, according to Fort Bliss Morale Welfare and Recreation organization spokesperson Marlo Brestar.

Chestnut said he’ll do a practice routine Friday, then ingest oils to “make sure there’s a clean highway, there won’t be any traffic jams” in his digestive system before heading to Fort Bliss, the sprawling desert army base that’s home to the 1st Armored Division. It will be his first visit to El Paso.

“Maybe I’ll get to get on a tank,” he said.

Fans can watch Chestnut  compete on Netflix  against rival Takeru Kobayashi in September.

He’s hopeful that he can get back to competing on July 4th next year, either with Netflix or at the Nathan’s Famous contest. To head back to his cherished Coney Island event though, he’d need to make up with the event organizers, Major League Eating.

“I feel bullied,” he said. “If I’m ever going to work with them again, they’re going to have to apologize,” Chestnut said.

Major League Eating says it eventually conceded the sponsorship issue, according to a statement from spokesman George Shea.

“Unfortunately, this was not enough to get us to an agreement,” the statement said. “We think this is a powerful tribute to our armed forces and we wish Joey the best of luck at his event.”

This story has been updated to correct the first name of the Fort Bliss spokesperson. It’s spelled Marlo, now Marlow.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

As Missouri River nears crest in Blair, locals assess impact

Power company says everyone should follow ‘20-degree’ rule when setting thermostat on hot days

Hail hits hard in Bellevue neighborhood

Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman selected 30th overall by Boston Celtics in NBA Draft

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers monitoring the Missouri River from the air

Latest news.

Police shoot and kill stabbing suspect near Cincinnati Music Hall

7 youth hikers taken to hospitals after lightning hits ground near group

Key takeaways from Biden v. Trump debate

Investigation into overnight house fire in Midtown Omaha underway

Amber Alert canceled for 2-year-old child in New Jersey

Anderson .Paak Announces 2024 Fall Tour Playing His Classic Album “Malibu” In Its Entirety

Tickets Available Starting Wednesday, June 26 with Artist Presale

General onsale begins on friday, june 28 at 9am local at andersonpaak.com.

Today, Anderson .Paak announced his 2024 tour across the U.S. The tour celebrates Anderson’s GRAMMY-award nominated second studio album, Malibu , which was released January 15, 2016 to critical acclaim. During his fall tour run, he will play Malibu in its entirety . Produced by Live Nation, the 14-date tour kicks off on Wednesday, September 18 in Bend, OR at Hayden Homes Amphitheater with additional stops in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more before wrapping up on Sunday, October 13 in Atlanta, GA at Lakewood Amphitheatre. Special guests Maurice Brown and GAWD will join on all dates. 

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning Wednesday, June 26 at 9am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Friday, June 28 at 9am local time at andersonpaak.com . 

Exclusive Malibu merchandise can be purchased HERE . 

ANDERSON .PAAK 2024 TOUR DATES

Wed Sep 18 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Thu Sep 19 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

Sat Sep 21 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

Tue Sep 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl *^

Thu Sep 26 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl *

Fri Sep 27 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

Sat Sep 28 – Las Vegas, NV – Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Wed Oct 02 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Fri Oct 04 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

Sat Oct 05 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre

Tue Oct 08 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at The Mann

Wed Oct 09 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

Fri Oct 11 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

Sun Oct 13 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

*Non-Live Nation Date

^Previously announced

ABOUT ANDERSON .PAAK

Multi-hyphenate global superstar Anderson .Paak has no plans of slowing down. He spent his childhood playing drums in his church band in Oxnard, California. Continuing to pursue his passion, he released his debut album, Venice , in 2014 followed by Malibu two years later, landing him his first GRAMMY nomination. By 2021, he had four GRAMMY wins under his belt, most notably for his single “Lockdown,” which was released on Juneteenth following his participation in a Los Angeles protest against police brutality. The same year, he debuted his collaborative R&B superduo Silk Sonic, alongside Bruno Mars, whose single “Leave The Door Open” garnered over one billion streams, earned them four more GRAMMYs and led to a sold-out Vegas residency.

Now an 8x GRAMMY Award winner, producer, songwriter, artist & director, Anderson .Paak continues to expand his achievements. Debuting in 2022, his alter ego DJ Pee .Wee showcases his Vinyl DJ sets with past performances at the likes of the Met Gala, F1 Las Vegas, and Coachella. Meanwhile, he also founded his own label APESHIT, teaming up with Universal Music Group, while also directing multiple music videos, landing a 2022 BET Award for “Best Director” and being credited on the highly regarded music video for Leon Bridges’ “Motorbike.” He also continues his philanthropic efforts with the Brandon Anderson Foundation with his annual .Paak House event which benefits underserved youth in areas of art & music. Currently, .Paak is in production on his feature film directorial debut K-POPS , a dramatic comedy that takes inspiration from his life, bridging family lineages and cultures, while also gearing up for the release of Why Lawd?, an album by NxWorries, a duo group formed in 2015 by .Paak and producer Knxwledge.

Connect with Anderson .Paak

Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Website // TikTok // YouTube

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.live nation entertainment.com .

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Live Nation Concerts

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]

Maya Sarin | [email protected]

Read more about