Complete Circle Line Cruise Comparison

Quick Answer 

Circle Line offers sightseeing cruises from Pier 83 in Midtown and Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport, with trips ranging from a 50-minute Liberty Super Express cruise to a 2.5-hour Best of NYC that fully circles around Manhattan. The right cruise depends on how much time you have, where you want to depart from, and whether you want a daytime tour, sunset views or a night out on the water. 

Best of NYC: The Full-Island Cruise 

The most complete Circle Line route

Best of NYC is the longest regular Circle Line sightseeing cruise and the only one designed to circle the entire island of Manhattan, subject to river and weather conditions. Over 2.5 hours, the route travels the Hudson, Harlem and East Rivers, passing the Statue of Liberty along with a much broader range of bridges, neighborhoods and waterfront landmarks than the shorter cruises. This cruise is the only cruise you’ll be able to pass by all 5 boroughs of New York City. 

Book it when you want the boat ride itself to be a major part of your sightseeing day and you have time to settle in for the full route. 

Landmarks: The Best Balance of Time and Sights 

Best for First visits, families, and to see all major landmarks

Landmarks is a 90-minute cruise from Pier 83 that focuses on the southern half of Manhattan. It passes Hudson Yards and Lower Manhattan, slows near the Statue of Liberty, and continues toward the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges. For many visitors, it hits the sweet spot between a quick harbor run and a full 2.5-hour tour. 

Liberty Midtown: One Hour from Pier 83 

Best for Midtown visitors short on time

Liberty Midtown is designed for guests who want the Statue of Liberty and harbor views without a longer sightseeing commitment. It leaves from Pier 83, making it especially convenient if you are staying or sightseeing around Midtown West. 

Liberty Super Express: The Fastest Option from Downtown 

Best for Lower Manhattan itineraries

Liberty Super Express departs from Pier 16 at the South Street Seaport and runs about 50 minutes. It is the most efficient Circle Line option if your day is already centered around Lower Manhattan and your priority is getting out on the harbor for a close view of Lady Liberty. 

Harbor Lights: The Skyline At Dusk 

Best for views of city lights, photos, and date nights

Harbor Lights is a two-hour narrated evening cruise from Pier 83. The route puts the focus on the city as daylight fades and the skyline lights up, while still delivering the Statue of Liberty and major Lower Manhattan views. It is a good fit for date nights, evening sightseeing and photographers who want a different look at New York. 

Statue at Sunset: Golden Hour from the Seaport 

Best for social nights out and golden-hour harbor views

Statue at Sunset departs from Pier 16 for a 1.5-hour evening cruise timed around sunset throughout the season. There’s no tour guide or live narration onboard. Instead, music plays over the speakers while you grab a drink, take in the Statue of Liberty and downtown skyline, and watch the sun go down over New York Harbor. It is especially convenient for visitors looking to end a day of sightseeing in Lower Manhattan with a more relaxed experience on the water. 

Sip 'N Groove: An 18+ Party Cruise 

Best for parties, birthdays and nightlife

Sip 'N Groove is built around a live DJ, drinks and a social night out rather than a traditional guided tour. The two-hour cruise leaves from Pier 83 and includes skyline and Statue of Liberty views along the way. Guests must be 18 or older to board and 21 or older with valid ID to purchase alcohol. 

What Every Sightseeing Cruise Has in Common 

Circle Line sightseeing cruises are built around open-air skyline views, indoor climate-controlled spaces, onboard concessions and a close pass of the Statue of Liberty. Guided sightseeing products also include live narration from local NYC guides, with an audio guide app available in multiple languages that can be used on all cruises. Click here to learn more about the Audio Guide App and to download it before your cruise!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which Circle Line cruise shows the most of New York? 

Best of NYC covers the broadest route, circling Manhattan on three rivers and passing landmarks well beyond the harbor. 

Which cruise is best if I only have an hour? 

Choose Liberty Midtown if you are near Midtown or Liberty Super Express if you are already downtown near the South Street Seaport. 

Which cruise is best at night? 

Harbor Lights is Circle Line’s dedicated narrated evening sightseeing cruise. Sip 'N Groove is the better fit if you want an 18+ DJ-led party cruise. 

Do any Circle Line cruises land on Liberty Island? 

No. Circle Line cruises pass the Statue of Liberty for water views and photos but do not dock on Liberty Island.