Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline.
Sit back and unwind on a relaxing two and a half hour cruise around Manhattan Island. You'll see all the sights on the only New York cruise to circumnavigate Manhattan in its entirety.
Choose between two ticket types:
Cruise with Standard Seating which includes general admission boarding and seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin.
Cruise with Premium Seating which includes advanced boarding and exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.
Please arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the departure time for boarding.
Food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
Non-English-speaking guests can now make the most of their cruise with the free Circle Line Sightseeing app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app lets you follow along with a guided tour in your language, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Be sure to bring your own headphones, as headsets aren't provided. Download the app today and enjoy exploring New York City like never before!
What To Expect
Part entertainer, part historian, your knowledgeable tour guide brings New York's breathtaking sights and fascinating history to life. Beverages, food and souvenirs are available for purchase on board.
Empire State Building
See New York's most iconic building along with several other notable buildings that make the Manhattan skyline unforgettable.
Options
Cruise with Premier Seating
Advance Boarding. Exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.
Cruise with Standard Seating
General admission boarding, Seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin
What‘s Included
Free Wi-Fi on board
Live narration by Circle Line’s world-famous guides (in English)
2.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise
Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for more.
Outdoor deck
Air-conditioned vehicle
Restroom on board
Food & Beverages (Available for Purchase Onboard)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3,557 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour guide
Wendi O,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very informative boat cruise. The guide Alexis was extremely knowledgeable and sang a few tunes for us. She kept going around the boat and asking if anyone had questions. My husband and I learned a lot even though we’ve been to NYC many times!!!!
Beautiful ride around...
eileengenna,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful ride around Manhattan. Even those who have lived in or near NYC learned something new. Easy paid parking near by and wheelchair accessible.
See so much of the NYC...
Barbara K,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00See so much of the NYC area from a different perspective. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Well worth it.
Entertaining Tour Guide
Freedom566666,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this tour for tourists but more so for New Yorkers. A lot of fun facts you never knew you wanted to know. A shout out to Alexis, she was amazing and really does belong on Broadway!
Great trip
Stephen C,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00well organised from the start, we were very lucky with the weather, Glorious sunshine, so sat outside for the whole trip. Friendly and efficient staff, the guide was both informative and humorous, Great way to see all around the island, and we got close to the Statue of Liberty for photos. The boat was turned around so that everyone got a good view of the statue. We would certainly recommend this trip, there were a number of younger children on the trip so it should appeal to all ages.
Go!!
Leslie E,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00If the sun is out, you must have a hat on the top deck. The tour guide and the tour were both fabulous. Haven’t been on the line since I was a little kid and was just as excited and had a great time.
NYC Visit
rangervt1,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The cruise was very enjoyable. had a little ticket snafu with expedia but the ticket window was very helpful.
Nice way to experience...
Courtney A,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice way to experience the island while learning more about it. Easy on and off with comfortable accommodations.
Gorgeous introduction to NYC!
TMWildMed,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great scenic tour of Manhattan and surrounds. You will learn a ton about New York City with great views that only can be seen from the water. Wish they had re-cycling on board and that the excellent narration could be heard on the bow, but otherwise outstanding. Highly recommended. And, as they say, "Time spent on the water will not be subtracted from one's life!"
Such a fun time!
Jessica C,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0010/10 best experience. Had so much fun. Got so many photos. Learned and relearned some great New York facts. I would recommend everyone to take the cruise at least once while in NYC.
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Operated by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises