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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
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
Reviews
3,492 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great NYC overview
Rich G,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Essential to see areas that you aren’t going to visit personally. “Premiere” seating is the same chairs with a-pad. Great entertaining narrative. I could without the rap music filled with cuss words. Windows were streaked and should have been cleaned. Overall all worth it.
This is an amazing 2 and...
Carissa S,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an amazing 2 and a half hours spent in NYC. It is a great escape from the hustle and bustle and a inexpensive way to relax and enjoy all the beautiful scenery New York City has to offer. I live in Pennsylvania and would do this day trip anytime I am in the city. Thanks for a great time!! Highly recommended!
Family time in New York!
Brandi R,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had an amazing time on the cruise, which offered a perfect blend of fun and learning. The cruise guide was incredibly informative and had a deep understanding of history, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Great boat experience
DayTrip07663950018,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice clean boat, was not very crowded when we went. The day was a little wet, but made the best of it. Tour Guide was very knowledgeable of the area.
Terrific information and...
LeAnn D,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Terrific information and festive atmosphere! Postcard Tim was a wonderful guide along with the crew!
A different view
200martinj,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great idea for another view of New York and the buildings. Well thought out and informative commentary all at a reasonable price.
Excellent tour
Alicia H,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an excellent tour with a great guide. The boat was very comfortable, even on a cold day. It’s a great way to see the island.
The 2.5 hour tour was boring, prob not a shorter one thou. Def take the 30 min toor
Kathy M,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Good tour, don’t take the 2.5 hr tour. Complete waste of time. So boring I actually fell asleep sitting up.
Best part of our NYC adventure!
BettyBoop317,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved every second of this! The view from the water, the history and personal knowledge of our tour guide, the freedom of movement inside and outside the ship, and the kind winter sunshine and lucky 40/50s temp of December made it a perfect day. The teenagers got great pictures, hot chocolate, and to experience a boat cruise with wind whipping around them. The dad got geeky jokes, geography and history lessons, while giving his bad back a break from NYC walking. The mom got to stay warm in the enclosed cabin with a cup of coffee and perfect scenery.
A lovely trip around Manhattan
Lena D,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A nice way to see the most famous sights around New York. The guide David was amazing, knowledgeable and funny and gave us a lovely tour.
From US$34.55
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises