I cannot stress this enough: the NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Statue of Liberty Cruise is an absolute scam. Save your money, time, and sanity, because this ātourā is one of the most poorly run operations Iāve ever encountered. Hereās why this nightmare deserves zero stars:
1. They Sell Way More Tickets Than They Can Accommodate
This company shamelessly overbooks, selling far more tickets than they could ever reasonably seat on their buses or boats. The result? Massive crowds and endless waiting for buses and cruises that are already full. Donāt let their slick marketing fool youāthereās no guarantee youāll even get a seat, let alone enjoy the experience you paid for.
2. No Refund Policy = Customer Exploitation
All sales are final, which means they refuse to issue refunds even when itās entirely their fault that you couldnāt access the services you paid for. They take your money and wash their hands of you. If youāre expecting even a modicum of customer service, think again. Youāre on your own once theyāve cashed in.
3. Disorganized and Chaotic
The entire operation is a logistical disaster. Staff are unhelpful, rude, and seemingly unaware of whatās going on. Good luck figuring out where to go or how to board because thereās zero signage or guidance. It felt like herding cattle, but with far less care or concern for the people involved.
4. Endless Wait Times
Forget about the convenience of āhop-on, hop-off.ā Buses are infrequent and overcrowded, meaning youāll likely be stranded at stops for ages. The Statue of Liberty Cruise? More like a ferry with standing room onlyāif you even manage to board. Itās a far cry from the seamless experience they advertise.
5. Terrible Quality and Lackluster Experience
If you manage to get on a bus, prepare for a lackluster ride. The commentary is dull, inaccurate, and barely audible. The cruise offers minimal views, no narration, and absolutely no sense of value. Everything about this tour screams ācut corners.ā
6. Exorbitant Price for Nothing
For the sky-high price, youād expect some level of quality. Instead, you get a disorganized mess that leaves you feeling duped and angry. A single subway ride or a proper Statue of Liberty tour would offer exponentially better value.
Final Warning: ITāS A SCAM
This tour is a textbook example of a tourist trap. They exploit unsuspecting visitors by overselling tickets, under-delivering on promises, and refusing refunds when they fail to provide the service.
If youāre thinking about booking this, DONāT! Walk away and spend your money on literally anything else. This scam of a company doesnāt deserve a single dime or second of your time. New York City is amazingādonāt let this shoddy operation ruin your experience.