The name of this tour is very misleading. This is by no means a tour of the Big Apple but a tiny little cruise over the southern most corner of Manhattan from which you see the Statue of Liberty, prominent downtown towers and then GW bridge to New Jersey.
If the tour name “Big Apple” leads you to believe you’ll be flying over the island northwards towards Harlem, the Bronx and Queens or (kind of) eastwards Brooklyn, you’ll be direly disappointed. The tour narration lacked any form of engagement, was not exciting or entertaining info. The rankings of the tallest buildings get boring after a couple of mentions and where Melania Trump lives doesn’t count as interesting material. It must be hard for a pilot to stay keen with every 15 mins, so perhaps consider a fun recording (like in the museums)!
Also beware: There is an additional charge of $40 paid before boarding and anyone with even the smallest handbag will need a locker for $5 for 15 minutes. If you’re not staying in Manhattan, then remember that getting to and from the location will also cost you quite a bit as it’s not easy to get to the pier.
Ground Staff however are friendly.