This ride was everything we read about and more. The day we went was actually the hottest day of our week long visit to NYC. We did the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour earlier and we were hot and tired..with a little grumpy thrown in. We sat down wherever we wanted that was available on the boat which was towards the back. The staff on board made it even more fun, music was pumpin, high energy personalities but made sure we got on and off carefully and made us feel safe. The views were stunning and up close, they slow down and take pictures with your own camera of your family with the statue and scenery behind you. Yes you get wet, but that's why we went. We were air dried by the time we got back to the point where we went right on in to a restaurant and ate. Didn't need a change of clothes, but I can't speak for everyone. It depends on where you sit and also how happy they get with buckets and water guns. We laughed and smiled the whole time, just wish it was longer so that the fun wouldn't end so soon.