Cheekycockney190757
Jul 2019
Bought a New York Pass which encompassed a voucher for one of the multiple cruises Circle Line provide. We selected the Harbor Lights Cruise as it departed from the Midtown Pier 83 at 7 pm which extended the day, and provided an opportunity to see the sights we wanted to see but with the bonus that we got to see Manhatten at dusk as well as the Statue of Liberty when the lights went on. Advice regarding the ticket was that as we had the New York Pass we couldn't book up in advance, so turned up at 06:15 only to be told that nights cruise was fully booked. This was frustrating as we had been at the pier earlier in the day and only returned at the listed time as we couldn't pre-book. Then the booking office clerk said we could book for the following night's equivalent cruise. This was obviously a massive relief but left us frustrated as we would have attempted to book earlier for that night's cruise if we had known. That aside the following night we arrived and accessed the boat. We secured seats on the top deck and the cruise headed out. Though the cruise was 3/4 full the deck bar was not open so we had to queue at the bar/food outlet on the lower deck. The charges for all confectionary/drink was stupendously expensive so my advice is to take snacks on the cruise, as you will need to remortgage your house if you want to buy anything on board. These gripes aside the cruise itself were magnificent but it is hard not to be in some senses when the canvas of the view is so spectacular but it was enhanced by the onboard commentary, which was both informative and funny. The route from Midtown Pier 83 took us down the Hudson River with New Jersey on one side and Manhatten on the other, taking in views of the Island including Hudson Yards, The Freedom Tower, Empire State & Chrysler Buildings, Brooklyn, Manhattan & Williamsburg Bridges, Roosevelt Island, the UN General Assembly building, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We were blessed to have a spectacular sunset, and have the Statue of Liberty Lights come on whilst we were stationed opposite it. Upon arrival, back at Pier 83, I suggest you either walk with everyone else back to Midtown/Theatre District or get a cab/bus as the route from the pier back to the Times Square/Broadway hotels can feel a bit intimidating especially if you don't walk as a group. Overall I would really recommend this cruise as it is good value whether you purchase a ticket direct or via one of the tourists passes, but be conscious of the listed apparent purchase restrictions with said passes.