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 “tour” is one of the most poorly run operations I’ve ever encountered. Here’s 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. Don’t let their slick marketing fool you—there’s no guarantee you’ll 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 it’s entirely their fault that you couldn’t access the services you paid for. They take your money and wash their hands of you. If you’re expecting even a modicum of customer service, think again. You’re on your own once they’ve cashed in.
3. Disorganized and Chaotic
The entire operation is a logistical disaster. Staff are unhelpful, rude, and seemingly unaware of what’s going on. Good luck figuring out where to go or how to board because there’s 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 “hop-on, hop-off.” Buses are infrequent and overcrowded, meaning you’ll likely be stranded at stops for ages. The Statue of Liberty Cruise? More like a ferry with standing room only—if you even manage to board. It’s 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 “cut corners.”
6. Exorbitant Price for Nothing
For the sky-high price, you’d 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: IT’S 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 you’re thinking about booking this, DON’T! Walk away and spend your money on literally anything else. This scam of a company doesn’t deserve a single dime or second of your time. New York City is amazing—don’t let this shoddy operation ruin your experience.