Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise in New York, United States
New York, United States

Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise

Outty Ranking 79 4.4 · 3,633 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $35
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Outty Ranking

79/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 3,633 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise worth booking?

Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise is a 2.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $35 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 3,633 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
79 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (3,633)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$35 per person

The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline. Sit back and unwind on a relaxing two and a half hour cruise around Manhattan Island. You'll see all the sights on the only New York cruise to circumnavigate Manhattan in its entirety. Choose between two ticket types: Cruise with Standard Seating which includes general admission boarding and seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin. Cruise with Premium Seating which includes advanced boarding and exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.

What you get

    About this experience

    The first, the original, the iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. Visitors’ #1 choice for sightseeing cruises in New York. With over 80 million passengers and counting, forget the rest and choose the best for your visit. Circle Line offers the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels with the largest boats. Comfortable seating with lots of legroom and outdoor and indoor space for the best views of the New York skyline. Sit back and unwind on a relaxing two and a half hour cruise around Manhattan Island. You'll see all the sights on the only New York cruise to circumnavigate Manhattan in its entirety. Choose between two ticket types: Cruise with Standard Seating which includes general admission boarding and seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin. Cruise with Premium Seating which includes advanced boarding and exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.

    What's included

    Included

    • Free Wi-Fi on board
    • Live narration by Circle Line’s world-famous guides (in English)
    • 2.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise
    • Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for more.
    • Outdoor deck
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • On-board restrooms

    Not included

    • Food & Beverages (Available for Purchase Onboard)
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Part entertainer, part historian, your knowledgeable tour guide brings New York's breathtaking sights and fascinating history to life. Beverages, food and souvenirs are available for purchase on board.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Empire State Building

      See New York's most iconic building along with several other notable buildings that make the Manhattan skyline unforgettable.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Statue of Liberty

      One of the highlights of the cruise. Lady Liberty stands in NY Harbor as a beacon of freedom. Get your up-close as our boats pause at several points around Liberty Island so guests can get the perfect snap. It's a bucket list moment.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Hudson Yards

      Home to attractions like Edge, City Climb and The Vessel, Hudson Yards is Manhattan's newest neighborhood on the west side.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Little Island

      New York's newest park rises up from the Hudson River's west side. These sculptural, flower like pillars connect to create a unique greenspace like no other.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. One World Trade Center

      One World Trade Center, also known as One World Trade, One WTC, and formerly the Freedom Tower is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan. One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh-tallest in the world.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Ellis Island

      New York's historic immigration center will forever be a part of the city's immense history.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Governors Island

      A former Army post and Coast Guard installation, this island has been re-imagined as a public park in New York Harbor.

      Pass by without stopping

    9. South Street Seaport Historic District

      This historic district has been reborn and revitalized offering new dining and shopping experiences.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Brooklyn Bridge

      Your cruise takes you sailing down the Hudson, around Battery Park, up the East River, past the South Street Seaport and under the Brooklyn Bridge.

      Pass by without stopping

    11. Chrysler Building

      Classic Art Deco architecture, the building dons gargoyles that depict car ornaments and a spire modeled on a radiator grille.

      Pass by without stopping

    12. Yankee Stadium

      In its 100+ year history, Yankee Stadium, the 'cathedral of baseball,' has hosted over 6,800 Yankees regular season home games.

      Pass by without stopping

    13. George Washington Bridge

      The world’s busiest suspension bridge spans the Hudson River and carries over 103 million vehicles per year.

      Pass by without stopping

    14. United Nations Headquarters

      See the building where representatives from around the globe meet to discuss the world's top issues.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019

    Options you can book

    • Cruise with Premier Seating

      Advance Boarding. Exclusive indoor seating area in the temperature-controlled cabin with premium-cushioned seating.

    • Cruise with Standard Seating

      General admission boarding, Seating available on the outdoor deck or inside the temperature-controlled cabin

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, ko, pt, ja, en, zh-CN, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • For children/infants under the age of 3, please ask at the box office for an infant ticket; it is free of charge.
    • Please arrive at least 30-minutes prior to the departure time for boarding.
    • Outside food and drinks are NOT allowed to be brought on board
    • Non-English-speaking guests can now make the most of their cruise with the free Circle Line Sightseeing app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app lets you follow along with a guided tour in your language, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Be sure to bring your own headphones, as headsets aren't provided. Download the app today and enjoy exploring New York City like never before!

    Photos

    Circle Line: Best of New York City, Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise in New YorkCircle Line Tour Guide, Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise in New YorkCircle Line: Best of New York City, Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise in New YorkCircle Line: Best of New York City, Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise in New YorkCircle Line: Best of New York City, Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise in New YorkCircle Line: Best of New York City, Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise in New York

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,633 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    3,633 verified traveler reviews for Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2,416
    4 star
    750
    3 star
    246
    2 star
    125
    1 star
    96
    Sort
    Mary_F · October 2026

    It lasts approximately...

    It lasts approximately 2.5 hours and you get great views of the city and Statue of Liberty. It goes around the entire island.

    via Viator

    Ira_L · October 2026

    Great experience!

    Great experience going completely around then island of Manhattan. Tour guide Alexis was fantastic. Plenty to eat and drink onboard and the prices are okay. We had beautiful weather, too!

    via Viator

    carmensN4733RF · October 2026

    unprofessional crew

    extremely unprofessional crew: upon entering the boat we were told to sit on the brown chairs. A few minutes after we sat down, we were moved by an employee to the green chairs, apparently because we didn't have some kind of bracelet. We moved, but the guide sent us back, understanding that we were sitting on those chairs because that's how we were instructed at the entrance. We moved back to the brown chairs. After 4-5 minutes another crew member came to ask us to move... this while the entire group of tourists were looking at us, partly indignantly, partly critically or skeptically... It is absolutely unacceptable to be put in the spotlight in this way! We suffered an emotional shock, due to the lack of professionalism and decency of the crew who do not communicate with each other, are not consistent in guiding clients who pay considerable amounts to enjoy a cruise, not to become the subject of a show!

    via Tripadvisor

    Quest66832219783 · October 2026

    Excellent and relaxing cruise of New York

    The cruise and guide (Alexis) were excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect, especially her wonderful singing. We highly recommend this experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    Juanita_J · October 2026

    Boring city line cruise

    Food is expensive and nothing to write home about. Hot dogs, nachos with cheese, 4oz wrap for $18. Drinks $5 water, $14 for slushy. Manager at food court was rude, talking about NYC hospitality. Not much to see downstairs. Not the best experience. Tide was high we couldn't go through the other side of the bridge. It was boring and the narrative was ok but she'll speak to the landmark before getting there which made it confusing.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $35 to $89
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1,272
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.3.

    See everything Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises runs

    Why this scores 79

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)57
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)19
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 3,633 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?

    +

    Around 1,272 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

    +

    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?

    +

    Included: Free Wi-Fi on board; Live narration by Circle Line’s world-famous guides (in English); 2.5 hour Sightseeing Cruise; Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for; and Outdoor deck. Not included: Food & Beverages (Available for Purchase Onboard); Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?

    +

    Departure Point: Tour departs from Pier 83, New York Address: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10019 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Chinese, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?

    +

    Across 3,633 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Cruise with Premier Seating, Cruise with Standard Seating. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Circle Line: 2.5hr - Complete Manhattan Island Cruise.

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