Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry

Really enjoyed this! Went on the landmark cruise with a city pass. Incredible views, would not miss this, Chris was a great tour guide

I was surprised by how sweet and lovely this little cruise was– we did «Statue by night» off a groupon deal that included an hour ride and a champagne toast at Sunset for only $ 16. I took my visiting family on this not expecting much, but it was easy, simple and lovely. The guide was witty and a true New Yorker– she cracked my family up. After 12 years in New York it was fun to feel like a tourist. When the boat was feet away from Lady Liberty, playing all the New York, New York songs we all know and love, toasting with our champagne I teared up a little! I will say they were disorganized with their lines and boarding before the boat took off which was indeed frustrating but the actual experience itself was great. I found the crew and staff to be totally attentive, generous and kind spirited and I’m so glad we did this!

It was great to see the Statue of Liberty. Lines were too long! People pushing their way in front. Boat was way too full! They had a snack shack inside the boat, but were out of everything! It was so rediculous skipped Ellis Island… for tbe $ 17.00 per person, they need better organization and safety…

No frills boat ride. Wait is kind of long but short considering this is a big attraction. Get the City Pass to save money.
Also, try to get in first and be in the front of the boat for the best pictures of the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty is currently closed for construction due to Sandy, so if you want to see her, take this Ferry cruise. This was another attraction on the City Pass. The ride was very relaxing. It was something new considering everything else includes a lot of walking, so not walking was relieving. The ride takes you down the river, and shows you the different parts of New York. During the ride, someone is explaining everything to your through the intercom. The guy we had was very good, he had a sense of humor and listening to him was very enjoying. You pass all the Piers, even the pier the White Star Line owned, the very same company that built the Titanic. You eventually pass the Status of Liberty, I thought she was going to be bigger, but I was still very impressed and happy to see her. She’s a big part of American History, and as a minority, she means a lot. Along the ride, you get a lot of good picture opportunities, so take advantage of it. You really see how big and beautiful NY really is. Definitely recommend for all first timers to go on this ferry ride.

Went around 10 am. Long line even with the city pass. After waiting about 40 minutes in line, they allow ~ 25 people behind us form a 2^nd parallel line that just merges with the original line! What was the point of that! Then you go through a security line like at the airport. Security checks are understandable but the lines are terribly managed! They keep splitting and merging which rewards aggressiveness. Boat ride was fine. Pics from liberty island were awesome! So fed up with lines by then that we skipped Ellis island. We got back around 1:30pm and the line was about a quarter as long. I guess our timing sucked. Bottom line: pic opportunities great, but line management sucked. Employees were rude too. Afternoon lines might be shorter.

This was my first time on this ferry/​tour. I have to say, as an immigrant to this country 50 years ago, I expected to be enveloped in emotion. I wasn’t. And I think that’s sort of sad. Advice: Buy tickets on line for a designated boarding time. If you don’t do this because you think you can walk up to the window and get on the next ferry, you will be hugely annoyed (I was). Liberty and Ellis Island are inspiring, but they are not worth a 2 hour wait in a long line, the indignities of stripping out of your clothing and walking through a metal detector, and (exhausted after the long wait) having to park your behind on the floor of the ferry. I admit, the weather was lovely and the views were spectacular. I might pay $ 13 just for that. But Ellis Island and Ms. Liberty are not worth 5 hours of your time in NYC. Don’t take this tour if you have two days or less in the city. It’s not worth it. Ellis Island was less than impressive. The best part of the site is the entrance lobby where a display of old suitcases and trunks brings the spirit of the time to life. the remaining exhibits are all photographs, with a few notable exceptions, such as the sleeping bunks room and preserved graffiti. I think the Foundation should hire a better curator– collect some artifacts from the period and try to provide some hint of what it might have looked like to the people who were brought here. The hospital and dormitory buildings were also closed to the public. I don’t know if they are planning to do anything with them, but I would like to see them try. For an example of what I’m talking about, think Monticello and Mount Vernon. I was disappointed. thank goodness for the great weather. It made the trip worth it.

If you’re trying to save money and you just want to see the statue, rather than mingle on the island with it, take the stanton island ferry — it is free and drives right past the statue anyway.

I have been on this tour twice and I love it. Aside from the Statue and Ellis Island. which are amazing, the view of NYC is wonderful. My only suggestion is to get on the outside deck because the inner on gets really crowded.