The Circle Line
The skyline of Manhattan is as diverse as the neighborhoods. Along the East River waterfronts of Brooklyn and Queens, there are still some relics of the industrial past dotted amongst the apartment buildings that have been built there in the last ten to twenty years. The neighborhoods of The Bronx along the shore of the Harlem River still have some have some the industrial vibe that was so important to New York City and toward the tip of the Harlem River, it seems one is another world as the boat passes by the quiet bluffs of Inwood and Spuyten Duyvil. The Circle Line provides an excellent opportunity to get see the diversity of neighborhoods and landscapes that make up New York City.
The two and a half hour cruise circumnavigates the island of Manhattan. The Circle Line departs from Pier 83 on the Hudson River and heads south to New York Harbor. After pausing for a few minutes at the Statue of Liberty, the boat heads north along the East River, up the Harlem River and back down the Hudson River, passing under the George Washington Bridge. The George Washington Bridge is the 20th bridge that the boat goes under; fifteen of those bridges are along the Harlem River. The other five bridges cross the East River: the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg each connect Brooklyn and Manhattan, the Queensboro Bridge connects Queens and Manhattan.
A tour guide on the boat provides colorful commentary about New York City history and points out significant buildings visible from the rivers. Tickets are $51 per person for standard seating and $77 for premier seating. Standard seating is all outdoors on the upper deck that provides the best views. There are few premier seating areas on the outdoor upper deck. The remaining premier seating areas are all inside. The windows of the cabins, however, are huge so it is still easy to see the sights as they are pointed out by the tour guide. Premier seating also more comfortable seats and allows for items from the concession stand to be delivered directly to your seat. The standard seats, though, are perfectly comfortable as they have plastic cushions on the seat and back.
