Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Review

While having a Saturday off in the first week of June, I decided to take part on a cruise of the Hudson River to see important landmarks and great scenery in Manhattan. I ventured around the Hudson River through Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at 42nd Street.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises have been in operation since 1945, and have been at Pier 83 on 42nd Street since 1955. In 1981, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and Circle Line Downtown at Pier 16 announced a split. They launched the Beast speed boat ride in 1998.

I had parked near Times Square, and it took me about 30 minutes to get to the pier for the 10am cruise. It was a big line, but I was able to get my ticket quickly since I purchased it online.

The weather forecast was calling for rain, but there was an abundance of sunshine throughout the day. I did get to see well known New York landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and more. Besides the weather and landmarks I did see, the guide of the cruise made the experience that much better.

Malachy Murray was the guide on the tour I was on, and I wasn't aware of all the impressive credentials he has garnered in his life. Outside of being a naturally gifted storyteller, Murray had quite a career for the U.S. Special Forces. Also, he is an actor that has appeared on television soap operas such as All My Children and As The World Turns. And he's appeared in other shows such as Law and Order as well as the movie The Departed.

The cruise was one of the funnest three hours I can recall having, and the timing couldn't have been better. The work schedule as well as traveling back and forth to there from North Carolina where I live didn't give me much time to look at the city. But I was able to stay through the weekend after Memorial Day to get one day to look at the city. The cruise was the very thing I did before walking around Times Square and visiting the ESPN Zone.

My Review of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at 42nd Street

The bad: The only thing I noted is that it can be difficult at times to get good camera shots especially if the boat is crowded which it was when I was on. The full picture package of the photos they take of you that you can purchase is a bit high at $30 which was actually more than the cruise itself(I was able to get $10 off my cruise). I did purchase the package though because it is a very nice memory for me.

The good: The scenery, landmarks, and guests such as Malachy Murray are plenty enough reasons to tour around Manhattan on Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises. You do have options of taking the full three hour cruise or shortened one if you're short on time. The staff in general were excellent and upfront about what you can see and expect on the cruise. They run the cruises rain or shine.

Overall: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises are perfect for people that have limited time or one day to see everything in one cruise like it was for me that day. For first time visitors, you will feel at ease with the guides and staff since they are all well informed about Manhattan and its landmarks. If you happen to get Malachy Murray as your guide, be prepared for a great three hours of your life on this cruise.

More info about Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
West 42nd St at Pier 83
New York, New York 10036
212-563-3200 for general info

You can view my pics of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises on my site.