beentheretwice

No Gilligan's jokes! Is the three hour tour that much more fun than the two hour tour? Is the boat comfortable for three hours? I've been on some skanky tour boats before....
Also, in March, Circle Line runs only one three hour tour/day. Will I have problems getting tickets? I don't want to purchase them ahead of time online, because we are getting the City Pass.

Thanks for all your help!

flbronc

I always wanted to do Circle Line tour but never did... found this water taxi web site and tried it. It was great ! And soo cheap ! There are various options but I opted for the hop on/hop off and it worked out great. The stops are short so you don't waste time sitting and waiting for a long time at each place. Well worth the difference in price between it and Circle Line. http://www.nywatertaxi.com/nywt.aspx?s=sig

beentheretwice

Well, I hopped on over to the Water Taxi site and they are closed until Spring. They don't give an opening date, either. Looks good, though.

jlm_mi

flbronc - I'm curious how you know it's well worth the difference in price if you've never done Circle Line.

I can't remember which circle line tour I did, but it went all the way around the island of Manhattan. The first half was very interesting. The second half was pretty boring. And it was a very hot, sunny day in the summer time, so I really wished I wasn't on the boat for that second half! If the 2-hour is 1/2 way around the island and the 3-hour is all the way, I'd definitely opt for the shorter trip.

Margie

I've taken the shorter trip twice - once in the afternoon and once at night - loved both! Sure the commentator can be a little corny, but he kept everyone's attention and told A LOT about the city of NY, it was very interesting! He was also helpful with reminding folks not to stand up so as to block the view for others (after all the boat would be turning around and everyone would get the same views etc.) His talk covered historic and current events in NYC, and also pointed out some of the high-end apartments and which celebrities lived where. The time seem just right to me, I would think the longer tour might be a little too long - buy that's just my opinion.

4khansen

We did the 2 hour evening tour, which was a great way to see the city lights from that vantage point. I do agree I think the two hour tour should be fine, and unless there is something unusual going on tickets should be available when you arrive in NYC. The boat was pretty full in the summer when we were on it, but I doubt that anyone was turned away because of capacity.

CAPH52

We did the Circle Line two years ago. I think it was the three hour (we went all the way around). We loved it. It gives you such a different perspective on Manhattan. We were there in July, took the tour on a Sunday am and bought the tickets that morning. For anyone reading this who isn't getting the City Pass, we used an Entertainment Book coupon for buy one/get one free. Even if we hadn't gotten that savings, I'd say the Circle Line is well worth the price. It's something I would definitely consider doing again.

sherry1

Is it too cold to do in March?

lcuy

So I missed the info on the City pass...what is it?

rb_travelerxATyahoo

We did the full circle too, and found at about 2:10 into it that we'd had our fill, and that there really isn't much all that interesting after Spuyten Kill (sp?). But up until then, it had been very interesting. Our guide seemed quite knowledgable and prepared.

Were I taking someone to do a tour again, I'd opt for the 2 hour.

Sabrina

Where do you purchase the City pass amd what does it include? Also where are the entertainment books found?? I took the three hour tour with a group once and I thought it was too long. Was interested in taking my daughter on the shorter tour and would like to know about the entertainment book or city pass. Some on this forum have suggested the Staten Island Ferry , rather than the Circle Tour. Thought about doing that also.

beentheretwice

Thanks for the info. I think we'll do the two hour "semi" circle.

My remaining question is do the trips sell out on a regular basis? I think we'll need to purchase our tickets the day we intend to ride, because I can't purchase them ahead of time with the City Pass.

The City Pass is a discount card that includes admission to six of the city's venues. It is a 50% discount.

Thanks.

Patrick

We found the full circle tour much too long. After heading north up the East River and passing the UN and Roosevelt Island, it was BORING for the next hour at least. We wanted to get off, but of course couldn't.
The fun part is all about the southern end of Manhattan.

CAPH52

You can buy Entertainment Books online at Entertainment.com

bmw732002

beentheretwice:

Patrick is right! The it gets very "Loooong" after you pass the 59th street bridge!

Staten Island Ferry: Great views of lower Manhattan and Statue of Liberty, about 40 min RT and........FREE!!

JOHN

michelleNYC

Well, I must say that even though our city from the water will be beautiful no matter what, it might be very, very cold! We've also had some problems with ice in the Hudson. Today it's exceptionally warm (52 deg.) but it's supposed to get very cold again by tomorrow. Be VERY prepared.

beentheretwice

Aren't there enclosed areas on the boat? I don't envision us sitting on the upper deck, but do these boats have "inside" areas?


Thanks.

atilla

Yes, the boats have large enclosed areas. I am confused though, does your City Pass not include a Circle Line Harbour Cruise? Our City Pass included the 2 hour tour. It was wonderful, one of my favourite activities, spectacular views.

michelleNYC

There are enclosed areas but if you want to step outside for pictures (!), be prepared.

beentheretwice

Thanks!

Michelle, that's why God created postcards. I find them a great investment when I know I can't duplicate their quality!

Last question: Can I expect to get tickets for the 2 hour tour the day I choose to go, or should I plan on purchasing ahead of time?