Has anyone taken a Circline line cruise lately and would you recommend them? I believe they depart from Pier 83. Daytime cruise or evening/twilight cruise?? I would like to take photos of the city during the cruise. Thanks!

You cn't go wrong on the Circle Line cruise. Wonderful experience and scads of photo ops.

My family and I went this past Saturday night. We boarded at Pier 83 and it departs at 7pm. The tour lasts 2 hours and I thought it was worth it. On the way out they swing by Liberty Island and you see the statue all lit up. The captain narrates for most of the way out but it's all interesting. You also get to go under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Washington bridges. It's awesome. Take a jacket and lots of film.

Here's another recommendation. We like the Harbor Lights or Sunset (or whatever it's called) best. You leave during daylight, go round the lower half of the island enjoying sunset and twilight, then return (VERY close to the Statue of Liberty) when the lights have been turned on all over. Positively magical. For best photos of SOL, go down to the water level deck and out to the front of the boat. The commentary is excellent also.

Took an elderly relative in August when it was really too hot & humid to trek around the City. It was a great experience & the narrator was very knowledgeable
Highly recommended

Thanks everyone! It looks like the Harbor lights cruise is the one to take!

Sorry but another question! IS the harbor lights /sunset cruise the one included in the CityPass?

We took a circline cruise in May. It was the first time I had ever seen the Statue of Liberty. Seeing the statue meant alot to me and we really enjoyed the cruise.

I have a question though, I am going back to NYC the week before Christmas. This time we are taking our 5 yr old daughter. I would love for her to see this great symbol of America. Are the cruises year round? Has any one taken the cruise in cold weather?

The cruises are year round - dress warmly in layers as it gets windy on the water. You will be able to sit insode the boat in a nice heated area but at tiumes the best view is obtained by standing outside.

My only other suggestion is to skip the three hour cruise that completely circles the island. The two hour cruise covers just about everything of significant interest.

If the CityPass booklet is given to you as part of a package deal at your hotel it may not be included (ours were not) but if you buy one say at the Empire state bldg it is included.

I agree about skipping the 3 hour tour in favor of the 2 hour one. The 3 hour completely circles Manhattan in a counterclockwise direction. There really wasn't much to see along the northwest quadrant of the island. The tour guide was quite knowledgable, well spoken, & held the groups attention. He did NOT spend a lot of time promoting the snack bar and bringing up tips, as my experience has sadly been on other boat trips.

If money is a concern for anyone, the Staten Island ferry is a very pretty trip in New York harbor, gives great views of downtown NY, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, leaves regularly from the lower tip of Manhattan, and is FREE.

Thanks to all who replied.