Does anyone have any experience with the Circle Line tours of Manhattan? I am considering a tour next weekend, but am concerned about the weather.

I've taken the tour and really enjoyed it in sunny weather with temperatures around 55F - you can sit inside as well as I recall. Also, I think there's an abbreviated tour around the south end of Manhattan if you want to take a shorter version.

Obviously, it's not as much fun in the cold weather, but the Circle Line Cruise is still a worthwhile venture, as long as it's sunny out. (You just won't sit in the unprotected part of the boat!) If it's raining or cloudy, however, forget it.

I would recommend the shorter tour. We took one all the way around Manhattan. It started wonderfully, but after the first hour or so it just seemed like we'd never get done, and the scenery became less and less exciting. That was in good summer weather -- I'd really balk at this current weather.

Where did you board for the shorter tour? We are staying in the Theater district and would like to walk to the pier.

Dan - if you go to www.circleline.com you'll see two shorter tours - one leaves from Pier 83 (42nd St by the Hudson) the other from Pier 16 at the South St Seaport - there are maps of the itineraries as well.

Agree with other posts, but I'll add it was fun although packed with tourists. Weather will be a factor.

Other options; take the lunch or dinner cruise on the Spirit of Ny (or NJ). You eat a meal, cruise around the statue and to the Brooklyn Bridge (not go around the island like Circle line). for $35 it is not a bad time out. There is also entertainment. Doens't take up the whole day either.

Or... there are other day trip sail/ships that are much smaller. I was on one that had 25 people, very cozy. Again, lunch served.

Be careful signing up for a dinner cruise. First, it can get very expensive. Second, the food may not be that great. Third, the "entertainment" may be far less than great talent.