NYC: Starship Sightseeing Cruise Midtown or Downtown

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want a new perspective on its iconic skyline and landmarks, a sightseeing cruise like this one might be just what you’re after. While we haven’t taken this particular trip ourselves, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this experience offers a good balance of stunning views, friendly guides, and value for money.

Two things we really appreciate about this cruise are the dedicated free digital photographer—who helps you snag those perfect selfies with the Statue of Liberty—and the flexible departure times that fit into busy travel schedules. However, it’s worth noting that the cruise doesn’t include food or drinks, so if you’re hoping to dine al fresco with your sightseeing, you’ll need to plan for that separately.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a quick yet rundown of NYC’s most famous sights, without the hefty price tag or lengthy time commitment. It’s a great way to get some fantastic photos and enjoy the city’s skyline from the water without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At just $25 per person, it offers excellent value for a scenic water tour in NYC.
• Great for Photos: The onboard free digital photographer helps you get those perfect shots of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departure times and locations make it convenient for different plans.
• Informative Guides: Tour guides share engaging stories and insights about NYC’s landmarks.
• Comfort and Convenience: Climate-controlled cabins, open-air decks, and onboard restrooms enhance the experience.
• Limited Food Options: Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but no included meals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Upon arriving at the designated pier—either Pier 78 for the 90-minute tour or Pier 36 for the 60-minute cruise—you’ll step onto a modern, climate-controlled boat designed for comfort, regardless of the weather. The crew emphasizes punctuality, so arriving about 30 minutes early helps you get settled and maybe grab a snack before departure.

As the boat sets off, you’ll cruise along the Hudson River first, passing by sights like Hudson Yards and Little Island. The views here are the perfect intro, with the towering One World Trade Center and Ellis Island looming in the backdrop. It’s a chance to start soaking in the cityscape and snap some initial photos.

The highlight comes when the boat stops in front of the Statue of Liberty, where the onboard photographer takes your picture. Many reviews praise this aspect, noting that the photographer really takes the time to help you get a good shot—something that adds a memorable touch to the experience. One guest mentioned, “We appreciated all the information and the photos, it really made the trip special.”

Next, you’ll glide past Lower Manhattan, catching sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and DUMBO. Cruising beneath the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges is often a highlight for visitors, offering up-close views and photo ops.

A brief cruise up the East River offers additional skyline panoramas before turning back towards the departure point. The entire trip lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, making it a perfect quick activity in a busy city.

The Guides and Their Stories

One of the most consistently praised aspects of this tour is the guides. Reviews frequently mention guides like Molly, Darius, and Al, who are described as personable, knowledgeable, and passionate. They share anecdotes and tidbits that make the landmarks come alive—whether it’s the history of the bridges, insights into the Statue of Liberty, or local trivia.

For example, one review said, “Darius was extremely entertaining and made the experience so much fun with his humor and enthusiasm.” Another guest appreciated Molly’s delivery, stating she gave “lots of information and was funny with her narration.” The guides’ ability to balance facts with humor seems to elevate this trip from a simple boat ride to an engaging storytelling experience.

Comfort and Facilities

The boat offers both indoor and outdoor decks, which is a big plus, especially if you’re visiting during a busy or hot day. The climate-controlled interior ensures comfort no matter the weather, while open-air decks give that unobstructed view you’re probably craving.

Restrooms are available onboard, which is essential for a trip that lasts around an hour. The onboard snack bar serves drinks and small bites, including a full bar, but you should note that food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

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Pricing and Value

At $25 per person, this cruise is definitely budget-friendly. It’s one of those activities where the cost feels justified by the quality of the views, the professionalism of the guides, and the added perk of free digital photos. Guests have consistently praised the trip as “great value for money,” with some noting that it’s a perfect way to see key sights without spending a fortune or dedicating a whole day.

Because it doesn’t include food, it’s ideal for those who want a quick sightseeing option rather than a full dining experience. If you’re looking for a leisurely lunch or a fancy meal, you’ll need to plan for that separately.

Timing and Flexibility

Departures are available morning, afternoon, and evening, which is a real plus for fitting the tour into different itineraries. During the winter months, later departures mean you can catch sunset views or enjoy city lights at night—a truly magical sight.

The meeting points are different depending on whether you opt for the 60-minute or 90-minute cruise, so pay close attention to your booking details to avoid confusion.

Authentic Voices from Reviewers

Many travelers have shared high praise for this tour, with some highlighting guides’ personalities. A guest from the UK said, “Darius our guide was extremely entertaining and absolutely made the experience so much fun as well as interesting.” Others noted the opportunity to take photos at the Statue of Liberty was perfectly timed, making memories that last a lifetime.

The experience seems to appeal to a wide range of visitors—from families to couples to solo travelers—thanks to its combination of scenic views, informative guides, and affordability. One reviewer mentioned, “It was a very hot day, and the AC was a lifesaver,” highlighting the comfort of the climate-controlled cabins even in summer.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is well-suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of NYC’s most famous sights without breaking the bank. It’s ideal if you value quality photos, engaging storytelling, and a comfortable boat ride—especially if you’re short on time or prefer a more relaxed pace compared to bus tours or lengthy excursions.

Those interested in capturing stunning shots of the Statue of Liberty and skyline will appreciate the dedicated photographer. If your main goal is to pack in landmarks and get a feel for New York from the water, this trip hits the mark. Conversely, if you’re after a full-on dining experience or a more luxurious cruise, you might want to explore other options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as family-oriented, the cruise’s short duration and relaxed environment make it accessible for most travelers. However, consider your children’s comfort with boat rides and outdoor spaces.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, including a full bar option.

Does the cruise depart from the same pier every time?
No, the meeting points differ depending on whether you choose the 60-minute or 90-minute cruise. Double-check your booking details to head to the correct pier.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunglasses, and a camera. If it’s sunny, sunscreen will help. Bring some cash if you want to buy snacks or drinks onboard.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The onboard photographer is there to help you get the best shots of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.

How long does the entire tour last?
Between 1 and 1.5 hours, which makes it a perfect quick activity.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
The data doesn’t specify, so check with the provider if accessibility is a concern.

What are the departure times?
Multiple times are available throughout the day—morning, afternoon, and evening—especially in winter for sunset views.

How early should I arrive?
Arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure smooth boarding.

What’s the overall value of this experience?
Given the low price, knowledgeable guides, and opportunity for great photos, most guests find it to be excellent value.

Final Thoughts

For those looking to see some of NYC’s most famous sights without spending a ton or dedicating hours to a tour, this cruise offers a smart, enjoyable option. The focus on quality photos, comfortable facilities, and engaging guides makes it stand out among water-based tours.

It’s particularly good for quick trips, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to combine sightseeing with capturing memorable shots of the Statue of Liberty and city skyline. Just remember, it’s a shorter experience—perfect for a snapshot of NYC’s highlights rather than a deep dive into its stories.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and affordable way to get a different perspective on New York City, this cruise is definitely worth considering. Just plan ahead for the meeting point, arrive early, and get ready for some fantastic views.

You can check availability for your dates here: