Edge Observation Deck & Optional Statue of Liberty 60 min Sightseeing Cruise

If you’re considering a trip that combines breathtaking city views with a classic New York experience, this tour might catch your eye. It offers access to the Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards, one of NYC’s most modern and striking vantage points, along with an optional cruise to the Statue of Liberty—all bundled into one ticket for convenience and savings.

What we really like about this experience is the chance to enjoy panoramic NYC skyline views from the outdoor deck, which is perched 1,271 feet above ground. Plus, the cruise option gives a more relaxed way to see the Statue of Liberty and the harbor’s landmarks without the hassle of navigating transport on your own.

However, a potential stumbling block is the mixed review landscape—some travelers have experienced issues with booking, ticket validation, or communication. The price point, around $80 per person, is reasonable considering the attractions involved, but whether it’s a solid deal can depend on how smoothly your booking goes and your expectations about guided service.

This tour setup works best for visitors who want a flexible, cost-effective way to see iconic sights without spending a fortune on separate tickets or tours. If you’re comfortable with some logistics and want a compact experience, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Excellent views from the Edge deck make it a highlight for skyline lovers.
• The combination of attractions offers value, especially if you’re tight on time.
• Booking and ticketing issues have been reported, so clear instructions and patience help.
• The tour’s flexibility allows completing the experience over one or two days.
• Guided commentary and insider stories enhance the experience, especially at Hudson Yards.
• The cruise provides a relaxed perspective on the Statue of Liberty, but some reviews mention it being less informational.

What to Expect from the Experience

This tour is designed to streamline your visit to two of NYC’s most popular landmarks. It begins with a visit to the Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards, which soars above the city with sweeping 360-degree views. Thanks to pre-booked tickets, you get to bypass long lines and head straight into the deck, where the outdoor platform offers spectacular photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the city’s layout from high above.

Once up there, you’re free to take your time snapping photos, soaking in the sights, and learning from your guide about what you’re seeing (if you opt for the guided version). The deck is outdoor, so dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for wind at that altitude.

After your time at the Edge, you have the option to continue with a 60-minute cruise from Pier 36, passing close to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The cruise is a relaxed, scenic ride with good views of the harbor. Reviewers mention that the cruise itself is “kinda party boat,” which means it’s lively and less about historical narration, but it still offers some nice photo ops and a different perspective of the city.

The whole experience, according to the itinerary, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, though the flexible nature means you can spread it out over more than one day if you prefer.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: The Statue of Liberty Cruise

Departing from Pier 36, the cruise lasts about 60 minutes. From the boat, you’ll get close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Many reviewers find that the cruise provides a good, scenic way to see a major part of New York Harbor without the need for separate ferry tickets.

Some travelers, however, mention that the cruise is “less informational,” more about sightseeing than history. If you’re expecting a detailed, educational commentary, this might not fully meet those expectations, but it’s a pleasant ride with photos galore.

Stop 2: The Edge Observation Deck

After returning to ground level, your next stop is the Edge at Hudson Yards. This outdoor sky deck is one of the tallest in the Western Hemisphere, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape, river, and beyond. The deck is at 100 floors, so prepare for a bit of a climb and some high-altitude nerves if you’re afraid of heights.

The experience here is especially about the visual impact—the outdoor platform and glass walls create an immersive environment where you can look straight down and across the skyline. Many reviews highlight the stunning vistas and good photo opportunities.

Adding to the experience, a guided walk around Hudson Yards is included in some options, where your guide shares stories about this newest NYC development. It’s a nice touch, especially if you enjoy hearing about the city’s rapid growth.

Additional Options

• You can opt to do the cruise and Edge in the same day or spread them out, making this a flexible choice.
• Some tours include visits to St. Patrick’s Cathedral or other landmarks, but these are not part of this core package.

A Closer Look at the Booking and Review Insights

The reviews are a mixed bag. The positive comments praise the stunning views, professional guides, and the good value for the price. As one reviewer put it, “The views from the Hudson Yards are breathtaking,” and the experience was “very nice day with many learnings about New York.” Many also appreciated the smooth check-in process facilitated by the guides’ texting of tickets, which makes the experience less stressful.

But the downsides are not insignificant. Several travelers reported booking problems, such as difficulty with tickets not being recognized or confusion about the exact meeting point. For example, one reviewer shared, “When I arrived, no one was there,” and expressed frustration over not being able to reach the guide by phone. Others mentioned miscommunication about ticket validity—some thought they needed to buy additional tickets for the cruise, which isn’t the case if you have the official voucher.

Some reviews highlight delays and missteps: “I waited in line for 20 minutes,” or “The ticket didn’t scan,” which can dampen the experience. Others shared that the cruise was more about partying than sightseeing, which may or may not align with your expectations.

The price point of $79.99 per person is generally reasonable considering the two main attractions, but some travelers note it’s more expensive than buying tickets directly at the site, especially for the Edge deck. You might find that purchasing tickets separately could save you money, but it requires more planning.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This combo is best for first-time visitors who want to see iconic sights without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets. It’s also suitable if you’re okay with some organizational hiccups and are mainly after stunning views and a relaxed harbor cruise.

If you’re someone who appreciates guided commentary or wants to learn more about NYC’s latest developments, the tour’s optional guided walk at Hudson Yards adds value. But if you prefer a more educational or detailed experience at the Statue of Liberty, this might not fully satisfy that craving.

Travelers comfortable with flexible scheduling and willing to read instructions carefully will find this a decent, time-saving package. It’s not perfect, but the views and overall experience can be memorable, especially if the logistics go smoothly.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Arrive early and check your tickets carefully. The guides recommend arriving about 15 minutes prior.
• Be aware that some reviews mention issues with ticket validity—so read your voucher instructions thoroughly.
• Dress for the weather, especially for outdoor areas like the Edge deck.
• If you’re doing the cruise, consider the timing—it’s a good idea to coordinate your entire day to avoid rushing.
• Look out for potential booking issues—some travelers reported difficulty with tickets or delays, so keep your confirmation emails handy.
• Remember that the cruise is less about detailed narration and more about sightseeing and photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire experience typically last?
The overall tour takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can stretch it out over one or two days depending on your schedule.

Do I need to buy separate tickets for the cruise or the Edge?
No, your voucher acts as your ticket for both. The cruise departs from Pier 36, and the Edge tickets are pre-booked, so you simply use your confirmation to access the attractions.

Is it necessary to join a guided tour, or can I do it on my own?
You can do this independently if you prefer, but the package offers pre-booked tickets and some guided storytelling at Hudson Yards, which can enhance your experience.

What if I encounter issues with my tickets?
Some reviews mention difficulties, so it’s wise to read all instructions carefully. Guides usually provide tickets via text, and arriving early helps avoid delays.

Can I spread out the visits over multiple days?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility to complete the activities over more than one day, making it easier to enjoy without rushing.

What should I expect from the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 60 minutes, providing close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor. Some reviews note it’s more lively and less informational, but it’s a scenic ride.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid way to see some of New York City’s best sights without breaking the bank. The views from the Edge deck are truly memorable, and the cruise provides a relaxing harbor perspective. It’s a good choice if you want a convenient package and don’t mind handling some logistics and potential booking quirks.

Keep in mind that some travelers have faced challenges with ticket validation and communication, so reading instructions carefully is key. The experience’s value depends heavily on your patience and expectations—if you’re flexible and prepared, you’ll likely enjoy the views and the city from above and the water.

To sum it up, this combo works best for first-time visitors or those seeking a quick, scenic overview. If you’re looking for a more detailed or guided experience, or want to avoid potential booking issues, you might want to explore other options. But for a straightforward, reasonably priced snapshot of NYC’s skyline and harbor, this could be worth considering.

Happy planning, and enjoy your time in the city that never sleeps!