NYC Combo: Statue of Liberty Cruise, St Patrick’s Cathedral & Moma entrance

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, chances are you want to hit those iconic spots without spending your entire vacation rushing around. This NYC Combo Tour promises to do just that — giving you a taste of three essential attractions in one streamlined experience. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve looked into what it offers, and I think it could be a solid pick for first-timers or those who want a quick, well-rounded overview of the city’s highlights.

What I really like about this package is how it combines a water cruise, a historic cathedral, and world-class modern art—all in approximately 3 to 6 hours. It offers flexibility with several departures throughout the day, which is always a plus when planning a busy itinerary. On the flip side, some folks have mentioned issues with customer service, so it’s worth keeping in mind if seamless support is a priority for you.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a convenient, cost-effective way to see multiple top attractions without the hassle of arranging separate tickets or navigating complex schedules. It’s particularly handy if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful taste of what NYC has to offer.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Cover three major attractions in one trip, saving time and energy.
• Flexible schedule: Multiple departure times allow you to fit this into your day easily.
• Skip-the-line access: Quick entry to MOMA helps maximize your visit.
• Comprehensive highlights: Enjoy a water cruise, audio-guided cathedral tour, and world-renowned art.
• Consider timing carefully: Be sure to arrive early for the cruise, as seats are first-come, first-served.
• Potential customer service issues: Some reviews mention dissatisfaction, so keep these in mind.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

The Statue of Liberty Cruise

The journey begins at Pier 36 in Lower Manhattan with a 60-minute cruise that offers close-up views of Lady Liberty from the water. It’s important to note that the boat doesn’t stop at the island itself — it’s purely sightseeing from the water, which might feel a bit rushed if you’re hoping for a detailed visit to Liberty Island.

We loved the way the cruise offers a different perspective compared to walking tours; seeing the statue from the water really makes its scale and beauty pop. You’ll also get excellent views of over 130 other NYC landmarks, making it a great way to get your bearings. The boat boards from slip 3, and since seats are first-come, first-served, arriving early is recommended.

A common point from reviews is the importance of arriving about 45 minutes to an hour before departure to secure a good seat and avoid missing out. The experience is smooth enough, with onboard amenities like a cash bar, restrooms, and both indoor and outdoor seating, which adds comfort to the trip.

Visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Next, you’ll head uptown to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This iconic church, located on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, is a must-see for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. The tour includes an audio guide in multiple languages—English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese—that brings the cathedral’s history, art, and stories to life.

The audio tour lasts about 90 minutes and is designed to be engaging and educational. We appreciated how the narrators, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, share personal insights and stories that make the experience more meaningful. The tour covers everything from stained glass windows to sculptures and the altar, providing a rich, layered understanding of this 160-year-old landmark.

Be aware, though, that during your visit, there may be times when parts of the cathedral are temporarily closed due to events like weddings or services. In such cases, staff are usually helpful in guiding you to accessible areas, and you can return later to complete your tour.

The Art at MOMA

Finally, you’ll visit the Museum of Modern Art, home to over 150,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art. Thanks to skip-the-line tickets, you can head straight inside, avoiding long queues, which is a real time-saver.

Once inside, you’ll find works by Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, and many other artists. The museum’s layout makes it easy to navigate, and the exhibits are curated to showcase different eras and styles of modern art. This part of the tour is perfect for art lovers or anyone wanting a dose of culture amidst their sightseeing.

With about two hours allocated for your visit, you should have enough time to see some key pieces and catch a sense of the museum’s scope. If you’re a serious art fan, you might want to plan for extra time or return later on your own; but for a quick overview, this works well.

The Practicalities: How It Works

Meeting Points & Timing

The tour begins at Pier 36 in Manhattan. You will choose your preferred departure time for the Statue of Liberty cruise, and it’s recommended to arrive about 45 minutes to an hour early. The cruise departs from slip 3, so check in early to secure your spot, especially since seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

After the cruise, you’ll head to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is conveniently located just a short walk away. The MOMA tickets are valid anytime during the museum’s regular hours, giving you a bit of flexibility.

Duration & Group Size

The entire experience can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on how long you spend at each attraction and the timing you choose. The group size is limited to 100 travelers, which isn’t very large, so you get a more personable experience than some big bus tours.

Cost & Value

At $99 per person, the price covers a lot — the cruise, skip-the-line MOMA entry, and the audio guide at St. Patrick’s. When you consider the cost of individual tickets for these sights, this package offers decent value, especially since it saves you from buying tickets separately.

Customer Service & Reviews

While many reviews mention how straightforward booking is and praise the ease of access, some have expressed dissatisfaction with customer support. One reviewer described their experience as “awful,” citing issues with missing passes and poor service. This highlights the importance of arriving prepared and being aware of the potential for support hiccups.

Authentic Perspectives from Other Travelers

One reviewer remarked, “Visiting the Statue of Liberty provided excellent opportunities for more photos of the NYC skyline. Well worth a visit.” This highlights how the water cruise adds a special dimension to understanding the city’s iconic skyline.

Another shared, “This tour was fantastic! Loved every inclusion — it saved the hassle of doing it while you are there, highly recommend!” It’s clear that for some, the convenience and comprehensive nature of this combo tour make it a favorite.

On the flip side, a less enthusiastic review called the experience “disappointing,” emphasizing that some buyers felt misled or had issues with customer service. It’s always worth weighing these opinions and considering how much support is a priority for your trip.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This NYC Combo Tour is most suited for those wanting a convenient, budget-friendly way to see three major sights in one go. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but want to get a snapshot of Manhattan’s most recognizable landmarks. The combination of a scenic water cruise, a historic cathedral, and a renowned art museum offers a well-rounded taste of the city’s culture and history.

If you’re someone who values organized, pre-booked tickets and prefers to skip lines, this package can save you time and effort. It’s also good for travelers comfortable with a bit of a flexible schedule, given the multiple departure times and the casual pace of the visits.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience or expect premium customer service, you might find some of the drawbacks frustrating. The experience leans more toward a quick overview rather than an immersive tour.

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to the NYC Combo Tour

When and where do I redeem my ticket?
You’ll receive your tickets via email after booking. The Statue of Liberty cruise departs from Pier 36, Slip 3, and the MOMA tickets are valid during regular hours. Make sure to select your preferred cruise departure time when booking.

Can I visit the attractions in any order?
Yes, the tickets are flexible. You can plan your day based on the opening hours of each site and your preferences. Just arrive early for the cruise and plan your visits accordingly.

How early should I arrive for the Statue of Liberty cruise?
It’s best to arrive about 45 minutes to an hour before your scheduled departure. This helps you secure a good seat and avoid missing the boat.

Is seating assigned on the cruise?
No, seating is first-come, first-served. Arriving early ensures better choices, especially if you prefer outdoor or indoor seating.

Are food and drinks available onboard the cruise?
Yes, there’s a cash bar onboard with snacks and beverages. Outside food or drink isn’t permitted, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring children?
Yes, children are welcome. For infants under age 3, ask at the box office for a free infant ticket if they don’t require a seat.

What are the hours for MOMA and St. Patrick’s?
MOMA’s hours are typically 10:30 am to 5:30 pm daily, with extended hours on Saturdays. St. Patrick’s audio tour is available from 9 am to 5 pm, and the cathedral itself is open for visits during those times.

What should I know about visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral?
The audio tour is self-guided and available in several languages. Be aware that parts of the cathedral might be temporarily closed during services or events.

Where is the Museum of Modern Art located?
At 11 W 53rd Street, conveniently situated between Rockefeller Center and Central Park.

What makes this tour a good option?
It’s a practical way to see three iconic NYC attractions with minimal hassle and skip-the-line privileges, making it especially helpful for visitors with limited time.

Final Words

All in all, this NYC Combo Tour offers a smart way to get a snapshot of the city’s highlights without the stress of planning each visit separately. It’s particularly valuable if you’re eager to maximize your time and see major sights efficiently. The water cruise adds a special touch, giving you a different perspective on the skyline, and the skip-the-line tickets for MOMA mean fewer waits and more art.

If you’re someone who appreciates the convenience of bundled experiences and enjoys iconic landmarks, this tour could be a good fit. Just be prepared for some variability in customer service and plan to arrive early at the cruise to make the most of your day. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or just want a quick overview, this experience can help you tick some of NYC’s biggest must-sees off your list.

Happy sightseeing!