Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Cruise with One World Trade Ticket

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, chances are you’re eager to get up close to some of its most famous landmarks. There’s something uniquely exhilarating about seeing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline from the water. That’s exactly what this Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Cruise combined with a ticket to One World Trade Center offers—an easy, scenic way to tick off some of the city’s top sights in just a few hours.

We’ve looked into this experience from multiple angles, and what stands out is the chance to enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks without the hassle of walking all over. Plus, the skip-the-line access to One World Trade Center means you won’t waste precious time waiting in queues. But, like any tour, it has its quirks that you’ll want to consider before booking.

One thing to keep in mind is that the overall value is a bit mixed—some travelers feel it’s a good deal for the experience, while others find it somewhat overpriced for what’s included. Also, a few reviews mention issues like difficulty finding seats and dirty windows, which can impact your enjoyment. Still, if you’re after a straightforward, scenic cruise combined with quick access to One World Trade, this could work well for you—especially if you’re short on time and want a broad overview of the city from the water.

This tour is best suited for first-time visitors, photo enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxing way to see the city’s famed sights without tiring their legs. It’s also a solid pick if you prefer having tickets sorted in advance and want to avoid long lines. Not the most comprehensive or immersive experience, but a decent option if these highlights match your travel style.

Key Points

• Scenic water views of NYC’s skyline and landmarks
• Skip-the-line access to One World Trade Center
• Flexible timing options available—morning, afternoon, or evening
• No stops during the cruise but plenty of iconic sights to see from the water
• Seats are first-come, first-serve—arrive early for the best spots
• Some reviews cite issues like dirty windows and limited time to reach attractions

What to Expect from the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This cruise lasts about 3 hours, giving you a comfortable window to see some of New York’s most photogenic spots. What’s nice is that the route covers a lot without requiring you to walk around in the city’s hustle and bustle. Here’s what you’ll encounter along the way:

Manhattan Skyline

Right from the start, you’ll get incredible views of the city’s towering skyline. We loved the way this perspective makes the city look smaller and more approachable. It’s a great spot for photos, especially if you’re into capturing the city’s timeless architecture and bustling harbors.

Brooklyn Bridge

Sailing past the Brooklyn Bridge offers a chance to see one of NYC’s most recognizable structures from an angle you can’t really get on foot. It’s a different way to appreciate its grandeur, and the photo ops are excellent here.

World Trade Center’s Liberty Park

Cruising close to the Freedom Towers, you’ll get a sense of the scale and resilience of the latest NYC skyline. It’s a moving sight, especially from the water, with the towering glass structures reflecting the city’s ongoing growth.

Battery Park & SeaGlass Carousel

Sailing by Battery Park gives you a good sense of where history and modernity meet in downtown Manhattan. The SeaGlass Carousel offers a colorful, whimsical splash of art in the park’s surroundings—good for a quick photo stop.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

This is the highlight for many. The boat gets within yards of Lady Liberty, allowing for up-close shots and a real sense of the statue’s scale. You’ll love the views—though some reviews mention the windows being dirty, which can obscure your photos slightly. Still, the experience of seeing her from the water is impressive.

The cruise also brings you near Ellis Island, giving you a sense of the immigrant story that’s woven into NYC’s fabric. While you don’t disembark here on this tour, the proximity provides a visual connection to the history.

Ending at the Meeting Point

The cruise concludes back at Pier 36, where your included skip-the-line ticket to One World Trade Center awaits. You’ll have the chance to enjoy panoramic views from the observatory at your own pace, avoiding long lines and wait times.

The One World Trade Center Experience

The ticket included with this tour is a real plus. Instead of waiting in long lines, you get quick access to the observatory on the 101st floor. From this vantage point, you’ll see breathtaking, 360-degree views of Manhattan and beyond. The indoor, climate-controlled space lets you relax while taking in the city from above.

For many visitors, seeing the city from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere is a highlight. You can focus on sightseeing, photos, or simply soaking in the vistas. Plus, there’s a good chance to appreciate the city’s skyline from a perspective that’s hard to match.

Some considerations

While the idea of skipping the lines is appealing, it’s worth noting that if you’re visiting during busy times, the observatory can still be crowded. Also, the timing might be tight if you’re rushing from the cruise to the observatory, so arriving early is recommended.

Practical Details & Tips

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The cruise departs from Pier 36, located at 299 South St in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. There’s onsite parking available, with rates applying, or you can use public transportation—taking the F train to East Broadway is straightforward. The pier is near other public transit options and is easily accessible, which is helpful if you’re staying in different parts of the city.

Timing & Duration

Boardings begin about 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, so arriving 45 minutes to an hour early is smart. The cruise itself lasts approximately 1 hour, but with boarding and waiting, plan for about 3 hours total. This makes it a good option if you’re short on time but want a taste of NYC’s waterscape.

Seating & Comfort

Seats are first-come, first-serve, so arriving early improves your chances of snagging a good spot—either inside or outside on deck. Some reviews mention there are no seats on the deck, so if you prefer to sit outside and enjoy the breeze, early arrival is even more crucial.

Food & Beverage

Onboard, there’s a cash bar with drinks, snacks, and quick bites like hot dogs and nachos. Outside food isn’t permitted, so if you’re hungry, plan to buy something onboard. It’s not a full-service gourmet experience, but it’s convenient.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviews give this experience a solid 4 out of 5, appreciating the stunning views and knowledgeable guides. Many noted that the water cruise offers a perspective you simply can’t get from land, which is true whether you’re snapping photos of Lady Liberty or the NYC skyline.

However, there are some downsides worth mentioning. One reviewer pointed out that “no seats on the deck” and “windows are so dirty you barely see through them”, which can be frustrating if you’re looking for clear photos. Another mentioned that the cruise is quite expensive for what it offers, especially considering the limited time at each landmark and the fact that Ellis Island isn’t technically part of the itinerary.

The timing can also be tight, as one reviewer noted that “after the cruise, you have hardly the time to reach One World Trade Center on time”. This suggests if you’re planning to combine the cruise with a visit to the observatory, arriving early and managing your schedule carefully is critical.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys spectacular water views and wants to see many landmarks from a comfortable vantage point, this cruise could suit you well. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors eager to get an overall sense of the city’s layout and skyline. The skip-the-line ticket to the One World Trade Center makes it appealing for travelers looking to maximize their time without waiting in long queues.

This experience is also handy if you’re on a tight schedule—packing in the cruise and the observatory into a few hours. It’s suitable for those who don’t mind the crowds and are okay with the limited time at each stop, especially since no stops are made during the cruise.

However, if you’re after a more detailed or immersive exploration of each site or are traveling with kids who may be sensitive to noise or limited seating, you might want to consider other options.

In The Sum Up

This Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Cruise with a skip-the-line ticket to One World Trade Center offers a straightforward, scenic way to soak in some of New York City’s most iconic sights. The water route allows a perspective you can’t get from the streets, and the included ticket to the observatory helps you skip long lines, making it a practical choice for busy days.

The experience is best suited for visitors who want a quick, enjoyable overview of the city from the water, paired with panoramic views from above. You’ll love the ease of access, the photo opportunities, and the chance to see Lady Liberty up close without overly strenuous activity.

That said, it’s worth noting the shortcomings—dirty windows, limited seating, and the potential for rushed timing. If you’re aware of these and still excited about the views, this tour can be a worthwhile addition to your NYC itinerary.

In the end, it’s a decent, no-fuss way to experience New York from the water and sky, especially if your priority is convenience and iconic sights without a big price tag.

FAQ

• Where does the cruise depart from? The cruise departs from Pier 36 at 299 South St in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

• Is there parking available? Yes, onsite parking is available at Pier 36, with rates applying. Street parking may also be an option.

• Can I get to the pier by subway? Absolutely. The F train to East Broadway is the easiest route, with a short walk east on Rutgers Street towards the water.

• How early should I arrive? Boarding begins about 30 minutes before the scheduled time, so plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour early to find good seats.

• Are seats assigned? No, seating is first-come, first-serve. Arriving early helps secure the best spots, especially outside on deck.

• Are children allowed? Yes, this experience is suitable for all ages, including young children.

• Are there food and drinks onboard? There’s a cash bar offering drinks and snacks, but outside food isn’t permitted.

• Is there a restroom onboard? Yes, restrooms are available during the cruise.

• How close does the boat get to the Statue of Liberty? The boat cruises within yards of Lady Liberty, offering close-up views and photo opportunities.

• Can I disembark at Ellis Island during this tour? No, there are no stops during the cruise, but you’ll get a good visual sense of Ellis Island’s proximity.

• Is smoking allowed onboard? No, smoking isn’t permitted during the cruise.

If this sounds like a good fit for your NYC adventure—especially if you’re after easy access to top sights with a scenic twist—this tour is worth considering. Just keep the expectations realistic, arrive early, and bring your camera!