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Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise With Buffet: Review

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I am a big fan of Dinner Cruises in New York . For those of you who don’t know the term, dinner cruises are usually evening boat rides with food, music and great views of the skyline. The last tour I got to try out for you was the 3-hour Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise. A really worthwhile cruise with buffet, wine, drinks and live DJ on board the Spirit Yacht. The cruise departs from Chelsea Piers (Pier 61), which is also where the Bateaux Dinner Cruise departs from.

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If you’re looking for a honest review of this dinner cruise, you’ve come to the right place – I’ve done them twice myself!

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Table of Contents

What you can expect

The Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise starts at Chelsea Piers and takes you all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge . You will have great views of the New York skyline including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Governors Island , the Statue of Liberty and of course the Brooklyn Bridge.

The view of the New York City skyline is just incredible. I still get goosebumps when I think about this tour!

Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise Menu

No question, the food, which was served in buffet form, was awesome and there was something for everyone. Plenty of salad choices, bread, chicken, beef and pork, plus vegetables, mashed potatoes and of course a wide variety of desserts (cakes, cookies, fruit) were all part of the lavish buffet.

The beverage selection is also wide. Various wines and beers are offered on board the Spirit Dinner Cruise, as well as cocktails, but they are extra. Prices are okay and in line with New York restaurant prices. All non-alcoholic beverages are included in the ticket price.

Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise Tickets

I recommend booking the Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise in advance online here to guarantee you can board on your preferred date. You can choose to have a window seat when you purchase your tickets, you can even order extra roses and champagne for your loved one, and you can even eat in a special section cordoned off for you if desired.

On board the Spirit of New York Dinner Cruise

Boarding began promptly at 6:30 pm, so we left Chelsea Piers just as promptly at 7:00 pm. We had a great window seat with a view of the skyline and could enjoy the sunset with a delicious wine. What more could you ask for? The Spirit Yacht has a total of 4 decks (2 of which are outside), from which you can also experience the cruise. You can stay on all decks during the whole cruise and enjoy these special hours from really everywhere.

The outdoor decks have comfortable seating, lounge furniture and entertainment options, such as a foosball table, an XXL Jenga game and much more. Especially when the Spirit of New York passes the Statue of Liberty, you can take really beautiful photos from here. The New York skyline is also wonderfully staged almost all the time.

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• Freedom Liberty Cruise
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New York City Cruise Along the Hudson River

Unlock NYC aboard the Big City Tourism city tour! What better way to take in the Manhattan skyline than sailing along the Hudson River? Our New York City Cruise will have you floating past New York’s most iconic landmarks.

Hop aboard our quiet, eco-friendly boat where you can enjoy an open roof deck and witness the New York skyline in all it’s glory and get the perfect selfie with Ms. Liberty herself! If you prefer to experience your sail from indoors, the first floor deck is equipped with a full service concession!

Cruise Map Route

Freedom Tower

Statue of liberty.

Brooklyn Bridge

Empire State Building

Lower Manhattan

Hudson Yards & Vessel

Chelsea Piers

Little Island

Ellis Island

Governors Island

The Key Attractions

The Freedom Tower , officially One World Trade Center, stands as a symbol of resilience and strength. It was built at the World Trade Center site to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The tower’s height, reaching 1,776 feet, not only pays homage to the year of American independence but also signifies the nation’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming immigrants arriving in the United States. A gift from France, it stands proudly in New York Harbor. The statue’s torch, held high, serves as a beacon of hope, while the tablet she carries represents the law, highlighting New York City’s historical role as a gateway for millions seeking a better life.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a marvel of engineering and a defining feature of the New York City skyline. Completed in 1883, it was the first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its graceful architecture and panoramic views of the city make it a beloved landmark. The bridge’s significance lies in its role as a symbol of unity, linking two boroughs and fostering economic and cultural exchange.

The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper that has dominated the Manhattan skyline since 1931. Its art deco design and impressive height were groundbreaking at the time of its construction. As one of the world’s most famous office buildings, the Empire State Building symbolizes New York City’s ambition and serves as a testament to its enduring influence on global culture and commerce.

Lower Manhattan is the historic and financial heart of New York City. Home to Wall Street, the Financial District, and landmarks like the Charging Bull, this area is a testament to the city’s economic power. It also holds the somber memory of the World Trade Center, making it a symbol of resilience and rebirth.

Hudson Yards , a state-of-the-art urban development, is home to the extraordinary Vessel. This interactive art piece and landmark comprises interconnected staircases, providing panoramic views of the city. The Vessel and Hudson Yards represent New York’s commitment to innovation and modern urban living.

The High Line , a former elevated railway turned public park, is a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. Its adaptive reuse showcases New York’s ability to transform industrial spaces into vibrant, recreational areas. The High Line serves as a testament to the city’s creativity and commitment to preserving its history while embracing modernity.

Chelsea Piers , a waterfront sports and entertainment complex, is a hub for recreational activities. Originally a passenger ship terminal, it has transformed into a dynamic space for sports, fitness, and entertainment. Chelsea Piers reflects New York’s dedication to providing diverse recreational opportunities within the city.

Little Island , a floating park on the Hudson River, is a whimsical addition to New York City’s green spaces. Supported by mushroom-shaped columns, it offers a unique experience for visitors seeking respite from the urban hustle. Little Island showcases the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and providing accessible public spaces.

Ellis Island is a historic immigration station that processed millions of immigrants entering the United States. It stands as a symbol of the nation’s immigrant heritage, capturing the hopes and dreams of those who sought a new life. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration preserves this rich history, making it a poignant landmark.

Governors Island , once a military outpost and now a public park, provides a peaceful escape from the city. Accessible by ferry, it offers stunning views of Manhattan and serves as a recreational haven. Governors Island represents New York’s dedication to preserving open spaces for public enjoyment and cultural events.

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a trendy neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets and artistic vibe. Nestled between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, DUMBO is a hub for creativity, housing art galleries, tech startups, and unique boutiques. Its transformation into a cultural hotspot reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of New York City.

Amazing Views Of The Statue Of Liberty

Convenient location at lower manhattan, bar, refreshment and snacks, an outdoor experience, tradition, history and passion, nyc city cruises & tours, freedom liberty cruise.

Hop aboard our quiet, eco-friendly boat where you can enjoy an open roof deck and witness the New York skyline in all it’s glory and get the perfect selfie with Ms. Liberty herself! If you prefer to experience your sail from indoors, the first floor deck is equipped with a full service concession!

• Unmatched Views of NYC
• Indoor and Outdoor Seating
• Available year round

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Discounts available for children, veterans, and seniors

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

7 Days a Week

11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, & 5:00pm

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*New departure location at WTC Battery Park coming soon!

NEW TOURS COMING SOON

We will soon offer Helicopter, Bus, Bike and Walking Tours.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the freedom liberty cruise.

The Freedom Liberty Cruise is 80 minutes. We recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to your departure time.

What will I see on the cruise?

This unforgettable NYC city cruise takes you by some of the most iconic sites in New York, including the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Governor’s Island, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Does the cruise take you to the Statue of Liberty?

The Freedom Liberty Cruise, offers you the chance to cruise by the Statue of Liberty. This provides you with the ideal moment to capture the perfect moments with Lady Liberty; however, please note that the cruise does not include a stop on the island.

Where does the cruise pick you up?

The Freedom Liberty cruise picks you up at Pier 78, 455 12th Ave, New York, NY 10018.

Can I bring food or drink on the boat?

Yes. You are allowed to bring your own food and drink on the boat.

There is also a full-service concession on the first floor of the boat that serves alcoholic beverages, as well non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Is there a shuttle service to the departure location?

Yes! Take NY Waterway’s convenient multi-route shuttles to and from our Freedom Liberty Cruise tours! Get picked up and dropped off at major city bus stops so you can join our tours hassle-free.

Closest Subway

• 34th Street – Hudson Yards
• Times Square Terminal: Train 1, 2, 3, 7, N, R, Q

Closest Ferry

• World Financial Center Terminal and Pier 79

Closest Bus Stop

• Pier 78: 12 Av / W 40 St.

Franklin D Roosevelt

The Franklin D. Roosevelt (the FDR), built in 2020, is a 500-passenger catamaran operated by NY Waterway, a company with over 30 years of experience! This ferry includes state-of-the-art marine electronics to ensure the safest ride on the Hudson. This spacious vessel is 109 ft long and 32 ft wide and will ensure a comfortable ride with seating for 200 passengers on its expansive open roof deck and 300 passengers on its Art Deco-inspired lower deck. The lower deck includes large windows that can be opened, concessions, and a bar for an optimal sightseeing experience and NYC harbor cruise.

The FDR is a ferry built to ensure that our impact on the environment is minimized. Operating using the cleanest burning marine engine available in America, the FDR’s Twin EPA Tier 3 Compliant engines will provide you with a quiet ride to reduce both carbon and noise emissions. The FDR’s hull is made of 99% aluminum, further increasing fuel efficiency. Enjoy your NYC views knowing that your choice to sail with Big City Tourism will be a comfortable and environmentally friendly choice!

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Schooner Adirondack and Schooner America 2.0 offer a variety of sailing excursions that take you out into NY Harbor and sail you past the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. If you are looking for a romantic NYC date idea, the sunset sail and city lights sails are a perfect fit for a relaxing, breathtaking evening. 

Our motor yachts; Manhattan, Manhattan II and Kingston allow for a NYC sightseeing boat tour experience in a classic upscale environment. Join us aboard one of these 1920s commuter yachts for a educational AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture tour , or enjoy a morning NYC Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise! 

-->Sunset Sail aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

Experience the most stylish means of viewing a New York City sunset; sailing aboard the  Schooner America 2.0 . While sailing you will be treated to a glass of champagne by our exceptional crew as you watch the vibrant warm rays of the sun sink peacefully into the horizon.  Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city with your favorite companions when you board this 105-foot, 1800s styled vessel, America 2.0 . She’s perfect for romantic outings, entertaining friends from out of town, or just relaxing.

-->Sunset Sail aboard Schooner Adirondack -->

See New York City sunset from the water on this evening sightseeing sail of the borough’s waterside landmarks. Climb aboard our beautiful 80-foot schooner, the  Adirondack , and join your captain in this peaceful, picturesque sail away from the concrete and noise of the city.  (Photo by Tali Blankfeld). 

-->City Lights Sail aboard Schooner Adirondack -->

Experience New York City lights like you never have on this sail past the bright and beautiful borough of Manhattan. You’ll take in the famous Manhattan skyline as it was meant to be seen — from the water. You will also enjoy spectacular views of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge lit up by the evening lights.

-->AIANY Industrial Waterfront Tour into Freshkills Park -->

Cruise the active, vibrant waterway of the Kill Van Kull and into the heart of Freshkills Park of Staten Island on one of our luxury yachts. The AIANY & planners of the Freshkills Park host this special Classic Harbor Line tour. This is the only water tour available to the public into the Freshkills waterway. Officially closed in 2001, Freshkills has embarked on a 30-year project to be transformed into the largest city park in NYC! Continuing education credits available »

-->Marea At Sea: Light Bites from Coastal Italy aboard the classic Schooner America 2.0. -->

Join us for this 2 hour sunset sail aboard the Schooner America 2.0 and enjoy a curated sampling of Marea’s renowned crudos, a taste of their famous Astice appetizer and, of course, caviar. Each dish has been thoughtfully crafted and reimagined to enjoy at sea, while on the decks of New York’s newest and most elegant schooner, America 2.0!   

-->Fourth of July Cruise aboard Yacht Kingston -->

Join us aboard the most intimate classic yacht in town to take in the spectacular Macy’s Fireworks! You and a few other guests will be aboard one of our 1920s-style water taxi to zip out on to the water! The Kingston features wrap-around seating, a covered area midship and an uncovered forward deck for excellent skyward views.  A delicious prix fixe light hors d’ oeuvres menu will be served along with a standard open bar (Beer, Wine, Champagne and Soft Drinks). 

-->AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Tour -->

Explore NYC’s new and enduring architecture, engineering marvels and the revitalized waterfront from the teak decks of Classic Harbor Line’s elegant motor yachts. The “Around Manhattan’s” insightful tour narration is eloquently shared by AIANY (American Institute of Architects) members.  The story of NYC’s development is described as a broad overview for visitors yet includes deeper insights to satisfy demanding locals. Catch new and alluring sites including Little Island at Pier 55, the Hudson Yards “mega-project”, the continuing ascent of “supertall” luxury residential towers and join a discussion of how cities might adapt in the post-Covid era. Continuing education credits available »

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-->Sunset Cocktail Cruise on Yacht Kingston -->

Join us aboard the most intimate classic yachts in town to take in the spectacular New York City Skyline at Sunset! You and only up to 48 other guests will be aboard one of our 1920s style water taxis to zip out on to the Hudson in style! Our identical “mini yacht”, Kingston is the smallest and newest power yacht in the Classic Harbor Line fleet.

-->Around Manhattan Mother’s Day Brunch Cruise -->

Treat mom to the elegant yacht she deserves! Bring her aboard the Manhattan II for a leisurely weekend brunch! Our brunch is a **three-course prix fixe menu served in a hybrid fashion of both ‘family style’ and buffet.** A complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa is included! We’ll cruise all the way around the entire island — seeing all the major sites including the Statue of Liberty!

-->City Lights Sail aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

Board the 105-foot, 1800s styled, Schooner  America 2.0  after dusk to take a tour of the unmatched Manhattan skyline. Bring your favorite companion or a group of friends to enjoy the lights as you sip on champagne in the peaceful late-night breezes of the Harbor. The City Lights sail on America 2.0 is an exquisite choice for an after-dinner event or to finish any day in the city.  (Photo by Tali Blankfeld). 

-->Day Sail to Statue of Liberty on Adirondack -->

See New York like you never have on this 2 hour sail aboard the Adirondack , a wooden 80-foot pilot schooner. Within five minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll forget the mayhem and noise of Manhattan street life, and you’ll feel the relaxing breeze of New York Harbor! Sail past the Statue of Liberty and get the best view of the NYC Skyline with the World Trade Center standing tall.  

-->Mimosa Sail aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

Start your Saturday off with a Mimosa Sail aboard the stunning Schooner America 2.0. Sit with friends and family and enjoy an early afternoon out on the water in NY Harbor. Offering a premium sailing experience, the Schooner America 2.0 is the newest, largest, most elegant sailing ship designed for our fleet. Added to our fleet in 2011, the America 2.0 provides the most exceptional day sailing one can find in New York Harbor.  So sit back and relax for two hours on this classic yacht. 

-->AIANY Climate Change and Architecture Tour -->

The best way to understand the many facets of climate change in New York City is by traveling along its waterways….Join us aboard Yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II for the *AIANY Climate Change Tour: Resiliency, Sustainable Architecture and the Future of NYC * and learn about how climate change is affecting our city and people, and the actions NYC is taking to mitigate pending threats and reduce its carbon footprint. This tour will address the pressing need for sustainable design and greater resiliency, delving into how New York City is reducing fossil fuel consumption, strengthening its natural habitats, and reimagining its transportation infrastructure. The tour will also explore the importance of the environmental justice movement in New York City. (Offered on Fridays!) Continuing education credits available »

-->Paseo en Barco por la Arquitectura de Nueva York con narración en Español -->

THIS TOUR IS ONLY OFFERED ON PRIVATE EVENTS – Narrado en español por uno de los guías del Instituto Americano de Arquitectos – Nueva York (AIANY). Se ofrece a bordo de Kingston es un mini yate de casco blanco con una cabina totalmente cubierta con grandes ventanales, y una sección de proa exterior. Disfrute de los tesoros arquitectónicos de Nueva York desde un elegante y cómodo barco. La mejor manera de conocer la ciudad. Las obras de arquitectos ganadores de premios nacionales e internacionales, incluidos muchos arquitectos españoles y latinoamericanos.

-->Classic Cocktails aboard Yacht Manhattan -->

Enjoy and savor a well-made ‘welcome aboard’ on the house cocktail varied by week! Watch the city pass by while relaxing in your private, partitioned seating area surrounded by large windows. Snap a few shots as we linger in front of the Statue of Liberty, explore the outer decks or stay cozy in your private nook; every vantage point offers the BEST VIEWS OF NYC. Welcome in a new era of 20s cocktails with a Sake Gimlet or a Grapefruit & Rosemary   Rickey. Our sophisticated cocktail menu is packed with creative modern-day spins. A full bar is available to purchase additional drinks by credit card. A specialty cocktail menu is also available!

-->Mimosa Sail aboard Schooner Adirondack -->

Start your Saturday off with a Mimosa Sail aboard the stunning Schooner Adirondack. Sit with friends and family and enjoy an early afternoon out on the water in NY Harbor. Offering a premium sailing experience, the *Schooner Adirondack* is the legend of our fleet. Climbing aboard *Adirondack*, our 80-foot wooden pilot schooner, you will quickly forget the mayhem and noise of Manhattan street life.

-->Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise aboard Yacht Manhattan -->

Climb aboard the  Manhattan , our cozy, elegant 1920s style yacht as we travel northbound on the Hudson River in style!  Admire the last leaves of fall in their splendor through the skylights of our ship’s heated and enclosed observatory. Observe New York’s most dramatic natural wonders and colorful foliage as the seasons change. Our brunch is a **three-course prix fixe menu served in a hybrid fashion of both ‘family style’ and buffet.**: freshly made New York bakery and pastry, salmon and lox, Chef’s seasonal salad with an Autumn twist, a roasted ham and more.  Includes a complimentary bloody Mary, mimosa, beer, wine or champagne. 

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-->Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise -->

Please join us for this special warm and cozy cruise with your friends, family, and all your loved ones during the Holiday Season. Join us inside the toasty solarium in full holiday decor for a one hour and thirty minute cruise to see the New York City lights. Listen to Holiday songs backed by a live band!  One complimentary drink of Beer, Wine, Champagne or Delicious Hot Cocoa (Spiked if you please), Cookies, and treats for all our guests are included! (**Additional Drinks are available for purchase)   This is a NYC Holiday cruise that you just can’t miss! (Children tickets are available on early departure times) 

-->Holiday Jazz Cruise -->

Join us aboard our luxury Yacht Manhattan II in full holiday decor and join us for our romantic Holiday Jazz Cruise.  Enjoy this 1.5 hour cruise with your loved one and a glass of Champagne in hand.  See the city lights twinkle at night as you cozy up for an evening out in NY Harbor aboard a luxury yacht.  A complimentary beer, wine, hot cocoa (spiked if you please) or champagne from the bar is offered on all trips. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

-->Statue & Skyline Holiday Cocoa Cruise -->

Don’t let the cold scare you! Join us aboard one of our classic, climate controlled yachts, decked out in holiday decor and cruise with us into NY Harbor.  Take in the most famous skyline in the world and get an up close view of the Statue of Liberty.  This is one of NYCs Best Holiday Sightseeing Cruises!  Intimate and cozy, you are sure to enjoy your time out with us and make it a memorable experience. 

-->Sunset Cruise on Yacht Manhattan -->

Experience a beautiful New York City sunset and the illuminated cityscape during a comfortable and unique NYC Harbor sunset cruise through the Hudson and NY Harbor. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous 360-degree view of the island from the open decks or the glass observatory of this Gatsby-esque 1920s style yacht. (Photo by Tali Blankfeld).

-->City Lights Cruise on Yacht Manhattan -->

Experience a Romantic New York Sightseeing cruise like never before. Join us aboard our luxurious 1920s inspired motor yacht. Cozy up in the climate controlled observation cabin to take in the iconic sights. Join us for a bright and beautiful New York City Skyline by nightfall during a comfortable and unique NY Harbor Cruise. This romantic cruise is truly one of the most spectacular ways to see NYC! (Photo by Tali Blankfeld). 

-->Live Jazz Sunset Sail -->

Join us for a magical evening of live jazz aboard the decks of our stunning 105 foot schooner.  Sit back and relax with a glass of Champagne in hand and glide through NY Harbor with the magical sun setting behind the Statue of Liberty.  This sail is perfect for date night or a group of friends looking to do something unique. Enjoy a live Jazz trio from the decks of this elegant schooner.  

-->Statue and Skyline Sightseeing Cruise -->

Experience a New York Sightseeing cruise like never before. Join us aboard our 1920s inspired motor yacht and take in the iconic sights that NY Harbor has to offer. This is a wonderful cruise to treat out of town guests to see the sites and is a perfect sightseeing cruise for children. Sit back and relax on this elegantly crafted boat as you cruise by Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and have the whole view of NY Harbor. 

-->Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise -->

Join us for our famous leisurely weekend brunch! Our “cruisine” is packed with delicious foods & fresh baked goods! Our brunch is a three-course prix fixe menu served in a hybrid fashion of both ‘family style’ and buffet.  Guests are treated to a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa as well! You can also purchase a brunch beverage package if you please. View the sites and cruise with us around the island of Manhattan from the yacht Manhattan’s  climate controlled, glass observatory.

-->Evening Jazz Cruise -->

Cruise New York City’s famous harbor aboard the luxury 1920s style yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II while listening to live jazz music by the Classic Harbor Line Jazz Trio, The Boat Band! Learn more about our NYC Jazz Cruise !  This is truly the perfect way to start your evening and relax to the soothing sound of the jazz. 

-->Champagne & Cheese Pairing Cruise -->

Bubbles, Bites & New York City Sights! As you cruise on the Yacht Manhattan II or Yacht Manhattan, you will be able to take in all the beauty the New York City skyline has to offer while relaxing in our grand observatory. This cruise has limited capacity to create an intimate, comfortable and quiet NY Harbor cruise.

-->Fall Foliage Cruise aboard Yacht Kingston -->

Climb aboard the Kingston — our cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht — as we travel northbound on the Hudson River in style! Admire the last leaves of fall in all their splendor through the large windowed salon of our ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York’s most dramatic natural wonders and colorful foliage as the seasons change.  

-->Day Sail to Statue of Liberty on America 2.0 -->

Enjoy a day sail on this 105-foot schooner that is perfect for family outings, dates, and entertaining. A sail on  America 2.0 is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Within five minutes of leaving the dock you’ll feel the relaxing breeze of New York Harbor; forgetting the mayhem and noise of Manhattan. Take in all the iconic sites of this famous city from the perspective of the water.  Sail past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.  Get the perspective of this famous city skyline from the decks of this stunning schooner. 

-->New York Harbor PRIDE Sail for the Hetrick-Martin Institute -->

Celebrate PRIDE with us and join aboard for an afternoon sail on one of our classic Schooners! 100% of net ticket sales will be donated to Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) whome is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization serving LGBTQIA+ youth services organization that provides its youth members with access to mental health services, social services, basic needs such as toiletries and clothing, as well as remote and in-person programming services focused on education, workforce development and arts & culture.  So grab your friends, soak up some sunshine and sail with us through the waters we proudly call home.  

-->Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Schooner Sail -->

See the last leaves of Fall in all their colorful splendor on our last scenic sail up the Hudson River to the Palisades. Forming a canyon of the Hudson River north of Fort Lee, New Jersey, the Palisades are among the most dramatic geologic features in New York City’s vicinity. Now you can observe this natural wonder from the seat with the best view on the water aboard the Schooner  Adirondack . We will be sailing so bundle up for this epic outdoor adventure up the Hudson River! (lots of warm layers, hats, gloves, and even a lap blanket depending on the temperature & the breeze!)

-->Fall Foliage Cruise on Yacht Full Moon from Chelsea Piers -->

Climb aboard the yacht Full Moon — our cozy, elegant, Grebe Yacht — as we travel north to explore the grand foliage of the Palisades Park on the Hudson River. Admire the last leaves of fall in all their splendor through the open deck of our ship’s covered viewing area, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York’s most dramatic natural wonders and colorful foliage as the seasons change with a hot beverage in hand!

-->Fourth of July Sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack -->

Join us for the 4th of July celebration onboard the Adirondack . Experience a great view of the fireworks and the New York City skyline! Climb aboard the Schooner Adirondack and join your captain in this joyful, picturesque sail. Surrounded by other boats in a festive holiday atmosphere, the spirit of July 4th will fill the harbor! There will be an open beer, soda, wine, and champagne bar. Join us for the 4th of July celebration onboard the Adirondack . A delicious prix fixe light hors d’ oeuvres menu will be served along with a standard open bar (Beer, Wine, Champagne and Soft Drinks) 

-->Fourth of July Sail aboard Schooner America 2.0 -->

Set sail for the Fourth of July upon the decks of the most opulent sailboat in all of New York City: the 105 foot America 2.0 — a modernized replica of the first winner of the America’s Cup race of 1851!  Guests are treated to a complimentary open bar, a delicious prix fixe light hors d’ oeuvres menu and a 3.5 hour excursion on the Hudson River amongst the entire New York July 4th flotilla!  Be aboard the most stunning and patriotic yacht in the NYC Fleet! 

-->Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise aboard Luxury Yacht Manhattan II -->

Join us for a 4th of July celebration aboard the 1920s style luxury yacht  Manhattan II.   This vessel offers you great views of the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks, Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline, from its forward open air deck, or its glassed-in skylight observatory.  Enjoy a delicious prix fixe light hors d’ oeuvres menu along with a standard open bar (Beer, Wine, Champagne and Soft Drinks) Enjoy the best view in NYC for the famous Macy’s Fireworks!

-->Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Cruise with an Urban Naturalist -->

Admire the Palisades of the Hudson River through the skylights of our ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. Observe New York’s most dramatic natural wonders and foliage as the seasons change. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River, north of NYC, will be a true delight for you and your guests. **Narrated Tour – hosted by Urban Naturalist!** Enjoy an exciting narration of the geology and ecology of this epic waterway!

-->Around Manhattan Holiday Brunch Cruise -->

You will find her warm, cozy, and spectacularly decorated within the main cabin — sure to bring you and your guests into the Spirit of the Season!  This around-Manhattan holiday-themed brunch cruise is packed with a bountiful holiday-themed menu. Our brunch is a **three-course prix fixe menu served in a hybrid fashion of both ‘family style’ and buffet. Expect fresh baked bagels, gingerbread muffins, cinnamon-apple pastries, seasonal fruit, spiced-glazed ham, harvest-mix salad, stuffed quiches, gluten-free waffle station with all the fixings, turkey sausage, spicy Bloody Marys, Mimosas, juices, coffee and tea. See Holiday activities we host! 

-->Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise -->

Experience a beautiful New York City sunset and the illuminated cityscape during a comfortable and unique NYC Harbor sunset cruise through the Hudson River. Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the grand salon of the Manhattan Yachts in their rich full Holiday decor while taking in NYC skyline during this magical time of year.

-->New Year’s Eve Champagne Tasting Cruise -->

Celebrate this New Year’s Eve with your special someone or your close and dear friends on Classic Harbor Line’s New Year’s Eve Champagne Tasting Cruise! As you cruise on the Yacht Manhattan II, you will be able to take in all the beauty the New York City skyline has to offer while cozying up and staying warm in our climate controlled observatory. This cruise has limited capacity to create an intimate, comfortable and quiet NY Harbor cruise.

This special tour features the twinkling lights of Manhattan and a selection of special sparkling wines featuring a delicious flight hand selected by our own wine and food expert.

This cruise will have a five flight Champagne tasting and the best spots in NY Harbor for the magical display of Fireworks off the Statue of Liberty! 

-->New Year’s Day Brunch Cruise -->

Happy Holidays! Come cruise into the New Year with us.  You will enjoy our warm, cozy, and spectacularly decorated main cabin – which is sure to bring you and your guests into the Spirit of the Season.  This round-Manhattan New Year brunch cruise is packed with a bountiful holiday-themed menu!  Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous 360-degree view of the island from the climate-controlled and enclosed back-deck observatory of these 1920s style motor yachts. 

-->Military History Tour of New York Harbor -->

In honor of our National Holiday Weekends, Classic Harbor Line and Turnstile Tours have teamed up to offer a special series of Naval Harbor History Tours! Join us on Memorial Day Weekend for a special, in-depth tour of our rich harbor-related war history.  This special 2.5-hour tour will explore the military history of New York Harbor from the Revolutionary War to today, with special emphasis on the role of the port in World War II. We will visit historic military sites, monuments, fortifications and see historic and modern fighting ships up close (especially during Fleet Week).

-->Statue & Skyline Cruise aboard Yacht Kingston -->

Experience New York like you never have before by leaving the noise of city life behind. Sit back and enjoy this intimate narrated tour of lower Manhattan from the open decks of yacht  Kingston ! Get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty and cruise by Ellis Island.  You will also cruise under the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge all the while taking in all of the views that the NYC Skyline has to offer.

-->The Holy Cocoa & Carols Holiday Cruise: Traditional Christmas Music & Hymns -->

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Classic Harbor Line!  Please join us for this special warm and cozy cruise tailored for friends, family, and all your loved ones during the Holiday Season. Step inside this toasty solarium in full holiday decor for a 1.5 hour cruise to see the New York City lights.  Delicious Hot Cocoa, Cookies, and treats for all our guests are included! Sit back and enjoy the show & the sites (Musically-talented groups are our special hosts for each of these cruises!)

-->NYC Holiday Brunch Cruise aboard Yacht Northern Lights -->

Join us for this special 2 hour Christmas Brunch cruise in NY Harbor.  Join us aboard the classic yacht Northern Lights our turn-of-the-century inspired yacht! This yacht is decked out in holiday decor creating an intimate experience that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.  This is a jam packed buffet brunch loaded with delicious goods from New York purveyors.  From NY fresh bagels and bakery items, seasonal fruit, craft sausages, kale salad, stuffed quiche, classic smoked salmon display and pastries. Not only is the food scrumptious but the views of the NYC Skyline are magical.  This is the perfect way to start your weekend of in the month of December! 

-->Sunset Cruise on Full Moon from Chelsea Piers -->

Join us aboard one of the smaller more intimate wooden yachts of the Classic Harbor Line fleet and departs from Chelsea Piers for a cruise in New York Harbor at Sunset. Yacht Full Moon is equipped with comfortable seating and excellent views of the city skyline and New York harbor. Occasionally this cruise will take place on her sister ship the classic Yacht Kingston. This charming plumb-bowed mini-yacht features wrap-around seating to take in all the amazing views this city has to offer. Each excursion will feature a slow pass by the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. 

-->Statue & Skyline cruise on Full Moon from Chelsea Piers -->

Experience New York like you never have before aboard one of our classic yachts. After a day of sightseeing leave the noise of city street life behind and join us in NY Harbor for a sightseeing boat tour. Sit back, soak in the sun and enjoy the luxurious view of the island from the comfort of our open decks of one of these classic yachts!

-->PRIDE Fireworks Cruise aboard the Yacht Manhattan -->

Step aboard yacht Manhattan for the famous Brooklyn Army Terminal fireworks to celebrate PRIDE!  Join us for a magical evening as you sit with amazement and awe as colorful fireworks soar in the sky of NY Harbor.  This annual celebration will end with a bang! Sparkling fireworks soar in the sky for the celebration of PRIDE! Exhale your “oohs and ahs” as you sip on Champagne and cruise through the waters we proudly call home. 100% of your tickets will be donated to HMI! 

-->Solar Eclipse Day Cruise on yacht Manhattan -->

Join us for this once in a lifetime event aboard the yacht Manhattan in NY Harbor, a Solar Eclipse Day Cruise.  Step aboard this luxury yacht for an afternoon on the water and get the best seats in the house for the solar eclipse happening on April 8th! Grab your friends or family and watch as the moon dances in front of the sun creating a magical twilight effect during the day.  This Solar Eclipse Day Cruise is the best way to create a lasting memory of a lifetime!

-->Solar Eclipse Viewing on Yacht Kingston -->

Join us on April 8th for this rare opportunity in NY Harbor. Come cruise with us and view this rare event in NY Harbor: a NYC Solar eclipse of the sun (weather permitting). A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. Here in New York City we will see a partial eclipse, with 71% of the sun covered by the moon. The first contact of the moon passing in front of the sun is at 2:10pm, the maximum coverage is at 3:25pm and the final contact is at 4:36pm. We will provide you with protective eyewear as it’s important to never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. This will be the best seat in the house to view this NYC Solar eclipse!

-->Urban Naturalist Tour: Abandoned Islands of the East River at Sunset -->

Join us aboard the luxury yacht Manhattan II or Manhattan– our cozy, elegant, 1920s-style yacht — as we travel past abandoned islands rich with history and modern day wildlife! Embark on a journey of discovery aboard our classic yacht, as we navigate the scenic New York Harbor waterways from Chelsea Piers to the hidden gems of Belmont Island, Roosevelt Island, Mill Rock, and North and South Brother Islands. Join us for a captivating 3-hour cruise through the heart of our city, where history and nature converge in breathtaking harmony. On this adventure, our expert guide and renowned Urban Naturalist, Gabriel Willow, will regale you with fascinating tales of these iconic islands, steeped in history and teeming with wildlife.

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Sail out into NY Harbor and impress your guests. Step aboard one of our classic vessels for a private charter. These yachts are perfect for Corporate outings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Team Building and more. Read more »

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• Contact Classic Harbor Line: 212-627-1825
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Chelsea Bridge

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CHELSEA BRIDGE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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• Beyond London

Secrets Of Chelsea Bridge

1. Julius Caesar crossed the Thames at the same point

When the first Chelsea Bridge was being constructed, the excavators found an amazing number of Roman and Celtic artefacts and skeletons on the riverbed.

Historians believe workers had found the site where Julius Caesar's crossed the Thames during the 54 BC invasion of Britain.

The most significant find was the bronze and enamel Battersea Shield , one of the most important pieces of Celtic military equipment found in Britain. You can ogle it in the British Museum.

2. It used to be called Victoria Bridge

On 31 March 1858 Queen Victoria, accompanied by two of her daughters, crossed the new bridge and declared it officially open, naming it the Victoria Bridge. They were on their way to the newly constructed Battersea Park, for even more regal opening duties.

Victoria Bridge was opened to the public three days later, on 3 April 1858.

But its name was soon changed. The bridge was narrow and structurally unsound; it was renamed Chelsea Bridge, possibly to avoid associating the Queen with any potential bridge collapse.

3. The first Chelsea Bridge

So while the first Chelsea Bridge was a classic Victorian suspension bridge; it was far from a success.

It was rarely used at night, because the four lamps that were supposed to illuminate the bridge were only lit when Queen Victoria was in town.

And to cross, you had to pay a toll.

The bridge had been built to connect the densely populated north side of the river with a new green 'breathing space' in the form of Battersea Park. Londoners were understandably upset at having to pay for the privilege of getting to the fresh air.

Bowing to public pressure, shortly after the bridge opened, Parliament declared it free to use for pedestrians on Sundays, and in 1875 it was also made toll-free on public holidays.

On 24 May 1879 Chelsea Bridge (alongside Battersea Bridge and Albert Bridge) were declared toll free by the Prince of Wales.

But by the early 20th century, the bridge was no longer considered safe. Between 1914 and 1929, traffic over the bridge had almost doubled from 6,500 to 12,600 vehicles per day: London needed a new bridge at Chelsea.

4. Today's Chelsea Bridge: vital statistics

Today's Chelsea Bridge was officially opened in on 6 May 1937 by the then-Prime Minister of Canada, who was in London for the coronation of King George VI.

The new bridge was completed five months ahead of schedule and within the £365,000 budget (about £22.4 million in 2017's money.) Chelsea Bridge is 213m (698 ft) long, and 20m (64ft) wide. It has three spans.

5. It's got a rather international flavour

As was agreed with the Ministry of Transport, all the materials used to build Chelsea Bridge came from (what was then) the British Empire.

So, as you're crossing Chelsea bridge, you are traversing a structure made of steel from Scotland and Yorkshire; the granite of the piers are from Aberdeen and Cornwall; the timbers of the deck from Douglas fir trees from British Columbia in Canada; and the (original) asphalt of the roadway was from Trinidad. (We can't help thinking this has been replaced since.)

6. It's decorated with doves, winged bulls and more

There are just a few choice embellishments: five sets of lampposts, each decorated with golden galleons; and four tall turrets at either end of the bridge.

These turrets are decorated with heraldic designs: a golden galleon on top, and, on the outside, the LCC coat of arms of an English lion, St George's Cross, and wavy lines representing the Thames.

On the inward south side, there's the Battersea dove of peace; on the northwest corner there's the winged bull, lion, boars' and stag of the borough of Chelsea; on the northeast corner, there's the portcullis and Tudor roses of the borough of Westminster.

7. Red, white and blue: a calming paint-job

Back in the 1970s, Chelsea Bridge was repainted in a striking red and white colour scheme. This prompted a flurry of complaints from fans of Chelsea FC, who felt their local landmark had been painted in the colours of their arch-rivals, Arsenal FC.

In 2007, the bridge was repainted with a less controversial, and more stately, white with a red trim —- with an all-important greyish blue along the balustrades.

8. It was once a biker's paradise

During the early 1950s, Chelsea Bridge became popular with motorcyclists who regularly staged races or pulled stunts while riding across the bridge.

Indeed, Chelsea Bridge was used as a Friday night meeting point for bikers for decades, at least until the turn of the 21st century.

Most meetings were peaceful (if noisy), but one such meeting in 1970 erupted into violence.

On 17 October 1970 there was a huge fight between rival motorcycle gangs: the Essex and Chelsea Nomads and the Road Rats, Nightingales, Windsors and Jokers. One of the Essex Nomads was shot and wounded, and around 20 people were arrested and spent time in prison for various offences.

Here's a great memoir by a biker, of good times spent on Chelsea Bridge.

Last Updated 16 December 2022

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The 6 best statue of liberty cruises + tips from a local.

Complete your New York City experience with an exhilarating boat trip.

The Best Statue of Liberty Cruises

Courtesy of Statue City Cruises

Enjoy the sea air while you take in stunning New York City views.

The best view of New York might not be in the city itself, but from the harbor looking back at the skyline. Sightseeing cruises are a wonderful reminder that Manhattan is, in fact, an island, and getting out on the water offers a breezy cruise in addition to a fresh vantage point.

With a cold drink in hand, you'll see not just the Statue of Liberty , but also other top city landmarks from the Brooklyn Bridge to One World Trade Center. These boat tours allow visitors to zoom out and get a new perspective, then return to Manhattan refreshed by the wind, water, light and sheer size of the skyline.

There are different boat experiences to match every type of traveler, and here are some of the best.

Best Overall: Statue City Cruises

Price: From $24.50

Duration: At your own pace, with ferries departing every 25 to 30 minutes

Standout perk: Admission to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included in this sightseeing cruise and ferry service to Lady Liberty.

The best overall value and experience belongs to Statue City Cruises, which combines the scenery of a sightseeing cruise with the in-depth experience of an attraction tour. Priority entry included with the ticket saves time at the departure point at The Battery . On board the round-trip ferry service, visitors will experience all the sweeping views of a New York Harbor cruise, including skyscrapers of the Financial District and beyond.

The first stop is Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty. Audio tours in a dozen languages are available so you can go at your own pace. Those interested can continue via boat service to Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which contains several fascinating exhibits and the chance to look up your ancestors. Explore at your leisure, then utilize the ferry service back to lower Manhattan.

Local tip: Choose a time as early as possible in the morning for this experience. Ferry service and crowds at Lady Liberty grow throughout the day and swell on weekends; a weekday morning is the best choice.

Best for Adults: Manhattan by Sail's Day Sail – Shearwater

Price: From $60 for adults

Duration: 90 minutes

Standout perk: This cruise provides a true sailing experience on a classic schooner.

Don't be surprised to bump into New Yorkers on the Shearwater, a schooner with tall sails that entices even jaded Manhattanites to go for a ride. Climb aboard this "Gatsby"-era boat, with capacity for 48 people, from the dock at North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place and set out on a sail down the Hudson River and into the New York Harbor. Trade city crowds for the open water with this cruise, complete with a cash bar, that offers up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.

This experience, conveniently available at different times throughout the day, is a match for adults seeking a more sophisticated sail – think: hip vibe, ample bar, music and an emphasis on service. Several upgrades are available, including sails that offer a wine tasting or live jazz on board. Every sailing offers the chance to snap your photograph with Lady Liberty herself, though you won't be disembarking at Liberty Island.

Local tip: Adults seeking a romantic cruise may want to opt for the Sunset Sail on the Shearwater Classic Schooner.

Best for Families: Circle Line's Liberty Super Express Downtown

Courtesy of Circle Line

Price: From $29

Duration: 50 minutes

Standout perk: Maximize time with this express cruise, featuring convenient, regular departures.

Families with limited time (or kids with limited attention spans) may appreciate a quick express cruise option. This fast and friendly tour, at just 50 minutes, is a speedy way to get the experience of a boat cruise without it taking a bite out of your day. Hop aboard a boat with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – the sister company to New York Water Taxi – and choose between either the open air of the top deck or the temperature-controlled cabin. On a sunny day, the outdoor deck with its sea breeze is the place to be as the boat sails past the Statue of Liberty.

Get unobstructed views of Lady Liberty and snap some family photographs before returning to Pier 16 in the South Street Seaport. Quick, efficient and featuring live narration from a guide, this sightseeing ride is excellent value packed into a short time span.

Local tip: Kids interested in ships may want to visit the South Street Seaport Museum, near the cruise departure point, to see model ships and more.

Read: The Top NYC Dinner Cruises

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Best Budget: Staten Island Ferry

Courtesy of SIFerry.com

Price: Free

Duration: 25 minutes each way

Standout perk: Get out on the water to see the Statue of Liberty without paying a cent.

The best budget sightseeing cruise isn't a cruise at all, but rather a free mode of local transportation: the Staten Island Ferry. While many of even the most basic harbor cruises start at about $20, this ferry offers a completely free, ticketless cruise in the New York Harbor, bypassing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island along the way. With service every 30 minutes and no reservations or tickets required, the ferry is not only a steal price-wise, but also a convenient option for travelers who don't want to be tied down to a ticketed departure time.

Stand out on deck and admire views of Lady Liberty during this journey that crosses about 5 miles from Whitehall Street at the tip of lower Manhattan to St. George on Staten Island. The only drawback is that you must depart the ferry in Staten Island and reboard for the trip back to Manhattan – a small "price" to pay for a free boat ride in NYC.

Local tip: Visitors will want to avoid rush hour; these commuter boats can be crowded. Choose a time outside commuting rush hour to maximize the peaceful experience.

Best Luxury: Classic Harbor Line's Statue and Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line

Price: From $64 for adults

Duration: 1.5 hours

Standout perk: This intimate cruise on a 1920s-inspired yacht comes with one complimentary drink included.

Board a yacht at Pier 62 in Chelsea for a polished cruise including views of the New York Harbor's top landmark: the Statue of Liberty. Set sail in style aboard a yacht inspired by the roaring '20s, complete with a solarium and open-air decks as well as a climate-controlled cabin. Cruise down the west side of Manhattan and check out views of The Battery, the Financial District, Governor's Island and more.

Of all the available New York City harbor cruises, guests often praise this one for the quality of the staff running the Classic Harbor Line cruises. With an emphasis on service, an intimate group with a maximum of 80 passengers and an onboard stocked bar, this cruise offers a sophisticated option for seeing Lady Liberty.

Local tip: This cruise departs from Pier 62, which is home to a riverfront carousel for kids and a pretty stretch of Hudson River Park. Stop into Chelsea Market for some picnic supplies and relax in the park before your cruise.

Best Sunset Cruise: Circle Line's Harbor Lights

Price: From $45

Duration: 2 hours

Standout perk: Watch the skyscrapers of the Manhattan skyline flicker to life.

Circle Line offers a variety of cruises with different itineraries. One of the most popular is the Harbor Lights tour, a cruise departing from Midtown Manhattan that includes golden sunset views and a photo stop at the Statue of Liberty. See NYC landmarks like Hudson Yards, Chelsea Piers and One World Trade Center before cruising out into the New York Harbor. You'll get to learn about New York from onboard narration as the itinerary continues past Liberty Island and beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

While the sun sets and the Manhattan skyscrapers flash to life, relax on the outdoor deck space and visit the onboard bar to purchase beer, wine, cocktails and light snacks. A temperature-controlled cabin is available for hot days. Wi-Fi is free on board and allows for easy posting of sunset photos.

Local tip: This cruise departs from Pier 83 in Midtown Manhattan. Arrive early to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at neighboring Pier 86.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jessica Colley Clarke is a New York-based freelance writer. She loves to take visiting family and friends out on the water in the New York Harbor for a fresh perspective on the Manhattan skyline and beyond. Colley Clarke used her expertise to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Statue of Liberty Tours
• The Top Observation Decks in New York City
• The Top New York City Tours
• The Top Boston Harbor Cruises
• The Top River Cruise Lines

Tags: Travel , Tours

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City Cruises Tower Pier

Address: Tower Millennium Pier, Lower Thames St, London EC3N 4DT

Nearest Tube:

• Tower Hill underground station
• London Fenchurch Street Station
• Tower Gateway DLR station
• London Bridge Train station

Nearest Bus Stops:

• Tower of London (Stop TB) 15, N15
• Tower of London (Stop TA) 15, N15
• Tower Gateway (Stop TD) 42, 78, 100, 343, N551
• Tower Hill / Tower Gateway Station (Stop TE) 42, 78, 100, 343, N551

Santander Cycles drop off point at Tower Gateway Station.

Disable access:

The Pier is accessible

Ticket booth open times:  

10:00 – 18:00* (*subject to change)

Things to do at Tower Pier

Why not check out our Sightseeing and Dining Cruises where you can come on board at Tower Millenium Pier and see London from a different view.

Closest Attractions near Tower Pier

• The Tower of London
• Tower Bridge

Other pier locations

Where is tower pier in london, how to get to tower pier, how do you get to tower of london by boat, what kind of boat rides does city cruises do from tower pier, can i use my oyster card at tower millenium pier, what is the postcode for tower millennium pier, what are the nearest tube stations to tower pier, what are other things to do at tower pier.

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Chelsea Harbour Pier

Chelsea Harbour Pier is located on the North Bank of the Thames, in the Sands End area of Chelsea. 

Chelsea Harbour Pier, Harbour Avenue, London, SW10 0XB

This pier is accessible

Accessible entrance: ///office.salsa.singer

Ticket machine and Oyster Readers but no staffed ticket office

Pier facilities

This pier is not sheltered

The pier serves the redeveloped Chelsea Harbour, a former commercial wharf that’s been converted for luxury residential use. This pier is step-free from street level, so is suitable for anyone travelling with a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pram. Please note that mobility scooter users are required to apply for a Mobility Scooter Recognition Scheme before being able to come on board.

Tickets can be bought at ticket machines at the pier before travel, but to save time and money touch in and out with your Oyster or contactless card. You can also buy your tickets online or use the Uber app or the Thames Clippers Tickets app .

River Bus service pattens

The times below indicate the first and last departures from this pier. However, these services may not call at all piers. Please always check the timetable before travelling.

Eastbound departures:

Westbound departures:

Continuing your journey from Chelsea Harbour Pier

Imperial Wharf Overground Station is just 200 metres from Chelsea Harbour Pier.

A Santander Cycles station is nearby, outside Imperial Wharf Overground Station.

Imperial Wharf Car Park is located just down Harbour Avenue.

Buses, Ubers and taxis stop at Harbour Avenue.

Things to do in Chelsea Harbour

Chelsea is of course home to an array of popular tourist destinations and must-see landmarks, as well as a range of attractions that are popular with locals. For instance, we would certainly recommend taking a stroll through Imperial Park if the weather permits!

For other ideas and inspiration, please visit our dedicated page for   things to do in London .

Stamford Bridge Football Stadium & Museum

Stamford Bridge Football Stadium & Museum are must-see attractions for any Chelsea FC fan, or even just a Premier League football fan.

Chelsea Physic Garden

The second-oldest surviving botanical garden in England, founded in 1673 for medicinal plant study. This beautiful garden houses around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal, edible, and useful plants.

Gambado Chelsea

A fun centre for kids. It boasts a massive play frame and 100+ activities, including laser play, go karting and a climbing wall.

Chelsea Riverside Brasserie

A luxury hotel dining room with a wide British menu, featuring bright modern art and terrace views of the marina. A fantastic place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the views, no matter what season it is.

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel is a luxury all-suite riverside hotel in London. Ideal for spa retreats, private dining and special events.

Please read our full FAQ’s page.

Yes, Chelsea Harbour Pier is wheelchair, mobility scooter and pram accessible by ramp.

Details of the routes and times for all of our Thames Clipper river boats can be found by downloading our timetable .

Yes, you can touch in and touch out with contactless payment cards or Oyster to pay as you go on our services.

Yes, tickets can be bought at ticket machines at the pier before travel.

Yes, but we require 72 hours’ notice before travelling in order to arrange a refund.

Chelsea Bridge

Built during the Great Depression, Chelsea Bridge was part of an initiative supported by the Ministry of Transport to stimulate employment for young men in the Battersea area. The bridge was also an attempt to encourage more international trade, with materials deliberately sourced from around the former Empire, including asphalt from Trinidad and wood from Canada. Chelsea Bridge was opened in 1937 by Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King.

The original Chelsea Bridge (built in 1858) was initially called Victoria Bridge. It was renamed Chelsea Bridge as a result of concerns that if the precarious bridge collapsed this would be rather bad PR for Her Royal Highness.

It was also one of only two bridges paid for directly from public funds. However, these funds were not quite sufficient and tolls where introduced on the bridge, making it unpopular with Londoners. Poor visibility, due to the fact that the bridge was only ever lit during nights when Queen Victoria was staying in London, also led to it being underused.

During the construction of the current Chelsea Bridge excavators discovered a remarkable number of Roman and Celtic artefacts and skeletons on the riverbed, leading historians to believe this was the site where Julius Caesar first crossed the Thames during the 54 BC invasion of Britain.

Artist’s Vision

Villareal’s artwork will honour the existing much-loved lighting scheme, colour matching and replicating the visual effect of the incandescent lamps with longer-lasting and more environmentally sustainable LED nodes along the cables and on the suspension bars.

Current lighting on Chelsea Bridge.

Leo Villareal's Illuminated River artwork.

Chelsea cruise, does this still happen?

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Transportation | baltimore carnival cruise ship to operate out of norfolk following bridge collapse.

The Baltimore-based cruise ship Carnival Legend will operate temporarily out of Norfolk in the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s collapse early Tuesday morning, Carnival Cruise Line announced.

The Legend’s current voyage is scheduled to end on March 31 and will dock in Norfolk. Following the cruise’s return, passengers will be given free bus rides back to Baltimore, Carnival said in a news release. The ship can carry as many as 2,124 guests, according to Carnival’s website.

Carnival said they have informed their current and future guests about the change to the Legend’s port. On Tuesday evening, the Carnival website was not allowing tickets to be purchased for voyages out of Baltimore.

The bridge was struck by a 948-foot Singapore-flagged ship called the Dali, which lost power just before the collision, the Baltimore Sun reported. The Dali was traveling at about eight knots at the time.

As of Tuesday evening, six construction workers repairing potholes on the bridge were presumed dead, Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, told the Baltimore Sun.

The collapsed bridge, spanning the Patapsco River, has severely impacted the flow of ship traffic to the Port of Baltimore. Vessel traffic into and out of the port was suspended, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said, and a Coast Guard report stated that the “Patapsco River channel is fully blocked.” The Port of Virginia will receive some of the diverted traffic, The Pilot reported .

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, adding that she’s grateful the President Joe Biden has pledged to reopen the Baltimore Harbor as soon as possible. “As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, [email protected]

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‘Nothing of the size of the ship that hit the bridge in Baltimore’: How the Tobin is different from the Francis Scott Key

S ince last week’s collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore, people around Boston have wondered: Could it happen here? But a recent visit with the US Coast Guard and conversations with local transportation officials make it clear they think there’s little chance of a similar disaster in Boston.

What about the Tobin Bridge, for example?

While there’s plenty of traffic on the Tobin, which connects Charlestown and Chelsea, there’s very little under it on the Mystic River. It’s not like Baltimore, where massive container ships routinely passed under the Key Bridge until one such ship slammed into a bridge support on Mar. 26, killing six people and destroying the bridge.

Any similar accident with the Tobin would strike down a vital highway connection as well as one of the city’s most familiar landmarks. The 74-year-old double-decker bridge, recently inspected for safety, according to Governor Maura Healey, is the biggest in New England — over two miles long, with 135 feet of clearance between its lower deck and the river below, plenty of room for large cargo vessels. The Tobin is considered “structurally deficient” by the state and is slated for repairs over the next few years.

But when a Coast Guard patrol boat ferried a group of Globe journalists under the Tobin Bridge last Friday, the waterway was almost entirely clear. It was a misty, blustery day, and the harbor water was so cold that the Coast Guard insisted their guests wear full-body survivor suits. The pleasure boats that decorate the harbor in the summertime were nowhere to be seen, and there were no container-carrying giants.

That’s pretty much the norm these days, according to Jonathan Gulliver, state highway administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. “Very rare that you get anything of substantial size” passing under the Tobin, he said. “Nothing of the size of the ship that hit the bridge in Baltimore.”

The Port of Boston‘s Conley Container Terminal handles about 20 large container ships each month, said Massport spokesperson Jennifer Mehigan. But none of these get anywhere near the Tobin or any other local bridge as they enter or depart the port. The same goes for the dozens of cruise ships that call at the Flynn Cruiseport between March and November.

The handful of large ships that pass under the Tobin Bridge include liquefied natural gas tankers bound for the fuel terminal in Everett. But Gulliver said LNG tanker shipments are few and far between. Constellation Energy, which operates the fuel terminal, said eight ships made deliveries in 2023, and four during the first quarter of 2024. A company spokesman said that deliveries mainly occur in the winter months. But there was no tanker at the terminal during last week’s tour.

Nor was there any sign of the giant ships that pass under the Tobin to deliver thousands of cars to the Boston Autoport in Charlestown. While Baltimore is the nation’s leading seaport for automotive traffic and handled over 847,000 vehicle imports and exports last year, traffic at Boston’s Autoport is much lighter. The port handled just 30,000 cars in 2023.

All told, about 60 big ships passed under the Tobin last year, according to the Coast Guard.

During Friday’s tour, the only large ship nearby was offloading rock salt on the other side of the McArdle Bridge, a drawbridge that provides access to Chelsea Creek. This bridge, which connects East Boston to Chelsea, carries about 24,000 vehicles per day, compared to about 87,000 for the Tobin. The McArdle sees a lot more ship traffic than the Tobin. The Coast Guard said the bridge was raised for about 225 ships carrying bulk commodities, chemicals, and petroleum products last year.

A key factor that makes a collision unlikely here is that the Port of Boston, unlike Baltimore, requires the use of at least one tugboat for any ship of more than 350 tons.

“It’s not a federal requirement,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Bradley Peifer, chief of the prevention department at US Coast Guard Sector Boston, “but this industry, this community, has thought it’s important enough to have a tug alongside.” This includes all the vessels that pass under the Tobin and McArdle bridges, as well as the many container and cruise ships that never approach them.

In Baltimore, ships would leave and enter the harbor under their own power, with no tug on hand to provide emergency assistance. This policy left the giant container ship Dali helpless when it experienced a power failure, went out of control, and struck the Key Bridge pier.

Even if such an accident happened at the Tobin Bridge, the result wouldn’t be as catastrophic as the Baltimore disaster, according to Erin Bell, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of New Hampshire.

That’s because the Tobin Bridge uses a cantilever truss design, instead of the continuous truss of the Key Bridge. In a continuous truss, the entire weight of the bridge deck is shared across all the support piers. It’s a strong and reliable design, Bell said. But if just one bridge support fails, the bridge becomes unbalanced, and the entire structure collapses.

But with a cantilever bridge like the Tobin, each pier supports a separate section of the bridge deck which is centered above the pier and extends beyond it. “They don’t rely on each other,” said Bell. “If you lose one half, the other half stays.”

Bell offered one more reason to rest easy about the Tobin Bridge. She said that because its support piers are far outside the shipping channel and in relatively shallow water, a large ship’s hull would probably grind to a halt on the river bottom before it could hit the pier.

MassDOT’s Gulliver agreed. “Before a ship could even get to it,” he said, “they would run aground.”

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

• Hop-on or hop-off at any of Moscow’s main highlights
• Views of Moscow from an open-top, double-decker bus
• Learn about the city with recorded commentary
• Visit Red Square, Alexander Gardens, and more
• Bus pass inclusions: 48 or 72 hour bus pass + walking tour
• Boat pass inclusions: 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Bus & Boat pass inclusions: 48 hour bus pass + 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Vouchers valid for 12 months
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Location Name: The route begins at Red Square but you can board at any stop
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Red Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 25 minutes. Duration - 60 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Most travelers can participate
• Green Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 60 minutes. Duration - 120 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Orange Route (currently suspended) runs from 10:30am - 6:30pm, every 30 minutes. Duration - 140 minutes. First stop - Museum of Cosmonautics
• Walking tour runs daily at 10:45am. Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes. Meeting point - Next to monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
• Boat tour operates 5th May - 20th October, from 11:30am - 6:30pm. Duration - 60 minutes. Meeting point - Zaryadye Park Pier.
• Mobile and paper vouchers are accepted for this tour.
• Vouchers can be redeemed at any of the stops along the routes.
• Vouchers are valid for 12 months
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• DebbJ 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get oriented to Moscow We started our Moscow experience with the hop on hop off. It was a great way to get orientated to the city. The additional optional tours were also good, we did the Metro tour which I highly recommend, we also paid for the Kremlin tour. The hop on hop off has three different lines all included. Only fault was the bus was sometimes full and you had to wait for the next one which was about 15 minutes (in the cold). Read more Written January 6, 2020
• UmaDelhi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2 days are required Very very good audio guides- the voice quality was also good and also the anecdotes of history were brilliant. Russia is truly beautiful Read more Written September 1, 2019
• BeverleyT 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat trip - TERRIBLE We got on the bus, but couldn’t buy a 1 day ticket. They suggested we do the 1 hour boat trip and said they would drop us to the dock. 1) they dropped us in the wrong place 2) they were lost because of the marathon Then the boat, after we finally found it: 1) stinking fumes, actually gagging 2) no commentary, in fact, no interaction unless you begged 3) offered us 2 for 1 icecreams as they had melted and refrozen as the fridge gets turned off at night Honestly, we enjoyed the afternoon in the boat but spent all of it laughing at just how awful it was!!! The worst thing in Moscow! Read more Written August 18, 2019
• niruDurbs 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not the best value for the price The ticket is quite expensive and covers three different routes in a 24 hour period. The red route is quite exciting and takes about an hour. The bus comes every 10 to 15 minutes. However the other two routes take about two hours each and buses come every 30 to 40 minute period. If the bus is full then you have to wait at the stop for the next bus. So personally I feel that not much can be seen this way. I definitely was not impressed. However it must be noted that one can learn a lot about the history of Moscow Read more Written July 3, 2019
• IrishCueTravel 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles SLO Motion Not all their fault , but if you plan on trying this Attraction be patient! Traffic is a big problem first and foremost. But to add additional unnecessary delays; the bus stops at each site for 15 minutes at a time or More ! I gave up half way through ( 45 minutes) ; and walked back to the starting point in 10 minutes! Read more Written June 4, 2019
• michael g 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Worst hop on/hop off EVER Waited for 40 minutes in the cold rain for a bus that never came... unacceptable. Traffic is so bad that when on a bus the previos day it was barely moving. My advice-get a subway pass and a good travel guide book and do sightseeing on your own! Read more Written October 24, 2018
• Rebecca J 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Boat element was excellent We purchased a ticket online for the boat and bus for 2 days. The boat element was wonderful, we saw some amazing parts of Moscow along the river side. The bus element was very disappointing as it only started at 10am and was finished by 6:30pm. It was extremely warm when we were there and it would have been great to do the tour in the cool of the day. There was also no air conditioning in the down stairs part of the bus. They also turned away passengers at one of the stops as the bus was full and there was not another bus for 40 minutes. Read more Written September 26, 2018
• Monismith2014 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles it was very enjoyable it was very interesting seeing things we saw walking around from the bus. so much more to see. we had a lot better view of the attractions from the height of the bus.also the bus was reasonable slow which gave us time enough for photos. it stopped at sparrow hill for 10 minutes for picture taking Read more Written September 20, 2018
• fati666222 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles The best way to see Moscow We did both routes but if you have little time then only do the red route.Its very informative and it takes you to the important sights.The staff on the bus are very friendly and helpful. Read more Written August 20, 2018
• adolfo17 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles The worst hope-on hope-off service I've ever seen Diffiult to understand the route maps and stops. Staff wouldn't help either. Lengthy stops. No air conditioning. Read more Written August 4, 2018
• Peter F 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Two Routes There is a short red route which depending on the traffic takes about an hour. The route is generally around the Red Square area. The ear phones were small and sometimes the commentary did not link up with the sites you were seeing. The green bus takes you on a longer route and ours took two and a half hours due to the heavy traffic. I would not recommend this trip unless it is raining or you want to fill in time. The sights we saw were nothing outstanding with plenty of time at certain stops for photos. Also the driver stop for a bite to eat at one stop. Read more Written July 30, 2018
• Bernardo P 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat Trips Moscow, Russia Yesterday, I booked a boat trip with the GetYourGuide.com web page and was totally horrible, didn’t have audio guide as it shows on the picture-Nobody Talk-. The girl on the picture-light blue bag-ask for 100 Rubles for show her the QR Code while I had the Booking and PIN number cause she must see the vessel name-Didn’t say nothing and after she said board any vessel. I suggest take the trip and pay on site, avoid fake internet pages, there are many other services with a lot of entertainment, don’t take this ones. Read more Written July 14, 2018
• Kathrynowl91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good way to see some sites We usually do these tours when we travel. They get you round and you see the sight . The traffic is quite heavy so it is a bit slow but there is not a lot they can do about it. We only did the red route. Just a note people don’t queue here when the bus comes it’s a bit of a free for all. Read more Written July 13, 2018
• Daniyal91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Was Ok.! Started our tour of moscow from here, We had got the 2 Day Pass with the boat ride. The route and the map was good but not well managed. The bus didn't stop at many points. Were were unaware a couple of times at what point we were and missed them. Headphones and maps were provided. Would recommend one should check out the route map before going and decide which places to stop in advance, this way one can manage and enjoy the tour more and us it more effectively.! The boat ride was Ok, a little crowded. No guide provided, just a boat ride with restaurant service Read more Written July 12, 2018
• WilliamDyer 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor service on boat and too many waiting times on buses For the price, you should expect at minimum English speaking tour guides with decent experience, but at least in my case that did not happen both in buses and boats. And in the boat even tough we were 90% English speaking tourist at least, the tour guide spoke 95% of the time in Russia, and only 3 sentences in English, I really counted how many times she spoke in English. And at the end she asks us if we have any questions? Of course I told her I couldn’t ask her anything since I didn’t understand 95% of what she was saying. The boat tour is not worth it, just take the bus that would be my advice. Second minus is the waiting times, in the boat they made us wait an hour before it departed, and in many stops with the buses waiting times of 20-30 minutes. I actually think I lost that day around 2 hours doing nothing. Be careful. Read more Written July 10, 2018

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise provided by City Sightseeing Moscow

‘Nothing of the size of the ship that hit the bridge in Baltimore’: How the Tobin is different from the Francis Scott Key

Since last week’s collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore, people around Boston have wondered: Could it happen here? But a recent visit with the US Coast Guard and conversations with local transportation officials make it clear they think there’s little chance of a similar disaster in Boston.

What about the Tobin Bridge, for example?

While there’s plenty of traffic on the Tobin, which connects Charlestown and Chelsea, there’s very little under it on the Mystic River. It’s not like Baltimore, where massive container ships routinely passed under the Key Bridge until one such ship slammed into a bridge support on Mar. 26, killing six people and destroying the bridge.

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Any similar accident with the Tobin would strike down a vital highway connection as well as one of the city’s most familiar landmarks. The 74-year-old double-decker bridge, recently inspected for safety, according to Governor Maura Healey, is the biggest in New England — over two miles long, with 135 feet of clearance between its lower deck and the river below, plenty of room for large cargo vessels. The Tobin is considered “structurally deficient” by the state and is slated for repairs over the next few years.

But when a Coast Guard patrol boat ferried a group of Globe journalists under the Tobin Bridge last Friday, the waterway was almost entirely clear. It was a misty, blustery day, and the harbor water was so cold that the Coast Guard insisted their guests wear full-body survivor suits. The pleasure boats that decorate the harbor in the summertime were nowhere to be seen, and there were no container-carrying giants.

That’s pretty much the norm these days, according to Jonathan Gulliver, state highway administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. “Very rare that you get anything of substantial size” passing under the Tobin, he said. “Nothing of the size of the ship that hit the bridge in Baltimore.”

The Port of Boston‘s Conley Container Terminal handles about 20 large container ships each month, said Massport spokesperson Jennifer Mehigan. But none of these get anywhere near the Tobin or any other local bridge as they enter or depart the port. The same goes for the dozens of cruise ships that call at the Flynn Cruiseport between March and November.

The handful of large ships that pass under the Tobin Bridge include liquefied natural gas tankers bound for the fuel terminal in Everett. But Gulliver said LNG tanker shipments are few and far between. Constellation Energy, which operates the fuel terminal, said eight ships made deliveries in 2023, and four during the first quarter of 2024. A company spokesman said that deliveries mainly occur in the winter months. But there was no tanker at the terminal during last week’s tour.

Nor was there any sign of the giant ships that pass under the Tobin to deliver thousands of cars to the Boston Autoport in Charlestown. While Baltimore is the nation’s leading seaport for automotive traffic and handled over 847,000 vehicle imports and exports last year, traffic at Boston’s Autoport is much lighter. The port handled just 30,000 cars in 2023.

All told, about 60 big ships passed under the Tobin last year, according to the Coast Guard.

During Friday’s tour, the only large ship nearby was offloading rock salt on the other side of the McArdle Bridge, a drawbridge that provides access to Chelsea Creek. This bridge, which connects East Boston to Chelsea, carries about 24,000 vehicles per day, compared to about 87,000 for the Tobin. The McArdle sees a lot more ship traffic than the Tobin. The Coast Guard said the bridge was raised for about 225 ships carrying bulk commodities, chemicals, and petroleum products last year.

A key factor that makes a collision unlikely here is that the Port of Boston, unlike Baltimore, requires the use of at least one tugboat for any ship of more than 350 tons.

“It’s not a federal requirement,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Bradley Peifer, chief of the prevention department at US Coast Guard Sector Boston, “but this industry, this community, has thought it’s important enough to have a tug alongside.” This includes all the vessels that pass under the Tobin and McArdle bridges, as well as the many container and cruise ships that never approach them.

In Baltimore, ships would leave and enter the harbor under their own power, with no tug on hand to provide emergency assistance. This policy left the giant container ship Dali helpless when it experienced a power failure, went out of control, and struck the Key Bridge pier.

Even if such an accident happened at the Tobin Bridge, the result wouldn’t be as catastrophic as the Baltimore disaster, according to Erin Bell, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of New Hampshire.

That’s because the Tobin Bridge uses a cantilever truss design, instead of the continuous truss of the Key Bridge. In a continuous truss, the entire weight of the bridge deck is shared across all the support piers. It’s a strong and reliable design, Bell said. But if just one bridge support fails, the bridge becomes unbalanced, and the entire structure collapses.

But with a cantilever bridge like the Tobin, each pier supports a separate section of the bridge deck which is centered above the pier and extends beyond it. “They don’t rely on each other,” said Bell. “If you lose one half, the other half stays.”

Bell offered one more reason to rest easy about the Tobin Bridge. She said that because its support piers are far outside the shipping channel and in relatively shallow water, a large ship’s hull would probably grind to a halt on the river bottom before it could hit the pier.

MassDOT’s Gulliver agreed. “Before a ship could even get to it,” he said, “they would run aground.”

Hiawatha Bray can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @GlobeTechLab .

A Carnival cruise that left Baltimore last week will return to a different port and bus passengers home

• Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday morning after a container ship crashed into it.
• Carnival Cruise Line  is temporarily relocating the Carnival Legend's homeport from Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia.
• The company is providing guests on the ship, returning on Sunday, with a bus back to Baltimore.

On Sunday, travelers on Carnival Cruise Line's Legend ship will return home after a relaxing weeklong vacation in the Caribbean.

But instead of disembarking at the ship's homeport as planned, these cruisers will soon find themselves a four-hour bus ride away in Norfolk, Virginia, as the Port of Baltimore remains closed following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

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Amid the disruption, Carnival said it had moved the Carnival Legend's March 31 disembarkation from Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia, where it will temporarily remain homeported. The company will provide guests on the ship's Caribbean voyage a free bus back to Baltimore.

The Carnival Legend's next weeklong cruise, embarking the same day it returns, will sail roundtrip from Norfolk, about a four-hour drive from Baltimore. The cruise line said it will update future guests on its plans to return to Maryland.

Carnival's Carnival Pride and Legend, Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Sea, and American Cruise Line's American Glory are all scheduled to sail from the Port of Baltimore in April. The companies did not immediately respond to Business Insider's inquiry about potential itinerary changes.

Experts told Business Insider that the Port of Baltimore's ongoing closure could amount to a daily $15 million loss in economic activity .

While the port is vitally important for certain imports and exports, it represents a relatively small portion of US cruise departures, with smaller ships compared to hubs like Florida. More than 444,000 people embarked on cruises there in 2023, according to state officials.

Watch: The container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge has crashed before

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