New York City has some of the most incredible cruise experiences on the planet, and experiencing them with your kids can be an unforgettable family experience. From harbor cruises that feature iconic Statue of Liberty views to dinner cruises with breathtaking skyline vistas, the Big Apple’s waterways offer out-of-the-box views of the city that never sleeps.
Top Family-Friendly Cruise Recommendations
Based on current offerings and family suitability, here are the best cruise options for families with children visiting New York:
Best for First-Time Visitors: Circle Line Landmarks Cruise
Circle Line’s 90-minute Landmarks Cruise is perfect for families, offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge and more. The duration is ideal especially for families with kids, and the cruise features award-winning tour guides who provide entertaining and educational commentary. Circle Line occasionally offers special promotions where kids cruise free with adult ticket purchases.
Departure: Pier 83, West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue
Duration: 90 minutes
Best for: Ages 5 and up
Price Range: $35-45 for adults, discounted children’s rates available
Best Budget Option: Staten Island Ferry
See the Statue of Liberty from afar for FREE on the Staten Island Ferry, which offers magnificent views of New York Harbor. A one-way trip takes 25 minutes and while waiting for your return ride from Staten Island, you can check out the Manhattan skyline from the terminal’s outdoor patio and watch fish swimming in giant freshwater aquariums in the waiting room.
Departure: Whitehall Terminal, Manhattan
Duration: 50 minutes round trip
Best for: All ages
Price: Completely free
Best Family Dinner Experience: Spirit of New York Signature Dinner Cruise
This family-friendly dinner cruise is free for kids ages three and below and features live DJ entertainment with stunning views of the city’s magnificent skyline. The cruise includes a climate-controlled deck and roof deck lounge, passing by iconic NYC sights including the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge. Highchairs are available and outside cakes are allowed for birthday celebrations, though flameless candles must be used.
Departure: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers at West 23rd Street
Duration: 3 hours
Best for: Ages 4 and up
Price Range: $75-120 per person, kids 3 and under free
Best for Kids-Specific Entertainment: Circle Line Kids’ Cruises
Circle Line’s seasonal Kids’ Cruises feature on-board entertainment including live music from top children’s performers, face painting, balloon twisters and magicians. Special birthday party packages are available during these Saturday morning cruises, including meals for guests, reserved tables, and souvenir pencil toppers for the kids.
Departure: Pier 83, West 42nd Street
Duration: 90 minutes
Best for: Ages 3-12
Seasonal: Spring through Fall (check website for schedule)
Best Express Option: Circle Line Liberty Midtown Cruise
The fastest way to see the Statue of Liberty from midtown Manhattan, this cruise passes the towering One World Trade Center before cruising only a few feet away from the magnificent Statue of Liberty. Award-winning tour guides narrate the story of New York City as you enjoy the comfort of state-of-the-art boats with audio guide apps available in 9 languages.
Departure: Pier 83, West 42nd Street
Duration: 60 minutes
Best for: Ages 6 and up
Price Range: $30-40 for adults
Best Adventure Experience: The Beast Speedboat
For families with older children seeking thrills, The Beast speedboat offers high-speed rides up to 45 mph on the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and back. This adrenaline-pumping experience gets clothes soaking wet and is perfect for adventure-seeking families who want an exciting alternative to traditional sightseeing cruises.
Departure: Pier 83, West 42nd Street
Duration: 30 minutes
Best for: Ages 8 and up (height restrictions may apply)
Seasonal: May through October
Best Harbor Views: Majestic Harbor Cruises
The 60-minute New York City sightseeing cruise aboard the Motor Yacht Majestic Princess offers spacious decks and panoramic windows providing spectacular views of the NYC skyline. The vessel is climate-controlled for passenger comfort and offers both indoor and outside seating while sailing within close proximity to the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island.
Departure: Pier 36, Manhattan
Duration: 60 minutes
Best for: All ages
Price Range: $25-35 per person
Planning a cruise in New York takes some effort, but the experience offers you views of the city you just can’t get from below. The harmony of learning, enjoyment, and breathtaking views makes it an ideal family day out that leaves you with lifelong memories of your New York vacation.
Planning Tips for Specific Cruises:
Book in advance as Circle Line operates 364 days a year and offers the most daily departures, but popular times sell out quickly. Arrive early for public transport access to Pier 83 at 42nd Street, and consider visiting nearby attractions like Little Island, High Line and Hudson Yards after the cruise to make a full day of it.
Premium seating options include early boarding, top deck seating, and souvenir photo books, though normal seating provides excellent views as well. Most cruises offer onboard concessions with food and beverages available for purchase, including kid-friendly options like pizza and hot dogs.
For families with very young children, consider the shorter 60-minute cruises rather than the longer dinner options. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, many operators allow you to bring birthday cakes onboard, just remember to use flameless candles for safety.
Taking a cruise with kids in New York requires some planning, but the experience offers perspectives of the city that you simply cannot get from land. The combination of education, entertainment, and breathtaking views makes it an ideal family activity that creates lasting memories of your New York adventure.
What to Expect Onboard
Most of the New York cruises are kid-friendly. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas on most of them, so you can transition from air-conditioned confines to outdoor decks according to weather and your children’s moods. There are railings everywhere, but still, parents need to hold on to their children near water.
Many cruises provide informative commentary regarding New York landmarks, and your cruise becomes an educational learning experience. Kids are generally fascinated hearing stories of Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and maritime history of New York City. Some operators include special children’s programs with activities, coloring books, or junior captain certificates.
Pack sensibly for your cruise vacation. While it might be hot on shore during sunny days, water temperatures are always cooler due to wind and spray, so pack layers and light jackets. Sun cream is essential because reflection off water maximizes UV exposure. It may be a good idea to bring some snacks for young kids, though most cruises have food service onboard.
Arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes ahead of departure to allow time for parking, security checks, and boarding procedures. Some departure points for cruises are located in congested areas of Manhattan, so plan your transport carefully. Public transport is usually the most efficient mode of access, with stops for subways close to most major departure points.
Motion sickness can be an issue for some kids, so pack cures for motion sickness if your group often gets seasick. Sit in the middle rows of the boat and in seats near windows to allow children a sight of the horizon, which reduces the perception of motion.
Golden hour cruises are the best photo opportunities, typically within 1-2 hours of the sun setting. The soft, warm light generates enchanted photos of your family with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Most cruises cruise close enough to the Statue of Liberty for excellent photos, and some offer special photo packages.
Engage your children by pointing out areas of interest and sharing interesting tidbits. The cruise offers unobstructed looks at iconic sites like One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Manhattan Bridge. Most children enjoy attempting to spot numerous neighborhoods and bridges from the water.
Practical Considerations
Budget cruising goes well, since cruising costs vary a lot in terms of length, amenities, and departure time. Basic harbor cruises start at $25-35 for an adult, while children pay 20-30% less than that. Dinner cruises or specialty themed cruises range from $75-150 per head.
Restroom facilities exist on every commercial cruise ship, but inform children where they are beforehand. Snack bars or cafes exist on most boats, although they are more expensive than mainland equivalents.
Weather can turn quickly at sea, so look at forecasts before setting off. Most cruises take place rain or shine, although bad weather can lead to cancellations or changes of route.
Beyond the Basic Harbor Tour
Search for specialty cruises that cater to families with children. Some operators organize pirate-themed cruises, holiday lights cruises over the winter months, or marine life and harbor ecology thematic educational tours. These theme cruises normally include activities designed for younger travelers.
Evening cruises provide spectacular views of the lighted skyline, but may be better suited to older children who can stay up until later. The city lights reflected on the water create an enchanted setting that sometimes charms children and adults.
You can find here more tips and cruise options for kids in New York City.
