The last time I went on the Circle Line NYC was probably circa 1995 when the youthful adventurer accompanying me on my trip was just two years old. What I remember from back then: a crowded tour on a big boat with some accompanying audio covering sightseeing high points around Manhattan. It was a great introduction to New York City for tourists and a good adventure for those with kids. Who doesn’t like a boat ride?
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But during the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering en masse carries with it a certain measure of risk thanks to fear of droplets being spritzed all about by careless carriers of the virus. And yet—staying cooped up inside for what seems like all of this year isn’t good for any of our souls.
And so a youthful adventurer and I set off for an adventure on the Circle Line. We’ll circle Manhattan on a sunny fall day and maybe get an update on a bit of New York City history.
How to Plan Your Circle Line NYC Trip
You’re going to want to book ahead. The days of extemporaneity have disappeared courtesy of the coronavirus pandemic. Go online, see what’s available, and book and pay for your ticket. We book our weekend ticket during the week of our trip, but it’s probably smart to book as early as possible, especially for popular tours like the Hudson River Fall Foliage Route, which takes cruisers up to the former Tappan Zee Bridge in Westchester County.
Boarding the Boat
The Circle Line terminal is at Pier 83 at West 43rd Street, not too far from the USS Intrepid. We arrive about an hour before our departure time and board as soon as we are allowed. We access the boat through the parking lot, which seems a little weird, but the added space does make for easier social distancing. Having arrived early, very few people are milling about when we get on.
With fewer seats set up on board (so they now are socially distanced), we want to make sure we get prime seating if we possibly can. Arriving early is a good choice. We have time to get some beverages and snacks on board before heading up to the top deck. Everyone, ourselves included, wears a mask.
The Circle Line reports that it is limiting its boats to 50% capacity right now.
With fewer passengers aboard than during the before times, available seating allows the youthful adventurer and me to have a row all our own. For the most part, fellow passengers are pretty good about not crowding too close together. People do like to take photos when the boat passes significant landmarks, so some people come a little close as they try to get the perfect shot.
Cruising Manhattan on the Circle Line NYC
Manhattan’s skyline has changed so much in the last 20 years—and, indeed, is still changing as a fair amount of construction continues—that parts of the city may seem unrecognizable even to longtime residents. Getting out on the water on a beautiful day is a great way to let go of some of the stress we’ve all been feeling by being cooped-up at home for so many months. We don’t quite make a full circle around Manhattan, though—the tide is too high, meaning our boat cannot not pass beneath some of the lower bridges.
We still have a great time, feel safe, and would definitely undertake this activity again.
Tips for Bashful Adventurers
Bring a sweater, especially if you plan to sit in the open air. Even on warm days, it gets windy on the water.
Taking a Circle Line cruise is a great activity whether you are going solo, with a friend or partner, or with multiple members of your family. There’s plenty to see and contemplate.
Arrive early—seating is not assigned, so you’ll improve your chances of obtaining a desirable perch if you get there before everyone else does.
Circle Line, Pier 83 at West 43rd Street and 12th Avenue, New York, NY, 10036
—Lori Tripoli
Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications.
Contact Lori at loritripoli @ bashfuladventurer.com.
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