Starship Tours And Events
Statue of Liberty Cruise NYC
Get close to Lady Liberty, and see a lot more of New York on our Landmark Sightseeing Cruise
Starship’s Landmark Sightseeing Cruise takes you past the Statue of Liberty for close-up views from the water, then keeps going — past Ellis Island, past the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and along the Manhattan skyline.
No ferry line, no island transfer. Just 90 minutes, Pier 78 to Pier 78, with one of New York’s most photographed landmarks right outside the window.
See Lady Liberty Up Close
See Lady Liberty Up Close. And So Much More.
Most people come for the Statue of Liberty. That part delivers — you’ll get close-up views from the open deck, with time to actually look instead of shuffling past in a crowd.
But the Statue is just one stop on the route. The same 90 minutes also takes you past Ellis Island, past two of New York’s most famous bridges, and along a skyline that includes One World Trade Center.
It’s less a single photo-op and more a quick, complete tour of New York Harbor — with the statue as the headline, not the whole show.
Close-Up Statue Views
Sail close enough to the Statue of Liberty for real photos, not just a distant silhouette.
Live Narration
Onboard narration points out what you’re seeing and why it matters as the route unfolds.
Indoor + Outdoor Decks
Head outside for photos, then move into climate-controlled seating whenever you need a break.
Just 90 Minutes
Short enough to fit into a packed NYC itinerary without giving up a whole afternoon.
The Route
What You’ll See on Your Cruise
The cruise moves through New York Harbor and the Hudson River, with landmarks appearing at different points — and different distances — along the way.
Statue of Liberty
The main event — close-up views from the water as the boat passes by.
Ellis Island
Views of the immigration station that processed millions of newcomers to the U.S.
Brooklyn & Manhattan Bridges
Pass by two of New York’s most recognizable bridges along the East River.
One World Trade Center & Skyline
Wide views of lower Manhattan’s skyline, with One World Trade Center as the standout.
Why a Sightseeing Cruise
Why Take a Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise?
A sightseeing cruise isn’t the only way to see the Statue of Liberty, but it solves a specific problem: seeing a lot of New York without spending the day getting between attractions.
- See several major NYC landmarks in one trip, without traveling between them
- Get close-up views of the Statue of Liberty from the water
- Move between indoor and outdoor sightseeing as the weather calls for it
- Learn what you’re looking at with live onboard narration
- Fit real sightseeing into a 90-minute window
Picking the Right Option
Statue of Liberty Cruise vs. Ferry: What’s the Difference?
“Statue of Liberty cruise” and “Statue of Liberty ferry” often get used interchangeably, but they’re two different experiences. Here’s the actual difference, so you can pick the one that fits your trip.
Sightseeing Cruise (Starship)
- 90 minutes round-trip from Pier 78
- Close-up views of the Statue of Liberty from the boat
- Also passes Ellis Island, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the Manhattan skyline
- No stop at Liberty Island — you stay onboard the whole cruise
- Good for travelers who want sightseeing, not a full island visit
Ferry to Liberty Island (Statue City Cruises)
- The official ferry operator serving Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Allows passengers to disembark and explore the grounds and museums
- Requires more time and advance ticketing, especially for pedestal or crown access
- Good for travelers who want to step onto Liberty Island itself
Starship’s cruise does not stop at Liberty Island and does not include museum or pedestal access. If you want to go ashore, Statue City Cruises is the official ferry operator for that.
Book Direct and Save
Find Your Statue of Liberty Cruise
Choose your date to see available departures and book directly with Starship.
Plan Your Visit
Everything You Need to Know Before Boarding
The cruise departs from Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, 455 12th Avenue, in Manhattan, and runs approximately 90 minutes round-trip.
Standard seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving a little early gets you a better spot on deck. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome onboard.
Indoor + Outdoor Areas
Climate-controlled indoor seating and open-air decks, so you can move based on the weather or just for a change of view.
Restrooms & Concessions
Onboard restrooms, with snacks, drinks and cocktails available for purchase during the cruise.
Boarding Photo Included
Standard booking includes a complimentary digital boarding photo as a keepsake of the trip.
Rain or Shine
Indoor seating means weather doesn’t have to change your plans — just where you’re standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Statue of Liberty Cruise: What to Know
How long does the Statue of Liberty cruise take?
The cruise runs approximately 90 minutes round-trip from Pier 78.
Does the Statue of Liberty cruise stop at Liberty Island?
No. Starship’s cruise passes the Statue of Liberty for close-up views from the water but does not dock at Liberty Island. If you want to go ashore and visit the museum, you’ll need the official ferry, operated by Statue City Cruises.
How close does the cruise get to the Statue of Liberty?
Close enough for clear views and photos from the open deck, though the boat does not dock or stop directly beside the statue.
Where does the Statue of Liberty cruise leave from?
The cruise departs from Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, 455 12th Avenue, Manhattan.
Can you see the Brooklyn Bridge on this cruise?
Yes. The route also passes the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, with views of Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline along the way.
Is the Statue of Liberty cruise suitable for children?
Yes. The cruise is open to all ages, with strollers welcome onboard and children under 3 cruising free.
Can I take the cruise if it’s raining?
Yes. Starship offers climate-controlled indoor seating as well as open-air decks, so the cruise runs rain or shine. Visibility of the statue and skyline will depend on conditions.
What is the difference between a Statue of Liberty cruise and a ferry?
A sightseeing cruise, like this one, passes the Statue of Liberty from the water without stopping. A ferry, like Statue City Cruises, lets you disembark on Liberty Island and Ellis Island to explore on foot.
How much does a Statue of Liberty cruise cost?
Direct-booking prices start at $29.99 for adults and $26.24 for children ages 3–12. Children under 3 cruise free.
Book Your Cruise
Ready to See the Statue of Liberty Up Close?
Get close-up views of Lady Liberty and see Ellis Island, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the Manhattan skyline — all in one 90-minute cruise from Pier 78.