Question 1

Are your cruises still running in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All cruises operate rain, wind, snow or shine, 364 days a year, unless otherwise stated on our homepage. If there are any rare schedule changes or cancellations required by the U.S. Coast Guard, they'll be posted there and shared with ticket holders directly.

Question 2

Can I reschedule for a different date or time?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can easily change your cruise date or time using our self-service rescheduler. Once you complete the steps, your updated tickets will be automatically emailed to you.

Question 3

What if I'm late and missed the boat?

Accepted Answer

No problem! You can still reschedule your tickets for another date or time through our self-service rescheduler.

Question 4

Who's eligible to reschedule?

Accepted Answer

Only guests who purchased tickets directly on circleline.com are eligible to use the self-service rescheduler. If you bought your tickets from a third-party partner (like CityPASS, GetYourGuide, Viator, or TripAdvisor), please contact them directly for assistance.

Question 5

I didn't purchase my tickets on circleline.com. Can I still reschedule?

Accepted Answer

Each third-party ticket reseller operates within their own rules and regulations. Contact the company where you purchased your tickets directly to learn about their own rescheduling and refund policies.

Question 6

What cruises are reschedule eligible?

Accepted Answer

You can reschedule tickets for the following cruises: Best of NYC, Harbor Lights, Landmarks, Liberty Midtown, Liberty Super Express, Statue at Sunset, Bear Mountain, and Hudson River Fall Foliage. Special event cruises cannot be rescheduled: 4th of July, New Year's Eve, and charitable Pup Cruises. If your cruise isn't listed, please contact Guest Services for help.

Question 7

Can I reschedule my tickets for a different type of cruise entirely?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When using the self-service rescheduler, you can change your cruise type. If your new cruise is higher in price, you'll simply pay the difference during checkout.

Question 8

Where do I find my Order ID?

Accepted Answer

You'll find your Order ID in your original confirmation email — either in the top right-hand corner, or in the first section with your cruise details.

Question 9

What if I can't find my original confirmation email?

Accepted Answer

All Circle Line confirmation emails come from ticketing@nycl.com with the subject line: "Ahoy! Your Circle Line Tickets Are Here!" Search your inbox (and check your Spam or Junk folders) using sender: Orders@Ticketing.nycl.com.

Question 10

Where will my cruise depart from?

Accepted Answer

Most Circle Line cruises depart from Pier 83 in Midtown (West 42nd Street and 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036). The Liberty Super Express and Statue at Sunset cruises depart from Pier 16 at South Street Seaport (89 South Street, New York, NY 10038). Please double-check your cruise name and pier location before you travel.

Question 11

What passes do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major sightseeing passes, including CityPASS, Go City Pass, New York Pass, and Explorer Pass.

Question 12

When can I reserve with my pass?

Accepted Answer

CityPASS guests are able to reserve on the CityPASS app at any time in advance. All other Attraction Pass holders (Go City, New York Pass, Explorer Pass) must redeem in person on the day of their cruise or up to 1 day prior, and cannot reserve online.

Question 13

How do I redeem my pass?

Accepted Answer

Most passes must be redeemed at the pier. Bring your pass or QR code to the Pier 83 or Pier 16 box office (depending on your cruise location). Our team will scan your pass and issue boarding tickets. We recommend arriving 30–45 minutes before departure.

Question 14

If I have a CityPASS, how do I reserve my place on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

First, purchase CityPASS online for immediate, paperless mobile ticket delivery. Then visit circleline.com to reserve your cruise date and time. CityPASS guests without an advance reservation can also reserve at our ticket office — please arrive 30 minutes before departure and go directly to security and the boarding line.

Question 15

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Accepted Answer

No, but a reserved ticket guarantees your seat on board. You can bypass the box office line and go straight to the security line to enter our pier area. We encourage mobile ticketing for a contactless and faster boarding experience.

Question 16

How does Circle Line's ticket pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Circle Line uses dynamic pricing, similar to airlines and hotels. Ticket prices vary based on demand, with lower prices typically available Monday through Thursday and October through February. Our boats have limited capacity, and dynamic pricing helps offer the best value on less busy days.

Question 17

What is Premier?

Accepted Answer

Premier tickets are available on Liberty Midtown, Landmarks, Best of NYC, and Harbor Lights cruises. Premier tickets include early boarding, more comfortable seating, and one complimentary Official Circle Line Souvenir Tourbook. Premier seating location depends on the vessel scheduled for your tour and cannot be guaranteed, as boat assignments vary by day.

Question 18

How much are children's tickets?

Accepted Answer

Children under 3 ride free — please ask at the box office for an infant ticket. We offer discounts for children ages 3–12. Please check specific cruises on our website or ask at the box office.

Question 19

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer select discounts for students, military personnel, and New York City residents. Please visit our Discounts page for more details.

Question 20

Do you offer packages for groups?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer amazing packages, food and drink menus for groups of any size. Learn more on our Groups and Charters page.

Question 21

Can I charter an entire boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! Visit our Groups and Charters page for more information or call us at (212) 630-8885.

Question 22

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

All ticket sales are final. We do not offer refunds for weather, late arrivals, or route changes. If you purchased your tickets from a third-party seller (such as CityPASS, GetYourGuide, Viator, or TripAdvisor), refunds and rescheduling are subject to that provider's policies — please contact them directly. In the rare event that Circle Line cancels a cruise, guests who purchased directly on circleline.com will be notified and offered the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

Question 23

When should I arrive before my cruise?

Accepted Answer

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, but please arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to allow time for obtaining boarding passes and heading through security.

Question 24

Do I need to print my tickets?

Accepted Answer

No. But please make sure that your tickets are available on your mobile phone. If you received an email from us with tickets as a PDF attachment, we just need to be able to scan the barcode in the ticket.

Question 25

Will your cruises leave on time?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our boats typically depart exactly when scheduled. Please leave enough time for traffic and transit delays and plan to arrive early. If you do miss your cruise, you will be able to reschedule. However, we do not issue refunds for tardiness.

Question 26

What kind of food and drinks are available on board?

Accepted Answer

We offer a wide variety of concessions on board, including hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, fresh sandwiches, salads, and assorted breakfast items during morning cruises. Beverages include coffee, tea, soda, bottled water, and a full bar featuring beer, wine, and cocktails. Please note: During the winter months, concessions are not available on the Liberty Super Express and Statue at Sunset cruises.

Question 27

What is your bag policy?

Accepted Answer

All bags are subject to security screening. Guests may bring one small to medium-sized bag per person onboard our standard sightseeing cruises. All personal items must remain with the guest at all times. We do not offer onboard luggage storage, and oversized luggage may not be accommodated.

Question 28

Are Circle Line's boats wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Guests requiring a standard wheelchair will have access to the first level of our vessels. At Pier 16, guests using electric wheelchairs or scooters may not be able to board the Liberty Super Express or Statue at Sunset due to the narrow gangway — standard wheelchairs are permissible. At Pier 83, guests using electric wheelchairs or scooters will be able to board, as the gangways allow enough clearance. Our marine team is available to assist with safe boarding and deboarding.

Question 29

Can I bring my own food or drinks on board?

Accepted Answer

To ensure cleanliness and safety, we ask that guests do not bring outside food or beverages on board. Our snack bar is well-stocked, offering a range of snacks as well as a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at guestservices@support.nycl.com.

Question 30

Is smoking allowed on the boat?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is not permitted on Circle Line's regular sightseeing cruises including Liberty, Statue of Liberty Express, Landmarks, Best of New York, and Harbor Lights. Smoking may be permitted in designated areas on Circle Line's Music Cruises, Bear Mountain Cruises, 4th of July, and New Year's Eve Cruises.

Question 31

Are the boats pet friendly?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, animals are not permitted on Circle Line boats, except for certified service animals. Please note that our boats are not an ideal environment for service animals that are in training, as the closed spaces do not allow passengers or animals to disembark if a situation deteriorates.

Question 32

How close do the boats get to the Statue of Liberty?

Accepted Answer

All of our sightseeing boats cruise within yards (meters) of Lady Liberty for an absolutely incredible view. You'll feel like you're actually on the island!

Question 33

Does the Best of NYC Cruise actually circumnavigate Manhattan?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Best of NYC Cruise circles the entire island of Manhattan and offers the most comprehensive tour available. There are however occasions out of our control when we cannot fully circumnavigate the island due to high tides. If you have concerns, please give us a call as early as 9:30 AM the morning of the day you plan to cruise: (212) 563-3200.

Question 34

What will I see on my cruise?

Accepted Answer

Please see individual cruise pages for cruise routes and highlights, but note that all of our sightseeing cruises take you close to the Statue of Liberty for incredible photos and selfies.

Question 35

When did Circle Line begin?

Accepted Answer

Circle Line was established in 1945.

Question 36

Who owns Circle Line?

Accepted Answer

Circle Line is owned and operated by New York Cruise Lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

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