Make the Most of Your Port of Call in New York City

It can be overwhelming to plan shore excursions in a dynamic port of call like New York City. There’s so much to see and do, and it feels impossible to get a handle on how much you can accomplish in the time you’ll be there. These four tour types can help you make the most of it and leave you returning to your cruise ship feeling like you’ve seen it all.

Hop a Bus

Buses are a great way to tour Manhattan. Organized tours typically include cultural, shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, as well as major landmarks. Visitors can see Times Square, Bryant Park, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Freedom Tower. Some tour companies allow passengers the flexibility to get on and off the bus at any time, so visitors can experience a truly customized tour of New York City. This on-and-off option is best for folks who are already familiar with the city or comfortable reading maps, so that you know where you can pick up the tour bus again.

A Bird’s Eye View of NYC by Helicopter

An aerial visit to New York City via helicopter provides unforgettable views of skyscrapers, bustling avenues below, and unique perspectives on landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the George Washington Bridge. Tour routes can circle Manhattan island, fly over the five boroughs of New York City, or be tailored to your wishes. For example, the Palisades on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River don’t often show up on must-see lists but these dramatic cliffs are impressive!

Sightseeing by Sea

Okay, technically, it’s sightseeing by river, but it’s a long-loved tradition among New Yorkers to take a Circle Line cruise around Manhattan, getting a long view of the majestic skyscrapers along the Hudson River and East River. If you’re not up to a lot of walking or on-and-off buses, you can still tour Manhattan on comfortable ferries. Amenities often include heated/air conditioned cabins, food/beverage service, and restrooms on-board.

Specialty Tours

There’s something for everyone in New York City, and the same holds true for shore excursions. Food tours are exploding in popularity, and folks enjoy eating their way through some of New York City’s legendary neighborhoods, like Little Italy. Television and film fans can sign up for tours based on their favorite shows and movies, like “Friends”, “Seinfeld”, “Girls”, and “Homeland”.

No matter how you choose to spend your time during your port of call in New York City, there’s one thing you can be assured of – there’s no place like it in the world!