Circling Manhattan

Feb 24, 2010

Someone who, like me, comes to New York for the first time, can probably be forgiven for thinking about a train when asked if she wants to go on the Circle Line. That term is in fact the name of a wonderful boat ride around the island of Manhattan no visitor to New York should miss, even in such low temperatures as I experienced last week. It was bitter cold, ice covered part of the Hudson River, but on the water we went to experience a unique view of all the famous land marks from the upper deck cruising the river.

Circle Line cruises sail from Pier 83 at West 42nd Street and West Side Highway, close to the Lincoln Tunnel and Chelsea Pier where the unfortunate Titanic was supposed to dock had she ever finished her journey. The fare is $29 and whilst standing in line to board, some very funny ladies try to sell you huge mugs with the Circle Line logo on them, pointing out that you will get free refills on board if you brandish said mug and that “three hours is a long, long time!”

The three hours passed by like the proverbial New York minute because there is so much to see. The boat sails down the Hudson River with views of the New Jersey shore on your right and the Empire State building, Ground Zero and Battery Park on the left. Then Ellis Island and the Statue of Libery come into view. The boat goes around it and then up on the East River under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Our tour guide said that he did this tour for 25 years and was happy to answer any questions. Then came the photo op highlight of the cruise: the moment when, just under the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty is perfectly framed within the arches. We didn’t go much further than Roosevelt Island because the river further up was frozen solid, so we turned around and had a view of all the stunning sites in reverse.

It’s certainly the best way to get a feel for what Manhattan is all about, to realize that it is in fact an island and a small one at that. No more than 17 miles long and 2.5. miles across. Even without the mug you can get coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks and the covered deck was warm and snug. For me it was one of the best sightseeing tours ever.

Inka is German and used to be an international attorney with offices in London and Spain. Retired two years ago because she wanted to be a traveler and writer and now live between Didim/Turkey and Miami with plenty of travel in between. Next destinations: Istanbul, New York and Petra/Jordan. Inka’s first novel has just been published and can be found here