July 7, 2008
Onboard Circle Line 42's harbor lights waterfalls cruise
NewYorkology contributor Anna Links recently checked out the NYC Waterfalls by boat, onboard one of Circle Line’s first Harbor Lights cruises.
For Olafur Eliasson Waterfall purposes, the Circle Line 7 p.m. daily Harbor Lights cruise is more of a sunset voyage, but the photo opportunities are still worth the $27 ticket.
As we’ve just passed the vernal equinox and the days will get increasingly shorter (sad, but true!), this will become a bona fide Harbor Lights cruise in September with sunset times between 7:30 and 6:40. The boat’s departure will change to 6 p.m. on September 27 through the end of the Waterfalls exhibition, October 13.
 The vessel seats about 400 with indoor and outdoor seating on both the main and upper decks but your best bet for waterfall viewing is the main bow deck which opens about 15 minutes after departure, weather permitting, with a notification from the cruise announcer. The deck quickly floods with eager photographers so be ready to make a dash and park yourself on the starboard side for optimal viewing of the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island, Brooklyn Piers 4 & 5 and Brooklyn Bridge falls. When the ship turns around for the trip downriver, you’ll be set up to check out the Manhattan Pier 35 falls without having to sally across the crowded deck.
Leaving from Pier 83 at West 42nd, the 2-hour cruise makes a half-circle around the island of Manhattan, arriving at the Governors Island waterfall at 7:55 p.m.. The second waterfall at Brooklyn Piers 4 & 5 follows immediately and although the ship doesn’t get as close to this one as to the other three, the sun’s reflection off the buildings of Brooklyn Heights more than makes up for it. The Brooklyn Bridge falls is next on the starboard side and the approach offers choice views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, the falls, the East River and Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park.
The Manhattan Pier 35 falls is next up on the port side at about 8:10 p.m. Depending on the progression of daylight savings, this is a great photo op to catch the sunset behind the Manhattan Bridge and the Municipal Building.
The cruise advances north an additional 20 blocks or so with great views of Brooklyn’s industrial waterfront and the Empire State Building before turning around and heading back down river. The return trip affords another pass at the Manhattan Pier 35 and Brooklyn Bridge falls but the Brooklyn Piers 4 & 5 and Governors Island falls are just a little too far off for the standard digital camera lens, as the ship hugs the Manhattan coastline on its trip back to Pier 83 on the Hudson.
The ship sells beer and wine for $6.50, plus snacks and other beverages from $2 to $7. You can drink alcohol anywhere on board and there is a smoking area on the main deck port side. If you’re on deck to watch the crew tie up at the pier, check out their awesome nautical knots.
Onboard, the ship’s announcer, warned that cabs can be rare at the pier late in the evening. Upon exiting, there were a few limo drivers and pedi-cabs, but your nearest subway is the A/C/E at 42nd and 8th.
Tickets can be reserved online, by phone at (212) 563-3200, or purchased at the pier. Circle Line recommends you arrive 45 minutes prior to departure time.
Also note that this Circle Line cruise is operated by Circle Line at 42nd Street, sometimes called Circle Line uptown. It’s a different company than Circle Line downtown, which operates its own waterfalls cruises, including the shorter, free one.
Picture credits: Anna Links.
Earlier: Eliasson’s NYC Waterfalls officially on through Oct. 13
Circle Line launching a $50,000 NYC Waterfalls tour
July 7, 2008 1:55 AM in Downtown, Kids, Midtown, Out of Manhattan, Romance, Sightsology, Tours
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