city cruises new york city

• Freedom Liberty Cruise
• NYC Sunset Cruise
• Shuttle Route Information
• Ticket Locations

We immerse you into the heart of our city with unique, exclusive and authentic New York experiences by New York natives

NYC City Cruises & Tours

Freedom liberty cruise.

Hop aboard our quiet, eco-friendly boat where you can enjoy an open roof deck and witness the New York skyline in all it’s glory and get the perfect selfie with Ms. Liberty herself! If you prefer to experience your sail from indoors, the first floor deck is equipped with a full service concession!

• Unmatched Views of NYC
• Indoor and Outdoor Seating
• Available year round

BOOK YOUR CRUISE

Discounts available for children, veterans, and seniors

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

7 Days a Week

11:15am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm, 3:00 & 5:00pm

Now offering a 6:30pm Sunset Cruise!

GET DIRECTIONS

*New departure location at WTC Battery Park coming soon!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long is the freedom liberty cruise.

The Freedom Liberty Cruise is 80 minutes. We recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to your departure time.

What will I see on the cruise?

This unforgettable NYC city cruise takes you by some of the most iconic sites in New York, including the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Governor’s Island, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge

Does the cruise take you to the Statue of Liberty?

The Freedom Liberty Cruise, offers you the chance to cruise by the Statue of Liberty. This provides you with the ideal moment to capture the perfect moments with Lady Liberty; however, please note that the cruise does not include a stop on the island.

Where does the cruise pick you up?

The Freedom Liberty Cruise picks you up at Pier 78, 455 12th Ave, New York, NY 10018.

Can I bring food or drink on the boat?

Yes. You are allowed to bring your own food and drink on the boat.

There is also a full-service concession on the first floor of the boat that serves alcoholic beverages, as well non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Is there a shuttle service to the departure location?

Yes! Take NY Waterway’s convenient multi-route shuttles to and from our Freedom Liberty Cruise tours! Get picked up and dropped off at major city bus stops so you can join our tours hassle-free.

NEW TOURS COMING SOON

We will soon offer Helicopter, Bus, Bike and Walking Tours.

Guided tours by New York natives

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Our Partners

Freedom Tower

Statue of liberty.

Brooklyn Bridge

Empire State Building

Lower Manhattan

Hudson Yards & Vessel

Chelsea Piers

Little Island

Ellis Island

Governors Island

The Key Attractions

The Freedom Tower , officially One World Trade Center, stands as a symbol of resilience and strength. It was built at the World Trade Center site to commemorate the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The tower’s height, reaching 1,776 feet, not only pays homage to the year of American independence but also signifies the nation’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming immigrants arriving in the United States. A gift from France, it stands proudly in New York Harbor. The statue’s torch, held high, serves as a beacon of hope, while the tablet she carries represents the law, highlighting New York City’s historical role as a gateway for millions seeking a better life.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a marvel of engineering and a defining feature of the New York City skyline. Completed in 1883, it was the first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its graceful architecture and panoramic views of the city make it a beloved landmark. The bridge’s significance lies in its role as a symbol of unity, linking two boroughs and fostering economic and cultural exchange.

The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper that has dominated the Manhattan skyline since 1931. Its art deco design and impressive height were groundbreaking at the time of its construction. As one of the world’s most famous office buildings, the Empire State Building symbolizes New York City’s ambition and serves as a testament to its enduring influence on global culture and commerce.

Lower Manhattan is the historic and financial heart of New York City. Home to Wall Street, the Financial District, and landmarks like the Charging Bull, this area is a testament to the city’s economic power. It also holds the somber memory of the World Trade Center, making it a symbol of resilience and rebirth.

Hudson Yards , a state-of-the-art urban development, is home to the extraordinary Vessel. This interactive art piece and landmark comprises interconnected staircases, providing panoramic views of the city. The Vessel and Hudson Yards represent New York’s commitment to innovation and modern urban living.

The High Line , a former elevated railway turned public park, is a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. Its adaptive reuse showcases New York’s ability to transform industrial spaces into vibrant, recreational areas. The High Line serves as a testament to the city’s creativity and commitment to preserving its history while embracing modernity.

Chelsea Piers , a waterfront sports and entertainment complex, is a hub for recreational activities. Originally a passenger ship terminal, it has transformed into a dynamic space for sports, fitness, and entertainment. Chelsea Piers reflects New York’s dedication to providing diverse recreational opportunities within the city.

Little Island , a floating park on the Hudson River, is a whimsical addition to New York City’s green spaces. Supported by mushroom-shaped columns, it offers a unique experience for visitors seeking respite from the urban hustle. Little Island showcases the city’s commitment to fostering creativity and providing accessible public spaces.

Ellis Island is a historic immigration station that processed millions of immigrants entering the United States. It stands as a symbol of the nation’s immigrant heritage, capturing the hopes and dreams of those who sought a new life. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration preserves this rich history, making it a poignant landmark.

Governors Island , once a military outpost and now a public park, provides a peaceful escape from the city. Accessible by ferry, it offers stunning views of Manhattan and serves as a recreational haven. Governors Island represents New York’s dedication to preserving open spaces for public enjoyment and cultural events.

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a trendy neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets and artistic vibe. Nestled between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, DUMBO is a hub for creativity, housing art galleries, tech startups, and unique boutiques. Its transformation into a cultural hotspot reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of New York City.

Opportunities

We can’t wait to show you New York’s must-see sights from the water!

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The 5 best nyc dinner cruises for food & views.

These dinner cruises provide some of the best views of Manhattan.

The Best NYC Dinner Cruises

Courtesy of La Barca Cantina

When you're strolling the streets of Manhattan, it can be difficult to grasp the magnitude of the city, with its skyscrapers and densely packed landmarks. The solution? A boat ride. A breezy sail in New York Harbor can feature everything from an elegant dinner to a live jazz band to tacos and tequila. Read on to discover the top-rated New York City dinner cruise options as determined by travel expert opinion and recent reviews.

City Cruises New York Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

Price: From $144 Duration: 3 hours Standout perk: This all-glass boat delivers panoramic skyline views.

Climbing aboard the Bateaux feels like stepping into a greenhouse, with its glass-enclosed structure and water views in every direction. There are no bad seats on this boat, but as an upgrade you can reserve a window table for the best views of the Hudson River, the East River and the New York Harbor. This cruise is a match for anyone seeking elegance: The tables are covered in crisp white cloths, wine and cocktails are served in sparkling glasses, and a three-course a la carte dinner is served at a relaxed pace (no buffet here).

The Bateaux cruise is an experience to get dressed up for, where the dress code is semi-formal and dinner is accompanied by live music. The sunset can provide the perfect backdrop for pictures, and don't forget to snap a shot of the Statue of Liberty . Children younger than 6 are not permitted on this cruise, so expect a polished, for-adults atmosphere complete with creative cocktails and dancing under the stars. The Bateaux has rightfully earned a reputation for its fresh food; this three-course, plated menu includes several tempting a la carte options from a ravioli starter with crispy pancetta to osso bucco with cauliflower polenta.

Check prices & availability on:

City Cruises New York Signature Dinner Cruise

Price: From $109 Duration: 2.5 hours Standout perk: A live DJ gives this dinner cruise an extra dose of atmosphere.

Looking for a casual night of dining and dancing with the addition of a skyline backdrop? This dinner cruise offers just that. Set sail from Chelsea Piers in a climate-controlled boat along the Hudson and East rivers, admiring New York City landmarks like the Empire State Building . For dinner, indulge in a chef-prepared buffet with a wide range of options from Greek salad to oven-roasted salmon with miso to Caribbean jerk braised pork. If you're bringing a sweet tooth on board, be sure to check out the ample dessert station.

After snapping some pictures on the open-air deck, return to the cabin for cocktails from the cash bar, interactive games and upbeat music from the onboard DJ.

Those traveling with young kids will be pleased to know that infants younger than 3 cruise free – so feel free to bring your little ones along to enjoy the experience with you.

La Barca Cantina

Price: Varies Duration: 2 hours Standout perk: You'll find an extensive tequila and mezcal list on board to accompany the Mexican fare.

One criticism of New York dinner cruises is that they don't offer good value for money, but the "taco boat" challenges that critique with ceviche, tacos, churros, cocktails and skyline views for an affordable price. Climb aboard a yacht at Pier 81 to experience a youthful, modern interpretation of a dinner cruise – think: low lighting, couches for lounging and three bars, complete with Latin pop, salsa and dance music playing in the background. Raise a glass while the yacht sails south on the Hudson River to check out world-famous Manhattan skyline views.

La Barca Cantina also offers a bottomless brunch cruise with a DJ, as well as special events.

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Classic Harbor Line NYC Evening Jazz Cruise

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line

Price: From $108 Duration: 1.5 hours Standout perk: A jazz trio typically featuring a sax, keyboard and drums plays live on board.

Listen to jazz standards aboard a 1920s-style yacht with this fun sightseeing cruise departing from Pier 62 in Chelsea Piers. Choose between kicking back in the climate-controlled cabin or on the open-air deck throughout this evening cruise, which includes views of Manhattan landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Live music is played outside on the deck or inside the salon, depending on the season (and the boat, Manhattan or Manhattan II).

While this cruise doesn't offer dinner, one complimentary alcoholic beverage is included, and a cash bar offers additional drinks and snacks. Listen to music by Duke Ellington, George Gershwin and more as you sail past the twinkling Manhattan skyline. Those traveling in a group should keep in mind: Tickets are slightly discounted for groups of 4 to 16.

Circle Line New York City Harbor Lights Cruise

Courtesy of Circle Line

Price: From $54 Duration: 2 hours Standout perk: This no-fuss, excellent-value cruise option has drinks and snacks available for purchase on board.

When you're craving panoramic views rather than a three-course meal, choose the Circle Line's Harbor Lights cruise departing from Pier 83. This sightseeing sailing delivers an up-close experience of the Manhattan skyline lights coming to life, while cruising past landmarks including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building . A live guide provides narration and historical context for what you're seeing. As the sun sets behind New Jersey, watch the glow of the sinking sun reflect in the windows of skyscrapers.

Food from the onboard cafe – like salads, sandwiches and snacks – as well as beer, wine and cocktails at the bar are available for purchase. This is an ideal situation for groups with varying levels of hunger and thirst. Sit alfresco in the breeze or indoors in the climate-controlled cabin – it's up to you.

Non-English-speaking guests can download the Circle Line app for narration available in several languages; just be sure to bring your own headset.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Jessica Colley Clarke is a New York-based freelance writer. She loves to take visiting family and friends out on the water in the New York Harbor for a fresh perspective on the Manhattan skyline and beyond.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top New York City Tours
• The Best Hotels in New York City
• The Top Observation Decks in New York City

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The 15 Best Cruises In NYC You Can Take This Month

Make the most of your stay in new york.

Are you looking for the best cruises in New York that you can take right now? Look no further! Here you find some of the best cruises in NYC that are currently available below!

You'll also love this:

• Summer in New York - Our Complete Guide
• 56 Amazing Things To Do in NYC in August
• The Best Sailing Trips in NYC

Seemingly all cruise operators in New York City are back on the water, giving you plenty of options to relax on a boat and enjoy mesmerizing views while maybe even sipping cocktails and eating cheese.

Table of Contents

My Personal Recommendations

My Favorite Cruise In NYC Right Now

If I had to recommend a cruise in New York City right now, it’d be the Champagne City Lights Cruise and the Day Sail to the Statue of Liberty (so awesome!!!) . On these tours, you’ll get to enjoy all the views you could wish for. 

My Favorite Cruises in NYC

This list displays the best cruises in NYC you can take this winter! Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s sightseeing or leisure, with or without food, at day or at night – there’s a cruise for you!

2-Hour Day Sail to Statue of Liberty on America 2.0

This sailing tour is one of the most enjoyable boat tours I’ve ever done in New York! On board on this 105-foot schooner you sail from the Chelsea Piers to the Statue of Liberty and can always see the beautiful skyline of Manhattan and New Jersey. Included in the price is a drink and guaranteed a lot of fun. 

Classic Harbor Line: Champagne City Lights Cruise

We had an amazing time onboard the luxurious 1920s inspired motor yacht. Combine sightseeing with a romantic evening and step onboard the 1920s inspired boat at Pier 62 (Chelsea Piers – W. 22nd and Hudson River). During the 90-minutes long tour, you’ll get to see iconic NYC sights along the water and most importantly breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Especially in the summer, you can admire the most beautiful sunset during this special cruise. There is seating inside the yacht and outside seating as well.

Live Jazz City Lights Sail

This 90-minute live jazz sail is one of the best NYC sails I’ve ever done. You’ll sail from Chelsea Piers to New York Harbor, always with the beautiful skyline and Statue of Liberty in view. What you can expect on the Live Jazz City Lights Sail and why you should definitely do it, I’ll tell you in my report!

Sunset Sail Aboard a Schooner

This sailing tour is so beautiful – I’ve done it myself! Aboard the Schooner America 2.0 you sail towards the Statue of Liberty and experience one of the most romantic sunsets in New York. The atmosphere on board is really great and relaxed, while you can admire the Manhattan skyline the whole time. Even a drink is included! Be sure to check it out!

Skyline Brunch Cruise Around Manhattan

This brunch cruise is one of the most beautiful boat tours in New York. You sit aboard a 1920s-style ship with lots of wood and even more glass. The provider has several wonderful boat tours in the program, of which we have already tried four (and all were great!).

Start at Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers – this is where you board. First you start towards the George Washington Bridge, then turn south to the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and the Brooklyn Bridge . You can enjoy the view of the New York skyline and have a delicious brunch with New York specialties. The first drink (even champagne!) is even included in the price.

Circle Line - Harbor Lights Night Cruise

The Harbor Lights Cruise by Cricle Line is an amazing way to see the NYC from the water. As the lights start to sparkle across the Hudson and East Rivers at dusk you see the beauty of the city at night from a whole different angle.

Classic Harbor Line: Architecture Yacht Cruise

The architecture boat tour takes you around Manhattan in 2.5 hours. On a 30 meter long wooden ship in the style of the 1920s you can relax and learn a lot of interesting facts about the many small and large buildings of the city. The tour is super-relaxing and the price includes a drink (vino, soft drinks) and small snacks.

Sunset Boat Cruise to Statue of Liberty

This sunset boat ride to the Statue of Liberty departs from Pier 36 on the East River. From here you will sail along the East River towards the southern tip of Manhattan, passing under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. 

Then you continue to the Statue of Liberty and a little bit up the Hudson River, so that you can see the skyline of New York from both sides of Manhattan.

Bateaux Lunch Cruise

This boat tour with lunch on board the Bateaux New York will take you from the Hudson River to the East River, which means you will see all the major buildings of the NYC skyline. And of course, the Statue of Liberty is included! Since the atmosphere on the Bateaux Lunch cruise is a bit more formal, guests are asked to wear long pants and no shorts or hot pants or flip flops.

Circle Line - New York Landmarks Cruise

This Circle Line cruise will take you past NYC’s most famous attractions and landmarks. You will head past the Statue of Liberty, the One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, amd much much more. If you are looking to explore Manhattan from the water and learn some of the history of NYC at the same time, this is definitely the cruise for you. At a lenght of approximately 1.5 hours, this cruise will take you half way around the Island of Manhattan as well as once around the Statue of Liberty for the ultimate photo opportunity.

Classic Harbor Line: Evening Jazz Cruise on the Yacht Manhattan

From one of our absolute favorite boat tours in New York there is also a Jazz Cruise. You are on board a luxury yacht in the style of the 1920s, which has a wonderful charm and is not to be compared with the big sightseeing ships. The jazz cruise starts at the Chelsea Piers and takes you along the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York. On the way you can enjoy a wonderful view of the New York skyline and smooth jazz at the same time.

And the best part? The first drink is included in the price of the Jazz Cruise!

Spirit: Lunch Cruise

Relax on a comfortable boat as it cruises around New York Harbor and Manhattan on this relaxing 2-hour afternoon cruise that includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and DJ’ed music. Get great views and a different perspective on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building. And indulge in the delicious buffet lunch while doing it. Upgrade the afternoon to receive a welcome glass of champagne in a souvenir glass, a table for your party size, and access to a platinum open bar.

Spirit: Dinner Cruise with Buffet

Get a totally different and exciting perspective on New York: from a fun dinner cruise that floats around New York Harbor and Manhattan offering stunning views of the city and some of the world’s most famous landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge to the Empire State Building. Indulge in a delicious buffet dinner and then groove to the onboard DJ’ed music being spun. Add this dinner cruise to your New York itinerary today!

60-Min Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

You start at the South Street Seaport right next to New York’s most famous bridge – the Brooklyn Bridge. From there, you will make a leisurely drive to the southern tip of Manhattan and you will be in the Port of New York where you can see the Statue of Liberty for the first time. On the way there you can also clearly see the new highest building in the evening skyline: the One World Trade Center.

Staten Island Ferry

One of New York’s most popular tourist attractions is the Staten Island Ferry, which commutes between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The crossing is free of charge! The 5 mile journey takes about 20-25 minutes and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty.

What is the Best Cruise in New York for you?

There are over 40 boat and sailing tours in New York and it’s not easy to choose the best one. That’s where our Cruise Finder comes in. It will help you find the best boat tour for you!

Our Guide to Summer in New York

The 57 Best Things to Do in New York in August 2024

The Best Sunset Boat Tours & Sailing Trips in New York City

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Hole dir deine wöchentliche Dosis New York mit meinem Loving New York-Newsletter! Er ist vollgestopft mit den neuesten Artikeln, Videos, Erfahrungsberichten und allem, was gerade Interessantes und Wissenswertes im Big Apple passiert.

Ich selbst war über 25x in meiner Lieblingsstadt und möchte dir mit meinen Emails dabei helfen, eine sensationelle Zeit vor Ort zu haben.

Und als BONUS bekommst meine ✔️ "24 Tipps für deine New York-Reise" ✔️ die U-Bahn-Karte und ✔️ die offizielle NYC-Karte zugeschickt. Ganz KOSTENLOS!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Recommended

New website lets nyers use traffic cams to turn streets into instant photo booths.

Forget your selfie sticks, and let the city Department of Transportation do the work. 

New Yorkers can now use DOT traffic cameras to create their own personal photo booths by taking unique snapshots of themselves off the surveillance footage, with Big Apple vistas in the background.

TrafficCamPhotoBooth.com , a website created by Morry Kolman of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, launched Monday and gives locals access to more than 900 city traffic cameras in real time by linking users up to the DOT’s readily available streams on its own site.

Users can select from a Polaroid or photo-booth-strip format, find the closest traffic camera, strike a pose and say “cheese!” — then press a button icon to grab the bold photo op. 

“What I like about this project specifically is that people love to be given something, especially something about themselves,” Kolman, 28, told The Post.

“Giving people the opportunity to take selfies of themselves through these traffic cameras, I thought was a really interesting and fun way to kind of raise awareness about large surveillance apparatus that’s around New York City in a way that is fun and kind of light-hearted and people want to engage with because they get something out of engaging with it,” the creator said.

Three days after the site went live, Kolman had tracked 3,880 visits to his site, and 918 photos had been taken.

What makes for a good traffic camera photo? Wearing bright clothing, posing with large groups – and most importantly, looking both ways before crossing the street, Kolman said.

“Stop traffic with your looks, not your body,” the Web site advises.

Traffic-camera models should also hold poses for a few seconds at a time to allow the cameras to snap a shot.

Kolman, a Bronx High School of Science graduate who goes by “WTTDOTM” online, conceived of the Traffic Camera Photo Booth on his own while taking an art class called Imperfect Pictures at the School for Poetic Computation. 

“The prompt that inspired this one specifically is, ‘Take a picture without taking it.’ The idea was to find a way to take a picture without being the one to ‘push the shutter,’ ” Kolman said.

The first iteration of the project took a few hours to construct and a week and a half for the final product. Some users asked why he didn’t make an app. 

“Making an app sucks and costs money and I have to pay Apple,” Kolman explained.“I guess this [Web site] is one of my many contributions to places that are interesting online that do things that are just independent, free, interesting and have some effect in the world, hopefully.”

Kolman said New York City serves as the perfect backdrop for the project given that its traffic happens at intersections, while a lot of other cities’ traffic is on highways.

“People can go on intersections, but I’m not going to encourage people to walk out on [highways] and try to take a selfie that way, right?” Kolman said. “That just makes the traffic cameras pretty amenable, in New York at least, to taking photos.”

Traffic cameras in New York City are also hosted through URLs, and the image at the URL will update every 2 seconds, Kolman said.

“I don’t have to do any work behind the scenes,” he said.

Kolman has already had numerous requests to expand the project to other cities. He looks forward to troubleshooting that and is eyeing Atlanta or Salt Lake City as the next step in the project.

As it stands, the project exists on the open-source platform GitHub and is accessible to anyone who wants to take the reins and implement it in their city.

This isn’t Kolman’s first project that got him recognition. He and cofounder Alex Petros created an online conceptual art project called We Are Internet. 

The pair received attention for two projects: “Are You The Asshole?” — a project about AI bias which went viral with 200k users in two days — and “Deface” about data surveillance.

Kolman doesn’t have access to the traffic-cam photos that are taken, but he says he hopes users will begin to tag him so he can see what people are doing with his Web site.

“I don’t get notified of which camera they’re using, so I can’t grab any of the same images that they are,” Kolman said.

The creator believes the Web site could live forever — since the only expense that Kolman accrued from making the site was paying around $10 for the domain.

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New York Today

On governors island, you can dance at a jazz age lawn party.

Michael Arenella will be the bandleader at the event, and he’ll also be dancing the Charleston.

By James Barron

Good morning. It’s Friday. Today, and on Fridays through the summer, we’ll focus on things to do in New York over the weekend.

Dancing the Charleston — which you can do this weekend on Governors Island, across New York Harbor from Lower Manhattan — “takes more confidence than skill, I think,” Michael Arenella said.

He knows how, and there will be moments when he will be doing the Charleston — or the Black Bottom or the fox trot, all dances rooted in the 1920s — to whip up the crowd at the event on Governors Island, the Jazz Age Lawn Party .

Arenella, the bandleader and impresario behind this weekend of phantasmagoria, will provide the soundtrack for the dancing, the wine and vintage cocktails that will be available and the croquet that can be played. It begins tomorrow at 11 a.m. and continues on Sunday.

There will be Charleston lessons led by Roddy Caravella, whose 1920s bona fides include owning a 1929 DeSoto, according to Arenella, the former owner of a 1925 Studebaker. He himself now has a 1930 Buick. “I modernized,” he said. “Got to stay with the times, you know?”

The music is also authentic, Arenella said: He transcribed it himself, from 78 r.p.m. recordings of songs like “The Vo-do-deo-do Blues,” (Vo-do-deo-do was “a meaningless jazz refrain” from the 1920s, according to the Oxford English Dictionary .) Arenella is also partial to Duke Ellington songs like “Jig Walk,” from before Ellington took the A train and became a household name.

It’s the sound of the Roaring Twenties, and the Jazz Age Lawn Party also has a look. Some attendees dress as people did in the decade between World War I and the Great Depression. There are slim and sleeveless flapper dresses and feather boas — and seersucker suits and suspenders.

But there is more to the Jazz Age Lawn Party than appearances. If anyone has F. Scott Fitzgerald in mind, Arenella does not.

“Everyone talks about ‘The Great Gatsby,’” he said, “but there was so much better literature that that era yielded, so much literature with much more depth and more culturally relevant that shaped the thought of the era.” He mentioned “the likes of Edna St. Vincent Millay, Langston Hughes and Gertrude Stein” before saying that “‘Gatsby’ was about idle wealthy people. That doesn’t speak to the working class and the Black culture of that time, which is where the art was happening and the dance and the music.”

Arenella started the Jazz Age Lawn Party 19 years ago on Governors Island, a former military outpost that grew in the early years of the 20th century — nearly 4.8 million cubic yards of rocks and dirt excavated for the Lexington Avenue subway line added just over 100 acres to the island’s girth.

In the Roaring Twenties, Governors Island, still under the Army’s control, was the scene of polo matches and mock battles that the public could watch. And it was a place to watch the shape of New York City change as skyscrapers rose across the harbor in Manhattan.

“The spirit of the 1920s was one of looking forward,” Arenella said. “The 1920s cut ties with the past so quickly and clearly. It created newfound freedom for young people.”

And that fueled the exuberance of jazz, which, as Arenella noted, was “still considered the underground music” when the 1920s began. The audience changed with the bandleader Paul Whiteman, who he said “made jazz digestible for the quote-unquote upper classes” with “Rhapsody in Blue,” which Whiteman commissioned from George Gershwin and which is celebrating its centennial this year. That milestone will be observed at the Jazz Age Lawn Party with a performance of a solo arrangement by the pianist Elliot Sneider. (The composer Ferde Grofé was responsible for three orchestra versions, including the one for the premiere.)

“‘Rhapsody in Blue’ was the soundtrack of American progress, American innovation,” he said. “It was the soundtrack of the skyscrapers being built in New York City and the soundtrack of the workingman and woman having mobility. And it’s melded with the blues. That’s what it is at the Lawn Party. It’s the sound of progress, of social suffering, of social striving. It’s uniquely American, and something our country should be a lot more proud of.”

Weekend Weather

While Tropical Storm Debby’s power will diminish , prepare for chances of showers and thunderstorms on a breezy Friday and early Saturday . On Sunday , enjoy a mostly sunny day. Throughout the weekend, temperatures will be in the low to mid-80s during the day. At night, temperatures will range from the high 60s to the mid-70s.

ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING

In effect until Tuesday (Tisha B’Av).

What Else to Do This Weekend

Exhibits closing on sunday.

Weekend at Whitney : The museum’s biennial ends this weekend, but enjoy free entry on Friday starting at 5 p.m., with drinks and music.

An exhibit on the “Archaeology of Memory” : On Sunday, see a retrospective of the artist Amalia Mesa-Bains’s work at El Museo del Barrio .

Enjoy the great outdoors, with music

Blues and Barbecue : At 1 p.m. on Saturday, enjoy performances, games and food from several New York barbecue joints for the Blues festival in Hudson River Park .

Great Jazz on the Great Hill : Listen to some jazz and have a picnic in Central Park this Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

Celebrating merengue: Attend the Dominican Day Parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Manhattan.

The Battery Dance Festival : Enjoy performances this Sunday by dance companies from around the world .

For more events in New York, here’s a list of what to do this month .

A close-by island cruise

Manhattan has its characters, and so do places in New York that are technically uninhabited.

My colleague Laurel Graeber writes that Classic Harbor Line offers opportunities to observe them during its narrated Urban Naturalist Tour . On Sundays and Mondays at sunset, a three-hour cruise on a 1920s-style yacht sails past points like U Thant Island , Mill Rock and the North and South Brother Islands . Those are out-of-the-way places where species like ospreys, double-crested cormorants, snowy egrets and various kinds of herons now nest.

Binoculars are a must, but if you’re lucky, you may see one of these majestic birds swoop just overhead or take off from a channel marker. The tour also covers harbor history, with lore about shipwrecks, the Statue of Liberty and Typhoid Mary, the cook who infected more than 50 New Yorkers in the early years of the 20th century. She was exiled to North Brother Island, which the writer Anthony Bourdain called “a ramshackle Alcatraz” roughly half a mile from another island that houses a real prison, Rikers Island.

METROPOLITAN diary

Volleyball practice

Dear Diary:

I was on my way to meet a high school friend for lunch on the Upper West Side and had walked from Midtown through Central Park.

Leaving the park, I hustled in the direction of Amsterdam Avenue. I passed the schoolyard outside the Anderson School on the way. I saw some boys playing volleyball without a net, and I watched their ball fly over the very high chain-link fence and land at my feet.

I looked at my watch. I had three minutes to get to lunch on time. I placed the ball at the base of the fence. A boy of about 13 locked eyes with me from the other side.

“You’re going to have to come out and get this,” I said. I did not trust my throwing skills.

He shook his head calmly.

“Please,” he said. “Just try.”

I tried to lob the ball over the fence but failed to make it even a third of the way to the top.

By now, a medium-size crowd of middle schoolers had gathered to watch. I could not fail my audience.

I looked at the boy again.

“Try again,” he said, crouching into a deep squat with his arms extended. “Like this.”

Using this new technique, I tried again. This time, I was just a few feet shy of the top. The crowd was cheering me on.

I tried once more, this time with more force, and ball went over the fence.

The crowd went wild. I turned and saw an older woman standing nearby who was also cheering.

I waved farewell to my fans and hurried off to lunch. I was about 10 minutes late.

— Estee Pierce

Illustrated by Agnes Lee. Send submissions here and read more Metropolitan Diary here .

Glad we could get together here. See you Monday. — J.B. P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee . You can find all our puzzles here .

Luke Caramanico, Melissa Guerrero and Ed Shanahan contributed to New York Today. You can reach the team at [email protected].

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James Barron writes the New York Today newsletter, a morning roundup of what’s happening in the city. More about James Barron

Harbor Lights

PIER 83, MIDTOWN

See the most beautiful view in the world - the NYC skyline. As darkness grows, the City lights emerge, revealing the most spectacular sparkling skyline.

• Outdoor Deck Space
• Snacks & full bar
• Photo stop at the Statue of Liberty

Cruises starting Sunday, August 11

The Most Beautiful Skyline in The World ... at Night!

See the City the way it was meant to be seen ... from the water, admiring the stunning evening lights of New York's celebrated skyline and landmarks. Narrated by informative and entertaining guides, this tour aboard NYC's most iconic and state-of-the-art boat is an unforgettable experience.

Sail down the Hudson River passing the colossal Hudson Yards , impressive Chelsea Piers , and the towering One World Trade Center , before rounding the spectacular tip of southern Manhattan and ultimately cruising only a few feet away from the magnificent Statue of Liberty .

Get your camera ready for some of the best selfie opportunities of your life. And you won't miss a thing as our award-winning tour guides narrate the story of New York City as you sit back and relax in the comfort of one of our state-of-the art boats.

Our Harbor lights boat includes a full bar serving beer, wine and cocktails plus light snacks.

What you'll see

Unparalleled Views of NYC at Night

From the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, our award-winning guides narrate this amazing evening cruise

Statue of Liberty

Standing 305’ (93m) tall, Lady Liberty has welcomed visitors since she was bequeathed to America from France in 1886.

Brooklyn Bridge

The longest suspension bridge when it opened in 1883, its 276’ (84m) high towers are built of limestone, granite and cement.

Chrysler Building

Classic Art Deco architecture, the building dons gargoyles that depict car ornaments and a spire modeled on a radiator grille.

An extraordinary 1.45 mile-long (2.33 km) elevated park built on an abandoned section of a former railroad.

One World Trade Center

Built to memorialize the Twin Towers, the 1,776’ (541m) “Freedom Tower” is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere.

Ellis Island

The busiest US immigrant port processed over 12 million immigrants from 1892 to 1954.

DUMBO's cobblestone streets and converted Brooklyn warehouse buildings are home to boutiques, trendy restaurants and cafés.

South Street Seaport

The South Street Seaport is a historic area in New York City. It features some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan.

Empire State Building

Standing 1,250’ (381m) tall, it was the world's tallest building from 1931 until the World Trade Center was completed in 1972.

Manhattan Bridge

Constructed in 1901, the Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge, connecting Lower Manhattan with Downtown Brooklyn.

Williamsburg Bridge

Constructed in 1896, The Williamsburg Bridge connects the Lower East Side of Manhattan with Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

Onboard Amenities

Our state-of-the-art boats come equipped with almost everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable cruise.

Unparalleled Views Pick a seat on the outdoor deck or enjoy the view from the huge panoramic windows in our temperature-controlled indoor cabins.

Did You Say ... Incredible Outdoor Deck The best way to see NYC and Lady Liberty is "al fresco" - outside in the fresh air, enjoying the cool breezes and the warm sunshine. It doesn't get better than this!

Temperature-Controlled Indoor Space Whether it's hot or cold, rainy or sunny, we have a temperature-controlled indoor deck with plenty of seating for everyone

Onboard Café *Freshly prepared menu of sandwiches, salads and snacks available to purchase.

Refreshing Drinks *Enjoy a full bar serving hot and cold beverages including beer, wine and cocktails.

Free WiFi No need to wait to upload your favorite photos and selfies!

Onboard Offerings

While we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing outside food or beverages, we've got you covered with a fully stocked snack bar and a delightful selection of beer, wine, and cocktails available onboard.

Click Here for our Full Onboard Menu

Plan Your Visit

Get ready, Get set, Get Directions to Pier 83

What To Do When You Arrive

• If you purchased Premier Tickets directly from circleline.com, please alert a red-shirted Ambassador and they will help you get through security to get to your seat quickly.
• If you bought standard tickets from circleline.com, Viator, Get Your Guide or Expedia, please go directly to boarding at the entrance to our Pier. Please have your bag open and ready to be checked by our security personnel.
• If you have a CityPASS and you have reserved your seats in advance at citypass.circleline.com , please proceed to directly to security.
• If you have another pass, such as NY Pass, Explorer Pass or Sightseeing Pass, or a voucher, please go to our ticket office to pick up your tickets and proceed to the security line.

Parking at Pier 83

If you're driving to Pier 83 we've got parking for you!

We offer convenient parking just steps away from our boats. We have a parking attendant and security personnel to ensure the safety of your vehicle and we offer covered parking as well.

Our daily rates start at $35.

Our Sightseeing Cruises Are Smoke-Free!

Smoking is not permitted on Circle Line’s regular sightseeing cruises including Liberty Midtown, Liberty Super Express, Statue at Sunset, 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. Please plan your trip accordingly.

Paris is now more accessible for disabled people. Will it last after the Olympics and Paralympics?

Challenges remain, however, particularly in the underground metro system where most stations are not fully accessible to people in wheelchairs., by tom nouvian | associated press • published 1 hour ago • updated 1 hour ago.

Since the start of the Olympics , Ndieme Lame has been commuting every day to the Stade de France where she works as a volunteer helping visitors find their way. The 57-year-old wheelchair user is in awe at how easy it's been to cross the city on public transit to reach the Olympic stadium.

“I never would have believed I could make it here almost on my own,” she said Wednesday after her 1 1/2-hour commute from her home in southern Paris.

Her daily journey highlights the city's efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics. Lame said an online system that lets her book assistance at commuter train stations has been particularly helpful.

24/7 New York news stream: Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are

Challenges remain, however, particularly in the underground Metro system where most stations are not fully accessible to people in wheelchairs. And Lame wonders whether the train station assistants will still be there after the Paralympics, which start just over two weeks after the Olympics end.

Live updates: Closing ceremony marks end of Paris Olympics with Tom Cruise and a handover to Los Angeles

Tied for gold: US, China make history knotted at 40 top prizes each

“Right now, people are taking care of us, but after September, it will be back to the everyday struggle,” she said.

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On Wednesday, AP journalists accompanied Lame on her commute from her home in Porte de Versailles, in southwestern Paris, to the Stade de France in Saint Denis, in the northern suburbs of the French capital.

Wearing the teal-coloured attire of the Paris 2024 volunteers, Lame, who was diagnosed with polio when she was 11 months old, glided out the automatic door and took the elevator down to the street. From there, a short ride on the sidewalk in her motorized wheelchair took her to the nearest tram station, which she accessed on a smooth concrete ramp.

“So far so good,” she said as she joined the commuters on the crowded T3 line, which runs alongside the Périphérique, the highway ring separating Paris from its outskirts. Other passengers made room for her wheelchair in the center of the tram car.

At Cité-Universitaire train station, Lame transferred to an RER commuter train. A station assistant helped her access an elevator that brought her to the platform. Another placed a ramp on the platform that allowed her to enter the train.

The process, while straightforward, is not always reliable, Lame said.

“Sometimes the websites say that the elevator is running and it turns out that it is not,” she said. This regularly forces her to make detours, resulting in significant delays.

On Wednesday, 53 out of the 162 lifts in all train and Metro stations in the Paris region were under maintenance, according to IDF Mobilité, the regional body overseeing public transit.

After exiting the train at the Plaine Saint-Denis station, Lame made her way to the Stade de France in her wheelchair.

“I was afraid of running late the entire time,” she said.

At the Stade de France, one of the biggest obstacles for people using wheelchairs is accessing the stadium on the Passerelle de l’Ecluse, a pedestrian bridge with stairs leading up to it but no elevator.

Hugues Valet, a 26-year-old aspiring para-triathlete who lost the use of his legs after a car accident, was surprised to find an assistant on hand to help him up the stairs as he and his cousin arrived at the stadium to watch the track competition.

“When I saw those stairs from afar, I was pretty upset and told my little cousin that we will have to turn around and make a huge detour to find another entry point,” Valet said. “I’m pretty stunned at how we’re being taken care of.”

Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, praised the city’s efforts to make overground transport more accessible, but noted the frustration that many feel regarding other parts of the public transit system, particularly the century-old Metro system in which 93% of stations remain inaccessible or only partially accessible to people in wheelchairs.

“When the Metro system was built in Paris more than a century ago, people with disabilities were absolutely marginalized and considered second-class citizens,” Parsons said. “I understand the degree of frustration, but I’d like to see the glass half full and think about where we were, where we are and where we are going to be.”

When the Paralympics begin on Aug. 28, the spotlight on Paris will not only be on the athletes but also on the city itself—its triumphs in accessibility, and the gaps that still need bridging.

Paris has made significant investments to improve accessibility since winning the bid to host the Summer Games in 2017. The city boasts that 100% of its bus routes and tram lines are now wheelchair accessible, and 125 million euros have been allocated to further these efforts. The city hall has also invested in the creation of 17 “enhanced accessibility districts” in which public facilities and shops are adapted with ramps, tactile strips and designated parking spots for people with disabilities.

“The idea was to radically transform the city,” Lamia El Aaraje, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of accessibility, said on Thursday. “And I think we are delivering on our promise."

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Suri cruise, 18, beats the summer heat in nyc with tank top and cut-off sweatpants.

Suri Cruise wore a very casual outfit on Saturday in an effort to beat the heat in New York City.

The famous child of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise was spotted walking through the city in a blue tank top and cut-off black sweatpants as she looked to board the subway.

She kept her hair long as she finished the look with a large black tote bag and a pair of colorful sneakers — marking the second time she’s been seen wearing her mother’s Pony M-100 Low Vintage Sneakers outside.

She was previously caught by the paparazzi wearing the sneakers on Tuesday, when she wore a stretchy black cotton skirt and tank top.

In March, Katie was spotted wearing the same sneakers with her knit sweater, jeans and a camel coat.

Holmes wore the shoes once again on Mother’s Day.

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Suri — who recently changed her surname to “Noelle” in honor of her mother — has been spotted out and about in New York City several times since she graduated from high school in June.

Earlier this month, she was seen looking like the spitting image of her famous mother as she wore a green off-the-shoulder blouse while hanging out with her friends .

During her Aug. 1 outing, she paired the look with a pair of striped pants, brown slides and her tote bag as she carried a vintage camera in the other hand.

Suri is headed off to Carnegie Mellon University in the fall with her move-in day quickly approaching on Aug. 17.

The 18-year-old unveiled her college plans in a Tiktok video posted by a fellow student at New York City’s LaGuardia High School in June.

In the clip, which was captioned, “LaG commitment day 👋,” Suri posed for the camera as she showed off her Carnegie Mellon University apparel.

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Nearly 2,000 US flights canceled as Tropical Storm Debby looms; cruises changed

Flight cancellations mounted in the U.S. on Sunday as Tropical Storm Debby neared Florida. The storm is expected to make landfall as a hurricane on Monday.

Nearly 2,000 flights had been canceled and close to 6,300 were delayed as of 5 p.m. ET, according to flight tracking site FlightAware . American Airlines and JetBlue saw the highest cancellation numbers among major carriers, both scrapping 17% of their schedules.

The following airlines are issuing waivers related to the weather, allowing impacted travelers to change their flights without penalty:

• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Passengers are entitled to refunds if their flights are canceled, according to Department of Transportation rules.

Cruises adjust itineraries

Flights weren’t the only kind of travel impacted. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation rescheduled its return to Jacksonville for Sunday, rather than Monday as planned. The ship departed from the Florida city for a Bahamas cruise on Thursday, according to CruiseMapper .

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: Here's what to do next

“The safety of our guests and crew is our priority, and we are continuing to monitor forecasts and factor in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard and the local port authorities to provide timely updates to our guests as more information becomes available,” the cruise line said in an emailed statement.

Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas also skipped a planned stop at Port Canaveral on Sunday, spending the day at sea instead, parent company Royal Caribbean Group said. The ship is on a week-long Bahamas cruise that left from Bayonne, New Jersey, on Friday.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky ship changed course, as well, visiting Nassau in place of Great Stirrup Cay on Sunday. The vessel, which left from Miami on Friday, also skipped a planned stop in Key West on Saturday, remaining at sea instead.

"As always, the health and safety of our guests and crew remains a top priority," the cruise line said in an emailed statement.

Margaritaville at Sea's Islander ship , which was scheduled to depart on a cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, on Sunday, will now leave on Monday because of closed waterways at Port Tampa Bay. The vessel will skip the stop in Key West as a result.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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York City Cruise | City Cruises™

Are your cruises accessible.

City Cruises welcomes everyone! We’re committed to making your river cruise safe, enjoyable, and accessible.

• Accessible Boat: Our fully-equipped River Duchess operates on a set schedule. To confirm timings for your visit, simply contact us beforehand.
• Accessibility Information: For detailed accessibility information, please review our Accessibility Statement before your cruise.

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Call us at 020 77 400 400 or email [email protected] .

Where do the daytime sightseeing cruises depart from?

What facilities are on board the daytime sightseeing cruises, can i pay by card at the quayside and at the bar, do you provide a carer ticket on the daytime sightseeing cruises.

To redeem a Carer’s ticket please make the booking for the whole party except the carer. Following the booking please email [email protected] with the booking number and request the carer’s ticket to be added.

Can I use the York Pass on the daytime sightseeing cruises?

How long are the daytime sightseeing cruise, what time do your daytime sightseeing cruises sail, can i book a large group on the daytime sightseeing cruise, what is the york city cruise, what can you see on the york city cruise, will there be a commentary on the york city cruise, what should you wear on the york city cruise, is the york city cruise suitable for children, can i bring my pet on the york city cruise, what are some nearby places to visit in york, is the york city cruise wheelchair accessible.

To obtain directions to our King’s Staith Landing, please click here. If you would like to verify the sailing times for the River Palace or River Duchess, please contact our office at 020 77 400 400, or consult with one of our Quayside Managers on the day of your visit.

Do you sell Gift Vouchers for the daytime sightseeing cruises?

Do you sell gift vouchers for the self-drive boats, what happens if the river is in flood.

In such cases, our Lendal Bridge Landing may have to be closed, and we may operate solely from our Kings Staith landing, depending on the river’s level. We will endeavor to keep our customers informed through our website and advertising boards located at our moorings.

Do you accept the York Gift Card?

Yes, however we are only able to accept the Digital E-Card – we are unable to accept a physical card.

To redeem your York Gift Card, please present the digital card at the Boarding Point or at the On-Board Bar.

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