The Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline—see New York from a new angle on a harbor cruise!

Text & photos byPapa Seahorse

What comes to mind when you think of traveling to New York? Climbing the Empire State Building for a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan? Strolling through Central Park? Navigating the maze-like subway? Or standing in Times Square at night, gazing up at dazzling neon lights and massive screens? Today, Papa Seahorse takes you on a harbor cruise to admire New York City from a different perspective.

On a sun-drenched day, board the Circle Line sightseeing cruise at Pier 83 near the river off 42nd Street. Passengers scramble for seats on the open deck just to soak in the scenic river views. As the boat leaves the pier and heads south along the Hudson River, Hoboken, New Jersey, lies to the right, while the towering skyscrapers of New York City dominate the left side.

Just across the water from New York City, New Jersey’s skyline is less densely packed with soaring buildings. Compared to the glitzy cityscape across the river, it resembles a demure village maiden. Even so, the shoreline boasts several charming sights:

Erie Lackawanna Terminal Clock Tower: This red-brick clock tower, completed in 1907, stands at the former station of the Erie Lackawanna Railway. Renovated extensively in 2007 for its centennial, it now greets commuters and visitors in its original form.

Goldman Sachs & Co: This skyscraper, home to the Goldman Sachs Group, is the most prominent building on the west bank of the Hudson River. Even more eye-catching, however, is the circular clock nearby. Sponsored by Colgate, this 15-meter-wide timepiece was originally atop the Colgate building. After the company relocated, the clock remained by the riverside. Lit up at night, it becomes a striking feature of the Hudson River.

Ellis Island: The red-and-white brick structure surrounded by four round turrets is the famed Ellis Island, now an immigration museum. From 1892 to 1954, it served as the gateway for over 12 million European immigrants arriving in America, marking the beginning of new lives.

The Statue of Liberty: Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has stood here as an iconic sight. A gift from France to the U.S. in 1885 to celebrate the centennial of American independence, it took a year to install. Over the next 30 years, the original copper color oxidized into the familiar green patina we know today. While you can take a boat to the crown for panoramic views, nothing beats admiring Lady Liberty against the blue sky from the breeze-kissed river.

After taking in the East River shoreline and the two islands, the cruise makes a 180-degree turn and heads north. Looking back across the Upper Bay, the Goldman Sachs building and Lower Manhattan’s skyscrapers guard the waterways. With the vast sky and waters and seagulls soaring overhead, your spirits lift effortlessly.

To the right, the dense cluster of skyscrapers forms the world-famous Manhattan skyline, with cameras clicking nonstop among passengers. Four riverside towers face New York Harbor—the World Trade Center is the financial heart of NYC, housing headquarters of financial giants like Merrill Lynch, American Express, and Dow Jones.

But the most eye-catching structure among them is undoubtedly One World Trade Center, completed in November 2014. Rebuilt on the site of the Twin Towers destroyed on 9/11, this 1,776-foot tower commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Though it’s now New York’s tallest and the world’s seventh-tallest building, its sleek, angled design reflecting sunlight and the blue sky serves as a poignant tribute to those lost in the attacks.

The cruise continues northward, offering views of Midtown Manhattan’s waterfront, including the Tribeca and Chelsea districts. From the river, construction cranes are visible atop countless skyscrapers—even in the world’s busiest metropolis, New York never stops building. The Empire State Building peeks out intermittently among the concrete jungle, still drawing all eyes despite its distance.

The journey concludes as the USS Intrepid comes into view. You can disembark, purchase tickets to explore the aircraft carrier-turned-museum, or hop on the cruise line’s free shuttle bus to Fifth Avenue or Times Square for more New York adventures.

New York City wears many faces, and there are countless ways to experience it. Which one do you prefer?

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise/ Liberty Cruise
Cruise duration: 1 hour
Ticket price: $28 for adults
Departure point: Pier 83
Website:www.circleline42.com

Papa Seahorse
A Gemini man born under the air sign, he worked as a senior marketing and PR executive for multinational corporations until age 45 before relocating to Canada. Now, amid spring cherry blossoms, summer sun, autumn foliage, and winter snow, he plays the role of a father to his teenage sons while documenting life in Vancouver.

Blog:my.van.life in VancouverFacebook page:Papa Seahorse’s Vancouver Diary