Very beautiful and affordable attraction! I would say at least a 3 hour attraction, depending on how long you plan to stay on each island and how crowded the ferries are (load and unload people). *masks are mandatory (at security) *wear comfortable shoes *flexible with letting people enter before time on ticket (entered 2 hrs earlier) *recommend the pedestal admission ticket-access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the star base, and museum inside **to enter the Statue of Liberty you will have to store any big bags/items in a storage locker *food and restroom options on both islands and ferries *when getting back onto the ferry look for NY/battery park signs, to make sure you board the correct ferry (there are also New Jersey ferries) *ferries stop every 30 minutes and it boards and first come, first serve. The boat departs from Battery Park, there are signs for the statue throughout the park. After your ticket has been scanned, you pass through airport-like security (you do not have to remove your shoes, but you do remove all objects on your person). After security you wait in line to board the ferry. The ferry is SUPER rocky at this dock because of the waves, use caution getting on/off. The first stop is the Statue of Liberty island. It’s similar to a park, a lot of trees. There is a museum for all ticket holders and you can walk around the island for a 360 view of the statue. If you are a pedestal ticket holder you can access the pedestal on the backside of the statue. The pedestal is narrow, it fits 2 people side by side and wraps around the statue. You have the option of taking steps up to the pedestal or riding the elevator up (there is a wait due to a 4 person max, and the elevator attendant was SO NICE AND INFORMATIVE). You can see the structure of the statue through glass when you reach the pedestal level. Once you’re through touring the Liberty Island you board a ferry. You have the option of getting off at Ellis Island or going back to NY (battery park). Ellis Island is a big 3-story museum. There are many exhibits to see. So much history. Nice gift shop inside. Once you’re through touring Ellis Island you board a ferry to Batter Park (NY). Caution getting off because the ferry will rock.

This was quite the ride to Liberty Island! And for my husband's first visit, he was quite happy. We opted to sit inside versus sitting on the deck. It should be said that fills up fairly quickly. There are snacks and nibbles for sale on the boat. The price is reasonable for touristy purchases, so take that into consideration. Even from the view I had I was able to capture some amazing images approaching the Statue of Liberty. Rest assured there are no bad seats on the boat. Once we left Lady Liberty, we headed on over to Ellis Island. There is so much history in New York City, you really have to plan what stops you want to make based on where you are in the city. Overall, a great visit for anyone visiting.

The cruise is amazing. But even in the weekdays, it's crowded. Probably due to the summer time when I visited. I recommend you to buy tickets in advance. It costs $24 for an adult. You can buy it from their website. Don't forget to bring mask when you pass security check point. Go at least 30 minutes in advance. I recommend you to sit on the top of the ship co the view is amazing.

Statue cruises operate the ferries to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. They are very efficient and professional and the ships run smoothly. My wife uses a scooter and they did a great job to accommodate and help her.

We used the Statue city cruises based out of Battery park, NY to visit the statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was a wonderful experience and we had the best time! We purchased tickets online on the website and once we reached, there were many employees stationed at various points to guide us to our boat. The cruise was fun, we tried both the outdoor as well as indoor decks. There are snacks available for an extra cost. Restrooms are clean. The timings for the next departing cruise are clearly mentioned everywhere and the staff is super helpful in answering questions. Overall it was well organized and a great way to spend your afternoon in NYC.

This short ferry ride is a loop to Statue of Liberty and then to Ellis Island and back to where you started. They had plenty of seating and great views of the Harbor. Staff was pleasant. Food was offered at their little hot dog stand on board.

We booked the cruise to see the statue of liberty and then Ellis Island. Very efficient, ferries run regular and a fairly calm ride. Plenty of seating even when it's busy. Toilets were also clean and there is good onboard if you need it. I'd recommend it to anyone.

This is the only boat cruise that has authority to dock and stop at the statue of liberty island. All other boats and cruises can only sail around the island. I went onto the website and booked the tickets there. I expected the cruise station to be packed since the statue is a popular tourist spot, so we arrived one hour ahead of time. I'm glad we did that. The line was super long, we were in line for almost an hour before we got onto the cruise. They cruise gets very packed so expect to stand most of the time ont the cruise, but you would probably be standing anyways to take pictures of the statue of liberty and the NYC manhatthan skyline.

zu viele Leute auf dem Boot, zu lange angestanden. Boot alt und Personal super unfreundlich. Fähre war für die kurze Strecke tu teuer..Es gab 2.Imbisse an Bord. Wir hatten 2 mal mit Kindern kein Sitzplatz

NYC vacay is not complete without visiting Statue of Liberty. It is better to buy the tickets ahead of time to avoid the long line. The ride was quick and organized. The staff made sure of our safety. Price is reasonable. Best seats are in the upper deck to take pictures. Will love to come back again.

Loved this tour. It was affordable but they didn’t give us much guidance on how long we were stopping at each place. So you are aware- when you get to Liberty Island you can get off and take pictures then get back on the boat. The boat leaves within 15 mins but new boats come every 25 mins. Then same thing for Ellis Island. Many people stand up at the top instead of sitting down which caused the view to be blocked. I went first thing in the morning at 10am so the boat was full but not over packed. Arrive early to get the best seats.

Before we can access we need to go through security check up, gentle people and it was fast. Ferry trip was great, went to liberty Island and Elli's Island as well. The view... amazing. Good experience

Our scheduled ticket time was 11, but we did not set sail until 11:45 because of security and boarding lines. Once on the islands, the ferry was on time and followed a precise schedule. You have to pay close attention to the posted schedule for NYC or Jersey so you can allocate how much time you'd like to spend on each island. Despite choppy waters and impending storms, it was a smooth ride. You can choose to sit indoors or outdoors. Snacks, restrooms, and small souvenirs are available. Sit on the right for the best views of Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty going in, then the Manhattan skyline on the return trip.

5 stars for the Liberty itself, the spectacular new Liberty museum & Ellis island. 0 star for covid spread prevention: 1) No vaccination record check. 2) Although there’s timed entry to the port, ferries rarely ran & was packed full that a lot of people have to stand throughout. People can freely buy food & drinks on board too. 3) It seemed like wearing mask properly was optional both indoor & outdoor (where social distancing was impossible). 4) Access of audio tours had to be from their device instead of having one that can be accessed from personal device. I also had the worst customer service at their gift shop at Liberty Island. The cashier was on a personal call throughout and very rude. Took my items & when it’s time for me to pay, I took a bit of time & she suddenly grabbed the card from my hand, swiping it very roughly. It was a very weird & silent experience. Fortunately, beside that gift shop, others were great and helpful.

5*s for the views you get along the routes and 3*s for the actual experience on the boat, to average at 4*s. Boarding isn't bad, but the diesel from the engines was giving me a headache as we spent 20-30 minutes disembarking or waiting for another crowd to do so before we could board. Little seating is available and you'll likely stand, but each voyage is no longer than 15 minutes. Standing on the forward deck on the 2nd level or the open 3rd deck should provide some great photos as you round Liberty Island and approach Ellis later.

Great tour. Able to check out not only liberty island where the Statue of Liberty is at (obviously) but Ellis island as well. The Statue of Liberty is closed but the museum on Ellis island is still open with so much to read and so much to see. Would definitely check it out if given the chance. Great on Covid protocol

So you're in New York City. You want to see the Statue of Liberty. You've even heard about Ellis Island and want to go there. So now, wondering how best to go about realizing these dreams of yours? Yep, that's right - On the ferry. And this is it. They're located at Battery Park. Once you're done running through the Battery, head on over. Get yourself a ticket, board the ferry, kick back and relax. Let these guys ferry you around or to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Now, this part is important. Make sure you get the right ticket and get on the right boat. They have different prices for different tickets and they do different things for you. I once paid for a ferry that was supposed to take me to Lady Liberty. Turns out, I ended up on the boat that just took you around it on a quick visit. I couldn't land and all I could do was take pictures from far away. Lol. I'm not saying that's going to happen to you. But just a head's up. Anyway, so long as you're on the right ferry, these guys will take care of you and you'll have a great time! Cheers!

We have taken the ferry 3 times and it has always been a good experience. They have multiple ferries, so you are never waiting long to get from one station to the next. You can hop on and off as needed, and you can take as much time as needed at each stop provided it isn't close to closing time. There are great views of the statue of liberty, as well as great views of the city. I highly recommend making the trip!

I've lived in NYC my whole life and this was my first time visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The tour and boat were amazing. The views were beautiful. When we first got there and i saw the line i was tempted to ask for a refund. Customer service explained the boat runs every 20 minutes and they hold up to 800 people. Im so glad that we waited because this was a wonderful experience. The crew was very professional and courteous. The boat stops at different angles for breathtaking photos. The lines and the whole experience was very fast, easy, and seamless. When you get to both stops, Ellis Island and Statue of liberty, you can walk at your pace and take all the photos you want. It was a very informative and joyful tour. I even found the history of my great-parents coming from Italy!!! All in all, i highly recommend this tour.

Wonderful experience. Came at the right day and time, weather was good and it was fast clearing the queues to the security and to boarding. Tickets can be bought on site at USD 24 for adults or through 3rd party online vendors. Apparently the timing stated doesn’t mean time to board the boat, you will need to clear security (x-Ray of hand carry bags, and walkthrough security screening) as you would normally do in airports.

Booking the cruise was very straight forward. We booked our boat ticket to cross for 12 but to be honest, as long as you've paid, you can go at whatever time you like. No one working on the boats, checks what time you've booked for. The island itself was great and planty of photo opportunities! Ellis Island would be brilliant if you where offered a guided tour or audio tour. The wait times for the boat can be very long coming back from Ellis and with no shelter from the sun, be prepared for freckles 😁

Made a reservation, yet had to wait in a HUGE lineup outside. Someone who worked there kept coming by and saying "there is NO LINE" and having us move closer and closer together. It was uncomfortably crowded and took almost an hour. Once we were on Liberty Island however, the museum is exceptionally well done and informative. Great views of lady liberty, and there is a restaurant on the island where you can get hot food/coffee.

The Statue City Cruise is well organized and prices are reasonable. Expect to go thru security before boarding. The ferry back and forth including Pedestal visit 196 steps up was a half day of fun. Highly recommended. Pro tip. The bathroom inside the Pedestal is less business and kept clean.

Despite it being the only option to visit the statue and Ellis island, it was a great experience. Ferries are full but they operate nonstop all day, be ready for multiple security checks along the way which got irritating but safety is great too.

Great experience on the boats to and from Liberty Island and Ellis Island. This is the only way to get to Liberty Island, so make your reservation online and get your ticket before you get there! Quick boat ride of about 25 minutes out to the island. Plan your time accordingly if you are pressed. Take your time to visit the Statue. Give yourself at least an hour and 30 minutes visiting the Statue, gift shop and museum. If you need to eat, there is a café on the island. The boat ride is comfortable and very well operated.

I had a great time on the trip and i think it is well worth the money at $25 to go all the way up to the crown. The staff was very nice throughout the trip. We went through the security checkpoint and the staff was really nice and the staff who helped us board the ship were also really chill and answered any questions we had. We went in January so it was very cold and snowing. There are incredible views of the statue while on the boat approaching its island. The walkways were kind of slippery on the island but we made it inside and it took us about 20 minutes to walk up all the stairs to get to the top of the crown. There is a small museum before you reach the pedestal. The stairs from the pedestal to the crown are very narrow but it is super cool to see the inside of the statue. After exiting the statue there is a larger museum with the original torch and an informative theatre room. There is a small national park gift shop and a larger gift shop dedicated to the statue of liberty and a cafe. The boat then takes you to Ellis Island with more beautiful views of the statue and the Ellis Island itself. I would definitely recommend this tour and in the winter it was not too crowded with little to no wait times for any of the stops throughout and we were not able to walk out on the pedestal due to falling ice. Make sure to bring heavy jackets hats gloves and boots though it does get very warm walking up to the crown. Make sure to buy tickets in advance because crown tickets do sell out very quickly.

It wasn’t overly busy when I visited this time round 3 years ago had to queue for ages to get through security check point but this time it was very speedy, face masks have to be worn while going thorough security however not while on the ferry!

Nice cruise line with audio guide as you head to each island. Staff was fairly friendly however when entering and exciting they are made to boat out at people leading one to feel like they being herded like cattle. You are then instructed to fill in all gaps leading others to push into you and you the other person next to you..

City Pass works great but you need a separate ticket to go up the Statue. Also, you need to clear a security check before being admitted. Since Covid, they have done scheduled tours/reservations but they did not check any times for us. Seems like you can get your ticket and go whenever you want.

The boat ride was comfortable and had some good views, reasonably priced cafe (though still obviously expensive). Lines moved quickly, both for security and boarding. Boats were frequent. The only issue is that the ticketing system is kind of confusing, and in some cases can be limiting.

You should by the tickets at castle Clinton. This is the official ticket seller or buy it online. The sellers around the premises are only third party, you should be careful.

Sure, it's a super touristic thing to do so you must expect long waits and queues. Despite that staff is super nice and helpful, everything goes relatively quick, but I guess it must ge very busy during summer. The ferry stops first by the Statue of Liberty and then you have to take another ferry to Ellis Island Museum and then another back to New York. So you queue 3 times in totall, so take it under consideration.

I’m going to be honest. I have not gone on the tour yet. Me and my husband got tickets the night before - it made no difference. Expect long lines!!!!!!!!!! The security check is literally like a tsa security check - with shoes on (fortunately). Just watched a few people not get entry through the check because they didn’t have masks. I can’t believe the staff just didn’t give them masks. Such a cold world we live in. I suggest you go on google images and look up statue of liberty at the comfort of your home.

The tour was good. It was the best to take the first ferry so you have plenty of time to take pictures between cruises and before it gets crowded. The museum was cool and you have audio guides available. Also, there is a second tour before you go back to the Memorial Park area.

Very nice experience. All organized very well. You can get it from New Jersey side or New York Battery Park. Also there are 2 stops: Elise Island and Liberty Island where the big monument is. Love the experience. There are snacks and beverages to purchase there on a ship.

Crew was nice. I bought the premium package and got a cookie and a hot chocolate. So that was nice. Also there's preferred seating which is good as well. They definitely leave on time. You definitely wanna be there early.

I recently took a Statue City Cruises Battery Park tour and it was an amazing experience. The boat was spacious and clean, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The tour was well-organized and offered a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline. The highlight of the tour was definitely the close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. The boat slowed down to give everyone a chance to take photos and enjoy the iconic landmark. I would highly recommend Statue City Cruises Battery Park to anyone visiting New York City. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective and learn more about its history. Don't miss out on this incredible experience!

I am usually content to ride the Staten Island ferry out and back, looking at the Statue of Liberty from a distance. TAKE this trip; being at both islands is GREAT. You will wait in line for a bit, but it is worth it! We did not take the tour to the top but went up as far as we could (could see the spiral staircase going up). From that point you can see outside. Ellis Island is VERY worth viewing. Make time to see the ole Torch (near where the boat docks, by Statue).

Statue City Cruise Ferry ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sylvia 3-star = average/good After clearing TSA airport style security, and being pushed by the crowd to queue up onto the ferry, you will board the rocking boat. Most of the passengers push through the single frame door to head up to the second or third deck to get the best open air views of Lady Liberty. The feeling is reminiscent of what early travelers must have felt being jostled at the docks and cramped into the quarters with others immigrating to the new world. This line is the only authorized ticket seller to get you to the statue. Fees are extra to go on top of the pedestal, climb to the crown, or take the hard hat tour at Ellis Island. The tickets cannot be combined unless you purchase an additional ticket for one of the other destinations. Keep the kids close. The ferry is super crowded and there is gentle pushing as everyone is trying to board and get the best views on the ferry over to Liberty Island. Chivalry is not what it once was and people in their 20s and 30s may be sitting in the seats that are marked for elderly, handicapped, pregnant women, or a parent carrying a sleeping child. Don't be shy to ask for a seat if you need to sit for the 30 minute journey. It's a memorable experience. Being prepared will help this part of the journey be more pleasant. Only small bags can be brought through, no water bottles. You can purchase the fun foam green crowns on the ferry, cash only.

Excellent value and service.$31.50 for adults, $25 62+, $19 for 4-12. Make sure you book direct to get these prices as there is an agency which will charge $14 fee. We had 1200 hour reservation but there was no trouble going on board early. Sit on starboard side for good approach shots of the statue. Snacks and drinks for sale on board at reasonable prices. Very efficient so even if queue seems huge they’ll soon get you on board and on your way. Friendly helpful staff, plenty of room on the boat. Highly recommended

We had tickets for 1pm during summer holidays on a Friday. We knew it would be busy, but it was far busier than we expected, especially for an NPS operation we had pre-booked tickets for. We expected they would only sell so many tickets that the customer experience would be adequate. Waited 50 mins in the sun to get through security, another 45 minutes in the sun after security to get on the boat. When we arrived at the island to see Statue of Liberty, the queue was so long (and in the sun) with people trying to get off the island (L shaped queue in the pictures), we didn't bother disembarking and just stayed on the ferry and caught it back to NYC. The thought of standing in the sun in a scrum of people again for an indefinite time just to get off the island was not something we were about to entertain. There were many others on our boat who did the same thing, further compounding the issue for the people on the island in the sun as the boat was partially full of people when it arrived to pick up. Drinks in the fridge on the ferry were warm, only water was cold. You cannot take drinks through security, so be prepared to stand in the sun without water. If you want this to be a good experience, or you have young children/strollers, book the first trip in the morning or go at a different time of year.

Fantastic trip out. I thought initially we would just pop and see the statue of liberty, take some photos and head back but the overall experience was much more than that. The views you get of the New York cityscape from out on the water really are amazing. We took our time on the island to take in the views and see lady liberty up close then a steady ferry ride back via a brief stop at Ellis Island. Highly recommend.

This was a great experience, easy to navigate. You gotta go through TSA pretty much to get on the boat FYI. This is the only boat tour allowed to stop at the island.

They keep a pretty good schedule, but the boats are quite old. The benches are so uncomfortable, to the point that a lot of people like to stand, might that be the idea? The process of getting on the plane and getting off the car is very slow. One plank, wide enough for two people. Hence causing a lot of nasty congestion in the cabin as people lined up for the funnel-shaped exit. The crew is excellent, very helpful and professional. The time has come to have them some tools to make their job easier and safer. this is the first time I go by ship in NYC. Thats so awesome

First time using this company and we found the service was spot on. Easy to find, extremely good value for money as you're paying for the transport and access to both Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and you really can't complain about anything especially with how expensive NYC is. Transport was really clean and offered loads of options from top deck, seating, snacks (for sale), toilets and mid level viewing under cover. They were on time and staff were informative and polite. Really worth using 👌

Good historical experience! Weather beginning of January had a possibility of effecting ferry departures so we ended up getting tickets in person the day of, website has time schedules, so we just arrived before a time we wanted to go. Tickets are in a brick round building in the park by the water. For food or snacks on the boat they accepted cash only, pretzels were dry, found out they had more food selections on the island and they accepted card. General admission gets you both to the Statue of Liberty grounds only and Ellis Island and its museum building.

Definitely a great way to get to see everything. Friendly, helpful and accommodating staff. Recommend for anyone visiting!!!

It was a nice experience and very quick to get into the ships, however they get a little bit crowded so if you want a good spot for pictures, be quick to find a place. There are food and snacks for sale, and it’s very nice when you are getting closer to the statue.

Great experience! I am using Samsung Galaxy Ultra 23. I zoomed ×3 and got nice picture! No line up, the ride was comfy, and the guide was very entertaining!!

Pros: Can pre-book tickets online ahead of time for a variety of access/tours that suit your interests (tickets include access to Liberty and Ellis islands), ferry service is VERY prompt (these folks leave ON TIME to the second for the posted schedule), and boat is clean with adequate seating and makes frequent stops to each island (no more than 30 mins waiting between boats). Cons: Security screening ahead of boarding has a long line (it moves fast, but they x-ray your bags and walk you thru a metal detector). They also require masks, but the boat is really an open air kind of setup. I recommend booking an early trip and showing up 30 minutes before your "booked" time to ensure you get to board that specific ferry. If you miss it, it's not an issue at all, you will just be waiting 25 mins for the next ride. There is so much to see between the two islands, that you will need the whole day.

We thought the boat will never fit the folks waiting in line. However, we were wrong. They know their customers and their boats. We were comfortable and had easy access to the view. It's an inexpensive, family friendly, nationally interesting visit.

Nice view Been here several times! I strongly recommend it to first time visitors!

I went with family visiting. Always a great experience. You can’t beat the view of the statue from this ride. Ellis Island is fun also, we found a relative who came in 1906.

Statue Cruises are the only boats allowed to get you right to the Statue. If you are keen to explore the site and soak up some historic lessons of this iconic statue, definitely book through these guys.

- It is expensive, - I thought when buying the ticket. - But it is worth the money, I thought in the middle of the journey. Here’s what to expect: They take you to the Liberty island. You spend there as much time as you want, since ferries operate in a hop-on-hop-off manner. The views are mediocre, but the museum devoted to US liberty story is super inspiring. Coffee they serve in the cafe is not tasty 👅. My gf decided to get rid of it. Then they take you to the second island. It looks neat and has some big story behind, but we opted not to go ashore and just went back to Manhattan (they also offer service to Brooklyn). On the way back I enjoyed the views. They were especially pleasant. I did not take any photos and I regret it. Enjoy!

The ferry service was amazing. The staff is very friendly and cheerful. They ensure your safety and let you enjoy and inform you at the same time when you board the ferry.

Got to see the ESB with my City Pass and it was definitely worth it. It was a little crowded but still manageable. I could still get around without any issues and take photos from every angle. I went at sunset and I believe it was the perfect time. The sky was purple and Orange and made for a great backdrop to my photos.

The only ferry that will take you to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Pretty good price. Service was pretty quick. Staff was pretty good. While I do have concerns of social distancing, I did keep my distance and sanitized as much as possible.

My ride on Statue Cruises was a pleasure. Boarding and Exiting was handled efficiently and one receives a friendly welcome from the crew. Take note, arrival and departure occur spot on time. It was clean, plenty of seating inside and out. Snacks and souvenirs can be purchased on ship. As the ship travels through NY Harbor, be ready to take plenty of pics of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey. So I say "Full Speed Ahead" when traveling on Statue Cruises.

Overall good experience, although the boat from Liberty Island back to Ellis and Battery Park smelled HORRIBLE on the boarding deck. Everyone around was thoroughly disgusted by the stench, presumably coming from the lav behind the snack bar. I can't imagine the smell helped to sell any food. Aside from that, it was a pleasant, enjoyable experience with great views.

It is an experience that is worth trying while in NYC .I got the tickets online (Crown access) and was very happy with the result. Staff was friendly and quick, starting from security up to ferry staff. Everything went smoothly. P.S take the first ferry...way less people than in the afternoon :)

Liberty Statue Cruises provided an outstanding experience from start to finish. The efficiency of ticketing and boarding was impressive, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. The views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the cruise were breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of these iconic landmarks. The knowledgeable guides on board provided informative commentary, adding depth to the journey. I highly recommend Liberty Statue Cruises for anyone looking to explore these historic sites in New York City.

We had a great experience on the cruise tour of the Statue of Liberty. Get your tickets in advance. The lines are still long but manageable. Security is also tight with metal detectors and the whole nine. All well worth it to see Lady Liberty!

Beautiful day and place. Cruise service is also good and convenient. Too many tourists are visiting the liberty 🗽 island and waiting line for a cruise is very long, which would take a half an hour to an hour.

Great cruise. My fiancée and I purchased tickets for the "General Admission" cruise that took us from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, and then finally over to Ellis Island before taking us back to Battery Park. Incredible views of the city from the statue of liberty, as well as being right next to the statue virtually. Ellis island was also very interesting. Security is tight before you board the boat which made me feel good (even though the machine picked something up on me that resulted in a body search but I didn't even have anything on me!) and the boat ride was quick. Highly recommend.

Loved it. Good price. Went around the lady, Ellis and governors island and brooklyn bridge. Would definitely recommend and go again. The guide was great too. (Anna or Hannah so sorry forgot)

Superb customer service - we did not feel like taking the cruise since it was raining all day, the customer support happily changed our reservations within minutes - no questions asked. The cruise itself was very well maintained and well organized. Would definitely recommend!

This was better than I expected! Absolutely one of our trip highlights, the cruise to the Statue of Liberty is just as enjoyable as walking around the little island marvelling at the Statue and it’s incredible detail. We sat on the top floor but didn’t sit for long, as soon as you pull out you want to head to the edge of the boat to get pictures of the stunning city skyline behind you and the Statue slowly growing closer. It was very busy even for off peak so head to the terminal early to try to get a good spot on the top. Security was easy and our wait wasn’t long before we were on the boat. You can take your time on the island and line up again once you’re ready and another boat will be there soon enough. Really fun, easy tourist experience with beautiful views, highly recommend.

Look. It's not that the cruise is bad, the boat is actually pretty pleasant. Little fun community boat ride with what seemed like 200 people at a time. Got splashed on the bow of the ship, so definitely be aware of that if you're standing there. On the website, it says that the tour will take 3 hours, but today, I spent three hours waiting, even though I reserved a timed entry. It's a lawless land, where timed entries mean nothing, a fancy title, nothing more. And everyone is out for blood, you have to watch your back. The lines are unorganized, and I had my heel hit by a stroller more times than I could count. That being said, I did enjoy a hot dog in line, and a blue Gatorade, but I was perturbed. Why have the timed entry, if they don't check the time stamp? Even though I had timed entry at 1, I got on the ferry at 3. Attached are the photos, where were trapped on Ellis Island, waiting for ferry.

Statue cruises are very welcoming (airport style security) and superb service to Liberty and Ellis islands. Boats are clearly well looked after and seating is extensive. Services are frequent so no need to worry about getting to the next island or back to NYC/ New Jersey. Leave plenty of time for Liberty Island - there's a museum so more to see than meets the eye - it's not just the statue !

Only way to get to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Great views of the city when you’re cruising out. Definitely would reserve tickets before hand and be prepared to go through airport-type security (allows for fluids though and to keep your shoes on). Tickets to the crown sell out many days in advance. $24 for adults. Can also visit Clinton Castle, which is an old fort prior to visit. You can definitely spend a whole day out of here. Visited during January and it was still quite busy.