Are you planning a visit to the Statue of Liberty and wondering how long the cruise will take? Well, it all depends on where you depart from and the type of cruise you choose.
Departure Points
There are three main departure points for cruises to the Statue of Liberty – Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, Liberty State Park in New Jersey, and Pier 36 in Downtown Manhattan. The distance between these points and the statue is different, so the time it takes to get there will vary.
Battery Park
If you choose to depart from Battery Park, which is located at the southern tip of Manhattan, you can reach the Statue of Liberty within 15-20 minutes by ferry.
Liberty State Park
Alternatively, if you decide to depart from Liberty State Park in New Jersey, it will take around 20-25 minutes by ferry to reach the statue.
Pier 36
Lastly, if you opt for Pier 36 in Downtown Manhattan as your departure point, it will take approximately 30-35 minutes by ferry to arrive at the statue.
Type of Cruise
Apart from departure points, another factor that impacts the duration of your cruise is the type of tour or cruise you book.
Standard Cruise
A standard cruise usually takes around 60-90 minutes round trip. This includes time for boarding and disembarking at your chosen departure point. During this time, you’ll get a chance to see breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan and Ellis Island before arriving at Liberty Island where the statue stands tall.
Guided Tour
A guided tour generally lasts longer than a standard cruise because it includes a guided walk through Liberty Island before climbing up to the statue’s crown or pedestal. These tours can last anywhere from two to four hours depending on what’s included.
- If you choose to climb up to the crown, it will take approximately two hours.
- For a pedestal access tour, you can expect the tour to last around three hours.
- Finally, if you opt for a guided tour that includes access to both the crown and pedestal, it can take up to four hours.
Conclusion
In summary, the duration of your cruise to the Statue of Liberty will depend on various factors such as your departure point and the type of tour or cruise you book. If you’re short on time and just want to see the statue from a distance, a standard cruise will be perfect for you.
However, if you’re looking for an immersive experience and want to learn more about the iconic statue’s history, a guided tour is an excellent option. Whatever your preference may be, one thing is for sure – seeing Lady Liberty up close is an unforgettable experience that’s definitely worth your time!