Price of a Cruise in New York

You're planning a trip to New York and you know that some of the best views of the city are from the water. Embarking on a cruise around Manhattan is a dream, buthow much will it cost you?

Don't worry, below is a list of prices for all types of cruises in New York on the Hudson River so you know exactly which option to choose based on your budget.

The price of a cruise on the Hudson ranges from £30 to £139 on Hellotickets, depending on the itinerary, the type of boat and the duration of the trip.

For example, the cheapest cruise lasts one hour and for £30 you will see the Brooklyn Bridge, southern Manhattan and Midtown, so you will get a closer look at the Empire State Building.

The most expensive, costing around £139, is a VIP experience aboard a fully glass-enclosed luxury boat that lasts two and a half hours and takes you around Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, all while you enjoy a buffet dinner to the sound of live music and under the starlight.

Price comparison table

If you're on a tight budget but don't want to miss out on a cruise in Manhattan, you can book the cheapest cruise in New York for just £30, a great introduction to the city's main highlights from the water.

Throughout the tour, you'll hear from an expert guide who will explain the monuments and areas you're passing through: Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty and the Financial District.

New York has something for every taste and budget. If you can afford it, I recommend booking the most expensive cruise along the Manhattan coast for £137, which will give you a night out like something out of a film. It includes:

• Three-course gourmet dinner
• Drinks
• Desserts
• Coffee included

This is a true VIP experience lasting two and a half hours aboard a luxury boat accompanied by a band who will entertain you with relaxing live music.

Yes, if you prefer to embark on a cruise at dusk without spending a lot of money, I recommend booking a night cruise on a classic sailboat in New York for £45, which will take you on a two-hour journey to discover the city lights.

The boat usually sets sail at around 7pm (although times may be adjusted to suit the length of daylight depending on the time of year) and allows you to admire the lights of Manhattan, the illuminated Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty shining in the middle of the night.

Although this option does not include drinks or food on board, it is great value for money considering that you will be sailing on a classic sailboat, making the experience more authentic, intimate and welcoming.

Unfortunately, there are no cruises or boats in New York that are free to access. But as with everything, there are several ways to save money when taking a cruise. Here are a few tips so you can enjoy the experience without breaking the bank:

Always book online

If you book online, you can compare prices, itineraries, companies and routes. This is the only way to get the best cruise at the best price. Otherwise, you risk arriving at the dock and having to pay more for a similar or worse service.

Avoid public holidays

On days such as New Year's Eve or public holidays such as 4 July, cruise prices increase exponentially due to fireworks displays, which make boat trips more expensive, and because there is greater demand.

If you are travelling with children, check if there are reduced rates

Some cruises (such as those that serve dinner) do not allow children under the age of 6 and do not offer discounts for minors. However, on most other cruises, you can get a reduced price for younger children.

Take advantage of a visit to the Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island, the island where the famous Statue of Liberty is located, can only be reached by ferry. If you don't want to spend more than necessary, take advantage of the boat trip to enjoy the views. Although the experience is not the same, you can get some great views from the water.

Hop on the ferry

Many New Yorkers use the ferry as a means of transport to get to Manhattan (after all, it saves them a lot of traffic), and you don't have to be any different. If you don't have the budget for a cruise, take the ferry to sail the river at the lowest possible price.

Make the most of the river from land. Yes, you can, and it's free!

Don't forget that the Hudson is a major attraction in New York in its own right. You can cross the many bridges that lead to Manhattan and enjoy incredible views. From Brooklyn, the views of the Manhattan skyline with the water in between are spectacular, and there are even small beaches where you can sunbathe.

In recent years, green areas and parks where you can enjoy the river with your family have also proliferated. Check out Hudson River Park and the free events organised there.

Make the most of your tourist pass

If you have a card such as the New York Pass, New York Explorer Pass or New York City Pass, you may be entitled to a discount or a free ticket for a cruise. Make sure you take advantage of it! Read on and I'll tell you more.

If this is your first time in New York or you're travelling to the city and want to explore it to the fullest, it's probably worth getting a tourist card. With these cards you can:

• Pay for the number of days your trip lasts (and have access to all the main attractions during that period).
• Pay for the number of attractions you want to visit (and get a reduced price for each one).
• In both cases, you skip the queues, save money, get free access to the tourist bus, and enjoy a cruise on the Hudson River.

If you would like more information, I recommend this comparative guide to New York passes, where you can see what each one includes and, of course, their prices.