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 to make it come true?

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 will take you to see the Brooklyn Bridge, southern Manhattan and Midtown, so you can see the Empire State Building up close.

The most expensive, which costs 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 are served a buffet-style 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, which is a great way to see 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 that sails along the Manhattan coast for €137 and will give you a night to remember. 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 liven up the evening with relaxing live music.

Yes, if you prefer to embark on a cruise at dusk without having to spend a lot of money, I recommend booking a night cruise on a classic sailboat through New York for €45, which will allow you to discover the city lights for two hours.

The boat usually sets sail around 7:00 p.m. (although schedules may be adjusted to daylight hours depending on the time of year) and will allow you to see 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, which makes 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 pier 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 4th of 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 is a reduced rate

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 passengers.

Take advantage of the visit to the Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island, the island where the famous Statue of Liberty is located, can only be accessed 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 very good views from the water.

Hop on the ferry

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

Make the most of the river from land. Yes, you can, and for 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, there has also been a proliferation of green areas and parks where you can enjoy the river with your family. Take a look at 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 eligible for a discount or a free ticket for a cruise. Be sure to take advantage of it! Keep reading and I'll tell you more.

If this is your first time in New York or you are travelling to the city with the desire to explore it to the fullest, it is very likely that purchasing a tourist card will be worthwhile. 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.