This year Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, the world famous New York City sightseeing company that has hosted more than 60 million passengers since 1945, celebrates a milestone 70 years of service. But they are not ones to rest on their laurels; they are going full speed ahead with bold plans to offer an even greater experience to visitors now, and in years to come.
“Circle Line is one of New York’s known icons, and recognized worldwide as America’s favorite boat ride,” says Daniel Boockvar, Chief Executive Officer of New York Cruise Lines, parent company of Circle Line. “We will be celebrating this exceptional accomplishment throughout the year, while also introducing a number of exciting initiatives and programming that builds upon our seven remarkable decades of innovation, storytelling and heritage.”
For starters, Circle Line will publicly celebrate its 70th anniversary at Pier 83, on June 9. Daylong festivities will include a full schedule of sightseeing cruises, photo booths, a nautical tattoo artist, and more.
Of course, the summer months amp up the need for speed! For more adventurous types, check out The BEAST Speedboat, powered by Circle Line, cruising now through Sept. 27, from Pier 83. The speedboat roars within 100 ft of the Statue of Liberty at around 45 mph, and is perfect for thrill seekers of all ages. Rides run daily, from 10am-6pm, every hour on the hour (weather permitting). Children must be at least 40” tall to ride.
A museum and terminal is also in the works. Circle Line X, a WWII warship and working vessel in the Circle Line fleet for 50+ years, is being refurbished. And there will be a preview of the museum at the June 9 event that visitors can walk through.
They have commissioned the design of three new ships, first introduced at an official keel laying ceremony at Gladding-Hearn Ship Yard in Somerset, MA earlier this year. The vessels will make their debut in 2016.
They also recently rolled out the red carpet for its upgraded Circle Line Premier class of service which includes line-skipping privileges, a shaded pre-boarding lounge, exclusive inside area with cushy upgraded seats, a private outdoor patio, and dedicated F&B service. The upgraded seats will be $25 for the Best of NYC Cruise, $15 for Landmark/Harbor Lights Cruise, and $10 for Liberty Cruise. You can find out more info on their newly revamped web site, circleline42.com.
Circle Line recently partnered up with Open Loop New York, part of RATP Group, a leading operator of sightseeing tours around the world, to offer visitors exclusive new experiences to see the city’s skyline and major attractions by land and sea. Launched on May 1st, the special combined offers include access to New York’s newest hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours, paired with a Circle Line cruise.
“We are thrilled to work in tandem with one of the world’s top sightseeing companies with deep experience providing compelling content in New York, as well as Paris and London,” says Boockvar. “As two leaders in global sightseeing, we look forward to providing a truly unique and seamless experience for guests who want to hear all of New York City’s great stories and see all its notable attractions by both land and sea.”
Two of the most exciting new combo offerings: Two-Day Open Loop Tickets + a Circle Line Cruise which includes access to Open Loop’s new hop-on hop-off tour buses for two days, along with a Liberty Cruise aboard Circle Line. Or, opt for Three Day Open Loop Tickets + a Circle Line Cruise which includes access to Open Loop’s tour buses for three days, and a Circle Line Landmark Cruise. For more information on Circle Line’s sightseeing cruises, the BEAST speedboat rides, Circle Line Premier passes and Open Loop combo tickets, visit circleline42.com.
For more information on Circle Line’s sightseeing cruises, the BEAST speedboat rides, Circle Line Premier passes and Open Loop combo tickets, visit circleline42.com.
