Skip-the-line MOMA Museum, Statue of Liberty & St Patrick’s Cathedral with Audio

Experience Review: Skip-the-line MOMA Museum, Statue of Liberty & St Patrick’s Cathedral with Audio

This all-in-one tour promises to pack some of New York City’s most iconic sights into a single day — from the art-filled halls of MOMA and the grandeur of St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the legendary Statue of Liberty cruise. While the idea sounds perfect for visitors eager to hit multiple highlights, the reality of execution can be a mixed bag.

What we do like about this experience is its attempt at convenience: skip-the-line tickets save you precious time, and the flexibility to explore each site at your own pace is a plus. The self-guided audio tour of St. Patrick’s adds a layer of depth, enabling you to appreciate the cathedral’s art and architecture without rushing.

However, a key consideration is the mixed reviews about the cruise, with some travelers experiencing issues like missed departures or poor organization. The price point of $154 may seem steep when factoring in only included entrance tickets, especially since transportation isn’t provided, adding to your overall costs. This tour best suits travelers who value flexibility and are comfortable navigating NYC independently, rather than those seeking a seamless, guided experience.

Key Points

• Multiple highlights in one purchase: Combines visits to MOMA, Statue of Liberty cruise, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
• Flexible schedule: Visit each site during operating hours at your own pace, with specified time slots for the cruise and MOMA.
• Skip-the-line access: Saves time at popular spots, especially at MOMA.
• Self-guided audio tour: Enriches the cathedral visit with historical and artistic insights.
• No included transport: You’re responsible for your own travel arrangements between sites.
• Mixed reviews on cruise reliability: Some travelers report issues like missed departures, which can spoil the experience.

A Practical Breakdown of the Tour

This tour offers a blend of cultural, historical, and scenic experiences, all wrapped into one ticket. It’s designed for those who want to maximize their time and see some of NYC’s most recognized landmarks without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.

Starting with St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Your day begins with the self-guided audio tour of this iconic church, which is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The cathedral’s grandeur is undeniable, with 60,000 stained glass pieces, beautiful sculptures, and significant religious artworks. The audio guide covers the history, art, and architecture at your own pace, making it an educational experience beyond just sightseeing.

We’ve read that some visitors appreciate the self-guided format, especially as it allows a more relaxed exploration. Still, if a large crowd or church events are ongoing, certain areas might be temporarily off-limits. The experience is made richer by the availability of audio in multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, which is a thoughtful touch for international travelers.

Visiting MOMA

Next, you’re scheduled for a skip-the-line admission to the Museum of Modern Art at around 11 am. The benefit here is obvious: no long waits to access one of the world’s most renowned modern art collections. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes to wander through exhibits from 1880 to the present, including works from famous artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí.

The self-guided format means you can spend as much or as little time as you like at different exhibits, but it also means you’ll need to be self-motivated to cover the highlights. The museum’s layout is user-friendly, and there’s plenty to see, but keep in mind that an hour and a half isn’t much time for a comprehensive visit, especially if you’re an art enthusiast.

The Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

The cruise departs from Pier 36 at 12:30 pm (or later times depending on your schedule). It lasts about 60 minutes and offers a close-up view of Lady Liberty along with a panoramic look at NYC’s skyline. Many travelers find this the highlight of the day, especially because it offers incredible photo opportunities and a sense of connection with the city’s most famous symbol.

The boat’s proximity to the statue is impressive — you’ll feel like you’re practically on the island itself. However, some reviews mention issues like the boat leaving without certain passengers or long waits to board, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. Arriving at least 45 minutes early is strongly advised, and seats are first-come, first-serve.

Flexibility and Timing

One of the main advantages of this tour is that each site can be visited at your own pace within the operating hours. The tickets are emailed to you, and the cruise has a fixed departure time, so planning ahead is crucial. You are free to choose the order of visits, which is helpful if you want to avoid crowds or fit in a quick lunch.

What’s Not Included

Transportation between sites is not covered, which means you’ll be navigating NYC’s public transit or hailing rideshare services. This can add time and cost, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group. The cruise departs from Pier 36, which is accessible via subway or cab, but you’ll need to plan accordingly.

The cost of $154 covers only the entrance fees, so additional expenses for transportation, food, or souvenirs will likely add up. Considering the possible issues with the cruise and the limited time at each site, some travelers might find this package less than ideal value for money.

Real Experiences and Insights

While many reviews are quiet about the overall experience, the few that are available paint a picture of disappointment and logistical hiccups. One reviewer described their experience as a “rip-off,” recounting how the boat left without them despite being on time, and there was no alternative for hours. This highlights the importance of arriving early and being prepared for potential delays.

On the positive side, the self-guided audio tour of St. Patrick’s is praised for its depth and accessibility, allowing visitors to learn about the cathedral’s art and history at their own pace. The views from the cruise are universally appreciated, with many noting that being close to Lady Liberty provides a memorable photo op.

The museum visit is straightforward, with skip-the-line tickets saving you some waiting, but the limited time might leave art lovers wanting more. The layout of MOMA makes it easy to navigate, but if you’re a big fan of modern art, you may wish you had more time to explore.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a quick, reasonably comprehensive taste of New York’s top landmarks. If you’re on a tight schedule and willing to handle some logistical challenges, this could be a good option to maximize your day.

However, travelers who prefer guided tours or more in-depth experiences might find this less satisfying, especially given the inconsistencies reported with the cruise and the limited time at each site. If you’re comfortable navigating NYC independently and are looking for a cost-effective way to see iconic sights, this tour offers decent access, but don’t expect flawless execution.

Ultimately, it’s a convenient but imperfect package that delivers the essentials — with some caveats. If you’re lucky with the cruise and flexible with timing, you’ll walk away with great photos and memories. But if reliability is your priority, consider booking each element separately or looking for guided options.

FAQ

Q: When can I visit each attraction?
You can visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral during its open hours, 9 am to 5 pm daily, at your leisure. MOMA’s skip-the-line ticket is for 11 am, but you can arrive early or late within their hours. The cruise departs between 12:30 pm and 6 pm, depending on your chosen time slot.

Q: Do I need to redeem my tickets at specific times?
Yes, the Statue of Liberty cruise has a fixed departure time, and arriving 45 minutes early is recommended. The MOMA ticket is self-guided, so you can use it anytime during operating hours.

Q: Where is the departure point for the cruise?
The cruise departs from Pier 36, Slip 3, located at 299 South St in Lower Manhattan.

Q: How early should I arrive for the cruise?
To secure your spot and find seating, arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. The boats usually sail on time, so early arrival ensures a smoother experience.

Q: Can I bring food or drinks onboard?
Yes, there’s a cash bar onboard with snacks and beverages, but outside food or drink isn’t permitted.

Q: Is seating assigned on the cruise?
No, seats are first-come, first-serve. Arriving early improves your chances of getting a preferred spot.

Q: How close does the boat get to the Statue of Liberty?
The sightseeing boats cruise within yards of Lady Liberty, providing an incredible view that feels almost like you’re on the island itself.

Q: What about transport between sites?
You’ll need to plan your own transportation via subway, bus, or rideshare, as this isn’t included in the ticket price.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical way to tick off some of New York City’s most famous sights in a single day, but it’s not without its flaws. The convenience of skip-the-line entries and flexible visits is appealing, but potential issues with the cruise and limited time at each stop mean it’s best for travelers who know how to navigate the city independently. If you’re after a straightforward, budget-friendly sampler of NYC’s highlights and don’t mind some unpredictability, this could work well — just be prepared for a few surprises along the way.