NYC Combo: Statue of Liberty Cruise, St Patrick’s Cathedral & Moma entrance

Exploring New York City’s Big Three: Statue of Liberty, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and MOMA

This NYC Combo Tour promises a whirlwind of some of the city’s most famous sights in just a few hours. Priced at $99 per person, it offers a blend of water views, historic architecture, and modern art—crafted for those wanting a taste of NYC without the hassle of booking everything separately. With around 3 to 6 hours of activity, this tour is ideal for travelers who want a streamlined experience, fitting a lot into a manageable schedule.

What’s especially appealing is the inclusion of a 1-hour Statue of Liberty cruise combined with self-guided tours at iconic landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The flexibility of multiple departure times throughout the day makes it a practical choice for different itineraries.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cruise does not stop at the island, so if your dream is to step onto Liberty Island itself, this might not be the right fit. Still, the water-level views are impressive and give a unique perspective on Lady Liberty and the city skyline. This tour is best suited for first-time visitors, art lovers, or anyone wanting a quick but meaningful primer on Manhattan’s highlights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive package: Combines three top attractions—Statue of Liberty, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and MOMA—into one streamlined experience.
• Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure times allow you to choose what fits your day.
• Skip-the-line access: Fast entry to MOMA saves valuable sightseeing time.
• Guided audio tour: At St. Patrick’s, enhancing understanding of its art, architecture, and history.
• Great for first-timers: A tidy way to get an overview of NYC’s cultural and historic icons.
• Water views: Enjoy a scenic 1-hour cruise with excellent photo opportunities of the Statue of Liberty and city skyline.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Statue of Liberty Water Tour

The adventure begins at Pier 36 in Lower Manhattan, where you’ll board a boat for a 60-minute cruise. While the boat doesn’t stop at Liberty Island, you’ll get up-close views of Lady Liberty from the water, which many find more memorable than crowded land-based tours. The experience allows you to relax and take photos of this symbol of freedom, framed by the city’s skyline.

One reviewer, William John H, mentioned that the cruise provided “excellent opportunities for more photos of the New York skyline” and called it “well worth a visit.” The cruise’s proximity to the Statue offers a good perspective, especially for those who appreciate scenic water views.

Seats are available both inside and outside on deck; seating is first-come, first-serve, so arriving early is worth the effort. The boat is equipped with restrooms and a cash bar for drinks and snacks, making the journey comfortable.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral Audio Tour

Following the cruise, you’ll head uptown to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, located on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets. Here, the included official audio tour guides you through the cathedral’s stunning features, such as the 160-year-old stained glass, sculpted bronze doors, and Michelangelo-inspired sculptures.

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, making it accessible to a diverse range of visitors. Reviewers like Steffany F noted that the tour was “fantastic” and highly recommended, especially for those interested in learning about the cathedral’s art and architecture without a guide.

It’s worth noting that during busy periods or events, some areas may be temporarily roped off, but most of the cathedral remains accessible, allowing ample opportunity to admire the interior’s beauty.

MOMA: Modern Art at Its Finest

The final stop is the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), located at 11 W 53rd Street. Skip-the-line tickets mean you can head straight inside and start exploring the impressive collection of over 150,000 artworks.

You’ll find masterpieces by Picasso, Pollock, Kahlo, and others, spanning from the late 19th century to contemporary pieces. Reviewers like Steffany F mentioned that the experience was “highly recommend” and that the skip-the-line tickets saved a significant amount of time.

MOMA’s layout is user-friendly, with exhibits laid out to facilitate easy navigation. The hours are typically from 10:30am to 5:30pm, with Saturday extended hours, but it’s wise to check directly with the museum.

Practical Insights for Tour Participants

Timing is key with this combo tour. The Statue of Liberty cruise departs from Pier 36, with boarding beginning about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, so arriving 45 minutes early ensures you get a good seat and avoid stress. Be prepared for first-come, first-serve seating, which can be a plus if you like to secure a spot on deck to snap photos.

The self-guided audio tour at St. Patrick’s offers flexibility—visit at your own pace during open hours, which typically run from 9am to 5pm. The skip-the-line MOMA tickets are usually valid for a specific time (often around 11am), so plan accordingly and arrive a bit earlier to maximize your visit.

Transport-wise, the departure point for the cruise is accessible via public transit, with nearby subway stations. After the cruise, the walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is only two blocks down 5th Avenue, making it easy to hop between attractions on foot.

Prices at $99 offer a bundle that, considering the combined value of water views, guided narration, and skip-the-line access, represents good value for first-time visitors who want a snapshot of NYC’s highlights.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights from Reviews

While many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views, some pointed out issues with customer service or logistical hiccups. Danielle S, for instance, expressed disappointment, feeling “cheated,” but this appears to be more about her overall experience with booking rather than the tour specifics.

On the positive side, William John H appreciated the chance to “take more photos of the NYC skyline” and found the cruise “well worth” it. Steffany F emphasized how the tour “saved the hassle,” making it a highly recommended option for travelers looking to check off three major sights efficiently.

One reviewer, Angela K, shared frustration over poor customer service—highlighting the importance of double-checking booking details and understanding what is included. This underscores the need for clear communication and planning ahead, especially with timing and ticket pick-up.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This combo tour is particularly well-suited for those new to New York City who want a manageable, well-organized introduction to some of the most iconic sites. It’s perfect for visitors who appreciate water-based sightseeing, enjoy self-guided tours with informative audio, and want to experience art without spending hours in line.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo and want to maximize a limited amount of time, this package offers value and convenience. The combination of a scenic boat ride, a historic cathedral with detailed narration, and world-class art at MOMA provides a well-rounded snapshot of NYC’s diverse culture.

However, if your goal is to visit Liberty Island itself or delve deeply into art, you might want to supplement this tour with additional visits. Likewise, those seeking a more personalized or guided experience at each site may find this package somewhat streamlined but still very practical.

FAQs

When and where do I redeem my ticket?
After booking, you’ll choose your preferred departure time for the Statue of Liberty cruise. MOMA tickets and St. Patrick’s entry are valid during regular hours, so you can visit at your convenience within those times.

Can I visit the three attractions in any order?
Yes. You’ll receive your tickets via email, and you are free to visit MOMA and St. Patrick’s at any time during their open hours. Just remember to arrive early for the cruise to ensure timely boarding.

What is the departure point for the Statue of Liberty Cruise?
It departs from Pier 36, Slip 3 in Lower Manhattan.

How early should I arrive for the cruise?
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, so arriving 45 minutes to 1 hour early is recommended to secure a good seat and avoid last-minute stress.

Are there seats available on deck?
Yes, there are both indoor and outdoor seats, but seating is first-come, first-serve—so getting there early is worthwhile if you want a prime viewing spot.

Is there food or drinks available onboard?
Yes, a cash bar offers drinks, snacks, and hot foods. Outside food and drink are not permitted.

Can children join the tour?
Absolutely. For children under 3, there is a free infant ticket if they don’t require their own seat.

Where is MOMA located?
At 11 W 53rd Street, right between Rockefeller Center and Central Park’s southern edge.

What are the hours for visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral?
The cathedral is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the audio tour is available during this period.

To sum it up, this NYC combo tour offers a practical way to experience three of the city’s most recognized landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It balances scenic water views, cultural insight, and art appreciation, making it ideal for first-timers or those short on time who want a well-rounded taste of Manhattan.

While some may wish for more in-depth visits or guided tours at each site, the combination of skip-the-line access, flexible scheduling, and the variety of attractions makes this a valuable choice for many travelers. Just arrive early, stay flexible, and enjoy the best of New York’s iconic sights in one streamlined package.