Statue of Liberty Cruise + St Patricks Cathedral Official Tour

Planning a trip to New York City means tackling a long list of must-see sights. Among these, the Statue of Liberty and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are perennial favorites—symbols of American freedom and faith, respectively. This particular bundled experience, offered by Attractions4us LLC, promises a convenient, flexible way to see both without the hassle of booking multiple tickets or sticking to strict schedules.

What’s especially appealing is that you get guaranteed entry to each attraction—so no worries about lines or sold-out days—and the freedom to explore each on your own terms. The $59.99 price tag is reasonable considering what’s included, but as always, the question is: does it deliver on value? We’ll break down the details to help you decide if this experience is right for your NYC adventure.

One thing travelers should note: the cruise doesn’t land at Liberty Island or Ellis Island. So if getting up close to Lady Liberty or learning about her history on the islands is your goal, you might want to consider other options. But if you’re after fantastic views and a chance to combine two iconic sights with flexibility, this tour could be a good pick.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate self-guided exploration and want the ease of bundled tickets. It’s perfect for those who prefer to set their own pace rather than join a guided tour with a large group. If you’re traveling with family or friends and value flexibility, good value, and scenic views, read on.

Key Points

• Flexible scheduling: You choose your own cruise departure time and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral at your convenience.
• Cost-effective bundle: Combines two top NYC attractions at a reasonable price.
• Self-guided experience: Includes audio guides for an enriching, independent tour.
• Spectacular views: The cruise route offers close-up vistas of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.
• Convenient access: Both attractions are easily reachable, with detailed info on how to get there.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for kids aged 2 and up, with kid-specific audio options.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and What to Expect

Stop 1: St. Patrick’s Cathedral – A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Your visit begins at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, located on 5th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets. With your self-guided audio tour, you’ll get a chance to explore at your own pace during its regular open hours, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, although Sundays before noon are best avoided due to services.

The audio guide, available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, takes you through the cathedral’s stunning art, architecture, and history. From the kaleidoscope of stained glass windows to the bronze doors and sculptures, the guide helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and stories behind each element. Kids can enjoy a version tailored to them, making it a meaningful experience for the whole family.

One aspect many find valuable is the ability to explore without a guided group. You can linger as long as you like at key sites such as the altar of Elizabeth Ann Seton or The Pieta. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable audio guide and the beautiful, peaceful setting as major pluses. As one said, “I loved how I could take my time, appreciating the art and history without feeling rushed.”

However, note that live guides are not included inside the cathedral, and certain areas might be temporarily closed during services or events. Still, with the downloadable or provided audio, you can navigate independently, making this a cost-effective and flexible way to experience the church’s grandeur.

Stop 2: Statue of Liberty Cruise – Up Close with NYC’s Iconic Landmark

Next, you head to the Pier 36 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side for your 60-minute sightseeing cruise. You select your departure time during booking, which is a nice feature, giving you control over your schedule. Boarding begins about 30 minutes before departure—so plan to arrive early, especially if you want a good seat.

The boat cruise remains primarily outdoor, with indoor seating available, which is useful for those who prefer to avoid sun or wind. The cruise’s route stays within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, providing incredible views and photo opportunities. Expect to see over 130 of NYC’s most iconic landmarks—from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Empire State Building—on your way.

The commentary in English and Spanish adds contextual flavor, helping you identify landmarks and appreciate the city’s skyline. The cash bar onboard offers drinks, snacks, and hot dogs—so you can grab a quick refreshment while soaking in the views.

A key benefit is the close proximity to Lady Liberty during the cruise, which many find more satisfying than larger, less intimate boat tours. Based on reviews, travelers appreciated the stunning views and the informative commentary. “Getting within yards of Liberty was amazing, and the skyline views are worth every penny,” one reviewer noted.

Keep in mind, this cruise does not land at Liberty Island or Ellis Island, so if your main goal is to step onto the islands, you’ll need different tickets or tours. But for scenic views and a relaxing ride, this cruise hits the mark.

The Practicalities: What Travelers Need to Know

Transportation & Accessibility

The Pier 36 departure point is well-connected via public transport: the F train to East Broadway makes it easy to reach. Parking can be found in the onsite lot (rates vary) or on nearby streets. Rideshare options like Uber or Lyft are viable, especially if you’re carrying luggage or traveling in a group.

Timing & Group Size

Since the cruise departs at your chosen time, you can fit this into your schedule comfortably. Arriving 45 minutes to an hour early ensures smooth check-in and adequate seating. The boats typically sail punctually, so leaving early is wise.

Kid-Friendliness

Travelers with children as young as 2 can join, and the kid-friendly audio tour at the cathedral is a bonus. It’s a relaxed experience suitable for families, especially since there are no guided groups to keep track of.

Food & Drinks

While there is a cash bar on board, outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard. However, snacks and meals are available for purchase during the cruise.

Accessibility & Other Info

The tour is designed to be near public transportation and accessible for most travelers. Service animals are allowed, but large bags or outside food are not permitted onboard or at the cathedral.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

Although reviews are currently scarce, existing comments highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff, the unbeatable views, and the good value for money. Several mention that the self-guided audio tours made their visits more meaningful, especially since they could explore at their own pace.

One traveler said, “The cruise was a highlight—close enough to really see Lady Liberty’s details, and the skyline was breathtaking,” while another appreciated the flexibility: “Being able to visit the cathedral whenever I wanted during the day was a major plus.”

The Value Proposition: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see two of New York City’s most popular landmarks without the pressure of guided tours, this bundle fits the bill. The guaranteed entry and self-paced exploration make it especially appealing for independent travelers, families, or those on a tight schedule.

For first-time visitors, it offers a quick yet comprehensive glimpse of NYC’s iconography—especially with the stunning river views and beautiful cathedral interiors. Meanwhile, seasoned travelers who have seen the major sights might appreciate the flexibility and convenience of this combo, allowing them to customize their day.

It’s perfect for those who value scenic views, flexible timing, and good value. If your main goal is to get up close to Lady Liberty and enjoy a peaceful visit to a gorgeous church, this tour provides an efficient and enjoyable way to do both.

The Sum Up

This Statue of Liberty Cruise + St. Patrick’s Cathedral experience is a solid choice for travelers who want to maximize their time and minimize hassle. The self-guided tours allow for personal pacing, and the spectacular views from the boat make it a memorable part of any NYC trip. Its affordable price and guaranteed entry make it an appealing option for families, solo travelers, or couples.

While it may not satisfy those seeking landings on Liberty Island or guided commentary, the combination of flexibility, scenic beauty, and meaningful interior visits makes it worth considering. It’s an especially good pick if you enjoy independent exploration and want a value-packed way to see two iconic NYC landmarks.

For travelers who appreciate authentic, well-organized experiences with a touch of scenic magic, this tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural richness, and convenience—all at a reasonable cost.

FAQ

Where does the Statue of Liberty cruise depart from?
It departs from Pier 36 in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. You choose your departure time during booking and should arrive about 45 minutes to an hour early for check-in.

How early should I arrive at Pier 36?
Boarding begins a half-hour before departure, so arriving 45 minutes early ensures you get settled and find a good seat.

Is parking available near Pier 36?
Yes, there’s an onsite parking lot with rates that vary. Street parking may also be available, and rideshare options are convenient.

Can I take public transportation to the cruise?
Yes, the F train to East Broadway is nearby. The station exit on Rutgers Street is close to Pier 36.

Are there seats inside and outside on the boat?
Yes, there are both outdoor and indoor seating options, with first-come, first-serve seating policy.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, kids age 2 and up are welcome, and the audio tours are suitable for children.

Can I bring my own food or drinks onboard?
No outside food or drinks are permitted, but the cruise has a cash bar with snacks and beverages.

Does the cruise stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island?
No, it doesn’t land on either island; it stays within yards of Lady Liberty for close-up views.

What are the hours of St. Patrick’s Cathedral?
The cathedral is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and the audio guide is available during these hours. Sundays before noon are best avoided due to services.

In the end, this combo tour offers a well-balanced taste of New York’s iconic sights—perfect for those who value flexibility, scenic views, and authentic, self-paced exploration.