Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Take a Cruise of New York Harbor With Me!


On a hot and hazy day in New York City last week I decided to cool off a little by taking a Zephyr Seaport Liberty Cruise of New York Harbor. The Zephyr Yacht features comfortable seating both inside and out and a knowledgeable tour guide provides live commentary throughout the cruise. It departs from South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan.  My husband works in one of these downtown buildings, so waved "hello" to him as I waited online to buy my ticket.
 
I hope you can come along with me for the hour long cruise as there is so much I'd like to show you! (all photos can be enlarged by clicking on them once and then again when they open)

Let's hurry on board and get a seat on top so we can see all the sights.


As we depart South Street Seaport we get a good view from the port (left) side of the yacht of the Brooklyn Bridge which crosses the East River and connects the borough of Brooklyn, where I live, to the borough of Manhattan.


On the starboard (right) side of the yacht we see the red Pier 17 seaport building getting smaller as we move along the river towards the harbor.  As you can see the sky was full of humid haze and clouds but we are getting a nice breeze on top of the yacht.

The seaport and Brooklyn Bridge fade into the distance.


We are now in the harbor and we can see the Verrazano Narrows Bridge that connects Brooklyn to the borough of Staten Island from the port side of the yacht. If you remember my blogs posts about the American Revolutionary War Battle of Brooklyn it was in the Narrows where the British warships all congregated, and where their army came to shore. It is a very busy entrance from New York Bay into New York Harbor.


From the starboard side we see the buildings of Battery Park City

Now we are passing the World Financial Center.  The glass Winter Garden pavilion can be seen in the middle and behind that the Freedom Tower being constructed at the former World Trade Center site at ground zero.


Another boat ride that I could have taken today is the Shark Speedboat.  My husband and I took this boat ride once and it was lots of fun, as they play music and go really fast!  I like the red color of this one!


The Zephyr cruises up the Hudson River as far as the northern end of Battery Park City so that we could see the Empire State building.


A close up of the Empire State building.


The Zephyr yacht turns and we begin to cruise back towards the harbor.

On our starboard side we pass some office buildings of Jersey City, in New Jersey.


Next we see the red brick building of Ellis Island National Park.  The Statue Cruises Ferry that brings visitors to the island from Battery Park or Liberty State park in New Jersey, can be seen docked on the left. I highly recommend a visit to Ellis island as part of a visit to the Statue of Liberty.  The ferry ticket usually includes passage to both islands. Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The building has been beautifully restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990.


We slowly sail past the beautiful Statue of Liberty.  Of course I took many photos of her, and if you look at my prior post you'll see quite a few of Lady Liberty.


We turn back towards lower Manhattan and seem to be following a Statue Cruises ship. Just look at the haze surrounding the city! I think the temperature was in the high nineties and the humidity was almost the same. This July was the hottest on record for NYC!



A Staten Island Ferry is passing us on the port side. New York Harbor is a busy place, full of boat traffic.



A round trip ride on the Staten Island ferry is NYC's best bargain as it is free!



We now pass an old fort being renovated on Governors IslandNotice the vintage cannon on top of the building.  Governors Island was once a military base and home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Today, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation oversees 150 acres of the Island, while the National Park Service manages the balance, the 22-acre Governors Island National Monument which includes two 1812-era forts.  An interesting history timeline of the island can be seen on this link.




We cruise back into the East River.


If you look closely you can see the tree tops of the Elevated Acre I once blogged about.  It's a wonderful little "secret garden."  A helicopter just took off from New York Helicopter.  The narrow building with the red roof is the NYC Police Museum which I blogged about on this post.


If you look closely between the buildings in this photo you can see the spire of Trinity Church which is located near Wall Street.


We return back to the pier at South Street Seaport and I can see a crowd has formed waiting to board the next cruise.  I hope you enjoyed the ride!

I'm adding this post to Susan's "Outdoor Wednesday" on her blog A Southern Daydreamer, and also to "Thursday's Colors of the Rainbow" event going on at Jenny's blog Off On My Tangent. This week's color is RED, and Sue's "Rednesday" on her blog It's A Very Cherry World!



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72 comments:

Laura @ The Shabby Rabbit said...

Gorgeous shots of NYC!! I've never been but my daughter just went with school at the beginning of summer and I'm pretty sure she'll move there someday :) At least I'd get to visit then!!

Ann said...

Thanks for a great tour! I've never been to NYC but would like to visit one day.
Fondly,
Ann
@
The Tattered Tassel

Ann said...

I've decided to become a follower and learn and view more of NYC! How exciting to be your 300th follower!!
Fondly,
Ann
@
The Tattered Tassel

GailO said...

What a great way to stay cool! We have been breaking records for high temps here in RI too...

dianasfaria.com said...

excellent tour Pat!
A great way to spend a hot NY day eh?
I loved the shot of Trinity church.

g.suzie said...

You are a wonderful tour guide, your pics are great. . .Thanks for taking us along, hope to do the NYC tour in person sometime! Have a great day. . .

Sarah said...

Pat, I absolutely love my visits here. You know NY is one of my favorite cities, and it's such fun to see it through the lens of your camera. You are a terrific tour guide. Thanks for sharing this wonderful harbor cruise.
~ Sarah

Pondside said...

Wow - that was fun!
I haven't been in NYC since the 70's. Doesn't that seem like a lifetime ago? I had a landlady who had an apartment on Park Avenue - it was the lap of luxury and quite an eye-opener for the young me!

Unknown said...

Fantastic set of pictures Pat, love the Statue of Liberty..such an icon. We have something in common, we both have a boat trip. Come over to have a peek of Halong Bay, Vietnam...hugs..:)

~Cheryl said...

What a thrilling ride! So much to see -- your photos and commentary are superb! Thanks, Pat!

Lesa said...

I must ride the Shark Speedboat! I haven't been to NYC either-- so interesting that the skyscrapers are almost at the waters edge-- looks that way anyway. My brother had a wonderful time in NYC last year and I hope to travel there soon myself-- I'm going to follow your blog to learn more...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photography! I so enjoyed the "tour".... I am always amazed at the things you can see in NYC!!
Have a Wonderful Day!
Love,
Marilyn

A Bit of the Blarney said...

What a wonderful adventure! Pictures are grand as ws your narrative. Thank you! Cathy

RNSANE said...

I thoroughly enjoyed this journey, Pat. I seldom have spent time in NY - only briefly during the four years I livd in Boston. Once, I did a cruise from Miami to New York which was fun. We got to sail in past the statue of Liberty!

Sheila said...

Hello Pat - I enjoyed taking the tour with you. I love the picture of Lady Liberty but the picture that puts New York in perspective for me is the church spire seen down the narrow street opening. It's then you realize how tall the buildings are. I think I would be overwhelmed by the height of the buildings if I were standing on that street.

Vee said...

Great cruise! About how long does it last? You didn't seem to get too far away.

Claudia said...

You did your city proud - showing off its majesty and beauty. NYC's skyline will always take my breath away. Hope it cools down for you!

Sara said...

I loved revisiting the tour I took - of NY Harbor ... I was so impressed to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island...Plus when I was there we saw the Twin Towers...

craftyles said...

Thanks for the spectacular tour. It looks beautiful and you have taken great photos!

Cherry Chick said...

Wow...that was awesome. I've seen NY many times but never from the water. I'm thinking that a shark boat would be fun next time I'm there.
It's so amazing...so many buildings..so many windows. Thank you for sharing with us on Rednesday.
´*•.¸(´*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´
♥•.*.Thank you.*.•♥
♥•.*.from Vicki.*.•♥
¸.•*´(¸.•*´♥´*•.¸)´*•.¸

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Wow! I would love to take that cruise. The sights are just amazing.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Pat - That was a dynamite tour of the sights around NYC's waterways. Brings back memories of when I worked on Water Street. I need to get back on a boat trip again around Manhattan. Maybe that red speedy boat.

Marigene said...

Thanks for the water tour of NYC! You got some great shots.

Tracy said...

This was absolutely AMAZING, Pat! I really feel like I was there! Each photo has a special piece of NYC... loved this! Thanks so much... :o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

Margaret said...

I sure enjoyed my cruise of NY Harbor with You Pat :) Your photos and tour guide are excellent! Thank-you so much
Margaret from B.C.

Old Kitty said...

Oh Pat!! What a lovely trip!! And there is so much to see too!The Brooklyn Bridge is just iconic!! Aw! And Manhattan!! Wow!! That just conjures up -oooh Woody Allen films! :-) I think it's brilliant that the harbour is being used and utilised! It's a great escape from the heat and a fab way to view these stunning sights from the bridge to the Statue of Liberty!

Oh but the best for me is that little roof garden!! Wow! Now that is a real treasure and a proper hidden gem! It's such a lovely idea - and I love how it's a park too - there are trees and colourful plants and spaces for people to just sit and watch the stunning views of the harbour! How lovely is that??

And I can really admire the red brick building of Ellis Island National Park in all its restored glory - what a sight - imagine all those first wave of immigrants seeing not only the glorious Statue but that building!

Thank you for a stunning trip and brilliant pics. And more for your fun and informative tour guide!!

OH I'm just reading about the museums in lower manhattan! Wow!

take care
x

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Thanks, everyone, for all the nice comments! Welcome new followers.

Margaret in BC thanks for taking the time to register on Blogspot to leave a comment.

Vee --the cruise is only an hour, to an hour and a half long. The speedboat is a half hour. NYC looks so amazing as seen from the rivers and most take the ride to see the Statue of Liberty up close. There is also a Circle Line Cruise that goes all around the island of Manhattan, which takes about 3 hours. Anyone visiting NYC should consider taking a boat ride, even if it's a round trip on the Staten Island ferry!

Sara- I also miss seeing the Twin Towers looming over lower Manhattan. I'll never get used to the skyline without them!

Elisa Day said...

Lovely cruise! I hope I get to visit New York some day.

Linda said...

What a great cruise. Thanks for taking me along...I enjoyed myself very much! The sky line shots you took are wonderful!

nannykim said...

One of my first dates with my hubby before we were married was to the Statue of Liberty. (that is about 34 years ago now!! Now I live in the South and hardly ever make it up there!

Vagabonde said...

That was a great tour. I took this tour years ago with my trainees from Dubai – they loved it. The time before last my husband and I took the Staten Island Ferry but stayed on it and turned right back. When we have time I’ll like to explore State Island. Your pictures are so clear and large. (My blog template is the one my daughter made for me when we started my blog and I am afraid to change it and mess it up.) I enjoyed this tour with you.

Debbiedoos said...

How nice to just hop on a boat for a couple of hours...you gotta love where you live...I know I would! Gorgeous pictures....looks like a fantastic day. Debbie

Jo said...

oh my gosh what a wonderful cruise ...thanks for the virtual tour!

Annesphamily said...

I felt like I was there with you Pat. What a tour guide you are! I always enjoy the shots of your beautiful historical city. Thank you. Anne

Mary said...

What a fun red post~ thanks for the cruise! Would love a ride on the Shark Speedboat :-)

Kat said...

You really are a fantastic tour guide Pat. The photos are just gorgeous. I would love to visit Ellis Island since it has been restored and reopened as a museum. It must be fascinating. And that shark boat looks like a blast! Kat

Betty said...

I enjoyed going along with you for the ride. Your blog is one of my favorites. I enjoy your beautiful photos of NYC.

Charmingdesigns said...

I want to thank you for the tour. It was delightful. Its been 25 years since I visited.

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

Thanks for sharing all of these great photos! Stopping by from Rainbow Red Thursday!

Vicki/Jake said...

this is my first visit here, through Jenny's. WOW... it always amazes me to see a big city with the tall buildings. I'd get so lost! I live out west where there's miles and miles of miles and miles, surrounded by tall mountains :)

Thanks so much for a great sight see of New York.

Kathleen said...

What a great cruise, and I didn't even get seasick! Pat you take such wonderful pics!

Life@Cee said...

Thanks for the tour. It's obvious that this is a much beloved city for you.
Cee

Judy said...

It looks like you picked the perfect day to take a harbour cruise. So did you go all by 'your lonesome'?

Thanks for showing us around your city once again. You are my favorite tour guide! And if I ever make it to NYC...I'll call on you...for sure!

Short and Sweet said...

I thoroughly enjoyed my cruise with you of the NYC harbor. I visited the Statue of Liberty when I was very young but I still remember it vividly. My grandmother came through Ellis Island as a child and always referred to the statue as "the big lady."

Joanne Kennedy said...

That was fun! Loved seeing everything from a whole new view.

I think I finally figured out what I love so much about your blog. It's the fact that even though you live in New York you still see things through the eye of a tourist. You (and most NYers) know what a special State NY is and are proud to share it with the world.

Hugs,
Joanne

Lindsey said...

Stunning. I hope to go to New York someday.

Lola said...

Such fun reading posts like yours on Thursdays- such beautiful shots of NYC!

Have a lovely weekend,

LOLA:)

PS Mine this time is HERE. Hope you can stop by!

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed my early morning field trip to NY. Don't think I am ready for the shark boat.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

It's a double-edged sword when I read your beautiful photo journalistic posts: I get lost in the beauty and majesty of the city....and then I get homesick...

I would love a ride on the shark boat too!!

Unknown said...

Oh wow! Those are amazing shots of New York City! I've only been to New York twice but never been on a cruise like that. I can't believe how much I missed out! That looks like it was a lot of fun AND you got to see so many wonderful things :)

diane b said...

An amazing city. Thanks for the tour saves me lots of money touring this way.

jeff campbell said...

I loved this tour by boat ;-) The color scheme on the 'shark boat' is cool. I need to make sure MrsC does not see this...she'll be hankerin for another 'apple' visit....Peace

Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys said...

As always your pictures are gorgeous! My favorite is the sailboat one.

Frances said...

Pat, I just LOVE looking at your wonderful pictures and reading about the various sites you visit. You introduce me to so many things I have never seen. My "to do" list for the next time I visit NYC is growing by leaps and bounds, thanks to you. My husband and I took the Circle Line cruise the last time we visited, so I recognize many of the things you have pictured for us here. It's fun seeing the sites that are still so close in my memory. I love your love for your City. Your blog is such a refreshing place to visit and to linger. Thank you.

Susan Anderson said...

What fun! Thanks for letting me ride along...

=)

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful cruise Pat. So much history and sight seeing. It bought back some happy memories of visiting Liberty Island years ago.

signed...bkm said...

I have taken that crusie years ago you have brought back good memories ...I loved Ellis Island...an amazing city...bkm

Viki said...

Gorgeous pictures and I loved the tour. If I ever go to NYC, I would love to see Ellis Island since by grandmother came through their. Good post.

Unknown said...

what a great tour..i do love lady liberty...but i loved seeing all the other spots. last year my husband and i took the staten island ferry...because it seemed like such a NY thing to do...

Cheryl D. said...

What a fun way to show the color red!

Tina said...

Thanks for a lovely cruise around NY! I loved your narration and photos. That shot with the church spire in the middle is AMAZING. And thanks for your visit to Life is Good.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

What a wonderful tour with such beautiful pics! New York is one of my favorite places on earth! Love it!

Enjoy!
Cathy

Unknown said...

Thank you for the marvelous tour. My family hopes to vacation there next summer!

Jenny said...

Pat! What a lovely tour on our journey through the color Red for Summer School!

I want to ride on the shark boat!

I want to see all these sites!

I love your tours!

You are really missing the boat not working for the Board of Tourism there!

A+

Proud Italian Cook said...

Thank you for that grand tour Pat, and to think I was fortunate enough to get it this all for free! Your photos and knowledge is amazing! I need to write your Mayor and tell him what an excellent advocate you are for your city. You should start your own tour company!

Susan said...

WONDERFUL pics!!! (as usual) Thanks for the cruise :)
Susan

steviewren said...

Pat, your blog is a must read for everyone who ever dreams of visiting NYC. Terrific post. Great photos.

Cheryl said...

I love the view of the city from the water. Great photos!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful water tour. I feel very cool, now, just looking at the photos. ;-)

Paz

Bonnie@Creative Decorating said...

Just stopping by from Jenny's Party!! I am late getting around to everyone! What wonderful pictures of NYC! That is probably the closest I will ever get there. My husband who loves the country says he did not lose anything there so no need to go there! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Dear Pat,
Thank you for visiting my Red-Post and commenting. I am going to relist the red necklace. I'll let you know when I do.

Love that shark boat! Thanks for the wonderful tour!
Best wishes,
Anna
For the benefit of other readers:
Anna's Red B-Words

Blooming Rose Musings said...

I just found your blog through The Comforts Of Home and I'm so glad I did. What a wonderful tour! I live in California now but grew up just north of NYC in Nyack. There is so much about the east coast that I miss. Your pictures are fabulous. I will be visiting often. Thanks again for the great tour.