Many cruises start in New York City, but it’s also a destination on many itineraries. One day in New York City is hardly enough and will leave you wanting more. Here are some ideas to think about when plan your cruise to New York City to maximize your time in the Big Apple.
Visit New York’s Central Park
You’ve probably seen Central Park on television, in movies, or in print but you should take the time to visit it in person. Must see attractions in the park include The Pond, Gapstow Bridge, and Central Park Zoo. Depending on the time of year you are visiting, plan to see either the Wollman Ice Rink or the Conservatory Garden. You could easily spend the whole day in the park, so you may want to map out your visit prior to arriving to make sure you hit all of the spots you want to see.
Check out Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is a large complex of buildings located between 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenue. The art is steeped in art including murals inside the buildings and the iconic bronze Atlas sculpture across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Top of the Rock for breathtaking views of Manhattan. Several tours are available in the area including the Rockefeller Center tour, NBC Studios Tour, and the Radio City Music Hall’s “Stage Door Tour.” Rockefeller Center is also centrally located near other city landmarks and attractions including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the New York Public Library, and Central Park.
Visit the September 11th Memorial
The Memorial, which is free and open to the public, features twin reflecting pools and manmade waterfalls in the footprints where the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers once stood. The museum relays the narrative of the terrorist attacks through a series of displays, recordings and artifacts. Visitors report their time at the museum and memorial as sobering and moving.
With so much to do in such a short period of time, you will want to make sure you carefully plan out the sites you want to visit. Your cruise to New York City will definitely be memorable. Make sure to take the time to enjoy some of New York City’s signature foods including bagels, pizza, and street hot dogs!
