New York Architecture Tour Aboard 1920s-Style Yacht

See New York's world-famous architecture from an elegant 1920s-style yacht cruise designed to evoke a more refined time. Admire amazing views of top New York City attractions including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Highline and Statue of Liberty. Listen to narration by members of the American Institute of Architects as you travel around Manhattan island, witnessing magnificent skyscrapers including the new buildings at Ground Zero, engineering masterpieces such as the Brooklyn Bridge and George Washington Bridge, and waterfront urban renewal projects in Harlem and the Lower East Side. Enjoy a complimentary drink and light snacks as you relax and take in the captivating views from the teak decks of your old-school yacht.

Begin your architecture tour at Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River. Board the Manhattan, a 1920s-style climate-controlled yacht with teak outer decks, mahogany rails, and an enclosed observatory with panoramic windows and skylights. Or take your journey on the Kingston, which is not climate-controlled but offers full shade and unobstructed views from perimeter seating. (Please note that tours on this yacht run approximately 15 to 30 minutes longer than those on the Manhattan). Get your complimentary beer, wine or Champagne from the bar and settle in for your breathtaking tour of New York's most stunning skyscrapers, bridges and parks.

On most journeys, you'll circumnavigate the entire island of Manhattan, traveling along the Hudson, Harlem and East rivers and passing under all 18 of Manhattan's bridges while listening to narration by members of the American Institute of Architects on many of the building structures you will cruise by. See some of Manhattan's most impressive skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and the new World Trade Center buildings.

Hear about the 'starchitecture' movement in New York, which has seen celebrated architects such as Frank Gehry adding distinctive new buildings to the city's skyline. You'll also learn the story behind the Highline, a popular park along the Hudson RIver developed from the remnants of an old elevated train track.

Cruise by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, taking in phenomenal views, and see the FDR Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, a tribute to President Franklin D Roosevelt. As you make your way around Manhattan, learn about visions for urban renewal along the waterfront and how landscape architects have brought environment-friendly touches to new riverfront parks and piers.

Throughout your tour, feel free to wander around your lovely yacht, admiring its design details and the captivating New York skyline. Savor light refreshments including tea cakes, pastries, fruit, cheese, pretzels, nuts, and complimentary coffee, tea, soda and water. Your first drink aboard the cruise is free, but additional non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are also available onboard (own expense). Your nearly 3-hour architecture cruise around Manhattan concludes back at Chelsea Piers.

Please note: The Spuyten Duyvil train bridge is not always able to open to allow boat passage, and this is often not known till time of sail. No refund is available for days that full circumnavigation of Manhattan is unavailable.

• Sightseeing cruise
• Live commentary on board
• 1 complimentary beer, wine or Champagne
  
• Light snacks and coffee, tea, soda and water
  

• Drinks (additional cost)
  
• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off