NYC Bundle: Empire State, Big Bus Tour, and Circle Line Cruise

The NYC Bundle: Empire State, Big Bus Tour, and Circle Line Cruise offers an action-packed introduction to the Big Apple for just $99 per person. With an approximate duration of 1 hour 30 minutes for the cruise, this combination provides a flexible way to explore some of New York City’s most famous landmarks. The package includes express entry to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck, a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, and either a 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or a 90-minute Landmarks Cruise.

This tour is designed for those who want a rundown of Manhattan’s highlights at a cost-effective price. It boasts over 20 bookings last month, reflecting its appeal as a popular and dependable choice. The mobile ticket feature adds convenience, allowing travelers to activate their tickets easily via the Big Bus app or with staff at the start point.

While the tour covers many must-see areas, including Times Square, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, it also provides flexibility with the hop-on hop-off bus, giving clients control over their sightseeing pace. This tour suits those looking for a well-rounded, multi-experience ticket that combines iconic landmarks, transportation, and scenic cruising into one affordable package.

Key Points

• Affordable bundle price of $99 for three major NYC experiences.
• Includes express entry to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck.
• 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour with multiple routes and audio commentary in several languages.
• Choice of two cruises, either a 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or a 90-minute Landmarks Cruise.
• Cruise features onboard café, bar, restrooms, and outdoor deck space.
• Stops include notable landmarks like Times Square, Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

Empire State Building Observation Deck Access

The tour begins with skip-the-line entry to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck, a key highlight of this package. Here, visitors enjoy 360° views of Manhattan’s skyline, stretching from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty. The art deco architecture of the Empire State Building itself is also part of the experience. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors eager to grasp the city’s scale and layout from a breathtaking vantage point.

This early access ensures minimal wait times, making it a convenient way to start your day. The viewing platform is large, with ample outdoor space and large windows, giving plenty of opportunities to photograph iconic sights. The tour does not specify any guides at this stage, but the experience is straightforward and well-organized.

The Flexible 48-Hour Big Bus Tour with Multiple Routes

Next, the Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour spans two routes over 48 hours. This self-guided approach allows travelers to explore New York at their own pace, hopping off at key locations like Times Square, Wall Street, the MET, Flatiron District, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.

The buses feature top-deck open-air seating for better views and audio commentary available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. The Big Bus app enhances convenience by providing real-time bus arrival information, so you can plan your next move without stress.

Stops are conveniently located at major attractions, and the flexibility to hop on and off makes this a good choice for those who want to see many neighborhoods without rushing. The audio guides add context to each stop, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

Scenic Circle Line Cruises: Liberty Midtown or Landmarks

The final part of this package is a scenic cruise aboard the Circle Line, which is available in two options: a 60-minute Liberty Midtown Cruise or a 90-minute Landmarks Cruise.

Both cruises depart from Pier 83 in Hudson River Park daily. The Liberty Midtown Cruise offers a shorter tour focused on views of the Statue of Liberty and midtown Manhattan, ideal for those short on time. The Landmarks Cruise provides a longer experience, passing landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center.

The cruise ships are equipped with outdoor decks, indoor seating, restrooms, an onboard café/bar, and large windows for sightseeing. The audio guides are available in multiple languages including Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, and more, enriching the experience with commentary on the sights passing by.

Stops and Landmarks Included in the Bus Tour

The bus route takes visitors to many of Manhattan’s iconic spots. It begins at M&M’S New York on 7th Ave & W 48th St and proceeds to Times Square at W 42nd St and Broadway. Other notable stops include the Empire State Building at 5th Ave & W 32nd St, the Flatiron District, Chinatown, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Wall Street stop is near the Statue of Liberty, with the Statue of Liberty stop located at Trinity Church on Cedar St. The World Trade Center is also on the route, at Vesey St & Church St. The Pier 57 stop is situated on 11th Ave, close to the NBC Building, offering convenient access for exploring modern NYC sights.

The Stops for the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

The Circle Line cruise departs from 12th Ave & W 40th St, opposite Pier 81. The stops on the Midtown route include the Hope Sculpture at 7th Ave & W 53rd St and Times Square again, near the Knickerbocker Hotel.

Additional stops along the route include Rockefeller Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park Zoo, Columbus Circle, and Carnegie Hall. Each stop offers access to some of NYC’s most renowned cultural and entertainment venues.

How to Activate and Use Your Tickets

Tickets can be activated via the Big Bus app or with Big Bus staff at the initial meeting point, outside M&Ms World on 7th Ave & W 48th St. Once activated, the ticket remains valid for 48 hours for the hop-on hop-off bus. The cruise tickets are valid for their specific time slots at Pier 83.

The app provides live bus tracking and route information, making navigation straightforward. The tour’s flexibility allows travelers to customize their experience based on their interests and timing.

Practicalities and Accessibility

This tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join. It is near public transportation, easing access across Manhattan. The cruise ships are equipped with restrooms, outdoor decks, indoor seating, and an onboard café/bar, making the experience comfortable.

The full bar and café onboard the cruise add a relaxing element to sightseeing. No specific mention of physical requirements or accessibility issues is made, but the tour’s overall design appears to accommodate a broad audience.

Overall Value and Suitability

The $99 package offers over 40% savings compared to purchasing each experience separately, representing great value for those wanting a comprehensive NYC introduction. The combination of observation deck access, flexible bus touring, and scenic cruises makes this a convenient multi-faceted experience.

While the rating is 4.0/5 based on one review, the included highlights like the Empire State Building and cruise are consistently praised for their viewing quality and convenience. The audio guides in multiple languages** further enhance the experience.

Final Thoughts on the NYC Bundle

This tour package is ideal for first-time visitors or those eager to cover a lot of ground quickly without the hassle of separate bookings. The combo of iconic landmarks, scenic cruises, and flexible bus tours provides a balanced overview of New York City’s most famous sights.

However, travelers should be aware that the cruise duration is either 60 or 90 minutes, which may be brief for some. The self-guided nature of the bus tour means it’s best suited for those comfortable navigating independently or using the app for guidance.

The NYC Bundle delivers excellent value and a memorable introduction to the city’s most celebrated landmarks, making it a smart choice for those who want a convenient, cost-effective, multi-sensory experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
Yes, the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket allows access over two days, giving flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Can I use the same ticket for both the Empire State Building and the cruise?
The Empire State Observatory and Circle Line cruise tickets are activated separately and are valid on different days, so they can be enjoyed on separate days if desired.

How do I activate my tickets?
You can activate via the Big Bus app by entering your booking reference and pressing “Activate” on the day of your tour. Alternatively, activation can be done with Big Bus staff at 7th Ave & W 48th St.

Are the cruises available daily?
Yes, the Circle Line cruises operate daily from Pier 83 in Hudson River Park.

What languages are available for the audio guides?
Both Circle Line and Big Bus offer audio guides in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired visitors?
While not explicitly stated, the overall design suggests it is accessible to most, considering the inclusion of public transportation and cruise amenities. However, travelers should verify specific accessibility needs.

Can I cancel my booking free of charge?
Yes, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

How much time should I allocate for the entire experience?
Including the Empire State visit, bus tour, and cruise, plan for at least 3 to 4 hours, but the 48-hour bus ticket allows flexibility to spread out your sightseeing over two days.

This NYC Bundle combines convenience, iconic sights, and value into one accessible package, making it a reliable choice for those wanting a rundown of New York City.