Open House New York invites you for an afternoon cruise of the New York and New Jersey harbors to learn more about the immense scale and complexity of local and global port activity. Bethann Rooney, Director of the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and a 30+ year veteran in the maritime industry, will guide us on the past, present, and future of the shipping industry in the New York and New Jersey harbors.

As the gateway to one of the most concentrated consumer markets in the world, the Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest container terminal on the East Coast and second busiest in the country. From the first pier in 1659 through the establishment of the Port Authority in 1921, the wooden ships and cargo hooks of the past have now been replaced by computers and a landscape of gantry cranes. The tour will showcase container terminals and cargo infrastructure, along with iconic sites like the Lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty.

As our cities globalize and supply chains work to meet our on-demand needs, hear how the Port of New York and New Jersey will continue to serve the region with world-class infrastructure.

Discounted tickets are available for OHNY members. Current members have been sent a code to access discount tickets. Need the code? Email [email protected].

All persons who board the boat, including infants and children, require a ticket. Email [email protected] to purchase discounted tickets for children 12 and under.

Guests must check-in and be on board the boat by 3:20pm. The boat will depart from Pier 16, South Street Seaport, at John Street and the East River, promptly at 3:30pm.

Ticket sales are final. There will be no refunds for bad weather, tardiness, unforeseen route modifications, or any other reason except in the extremely rare instance where the cruise must be cancelled entirely. If you have purchased a ticket but can no longer attend, we can donate your ticket to a community partner.

Additional FAQs are available below.

AIA CES credit (2.5 LU) is available for this program.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No, Circle Line’s policy prohibits outside food and beverages. There is a snack bar with options including hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, and a full bar and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

Does my child need a ticket?

All persons, including children and infants, require a ticket to board the boat. Email [email protected] for information on purchasing discounted ($25) tickets for children 12 and under.

May I bring my pet?

Animals are not permitted on Circle Line boats, except for certified service animals. Service animals in training cannot be accommodated per Circle Line policy.

What happens in inclement weather?

Boat tours are rain or shine. The boat has indoor seating in the event of rain. Bring a poncho or a raincoat—open umbrellas are not allowed on outdoor decks. Except in the very rare instance when the cruise must be cancelled entirely, there will be no refunds for inclement weather.

Can I cancel my ticket?

All ticket sales are final. There will be no refunds for bad weather, tardiness, unforeseen route modifications, or any other reason except in the extremely rare instance where the cruise must be cancelled entirely. If you have purchased a ticket but can no longer attend, we can donate your ticket to a community partner.

Is smoking permitted?

No smoking or vaping is permitted aboard the boat.

Guests utilizing wheelchairs can access the first level of the boat. Other levels are accessible by stairs only. The tour narration will be audible on speakers throughout the boat. Electric wheelchairs/scooters may not be able to board the boat due to the narrow boarding gangway at Pier 16. Please email [email protected] with any questions about accessibility.