How early do you have to be on the Statue of Liberty cruise?

Security on both islands is managed by the United States Park Police. Prior to boarding a ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, all visitors are required to submit to airport-style security screening. It is recommended that visitors arrive 30 minutes before scheduled reserve time.



People Also Ask

When visiting the Statue of Liberty be prepared for a long day. Queues to the ferry can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. The Statue of Liberty and museum take approximately 90 minutes to see and Ellis Island is another one hour to 90 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

Tour Operator's Hours: First ferry from mainland – 8:30 A.M. Last ferry from mainland – 3:30 P.M. Last Ferry from Liberty Island 5:00 P.M. Last Ferry from Ellis Island 5:15 P.M.

MORE DETAILS

Those with reservations to the crown of the Statue of Liberty are ONLY PERMITTED to carry with them: Camera (camera bags not authorized) Mobile phone. Water (in a clear plastic container)

MORE DETAILS

Visiting Liberty Island is one of the most rewarding experiences of any trip to New York City. However, visitors who wish to enter the pedestal and visit the crown must secure reservations through Statue City Cruises, the ONLY AUTHORIZED ticket seller for Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

MORE DETAILS

Since the first departure is at 8:30 am and security opens at 8:15 am, plan to be there no later than 8:00. Being on the 9:00 am slot means there will be less crowds on the grounds of the Statue of Liberty, the Pedestal and even Ellis Island, and your visit will be much smoother.

MORE DETAILS

Other highlights include seeing the tablet from above, an up-close view of the torch, and being able to feel the thickness of the copper statue. Anyone visiting the crown must be able to walk up at least 162 steps on a confined spiral staircase.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes (1 hour during peak travel season) prior to your scheduled tour time to allow ample time to pick up your tickets and go through the security screening process (airport-style security).

MORE DETAILS

Smart Casual – Jackets and shirts for men, dresses or trouser suits for women. Formal – Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, evening and cocktail dresses for women.

MORE DETAILS

On your way to the Statute of Liberty, the best seating for viewing the Statute of Liberty and Lower Manhattan is the top floor, right side, at the rear of the ferry. Try to sit on the last bench so people are not in your camera lens. It is perfect for photos of Lower Manhattan when traveling to the Statue of Liberty.

MORE DETAILS

Tickets are non-transferable. The names of those in your party must be provided at the time of purchase. Each ticket holder will be required to show photo ID (except minors without ID) matching the name printed on the ticket prior to entering the Statue of Liberty.

MORE DETAILS

Visiting the pedestal is a great addition to your trip to Liberty Island. There are 215 steps or approximately 10 stories to climb to the top of the pedestal. There is an elevator for those who cannot use the stairs. Tickets to the pedestal are limited and can sell out in advance.

MORE DETAILS

As a tour guide, a question I hear a lot is: “Is it worth it to see Ellis Island?” For those who have no familial connection or relation to the people who passed through, its importance and influence can often be overlooked. Which is why I am here to tell you that it is absolutely, 100% worth it.

MORE DETAILS

STATEN ISLAND FERRY This free commuter ferry travels very close to the Statue of Liberty. You will want to have your camera out and ready to go, as the ferry passes Lady Liberty at a fairly fast speed. Still, without a doubt, this is the best view of the Statue of Liberty you can get for free.

MORE DETAILS

BATTERY AND LOWER MANHATTAN: To see the Statue of Liberty without getting on a boat, just head to the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, an area known as the Battery (subway to South Ferry or Bowling Green).

MORE DETAILS

It's also worth noting that while the statue is visible from boats going in both directions, it is much closer to the route taken by ferries going to Staten Island. Riding the Staten Island Ferry is the best way to see the Statue of Liberty.

MORE DETAILS

Most cruise lines permit wearing clean, nice jeans in the main dining room and specialty restaurant on “casual” and “smart casual” evenings. On cruise lines where there is a formal night, jeans are not permitted in the main dining room. However, you can always eat in the casual restaurants and the buffet.

MORE DETAILS

At night for dinner guests can go for casual or smart casual clothes at most of the restaurants. Although for specialty restaurants in cruise ships a formal dress code is suggested. The cruise line does not have any kind of formal nights but 'Norwegian's night out' can be considered as the formal night.

MORE DETAILS

Water fountains are located in the lobby of the Statue of Liberty near the restrooms. Speaking of restrooms, the lobby facilities are the only ones located inside as well. So plan accordingly before you climb!

MORE DETAILS

HOW DO I GET TICKETS FOR THE CROWN OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY? Crown reservations must be purchased in advance through the 'Book Now' link. Same-day crown tickets are not available, and we do not keep a waitlist.

MORE DETAILS

BEST VIEW: Hands down, the best view on land is from atop One World Observatory. Located in the southern most part of Manhattan, it's the closest observation deck to the Statue of Liberty, giving you the most intimate view possible from land.

MORE DETAILS

Book your tickets for Lady Liberty's crown well in advance. For those who want to view Manhattan from the inside of the iconic crown, I can tell you it's a fantastic way to experience the statue and see New York Harbor.

MORE DETAILS

Just take your time and do not feel rushed. It is a steep and narrow staircase so use caution and hold on to the handrails. Plan to spend 4 - 5 hours with the security, ferry, the climb plus extra time for walking all around the outside of the statue. Also, don't miss the Statue of Liberty Museum right by the statue.

MORE DETAILS

Visitors climb 354 steps to reach the crown and 192 steps in order to reach the top of the pedestal. There are 25 windows in the crown which symbolize 25 gemstones found on the earth. The seven rays of the Statue's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world.

MORE DETAILS