NEWSLETTER
A full-day or half-day escape with brunch bites, rosé, live music, and blooming Hudson River views
New York, NY (March 24, 2026) – New Yorkers don’t need a car to shake off winter and embrace spring, just a ticket aboard the City’s iconic Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. Following its 80th anniversary celebration in 2025, Circle Line is continuing the momentum into 2026 with the launch of its Spring Bear Mountain Cruise and Hudson River Spring Cruise, just in time for the start of this year’s sightseeing season on the water.
The eight-hour Spring Bear Mountain Cruise departs from Pier 83 in Midtown Manhattan at 9:00 AM, and travels north along the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park. Along the way, guests will enjoy live narration from Circle Line’s expert guides and see sweeping views of the Palisades, low hillsides of Westchester and the majestic George Washington and Mario Cuomo Bridges, and other iconic riverside landmarks framed by fresh spring greenery.
The new season also coincides with America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. As one of New York’s most enduring attractions, Circle Line is extending its anniversary celebration with special programming, seasonal experiences, and new cruise offerings throughout the year, beginning with these limited-time spring sailings.
“The popularity of our Bear Mountain and Fall Foliage cruises showed us how much people love escaping the city by water,” said Craig Kanarick, CEO of New York Cruise Lines. “As we continue building on our 80-year legacy and look ahead to America 250, we are thrilled to introduce a spring version that lets guests defrost after a long winter, gather with friends and family, and enjoy the Hudson River in a whole new season.”
Onboard, guests can enjoy live music from Divining Rod, the locally based Alt-Country/Rock band, alongside a brunch buffet featuring Chicken and Waffles, French Toast Casserole, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage and Bacon, Breakfast Potatoes, Fresh Berries with Whipped Cream and Nutella, and more. A concessions menu offers grab-and-go favorites including breakfast sandwiches, bagels and pastries, egg bites, pizza, hummus & pita, and fruit cups. At the bar, guests can build their own Bloody Mary, sip mimosas, or toast to spring with Rosé all day.
Docking late morning at Bear Mountain State Park, guests enjoy approximately two hours to hike wooded trails, stroll along or pedal board across the Hessian Lake, explore the Trailside Museums & Zoo, or simply relax before departing at 2:00 PM and returning to Pier 83 at 5:00 PM.
The Spring Bear Mountain Cruise sails Saturdays and Sundays from April 26 through May 25, with departures scheduled for April 26; May 2, 3, 9, 10, 23, and 25. Premier tickets are $129 per person and include advance boarding, exclusive top-level seating in a climate-controlled cabin with cushioned seats, and access to a private bar with unlimited drinks. Standard tickets are $79 per person.
For those seeking a shorter getaway, Circle Line also introduces the 4-hour Hudson River Spring Cruise, operating May 16 and 17, departing at 10:00 AM and returning at 2:00 PM. This half-day sailing offers the same festive onboard experience including live music from Divining Rod, brunch-style food and beverage offerings, expert narration, and sweeping Hudson River views without the Bear Mountain stop. Standard tickets for the Hudson River Spring Cruise are $49 per person.
Both cruises depart from Pier 83 (West 42nd Street). Boarding for the Bear Mountain Spring Cruise begins at 8:00 AM, with departure at 9:00 AM, arrival at Bear Mountain around 11:30–11:45 AM, departure from Bear Mountain at 2:00 PM, and return to Pier 83 at 5:00 PM. The 4-hour Hudson River Spring Cruise departs at 10:00 AM and returns at 2:00 PM.
Tickets are now on sale. For more information or to book, please visit https://www.circleline.
Click HERE for hi-res imagery.
ABOUT CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES
Circle Line, America’s Favorite Boat Ride, is the premier provider of sightseeing boat tours in New York City, offering a one-of-a-kind way to experience the city's world-renowned landmarks from the water. Circle Line has welcomed over 85 million passengers since its founding in 1945, becoming an integral part of the NYC community over the past eight decades. With expertly guided tours, visitors can take in the sights of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and more, from the comfort of its state-of-the-art vessels, which are designed to provide optimal viewing in all weather conditions. With a variety of tour options, including daytime, sunset, and nighttime cruises, there is something for everyone. In addition to its regular sightseeing cruise offerings, Circle Line also offers special seasonal programming throughout the year, including its annual 4th of July cruise, New Year’s Eve cruise, fall Bear Mountain cruises, and more. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.circleline.
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