Classic Harbor Line

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our architectural boat tour. Seeing Manhattan (as well as Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx) by boat gives one a much better perspective on the city's varied architecture and landscape. Our guide was knowledgeable and provided just enough historical and architectural information to be enlightening without overwhelming. The pace was brisk, never a lull. On-board service was excellent. Shortly after departing, we were offered complimentary beer and wine and a bit later, a lovely fruit and cheese service was laid out below deck. The seating was comfortable--we chose to remain outside on deck, although there was ample seating below for those who wished to be out of the sun or wind. Great way to spend an afternoon.

You won't be disappointed.

WELL DONE, KNOWLEDGEABLE GOOD, GOOD FOOD

We really enjoyed the small size of the boat and loved sitting outside with great views. We were lucky to have an almost perfect day with the weather. Champagne was a nice touch and the food spread very nice also. It covered everything, circling completely around Manhattan. The docent was very knowledgeable and interesting. This was the highlight of our trip to New York.

chock full of fascinating information!

The boat trip about New York was exceptionally wonderful. It has stayed with me beyond the physical tour. New York in recent years has been bordered with parks and new buildings. The tour guide, Arthur, was terrific. He was knowledgeable in an interesting manner, and considerate as well. Run, don't walk, to take this tour!

enthusiastic and knowledgeable architect; lovely boat, sumptuous buffet, wonderful trip

AIA NYC has developed a generous, entertaining tour around the island. To truly understand the development and history of the city, you have to see it from the water. The boat was comfortable, the refreshments were excellent and the commentary amazing. Will do it again!

Our weather was perfect (sunny and 72 degrees) so it made the trip very enjoyable. The architect guide was very knowledgeable. The Manhattan boat is very comfortable and we did not feel overcrowded, even with a sold out tour. Viewing from both inside cabin and outside deck are unobstructed. Nice touch with serving of fruit, cheese, crackers and coffee cake. We've been to NYC several times to visit our son, but this was the first time out on the water. The view of Manhattan, Bronx, Governor's Island, etc. was very enjoyable. Very interesting traversing the Harlem River. The length of cruise was perfect. Did not feel rushed. I would not recommend cruise for small children. We did not have any on our trip and I think they would have been bored pretty quickly.

The best experience of my life. I went there with my boyfriend on his birthday and he says it was by far the greatest birthday he ever had during his whole life. It was both our first time being on a boat. The crew was fantastic and super nice. Can't wait to go for another ride!!!

It is strange how years of traipsing around Manhatten (and under it) leave one with fragmentary impressions, and then how they gratifyingly tie together so well from the water. And you can see these vast patterns--how the West has grown into an accessible Parkland, and the East isn't ( and probably won't) get there below Harlem. The varying dates and styles of the bridges are never better displayed. Having a real architect from the city narrate is the right balance between a tour guide reading a script, and a pure academic. Both the AIA and the boat are a class act for a classy city. It is especially a great if you've come back after a few decades, and can see the spectacular buildings put up on the West, and going up on the islands.

Our guide was very knowledgable which made the ride very interesting. We saw a great deal of New York from the water which is different than the usual view. Two of us are from NY and are familiar with most of the sites and the other two are from California, but we all liked it a lot.

Tour was fantastic around the island, however Rob the guide made it worthwhile. His knowledge of the city was thorough and he gave a comprehensive background and description of the buildings that make up NYC.

Recommend following it up with a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, to see where you've been.

Every minute was enjoyable, in spite of a grey, misty day. The guide was first rate--knew everything and talked intelligently the whole way, which was just what I wanted. The trip was a birthday gift for my niece, but it was equally a present for me. I never knew the waterways of NY had so much to offer, and I've lived here for over 40 years!! Proof that you rarely visit what's it your own backyard--or in this case, the water surrounding it.