Just as exciting is the 1 ½ hour cruise up the Hudson River,
a landmark named after the famed Dutch explorer, Henry Hudson. The ship,
operated by the New York Waterway, is a modern, air-conditioned vessel that
offers landlubbers many amenities such as a snack bar and the choice of viewing
the sights in an open-air, top deck or in an enclosed, lower deck.
Don’t forget to bring your camera or camcorder, as the sights on the shores
of New York (eastern) and New
Jersey (western) are not to be missed. It is truly an
unforgettable experience to climb aboard this ship on the bustling pier at 38th
Street, then watch the chaos of Manhattan
and its skyscrapers float by as if in a dream.
Highlights of the cruise include the George
Washington Bridge
in upper Manhattan, as well as the
Cloisters--a reproduction of a medieval monastery operated by the Metropolitan
Museum of Art. Further north are the graffiti-riddled tenements of the South
Bronx, which provide a fascinating contrast to these elegant
landmarks. Next, passengers view the Palisades--towering,
Ice-Age old cliffs on the western shores of New Jersey.
At last, passengers observe the fertile landscape of the Hudson
Valley and, of course, the Sleepy
Hollow of legend. After disembarking around noon,
visitors are whisked by shuttle vans to Kykuit to start the land portion of
their trip.
Practical Information
Preparation and knowledge is the key to enjoying this daytrip. Here are some
suggestions:
Get plenty of rest—this is a
71/2 hour excursion.
Wear comfortable walking
shoes
In warmer months, bring a
hat, suntan lotion and sunglasses
Pack extra water and snacks,
as prices can be steep
In cooler months, wear an
extra layer to combat the river breeze
Reserve ahead—this particular
cruise is quite popular
Not all parts of Kykuit and
Philipsburg manor are wheelchair accessible—call ahead for details