We’ve all adapted the best we can to the “new normal.” And as someone who loves to run around the city and Westchester with my kids, it’s been quite an adjustment to slow down.
During this adjustment, many attractions have pivoted to offer safe ways to still experience the best of NYC with socially distancing measures and safety precautions.
One such experience is Statue Cruises, the official operator service to both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ, offers timed and contactless ticketing as well as social distancing measures.
We opted for the Liberty State Park route since there is ample parking there and picked an early morning time (they have daily departures from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM everyday). After we walking through a security screening (much like that of an airport), we made our way on the boat, taking pictures of Lower Manhattan and eventually sitting on the Upper Level. When we traveled at 10:40am, the boat was pretty empty (there was only two other people were on the upper deck). Everyone –the crew and guests–wore masks and advised to socially distance during the ride from Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration to the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Additionally, the boat has cleaning protocols in place, including deep cleanings of vessels throughout the day to make sure help keep guests safe on their journey.
The kids were overjoyed as we docked and quickly made our way to the pedestal of the statue. We walked around the base, soaking in the massive size of the structure and took pictures of lower Manhattan and the statue along the way. There wasn’t that many people there at that time and everyone was maintaining social distance and wearing masks.
We then made our way to the museum to learn more about the history of the Statue, which was really interesting and a new attraction (for us).
The on-site store and restaurant were also open, and they have sitting outside if you bring your own food.
Socially distanced and educational, it was awesome to experience this historic monument and break up some of the pandemic fatigue in a safe way.
Tickets currently don’t include access to the pedestal and crown. Get your timed and contactless ticketing at statuecruises.com.
