New York is one of the top-rated tourist destinations worldwide, with an average of 62 million people visiting each year. Fondly known as The Big Apple or The City That Never Sleeps, it’s also one of the most recognisable cities. In addition, it has more restaurants, museums and tourist attractions than almost any other metropolis, making it one of the most exciting.
Seven top cruise lines have New York as their home port, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to visit this spectacular city on a cruise. Here are our five reasons why we think you should:
1. The iconic skyline
We’ve all seen it in movies, but experience Manhattan in person, and you’ll be in awe at the imposing skyline of towering buildings that make you feel about two feet tall. The tallest skyscraper in the city, and all of the United States, is the One World Trade Center, standing at an impressive 541m.
The Empire State Building is perhaps the most famous. Completed in 1931, it has a tip that reaches 443.2m. Take a trip to the 102nd floor to admire the stunning views all across New York and to get a genuine appreciation of this city’s epic feats of architecture.
2. The home of Broadway
For those who love the Broadway entertainment onboard, you’re in for a real treat in New York. Head to Times Square and the beating heart of Broadway, where 41 mainstream theatres have accumulated in a blaze of multicoloured neon lights. With a rich and diverse history, Broadway exudes glitz, glamour and the thrill of anticipation of some of the best theatre in the world.
3. The ultimate destination for dining
Dining out in New York is not reserved for special occasions; it’s an everyday occasion. And, with kitchen space so limited in New York apartments, this is hardly a surprise. There are approximately 26,500 restaurants in the city, including some of the world’s best fine dining restaurants and innovative eateries.
With restaurants spanning a range of price points, New Yorkers have access to almost every cuisine imaginable for their daily delight. From Chinatown’s dim sum and shrimp dumplings to Jewish kosher delis and Parisian bistros serving traditional steak frites, the choice is endless.
4. The immensely diverse culture
The American Dream has attracted people to New York from all over the world, creating an incredibly eclectic mix of arts, cuisine, literature and traditions. Millions of immigrants have settled in New York, finding a corner of this city to make their own. Walk between the boroughs to explore Irish, Italian, Asian, Russian, Indian and Latin American districts, each with their own fascinating attributes.
5. A green haven amidst an urban landscape
Surrounded by the monumental skyscrapers is an oasis of calm: Central Park. In such contrast to the buzz of the city, in this vast green space, you can wander around quiet lakes, shrubbery and the tens of thousands of trees. Here, you’ll also discover the bronze sculpture of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Strawberry fields, the living memorial to the late Beatle John Lennon. If you’re visiting later in the year, the park turns into a glorious winter wonderland, where you can skate on the ice rinks or sledge on the freshly laid snow.
There are many, many more reasons to visit New York. It rightly earns its status as an iconic city. Whether you enjoy a stopover here during one of the bookends of your cruise or only have a day or two on your cruise itinerary, we’re sure your visit will be one of the memorable highlights of your holiday.
