A practical day trip from Baccarat Hotel: a Manhattan harbour cruise and Statue of Liberty visit
Yes. From Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York you can do a practical Manhattan harbour cruise and visit the Statue of Liberty in a single day: start at the hotel, have the concierge arrange ferry or tour tickets, allow a full day for the ferry plus Liberty/Ellis Island time, and return to the hotel for dinner at Grand Salon or drinks at The Bar.
In this guide
Overview: what this day trip covers
This itinerary pairs a Manhattan harbour cruise with a Statue of Liberty (and optional Ellis Island) visit. The typical visit begins with a ferry or cruise through New York Harbor and often requires most of the day to see Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York is at 28 West 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan, a convenient starting point for arranging harbour excursions through the hotel's concierge or independent operators.
- Starts from Manhattan (ferry/cruise operator boarding point varies)
- Harbour cruise time plus time on Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Returns to Midtown in the late afternoon or evening
| Activity | Typical time needed |
|---|---|
| Harbour cruise / ferry ride | Varies; part of full‑day itinerary |
| Liberty Island visit | Enough time for walking, museum or pedestal access (plan several hours) |
| Ellis Island (optional) | Allow extra time for the immigration museum |
Before you go: booking and timing
A Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island visit typically takes a full day and begins with a ferry or harbour cruise. Tickets and boarding points vary by operator, and some options combine a narrated harbour cruise with island landings while others only provide a harbor view.
Contact the Baccarat concierge to ask about recommended operators, private charters, or to book public ferry tickets. The hotel’s concierge and tours/ticket assistance are listed among its services.
- Ask concierge to reserve tickets or a private cruise
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance for Liberty Island/Ellis Island when available
- Expect security screening before boarding and allow time for queues
| When to book | Why |
|---|---|
| As early as possible | Popular dates and ticket types (pedestal/crown) can sell out |
| At least a few days ahead | Reduces risk of sold-out ferry times and secures preferred boarding |
| Same day (concierge help) | Concierge may help find available cruise seats or alternatives |
Getting from Baccarat Hotel to the ferry/cruise
Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York provides concierge and chauffeured transport services; ask the concierge for help with timing and the best boarding location for your chosen operator. The hotel's front desk and concierge operate 24 hours and provide tours and ticket assistance.
If you prefer independent travel, plan extra time for Manhattan traffic if you take a car or taxi. Public ferry departures typically leave from Battery Park or other designated piers; boarding points depend on the operator.
- Use the hotel concierge to confirm the boarding pier and departure time
- Allow extra time for road traffic if traveling by car or taxi
- Confirm where the operator requires you to check in (different operators use different piers)
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hotel concierge/chauffeured ride | Concierge can arrange timing and point-to-point car service |
| Taxi or rideshare | Works well but allow time for Midtown traffic |
| Public transit | Possible depending on pier; ask concierge for directions |
On the harbour cruise: what to expect
Harbour cruises vary: some are narrated sightseeing cruises that circle Manhattan and pass the Statue of Liberty, while others include timed ferry service with island landings. Expect basic safety and security checks when boarding.
Bring a portable camera, comfortable shoes for walking on island grounds, and layers—the wind on the water can be cooler than Midtown, especially outside the summer months.
- Narrated cruises show skyline landmarks; confirm whether island landings are included
- Security screening is standard for island landings; plan accordingly
- Food and drink availability depends on the operator—check before you board
| Cruise type | Typical feature |
|---|---|
| Narrated harbor cruise | Scenic loop; views of Statue of Liberty from the boat |
| Ferry with island landings | Allows time on Liberty Island and Ellis Island (if included) |
| Private charter | Customizable schedule; arrange through concierge |
Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
A full visit to Liberty Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum commonly fills several hours. Many guides and operators note that the overall outing usually takes a full day when you include ferry schedules, island time, and return travel.
If you plan to go inside the pedestal or up to the crown, verify ticket type and availability in advance. The concierge can advise on ticket categories and help secure upgrades if available, or recommend alternatives if desired access is sold out.
- Plan several hours for Liberty Island and extra time for Ellis Island museum
- Check ticket type carefully (view-from-boat vs. island access vs. pedestal/crown)
- Bring a photo ID and follow the operator’s security instructions
| Thing to check | Reason |
|---|---|
| Ticket inclusions | Pedestal/crown access requires specific tickets |
| Boarding pier and departure time | Different operators use different piers |
| Return schedule | Plan your afternoon/evening accordingly |
Return to Midtown: dinner and evening options at Baccarat
After the harbour cruise and island visits you can return to the hotel to freshen up. Baccarat Hotel offers Grand Salon for French dining and The Bar for cocktails; both accept reservations and the concierge can book a table on your behalf.
Choose a room or suite to relax in after the day: options at the hotel include Classic Room, Classic Suite, Grand Room (Harcourt), Suite (The Prestige Suite), Room (Atelier), and Suite, 1 Bedroom (Harcourt).
- Grand Salon serves breakfast, lunch, Afternoon Tea and dinner—reservations are recommended
- The Bar opens in the late afternoon and accepts reservations for small parties
- Ask concierge about dry-cleaning or late check-in if your schedule runs late
| Venue | When to reserve |
|---|---|
| Grand Salon | Reserve for dinner after return from the harbor |
| The Bar | Good for an evening cocktail or light bites |
| In-room dining | Available if you prefer to dine in your room or suite |
Practical tips and what to pack
Wear comfortable shoes and layers. The harbour is windy and temperatures can differ from Midtown, especially outside summer months. Security screenings for Liberty Island are standard; avoid packing prohibited items.
Use the hotel’s concierge for ticketing, recommended boarding points, and timing. If your plans include spa access after the trip, Spa de La Mer treatments include access to La Piscine—reservations are recommended.
- Bring a light jacket or windbreaker for the boat
- Pack a small bag that passes through security easily
- Confirm whether food/beverage is allowed on your specific cruise
- If you want to swim after the trip, remember La Piscine hours (7am–9pm) and Spa de La Mer booking requirements
| Comfort item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Layers | Wind on the water; cooler temperatures |
| Camera or phone | Harbour and skyline views |
| Hotel business card or address | Helps taxi drivers and if you need directions back to 28 West 53rd Street |
