AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture

Please Note: Ticket price is per person. Minimum purchase of 2 tickets required for this tour.

Key Points about this Tour:

• 2.75 hours
• Ticket price is per person. Minimum purchase of 2 tickets required for this tour.
  
• Private elegant tables assigned to each booking. Each features cushioned section, a large openable exterior window and plexiglass dividers.
• Offered aboard Manhattan or Manhattan II (1920s inspired yachts)
• Capacity limitations will follow the New York State guidelines
• Fully Circumnavigates the Island of Manhattan.
• Hosted & narrated by a member of the American Institute of Architects
• Indoor climate-controlled seating and outdoor seating available
• One complimentary beer, wine, Champagne or soft drink is offered. Additional beverages are available for purchase.

This cruise is a heavily-narrated tour experience. We recommend it for those seeking an informative, exciting, and content-rich trip. We require guest conversations be kept to a minimum so that narration can be heard by all.

Step aboard the teak decks of our elegant 1920s style yachts, the Manhattan and Manhattan II, and enjoy NYC's architectural landmarks from the water.

The "Around Manhattan" tour narration, provided by members of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) NYC chapter, is general enough for visitors yet detailed enough for the locals.

Aboard the yachts, experience a comfortable and unique tour through the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers from the climate-controlled and enclosed back-deck observatory or wander to the outer decks for fresh air and sunlight with a complimentary beverage in hand. Guests are treated to a complimentary beer, wine or champagne from the bar & or soda, water, tea or coffee. Additional beverages and a full bar are available for purchase.

On this 2.75-hour cruise, you will circumnavigate the island of Manhattan (passing under all 18 bridges) while taking in monuments, architecture, parks and infrastructure.

Highlights, topics and themes of the AIANY tour include:

• Exploration of planning visions for both reclaiming the post-industrial waterfront, as the "6th Borough", and addressing rising sea levels
• Insightful coverage of Manhattan's classic spires, including the Chrysler and Woolworth Buildings, as well as a sharp focus on the new World Trade Center buildings and recent local, national, and international award-winning architects; including buildings by Frank Gehry and other noted international and local architects
• The greater waterfront access allowed by new parks and recreation piers including the ecologically driven features designed by leading landscape architects
• The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the newest waterfront monument: Roosevelt Island's FDR Four Freedoms Park
• NYC's engineering masterpieces: the Brooklyn and George Washington Bridges as well as lesser known "swing bridges" along the Harlem River
• The adaptation of the Highline as an elevated, linear park and its role in the development of West Chelsea and Hudson Yards.
• The story of post WWII urban renewal and public housing along the waterfronts of the Lower East Side and East Harlem.

What Is Not Included?

• Guarantee of a full circumnavigation of Manhattan is not included. On rare occasions, the Spuyten Duyvil train bridge is inoperable and cannot open for us to pass through. This is often times not known until our tour is underway. River closures may also occur for a number of reasons. There are no refunds for tours that cannot fully circumnavigate. We will accommodate such cases with a tour that features a double backing of the route and further detail of the waterfront sites.
• Food is not included. Due to Covid-19, we ask that If you bring food that it is only a simple light snack.

Meeting Location

• Chelsea Piers (Pier 62) - W. 22nd and Hudson River (Manhattan, NY)
• (Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)*

Activity takes place rain or shine, but within reason.

The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability), receive credit for a future event, or receive a refund.

For your security, at check-in, you are required to present a valid photo identification that must be identical to the contact name listed on your booking.

FAQs

Do I have to wear a mask the entire time?

• When in our indoor spaces, masks are required – covering both your nose and mouth, unless you are seated in your assigned zone and you are enjoying food or beverage.  Masks are no longer required on our outdoor spaces.  

What is the air ventilation like?

• All seating areas in the main salons of the Manhattans will have openable windows, A/C with Hepa filters installed and partitions between seating areas.  You are also always welcome to go out to the outer decks.

How much space is between me and the next person?

• This will vary based on attendees. Do note that facial masks are required by each guest in indoor areas, capacity is reduced to reflect the current New York State Guidelines depending on the venue. Private ‘zones’ or private ‘tables’ will be designated and plexiglass patricians are in use between all indoor zones. 

Can we move around the boat? If on the Manhattans, can we go to the outer forward deck?

• Yes. Please just be courteous of others, creating the best case social distancing practices, and of course, always wear your mask when indoors.

How many guests will be on the boat?

• All excursions will be at the State or city mandated capacity.  Capacity is reduced to follow the current New York State Guidelines.

How often is the boat sanitized?

• The boat is sanitized between every sail, including all high-touch points (handrails, doorknobs, chairs, table tops) and bathrooms.

Can I eat on the boat?

• Very light food options will be available on board. For health and safety reasons, if you are bringing your own food, we ask that it be nothing more than a simple light snack.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

• No outside alcohol is permitted, but it is okay to bring personal bottled water or non-alcoholic beverages on any of our excursions.  A complimentary beer, wine, Champagne or soft drink is available on each excursion and additional beverages are available for purchase.

Important Note:

Select departure dates and times have varying themes and routes. Tour themes include the:

• AIANY Climate Change Tour: Resiliency, Sustainable Architecture and the Future of NYC
• AIANY Bridge and Infrastructure Cruise
• AIANY Industrial Waterway Cruise to Freshkills Park