New Ship Joins Circle Line Fleet

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Passengers cued up for a boat ride around Manhattan will not have to sweat it out on Circle Line anymore, now that the historic sightseeing line introduced its first vessel with air conditioning Wednesday. NY1's Travel reporter Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

For the first time in its 63 years, Circle Line sightseeing is introducing a brand-new boat. The 165-foot Manhattan was christened in a patriotic naming ceremony by godmother, and New York native, Whoopi Goldberg.

"For all of my youth, Circle Line meant that summertime was here," said Goldberg.

The seven other ships in the fleet are all reconfigured Coast Guard and Navy vessels.

The Manhattan cost $5 million to build from scratch and offers some new amenities.

"Much wider, usable space, modern conveniences of air conditioning, handicapped lavatories, and beautiful windows to see skyline better," said Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Maher of the ship's features.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said the new boat is a boon for tourism in tough times.

"Tourism created and sustained 370,000 jobs, with a lot of people put to work by things like the Circle Line," Quinn said.

The Manhattan will be primarily sailing the two and three-hour cruises around its namesake island, as well as the 75-minute cruise to the Statue of Liberty.

With the arrival of two more new Circle Line boats this spring, New York residents and visitors alike will be guaranteed a front-row seat to New York's ever changing skyline for years to come.