BEST OF THE BEST: Classic Harbor Line schooners.
When I had visitors a couple of years ago, I decided to take them on a cruise with Classic Harbor tours. I'd seen their schooner "Adirondack" docked in the Battery Park Piers and always wanted to try it out...visitors are great excuses to do the touristy things you've always wanted to do! It was without a doubt one of the MOST fun things I have ever done in NYC and I highly recommend it as a first choice for a non-traditional tourist experience. On the schooner tour, once they raised the sails, it was a thrilling experience...made more so by coming incredibly close to the Statue of Liberty. CHL docks now at Chelsea Piers, and you have a choice of a schooner trip (Adirondack or Imagine-about $44) or a the "luxury yacht"Manhattan (about $85)--which I haven't tried but might be a better choice for seniors (the schooners can get fast AND tippy AND seating can be tight), and if you're afraid you'll be rained out (the yacht has an inside space, of course). Classic Harbor offers specialized tours on the schooners (sunset, city lights)--and the yacht has special themed food-themed tours like brunch or Chelsea Market--on the weekend. Classic Harbor Line receives rave reviews on zerve.com. I can't imagine anyone not liking it--best choice if you do one touristy thing in the city.
