NOT TO BE MISSED

NIGHT CRUISE AND DINNER TOUR OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

by Babbie DeDerian

One of the highlights of New York City’s summer schedule of events, and the best bargain in town, are the June, July and August Thursday Night Cruises from Battery Park to Liberty Island. The $35 price of your ticket ($28 for seniors, $15 for children), includes round trip ferry transportation, on island interpretive programs and a full delicious dinner at the Ellis Café, which can be enjoyed on the lawn looking up at her crown or at a patio table overlooking the greatest city in the world

The 2010 Summer program is collaboration among the National Park Service, Statue Cruises and Evelyn Hill, Inc. The evening tours are being offered on June 10; July 8; July 15; July 22; August 5; August 12; and August 19. There will be 1200 tickets available for each night.

And as an added incentive to support a worthy cause, this summer Lady Liberty’s iconic crown will be doubling as a symbol for woman’s health. Statue Cruises, who operates the boats to both Ellis and Liberty Islands, is raising money for breast cancer education and research by selling exclusive pink foam crowns, modeled after the Statue of Liberty’s crown, for #2.50 each, and donating a portion of each sale to the greater NYC affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure”. Statue Cruises is also proud to be a sponsor of the 20tth Komen NYC Race for the Cure, taking place Sunday, September 12, 2010, to date this affiliate has risen over $50 million, disbursing up to 75%of its net income to local programs offering breast health education, screening and treatment in the five boroughs of New York City. on Long Island and in Westchester and Rockland Counties. For more info visit: Komennyc.org

June 10th

I board the Statue Cruise boat at 6: P.M. on a balmy June evening and settle into a seat on the open upper deck. The ride over to Liberty Island is a refreshing treat; the New York and New Jersey skylines glisten in the late afternoon sun; but as we zip across the Hudson, the most impressive sight is Lady Liberty herself, standing tall and proud as a symbol of hope and freedom.

Once there, I proceed to follow a National Park Ranger around the island on a highly informative and interesting tour that filled me in on many fascinating historical facts about Liberty Island; including its many name changes; and that it was once called Kennedy Island.

I stand at the edge of the river and look over at Ellis Island, reflecting on all the immigrants who had landed in America on these shores, and how they must have felt seeing Lady Liberty for the first time, knowing they were about to begin a new life in this country. I feel privileged and proud to be standing here today.

I have the option of returning to Manhattan on a 7: 30 or an 8::30 Statue Cruise boat and decide to take the later boat in order to sample a variety of dinner selections on the Ellis Café’s impressive and reasonably priced menu. (On daytime cruises tickets cost less and food is an à la carte option).

I pile my plate with a rack of BBQ spareribs, a few slices of brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken, an assortment of fish, corn on the cob and coleslaw. Everything I tasted was zesty and tasty; I watch others munch on gourmet sandwiches and wraps, honey dipped fried chicken and a wide variety of fresh salads. Everyone agrees, the standards and service are quite high.

The boat will depart closer to nine this evening as there are many journalists in our group who are taking pictures of Lady Liberty in the glow of the setting sun. I stand, waiting to board; mesmerized by the colors and path of the setting sun, and the beam of light that shines across the water. When the sun makes its final descent, the light in Liberty’s crown goes on, almost on cue. As we pull away from the dock, I turn to bid a final farewell to a great Lady. It has been a wonderful adventure; a perfect New York June evening, one I highly recommend you experience;

When you go

Plan to arrive at Battery Park to check-in at 5:00 PM; I suggest you spend two hours on Liberty Island, returning on the 8:30 boat. You will have more time to experience the spectacular scenery, and also witness an incredible and memorable sunset.

Tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.statuecruises.com or by calling 877-523-9849.

In the event of inclement weather, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum will substitute as the alternative to the Statue of Liberty National Monument.