Ellis Island

No sightseeing trip to New York City is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886, and Ellis Island opened just six years later, but even in today's modern world, these two monuments provide a powerful reminder of the history of both the city and the country. At Liberty Cruise NYC, our cruises of New York Harbor can help you see both of these important landmarks up close. For many people, these were the first sights they saw upon entering America for the first time, and you can get a great view of them with our Ellis Island cruise.

When Did Ellis Island Officially Open?

Ellis Island officially opened as an immigration port on Jan. 1, 1892, and remained open for 60 years.

How Many People Went Through Ellis Island?

More than 12 million immigrants arrived in New York between 1892 and 1954. They first caught a glimpse of Liberty Enlightening the World, the Statue of Liberty's official name, and knew they had almost made it to their new home. But first, they had to pass through Ellis Island, “the Island of Hope.”

What Famous Immigrants Came Through Ellis Island?

Some famous immigrants who passed through Ellis Island during its more than 60 years of service as an immigrant processing center include Bob Hope, Chef Boyardee, Albert Einstein, Cary Grant, Irving Berlin, Frank Capra, Claudette Colbert, Max Factor, Bela Lugosi, and Maria Von Trapp of The Sound of Music fame, among many others. Today, Ellis Island attractions include the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, which tells the stories of immigrants like these. Descendants of immigrants can also trace their ancestors who arrived there in previous centuries.

What Role Did Ellis Island Play in Immigration?

Not only is the Ellis Island site a vital part of American immigration history, but it also played an important role during World War II as a location for detaining enemy combatants as well as processing returning sick or wounded soldiers. Today, Ellis Island is considered part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, and a Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island cruise is the perfect way to take in both of these attractions.

Who Was the First Immigrant to Arrive at Ellis Island?

The first immigrant to be processed through Ellis Island was an Irish teenager named Annie Moore. She arrived with two brothers and was presented with a $10 gold piece after she was processed.

What Can You Expect From Our Ellis Island Boat Tour in NYC?

With an Ellis Island cruise, you can get an amazing view not only of Ellis Island but the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks, like Governors Island, South Street Seaport, and the Manhattan skyline. To take our Ellis Island tour, NYC visitors begin by boarding one of our boats at the World Financial Terminal. Cruising around Ellis Island in a boat with either two or three decks, visitors can almost hear the voices of generations before who came to the United States seeking a new life. In less than two hours, tourists can experience a taste of what it must have been like for immigrants of the past as their boats moved through the water toward the Statue of Liberty and America.

Liberty Cruise NYC's experienced naval crews are committed to providing an outstanding tour experience for all ages. Our knowledgeable tour guides deliver entertaining and informative tours that you're sure to remember for years to come. And when you book an Ellis Island cruise with us online, you'll get the best price without having to reserve a specific date and time in advance.

Thirsty for more? To see even more of the city, buy an All City Pass for two, three, or five days: Alongside your Ellis Island tour, NYC's other spectacular sights will unfold before you on our double-decker buses. From Brooklyn to the Bronx and beyond, we can help you see it all!