New York City

I'd booked tickets on the 11am Circle Line cruise around Manhattan, departing from 42nd Street, adjacent to the USS Intrepid. To get there, we thought we'd try the Citi Bike program.

For $9.95 each for 24 hours, you can pick up and drop off a bike at hundreds of locations around the city. You have to drop off the bike within 30 minutes, or pay additional fees. We just kept an eye on the time and then swapped out the bikes. They were comfortable and easy to ride - no helmets, though, and the handle bars were filthy so I think that gloves would be a great idea. 

We loved it - rode across the Brooklyn Bridge, through Manhattan and then up the greenway bike/foot path along the river to the cruise depot. 

I've been keen to take this cruise for a long time but it is a 2.5 hour trip, and time in New York is precious. There's so much to do that you have to prioritise. 

We sailed under 18 bridges and one railway bridge had to open sideways for us to pass by into the Hudson River. 

The commentary was very interesting and entertaining - the 'guide' stood at the gangway at the end of the cruise to accept gratuities. Many professions in the USA are poorly paid and rely on tips to fortify their incomes. 

I enjoyed seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water, and viewing this impressive city from the outside. We had perfect weather - warm, blue skies and calm waters. The tour cost $36 each after an online discount - well worth doing! 

The UN were in town and security were omnipresent. As we sailed by the building we were 'escorted' by the coast guard who were in a 700 horsepower RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and had a SAW (squad automatic weapon - picture a guy standing at the prow with his hands on a machine gun looking very serious) and various other firearms. 

We could have caught a taxi or taken the subway back to the hotel, but had enjoyed the biking so much that we rode back. I doubt that a taxi would have been much faster in the traffic. The ride down 2nd Avenue in the traffic was not as enjoyable as being on a dedicated bike path. The Manhattan Bridge also doesn't have the same majestic view as the Brooklyn Bridge does, the bike path being underneath the cars rather than on top in the sunshine and fresh air. 

We showered and then returned to the city by hotel car. It took one hour to cross the bridge, when it should have been a 7 minute trip! We changed our plans to go uptown and stopped in Wall Street to have a drink at Fraunces Tavern where George Washington farewelled his generals as he retired from the Continental army. 

We had considered staying another night to see and do more, but weekend accommodation is more expensive and there would be long lines at the art galleries and museums so we decided that we'd just come back again!