Statue of Liberty - How to get to the Crown

We visited New York this past December (2010) that included a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Regretfully, however, we were not able to go up into the Crown of Lady Liberty because I did not know what I am going to share with you here. Read on:

PRE-PLAN, PRE-BOOK YOUR VISIT

Here are firm, "black and white" tips that you should follow for the most value of your time and money:

Visit during morning hours

If you depart after 2:00 p.m., you will only be able to visit the Statue of Liberty OR Ellis Island - NOT BOTH! Seriously, make an early morning commitment and then take your time. This is not an attraction to rush.

Book your tickets online!

If you do not know how to do so, have a friend or family member do this for you. Tickets are sold to Liberty Island in three categories, top to bottom and all include the ferry ride to Liberty Island and to the Ellis Island exhibit:

• Reserve with Crown - Includes access to both Crown and Pedestal
• Reserve with Pedestal - Includes access to Pedestal only, NOT the Crown
• Reserve Ticket - Includes access to island, NOT the statue
• Three Day Flex Ticket - Honestly, forget these. This attraction is ALWAYS crowded thus you want firm, reserved tickets to avoid long waits in long lines. Besides, this ticket does not provide access to the statue.

Book in advance!!!

Tickets for Crown access sell out months in advance and they are NEVER available on site. Also, regardless of what tickets you choose, once the maximum of daily tickets are sold, the ticket windows will close without notice. In summary, don't wait to purchase your tickets on site. Availability is "iffy" and the lines for "non-reserved" ticket holders are horrible.

Get into the correct line

Once you arrive with pre-printed tickets in hand, go to the line for "Reserved" ticket holders. Don't freak if this line appears to go on forever. It moves fast.

Security

I cannot remember being more impressed with the security check process. It was amazingly fast and thorough. Do yourselves a favor - be prepared. Do NOT carry bottles of water as they will not be allowed in. This process is the same as is experienced in airports so act accordingly. You will enter a tent where you will be processed through metal detectors. PLEASE NOTE: To access the Crown, you will repeat a security process on site. Here are their rules:

• Visitors to the Park are required to submit to airport style security screening before boarding vessels. Visitors to the Monument undergo additional security screening.
• All persons and property are subject to search on Liberty Island. All items considered inappropriate or prohibited will be confiscated and retained by the United States Park Police.
• Large bags are not allowed on Liberty or Ellis Islands
• There are no locker facilities at the New York and New Jersey embarkation points.
• There are locker facilities on Liberty Island for Monument visitors.
• Backpacks, strollers and large umbrellas are not permitted in the Monument.
• Food (even unopened) and drinks (including water) are not allowed inside the Statue of Liberty.
• All weapons are prohibited, including: Firearms, explosives or flammables, knives or sharp objects (including tools), pepper spray and mace.

Where to board?

Ferries leave from Liberty State Park in New Jersey and from Battery Park in the southern most point of Manhattan. Since we boarded from Manhattan, we simply took the subway to the Battery Park station and then walked across the park. Parking is non-existent in Manhattan so don't even consider driving. There is parking at the New Jersey boarding point for a fee. Taxi cabs and buses are other options.

Where to book online?

Statue Cruises, LLC is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Their website is very easy to navigate and is located at: http://www.statuecruises.com/ferry-service/welcome.aspx.

Ellis Island - Please take your time

Were you aware that Frank Capra, Bela Lugosi, Irving Berlin, Rudolph Valentino, and Bob Hope were all processed at Ellis Island? Also, were you aware that this attraction has only been open as a tourist attraction since 1990? As you disembark from the ferry, assume the persona of an emigrant as they, too, entered through the same doors as you will. Empathize with their situation and take your time within this facility. The impression you will receive will remain with you always. Admission is included in any of the above tickets.

Email me with questions:

I enjoy helping others to achieve the optimal experience in travel. Please email me with any questions or concerns and I'll be happy to help in whatever way I can. Bon voyage pour visiter la Dame!