New York City, New York
A rosy morning dawned over Manhattan as the National Geographic Explorer made its way through Hell Gate and into the East River. Everyone was very excited to be entering New York Harbor and looked forward to seeing the city sights from the water. What a different perspective, to come into New York City on a ship after a night at sea. The ship sailed under the Brooklyn Bridge and into the inner harbor. Quickly finishing breakfast, everyone moved out onto the open decks to get a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Next came a cruise up the Hudson River to pass near the Lindblad headquarters office. There, on the top of a building, was the blue flag with the Lindblad eye waving proudly in the wind. We waved hello and turned the ship around to our berth in Brooklyn.
Motor coaches were loaded for a ride through the city to the Explorers Club, which promotes exploration and discovery throughout the world. Guests were treated to cocktails and lunch in the historical club building.
After lunch, the group split up and parted ways. Some went on a motor coach tour of the city with a guide pointing out the famous New York sites along the way. Others chose to go it alone in the big city and visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or went on guided walks through Central Park.
The day was wrapped up at sunset with a rooftop cocktail party at the Lindblad office on Morton Street. Light breeze accompanied the fine wine while we watched the sun set behind Lady Liberty from atop the Big Apple.
