As far as New York City tourism goes, we're starting to think this whole outer-boroughs-are-the-new-inner-borough thing might be for real, because even one of Manhattan's stodgiest tourist attractions is getting in on the Brooklyn and Queens love.

Circle Line, the iconic green-white-and-red cruise line that has been shuttling visitors on circumnavigations of Manhattan since 1945, is adding two new ships to their fleet this week: Circle Line Brooklyn and Circle Line Queens. The ships will still take the same route—no full circles of Long Island or anything—but the company is acknowledging that visitors are now just as excited about seeing Brooklyn and Queens from the outdoor deck as they are for the Manhattan skyline.

On Saturday, June 20, Circle Line is welcoming the new ships by throwing a block party on the river. Starting at 10:30am, Circle Line will transform Pier 81 (at West 41st street) into a 1940s-style carnival, complete with jugglers, stilt-walkers, a dunk tank, and—most enticing to us—free cruises to the Statue of Liberty.

When they launch a Circle Line Staten Island, then we'll know Manhattan is really in trouble.

Related Stories:
· Circle Line [Official Site]
· Race You To The Top: Statue of Liberty's Crown Tickets Available Saturday [Jaunted]
· The Simple Pleasures of Life: Pedal Boating in Prospect Park [Jaunted]

[Photo: lemoncat1] ]]> BS 2009-06-16T11:57:12-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/2/104516/7525

Hey, how'd you get that funny-shaped frostbite? These hardy souls braved 30-degree weather to participate in Circle Line's "Naked" Polar Bear Cruise on Saturday.

The boat ride raised money for the Wildlife Conservation Society, and Time Out New York reported that most of the baring bears actually kept their clothes off for the entire 60-minute ride. Brrrr! At least their wild ride didn't overlap the snowstorm which is predicted to dump up to a foot of snow today on the tri-state area.

Related Stories:
· We Warned You: Where To See Naked People Around Manhattan This Weekend [Jaunted]
· Hot Recap: Naked Polar Bear Cruise [Time Out NY]
· Nude Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo courtesy of Bryan Darrow] ]]> egw 2009-03-02T11:56:14-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/