The girls had only been in New York City for a few days and, for four of them, it was the first time. Yet here they were, striking a pose tens of millions of hardened New Yorkers would recognize from their own daily hustle: Hanging on to a metal pole with one hand, packed elbow to elbow, trying not to step on their neighbors as the steel-and-aluminum carriage they were in swayed violently to and fro.

Such was the scene Tuesday afternoon as the 51 beauties of the Miss USA pageant balanced themselves in high heels on a bumpy cruise up the Hudson river aboard a CitySightseeing New York Cruises trawler. The sightseeing trip -- off the West side of Manhattan and, as the tour guide kept reminding Miss New Jersey, the eastern shore of her home state -- was equal parts publicity junket and charity event: People were invited to make a $100 donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for the privilege of hanging out in a boat full of beauty queens.

Following a red carpet, a staged publicity shot on the ship's aft staircase, and a quick buffet -- beauty queens, contrary to popular stereotype, do eat -- the young ladies of Miss USA mingled with their fans, talked to the media, and posed for a fusillade of photographers.

Among the afternoon's scenes: Miss USA candidates posing for iconic shots with Lady Liberty, talking about their accomplishments with the media, and displaying hidden talents (for example, Miss Oklahoma, Lauren Lundeen, can touch her nose with her tongue.)

Click 'Start' to see a slideshow of the gracious, lovely ladies of Miss USA or click here to see the pictures in a larger, hi-def format.

Several Miss USA contestants attempt to balance themselves while on a rocky cruise of the Hudson river

Miss South Dakota, Taylor Neisen, takes a bite during a buffet service at the beginning of the tour

Several Miss USA candidates sit and enjoy refreshments during a river tour of New York City

Miss Hawaii, Brandie Cazimero, takes a picture with her cameraphone

Several Miss USA candidates pose for a picture at the cruise ship's stern

Miss Florida, Karina Brez, arranges a novelty shot with a photographer

Several Miss USA contestants pose for an iconic photo in front of the Statue of Liberty

Miss Texas, Brittany Booker, takes a chance at a solo shot with Lady Liberty

Miss Oklahoma, Lauren Lundeen, shows off a special talent: she can touch her nose with her tongue

Miss Arizona, Erika Frantzve, talks with other Miss USA candidates aboard the river tour of New York City

Miss Maryland, Nana Meriwether, poses for the camera aboard the river tour of New York City

Miss Montana, Autumn Muller, takes the luxury of a quiet moment by herself during a river tour of New York City

Miss New Jersey, Michelle Leonardo, signs a memento for an admirer aboard the river tour of New York City