Cruises From New York, New York
Welcome to New York City, your exhilarating gateway to the sea! Cruising from the New York metropolitan area is a unique experience, offering an iconic sail-away past the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. However, the market is served by three distinct cruise terminals, each offering a different balance of convenience and local flavor. The Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT) provides the most direct access to world-class attractions and Broadway for those flying into LaGuardia (LGA) or a quick ride from New York City's core. In contrast, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (BCT) offers incredible skyline views and a more local, neighborhood-focused departure point. Finally, Cape Liberty Cruise Port (CLCP) in Bayonne, NJ, is the ideal choice for travelers prioritizing proximity to Newark Liberty (EWR) airport and easy highway access, particularly for major carriers like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Knowing these differences ensures you choose the port that best fits your travel logistics.
The Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT), centrally located on the West Side, is a hub for major lines like Norwegian, Carnival, Oceania, and Cunard (select sailings). Due to its location, it is the most expensive and congested for parking and transit, but puts you steps from Midtown. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (BCT), often hosting Princess, MSC Cruises, and Cunard's famed Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic voyages, is a scenic outdoor lot departure with a flat daily parking rate of approximately $45.00. The newest facility, the Cape Liberty Cruise Port (CLCP), is the exclusive homeport for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises in the region. It boasts the cheapest and most convenient parking (around $30.00 per day) and the shortest drive from EWR, making it an excellent option for car travelers and those arriving via New Jersey airports.
To enhance your journey, plan to explore the distinct culture surrounding your chosen port. From Manhattan, you can easily walk to the Intrepid Museum, explore Hell's Kitchen for pre-cruise dining, or visit Times Square or Broadway. If sailing from Brooklyn, take time to discover the trendy Red Hook neighborhood with its famous Red Hook Winery, local distilleries, and unique waterfront parks like the Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier. Lastly, a departure from Cape Liberty places you perfectly for a visit to Liberty State Park, offering unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline, ferry access to the Statue of Liberty, and the interactive Liberty Science Center. No matter which terminal you choose, your cruise begins and ends with an unforgettable taste of New York's legendary energy.
Popular Cruises From New York
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Top Cruise Destinations From New York
As a subtropical paradise located in the North Atlantic, Bermuda is the premier short cruise from New York, typically offered as a four- to seven-night itinerary. Cruises to this British overseas territory are popular for its iconic pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters; a tropical feel without a long travel to the Caribbean. Many itineraries include an overnight stay in port at the Royal Naval Dockyard, giving you time to explore the island's unique blend of British culture, visit St. George's, and enjoy world-class golf and scuba diving.
View Bermuda CruisesThis is a very popular seasonal cruise route, particularly from late summer through the autumn when it captures the stunning fall foliage. These northern itineraries explore the American and Canadian maritime culture, with popular port calls including Boston (Massachusetts), Portland and Bar Harbor (Maine), and Halifax and Sydney (Nova Scotia), often continuing up to Quebec City. These trips blend historic cities, charming coastal towns, and natural beauty, offering a great choice for travelers interested in history and the beauty of the changing seasons.
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While the sailings are longer than a trip to Bermuda, the Caribbean remains a top destination, giving New Yorkers direct access to a tropical escape without a flight. These itineraries typically last between seven and twelve nights and head south to warm-weather destinations like the Bahamas, with many including a stop at a cruise line's exclusive private island, or venture further into the Eastern or Southern Caribbean islands. These cruises are ideal for travelers seeking year-round sunshine, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling, duty-free shopping, and a large selection of water-based fun.
View Caribbean & Bahamas CruisesThings To Do And See In New York
This is arguably New York's most iconic sight and a powerful symbol of freedom and American history. Visitors take a ferry to Liberty Island to view the statue up close and can continue to Ellis Island to explore the National Museum of Immigration, which tells the compelling story of the millions of immigrants who passed through its doors. A budget-friendly alternative for great photos is the free Staten Island Ferry, which sails right past the Statue of Liberty.
The dazzling, high-energy epicenter of Manhattan, Times Square is instantly recognizable for its towering digital billboards, neon lights, and perpetual buzz. A visit here is essential for experiencing the city's electric, world-famous spectacle. It is also the gateway to the historic Broadway Theater District, where visitors can catch a world-class performance, making it the top destination for evening entertainment
To truly appreciate the scale of Manhattan, an observation deck visit is a must. The classic choice is the Empire State Building, an Art Deco masterpiece offering 360-degree views from its 86th and 102nd floors. On the other hand, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center is a favorite for many, as it not only provides equally breathtaking vistas but also includes striking views of the Empire State Building itself, along with a fantastic perspective of Central Park.
A massive, 843-acre green oasis nestled in the middle of Manhattan's concrete jungle, Central Park offers a necessary escape from the city's fast pace. It is one of the most visited and filmed urban parks globally. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined paths, rent a rowboat on The Lake, explore famous spots like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, or simply enjoy the vibrant street performers and people-watching.
New York Shore Excursions
Cruises From New York FAQs
Three primary passenger terminals serve the New York cruise market: the Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT), which is on the west side of Manhattan along the Hudson River; the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (BCT) in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn; and the Cape Liberty Cruise Port across the river in Bayonne, New Jersey.
The most essential document for checking in at New York cruise terminals is a valid passport, which is strongly recommended for all passengers and mandatory for many itineraries. All passengers must also present their cruise line's boarding pass. For U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises, a valid passport is still recommended, though alternatives like a U.S. birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID may be accepted. Non-U.S. citizens and those on cruises that begin and end in different ports must have a passport and may also require a visa.
Parking at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal is generally expensive, typically priced at approximately $45 per night of the cruise duration, and is subject to change based on port authority updates and current city taxes.
The most straightforward and least stressful way to get to the cruise terminals from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark is a pre-arranged cruise line or private shuttle service, a taxi, or a ride-sharing service. Public transportation is complicated and often involves multiple transfers, especially with luggage.
You should closely follow the specific check-in time assigned by your cruise line, which helps manage terminal flow. Generally, you can drop off your bags starting around 9:30 AM, and passengers typically begin boarding between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
No, not all terminals accept cash. Official on-site parking at the Manhattan and Cape Liberty terminals requires a credit card payment to speed up the process. However, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal usually accepts both cash and major credit cards. You should always plan to have a credit card handy, regardless of which port you use.
You must complete your check-in and be aboard the ship at least 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you arrive later than this cutoff, you risk being denied boarding and missing your cruise.
The cruise terminals cannot hold your luggage due to strict security rules. You will need to use a private, third-party luggage storage service (there are several companies and apps for this) or use the concierge services at your hotel.
Since hotels are not immediately next to the terminals, your best options depend on your priority. For convenience to the ship, look at hotels in Jersey City or near Newark Liberty Airport (EWR), as many offer affordable "Park and Cruise" packages and shuttle service to the Cape Liberty terminal. If your priority is seeing New York City, look for hotels in the Downtown/Financial District of Manhattan or in nearby Brooklyn for easy access to tourist sites.
The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is conveniently located right in Midtown, close to several major spots. You can walk a few blocks south to Pier 86 to see the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which features a massive aircraft carrier and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. A short taxi or bus ride will take you to the bright lights of Times Square for dining and shopping, or you can catch a show in the world-famous Broadway Theater District.
From the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, you can explore the creative and historic Red Hook neighborhood, known for its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and unique culinary scene, including the famous Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie. For sightseeing, walk to Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier for an incredible, close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. You can also take a short ride to the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park for more waterfront views and recreational areas.
