Best US Ports of Departure - New York, New York
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Let's Cruise From New York
New York was first settled by Europeans at the beginning of the seventeenth century, when a Dutch outpost called New Amsterdam was established to process beaver pelts. In 1664 the English took control of the area and renamed it New York. Friction between the British government and the colonies (No Taxation Without Representation!) came to a head leading to the Revolutionary War of 1775-1783. For most of the war New York was under the control of the British, and was utilized as a military base. At the end of the war George Washington triumphantly entered the city when the English left. For nearly seven years after the war, New York served as the USA's capital, until that role was transferred to Philadelphia.
The nineteenth century saw the continual growth of the city's size. Arrivals from Europe increased significantly in the 1850s, as a result of the Irish Famine. In spite of the setbacks of the Great Depression, and WWII, New York continued to grow throughout the 20th century turning into a world center for industry, marketing and trade. A highpoint of this century was the building boom which heralded the emergence of Manhattan's fabulous skyscraper skyline.
Right through the years of expansion of New York its docks dotted around the Hudson Bay have been central to the city's success. As well as the export and import of goods, passenger transport has from the beginning also been significant at the docks of New York. In the 19th century, Castle Garden was created as the first US immigration center, before being replaced in 1892 by Ellis Island. At the beginning of the twentieth century, passengers did not land at Ellis Island rather at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan Island, from where they were ferried across to the immigration center. In the 1930s the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal was built to dock bigger ships. But passenger volumes dropped rapidly after the start of commercial air flights.
The cruise industry enjoyed a rebirth when the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal reinvented itself as the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in the 1970s. Demand for cruise vacations rose and two more cruise ports opened for business in the Hudson Bay. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook opened 2004 and Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonnne, opened in 2005.
The nineteenth century saw the continual growth of the city's size. Arrivals from Europe increased significantly in the 1850s, as a result of the Irish Famine. In spite of the setbacks of the Great Depression, and WWII, New York continued to grow throughout the 20th century turning into a world center for industry, marketing and trade. A highpoint of this century was the building boom which heralded the emergence of Manhattan's fabulous skyscraper skyline.
Right through the years of expansion of New York its docks dotted around the Hudson Bay have been central to the city's success. As well as the export and import of goods, passenger transport has from the beginning also been significant at the docks of New York. In the 19th century, Castle Garden was created as the first US immigration center, before being replaced in 1892 by Ellis Island. At the beginning of the twentieth century, passengers did not land at Ellis Island rather at Chelsea Piers on Manhattan Island, from where they were ferried across to the immigration center. In the 1930s the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal was built to dock bigger ships. But passenger volumes dropped rapidly after the start of commercial air flights.
The cruise industry enjoyed a rebirth when the New York City Passenger Ship Terminal reinvented itself as the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in the 1970s. Demand for cruise vacations rose and two more cruise ports opened for business in the Hudson Bay. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook opened 2004 and Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in Bayonnne, opened in 2005.
Things To Do Near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal
Empire State BuildingThe Empire State Building Observatory with its spectacular views of the city is one of New York's main attractions. Take the escalator to the Observatory and wander around the airy promenade, 1050ft above the city's noisy streets. It is a 30 minute walk from the cruise terminal.
Central Park
Make a visit to Central Park, a huge green area in the center of skyscraper Manhattan. The best points include Belvedere Castle, the Botanical Gardens, the Zoo, the Behesda fountain and the Great Lawn.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
This famous museum, founded in 1870, showcases a vast number of artworks from around the world. Make sure you see Van Gogh's Wheat Field with Cypresses, the medieval tapestry The Unicorn in Captivity, Vermeer's Young Woman with a Water Pitcher and Rembrandt's Aristotle with a Bust of Homer. The museum is situated to the side of Central Park between East 81st and 82nd streets.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The Museum of Moder Art is well known for its wide collection of modern art. Make time for Van Gogh's The Olive Tree, Gauguin's The Moon And The Earth, Klimt's HopeII, Picasso's The Dreamer, Rousseau's The Sleeping Gypsy and Dali's Crucifixion.
Things To Do Near the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
Constructed in 1883 Brooklyn Bridge which spans the East River is Brooklyn's most well-known sight. There is a pathway along the bridge, which can be reached at Tillary/Adams streets or by a staircase on Prospect St. As you stride along Brooklyn bridge you are treated to fantastic vistas of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Upper NY Harborwith the Statue of Liberty.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden grew from an ash tip in the later years of 1800s, when the New York City administration allocated 39 acres for a green park. Wander around the Bonsai Museum, the Tropical Pavilion, the Desert Pavilion and the Aquatic House. Also in the garden are a garden shop, a gift shop and a café.
Brooklyn Heights
The promenade suspended above the Brooklyn-Queens expressway is a favourite venue for locals, offering wonderful vistas of Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Nearby you can visit eclectic stores, art galleries, restaurants, period homes and bars.
Brooklyn Museum
Opened in 1897, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the US. Its famed galleries display European art, ancient Egyptian artefacts, antiques, furniture, American art and Asian artworks.
Things To Do Near the Bayonne Cruise Terminal
Liberty State ParkThe waterfront area that is now attractive Liberty State Park has its origins as a busy commercial hub. The old Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), central to New Jersey's transportation history, is located towards the northern end of the park. A 2 mile promenade, Liberty Walk gives visitors a panoramic view of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. A year-round ferry service is available from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable icons of the United States and New York. Designed in Paris by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, with help from Gustave Eiffel, this wonderful monument to freedom was a gift from the French to celebrate the centenary of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets to the pedestal area can be reserved or purchased at the statue. Tickets to the stairway and crown have to be booked, as access is limited to just 240 people per day.
Ellis Island
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is among the United States' most popular historic places and narrates the intriguing stories of the 20 million immigrants who came to the United States through Ellis Island. The museum's self-guided displays present the role of Ellis Island in immigration and include personal items, photographs, archive videos, interactive displays, passenger manifests and oral histories.
Liberty Science Center
The Liberty Science Center first opened in 1993, and has much to fascinate the visitor. The museum's galleries take in Communication, Explore, Eat and be Eaten, Skyscraper, Our Hudson Home and Infection Connection. The museum also contains the biggest IMAX in the United States. Liberty Science Center is sited to the side of Liberty State Park.
Recommended Cruises
Popular all year long cruises include the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Here you'll escape the chilly New York winter, as you voyage into warm weather.
In summer, sailings to Bermuda often stay 2 days, so passengers can enjoy the brilliant nightlife. Also on offer in summer are northward-bound cruises along the eastern seaboard of New England and Nova Scotia, stopping at historic and charming ports. An alternative possibility during summer and fall is the historic transatlantic crossing to Europe.
For a complete listing of cruises see cruises from New York.
In summer, sailings to Bermuda often stay 2 days, so passengers can enjoy the brilliant nightlife. Also on offer in summer are northward-bound cruises along the eastern seaboard of New England and Nova Scotia, stopping at historic and charming ports. An alternative possibility during summer and fall is the historic transatlantic crossing to Europe.
For a complete listing of cruises see cruises from New York.
Manhattan Cruise Terminal
The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is located between West 44th and West 52nd West 44th through 52nd streets on the west side of Manhattan Island. The cruise port has three docks, piers 88, 90 and 92. A terminal building sits atop each pier. The services at the terminal include check-in areas, customs and immigration, newsstands, rest rooms, snackbars, seating areas and VIP areas. Each of the cruise terminal buildings have a car parking area above. Piers 88, 90 and 92 offer a total of 5 cruise ship docks. The terminal is primarily used by Holland America, NCL and Carnival ships.
For the Port Authority website see NY Cruise.
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
Located opposite Governors Island in Red Hook, the Brooklyn cruise terminal is a purpose-built facility by pier 12. On account of its history as a goods port, the terminal has a utilitarian vibe. The terminal has food vending machines, restrooms, immigration, check-in and customs. Nearby to the terminal is parking area with a capacity of 500 cars. There is one berth at pier 12. Cunard and Princess Cruises ships berth at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
Bayonne Cruise Terminal
Map of New York Cruise Ports
Transport to the Cruise Ports
Manhattan
By Air
The closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise terminal are Newark International, La Guardia and John F. Kennedy. LaGuardia is closest, at a distance of 7 miles. Taxis are readily available at each airport. Some cruise lines arrange a shuttle coach.
By Car
Entrance to the cruise terminal is from the north at the intersection of 55th Street and 12th Avenue. Parking is available on top of each of the three cruise terminals.
From North/Yonkers
Go south on the Route 9A, leave rightwards at 55th Street.
From East/Jersey City
Travel through the Holland Tunnel, follow the directions for Highway 9A. On reaching the shoreline turn right onto 9A. Carry on for 1 mile then take the sliproad signed Ship Terminal.
From West/Long Island
From the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, head west via 34th Street to reach 12th Avenue. Make a right and carry on north to the cruise ship terminal.
By Train
Penn Station and Grand Central Station are the closest stations from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Cabs are available at either. Another option is to take the subway to Columbus Circle, and walk onwards to the cruise terminal.
Brooklyn
By Air
Newark Liberty, JFK and LaGuardia airports are all about 12 miles from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Cabs are available from each airport. Often cruise lines arrange a bus.
By Car
Cars enter the terminal at the junction of Imlay Street and Bowne Street.
From the North/Manhattan
Drive through the Battery Tunnel, I478 south into Brooklyn. Take first exit in Brooklyn Exit 26, Hamilton Avenue. Make a U-turn at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and 9th Street, then continue along westbound Hamilton Avenue. Turn leftwards at Van Brunt Street, and after 2 blocks, turn right onto Bowne Street to reach the cruise terminal.
From the South/Elizabeth
Cross the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Continue on Interstate 278 in the direction of Brooklyn. Exit at Exit 26. Continue along Hamilton Ave to its end, make a left turn on Van Brunt and travel 200 yards to make a right onto Bowne Street to enter the terminal.
By Train
Penn Station and Grand Central Station are the nearest train stations from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Cabs are easy to catch at both.
Bayonne
By Air
Newark Liberty Airport is the nearest airport for Bayonne terminal at about 5 miles away. John F. Kennedy and La Guardia are both about 25 miles in distance. Taxicabs are readily available at each airport. Most cruise lines arrange a shuttle bus.
By Car
From NJ Turnpike (North/East)
Exit the NJ Turnpike, I78, at Exit 14A. Join the 440 South. Continue for a mile, then turn left into Cape Liberty Terminal Boulevard
From Staten Island Expy (South/West)
Turn onto Dr Martin Luther King Jr Expressway heading north. Drive across Bayonne Bridge and continue on 440. Turn right into into Cape Liberty Terminal Blvd
By Train
The nearest station is the HBLR station at 34th street. Catch a cab from there. Note that no public transportation goes to the terminal itself, and pedestrians have restricted access to the port.
By Air
The closest airports to the Manhattan Cruise terminal are Newark International, La Guardia and John F. Kennedy. LaGuardia is closest, at a distance of 7 miles. Taxis are readily available at each airport. Some cruise lines arrange a shuttle coach.
By Car
Entrance to the cruise terminal is from the north at the intersection of 55th Street and 12th Avenue. Parking is available on top of each of the three cruise terminals.
From North/Yonkers
Go south on the Route 9A, leave rightwards at 55th Street.
From East/Jersey City
Travel through the Holland Tunnel, follow the directions for Highway 9A. On reaching the shoreline turn right onto 9A. Carry on for 1 mile then take the sliproad signed Ship Terminal.
From West/Long Island
From the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, head west via 34th Street to reach 12th Avenue. Make a right and carry on north to the cruise ship terminal.
By Train
Penn Station and Grand Central Station are the closest stations from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Cabs are available at either. Another option is to take the subway to Columbus Circle, and walk onwards to the cruise terminal.
Brooklyn
By Air
Newark Liberty, JFK and LaGuardia airports are all about 12 miles from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Cabs are available from each airport. Often cruise lines arrange a bus.
By Car
Cars enter the terminal at the junction of Imlay Street and Bowne Street.
From the North/Manhattan
Drive through the Battery Tunnel, I478 south into Brooklyn. Take first exit in Brooklyn Exit 26, Hamilton Avenue. Make a U-turn at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and 9th Street, then continue along westbound Hamilton Avenue. Turn leftwards at Van Brunt Street, and after 2 blocks, turn right onto Bowne Street to reach the cruise terminal.
From the South/Elizabeth
Cross the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Continue on Interstate 278 in the direction of Brooklyn. Exit at Exit 26. Continue along Hamilton Ave to its end, make a left turn on Van Brunt and travel 200 yards to make a right onto Bowne Street to enter the terminal.
By Train
Penn Station and Grand Central Station are the nearest train stations from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Cabs are easy to catch at both.
Bayonne
By Air
Newark Liberty Airport is the nearest airport for Bayonne terminal at about 5 miles away. John F. Kennedy and La Guardia are both about 25 miles in distance. Taxicabs are readily available at each airport. Most cruise lines arrange a shuttle bus.
By Car
From NJ Turnpike (North/East)
Exit the NJ Turnpike, I78, at Exit 14A. Join the 440 South. Continue for a mile, then turn left into Cape Liberty Terminal Boulevard
From Staten Island Expy (South/West)
Turn onto Dr Martin Luther King Jr Expressway heading north. Drive across Bayonne Bridge and continue on 440. Turn right into into Cape Liberty Terminal Blvd
By Train
The nearest station is the HBLR station at 34th street. Catch a cab from there. Note that no public transportation goes to the terminal itself, and pedestrians have restricted access to the port.
New York Tour Guides
New York Cruise Photos
New York Cruise Port News
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