There’s nothing quite like hopping on one of the many cruises from New York City, leaving the Statue of Liberty and iconic skyline behind for an adventure you’ll never forget after wandering some of the most famous streets in the world. Plus, New York is home to the oldest cruise terminal in the United States. Nowadays, there are two hubs, one in Manhattan and another in Brooklyn. An additional cruise terminal, in Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, also serves the area.
The Manhattan cruise terminal is located on the edge of Midtown, making it easy to spend port days or pre-cruise time exploring Times Square, Central Park, or the Theater District. The Empire State Building and iconic department stores including Macy’s Herald Square are also within walking distance of the Manhattan cruise port.
The Brooklyn cruise port is a 15-minute drive from Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers some of the best views of downtown Manhattan. If you're looking to stretch your legs, the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan offers just over a mile of picturesque city viewpoints.
While Bayonne, New Jersey may not be a huge destination, sailing from Cape Liberty does provide a postcard-perfect look at the Manhattan skyline and its famous neighbor, the Statue of Liberty.
Which cruise lines sail out of New York?
Both large cruise ships and a few smaller ships cruise from New York, giving you the option to choose a vessel with lots of restaurants and lounges, or one that’s cozier with fewer dining options. A variety of cruise lines—including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC, Holland America, Disney, Cunard, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and Viking—sail from New York City. The variety caters to all types of travelers, whether you're looking to cruise from New York for as little as a few hundred dollars or drop thousands on a bucket list vacation.
Where do cruises go from New York?
Cruises from New York sail to Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Europe, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and beyond. Several world cruises also stop in New York.
The moral of the story is whether it’s a short island escape or the unforgettable journey of a lifetime you’re after, a cruise from New York will result in PTO well spent. Ahead, we pulled some of your best options for cruising from New York City.
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Best short cruise from New York
If you've only got a few days, consider Bermuda. Several cruise lines including Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer four- and five-night cruises from New York to Bermuda. It does take a full day to cruise between New York to Bermuda, but there are few more relaxing ways to start or end a cruise than with a laid-back sea day. Choose a four-night cruise if you’re short on time or a five-night cruise for a little more time to explore Bermuda’s pink sand beaches.
Best long cruise from New York
The only thing better than cruising out of New York may be cruising back into the Big Apple after an adventure of a lifetime. Oceania’s 51-night Epic Northern Hemisphere Cruise, scheduled for the summer of 2024, will certainly check the box. The cruise stops in classic American summer vacation spots like Bar Harbor in Maine and Newport before heading to Greenland, Iceland, and several ports in continental Europe. Spend port days exploring cities including Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin, and Belfast before making your way back to New York City. The Insignia, which is scheduled to sail this itinerary, accommodates just under 700 passengers. Onboard facilities include shuffleboard, putting greens, a fitness center, a spa, and a salon.
Best family cruise from New York
Cruise from New York to Bermuda and back on a four- to six-night sailing on board the Disney Dream. One of the larger ships in Disney’s fleet, the Dream is sure to keep your kids occupied with mini golf, water features, and sports courts galore. There’s also a live performance theater and a movie theater on board. The Disney Dream can accommodate a maximum of 4,000 passengers in its 1,250 staterooms. The ship is inspired by 1930s passenger ships and features a black hull and twin red chimneys. Tinier details include a statue in the lobby that celebrates the one and only Donald Duck.
Best fall foliage cruise from New York
There are few better ways to experience fall foliage than cruising along the Eastern seaboard in the fall. Seabourn offers a 12-day fall foliage cruise from New York, which stops at ports in Rhode, Island, Maine, and Quebec. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before ending in Montreal. This cruise departs New York on the day of embarkation, so you may want to arrive a couple of days early to explore the city ahead of your cruise.
Best transatlantic cruise from New York
When it comes to transatlantic sailings, Cunard sets the standard. The legendary Queen Mary II sails between Brooklyn and Southampton in southern England—and you can even bring your pup on board. The Queen Mary II is equipped with kennel space, though you’ll want to book in advance as it’s limited. You’ll also want to pack a jacket and ties or evening dresses as some facilities onboard require formal attire. Prepare yourself for lots of sea days and some potentially rough waters; each of Cunard’s transatlantic crossings requires a minimum of six sea days.
Best Northern European cruise from New York
For an unforgettable adventure through Canada, Greenland, and Iceland, check out Regent Seven Seas, which cruises from Manhattan to Northern Europe over 18 nights. This cruise from New York stops at summer hotspots Martha's Vineyard before continuing to Saint John and Halifax in Canada en route to Greenland and Iceland. This cruise makes three stops in Greenland and two stops in Iceland. The journey requires just three sea days, the first of which is likely to be a welcome rest day after several days in port.
Best Mediterranean cruise From New York
In just 16 nights, sail from Manhattan to Bermuda, Portugal, Spain, the south of France, and Italy on the Norwegian Breakaway, a ship that accommodates just over 4,000 passengers and is sure to offer something for everyone. The Norwegian Breakaway offers several restaurants and lounges on board as well as Broadway shows, five multistory waterslides, and the largest ropes course at sea. On its Mediterranean sailing, the Norwegian Breakaway stops in Lisbon, Malaga, Barcelona, Cannes, and Rome.