Tourists and residents alike can take advantage of the many cruises that depart from New York City, offering easy access to warm weather getaways, family vacations, expeditions, and more. After all, nothing screams adventure like sailing away from the Big Apple with the Statue of Liberty and iconic city skyline in your wake.
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, 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 tourist destination, sailing from Cape Liberty does provide a postcard-perfect look at the Manhattan skyline and its famous neighbor, the Statue of Liberty.
FAQ:
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 pick a vessel with lots of restaurants and lounges, or one that’s more intimate and can visit smaller ports. A variety of cruise lines—including Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Disney, Cunard, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and Viking—sail from New York City. This variety caters to all types of traveler budgets, so 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, there’s something for you.
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 short version of the story is that 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’ve pulled some of the best cruise itineraries that depart from New York City and New Jersey.
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Best overall cruise itinerary from New York
Trade the soaring skyscrapers of New York City for coastal Canada, remote Greenland, and endless Icelandic summer days. This Viking itinerary makes two stops in Canada and two stops in Greenland before circumnavigating Iceland, beginning with the remote Westfjords and ending in Reykjavik. Sail the same seas as legendary Norse explorer Leif Erikkson (on a far more luxurious Viking ship) while learning about the American Revolution and Canadian exploration from the cruise line’s resident historian. Lounge by the pool, visit the spa, or look out for whales and puffins. Viking has several nearly identical ocean ships sailing this itinerary from New York—each can accommodate a maximum of 930 passengers, allowing them to dock in ports larger ships cannot access.
Best family cruise from New York
It’s impossible to get bored on the MSC Meraviglia. See six Broadway-caliber shows over a seven-night cruise, spend sea days at the thermal spa or lounging by the pool, go bowling, play arcade games, try out an F1 simulator, or work out in a state-of-the-art gym—the opportunities are endless. MSC’s Meraviglia sails from New York to Bermuda, Canada, New England, the Bahamas, and Florida and can accommodate up to 5,642 passengers across 2,214 staterooms. Choose among 23 dining venues and 20 bars and lounges, or try to eat your way through all of them.
Best cruise from New York for solo travelers
On most cruise lines, traveling solo means paying up to double the fare for a cabin to yourself, but not on the Norwegian Prima. This ship has a special area set aside for solo travelers with 73 studio suites and a private common area for mingling. Each of the Norwegian Prima’s 95-square-foot studio suites comes with a full-size bed, en suite bathroom, and a vanity table. And while space inside these studios are tight, you’ll likely be so busy go-karting, lounging by the pool, taking in shows, and relaxing in hot tubs, it’s unlikely you’ll find yourself spending much time in the room beyond catching some shut eye. The Norwegian Prima sails to Bermuda and the Caribbean from New York and offers a transatlantic repositioning itinerary.
Best Caribbean luxury cruise from New York
Sample the best of the Caribbean in just 15 days on the Seven Seas Grandeur, one of the most luxurious ships at sea. This Regent Seven Seas cruise visits Bermuda, St. Barts, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba en route to Miami. This cruise line is a favorite among retired travelers, and the Seven Seas Grandeur is the line’s most luxurious ship. There are 746 suites, a spa, a teaching kitchen, a casino, and Broadway-caliber entertainment onboard. Regent Seven Seas’s specialty is all-inclusive luxury, and it means it. Shore excursions, alcohol, specialty restaurants, and laundry are included in cruise fares, which start at around $8,400 for this itinerary.
Best Bermuda cruise from New York
Escape New York City and head straight to the pink beaches and turquoise waters of Bermuda on the Celebrity Silhouette. Spend two full nights in Bermuda and several days at sea—plenty of time to enjoy everything the Silhouette has to offer. Play basketball, go shopping, or spend your time at the casino, pools, or spa. Or eat and drink your way across more than a dozen bars and restaurants, including an interactive Le Petit Chef dining experience. These seven-night roundtrip sailings depart from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, making it especially easy to combine a visit to the Statue of Liberty with your cruise.
Best Mediterranean cruise from New York
In just 16 nights, sail from Manhattan to Spain on the Norwegian Escape, a ship that accommodates just over 4,000 passengers and is sure to offer something for everyone. The Norwegian Escape offers several restaurants and lounges on board as well as Broadway shows, five multistory waterslides, and the largest ropes course at sea. On this Mediterranean sailing in September 2026, the ship stops in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island, the Azores, Madeira, and the UK before exploring multiple ports in Spain including Seville, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Ibiza.
Best adults-only cruise from New York
People may think they’re not cruisers, but Virgin Voyages has a way of changing minds. And soon, you won’t have to fly to Miami or San Juan to try it for yourself. Virgin Voyages is set to begin sailing from New York City in 2025 when it launches its newest ship, Brilliant Lady. The ship will sail roundtrip from New York City to the Bermuda on a five-night itinerary that includes an overnight in the Bermuda and two full sea days—plenty of time to experience just what travelers love so much about Virgin Voyages. Cruise fares include Wi-Fi, food, non-alcoholic beverages, and fitness classes, making it easy to relax and do whatever you want on board. Best of all, cocktails on board can be had for as little as $11, including tip. Good luck finding that in New York.
Best Canadian cruise from New York
Hop on board the Azamara Quest for an unforgettable 12-night journey to Canada. This itinerary makes three stops in New England—Newport, Rhode Island, Boston, and Bar Harbor, Maine, before heading north of the border. Enjoy two of America’s most charming—and difficult to reach—beach towns without the hassle of having to drive yourself there. This itinerary hits several of Canada’s most charming cities including Halifax, Quebec City, and Montreal. This isn’t the newest cruise ship on the ocean, but it is one of the smaller ships out there. Designed to accommodate just over 700 passengers, it never feels crowded. It’s also got a great spa, a stellar team of entertainers, and one of the best kitchens at sea.
Best Eastern Caribbean cruise from New York
You don’t have to brave a transatlantic crossing to sail on the iconic Queen Mary 2. The Cunard ocean liner sails from New York to the Caribbean and back, giving travelers a chance to experience the Queen Mary 2 without leaving the Western Hemisphere. This 14-night itinerary provides travelers with the chance to explore eight Caribbean ports and includes stops in Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts. Spend your first few days on board getting acquainted with the ship, designed to give modern travelers a taste of old-world luxury cruising. And if you like getting dressed up for dinner, you’re going to love the formal dress code come evening. Don’t feel like dressing up? Order room service to dine in your pajamast’s included in your cruise fare.
Best long weekend cruise from New York
Step on board Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas for a long weekend escape to one of Canada’s most underrated destinations: Halifax. In just four nights, you’ll sail from Bayonne, New Jersey— just across the border from New York—to the charming capital of Nova Scotia. Stroll a scenic waterfront. Learn about Canadian immigration and maritime history at world-class museums. Dine on fresh seafood, shop independent boutiques, and take in the views from Peggy’s Cove. It’s a long weekend you won’t soon forget. This itinerary includes two full days at sea, giving you plenty of time for fun on board the mega-ship’s waterslides, sports courts, and dozens of bars and restaurants. To really get in the Canadian spirit, give the ship’s ice rink a whirl—and don’t forget to catch one of the professional shows.
Best Bahamas cruise from New York
The only thing better than setting sail from New York to the Bahamas may be stopping to hang out at a private island along the way. You can do just that on board Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, which sails roundtrip to the Bahamas from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, just outside of New York. This itinerary stops in Orlando, CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas), and Nassau. It includes three full days at sea to enjoy everything this cruise ship has to offer. This action-packed ship is perfect for families and offers plenty to do for everyone. Try surfing on the FlowRider Surf Simulator, check out the ship’s rock-climbing wall, grab your friends for bumper cars—or leave them behind for a day of solitude at the spa. Reconnect over dinner, a show, or a nightcap, and maybe a little stargazing from the ship’s top deck.
This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
