The combined Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is the 3rd largest in the US, with cruise terminals that sit across two boroughs and into of New Jersey. This can be challenging to navigate; so consider the following tips for your next cruise vacation.
Manhattan Terminal
Located on the Hudson River on the West Side, Manhattan Terminal is the oldest of the cruise terminals in the area. It can dock five ships at the same time, which can lead to traffic jams on the inbound roads.
Cruise lines served: NCL, Holland America, Carnival
Arriving by personal vehicle: 55th Street entrance; parking lots available on the rooftops of pier buildings; approx. $40/day in advance
Arriving by air: Newark International (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) are 15 miles away, and JFK is 20 miles from port
Recommendations: taxi service; you can be dropped at the terminal’s lower level and easily ride the escalator/elevator to the embarkation levels
Points of interest nearby: Central Park is 7 blocks from the terminal
Brooklyn Terminal
This terminal in Red Hook is inconvenient for public transportation, and can only dock one cruise ship at a time.
Cruise Lines served: Cunard, Princess
Arriving by personal vehicle: Exit 26 (Hamilton Ave) to Browne Street; 500-space outdoor lot parking; approximately $20/day in advance
Arriving by air: Newark International (EWR) is 16 miles from port; LaGuardia (LGA) is 12 miles away; JFK is 20 miles
Recommendations: either taxi service or cruise line shuttle (from the airport) due to the difficulties of driving to this terminal
Points of interest nearby: repurposed and rehabilitated (former industrial buildings), the Van Brunt Street area has good restaurants and shops
Cape Liberty Cruise Port (in Jersey)
Recent investments have greatly improved the accessibility and convenience of Cape Liberty cruise terminal.
Cruise lines served: RCL, Celebrity
Arriving by personal vehicle: exit at Port Terminal Boulevard from either north- or southbound 440; 950-car capacity parking structure; approximately $19/day in advance
Arriving by air: Newark International (EWR) is 18 miles from port; LaGuardia (LGA) is 22 miles away; JFK is 32 miles
Recommendations: flying into EWR, a taxi is the most economical; tolls and tips in addition to the fare from the LGA and JFK can add up quickly; cruise line shuttles are the most economical from the latter two airports
Points of interest nearby: the pedestrian-friendly city of Hoboken
You may choose to arrange transportation to (and from) each of these terminals via your cruise ship line’s shuttles running from each airport. In general, if you are traveling with more than one other person, a taxi will be cheaper since the shuttles are priced per person and the taxi rides are flat rates.
Regardless of how you arrive at these busy terminals, do so with plenty of time to spare. I do love maps! Check out the official locations of the3 cruise terminals – Port of New York.
