Taking a cruise out of New York from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal? We have you covered with everything you need to know before you set sail.
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, also commonly known as the Red Hook Terminal, first opened in 2006 and continues to serve as a convenient departure point for cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and transatlantic voyages.
Although smaller than the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal handles a solid number of sailings each year with its single pier. In 2026, it is primarily used by Cunard Line and Virgin Voyages, with occasional sailings from other lines.
In this article, we will discuss some important topics pertaining to New York’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, such as general information, transportation to and from the pier, local hotel accommodations, parking options, and accessibility tips to help ensure a smooth start to your vacation.
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal General Information
If you’re sailing with Cunard or Virgin Voyages out of New York in 2026, your cruise will most likely be departing from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2 is a regular here, and Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady began sailing from Brooklyn in 2026.
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is located at 72 Bowne Street, Brooklyn, New York 11231 (Pier 12). It is important to use this exact address for GPS or ride-share services. With only one cruise berth, navigation is usually straightforward even for first-time visitors.
Transportation Options to and from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is situated in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn. While it offers great views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, it is a bit more removed from Manhattan than the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
New York has plenty of transportation options, including driving, rideshare, airports, train, bus, and ferry.
Driving to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
If you plan on driving, you will enter from the Bowne and Imlay Street intersection. Parking is available right at the terminal, though rates have increased in recent years.
Using a Car Service (Taxi, Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are very popular for getting to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Rates vary significantly depending on the time of day, traffic, and demand. Expect to pay more during peak hours or bad weather. Taxis are also readily available, especially from the airports or Manhattan.
Flying into the New York/New Jersey Area
The closest major airports are:
– LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — roughly 25–40 minutes
– JFK Airport — roughly 30–50 minutes
– Newark Liberty (EWR) — roughly 45–60+ minutes
Always build in extra time for traffic. We strongly recommend arriving the day before your cruise in case of flight delays.
Arriving by Train/Bus/Ferry
New York offers excellent public transportation options. Penn Station and Grand Central are the main train hubs, with taxis or rideshares easily available from there to the terminal.
The NYC Ferry’s South Brooklyn route includes a Red Hook stop that brings you close to the pier — a scenic and affordable option if you’re coming from other parts of the city.
Bus service via the MTA is also possible but may involve more walking, so it’s not ideal for those with lots of luggage or mobility concerns.
Local Hotel Accommodations
Here are some solid hotel options near the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal:
The Lodge Red Hook
This is one of the closest hotels to the terminal (under a mile away). It’s a convenient choice if you want to minimize travel time on embarkation day.
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
Located in downtown Brooklyn, this hotel is a short ride away and offers a nice on-site restaurant option.
Hampton Inn Brooklyn (Downtown)
A reliable choice with free breakfast
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