New York and New Jersey Cruise Ship Terminal Information

If your next voyage is leaving from a New York or New Jersey cruise ship terminal, get ready for masses of passengers. However, the port authorities that oversee these locations (a combined effort between the two states) do an admirable job of managing the third largest port in the country.

There are three terminals that reside within two NY boroughs and into New Jersey: Brooklyn Terminal, Manhattan Terminal, and Cape Liberty Cruise Port. Here are the basics to help you navigate these busy destinations.

Brooklyn Terminal

• Cruise lines – Princess and Cunard. Only one cruise ship can dock at a time.
• Airport(s) – LaGuardia (LGA) 12 miles from port; Newark International (EWR) 16 miles from port; JFK 20 miles from port. Keep in mind that traffic patterns will almost certainly create a drive of over one hour from any airport to reach this terminal.
• Personal vehicle – Outside parking facilities (500 spaces) at @$20/day with little competition for spaces. Off-site lots available with free cruise port shuttles.
• Public transportation – Rated as inconvenient for this location.
• Taxi/shuttle/car-for-hire services – Easily secured and recommended as transportation from each airport to the port.
• Interesting points – Revitalization of former industrial buildings near the port offer good restaurants and shops. Van Brunt Street is a good destination if you arrive early and want to walk about.

Manhattan Terminal

• Cruise lines – Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Airport(s) – LaGuardia (LGA) 15 miles away; Newark International (EWR) 15 miles away; JFK 20 miles away. Same advice as above on the drive-time from airport to cruise port with more inbound traffic at the port.
• Personal vehicle – Parking facilities are located on the pier buildings’ rooftops at @$40/day with high competition for spaces. Use the 55th Street entrance for all cruises. Off-site lots available with free cruise port shuttles.
• Public transportation – A mature system for riding one of several subway lines to 49th and 50th Streets. MTA bus line travels to the port. This can be a challenge with large luggage.
• Taxi/shuttle/car-for-hire services – All easily secured at airports and train stations. Ask for the flat rate to port. You will be dropped off at the lower levels with a convenient elevator or escalator rides to the gangway levels.
• Interesting points – Manhattan Terminal has the longest history, and can accommodate five ships at one time.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port (in Jersey)

• Cruise lines – Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.
• Airport(s) – Newark International (EWR) 18 miles; LaGuardia (LGA) 22 miles; JFK 32 miles.
• Personal vehicle – Large parking structure (950 spaces) at @$20/day with little competition for spaces. Less expensive off-site lots available, with and without free cruise port shuttles.
• Public transportation – Rail is the preferred option with the port directly serviced by the North Jersey Coast Line.
• Taxi/shuttle/car-for-hire services – Each service is easily secured at airports with flat rate taxis and car services, and free or per/person shuttles rates.
• Interesting points – Nearby Hoboken is a pedestrian-friendly location for pre-cruise fun.

To see the location of these three NY and JY cruise terminals and their relation to each other and the city, check this helpful MAP.

Angela is a professional freelance travel writer and published indie author – AngelaMinor.com