Homeport Destination Guide: New York City

Welcome to the ‘Big Apple’! New York City is one of the ultimate cosmopolitan destinations where you can take a cruise. Its prominent location on the Atlantic seaboard makes it an ideal homeport for cruise lines to sail ships to Bermuda, the Caribbean, New England, and Europe. Heading out on a cruise ship down the Hudson River while passing iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty is truly a once-in-a-lifetime thrill! ​ 

Are you thinking of adding a pre-or post-cruise stay in NYC to your vacation? Then, you are in for a treat! There’s quite literally something for everyone in New York. The city is home to some of the best museums, restaurants, shopping, cultural sites, and architecture. If you plan to spend some extra time in NYC, we recommend doing your research first. There are so many options for travelers that it can be pretty daunting, and we suggest making your plans before you arrive in the city.  

Here are some of our travel recommendations if your next cruise homeports from New York City. 

1. Fast Facts for New York City

2. How to Get Around the City

3. Staying in New York Before or After Your Trip?

4. Excursions

5. Member Tips

6. Airport Information

7. Parking Information

1. Fast Facts for New York City + Cruise Port Information

There are two cruise ports in New York City - one on the West side of Manhattan and one in Brooklyn. 

Manhattan Cruise Terminal Address 

Piers 88 and 90

711 Twelfth Ave. (at W. 55th St.)

New York, NY 10019

The Brooklyn terminal opened in 2006 in the Red Hook area for Carnival Corporation Brands such as Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Carnival. Occasionally other Carnival Corp brands will use this terminal as well, so be sure to check your documents to ensure arrival at the correct port.

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Address

72 Bowne Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

New York City Area Airport Addresses 

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Ditmars Boulevard & 94th St, Flushing, New York, NY 11371
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - Van Wyck and JFK Expressway, Jamaica, NY 11430
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - 3 Brewster Rd, Newark, NJ 07114
• Westchester County Airport (HPN) - 240 Airport Rd, White Plains, NY 10604
• Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) - 100 Arrival Ave, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Time Zone - Eastern 

Climate - Hot and humid summers, cold winters, mild spring and fall temperatures. It tends to be partly-cloudy year-round. 

Fun Facts - The city's original name was ‘New Amsterdam.’ New York City encompasses five boroughs: Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886 for its centennial celebration. The first pizzeria in the U.S. opened in New York City in 1905!   

2. How to Get Around the City 

When selecting accommodations, consider the hotel’s proximity to the cruise terminal. If you consider a day or two pre-or post-cruise, there are many areas to explore in the greater New York City area. In addition, downtown hotels are just a short cab ride away from the ports.

• New York City Subway System - The NYC subway system is one of the world's most famous underground train systems. At $2.75 per rider (one way), it's an inexpensive way of getting around town. The subway runs in all of the boroughs of New York City (except Staten Island) and consists of 25 lines and 472 stations. Before you get on the subway, plan your route here. 
• New York City Bus System - The NYC Bus system operates in all five boroughs. Each ride costs $2.75 per person. The bus system offers a wide variety of local and express routes. We suggest consulting the MTA’s New York City Bus maps before jumping on. 
• Rideshare Options - Uber and Lyft are very popular in New York City. These companies offer inexpensive options for getting around the area. 
• NYC Taxi Cabs - Look for the bright yellow cars with lighted signs on the top. Stand on the curb, and wave your hand to flag one down. Available cabs will illuminate the lighted sign on the car's roof; occupied cabs will not have lights on. Cost is based on the length of the trip. 
• City Bike - Looking to get some exercise while you get around? Try a City Bike, docked in locations around New York. Get up to 30 mins on a bike for $3.99/per trip.   

3. Staying in New York Before or After Your Trip?  

When selecting accommodations, consider the hotel’s proximity to Manhattan Cruise Terminal. If you consider a day or two pre-or post-cruise, there are many areas to explore in the greater New York City area. In addition, downtown hotels are just a short cab ride away from the ports.

These are recommended hotels near the cruise ports, airports, and popular area attractions in the greater New York City area. 

Closest Hotels to Manhattan Cruise Terminal

• Ink 48 Hotel
• The Watson Hotel
• Fairfield Inn & Suites - Midtown West
• Holiday Inn Express - Midtown West

Closest Hotels to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

• Marriott New York at Brooklyn Bridge
• Hotel Le Bleu
• Holiday Inn Express Brooklyn
• Hilton Brooklyn New York

Hotels Near Times Square/Midtown Manhattan 

• New York Hilton Midtown
• Hyatt Centric Times Square
• Millennium Hilton Broadway

Downtown Manhattan Hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn Tribeca
• Conrad New York Downtown
• New York Mariott Downtown
• Hyatt Centric Wall Street

Luxury Hotels

• Lotte New York Palace
• The Plaza Hotel
• Crosby Street Hotel
• Gramercy Park Hotel

Hotels Near NYC Area Airports

• Aloft New York LaGuardia
• New York LaGuardia Mariott
• Crowne Plaza JFK
• Hilton JFK
• Newark International Marriott Hotel
• Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel

4. Excursions

New York City boasts many activities for sightseers, foodies, art lovers, history buffs, sports lovers, shoppers, etc. It’s extremely easy to fill a day, two, or more pre or post-cruise in the city. 

Here are some of our top picks for New York City excursions: 

NYC Movie & TV Sights Tour

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Harbor Lights Cruise

Tour of Lower East Side Manhattan

Explore all New York City excursions from Shore Excursions Group

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

911 Museum and Timed Entry

Empire State Building Skip the Line Ticket

Explore all New York City excursions from Get Your Guide

5. Member Tips

New York was actually a fun city to cruise out of because you could see the skyline, the river, the bridges, and the Statue of Liberty. I always thought it would be busy and take a long time to get on the ship but it was actually quick and painless. - njanders26

It was easy to get a cab to the Manhattan port. It will save some time and money to get off at 12th Ave & 48th St instead of driving into the entrance on 55th st. The attendants will take your luggage on 48th St. New York is a great place to explore. - marebello

We cruise from NYC frequently and always travel by train a day or two prior. There is so much do to do and enjoy in the Big Apple and it adds to our trip experience. - Popdog

Flew in the night before departure and attended one of the Broadway shows. Plenty to do and see. - doosteo

Explore All Member Reviews of New York City

6. Airport Information  

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - LaGuardia services several domestic U.S. airlines and flies to select International locales. LGA is 12 miles from Manhattan Cruise Terminal. It typically takes around 40 minutes to get between the two destinations.  As the closest airport to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, it’s about 12 miles away and approximately 30 minutes of travel time.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - JFK is one of the world’s largest international airports that service many airlines. JFK is 20 miles from Manhattan Cruise Terminal. It typically takes a little over one hour between the two destinations. This airport is about 25 miles from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and should allow an hour travel time.
• Newark International Airport (EWR) - Newark is an international airport located across the river in New Jersey. EWR is 17 miles from Manhattan Cruise Terminal, around 35 minutes driving time.  The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is 23 miles with 45 minutes of travel time, depending on traffic.​
• Westchester County Airport (HPN) - Located north of the NYC area, Westchester Airport services several airlines that fly to select major domestic cities. HPN is a less crowded airport than LGA, JFK, and EWR. Westchester Airport is 35 miles from Manhattan Cruise Terminal, with a travel time of about 50 minutes, and 42 miles to the Brooklyn Terminal with a travel time of 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) - Located southeast of NYC on Long Island, ISP services select domestic airlines. The airport is approx 56 miles to both cruise terminals and around an hour and a half of driving time. 

There are several options to get between the airports and Manhattan Cruise Terminal: 

• Use a pre-arranged transport service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line before you travel. Generally, you will have a driver waiting for you at the airport with a sign at the baggage claim area.
• Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airport and your ship. 
  • The estimated rideshare costs between airports and the Manhattan cruise terminal:  
    • LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - ~$50 - $60 each way
    • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - ~$70 - $80 each way
    • Newark International Airport (EWR) - ~$60 - $70 each way 
    • Westchester County Airport (HPN) - ~$70 - $80 each way 
    • Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) - ~$100 - $120 each way 
  • Estimated costs between the airports and Brooklyn cruise terminal:
    • LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - ~$40 - $50 each way
    • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - ~$40 - $50 each way
    • Newark International Airport (EWR) - ~$65 - $80 each way 
    • Westchester County Airport (HPN) - ~$50 - $60 each way 
    • Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) - ~$100 - $120 each way 
• Taxi - Taxis are available right at the airport to take you to the Port of New York City. Expect to pay meter rates as three is no flat fee fare available between airports and cruise terminals. Generally, fares will range depending on traffic conditions. 
• Public Transit - LGA, JFK, and EWR are all accessible by NYC/NJ public transit at a low cost. Note, if you are traveling with luggage, this will require carrying your belongings up or downstairs and in crowded conditions. Consult these resources to learn more about routes and schedules. 
  • MTA Maps and Schedules - Services JFK and LGA to cruise terminal via NYC Subway/Bus Service). Trips from both airports via NYC public transit typically take over an hour, maybe more, depending on timing.   
  • AirTrain Newark - Train service runs from Newark Airport to Midtown Manhattan, Penn Station. An additional subway ride (or taxi/rideshare) will be required when you arrive in Manhattan to get to the cruise terminal location. The trip takes ~ 1 hour. 
• Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and help with luggage transport. 
• Shuttle Services - A number of independent shuttle services offer transit between NYC area airports to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Check out Go Link shuttles. 

7. Parking Information 

Are you driving right to the port for your trip? If so, follow these directions for each cruise port. Again, make sure to double-check cruise documents to make sure you are going to the correct cruise port.

Driving directions from Manhattan Cruise Terminal: 

All cars should enter the Terminal from the north at the intersection of 55th Street and 12th Avenue: 

• New Jersey/Points South: 
  • From the Lincoln Tunnel, follow signs to 42nd Street, turn left, go three blocks and make a right on 12th Avenue. Take 12th Avenue for a half-mile and make a left on 55th street, which is the entrance to the terminal. 
  • From the Holland Tunnel: Take exit 1, pass three lights and make a right onto West Street (12th Avenue). Then, take West Street/12 Avenue one mile and make a left onto 55th Street. 
• George Washington Bridge/Westchester and Points North: Go southbound on the Henry Hudson Parkway (Route 9A), exit to the right at 55th Street.
• Long Island: From the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, go west via 34th Street to 12th Avenue. Turn right onto and continue north to the New York Cruise Terminal on 55th Street.
• Midtown Manhattan - Take 55th Street, and cross 12th Avenue to enter the terminal.

Parking your car? Both on-site parking and off-site options are available:  

On-Site Parking Information

On-site parking is offered right at the cruise port, with porters available starting at 9 AM. The height restriction on personal vehicles for rooftop parking is eight feet. Parking for 1 - 10 days will cost $40/per night, and parking for 11 to 14 nights costs $400. Learn more about onsite parking here. 

Off-Site Parking Options

There are several off-site parking locales throughout the city; however, Manhattan Cruise Terminal recommends (and is closest to) two iPark locales: 518 West 43rd Street & 10th Avenue NYC 212-736-7171 and 555 West 42nd Street & 11th Avenue NYC 212-736-7171. Rates start at $46/day and go up from there. Learn more about iPark here. 

Driving Directions to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal:

All cars enter the Terminal from the Bowne Street and Imlay Street intersection.

• From Manhattan and Points North
  Take the Battery Tunnel (I-478-E) into Brooklyn. Continue onto the westbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278-W) and immediately take the first exit on the right: Exit 26- Hamilton Avenue onto the service road. Stay to the left and make a left-U-turn at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue with Clinton Street/9th Street, then continue west along the westbound Hamilton Avenue service road. Continue on the service road to its end at Van Brunt Street. Turn left at Van Brunt Street, travel 2 blocks, and then turn right onto Bowne Street to enter the terminal.
• From Long Island and Points East
  Take the LIE west to the westbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278-W, just after Exit 18 Maurice Avenue) and take Exit 26 – Hamilton Avenue onto the service road. Stay to the left and make a left-U-turn at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue with Clinton Street/9th Street, then continue west along the westbound Hamilton Avenue service road. Continue on the service road to its end at Van Brunt Street. Turn left at Van Brunt Street, travel two blocks, and then turn right onto Bowne Street to enter the terminal.
• From New Jersey and Points South and West
  Take the NJ Turnpike South to Exit 13. Cross the Goethals Bridge to I-278, Staten Island Expressway, and cross Verrazano Bridge into Brooklyn. Continue north on Gowanus / BQE and exit at Exit 26 (Hamilton Avenue). After the exit, go down the ramp to Van Brunt Street to its end, make a left turn on Van Brunt and travel two blocks and turn right onto Bowne Street to enter the terminal.

Parking your car? Both on-site parking and off-site options are available:  

On-Site Parking Information

On-site parking is offered at the cruise port, with porters available starting at 9 AM. Parking is $30/per night for an outdoor lot, including security. There are spaces to park RVs, buses, and larger vehicles on the main level of the terminal near the Security Main gate. Learn more about onsite parking here. 

Off-Site Parking Options

While there may be a few options in the area, most are more expensive than parking directly at the port and do not offer a shuttle service. Our suggestion for ease of access and price is to park directly at the cruise port. 

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