Wondering if anyone is able to compare the cruise options going out of the NYC area. Considering leaving from there for my 8yo daughter's February break. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC all have departures that match with our dates. Each ship seems to have pros and cons so I am having trouble narrowing it down. Have you been on more than one line out of NYC? Which would you recommend?
Contributor Level:
Purser
NYC Area Cruise Comparisons
7 Answers
Contributor Level:
Cruise Director
My niece the same age as your daughter when she started cruising. Her first two cruises were on NCL and RC, out of NY and NJ respectively. She hated Norwegian (they literally shut the door in her face on the last night of the cruise in the kids club) and loves Royal, particularly the Oasis class ships. They have more for her to do, her favorite being the Ultimate Abyss (dry slide).
Contributor Level:
Purser
Activity wise, I like RC and I think that's my preference. But, it's the only ship without waterslides. That makes a huge difference to my kid. Pros and cons for all them!
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
8 yo? Royal Caribbean out of NJ. Lots for kids
Contributor Level:
Purser
That's a huge difference in parking costs. Thanks for that tip!
I wish we could do the NCL but it doesn't match with school vacation.
Contributor Level:
Staff Captain
That depends on the ship. Have enjoyed all of our cruises. From Manhattan we sailed 4 times all on NCL and on 4 different ships. Two were to Bahamas one to the NE and one to eastern Caribbean. The RCL cruise was on Anthem to Bermuda. Again all were excellent and it is hard to recommend one more than the other. The Cape Liberty port is probably easier and cheaper to use than Manhattan but is usually RCL and Celebrity only there.
Contributor Level:
Purser
Out of the two you took, was there a cruise you preferred? Not really concerned about the port, wondering more about the onboard differences.
Contributor Level:
Staff Captain
NY has a number of port options. The island itself has 2, Manhattan and Brooklyn. I think Carnival and MSC both use the Manhattan Cruise terminal. If driving we cross on the George Washington and go south on 9 right to the pier. Parking is on the roof of the cruise terminal. It is expensive at $40 per night or $400 for a month pass. RCL sails from Liberty cruise terminal, Bayonne NJ (basically across the river. Driving is very easy and there is a cruise terminal parking garage adjacent to the terminal and parking there is $25 per night. We have sailed from both terminals and were happy with both.