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Best cruises from New York City – Manhattan, Brooklyn and Cape Liberty

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Perhaps the busiest and most flourishing city in the world, New York City is the departure point for numerous cruise ships.

When it comes to best cruises from New York, you will be spoilt for choice.

From last-minute cruises to exciting cruises packages, there is plenty that New York Port has to offer.

There are two major perks of booking your cruise holiday from New York. First, you can club your cruise with a week-long holiday in New York City.

Second, you have a choice of three ports to depart from – the Brooklyn and Manhattan terminals, and Cape Liberty located in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Best cruises from New York City

From New York, you can cruise to literally any part of the World.

There are many cruises for some of the nearby destinations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England, Caribbean, and other US cities.

Besides these nearby destinations, there are regular cruises to far away European cities, Asian cities, as well as World cruises.

That’s why, if you choose New York Port as your homeport, it becomes difficult to choose the cruise destination.

Cruise ports for cruises from New York

If you are planning to book a cruise from New York, you may have to board your cruise from one of three cruise terminals in New York.

1. Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Manhattan Cruise terminal has been helping cruise passengers embark and disembark for a long time.

Perhaps longer than any other terminal in USA.

A decade ago, millions were invested to upgrade the facility and since then it has become one of the best cruise terminals in the World.

As of today, Pier 88 and Pier 90 serve some of the world’s biggest ships.

If you have reached early, there are numerous hotels nearby for a comfortable stay.

Times Square, Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts are some of the attractions near this terminal.

2. Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

The Brooklyn Cruise terminal is an award-winning homeport. It was inaugurated in 2006 and hence is new with the most modern of facilities.

If you arrive early, you can avail of the many hotels near the Brooklyn cruise terminal. They range from small boutique hotels to large luxury hotels.

The Brooklyn terminal is in the Red Hook area, which is one of the city’s hep places.

Nearby attractions include Coney Island, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and the Old Stone House Museum.

3. Cape Liberty Cruise Port

The Cape Liberty Cruise Port is also known as Port Liberty and Cruise Port Bayonne.

It is located in Bayonne, New Jersey at the north side of the 3 km (1.9 mi) long pier of MOTBY.

Cruise lines Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have lots of ships sailing from this port.

If you have an option, we suggest you sail out of Cape Liberty Cruise Port for it offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and Manhattan skyline as your ship leaves or enters the port.

Best cruises from New York

Check out our top ten cruises sailing from New York City.

1. Crystal Symphony

Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises

The Crystal Symphony was launched in 1995 but underwent a renovation in 2014.

Because of this facelift, Crystal Symphony is now number one among the best cruises that depart from New York.

The best fruits of the facelift are the public areas, a spa, an outdoor fitness garden, restaurants, a casino and a piano bar. Make sure to add these items to your cruise itinerary.

Crystal Symphony accommodates 922 cruisers and employs a team of 545 crew members to ensure smooth, personalized service.

Pleasurable activities like dance lessons and fitness programs will keep you busy. Or you can enjoy a musical performance, after relaxing at the spa.

There are nine onboard restaurants, out of which chef Nobu’s deserves a special mention.

Cruise deals for this cruise ship can include either budget cabins or ocean view suites – depends on how lavish you want your holiday to be.

Penthouses have additional perks like complimentary food, butler service and free internet.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.55
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples

2. Viking Sea

Viking Cruise in New York
Viking Sea cruise ship departs New York City. Image: Vikingcruises.com

Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises is a newcomer plying luxury cruises. Viking Sea, the second member of their fleet, was launched in 2016.

This ship accommodates 930 cruisers and 550 crew members, ensuring uninterrupted service.

The small size is also designed to access smaller ports of call like Bergen, Montreal and Norway.

Accommodations suit all tastes. The best part is that all rooms have balconies.

If you want to splurge while booking your cruise deal, you can avail of perks like priority reservation for excursions, restaurants and spa treatments.

If you love spas, the Nordic spa with a snow grotto can be the highlight of your cruise itinerary.

Do check out the infinity pool at the stern of the ship. Taking a dip here will make you feel like you are swimming in the ocean itself.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.5
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples

3. Silver Spirit

Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises

If you are looking for top cruises that start from New York and you also want a private club like experience, the Silver Spirit is your best choice.

Silver Spirit can accommodate 608 passengers, maintaining the essence of exclusivity. There are 376 crew members who work together to provide a commendable cruising experience.

The ship has ports of call in the Caribbean, Africa, Europe and Canada.

All rooms look out to the ocean, and almost all have private verandas as well. Premium range of suites have butler service and mini fridges.

This cruise will be a treat for your taste buds, as there are six onboard restaurants offering exotic French and Asian cuisines.

The spa stretches across 8,300 square feet. If you can drag yourself away from all the food and drinks, do make use of other accesses your cruise package includes – fitness classes, enrichment courses, casino games and live performances.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.4
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples, Groups.

4. Disney Magic

Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line

True to its name, the Disney Magic provides a world of magical entertainment for the entire family. No doubt then, that this is one of the highest rated cruises leaving from New York.

Disney Magic is the oldest in Disney Cruise Line fleet and yet offers all the Disney staples.

Your cruise deal will include live performances, an open-air sports arena and three pool areas designed for infants.

The Magic is the only ship in the Disney fleet with a teens-only hangout area called Chill.

However, not everything is meant for children. Adults have special restaurants and other areas designated exclusively for them.

Most of the cabins have balconies or views of the ocean. Suites come with added privileges like media libraries and concierge service.

Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.35
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples, Families with children

5. Silver Wind

Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises

One of the best cruises from New York, Silver Wind is tiny compared to most cruise ships.

This Silversea Cruises ship can accommodate only 296 passengers, ensuring the essence of privacy and luxury. The crew to guest ratio is 1:1.

All staterooms have views of the ocean. Almost 80 percent have private balconies.

Your cruises package abroad this ship will include unlimited dining at three onboard restaurants.

If you pay a little extra, you can dine at the specialty Le Champagne restaurant.

Onboard activities include fitness classes and enrichment courses.

If you prefer a relaxed cruise itinerary, we suggest you try and relax at the spa. At night, visit the casino or the bars or catch a live performance.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.3
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples

6. Marina

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises

Marina cruise in New York
Oceania Marina which departs from New York is both intimate and luxurious at the same time. After all it has been designed for travel connoisseurs. Image: Cruisemapper.com

With ports of call in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, the Marina has been rated as one of the best cruises that depart from New York.

Oceania Marina accommodates 1,250 passengers and 800 members of the crew.

It features the signature Oceania Cruises attractions like the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, a sprawling library, and a casino.

There are live shows at night, art and cooking lessons in the daytime.

The seven onboard restaurants offer varied cuisine, from French to Asian.

Your cruise package will include comfortable accommodation. Premium rooms come with more perks, like free champagne and in-room iPads.

Size of Ship: Medium
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.25
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples

Recommended Reading
1. Best cruise holidays for families
2. How to book cheap cruise vacations

7. Seven Seas Navigator

Cruise Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Originally launched in 1999, this Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship is among the best cruises that start from New York.

Seven Seas Navigator was renovated in 2016, a facelift that has benefitted the public areas, staterooms, and restaurants.

Accommodating only 496 passengers, the Navigator offers an intimate cruise and personalized service.

Suites have private verandas, marble bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.

There is a sprawling pool area, perfect for lounging in the sun. The Pool Bar is where guests can meet each other for relaxed games and conversation.

If you wish, your cruise itinerary can include trips to the casinos, live performances and lounge bars in the evenings.

There are five restaurants onboard.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.25
Health Rating: 4.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples

8. Azamara Journey

Cruise Line: Azamara Club Cruises

408 crew members serving 690 passengers on a small, intimate cruise ship. Sounds like an ideal vacation, right? That’s exactly what the Azamara Journey offers you.

This Azamara Club Cruises ship has almost all facilities available in large ships, but instead of a raucous crowd, it has a cozy, relaxed setting.

Accommodation is lavish. There are six onboard restaurants, ranging from the casual to the exotic.

If your cruise package is more than seven nights, you can avail of a free cultural immersion program.

Live music and lively games at the casino will keep your evenings entertaining.

There is a spa and fitness center as well.

Size of Ship: Small
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.2
Health Rating: 3.5
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples

9. Royal Princess

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises

Royal Princess cruise in New York
Royal Princess is the flagship of the Princess fleet so be ready to be wowed from the moment you step into the cruise ship at the New York port. Image: Dailymail.co.uk

The Royal Princess is among the affordable cruises that start from New York.

This Princess Cruises ship accommodates 3,560 passengers.

It was launched in 2013 and renovated four years later, ensuring top-notch amenities.

The highlight of this cruise deal will be the SeaWalk and the top-deck pool.

The Walk is a 28-foot glass walkway that stretches beyond the ship, offering unique views of the ocean.

The pool makes you feel closer to the sky.

Your cruise itinerary must include visits to the indoor driving area, the duty-free shops, the casinos and the lounges.

There are educational programs for children.

There are 13 restaurants, including casual dining and specialty fare.

Cabins are smaller compared to other ships, but well-appointed.

The Princess has ports of call in the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Canada.

Size of Ship: Large
Price of Tickets: Medium
Overall Rating: 4.2
Health Rating: 5.0
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples, Groups, Families with children

10. Riviera

Cruise Line: Oceania Cruises

This ship accommodates 1,250 passengers who are served by 800 crew members. This Oceania Cruise ship is among the best cruises departing New York.

Accommodation in Oceania Riviera ranges from the cozy to the decadent.

Dining options are varied, with seven onboard restaurants. There are several bars and lounges as well.

All inclusive cruise packages can be customized to include painting lessons, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and cooking classes.

Most onboard activities are designed for adults.

The Riviera has short cruises with ports of call in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. But cruises longer than 20 days are also available.

Size of Ship: Medium
Price of Tickets: High
Overall Rating: 4.15
Health Rating: 4.5
Best cruise from New York for: Singles, Couples

There are numerous other cruises leaving from New York. There are affordable cruises as well as the more expensive.

From movie theatres to restaurants run by celebrity chefs, these cruises offer plenty of options.

Whether you are looking for 3-day cruises or a longer break, New York Port is your best point of departure!

Sources

# Travel.usnews.com
# Cntraveler.com
# Thepointsguy.com
# Tripadvisor.com

The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.

Recommended Reading
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2. Best cruises from Baltimore
3. Best cruises from Port Canaveral
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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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