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Panorama of  Statue of Liberty against Manhattan cityscape background in New York City, NY, USA

Explore Cruise Vacations From New York with Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL cruises from New York start with one of the most iconic sailaway experiences in the world, offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and an up-close glimpse of the Statue of Liberty as the ship sails along the Hudson River. It’s an unforgettable way to begin your journey, setting the stage for a vacation filled with exceptional onboard experiences, extraordinary destinations and the freedom to vacation your way. For decades, Norwegian Cruise Line has welcomed guests to cruise from the Big Apple on our award-ships, sailing to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, the Panama Canal and beyond. All while offering the freedom and service that sets NCL apart. And with New York’s Broadway shows, world-famous skyscrapers, Central Park and more all within easy reach of our convenient Midtown terminal, cruising with NCL from this historic departure port gives you even more vacation to love. Find your next great getaway from NYC and discover why it's different out here.
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Featured Itineraries for New York Cruises

Enjoy a quick getaway to Bermuda’s pink-sand beaches, a weeklong escape to the sunny Caribbean, a fall cruise to Canada & New England, or an extended journey through the Panama Canal or even across the Atlantic. NCL cruises from New York offer a variety of ways to explore the world. View featured itineraries and find the vacation that’s right for you.

Popular Cruise Destinations from New York

From tropical islands and sun-soaked beaches to charming coastal towns and international adventures, NCL cruises from New York offer a world of possibilities. Sail to The Bahamas and the Caribbean, unwind on the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda, see the leaves change in Canada & New England, transit the iconic Panama Canal, or venture across the Atlantic to Europe. From warm-weather escapes to transatlantic journey, your dream vacation awaits with NCL.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA at Portland Head Light.
Panoramic aerial view of the Bridge of The Americas over the Panama Canal Pacific Entrance. Sunset scene with a gentle mist in the background. The bridge is spanning two continents - two Americas.
Impression of the St. Colman's Cathedral in Cobh near Cork, Ireland

Why Cruises Out of New York are Great for Families

Cruising from New York with NCL is one of the easiest ways for families to vacation together from the Big Apple. Guests across the Tri-State area and Northeast can drive to Manhattan Cruise Terminal, conveniently located in Midtown, park in the dedicated cruise parking garage and step aboard — no airport lines, flight connections or shuttle transfers to worry about. The vacation begins right away with a sailaway the whole family will remember — take in incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty as you cruise out of port. With a wide range of ships, itineraries and departure dates, it's easy to find a family cruise that fits everyone's schedules and interests. Onboard, enjoy spacious accommodations, award-winning dining, dazzling entertainment, one-of-a-kind activities and complimentary kids’ programs as you sail to destinations from Bermuda and the Caribbean to Canada & New England and beyond. You can even make New York City part of the adventure, with iconic sights like Central Park, Times Square and the American Museum of Natural History all within easy reach of the terminal. With so much choice, everyone can vacation their way while also creating special memories together.

  • Something for Everyone: From complimentary youth programs and thrilling waterslides to race tracks, pools, arcades and a world-renowned spa, there are endless ways for every family member to enjoy their time on board.
  • Easy Drive-to Port: Skip the airport and drive straight to Manhattan Cruise Terminal, a convenient midtown departure point for families across the Tri-State area, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With dedicated cruise parking, you can begin your vacation right away — no flights, shuttle transfers or extra travel connections to worry about. 
  • Kids Sail Free! Bring the whole crew - 3rd & 4th guests of all ages sail free!
  • An Unforgettable Manhattan Departure: Take in panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and pass the Statue of Liberty as you sail out of port along the Hudson River.
  • New York City Is Part of the Vacation: Easily extend your family adventure with a visit to Times Square, a Broadway show, Central Park or other iconic city sights before or after you sail. With so much to explore — just a quick subway or cab ride from the terminal — you can make the most of every vacation moment.
  • Destinations for Every Interest: From sun-soaked beaches and outdoor adventures to fascinating history, culture and wildlife, discover new places and make memories together.
  • Room for Everyone: Connecting staterooms and spacious suites give families options to stay close while still having room to spread out.
  • Dining for Every Appetite: From complimentary favorites and kid-friendly menus to award-winning specialty restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every craving — even the pickiest eaters.
  • Great Value: The Free at Sea™ cruise package includes free open bar, free specialty dining, free Wi-Fi and shore excursion credits. Plus kids under 12 dine free everywhere.
  • Award-Winning Family Cruises: NCL was named one of the best cruise lines for families by U.S. News & World Report.

 

Things to Do in New York Before or After You Sail

Make the most of your time in New York before or after your cruise, and take advantage of NCL's Midtown Manhattan departure port. From strolling through Central Park and Times Square (both a short distance from the port), to exploring world-class museums and iconic neighborhoods, there are endless ways to experience the city. With so many attractions close to our Manhattan Cruise Terminal, it’s easy to add sightseeing to your getaway.

Modern art Museum view
Central Park during autumn in New york City.
With its neon lights and billboards, Times Square is New York's most famous landmark and is the liveliest area in the city, located at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue.
Panorama of  Statue of Liberty against Manhattan cityscape background in New York City, NY, USA

NCL Ships Sailing From New York

Discover a ship for every kind of getaway when you cruise from New York with NCL. Enjoy expansive spaces and innovative experiences on Norwegian Luna™, discover action-packed family fun aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway® or embrace a more intimate atmosphere aboard Norwegian Gem. From thrilling activities and dazzling entertainment to exceptional dining and relaxing spaces to unwind, each ship offers its own way to vacation your way.

Calling All Locals: Drive or Train into New York & Start Vacationing

Cruise from Manhattan with NCL and avoid the airport! Once you arrive in the city, you’ll be vacationing in a New York minute. Drivers can park directly at Manhattan Cruise Terminal, then step aboard one of NCL’s award-winning ships and let the fun begin. Prefer public transportation? If traveling from outside NYC, take a train to Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station, then connect to Manhattan Cruise Terminal by taxi, rideshare, subway or bus. The M50 bus brings you right to the port. With sailings to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and beyond, an island escape is closer than you think.

Approximate Drive Times to Manhattan Cruise Terminal from the Tri-State Area:

• Newark & Northern New Jersey: 30-45 minutes.

• Westchester County, NY: 35-45 minutes.

• Poughkeepsie & the Hudson Valley, NY: 2—2.5 hours

• Albany & Upstate New York: 3 hours

• Stamford & Greenwich, CT: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• New Haven/Northern Fairfield County, CT: 2 hours.

• Hartford, CT: 2.5 hours

• Trenton & Central New Jersey: 1.5 hours

• Atlantic City, Southern New Jersey, & the Jersey Shore: 2.5 hours

NOTE: If driving to your cruise, allow plenty of extra time for traffic. Depending on conditions, drive times may be doubled or more. On-site parking subject to availability.

What Makes Manhattan Cruise Terminal So Special?

One of the best parts of cruising from New York with NCL is departing from historic Manhattan Cruise Terminal, located right in the heart of the city. As one of the few major cruise lines sailing directly from Manhattan, NCL makes it easy to combine your cruise with a New York City visit and avoid added travel to a port in Brooklyn or New Jersey. With more sailings from New York City than any other major cruise line, plus an iconic location and unforgettable sailaway views, NCL cruises from New York offer a departure experience unlike any other.

•Central Midtown Location: Sail from the heart of Manhattan, with Central Park, world-class museums and other iconic city attractions all within walking distance. Make time to explore before or after your cruise and easily add a New York experience to your getaway.

•Convenient On-Site Parking: Manhattan Cruise Terminal offers parking garages located directly above the piers, making it easy to park and head straight to your cruise. No shuttles or additional transfers needed.

•Iconic New York Sailaway: Few cruise departures offer an experience like this one. As your ship sails out along the Hudson River, take in spectacular views of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a truly memorable way to begin your vacation.

•History, Legacy and a Vision for the Future: Manhattan Cruise Terminal has welcomed travelers since 1935 and even served as a military embarkation point during World War II. Today, a long-term master plan envisions modernized facilities, eco-friendly shore-power infrastructure and a more sustainable waterfront for future generations. Norwegian Cruise Line continues to play an important role in the terminal’s story, with Norwegian Prima featured on the cover of the cruise terminal master plan announcement.

•Smooth Passenger Experience: The terminal’s passenger flow separates embarkation and disembarkation into different areas, reducing congestion as travelers arrive and depart. This thoughtful layout helps make the start and end of your cruise as seamless as the vacation itself.

• The Haven VIP Embarkation: Guests of The Haven by Norwegian enjoy a dedicated check-in area, private lounge, priority boarding and a personal escort through expedited security screening.

*Parking subject to availability.

 

Essential Information for Your New York Departure

Port Address & Terminal Information:

Manhattan Cruise Terminal

711 12th Avenue New York, New York 10019

www.nycruise.com

Parking 

Manhattan Cruise Terminal offers on-site parking, subject to availability. View the port website for updated parking information. The terminal’s multi-level parking garage sits directly on top of the passenger piers so once you park, you simply take an elevator down to check-in.

Airports & Drive Times for New York Departures

Flying in for your cruise? Three international airports are all close to the port including JFK Airport (20 miles - about 40 minutes), Laguardia (LGA: 11 miles, about 30 mins) and Newark (EWR: 15 miles, roughly 30 mins). Westchester County Airport (HPN) is another option and is roughly 45 mins away.* Each airport offers rideshare, taxi, train and bus options, or you can book NCL’s transfer services and we’ll take care of the details! We strongly encourage flight arrivals at least one day before embarkation, as NCL will not hold the ship or cover expenses if your flight is delayed.

 *All travel times are dependent on traffic conditions. 

Travel Documents


Most cruises out of New York leave the continental U.S., requiring U.S. citizens to bring a valid passport or - in some cases - qualifying proof of citizenship and government-issued photo ID. NCL strongly recommends traveling with a valid, up-to-date passport. Be sure to review our travel document requirements before you sail.

Check-In

You’ll experience a much faster, more seamless boarding process when you complete Online Check-In, which you can do 21 days before your sailing. Online check-in closes three days before embarkation, at which point you'll have to arrive early and check-in at the port.

The Haven Experience

Guests of The Haven enjoy a VIP embarkation process including a dedicated check-in area, a private lounge, and an escort to guide you through expedited security screening and priority boarding.

Travel Tips & Interesting Info

Uncover Hidden Gems & Fun Facts

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Famous For

Broadway shows, iconic skyscrapers, world-class museums and the City that Never Sleeps.

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Exquisite Flavors

Try New York-style pizza, delis and bagels, plus some of the highest-rated fine dining in the world.

American symbol - Statue of Liberty. New York, USA.

Fun Facts

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to America in 1886.


Port Name & Location

Manhattan Cruise Terminal

Ship will DEPART from this port

Language

All locals speak English.

Time Zone

ET (Eastern Time)

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly cruises from New York? 

Where do cruises from New York typically go? 

What is the best time to cruise from New York?

Is it easy to get to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal? 

Which NCL ships sail from New York? 

Do I need a passport for a cruise from New York?