Cruising Out of New York City

When your family books a cruise, the port of departure is a genuine concern and one most cruisers take seriously.

Apart from offering different lines and destinations, cruise terminals in different cities offer the chance to see and experience those cities before and after the cruise. New York City is perfect for this thanks to the multiple cruise terminals and wealth of experiences available for families in the city.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Photo: Jerry Coli | Dreamstime.com

First things first, decide which terminal you want to cruise out of. The city is home to both Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on opposite sides of the Hudson River. The terminals are home to a number of types of cruises and lines, from Norwegian Cruise Line to Disney to Princess Cruises to Cunard.

Next, decide how you will arrive in the city for your cruise. A popular choice is to arrive at New York Penn Station via train before catching a cab or rideshare service to your destination. If you are going to Brooklyn, it is a good idea to catch the L train or the Long Island Railroad.

No matter which side of the river you’re departing from, there are tons of ways to spend some time soaking up the city with the family.

In Brooklyn, what you can do depends heavily on how early you arrive to the city and how much you want to spend. If you arrive a day or more in advance, consider checking out the Barclays Center for a game of basketball or hockey, if the Islanders or Nets are in town; otherwise, there are always concerts going on, so planning a family-friendly concept before your departure could be a great way to kick off the trip.

For a quicker and cheaper time, check out the New York Transit Museum. The museum in downtown Brooklyn is an excellent way to while away some time before heading to the terminal if you only have a few hours.

Manhattan, on the other hand, is filled with attractions the entire family can enjoy. For example, families who have never been to the city as a unit before can go to Central Park and explore. There is an absolute ton to do in the park, including Central Park Zoo, Conservatory Water and Belvedere Castle. Depending on how much time you have before your cruise, this is a fun way to spend anywhere from a few hours to an entire day.