By Donna Heiderstadt | Published on January 8, 2026
New York City is famous for many things, including skyscrapers, Broadway shows and some of the world's top restaurants. It's also a great jumping-off point for cruises to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England and Europe.
If this sounds like an adventure you can’t ignore, Royal Caribbean offers some of the top cruises out of New York, sailing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey. The cruise terminal is located on the southwestern side of New York Harbor and is easily reached by car. Long-term parking is also available, making it easy to head out on your cruise after arriving.
If you’re flying in, Newark Liberty International Airport is just nine miles away, where you arrange to be met by a Royal Caribbean representative. Once boarded, stay on deck as your ship passes beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge entering the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the Cyclone roller coaster on Coney Island as you sail away — it’s a great way to start your cruise from New York!
Read on to find out what cruise lines depart from New York City.
Key Takeaways
Is the Caribbean calling, but you'd rather sail there than fly? If you live within driving distance of the New York metro area, island-hopping is as easy as boarding a sun-seekers’ cruise from New Jersey.
Depending on the sailing, you can visit four to six islands after unpacking just once on board the ship. All ships offer thrilling onboard amenities and world-class entertainment for couples and families, such as Two70® for multimedia performances and the SeaPlex® for court sports and bumper car rides.
Ports visited vary, but itineraries include:
No matter what your itinerary looks like, you'll get the full Caribbean experience on these sailings.
Some of the best cruises out of New York are timed around fall foliage season. Liberty of the Seas, a 3,798-guest Freedom Class ship, is a great option for both couples and families, with 10 dining venues and onboard attractions that include the Tidal Wave℠ water slide and an ice-skating rink.
You'll visit these fall-favorite destinations:
If your family cruise goals include a breezy island escape with lots of playtime, call on Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida), where you can soak up the sunshine on a nearby beach, visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex or head to an Orlando theme park. Next up: Perfect Day at CocoCay, an incredible private Bahamian island experience. It offers something for every member of the family, from pristine beaches that are perfect for a swim to Thrill Waterpark® with its spiraling slides and wave pool.
If you're cruising as a couple, join the party at Oasis Lagoon®, the Caribbean's largest pool, or relax in a private overwater bungalow at Coco Beach Club®. The final port is lively Nassau in The Bahamas, where local hospitality can be enjoyed on snorkeling excursions, dolphin encounters and more.
With three sea days, playtime continues onboard Anthem of the Seas — including a ride in the North Star® sightseeing capsule for a birds-eye view of the glittering Bahamian islands.
What's better than two days in beautiful Bermuda? Two more fun-filled days onboard Liberty of the Seas or Independence of the Seas. Bermuda cruises from Cape Liberty make an ideal couple's getaway. The itinerary mixes Bermuda's history, stunning landscapes and legendary dark rums with the onboard spa treatments and romantic specialty dining that Royal Caribbean guests love. If fine dining is on your bucket list, you can elevate your cruising experience with one of these specialty packages .
Depending on your itinerary, you may spend time at Royal Naval Dockyard, which offers access to nearby shopping and museums as well as shore excursions to historic St. George's, scenic Horseshoe Bay and the island's capital, Hamilton.
It's hard to imagine anything better than enjoying your first transatlantic cruise onboard the spectacular Anthem of the Seas. There's the luxury of time and space as you cross the sea, plus stops in four European countries.
Your experience during the crossing is just as important as your days spent in Europe. While the sun is out, head for the Solarium pool, an indoor, adults-only oasis or the Vitality℠ Spa for a rejuvenating facial or tension-taming massage. At night, enjoy shows at the Royal Theater, rock cover bands in Music Hall and explore your favorite global cuisines in the main dining room or one of the ship's seven specialty restaurants.
You might stop in Funchal, Madeira, a Portuguese island known for its spectacular scenery and Madeira wine-tasting rooms. Then you'll visit La Coruna, Spain for a day spent exploring the city's ancient Roman heritage and seafood-centric culinary scene. If you stop in Le Havre, France, you can take a quick day trip to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, and after departing in Southampton, England, it's easy to end your dream journey with a few nights in London.
New York City is famous for its skyline, Broadway shows and world-class dining — and it’s just as unforgettable as a starting point for your next cruise. From Cape Liberty, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to set sail to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England and even Europe. Whether you’re driving in, flying through Newark or extending your trip with a few days in the city, cruises from NYC offer the perfect mix of convenience and adventure.
As your ship glides past the Statue of Liberty and beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, your vacation truly begins. Ready to experience it for yourself?