Top Cruises Out of New York: From the Big Apple to Your Dream Destinations

The Best Cruises Out of New York


By Sherri Eisenberg | Published: June 4, 2025 | Updated: March 27, 2026


Cruising might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of New York City. With the port of Cape Liberty just a quick car ride away in New Jersey, it's become a popular jumping-off point for those in the region, as well as those with inexpensive flight options to one of New York City's three airports. When you're looking for the best cruises out of New York City, you have several route options from Cape Liberty — including transatlantic crossings, New England and Canada, Bermuda, The Bahamas and the Caribbean. You can choose from affordable getaways or longer adventures. Read on for a list of the top ports you can call on during a cruise from Cape Liberty. The best cruise vacations from New York include sailings to Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. Read on for a list of fantastic ports to see along the way when you invest in top cruises from New York.

Key Takeaways

●  Royal Caribbean cruises departing from New York and New Jersey offer easy access via Cape Liberty, with skyline views at sail away.
●  Guests enjoy world-class ships like Oasis of the Seas® and Anthem of the Seas®, packed with entertainment, dining and family-friendly fun.
●  Itineraries range from short getaways to Bermuda and The Bahamas to longer sailings through the Caribbean or across the Atlantic.
●  Top destinations include Barcelona, Bermuda, St. Maarten, San Juan and even Canadian gems like Halifax and St. John.
●  Start planning your cruise from New York today with Royal Caribbean.

Setting Sail With Royal Caribbean From New York

Anthem of the Seas Sightseeing the Statue of Liberty, New York
Anthem of the Seas Sightseeing the Statue of Liberty, New York

Royal Caribbean offers travelers the perfect way to begin their vacation without flying far from home — by departing right from the New York metropolitan area. Most sailings leave from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. This convenient location allows cruisers to start their journey with iconic skyline views before venturing out to destinations across the Caribbean, Bermuda and even Europe.

Choosing a Royal Caribbean cruise from New York or New Jersey means combining world-class entertainment, dining and innovative ships with the ease of an accessible departure point. When you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, a romantic escape or an adventure-packed holiday, there are cruise itineraries that cater to every style of traveler. With ships like Oasis of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas sailing from Cape Liberty, guests can expect top-notch amenities, spacious accommodations and activities for all ages.

Shorter sailings take you to Bermuda or The Bahamas, while longer itineraries explore the Southern Caribbean or even cross the Atlantic. For those based in the Northeast, this makes cruising a seamless vacation choice: no long flights required, just a quick trip to the port and your adventure begins.

Are You Ready? It’s Time To Depart From New York and Head To…

Start your adventure close to home and discover where Royal Caribbean can take you when you depart from New York and New Jersey. Here are eight unforgettable destinations when you cruise from New York:

1. Barcelona, Spain

If thoughts of incredible architecture and delicious Spanish flavors make you swoon, Barcelona will steal your heart on your transatlantic crossing. It’s one of the best cruises out of New York by far. From Barcelona's fascinating Gothic Quarter, where you'll see medieval landmarks, to its delightful winding alleys and lively cafés, this gem embodies romance and classic European charm.

Plus, Barcelona is one of the best food cities in the world. It’s home to delicious churros, spectacular tapas and paella and seafood plucked right from the sea. If you're wondering, "How long is a cruise from New York to Spain?" You'll want to set aside two weeks for these transatlantic cruises from New York, which can also include Italy or Portugal, depending on which route you choose.

2. Perfect Day At Cococay, The Bahamas

Think of this private-island experience in The Bahamas as your ideal beach excursion. You'll find gorgeous swathes of white sand and multiple pools, including a breathtakingly large freshwater pool and the largest wave pool in the Caribbean. There are also luxurious overwater cabanas for you to use as you please.

Enjoy endless attractions like a lightning-fast zip line, a helium-balloon ride that takes you up to 450 feet above the island and a water park with the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean, Daredevil's Peak®.

There's so much to do for both adults and kids that your biggest issue might just be figuring out what to hit first. Without a doubt, any cruise that calls here is a contender for the best family cruise from New York.

3. Royal Navy Dockyard, Bermuda

Besides Bermuda's world-class diving and golf courses that have long attracted visitors from all over the world, it's the island's heavenly pink sand beaches, laid-back vibes and candy-colored city streets that make it one of the best destinations for a tropical vacation.

This is one of the best places to visit, especially in the popular summer months. Join a cruise sailing from Cape Liberty to Bermuda and see for yourself why these are generally considered among the best weekend cruises from NYC.

4. Portland, Maine

With its dramatic landscape of granite cliffs and windswept beaches, Maine is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Acadia, Maine's only national park, is a haven for outdoorsy types. The town center's quaint cobblestone streets beckon with locally owned boutique shops, pubs and restaurants serving fresh-caught lobster. The best time to see Portland is on a fall foliage cruise in September.

5. Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Centuries-old ruins, lush tropical forests, secluded shores and a Caribbean food scene shaped by more than 120 nationalities are just some of the reasons why St. Maarten tops many travelers' vacation lists. There's plenty of vibrant Caribbean culture to explore, including in the form of artistic murals.

If you're cruising to the Caribbean from the New York area, you have plenty of eastern and southern Caribbean sailings to choose from to reach this sunny port.

6. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is the ultimate city for you to raise a pint to adventure. It's home to more pubs and clubs per capita than nearly any other Canadian city. It even had a brewmaster serve as mayor — three times.

Aside from its thriving craft beer culture, Halifax also attracts visitors with its lovely waterfront views, live music scene and 100 Wild Islands. If you're looking for the best weekend cruise from New York, the four-night sailings to Halifax are an ideal taste of maritime Canada.

7. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an inspiring Caribbean gem that welcomes visitors with open arms and an ice-cold piña colada. Old San Juan is lively, Puerto Rican fare is famously tasty and the beaches are pristine and picture-perfect.

You can experience all the magic that the "Isle of Enchantment" has to offer on Caribbean cruises departing from the New York area. For the best cruise from New York to Puerto Rico, look for unmissable deals for a 4-day cruise from New York right through to even longer nine-night options to the eastern Caribbean.

8. St. John, New Brunswick

Canada's oldest incorporated city offers several record-setting historical sites along its picturesque streets, including North America's oldest continuous farmers' market and Canada's oldest continuous museum.

If you prefer to wander on the wild side, there are endless trails worth exploring in Irving Nature Park and Rockwood Park. Cruises from the New York area to New Brunswick sail from May through October.

Quick Facts and Destination Recommendations From New York

●  The best cruise line from NYC: Royal Caribbean, for family-friendly entertainment-first activities, leisure-supreme amenities, innovative ships and diverse itineraries.
●  The number 1 cruise destination from New York: The Bahamas, offering year-round sunshine and short, convenient sailings.
●  The nicest cruise ship right now: Oasis of the Seas, sailing from Cape Liberty, with unmatched amenities and entertainment.

From New York to the World: Cruise With Royal Caribbean

With Royal Caribbean, cruises from New York make it easier than ever to turn your travel dreams into reality. Relish the opportunity to explore modern ships, exciting itineraries and the convenience of sailing close to home. You can start your adventure the moment you leave the dock.

From the pink sands of Bermuda and the turquoise waters of The Bahamas, to the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, there’s a perfect voyage waiting for you. Pack your bags, head to Cape Liberty and let Royal Caribbean whisk you away on a journey you’ll never forget. Explore cruises from New York right here.

You’ve been dreaming about an adventure, new travel discoveries and plenty of relaxation; it's time to start planning that much-deserved vacation. Find your perfect trip among the amazing options of cruises out of Cape Liberty.

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