New York City Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge During Summer Time

The 7 Best Cruises To Take From New York This Summer

Top Summer Cruises From New York


By Cassie Bailey | Published: March 4, 2020 | Updated: March 4, 2026

 

Goodbye sweater weather, hello sunshine — summer is just around the corner. For many New Yorkers, the change in weather usually heralds the beginning of a season of rooftop parties, live music in Central Park, longer days with plenty of blue skies and swiftly rising temperatures. It’s also the ideal time of year to get out of town and check some new vacation destinations off your bucket list on the perfect summer getaway. There are plenty of options for parents with kids out of school, students in between semesters and anyone who’s craving a little change in scenery.

This year, add a well-deserved Caribbean getaway to your summer agenda. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to plan a week-long family vacation to exotic southern shores or a last-minute sun-soaked island hop with your besties. You don’t even have to board an airplane — there are plenty of tropics-bound destinations for summer cruises from New York.

Key Takeaways: Top Cruises From New York

King's Wharf, Bermuda: Escape to this world-class diving and golf destination, speckled with pastel buildings and white-sand beaches.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Explore Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture, rich history, historic buildings and breathtaking beaches.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten: Nearly as diverse as the Big Apple, you’ll find tons to do, including ziplining through dense rainforests or soaking up sunshine on secluded beaches.
Nassau, The Bahamas: Dance to the beat of calypso rhythms, surrounded by clear turquoise waters and quintessential Caribbean charm.
Labadee, Haiti: Test your courage on an alpine roller coaster, hike along winding trails through lush jungles and unwind in tranquil beach bungalows.
Perfect Day at CocoCay: Race family and friends down the tallest waterslide in North America or relax on floating cabanas — and so much more.
Halifax, Canada: Explore the Canadian and New England coastline, stroll along the Halifax boardwalk and visit Victorian-era gardens.
● Explore Royal Caribbean cruises from New York and swap summer skylines for coastlines.

1. King's Wharf, Bermuda

With its pastel-hued colonial buildings and stunning white-sand beaches, Bermuda is a sun-seekers’ paradise and the perfect place to take a break from the Northeast. Its claim to fame as a world-class diving and golf destination doesn’t hurt, either.

Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the best destinations to cruise to from the New York area if you like a combination of rest and play. That’s why you’ll find lots of itineraries with stops at this Caribbean-cool paradise. Hop on a five-night getaway if you’re pressed for time or set sail on a longer adventure if you aren’t counting vacation days.

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Located just east of the Dominican Republic and west of the British Virgin Islands, sunny San Juan has everything you could hope to find in a Caribbean cruise destination — a vibrant culture, rich and fascinating history, beautiful historic buildings and breathtaking beaches.

Wander through the Old Town and sip rum while gazing out over the city’s centuries-old fortress walls or ride an open-air trolley around to San Juan’s most famous sites. You can reach the Isle of Enchantment on cruises out of New York in June that range between eight and 10 nights.

3. Philipsburg, St. Maarten

New Yorkers should feel right at home in St. Maarten — boasting more than 120 nationalities speaking close to 100 languages, it’s nearly as diverse a melting pot as the Big Apple. You’ll find tons to do here, too, including chasing adrenaline highs through dense rainforests on the zip line ride of your life, soaking up the sunshine on one of the island’s many secluded beaches or sampling the world-famous global cuisine that makes up the legendary food scene in Philipsburg. Are you feeling the wanderlust yet?

4. Nassau, The Bahamas

If you’re craving a hearty dose of calypso rhythms, clear turquoise waters and quintessential Caribbean charm, a July cruise from NYC to Nassau in The Bahamas should do the trick. Once a popular refuge for pirates and bootleggers, the Bahamian capital is home to picturesque streets, open-air markets and vibrant coral reefs as colorful as the rum-running characters that used it as a hideaway centuries ago. The beaches here are postcard-perfect, the seafood is unforgettable and the hospitality is world-class. Visit on a seven- or eight-night summer cruise and discover for yourself why the island nation’s slogan is “it’s better in The Bahamas.”

5. Labadee, Haiti

There’s something for everybody at the Royal Caribbean private destination, Labadee. Thrill-seekers can test their courage on an alpine roller coaster and the longest zip line over water. Outdoorsy types can hike along winding trails through lush jungles and up rugged mountains. Sun soakers can unwind in tranquil beach bungalows situated along gold-and-turquoise shores. If this unforgettable stop is on your summer cruise itinerary, make sure to try the destination’s signature drink, the Labadoozie — it lives up to its name.

6. Perfect Day at CocoCay

If you’re looking for the best summer cruise from New York that balances thrills and chills, you’re in for a jaw-dropping surprise. The fan-favorite private island offers the largest freshwater pool and the largest wave pool in the Caribbean, a water park with the tallest waterslide in North America and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas. You can get there starting this summer on a cruise from the New York area.

7. Halifax, Canada

Summer is an excellent time for a cruise; however, if you’re not into the sweltering summer, Halifax is one of the best four-day cruises out of New York in August. With temperatures in the mid-70s, Halifax offers a laid-back coastal vibe that makes slowing down easy. Spend the day walking along the scenic waterfront boardwalk lined with shops, cafés and seafood shacks. Explore the groomed Victorian-era public gardens or venture out to the picturesque fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.

From Skylines to Seas: Head Away on a Summer Cruise

Sail away from New York skylines and swap the city’s rush for beaches in Bermuda, fortress walls in San Juan or lighthouse views in Halifax. Each stop offers a distinct blend of culture, history and adventure — perfect for transforming your city getaway into a spectacular and sun-drenched vacation.
Explore cruises from New York and discover the best of the East Coast and beyond.

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