Cruises From New York: The Best Cruise Destinations
Top Cruise Destinations From New York
By Cassie Bailey | Published: March 4, 2020 | Updated: February 11, 2026
Cruising might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of New York City, but with the port of Cape Liberty just a quick car ride away, it’s become a popular jumping-off point for those looking to take a break from the city lights without having to head to an airport. With cruises that stop at several of the world’s most exotic tropical islands — like Bermuda, St. Maarten and the private island Perfect Day at CocoCay — it has never been easier to plan the perfect getaway near you.
For vacationers who dream of windswept seaside villages and spectacular fall foliage, there are voyages along the northeast coast to charming postcard towns in Maine, Nova Scotia and eastern Canada. The best part? They all sail from nearby Cape Liberty port. You have so many great options, too, from affordable quick getaways to longer adventures with more to see and do along the way. Whether you long for thrills and new discoveries, rest and relaxation, or a healthy mix of everything, it’s time to start exploring cruise destinations from New York.
Key Takeaways: What Cruises Leave From New York?
- ● King’s Wharf, Bermuda: Bermuda is a quick tropical getaway just a few nights’ sail from Cape Liberty. Here you can discover famous pink-sand beaches and pastel streets.
- ● Philipsburg, St. Maarten: A mix of Dutch charm, Caribbean beaches and an incredible food scene shaped by 120+ nationalities make St. Maarten a cultural and culinary highlight.
- ● Perfect Day at CocoCay: From overwater cabanas and the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean to massive freshwater pools and a helium-balloon ride, this private island packs in both thrills and relaxation.
- ● San Juan, Puerto Rico: Old San Juan’s pop-color streets, historic forts and buzzing nightlife go hand-in-hand with nearby beaches and rainforest adventures.
- ● Portland, Maine: Rugged coastline, historic lighthouses and lobster straight from the sea make Portland a New England gem — especially during fall foliage season.
- ● St. John, New Brunswick: Canada’s oldest incorporated city juxtaposes historic sites with natural escapes like Irving Nature Park, making it perfect for both history buffs and the outdoor-obsessed.
- ● Halifax, Nova Scotia: Pubs, live music and craft beer melt into ocean views and island adventures in this lively Canadian hub.
- ● Sail out of Cape Liberty cruise port and take your NYC escape with a side of coastline.
Explore Cruises From New York to the Caribbean
If you’re a New York local and chilly winter weather or the steady bustle of city life has left you craving warm sunshine, blue skies and secluded sandy beaches, hop on a cruise from New York to the Caribbean. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time to spare — you can easily find amazing cruises to the Caribbean under a week long, so you can get your tropical glow on without sacrificing all your vacation days. Already daydreaming of rainforest safaris, crystal-clear waters and sipping daiquiris poolside? These are just some of the beautiful island destinations you can visit on a cruise from the New York Area.
1. King’s Wharf, Bermuda
Bermuda’s world-class diving and golf courses have long attracted visitors from all over the world. But it’s the island’s heavenly beaches, laid-back vibes and candy-colored city streets that make it one of the best destinations for a tropical vacation. Jump on board a five- to seven-night cruise from New York to Bermuda and see for yourself why there’s so much buzz around this popular vacation paradise.
2. Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Centuries-old ruins, lush tropical forests, secluded shores and a legendary food scene shaped by more than 120 nationalities are just some of the reasons why St. Maarten tops many travelers’ vacation lists. And if you’re taking a longer nine- to 14-night cruise to St. Maarten from the New York area, you have plenty of sail dates to choose from during the spring and summer.
3. Perfect Day at CocoCay
Nestled in The Bahamas, the Royal Caribbean private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the place to go for thrills and relaxation during your Caribbean escape. You can find exciting attractions like Up, Up and Away, a helium-balloon ride that takes you up to 450 feet above the island, a huge freshwater pool (it’s the largest in the Caribbean) and a lightning-fast zip line experience. There are also luxurious overwater cabanas not too far from a water park with the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean — Daredevil’s Peak — and the largest wave pool in the Caribbean. Most cruises from Cape Liberty port to Perfect Day at CocoCay are seven to eight nights long.
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an inspiring Caribbean gem that is bigger and brighter than ever. El Yunque National Forest offers plenty of day hikes to get lost among lush greenery and lively Old San Juan boasts its captivating Old-World glory. Beaches are pristine and picture-perfect — and the island welcomes visitors with open arms and an ice-cold piña colada. You can experience all the magic the Island of Enchantment has to offer on 12- to 14-night Caribbean cruises departing from the New York area.
Explore a Northeast Coast Cruise Departing From NYC
An island cruise in the tropics isn’t the only kind of vacation you can enjoy when you sail from the city. There are countless breathtaking sights to soak up along the northeast seaboard as well. If you opt for a fall foliage cruise out of the New Jersey area, expect wild and rugged coastlines, forests painted in fiery autumn hues and colorful harbor towns that seem plucked from a vintage postcard. With so many cruises to Canada and New England, you’re never short on options to experience wonders like New England’s idyllic ports, Newfoundland’s awe-inspiring natural parks and Canada’s grand cities. Here are just some of the fascinating places you can cruise to from the New York area.
5. Portland, Maine
Portland serves up classic New England with its own twist. Wander cobblestone streets in the Old Port, spot working fishing boats along the waterfront and taste your way through a food scene that punches above its weight. Add in lighthouses, ocean views and lobster rolls, and you’ve got Maine at its best. Hear to Portland on a nine-night cruise that will take you up the northeast coast to Canada. A great time to go is during September and October for mild temperatures and stunning fall foliage.
6. St. John, New Brunswick
Canada’s oldest incorporated city offers several record-setting historical sites along its picturesque streets, including North America’s oldest continuing farmers' market and Canada’s oldest continuing museum. If you prefer to wander on the wild side, there are endless trails worth exploring in Irving Nature Park and Rockwood Park. Nine-night cruises from the New York Area to New Brunswick sail from May through October.
7. Halifax, Nova Scotia
If you’re looking for weekend cruises from New York, 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, and even had a brewmaster serve as mayor — three times. But aside from its thriving craft beer culture, Nova Scotia also attracts visitors with its lovely waterfront views, live music scene and 100 Wild Islands. It’s a popular spot for fall foliage, Canada and New England cruises sailing from the New York area. You can sail from Cape Liberty port on a four-day cruise from New York, but if you’re feeling truly adventurous, stretch it out on a nine-night cruise.
Swap the City for Coastlines With a Cruise From New York
Cruises from New York open the door to pink-sand beaches, buzzing Caribbean capitals, historic Canadian ports and charming New England towns. Each stop brings its own culture, flavors and adventures.
Explore cruises from New York to the north or south — either way, you’ll discover a journey that feels far more profound than the distance covered at sea.
