5 Best Cruises From New York

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 even transatlantic crossings to Europe.

Some of the top cruises out of New York are available with Royal Caribbean, which sails 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 available, so you can head out on your cruise after making the drive.

If you plan to fly in before your cruise, Newark Liberty International Airport is just nine miles away. You can arrange to be met by a Royal Caribbean representative there and whisked off to your ship. Or you can arrive a day or two early to enjoy the sights and activities of New York City. Catch a Broadway show, see the Statue of Liberty or explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art before setting sail. When it's time to board, book a car service or taxi to Cape Liberty, about 20 minutes away from the Holland Tunnel (without traffic), and get ready for your getaway.

One of my favorite memories of sailing from Cape Liberty aboard Anthem of the Seas® was the 360-degree view of New York Harbor with the Statue of Liberty set against the lower Manhattan skyline. Stay on deck until your ship passes beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and as you enter the Atlantic Ocean, look left to catch a glimpse of the circa-1927 Cyclone roller coaster on Coney Island.

Where will your ship sail to as you head off into the sunset? There are a variety of incredible options, so read on for the five best cruises from New Jersey sailing out of Cape Liberty.

1. Best For A Caribbean Vacation

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 Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas® or Odyssey of the Seas℠ in Cape Liberty for a sun-seekers cruise from New Jersey.

These 4,180-guest Quantum Class ships offer 11- or 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise itineraries in January of 2024 — easily some of the most exciting cruises out of New York. Depending on the sailing, you can visit four to six islands after unpacking just once onboard the ship. Both ships also offer thrilling onboard amenities and world-class entertainment for couples and families. Some of my favorite spaces are Two70® for multimedia performances and the SeaPlex® for court sports and bumper car rides.

Ports visited vary, but itineraries include San Juan, Puerto Rico, where historic sites meet eco-adventure; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, for incredible beaches and duty-free shopping; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, for scenic tours and snorkeling adventures; Castries, St. Lucia, for breathtaking landscapes and Creole cuisine; and Bridgetown, Barbados, for food tours and rum tasting. No matter the itinerary, you'll get the full Caribbean experience on these sailings.

2. Best For Fall Leaf-Peeping

Some of the best cruises out of New York are timed around fall foliage season. Royal Caribbean's nine-night Canada and New England sailings on Liberty of the Seas® visit some of the region's top ports in September and October of 2024 and offer access to vivid landscapes and seasonal activities.

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 Boston, a beacon for history lovers, followed by Portland, Maine for fresh seafood, microbreweries and lighthouses. Canada's autumnal display can be enjoyed during calls on Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia, where coastal hamlets such as Peggy's Cove are postcard-perfect against a patchwork of orange, red and gold. Nature is equally magnificent in St. John, New Brunswick, where tides in the Bay of Fundy recede to reveal stunning rock formations.

3. Best For A Playful Island Escape

If your family cruise goals include a breezy island escape with lots of playtime, Royal Caribbean's seven-night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise from Cape Liberty on Anthem of the Seas® is a fantastic option. It's available on nine dates from February to April in 2024

You'll 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, Royal Caribbean's 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 visits to the Aquaventure waterpark at Atlantis.

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.

4. Best For An Easy Couple's Getaway

What's better than two days in beautiful Bermuda? Two more fun-filled days aboard Liberty of the Seas®. Royal Caribbean's five-night Bermuda cruise from Cape Liberty is offered on 15 dates from May to October in 2024 and these cruises from New York 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.

Liberty of the Seas® spends two days at the 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.

5. Best For Your First Transatlantic Crossing

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.

After crossing the Atlantic, the ship's April 2024 cruise calls on 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. With 12 hours 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.

Ready to set sail on a cruise from New York City? To book a cruise to any of these great destinations, check out sailings from Cape Liberty and discover how cruises from NYC offer it all: ease, excitement and endless possibilities.