THESE ARE THE BEST NY CRUISES
8 AMAZING DESTINATIONS YOU CAN CRUISE TO FROM THE NEW YORK AREA
From the sun-dappled Caribbean to the quaint Canadian coast, you won’t believe how many incredible places you can sail to on a cruise out of the New York area.
Published on March 4, 2020
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 newly-revamped private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, it has never been easier to plan the perfect getaway near you. And 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. 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 planning that much-deserved vacation.
TAKE YOUR VACATION FROM THE NEW YORK CITY AREA TO THE TROPICS
If you’re a local and chilly winter weather or the steady bustle of city life has left you craving warm sunshine, blue skies and secluded sandy beaches, consider hopping on a cruise from the New York area 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.
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 onboard a cruise sailing from the New York area to Bermuda and see for yourself why there’s so much buzz around this popular vacation paradise.
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 cruising to the Caribbean from the New York area, you have plenty of sail dates to choose from during the spring and summer.
PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY
Nestled in The Bahamas, the private destination formerly known as CocoCay got a major face lift. You can find all new attractions like a helium-balloon ride that takes you up to 450 feet above the island, a freshwater pool so big, it’s the largest in all of the Caribbean, a lightning-fast zip line experience, luxurious overwater cabanas, and a water park with the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean — Daredevil’s Peak — and the largest wave pool in the Caribbean. All the cruises sailing from the New York area to The Bahamas include a stop there, so choosing a getaway that works with your schedule is easy.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico is an inspiring Caribbean gem that is bouncing back even grander than before. El Yunque National Forest might still be in the final stages of recovery, but thanks to non-stop rebuilding efforts, lively Old San Juan has been restored to its captivating Old-World glory, many beaches are once again pristine and picture-perfect, and much of the island is ready to welcome visitors with open arms and an ice-cold piña colada. You can experience all the magic the Island of Enchantment has to offer on Caribbean cruises departing from the New York area this year.
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CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHEAST COAST FROM THE NEW YORK AREA
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 York 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.
BAR HARBOR, MAINE
With its dramatic landscape of granite cliffs and windswept beaches, Bar Harbor is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Acadia, Maine’s only national park, is a haven for outdoorsy types, while the town center’s quaint cobblestone streets beckon with locally-owned boutique shops, pubs and restaurants serving fresh-caught lobster. The best way to see Bar Harbor is on a fall foliage cruise in September.
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. Cruises from the New York Area to New Brunswick sail from May through October.
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, and even had a brewmaster serve as mayor — three times. But aside from its thriving craft beer culture, Halifax also attracts visitors with its lovely waterfront views, live music scene and 100 Wild Islands. It’s a popular spot on fall foliage, Canada and New England cruises sailing from the New York area. But if you’re feeling truly adventurous, you can sail from Cape Liberty on this 12-night transatlantic cruise in 2020 that includes stops in the Azores, Ireland and France before wrapping up in England.
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC
If thoughts of stately chateaus, delicious French flavors and an eclectic blend of Baroque elegance and contemporary chic make you swoon, Quebec City will steal your heart from the very first bienvenue. From its fascinating historic quarter — where you’ll find the timeless Chateau Frontenac — to its delightful winding alleys and lively cafes, this Canadian gem embodies romance and classic European charm. Quebec City is the last stop on several of the best cruises from the New York area, so you can easily turn your visit into an overnight.
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INSIDER TIPS
1
Take the subway when getting around the city. It’s safe, efficient and much cheaper than relying on cabs.
2
Some of the NYC’s best restaurants are local hole-in-the-wall spots that won’t show up on any foodie round-up. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations on where to eat.
3
If you have time, venture beyond Manhattan. Brooklyn and Queens also have their own unique flavor and are worth crossing the bridge to explore.
