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.
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.
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.
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.
Nestled in The Bahamas, the private
destination formerly known as CocoCay is 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 North
America — 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.