New York Cruises

History & Culture

Once America’s capital city, since its colonisation in the early 1600s, New York has been central in setting trends in everything from finance and politics to music and fashion. Museums and galleries hold some of the world’s most prestigious works of art. Broadway is the birthplace of musicals that sell out theatres the world over and Harlem is the home of jazz. At times, America’s culture capital can be a frantic whirlwind of culture and cuisine set against New York’s iconic city skyline. Take time to explore and you’ll find quiet nooks, diverse boroughs and places to dig deeper into the city’s music, sport, art, dance and history.

Overnights in the city that never sleeps open up opportunities to bag the hottest tickets in town, while short port stays let you tick off the highlights. Expect warm temperatures in spring and summer – perfect for a stroll in Central Park. Crisp autumn days and frosty New York winters are ideal for gallery, mall and skyscraper tours. From your New York cruise port, you can easily explore Manhattan, hop on the subway to the beaches of The Hamptons or head inland to get into the great outdoors that surrounds New York

Food & Drink

With everything from hot dogs to Korean haute cuisine on the menu, Cruises from New York serve up infinite food options. Mouthwatering Michelin-starred menus may well tempt you to book a table at top restaurants, but it’s worth noting that the fast food in this city – think perfect pizza slices and street carts that serve deli-quality coffee and bagels – mean eating on the go in New York needn’t be ruled out. On the drinks menu? Cocktails tend to hog the limelight, but ale houses, wine cellars and rooftop bars offer global menus that tick off big brand brews alongside artisan spirits.

Discover how to make the most of your visit on our New York city guide!

Featured New York destinations to visit

Bear Mountain State Park

If you love the great outdoors, head straight from your New York cruise port to Bear Mountain State Park. You’ll find 5000+ acres of wilderness to explore. Mountains, lakes and forests are ideal for hiking, biking and boating. Pack binoculars to get a glimpse of the bald eagles and willow flycatchers on nearby Iona Island.

The Hamptons

At the tip of Long Island, you’ll find The Hamptons. A playground for New York’s rich and famous, the natural wonders, frenetic polo matches and sun-soaked vineyards depict a very different side to New York. Steeped in culture, history and soft sand beaches, the villages here are a world away from Manhattan’s bustling streets.

American Dream Complex

This $5billion complex may be home to one of America’s largest shopping malls, but it also houses a theme park, water park, snow park, an aquarium, an ice rink, a mini golf course and a Legoland Discovery Centre. Much more than a place for a spot of retail therapy, the American Dream complex is a full day’s entertainment under one roof.

New York Calling Ports

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
The Cape Liberty Cruise Port
Manhattan Cruise Terminal

What not to miss in New York

Central Park

Don’t hop on your cruise from New York without exploring the 840+ acres of Central Park. As iconic as the city’s Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building, the park may be quiet in places – but there are still plenty of sights and sounds to take in.

Broadway

Broadway alone makes it worth jetting in a day or two early for New York cruises. Soak up the greasepaint and stage light atmosphere in the theatre district, get seats for a classic production – such as Chicago. Or book the hottest tickets to the latest show in town.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

Cruises to New York put you in a city that’s not short on great museums, but the pick of the bunch has to be the MOMA. The enormous collection of works totals around 200,000 with an ever changing display that includes masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti and Monet. Expect to see some homegrown talent too.

Want more? Read our advice on the 5 best New York museums and art galleries that should not be missed out.

Tips for cruising to New York

Currency considerations

The currency in New York is the American Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted, but New York stores can charge a ‘convenience fee’ of 2.25% on top of any foreign currency fees. ATMs can be found city wide, though you may incur a fee to withdraw.

Customs / traditions to be aware of

Take care when stopping to take a photo. New York is the city that never stands still. Step to one side of the sidewalk before taking pictures or stopping to admire a view. A tip of 15-20% is expected in restaurants.

Making the most use of short durations in port

Take a ride on the Staten Island ferry, rather than the subway to get around. You’ll see more of the city. and its sights, for a small fee. Don’t be afraid to give Times Square a miss. For the best city views, head to the top of the Rockefeller Centre.

Transport

New York is well connected by subway, buses, ferries and taxis. Though, it can take longer than planned to get around. Always allow for traffic jams when planning routes and timings.