The Happiest Travels on Earth

In a previous post, I talked about things you need to know when you sail from the New York/New Jersey area. Whether that’s transportation, parking or the actual address of the port, your cruising logistics are covered there. 

Since it’s our recommendation to always arrive at your departure port the day before your cruise sails, we are now recommending convenient hotels and things to do in the New York/New Jersey area before or after your cruise. 

We’ll cover things like hotel accommodations near the port and must-do activities in the area. Don’t forget to stay tuned to the blog for all things travel! 

Manhattan Cruise Terminal

As we mentioned in our last post, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal is a major cruise port in Manhattan, New York. Located at 711 12th Avenue, it is conveniently located on the West Side Highway, close to some world class New York attractions. 

Best Hotel Near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal 

Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Midtown West, an IHG Hotel 

Located just .8 miles from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal lies the Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Midtown West. It’s approximately a block and a half walk from this hotel to the pier, which is located on the West Side Highway. 

Amenities here include a complimentary free breakfast buffet and complimentary wifi and fitness center. While this hotel does not offer transportation to the port, it’s so close that you can either walk or catch an Uber for very cheap. 

During peak season, this hotel is approximately $280 per night, with prices starting at $109 during less busy times. 

Attractions Near the Manhattan Cruise Terminal 

Intrepid Museum 

One of the closest attractions to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal is the Intrepid Museum. Located right besides the cruise pier, the Intrepid Museum is a museum that is onboard an aircraft carrier. Exhibits at the museum include a submarine and a space shuttle. You can also take a guided tour onboard, visit limited time exhibitions and try out some simulators. Tickets for the Intrepid Museum are $36 and can be purchased directly through the Intrepid Museum’s website. 

Times Square

Located only about a 10- 15 minute walk from the Holiday Inn Express is the famous Times Square. Whether you want to see the spot where the ball drops each year, take in all of the billboards or just experience a very New York situation, Times Square is the place for you! 

Here, you can find many popular restaurants, like our favorite, Carmine’s and find most of the Broadway Theaters that feature many popular shows. 

Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal

Cape Liberty’s Cruise Terminal is located in Bayonne, New Jersey. Located just across from New York, Bayonne is a destination all its own. Just a reminder that the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal is located at 4 Port Terminal Boulevard, Bayonne, New Jersey. 

Best Hotel Near the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal 

Springhill Suites by Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport 

Located about 8 miles away from the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal, the Springhill Suites by Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport is actually one of the closest hotels to the port itself. Believe it or not, there are really no hotels in Bayonne itself, so our recommendation would be to stay near Newark Airport. 

Amenities here include a daily complimentary breakfast and a fitness center. While this hotel does not offer transportation to the port, it’s probably the best alternative of the bunch. Some people recommend staying in Manhattan, but you are now factoring tolls and traffic into the equation. We recommend the option at Newark Airport since you are already in New Jersey and it’s only about a 15 to 20 minute drive. 

During peak season, this hotel is approximately $150 per night, but can be as low as $115 per night. 

Attractions Near the Bayonne Cruise Terminal 

Liberty State Park 

Since we’re in New Jersey now, one of the closest and most popular attractions is Liberty State Park. Liberty State Park offers waterfront views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and all of the area. Also from here, you can take an excursion to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty via ferry. This is a pretty popular thing to do when visiting the area and is quite fun. Admission to Liberty State Park is free but any additional activities like visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island do require a fee. Fees will vary depending on where you purchase your tickets, so be sure to do some research. You can learn more about Liberty State Park by visiting the New Jersey State Park Services website. 

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

If shopping is what you’re after, then we have the perfect recommendation… The Mills at Jersey Gardens. Located right near Newark Airport, the Mills at Jersey Gardens is essentially a giant indoor outlet mall with all of your favorite brands. From Nieman Marcus Last Call to Saks Off 5th and Kate Spade, there are so many places to shop here. I’ve often seen people in the mall with an empty suitcase because they have so many good things. The Mills at Jersey Gardens is only a 10 minute drive from the hotel we suggested so you won’t be going far. There are also a few restaurants and a movie theater in the mall that can definitely take up some time. 

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is located in one of the five boroughs of New York, Brooklyn. As a reminder, the address for the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is 210 Clinton Wharf. It’s located in the Redhook part of Brooklyn. 

Best Hotel Near the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal 

Comfort Inn Prospect Park- Brooklyn 

Located about 2 miles away from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is the Comfort Inn Prospect Park-  Brooklyn. There aren’t many hotel options in this area, so another option would be to stay in Downtown Manhattan. Here you do run the risk of traffic since you will have to take the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel back into Brooklyn to get to the pier. If you are heading into the area for more than one night, we suggest the Downtown Manhattan option. 

Amenities here include a free grab and go breakfast, free wifi and a business center. Like our other options, this does not include a shuttle to the pier, but an Uber shouldn’t be too expensive around here. 

During peak season, this hotel is approximately $200 per night, but can be as low as $109 per night. 

Attractions Near the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal 

Other Half Brewing

Even though Red Hook is very close to Manhattan, there are some things you can do here that are exclusively Brooklyn. One option is to visit Other Half Brewing. Located right in Red Hook, Other Half Brewing is a brewery that has been in operation since 2014 and is uniquely Brooklyn. You can try out some of their beers and have a great afternoon just hanging out. 

Brooklyn Heights Promenade 

If it’s a taste of Manhattan you want without the trekking to get there, then visit the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It’s located right off of one of the major highways in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and offers some amazing views of Downtown Manhattan, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. This is a free activity, which means you’ll get to take in some views and just relax. You might come across people walking or roller skating but there are benches available too!  

Looking for more recommendations on what to do or where to stay in the area? Let me know in the comments below. 
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