Cruise Port in New Jersey Guide

Looking to set sail from a cruise port in New Jersey on your next cruise vacation but unsure where to start? Welcome to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, serving more than half a million passengers each year.

This comprehensive guide shines a beacon on everything you need to know, from terminal information and getting around to local attractions and safety tips. Get ready; your smooth sailing starts here!

About the Port

Cityscape of Jersey City skyline with a cruise ship arriving from Manhattan New York City at sunset

Bayonne, New Jersey, hosts the port you’ll be embarking from—a bustling waterfront hub stationed just across the Hudson River from vibrant New York City. This location earns it a spot as one of only three trans-Atlantic passenger terminals in the Port of New York and New Jersey‘s widespread network.

The terminal places great emphasis on user convenience, too. Among its extensive amenities are several secured parking facilities scattered nearby and around Bayonne for visitors to park comfortably before they embark on their seafaring journey.

Cruise Terminal Information

The hub of all cruise activity in the region lies at Cape Liberty Cruise Port Terminal. In terms of structural layout and services, Cape Liberty is designed with cruise passengers’ needs in mind. The terminal offers an efficient check-in process along with comfortable waiting areas before embarking on your cruise ship journey.

How To Get Around

Cruising from Bayonne, New Jersey? You’ll land at Newark Liberty International Airport, just ten short miles from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port. Various public transportation options make that journey a breeze! Hotels near the port often provide their guests with free parking and shuttle services.

Things To Do

Jersey City - Liberty State Park: Columbus Plaza

Explore the vibrant city of Bayonne, New Jersey, and make the most of your time before or after your cruise from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port. Take a short 12-minute drive to Liberty State Park and enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic New York City skyline.

Stroll along the waterfront promenade, visit historic landmarks like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, or have a picnic in one of the park’s lush green spaces. If you’re looking for shopping and dining options, head to Bayonne’s downtown area, where you can find an array of charming boutiques, restaurants, and cafes to satisfy your cravings.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, take advantage of Bayonne’s proximity to beautiful beaches. Spend a relaxing day soaking up the sun at nearby Ocean Beach Park, or venture further down the coast for more scenic spots.

Whether it’s swimming, surfing, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk along the shorelines, there are plenty of opportunities for beach lovers.

With its convenient location near New York City and stunning natural surroundings, Bayonne offers an exciting range of activities for visitors before or after their cruise from Cape Liberty Cruise Port.

Soak up culture, explore nature, and indulge in delicious cuisine—there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant coastal city.

Beach Pass Information

To enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Jersey Shore, you’ll need a beach badge. These badges are required for coastal access and help cover beach maintenance and safety fees. Each town along the shore has its own regulations and rules regarding beach access.

Seaside Heights beach in NJ.

Local Cuisine & Best Places To Eat

Known for its diverse culinary scene, the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, offers a wide range of dining experiences to satisfy all taste buds. Whether you crave Italian cuisine and Mexican flavors or just want to catch a game at a sports bar, there is something for everyone.

Some of the top-rated restaurants near the port include Jaime’s Italian, Wonderland, Devinly Decadence, Figuritas Mexican Kitchen, Bayonne Batter, and BBQ Chicken Bayonne. For sports enthusiasts looking for a place to enjoy their favorite game while indulging in delicious food and drinks, Chubby’s Sports Bar and Grill is only minutes away from the cruise port.

If you’re willing to explore beyond Bayonne and into New York City itself, Coney Island and Astoria have been highly recommended by New York Magazine and Grub Street as great places to find unique eating and drinking establishments.

South Jersey towns like Stone Harbor and Brigantine also offer amazing dining spots near Cape Liberty Cruise Port. So get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure during your visit!

Shopping Opportunities

You’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities during your visit to the cruise ports in New Jersey. Many terminals have souvenir shops where you can pick up mementos and gifts to remember your trip.

Local Currency

The local currency at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey is the US dollar. This means you won’t need to worry about exchanging your money before arriving at the port. Most vendors, restaurants, and taxis at the port accept payment by credit card, so you can easily use your card for transactions.

However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you just in case. Having cash on hand may come in handy if you encounter any establishments that only accept cash or if you prefer to tip in cash.

While exploring the local area around the port, you’ll find that many businesses also accept major credit cards.

If needed, there are also options available for currency conversion within close proximity of the port.

Safety Tips

It is recommended to avoid carrying expensive jewelry, large sums of cash, or extra electronic devices on shore. This will help minimize the risk of theft or loss during your time at the port.

Another safety precaution is wearing masks in shared spaces onboard the ship. This helps prevent the spread of illnesses among passengers and crew members alike. Finally, if you’re planning to drive to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, consider using off-site parking options, as they are often more convenient and secure than parking directly at the port itself.

Best Time To Visit

February, March, April, November, and December are the ideal months to travel if you’re planning a 7- or 8-night cruise to the Bahamas from New Jersey. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer season.

It’s a great time to enjoy all that the Bahamas has to offer without feeling overwhelmed by tourists. Additionally, August through October is also a favorable time for cruising from New Jersey. The weather remains warm during these months, making it perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation on deck.

Popular Cruise Lines That Visit New Jersey Port

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean are two popular cruise lines that visit the New Jersey Port. Both of these cruise lines make stops at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, which serves as their home port.

Royal Caribbean International is the primary cruise line operating at Cape Liberty, but you can also find Celebrity Cruises and TUI Cruises available there. These cruise lines offer exciting itineraries and embarkation points right here in New Jersey.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious ocean liner experience or a fun-filled family adventure, these popular cruise lines will surely have something to suit your travel desires.

FAQs

Read on to get all the information you need before embarking on your next adventure at sea!

Where do cruise ships dock in Jersey?

Cruise ships dock in Jersey at the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, located at 4 Port Terminal Boulevard, Bayonne, New Jersey. This port is one of the major passenger cruise terminals in the Port of New York and New Jersey, along with the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

Where do cruise ships leave from in New Jersey?

Cruise ships leave from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey. This port is home to major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and their ships, such as Adventure of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

What do you do on port days on a cruise?

On port days during your cruise, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy. You can choose to go ashore and explore the cruise port on your own or join a tour organized by the cruise line.

If you prefer a more relaxed day, staying onboard is also an option. Take advantage of this time to relax by the pool, indulge in spa services, or participate in onboard activities.

Booking Information

The Cape Liberty Cruise Port is your gateway to an amazing cruise vacation. Before you set sail, there are a few important things you need to know about booking your trip. First, make sure you have the departure information handy so you know when and where to be at the port.

You can find all this information on the cruise company’s website or by contacting the port directly.

Another important aspect of booking your cruise is purchasing tickets. Both the cruise companies and the port itself offer ticket purchasing information on their websites or through their customer service channels.

Conclusion

Discover the hidden gem of the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey. With its convenient location near New York City, easy access to popular cruise destinations, and a wide range of amenities, this port is a fantastic choice for your next cruise adventure.

Book your trip today and experience all that the Cape Liberty Cruise Port has to offer!

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About Fred Dean

I've been cruising for 15 years, and I can't get enough.

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