Cruises from NJ leave from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, the only cruise terminal in New Jersey. Royal Caribbean is the main cruise line there, with ships including Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, while Celebrity Cruises also sails from the port with Celebrity Silhouette in 2027. Popular itineraries include Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Canada and New England.
Key Takeaways
- Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne is New Jersey’s cruise terminal, at 14 Port Terminal Boulevard.
- Royal Caribbean is the port’s main line, with Celebrity Cruises also scheduling sailings.
- Ships scheduled for late 2026 and 2027 include Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Celebrity Silhouette.
- Destinations include Bermuda, the Bahamas with Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Caribbean and Canada and New England.
- Cruising from New Jersey means no flight for millions of people in the New York metro area.
- The terminal opened in 2004 on the site of a former military ocean terminal.
Ship schedules were checked against published sailing lists in September 2026. Cruise lines change deployments often, so confirm dates and ships when you book.
Where Do Cruises From NJ Depart?
New Jersey has one cruise terminal: Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, Hudson County. It sits at Piers 11 and 12 on a peninsula that was once a military ocean terminal. The port opened for cruises in May 2004, when Voyager of the Seas made the first passenger ship departure from New Jersey in almost 40 years.
Royal Caribbean markets the port as “Cape Liberty (New York),” because it serves the entire New York metro area. However, the terminal is firmly in New Jersey, with views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from the pier.
Cruise Lines and Ships Sailing From NJ
| Cruise line | Ships scheduled from Cape Liberty (late 2026–2027) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas | Families, big-ship amenities, short and week-long trips |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Silhouette (from spring 2027) | Couples and travelers who prefer a more upscale feel |
According to published port schedules, Odyssey of the Seas handles much of the fall and winter season from November 2026 to April 2027. Meanwhile, spring and summer 2027 bring more variety, with Celebrity Silhouette joining in May.
Popular Cruise Destinations From New Jersey
| Destination | What to expect | Best season |
|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Pink-sand beaches and a short sail from the Northeast | Late spring to early fall |
| Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean’s private island plus Nassau stops on many sailings | Year-round |
| Caribbean | Longer sailings to warm-weather islands | Late fall through spring |
| Canada and New England | Coastal towns, seafood and fall foliage | Summer and fall |
| Short getaway cruises | Quick trips for first-time cruisers or long weekends | Varies by schedule |
Winter cruises from NJ
In winter, cruises from NJ usually head south to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Keep in mind that the first day or two at sea can be chilly as the ship leaves the Northeast. Therefore, pack layers for the start of the trip and summer clothes for later.
Summer and fall cruises from NJ
Summer is prime time for Bermuda, while fall brings Canada and New England itineraries timed for colorful foliage. As a result, these seasons often sell out early.
Why Cruise From New Jersey?
- No flight needed: Drive or take a car service to the port instead of flying to Florida.
- Lower total cost: Skipping airfare and a pre-cruise hotel can save a significant amount.
- Less stress: No risk of missing the ship because of a delayed flight.
- More luggage flexibility: Driving means fewer airline bag limits.
- Great sail-away views: Ships pass the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan.
Getting to Cape Liberty Cruise Port
The port is at 14 Port Terminal Boulevard in Bayonne. Most New Jersey travelers drive, since the port offers on-site parking. Others use car services, taxis or rideshares, while visitors from Manhattan often take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer.
| Option | Best for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Drive and park at the port | New Jersey residents and families with luggage | Check current parking rates and payment options before you go |
| Car service or rideshare | Travelers who want to avoid parking fees | Book early for peak embarkation days |
| Taxi or transfer from Manhattan | Visitors staying in New York City | Allow extra time for tunnel and bridge traffic |
Cruises From NJ vs. New York City Terminals
The New York area has several cruise terminals, and the right one depends on your cruise line. Cape Liberty is the only one in New Jersey. The Manhattan Cruise Terminal and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal serve other lines and ships. For New Jersey residents, Cape Liberty is usually the easiest drive, but it is worth comparing itineraries across all three before you book.
Tips for Cruising From NJ
- Book early for Bermuda and fall foliage sailings. These fill quickly.
- Arrive at your assigned check-in time. Staggered arrivals keep lines shorter.
- Bring the right ID. A passport is the safest choice, even on closed-loop cruises.
- Pack motion-sickness remedies. Open Atlantic waters can be choppy.
- Watch the weather. Winter storms and hurricane season can change itineraries.
- Consider travel insurance for weather-related disruptions.
What to Bring to Cape Liberty
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Passport or approved travel documents | Required by the cruise line for boarding and re-entry |
| Boarding documents and luggage tags | Speeds up check-in |
| Layers and a light jacket | Northeast departures can be cool even in summer |
| Carry-on with essentials | Checked bags can take time to reach your cabin |
| Medications | Keep them in your carry-on |
Cape Liberty Cruise Port Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Cape Liberty Cruise Port |
| Address | 14 Port Terminal Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ |
| County | Hudson County |
| Opened for cruises | May 2004 |
| Former use | Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne |
| Main cruise line | Royal Caribbean |
| Also sailing | Celebrity Cruises |
First-Time Cruiser Checklist for Cruises From NJ
If this is your first sailing, a little planning goes a long way. Many first-time cruisers choose a short getaway first to see whether cruising suits them. Others go straight to a week in Bermuda or the Caribbean.
- Complete online check-in before your sailing and choose your arrival time.
- Print or download luggage tags and attach them before you reach the port.
- Check your documents twice, including passports for every traveler.
- Plan your parking or ride in advance, especially on busy summer weekends.
- Set a budget for extras, such as drink packages, excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
- Book shore excursions early for popular ports like Bermuda.
- Pack a day bag with medications, a swimsuit and a change of clothes for the first afternoon.
With the checklist done, cruises from NJ can be one of the easiest vacations to start: a short drive, a quick check-in and a sail-away past the New York Harbor skyline.
Plan More New Jersey Trips
A cruise is one way to explore from home. For more ideas on land, see our list of things to do in NJ. If you are heading down the shore instead, our guide to things to do in Cape May NJ covers a classic trip, and our NJ fall foliage guide pairs well with a Canada and New England sailing. Browse more in our Things To Do section or on the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises From NJ
Where do cruises from NJ leave from?
Cruises from New Jersey leave from Cape Liberty Cruise Port at 14 Port Terminal Boulevard in Bayonne, the only cruise terminal in the state.
Which cruise lines sail from Bayonne, NJ?
Royal Caribbean is the main cruise line at Cape Liberty, and Celebrity Cruises also schedules sailings there, including Celebrity Silhouette from spring 2027.
Which ships sail from Cape Liberty in 2026 and 2027?
Published schedules list Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, with Odyssey of the Seas covering much of the November 2026 to April 2027 season.
Where can you cruise to from New Jersey?
Popular destinations include Bermuda, the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Caribbean, and Canada and New England.
When did Cape Liberty Cruise Port open?
Cape Liberty opened for cruises in May 2004 on the site of a former military ocean terminal in Bayonne.
Is there parking at Cape Liberty Cruise Port?
Yes. The port offers on-site parking for cruise passengers. Check current rates before you travel.
Do I need a passport for a cruise from NJ?
A passport is the safest choice. Some closed-loop cruises accept other documents, but your cruise line sets the exact requirements.
Setting Sail From New Jersey
Cruises from NJ all leave from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, where Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer trips to Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Canada and New England. Choose your season, book popular sailings early and enjoy the convenience of starting your vacation without a flight. Few sail-aways anywhere can match the view of the Statue of Liberty as your ship heads out to sea.
