Summary
Located at Pier 12 in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal opened in 2006 with a single cruise quay handling nearly 50 cruise ships and welcoming 250,000 passengers annually.
Consequently, two primary cruise lines operate from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal: Cunard and Princess. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 offers transatlantic cruises that either start or end in Brooklyn, while Princess provides fall foliage itineraries to Canada/New England and the Caribbean/Mexico.
Flying
The closest airport to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is LaGuardia. However, reaching the terminal from any of the three major NYC airports (LGA/JFK/EWR) is straightforward. It is advisable to allow at least two hours to travel from the airport to the cruise terminal, particularly if you are flying into Newark, as well as extra time if traveling during peak rush hours.
Driving and Parking
Moreover, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal offers ample parking options, both short-term and long-term, without the need for advance reservations. If you are driving, enter the following address into your GPS: 72 Bowne Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Taking a Taxi
If you take a yellow cab to the cruise terminal, the estimated fare (excluding tips and tolls) is:
- From John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK): $45–60
- From LaGuardia Airport (LGA): $28–38
- From Newark International Airport (EWR): $80–100
- From Port Authority Bus Terminal: $20–30
Shuttles to Terminal
Most cruise lines provide shuttle services to the cruise terminal. However, for larger groups, opting for a taxi might be more cost-effective.
Public Transit to the Terminal
The area surrounding the terminal is not well served by subways. All public transit options require a bus transfer and a walk of more than four blocks, which makes public transportation less ideal for reaching the cruise terminal.
Hotels Near the Cruise Terminal
The closest hotel to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is the Comfort Inn Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Other nearby options include the Nu Hotel, New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, and Aloft Hotel, all situated in Downtown Brooklyn, just a short taxi ride from the terminal. Hotels in midtown and downtown Manhattan are also accessible within 30 minutes by cab, making them favorable choices for those desiring to explore the city prior to their cruise.
Restaurants Near the Cruise Terminal
Red Hook’s Van Brunt Street, located a short walk from the cruise terminal, features an array of dining options. Notable mentions include:
- Baked, an excellent spot for morning treats or coffee.
- Hope and Anchor, offering upscale diner fare and breakfast throughout the day.
- The Good Fork, a beloved local establishment known for its delightful dinner and brunch options.
Things to Do Near The Cruise Terminal
From the cruise terminal, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Although the terminal’s immediate vicinity lacks extensive attractions, a brief taxi ride can transport you to many of Brooklyn’s highlights. For a lively atmosphere with diverse shopping and dining opportunities, consider exploring Smith Street in the Boerum Hill/Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Alternatively, sports enthusiasts arriving days before departure might enjoy visiting the Barclays Center to catch a game or show before setting sail.
