New York City has three cruise ship terminals, all in Manhattan

Cruise ships arriving in New York City dock at one of three terminals, all located on the Hudson River in Manhattan. The three terminals are the Manhattan Cruise Terminal (also called Pier 88), the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Pier 12), and the Red Hook Terminal (also called Pier 10). Which terminal your ship uses depends on the cruise line, the size of the ship, and the cruise line's scheduling.

The Manhattan terminals are the oldest and most central. The Brooklyn terminal opened in 2006 and handles some of the largest ships. All three are within a short distance of major highways and public transportation, though the experience of arriving and departing differs slightly at each location.

Key Takeaways

  • Manhattan Cruise Terminal (Pier 88) is located at 55th Street on the Hudson River and is the most frequently used dock for cruise ships leaving New York.
  • Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Pier 12) is in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and accommodates some of the largest cruise ships in the world.
  • Red Hook Terminal (Pier 10) is also in Brooklyn and is used by select cruise lines for specific sailings.
  • Passengers can reach all three terminals by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transportation, though parking and drop-off procedures vary by location.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal at Pier 88

Pier 88, officially the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, sits at West 55th Street on the Hudson River. This is the primary cruise terminal for New York City and handles the majority of cruise ship traffic. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line all use this terminal for regular sailings.

The terminal is in Midtown Manhattan, making it the most accessible by public transportation. The A, C, and E subway lines stop at 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal, about a 10-minute walk away. Taxis and rideshare services drop off directly at the terminal entrance. Street parking is extremely limited, so most passengers either use paid parking garages nearby or arrange a drop-off.

The terminal has a modern check-in area, security screening, and baggage handling. Passengers typically arrive two to three hours before departure. The terminal is also used for ships returning to port, so you may see multiple vessels docked here on any given day.

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at Red Hook

The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, located at Pier 12 in the Red Hook neighborhood, is the second-largest cruise port in New York City. This terminal was built to accommodate some of the world's largest cruise ships, including vessels from Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean that are too large for the Manhattan terminal.

Red Hook is less central than Midtown Manhattan, but it is still reachable by public transportation. The F and G subway lines serve the area, though the walk from the nearest station is longer than at the Manhattan terminal. Many passengers use taxis, rideshare services, or arrange private transportation. Paid parking is available at the terminal, and the lot is larger than at Pier 88.

The terminal building is newer and was designed specifically for high-volume cruise operations. Check-in and security procedures are similar to those at the Manhattan terminal, though the layout is different. The neighborhood around Red Hook has restaurants and shops, so passengers with time before departure can explore the area.

Red Hook Terminal at Pier 10

Pier 10, also in Red Hook, is a smaller cruise terminal used by select cruise lines for specific sailings. This terminal is less frequently used than Pier 12 but serves some cruise operators and charter sailings. It is located very close to Pier 12, so transportation and parking information is similar.

Because this terminal handles fewer sailings, it is less crowded during peak times. However, not all cruise lines use this facility, so confirm which terminal your ship uses when you receive your cruise documents. The terminal has basic facilities for check-in and baggage handling.

How to reach each terminal by car or taxi

If you are driving to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal at Pier 88, take the West Side Highway (Route 9A) to 55th Street. Paid parking garages are located within a few blocks of the terminal. Drop-off is available at the terminal entrance, though traffic can be heavy during peak cruise departure times, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

For the Brooklyn terminals at Red Hook, take the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) to the Red Hook exit. Both Pier 12 and Pier 10 have dedicated parking lots. Drop-off areas are clearly marked at each terminal. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft serve all three terminals, though surge pricing is common during peak departure times.

Taxis are available at all three terminals for passengers departing the city. If you are arriving by cruise ship, taxis queue outside the terminal building and accept both cash and card payments.

Public transportation to cruise terminals

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is the easiest to reach by subway. The A, C, and E lines stop at 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal, a 10-minute walk from Pier 88. The 1, 2, and 3 lines stop at Times Square–42nd Street, also about 10 minutes away. From either station, follow signs toward the Hudson River and 55th Street.

For the Brooklyn terminals, the F and G subway lines serve Red Hook, but the walk from the nearest station (Carroll Street for the F line, or Court Street for the G line) is about 15 to 20 minutes. Some passengers prefer to take a taxi or rideshare from the subway station rather than walk with luggage. The MTA website has detailed directions from any starting point in the city.

Bus service to the terminals is limited. The M42 bus runs along 42nd Street and can get you close to the Manhattan terminal, but you will still need to walk the final blocks. For the Brooklyn terminals, local buses serve the Red Hook area, but a taxi or rideshare is usually faster.

What to expect when you arrive at the terminal

Arrive at least two to three hours before your scheduled departure time. You will need your passport or government-issued ID and your cruise documents. Check-in lines can be long, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so arriving early helps you avoid rushing.

At check-in, you will receive your room key card and any onboard account information. Security screening is similar to airport security, so remove shoes and place bags on the conveyor belt. Baggage is tagged and loaded onto the ship separately, so you do not carry it onboard.

Once you clear security, you can board the ship. The boarding process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many passengers are boarding at the same time. Crew members will direct you to your cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park overnight at the cruise terminals?

Overnight parking is not available at any of the three terminals. However, paid parking garages near the Manhattan terminal and the parking lot at the Brooklyn terminals can accommodate vehicles for the duration of your cruise. Rates vary, but expect to pay $15 to $25 per day. Some passengers arrange for a friend or family member to pick up their car after drop-off.

What if my cruise ship is docked at a different terminal than I expected?

Your cruise documents will specify which terminal to use. If you are unsure, contact your cruise line directly — they can confirm the terminal and provide specific directions. Do not assume your ship will dock at the Manhattan terminal just because it is the largest.

Is there food or shopping at the terminals before boarding?

The Manhattan terminal has a small café and gift shop, but options are limited. The Brooklyn terminals have fewer amenities. Most passengers eat before arriving at the terminal or wait to eat onboard. Bring snacks and water if you arrive early.

How early should I arrive if I am flying into New York for my cruise?

If you are flying in the same day, plan to arrive at the terminal by mid-afternoon at the latest, even if your cruise departs in the evening. This gives you time for baggage claim, transportation to the terminal, and unexpected delays. Many passengers fly in the day before to avoid stress.

Are there accessible entrances and facilities for passengers with mobility issues?

All three terminals have accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. If you need information, inform the terminal staff when you arrive, and they will help you through check-in and boarding. Cruise lines also offer accessible cabins, which you should request when you book your cruise.