Cape Liberty cruise port: A guide to cruising from New Jersey

The first thing you’ll notice about the Cape Liberty cruise port is the views: Situated on the Hudson River in New Jersey across from New York City, the port has spectacular skyline panoramas of Manhattan and unimpeded views of the Statue of Liberty. In fact, sailing out of Cape Liberty will bring you face-to-face (OK, face-to-toes) with Lady Liberty when you sail through the harbor.

Cape Liberty is a hub for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. From here, ships from those two lines sail to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Canada and New England and beyond.

Note that although Cape Liberty is often referred to as “New York” on some cruise-selling websites, it is squarely on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, in Bayonne. (It’s a quirk of the region that many popular things in New Jersey are labeled as “New York” — for example, both the New York Jets and the New York Giants play their home games at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.)

Although Cape Liberty is the ideal place to set sail from if you’re already based in the nearby Tri-State region (New York/New Jersey/Connecticut), Pennsylvania or other East Coast locations, the port is also easy to get to from Newark International Airport (EWR) just 10 miles away. Fly in early and you’ll find plenty of points hotels for a pre- or postcruise stay nearby, too.

Plus, you’ll be just across the Hudson River from New York City, making it easy to add a visit to the Big Apple to your cruise itinerary.

Cape Liberty cruise port overview

Cape Liberty cruise terminal information

Address: 4 Port Terminal Blvd., Bayonne, NJ 07002

Number of terminals: One
While Cape Liberty is wheelchair accessible, contact your cruise line at least 30 days prior to your cruise to arrange assistance for boarding from the terminal to the ship.

Cruise lines sailing from Cape Liberty

Airports near Cape Liberty cruise port

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the closest airport to the Cape Liberty cruise port. It’s 10 miles away and about a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic.

While LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is 22 miles away and John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is 32 miles from Bayonne, the ride to Cape Liberty cruise port will take a minimum of one hour, and possibly up to two hours, from either airport depending on traffic, since you’ll need to either traverse or circumnavigate Manhattan.

There is no direct public transportation from any of the three area airports to the cruise port.

EWR is a United Airlines hub and offers a plethora of flights from around the country on the carrier into Newark daily. Other domestic carriers that fly into EWR are Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Sun Country and Spirit Airlines.

If you want to fly with Southwest, you will have to choose LGA, since the carrier consolidated all of its New York City gates at that airport. Other domestic airlines at LGA are Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, United Airlines and the American Shuttle.

JFK is the farthest airport from Bayonne and Cape Liberty, but it has the largest number of carriers, 70 in all, and is a hub for both American and Delta. Other domestic carriers are Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines and WestJet.

Since outbound flight times don’t always line up perfectly with your cruise line’s disembarkation time, you might find yourself with time to kill at the airport, so make sure you carry a credit card with airport lounge access as a benefit. For EWR, it’s especially helpful to carry a United branded card that offers lounge access: Since United is terminal C’s sole occupant, the lounge options are limited to United Clubs and the Polaris Lounge. The other domestic terminal, A, offers a Delta Lounge as well as an AA Admiral’s Club. The airport does not have any lounges accessible with Priority Pass.

How to get to the Cape Liberty cruise port

Whether you’re coming to the cruise port from the airport or a nearby hotel, you’ll find several transportation options available. What you won’t find are cruise-line-organized shuttles from the airport to the Cape Liberty cruise port.

Hotel shuttles

A few select Hilton hotels near EWR offer free shuttle service to the port. Note, however, that overnight parking at these hotels will incur a fee.

Limos and private car transfers

There are myriad options for limos and private cars in the New York/New Jersey metro area. One of the most popular and easiest to remember is the Dial 7 car and limousine service, the number for which is 1-212-777-7777.

Blacklane is another good option for private transfers. Expect to pay between $130 from EWR to around $330 from JFK for a private car or limousine transfer.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Hailing a taxi to take you to Cape Liberty from EWR is simple. Taxi stands are on the arrival (ground) level of the airport (outside baggage claim).

You’ll pay by the meter. The rate is $4 for the first 1/8 mile then $0.65 for each additional 1/8 mile. Waiting time is $0.65 per minute. There’s a $1 per bag surcharge for luggage put in the trunk and a $1.75 fee for originating from the airport. The average fare from Newark Airport to the Cape Liberty cruise port is $40.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option.

UberX can run around $25 to $35, and UberXL around $35 to $45, depending on the time of day. Premier and Premier SUV cars can run around $75 to $90. All prices can vary during traffic or high-demand times. The Uber/Lyft ride from LGA or JFK will be much more expensive due both to distance and interstate tolls (about $40): Expect prices starting at $120 for UberX and $150 for UberXL.

Public transportation

A few forms of public transportation in New Jersey run to Bayonne, but none will get you closer than 2 miles from the cruise port.

NJ Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and PATH: Traveling from Jersey City or Hoboken, New Jersey, take the light rail to the 34th Street stop in Bayonne. One-way tickets are $2.25. After you disembark, you will need to call a cab/Uber/Lyft to take you the last 2 miles to the cruise port. If you are coming from New York City, take the PATH train that runs from New York to Jersey City and Hoboken (also $2.25) and then connect to the light rail.

Bus: From the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City, take the NJ Transit 119 bus to Bayonne. Tickets cost $6. The bus travels along Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne and stops on request every three blocks. The closest point to the cruise port is 33rd Street and Kennedy Boulevard. From here, you can either call a Bayonne cab company or get an Uber/Lyft to drive you to the cruise port, which is about three miles east of Kennedy Boulevard.

Cape Liberty cruise port parking

On-site parking

Cruisers can find ample, on-site parking at Cape Liberty adjacent to the terminal. No reservations are necessary, and parking is guaranteed. Parking fees are $30 per day, including tax.

Park-and-cruise

Park2Go (Cape Liberty Cruise Port) offers parking in an indoor valet garage for $20 a day and in an outdoor valet lot for $18. A free shuttle service runs to and from Cape Liberty every 30 to 45 minutes from 6 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. seven days a week. Reservations should be made on the website prior to arrival.

Hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

A number of points hotels are within easy reach of Cape Liberty. Look for your preferred brands by Newark Airport and in Jersey City (7 miles north of the cruise port) and Hoboken (9 miles north of the cruise port). If you plan on staying in the area longer, or want to explore New York City, then you might want to base yourself in Manhattan. (If you choose this precruise option, leave plenty of time to get to the cruise port because there is no direct transportation or shuttle from points in the city to Cape Liberty cruise port.)

Your choice of hotel and location will depend on how long you’re staying in the area, what you’d like to see while you’re in town and how many hotel points you have to spend.

Hilton hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

Chocolate chip cookies? Yes, please! The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City (from 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night) doesn’t just deliver on the fresh-baked treats; it’s also in a prime location to walk to nearby Newport Centre mall and hop on the PATH train at Newport.

Hampton Inn & Suites Newark Airport Elizabeth (from 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is about a five-minute drive from EWR and 20 minutes from Cape Liberty and is one of the few hotels that offers a shuttle to the cruise port. (The shuttle is free, but parking at the hotel is $20 per night.) The chain’s free breakfast is a great way to start the day; it’ll hold you over until you get on the ship and can enjoy a leisurely lunch before sailaway.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Airport (from 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night) also offers a free shuttle to Cape Liberty and is similarly located about 11 miles (a 20-minute ride) from Cape Liberty and within a 5- to 10-minute drive to EWR. Parking is $20 a night. Staying at an Embassy Suites comes with free breakfast and also a complimentary happy hour with drinks and snacks. Guests can make use of the on-site restaurant and indoor pool.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Hyatt hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

The Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson (from 15,000 points per night) offers stellar views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from its vantage point on a pier by the Exchange Place PATH station. It’s one of the few hotels in the area with a pool, making it a fun choice for families.

For a stay in the bustling heart of the Jersey City Arts District near Exchange Place, the modern Hyatt House Jersey City (from 15,000 points per night) is a top option.

Marriott hotels near Cape Liberty cruise port

If you’re traveling with friends, the W Hoboken, which has live music in the lobby lounge and a popular sushi restaurant on-site, is a fun option. Nights start at 32,000 points, so you can use a Marriott 35k free night certificate on some dates of the year. Depending on your elite status tier with Marriott Bonvoy, you might be eligible for free breakfast at this hotel.

Nonpoints hotels

New York City is chock-full of really special hotels that don’t participate in a traditional loyalty program.

For a special occasion splurge, go for the Four Seasons New York Downtown. In addition to the plush rooms, it has a fabulous spa, a 75-foot indoor heated lap pool with cozy cushioned loungers and even an outdoor relaxation terrace.

Trendsetters will want to head to the hip The Standard, High Line for a stay that’s in the center of all the action in the bustling Meatpacking District. Plus, the location gives you easy access to the High Line elevated pedestrian walkway and the nearby Christopher Street PATH train.

Related: The best hotels in New York City, from luxury stays to points properties

Restaurants near Cape Liberty cruise port

If you’re staying in or near Newark, head to Ferry Street, which is known for its collection of authentic Portuguese and Spanish restaurants. Here, you can fill your bellies with large pitchers of sangria and copious portions of traditional dishes such as baked rice paella and seafood stew mariscada.

In Jersey City, the Newport area offers restaurants with views of New York City, as well as some reliable chains, including Cheesecake Factory in Newport Centre. In Hoboken, Washington Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, is lined with restaurants offering everything from tacos to sizzling steaks, with lots of bars, cafes and shops tucked in-between.

Related: Best dining credit cards

Things to do near Cape Liberty before or after your cruise

There’s plenty to do in New Jersey near Cape Liberty if you want to tack on some time before or after your cruise. Here are some top options nearby.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

You’ll get a view of the Statue of Liberty as soon as you arrive at Cape Liberty. But you can see her even closer, and go all the way up to the crown inside, by purchasing tickets for a Statue City Cruise through the National Parks Service. This ticket will also allow you to visit Ellis Island and the National Museum of Immigration. Although the Statue is often associated with New York, and there is a cruise departure point downtown, it’s actually faster (and usually much less crowded) to visit from the New Jersey launch point in Jersey City at Liberty State Park, which is about 6 miles from Cape Liberty.

Liberty Science Center and Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is also a fun place to explore on its own. It features restaurants with water and New York City skyline views, bike and walking paths, sprawling playgrounds and a fabulous interactive science museum, Liberty Science Center, that could easily fill a whole day.

American Dream

About 15 miles north of Cape Liberty in East Rutherford is American Dream, the second-largest shopping and entertainment complex in the United States. (The first is its older sister, Minnesota’s Mall of America.) In addition to shopping and myriad places to eat, this never-dull destination contains the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, the DreamWorks Water Park, an ice skating rink, an aquarium and even an indoor ski slope.

New York City Museums

New York City is at your fingertips when you’re visiting Cape Liberty. It’s especially easy to reach attractions in Lower Manhattan and the West Side using the PATH transportation system. Walking distance from the Christopher Street PATH station, the Whitney Museum of American Art (99 Gansevoort St.) is a popular choice for its cutting-edge art exhibits as well as its Hudson River views. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum pays tribute to the victims of 9/11 and is located near the World Trade Center PATH station (180 Greenwich St.).

For the best of 20th-century art, utilize the subway to head uptown to the Museum of Modern Art (11 W. 53rd St.) or Guggenheim Museum (1071 5th Ave.). On the west side of Central Park is the American Museum of Natural History (200 Central Park W), a top spot for kids with a large dinosaur exhibit and starry planetarium. The east side of the park is where to find the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 5th Ave.), the largest museum in North America and home to some of the world’s most impressive works of art.

Shopping near Cape Liberty cruise port

In addition to the large selection of shops at American Dream, you can find several easy-to-reach shopping centers near Cape Liberty if you need to stock up on last-minute cruise supplies.
If you’re staying in Jersey City or Hoboken, Newport Centre in Jersey City is easily reached by PATH train at the Newport stop. Here, you’ll find an array of retail shops, such as Sephora and Macy’s; a Target is located across the street. Washington Street in Hoboken has boutique shops, bookstores, bodegas and some large retailers, such as Lululemon and Athleta.

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