Cape Liberty sits on a peninsula in Bayonne, across the Upper Bay from Manhattan and Brooklyn. Royal Caribbean is the primary tenant and runs the port together with Metro Cruise Services on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. For 2026-2027 the schedule is built around Royal Caribbean ships including Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, plus Celebrity sailings.
From here, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity run Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada and New England, and Caribbean itineraries. Bermuda is the classic spring-to-fall trip, Canada and New England peak around fall foliage, and winter sailings head south to the Bahamas and Caribbean after a couple of sea days.
The main appeal for many travelers is logistics. The port is a short drive from Newark airport and off the New Jersey Turnpike, with parking next to the terminal, so suburban New Jersey, Pennsylvania and upstate New York cruisers can avoid Manhattan traffic. You still get a skyline and Statue of Liberty view on the way out of the harbor.
Where cruises from Cape Liberty (Bayonne) go
- Bermuda Pink-sand beaches and British island charm, two days' sail from the Northeast, with ships docked overnight.
- Bahamas The quick escape: short cruises from Florida to Nassau, Freeport and the cruise lines' private islands.
- Caribbean Warm water, short flights and the widest choice of ships and itineraries anywhere in cruising.
- Canada & New England Lobster towns, lighthouses and fall foliage from Boston and New York to Nova Scotia and Quebec.
Cruise lines sailing from Cape Liberty (Bayonne)
- Royal Caribbean International Giant resort ships where the ship itself is the destination.
- Celebrity Cruises Modern premium cruising with design-led ships and a serious food focus.
Line schedules change by season. We confirm which ships sail from Cape Liberty (Bayonne) on your dates when we quote.
Cruise terminals
| Terminal | Used by |
|---|---|
| Cape Liberty Cruise Port (Piers 11 and 12) 14 Port Terminal Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ 07002. | Royal Caribbean, Celebrity |
Getting there
Drivers usually take the New Jersey Turnpike extension to Route 440 south in Bayonne and follow signs to the port. From Newark airport, a taxi or rideshare is typically 20 to 30 minutes. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail serves Bayonne, but you still need a taxi or rideshare from the nearest station to the terminal, so most cruisers drive or book a car.
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport: about 9 miles
- LGA LaGuardia Airport: about 22 miles
- JFK John F. Kennedy International Airport: about 30 miles
Parking
Parking is on site next to the terminal, which is one of Cape Liberty's advantages over the Manhattan and Brooklyn terminals. Check Royal Caribbean's or Celebrity's pre-cruise information for current rates and payment rules before you go.
Where to stay the night before
Hotels near Newark airport and along the Jersey City waterfront are the usual choices, both a short drive from the port. Staying in Manhattan works too, but plan on a longer transfer through the Holland Tunnel or around the harbor.
Season: Year-round for Royal Caribbean, with the busiest schedule from late spring through fall. Celebrity's sailings are seasonal.
Embarkation-day tips
- Fly into Newark (EWR) if you can; it is by far the closest airport.
- Bring layers for sailaway and the first sea day, even in summer.
- If you are coming from Manhattan, leave extra time for tunnel traffic.
- Cape Liberty is a separate port from the Manhattan and Brooklyn terminals, so make sure your driver has the Bayonne address.
Cruising from Cape Liberty (Bayonne): questions
Which cruise lines sail from Cape Liberty?
Royal Caribbean is the main line at Cape Liberty, and Celebrity Cruises also sails from the port on a seasonal basis.
Is Cape Liberty the same as the New York cruise terminal?
No. Cape Liberty is in Bayonne, New Jersey. New York City's terminals are the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on the Hudson and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook.
Which airport is closest to Cape Liberty?
Newark Liberty International (EWR), about 9 miles away, usually 20 to 30 minutes by car.
Sources and fact-checking (last checked October 14, 2026)
We write our own guides and check hard facts like fleet sizes, ship specs and published fees against these sources. Cruise lines change things often, so we re-confirm details in every quote. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
