NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Who goes there: Carnival Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Aida Cruises, Costa Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Hurtigruten, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Costal Voyage, NYK Cruises, P&O World Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Saga Cruises, Silversea.
Cruisers like: You must spend a few days in the city that never sleeps. Experience the exhilarating pace of the city, zoom around in a cab, or rush downtown underground on the 100-year-old subway system. Everyone knows New York’s attractions – catching a Broadway show with famous actors, high fashion shopping on Madison and Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side and at Bloomingdales downtown. Take your bite out of the Big Apple’s museums, wander through Central Park and catch a show at Lincoln Center. Visit Upper West side restaurants and stores at Columbus Circle. New York offers famous sights like the art deco Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty (visible from Cape Liberty Cruise Port), Times Square, Ground Zero, the Manhattan skyline seen from the Staten Island ferry and more. The food is as diverse as the culture with authentic Asian cuisine of every kind, amazing pizza and Deli food, genuine diners with booths serving huge helpings of burgers and chips and endless cups of coffee, and of course some of the world’s most exclusive haute cuisine restaurants. Finish your evening in a nightclub or jazz bar or at an off Broadway show. Trendy Brooklyn boasts chic neighbourhoods offering fabulous dining and shopping to rival that of Manhattan, with plenty to do within a short stroll of the terminal.
Best for: Anyone and everyone: luxury lovers, shopping addicts, fans of sophisticated night life, dining, theatre and arts; history (and high tech) buffs; and those seeking an immersion in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cultures.
Getting around: All cruise terminals are easily accessible from all NYC airports and from the area’s major roadways. The Manhattan Terminal is on the Hudson River on 12th Avenue, between 46th and 54th streets. This is the west side, only a few blocks from Times Square in the heart of Manhattan and south of Central Park. There is parking on the roof of the cruise terminals, but driving on Manhattan Island is not recommended. Take the Amtrak train – the station is conveniently close. The M57 and M32 bus routes run from near the Terminal across town. The closest subway station is Columbus Circle a few blocks away. Taxis are lined up across the road offering flat rates into the city and to JFK airport. Shuttles to JFK airport from the Port Authority Bus Terminal run from 6 am. until 11pm. From the Brooklyn cruise terminal a cab will take you to LaGuardia or JFK Airports, or into Manhattan. Buses and subways are available several blocks from the terminal. The Cape Liberty cruise port is in New Jersey adjacent to New York Bay (south of the Hudson River). It is 7 11 kilometres from Manhattan and a few minutes from Newark International Airport. The port is easily accessible by car from the New Jersey Turnpike (I95). There is a large on-site parking facility.
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
Who goes there: Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, American Cruise Line.
Cruisers like: Norfolk, V.A, is the home of the world’s largest Navy base, with tours conducted by Navy personnel. Cruise ships dock next to Nauticus, the national maritime museum, and the famous Battleship USS Wisconsin. Around the harbour, tall ships, cruise boats and ferries circle – some visit Olde Towne Portsmouth. Downtown, you’ll find exciting restaurants and nightclubs, unique shopping, museums, a zoo, and a beautiful botanical garden. Don’t miss the Chrysler Museum – comprising 30,000 works, up to 5,000 years old.
Best for: Families, history buffs, ocean and maritime enthusiasts.
Getting around: The terminal is handy to Norfolk’s waterfront attractions and features a huge tile mermaid mural in the floor, setting an instant maritime theme. Parking is within walking distance. A taxi to the airport takes 20 minutes, and into the city is 15 minutes. You can also hop on the Tide, Norfolk’s light rail system connecting you to the city’s attractions and restaurants.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Who goes there: Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, American Cruise Lines, AIDA Cruises, Phoenix Reisen.
Cruisers like: Baltimore, Maryland or “Charm City” is rated as one of the USA’s Quirkiest Cities, as well as one of America’s most welcoming. Visit Fort McHenry, home of the national anthem The Star Spangled Banner. Walk along the famous Inner Harbour – the heart of Baltimore – offering shops, crab shacks (for Chesapeake blue crabs or a pulled pork sandwich with spicy slaw) and attractions like the Civil War–era warship the USS Constellation, and the National Aquarium – home to more than 16,000 creatures. Culture buffs will love The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History & Culture. Sports enthusiasts can catch an Oreoles or Ravens game. Art lovers must see ArtScape, America’s largest free arts festival, or visit funky Hamden, one of the top 15 hipster neighbourhoods in America.
Best for: Families, luxury lovers, foodies, culture vultures, history buffs, maritime enthusiasts.
Getting around: Luxury motorcoach transfers from the terminal are available for Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International passengers. Taxis are available from the terminal into town or to Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Within Baltimore, the Charm City Circulator shuttle is free and runs every 10 minutes. It connects to Amtrak, MARC, Light Rail and Metro Subway stations as well as water taxis.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Who goes there: Carnival Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises and American Cruise Line.
Cruisers like: The elegant colonial coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina is one of the USA’s top travel destinations for its history, natural beauty and Southern charm. Hop off your cruise and explore the cobblestone streets and delightful local shops and restaurants of the historical centre on foot. If you’re weary try a horse-and-carriage ride, or a tour boat to the Fort Sumter Visitor Center. As well as gorgeous architecture and gardens, Charleston has lovely beaches, and golf fans will enjoy sunny days on lush green fairways.
Best for: Families, golfers, history and culture buffs, shorter holidays.
Getting around: The cruise terminal is in historic downtown Charleston, a stroll from the famous public market and many attractions. The terminal is easy to reach from the airport or via Interstate 26 and US Highway 17. Long-term parking is available at the port.