Terminal and which lines use it
Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT), 711 12th Ave, New York, NY 10019. It sits on the Hudson at the west end of Midtown, is managed by Ports America, and is overseen by NYCEDC.
- Norwegian Cruise Line lists "Manhattan Cruise Terminal" as its New York departure port.
- Carnival Cruise Line sails from "Manhattan, New York City, NY."
- Visiting ships from other lines also call here. Check your cruise documents for your ship and check-in time.
NYC has three cruise terminals. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sail from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ (see our Cape Liberty guide), and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is in Red Hook.
Getting there
- Subway: Take the A, C, B, D or 1 to Columbus Circle. Walk south on 8th Ave, turn right on 52nd St and follow it to 12th Ave (NYCEDC).
- Bus: The M57 and M31 crosstown buses. Port Authority Bus Terminal is the closest bus terminal.
- Train: Penn Station and Grand Central are the closest stations, and both have taxi stands.
- Ferry: The nearest NYC Ferry landing is Midtown West/W 39th St.
- Airports: NCL lists LaGuardia (LGA) at 11 miles, Newark (EWR) at 15 miles and JFK at 20 miles from the terminal. All three have taxi stands.
- By car: All vehicles enter from the north at 55th St and 12th Ave (Route 9A).
- Taxi tip: Use the official taxi line, not someone offering a ride inside the terminal.
Parking
The parking garage is at the terminal, on the levels above the piers. Reservations are available and payment is by credit card only. NYCEDC calls parking "ample" but not guaranteed, and says the best arrival window is 10 am to 2 pm. Drivers should park first, then bring luggage to drop-off on the second level.
Current rates, height limits and hours: Manhattan Cruise Terminal directions and parking (NYCEDC).
Where to stay the night before
Midtown West / Hell's Kitchen is the closest hotel area, a short cab ride from the pier, with Times Square and Broadway nearby for your pre-cruise night. Columbus Circle is another good base because it's on the subway lines NYCEDC recommends. There's no luggage storage at the terminal, so pick a hotel that will hold bags if your flight lands early. See our NYC pre-cruise hotel guide.
Boarding-day timeline
- Morning: NYCEDC says baggage processing starts no earlier than 9:30 am. Don't arrive before then.
- If you're driving: Enter at 55th St and 12th Ave, park, then drop bags on the second level. 10 am to 2 pm is the recommended parking window.
- Security: Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready.
- Boarding: NYCEDC says boarding generally starts between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Your cruise line's assigned time takes priority.
- Sail-away: Head up top for the Hudson, the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Return-day tip
NYCEDC says ships usually arrive between 7 and 8 am, and passengers who parked are often off the property by 10 to 10:30 am. Porters are available from about 9 am. There are no lockers at the terminal, so if your flight is late, use a private luggage-storage service and enjoy one more morning in Manhattan.
FAQs
Where is the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
711 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019, on the Hudson River in Midtown West. All cars enter at 55th St and 12th Ave.
Which cruise lines sail from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, plus visiting ships from other lines. Check your documents for your terminal.
What subway goes to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
The A, C, B, D or 1 to Columbus Circle. Then walk south on 8th Ave and west on 52nd St to 12th Ave.
Which airport is closest to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
NCL lists LaGuardia at 11 miles, Newark at 15 miles and JFK at 20 miles.
Can I park at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
Yes. The garage is at the terminal, reservations are available, and payment is by credit card only. NYCEDC recommends arriving between 10 am and 2 pm.
What time does boarding start at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
NYCEDC says boarding generally begins between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, and baggage processing starts no earlier than 9:30 am. Follow your cruise line's assigned time.
Is there luggage storage at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
No. The terminal has no lockers or luggage storage, so use a hotel bag hold or a private storage service.
Is Royal Caribbean at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
No. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sail from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey.
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