Port Area Snapshot
Nestled along the Brooklyn waterfront, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal offers a scenic gateway to New York City cruising. Located in Red Hook, the terminal blends industrial charm with views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. This busy port is popular with premium cruise lines and draws travelers seeking convenience and a taste of the Big Apple before or after their voyage. With nearby dining, transit links, and iconic landmarks within reach, the area makes cruise day feel like a true NYC experience. Brooklyn’s cruise hub is ideal for travelers who want city access without Manhattan’s bustle.
Port Overview
Official name & address
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, 72 Bowne St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Cruise terminals – 1 modern terminal
Major lines – Cunard, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line
Annual passengers – ~200,000
• Panoramic views of Manhattan skyline
• Short drive to Lower Manhattan & airports
• On-site parking available
• Close to Brooklyn attractions
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | JFK Airport – approx. 45 minutes by car | JFK |
| Public transit | B61 bus stops near terminal; connects to subway | MTA Trip Planner |
| Rail | Nearest subway: Smith–9th Streets (F/G line) – 10 min via bus | MTA Subway Map |
| Shuttles | Private and cruise-arranged shuttles available | Go Airlink NYC |
| Rideshare | Uber/Lyft pickup zone near terminal entrance | Uber NYC |
| Accessibility | ADA-compliant terminal with elevators & wheelchair assistance | NYC Cruise |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Bridge Park | Waterfront park with skyline views & piers | 6am–1am / Free | brooklynbridgepark.org |
| Brooklyn Museum | Art & culture from around the world | Wed–Sun / $16 | brooklynmuseum.org |
| Prospect Park | Brooklyn’s version of Central Park | Daily / Free | prospectpark.org |
| Statue of Liberty Ferry | Boat ride from nearby Battery Park | Daily / ~$24 | cityexperiences.com |
| Industry City | Trendy complex with shops & food | Daily / Free entry | industrycity.com |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| The River Café | Romantic skyline views | New American • $$$$ | therivercafe.com |
| Gage & Tollner | Historic NYC steakhouse experience | Steak & seafood • $$$ | gageandtollner.com |
| Cecconi’s Dumbo | Waterfront Italian fare | Italian • $$$ | cecconisdumbo.com |
| Clover Hill | Intimate fine dining | New American • $$$$ | cloverhillbk.com |
Budget‑Friendly Dining
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defonte’s Sandwich Shop | Lunch | Italian deli • $ | defontesofbrooklyn.com |
| Court Street Grocers | Breakfast, Lunch | Sandwiches & salads • $ | courtstreetgrocers.com |
| Red Hook Lobster Pound | Lunch, Dinner | Seafood • $$ | redhooklobster.com |
| Hometown Bar-B-Que | Lunch, Dinner | BBQ • $$ | hometownbbq.com |
Safety & Local Tips
- The terminal is secure, but always keep personal items close.
- Traffic can be heavy—leave early for timed boarding.
- Red Hook is safe during the day; use rideshare after dark.
- Many attractions are walkable or a short ride away.
- Some streets are cobblestone—wear comfy shoes.
Cruise Day Logistics
- Arrive at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure.
- On-site parking is available but limited—book in advance.
- Drop-off is easy, but allow extra time during peak hours.
- Check in online before arriving to speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal from Manhattan?
A: About 20–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Q: Is parking available at the terminal?
A: Yes, there’s secure on-site parking for a daily fee.
Q: Can I get to the terminal using the subway?
A: Not directly—take the F or G train to Smith–9th and connect via bus.
Q: What cruise lines operate from Brooklyn?
A: Cunard, Princess, and Norwegian are the most frequent.
Q: Are there hotels near the terminal?
A: Yes, hotels are available in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan.
Q: Is the terminal wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the terminal meets ADA standards.
Q: Can I walk to restaurants from the cruise terminal?
A: Yes, several dining spots are within a 10–15 minute walk.