Port Area Snapshot
Perched on Manhattan’s Hudson River shoreline, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal places cruisers in the heart of New York City. Skyscrapers, Broadway lights, and the Intrepid Museum sit minutes away, while Central Park and Times Square are a short cab ride. The port’s Midtown location means quick subway, bus, and rail connections plus sweeping skyline views right from the ship’s deck. Travelers enjoy easy access to three major airports, plentiful hotels, and endless dining—from street‑cart bites to Michelin‑star experiences. Whether sailing north to New England, south to the Caribbean, or across the Atlantic, this vibrant cruise gateway lets guests soak up classic NYC energy before they even leave the pier.
Port Overview
Official name & address: Manhattan Cruise Terminal, 711 12th Avenue (at W 55th St), New York, NY 10019
Cruise terminals: Piers 88 & 90 (two dedicated buildings)
Major lines: Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, Disney, Princess, Cunard, Holland America
Annual passengers: ~1.3 million
Highlights: Midtown location, skyline/Hudson views, on‑site parking garage, walkable to subway & bus, nearby dining and hotels
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | LaGuardia (LGA) – 9 mi / 25 min; JFK – 16 mi / 45 min; Newark (EWR) – 18 mi / 45 min | https://www.laguardiaairport.com |
| Public transit | MTA buses M42 & M50 stop at 12th Ave; walk 10 min to Subway lines A/C/E, B/D at 50 St–8 Ave | https://new.mta.info |
| Rail | Penn Station (Amtrak, NJ Transit, LIRR) 1.2 mi – 5‑10 min by taxi or 20 min walk | https://www.amtrak.com/stations/nyp |
| Shuttles | Cruise‑line & private airport shuttles run every sailing day; advance booking advised | https://goairportshuttle.com |
| Rideshare | Uber/Lyft pick‑up zone at Pier 88 garage entrance; surge pricing common at sail‑away | https://www.uber.com |
| Accessibility | Elevators, ramps, ADA restrooms; curbside wheelchair drop‑off available with prior notice | https://www.nycruise.com |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum | Historic aircraft carrier + Space Shuttle | Daily 10 am–5 pm • $36 | https://www.intrepidmuseum.org |
| Times Square | Neon lights, shops, Broadway buzz | 24/7 • Free | https://www.timessquarenyc.org |
| Central Park (South End) | Stroll, bike, carriage rides | 6 am–1 am • Free | https://www.centralparknyc.org |
| High Line | Elevated park with river views | 7 am–10 pm • Free | https://www.thehighline.org |
| Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock | City‑wide views, NBC studios | 9 am–11 pm • $40 | https://www.rockefellercenter.com |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Bernardin | World‑class seafood tasting | French Seafood • $$$$ | https://www.le-bernardin.com |
| Per Se | Celebration tasting menus | Modern French • $$$$ | https://www.perseny.com |
| The Modern | Art‑filled fine dining by MoMA | Contemporary American • $$$ | https://www.themodernnyc.com |
| Marea | Elegant coastal Italian | Italian Seafood • $$$ | https://www.marea-nyc.com |
Budget‑Friendly Dining
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gotham West Market | Lunch‑Dinner | Global Food Hall • $$ | https://www.gothamwestmarket.com |
| Los Tacos No. 1 | Lunch‑Dinner | Mexican Street Tacos • $ | https://www.lostacos1.com |
| Shake Shack (44th & 8th) | Lunch‑Late Night | Burgers & Shakes • $ | https://www.shakeshack.com |
| Halal Guys Cart (53rd & 6th) | Lunch‑Late Night | Gyro & Rice Platters • $ | https://thehalalguys.com |
Safety & Local Tips
- Expect heavy traffic; plan extra taxi time, especially at rush hour.
- Watch for bike lanes when crossing 12th Avenue.
- Keep valuables close in crowded Midtown spots.
- Street vendors must display prices—ask first to avoid surprises.
- Winter winds off the Hudson feel colder; pack a warm layer even in spring.
Cruise Day Logistics
- Terminal opens at 9 am; earliest boarding usually 11 am—arrive during assigned window.
- Parking garage atop Pier 88: $45/day, credit card only; height limit 8 ft.
- Curbside luggage tags and porters available—tip $2–$3 per bag.
- After sailing, taxis queue at 55th St; rideshare pick‑up on 12th Ave southbound lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early should passengers arrive before departure?
A: Arrive 2 hours before your boarding time to clear security smoothly.
Q: Is there long‑term parking at the terminal?
A: Yes—rooftop garage above Pier 88 offers secure parking for the full cruise.
Q: Can luggage be dropped off curbside?
A: Porters accept tagged bags curbside; they appear outside the stanchions.
Q: Which subway stop is closest?
A: 50 St–8 Ave (A/C/E lines) is about a 10‑minute walk east.
Q: Are there hotels within walking distance?
A: Dozens of Midtown hotels sit within a 15‑minute stroll, from budget inns to luxury towers.
Q: Does the terminal have Wi‑Fi?
A: Free basic Wi‑Fi is offered throughout check‑in and waiting areas.
Q: What happens if a flight is delayed?
A: Contact the cruise line immediately—late arrivals may board up to an hour before departure if arranged.