Where is Cape Liberty cruise port located?

Cape Liberty is in Bayonne, New Jersey, just across New York Harbor from Manhattan. The port sits on the former Military Ocean Terminal with spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and New York skyline. It's 15-20 minutes from Newark Airport (EWR).

Is parking available at Cape Liberty?

Yes — the port offers on-site parking in covered lots. Rates typically run $20-25 per day depending on season and cruise length. Reserve parking in advance during peak summer months. The parking lot is steps from the terminal.

What hotels are near Cape Liberty?

Several hotels within 5-10 minutes offer park-and-cruise packages: Holiday Inn Express Bayonne, Hampton Inn Bayonne, and Fairfield Inn Newark Liberty. Many provide shuttle service to the port and discounted parking packages for cruise passengers.

Which cruise lines sail from Cape Liberty?

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are the primary operators from Cape Liberty. Routes include Bermuda (most popular), Bahamas, Caribbean, and Canada/New England itineraries. The port serves as a convenient alternative to Manhattan's cruise terminal.

New York Harbor Views

Cape Liberty

Cape Liberty: New York's Hidden Cruise Gem

Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey offers something Manhattan's cruise terminal can't — stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline as you sail out, with easier parking and less congestion. It's the smart cruiser's choice for New York-area sailings.

The terminal sits on the former Military Ocean Terminal, just across the harbor from Lower Manhattan. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sail from here to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Canada/New England.

The Magic Moment: Sailing past the Statue of Liberty at sunset on your way out — passengers line the rails with cameras out, and even seasoned cruisers get chills.

Getting to the Port

Address: 4 Port Terminal Blvd, Bayonne, NJ 07002
From Newark Airport (EWR): 15-20 minutes via NJ Turnpike — the closest major airport
From JFK Airport: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
From Manhattan: 20-30 minutes via Holland Tunnel
Uber/Lyft: $25-40 from Newark, $50-70 from JFK

Getting to Manhattan

PATH Train: Affordable rapid transit connecting New Jersey to Manhattan. Exchange Place station (Jersey City) to World Trade Center is 8 minutes, $2.75 fare. PATH Train
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail: Connects Bayonne to Hoboken and Jersey City; transfer to PATH for Manhattan access. NJ Transit Light Rail
NY Waterway Ferry: Scenic ferry service from Jersey City to Midtown Manhattan (Pier 79) and Wall Street. NY Waterway
By Car: Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel to Manhattan — allow extra time for traffic, especially on weekends

Parking Options

On-site parking: Large lots adjacent to terminal — reserve through cruise line
Cost: Approximately $25-30/day
Third-party lots: Limited options nearby; on-site is most convenient

Nearby Hotels

DoubleTree by Hilton Jersey City: Waterfront location with stunning Manhattan skyline views — just 15 min from port
Hilton Newark Penn Station: Connected to Newark Penn Station for easy PATH access to NYC; 20 min from port
Hampton Inn & Suites Bayonne: Closest to the port (2 miles), budget-friendly with free breakfast
Hyatt Regency Jersey City: Liberty State Park location with park access and waterfront dining
Stay in Manhattan: Many cruisers stay in NYC and taxi/Uber to port — experience the city before sailing

Pre-Cruise Activities

Statue of Liberty National Monument: UNESCO World Heritage Site — ferries depart from Liberty State Park (10 min from port). Crown access requires advance reservation (months ahead). NPS Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island Immigration Museum: Where 12 million immigrants entered America (1892-1954). Same ferry as Statue of Liberty — plan 2-3 hours for the museum. Search the online passenger database before visiting
Liberty State Park: 1,212-acre waterfront park with stunning Manhattan views, the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial, nature trails, and picnic areas — ferry launches to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island
9/11 Memorial & Museum: Moving tribute at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan (PATH train to World Trade Center)
Manhattan Highlights: Times Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building — entire city accessible via PATH train
Jersey City/Hoboken: Excellent dining and nightlife without Manhattan prices — Hoboken's Washington Street is especially lively

History & Heritage

Cape Liberty sits on the site of the former Military Ocean Terminal (MOTBY), which served as the primary embarkation point for troops deploying to Europe during World War II and Korea. Over 50 million troops and their supplies passed through this peninsula. The area still bears traces of its military past, including the former administration building visible near the terminal.

The cruise terminal opened in 2004, transforming the decommissioned military facility into a passenger port. Today, it offers what many consider the most dramatic sailaway in cruising — passing the Statue of Liberty as the Manhattan skyline glitters in the fading light.

Practical Tips

Sailaway Timing: Most ships depart late afternoon — position yourself on the starboard (right) side facing forward for the best Statue of Liberty views
Traffic Warning: NYC-area traffic can be brutal — build in extra buffer time, especially on weekends or event days
Toll Roads: NJ Turnpike, Holland Tunnel, and most bridges use cashless tolling (E-ZPass or license plate billing)
Newark vs JFK: Newark (EWR) is significantly closer and easier to reach — worth the comparison when booking flights
NYC on a Budget: The Staten Island Ferry (free!) offers views of Lady Liberty; High Line park and many museums have free hours

Cape Liberty Area Map

Interactive map showing cruise terminal, Liberty State Park, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cape Liberty better than Manhattan cruise terminal?
A: For parking and traffic, yes. Manhattan terminal is more convenient if you're already in the city without a car.

Q: How early should I arrive?
A: 2-3 hours before sailing, earlier on busy weekends.

Q: Can I get to Manhattan easily?
A: Yes — PATH train from nearby stations or quick Uber ride through Holland Tunnel.

Author's Note

Until I have sailed this port myself, these notes are soundings in another's wake. I've researched and written this guide with care — drawing on firsthand accounts, practical logistics, and traveler experiences — but I haven't yet arrived at this terminal or watched the Statue of Liberty slip past as my ship sailed into the Atlantic. When I do embark from Cape Liberty, I'll return to these pages and add the textures that only direct experience brings: the exact view from the parking lot, the efficiency of check-in, the feeling of sailing past Lady Liberty at sunset with Manhattan's towers receding behind. Until then, consider this a chart drawn from trusted navigators, waiting for my own sextant reading to confirm its accuracy.