new york cruise terminal msc

19-Deck Cruise Ship as Long as Eiffel Tower Is High Makes New Home in Brooklyn

Nyc becomes msc cruises' third u.s. homeport, allowing the cruise line to offer year-round sailings from the northeast for the first time, by nbc new york staff • published april 21, 2023 • updated on april 21, 2023 at 3:04 pm.

The world's third-largest and fastest-growing cruise line, as MSC Cruises describes itself, sailed into New York City's Brooklyn Cruise Terminal this week with a glamorous megaship offering year-round excursions to select destinations.

MSC Meraviglia, a 1,036-foot long (France's Eiffel Tower is 1,083 feet high, and only if you include the tip), 213-foot-tall, 19-deck floater capable of holding more than 5,700 guests is a vacation in its own right, the cruise line says.

Fortunately, it will also take you from Brooklyn to a number of (warmer) locations. Not all options will be available immediately. Find the list of itineraries and start dates at the bottom of this page from MSC Cruises.

What's So Special About Meraviglia?

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Since you asked, MSC Meraviglia is one of the world's biggest cruise ships. Known as "The Ship for All Seasons," she has expansive indoor and outdoor public spaces, as well as a pool deck with a roof that can close for weather.

Among other amenities, it has:

• 20 bars and 12 restaurants , including the popular Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, Ocean Cay, HOLA! Tacos and Cantina, and Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki
• Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, together with one of the most intricate water parks at sea, featuring three twisting slides and a ropes course called the Himalayan Bridge
• 10 types of staterooms to choose from, including solo cabins, popular balcony cabins, and stylish suite accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club – the premium ‘ship within a ship’ featuring butler service, along with an exclusive restaurant, lounge, and pool area
• Galleria Meraviglia , a promenade lined with shops, restaurants and bars that stretches more than 315 feet and is lined with an impressive LED sky screen
• Seven different shows in the 985-seat Broadway Theatre and the famous Carousel Lounge
• MSC Aurea Spa , providing massage therapy, body treatments, facial treatments, and a thermal area
• 6,000 square-foot gym featuring state-of-the-art equipment from Technogym™ framed with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooking the main pool deck
• Entertainment area , including the MSC Formula Racer, a full-sized bowling alley with two lanes, an interactive XD cinema, a flight simulator, and a video games arcade
• Sportsplex facilities for basketball, tennis, squash, volleyball, Pickle Ball, mini golf and five-a-side soccer
• MSC Kids’ Club for anyone aged 17 and younger, with dedicated areas for babies, toddlers, children and teenagers, plus the Lego® Experience

Where Can I Go?

The ship makes its debut departure sail from New York City to The Bahamas, Florida, Canada and New England, and Bermuda. Itineraries include the following:

• The Bahamas and Florida: Tropical 7- to 11-night sailings with select destinations including Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, The Bahamas; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
• Bermuda: Starting in August, guests can enjoy 5- and 6-night sailings to Kings Wharf in Bermuda, with several days in port to explore the beauty of the island.
• Canada and New England: Just in time for the fall, MSC Meraviglia will offer 10- and 11-night itineraries at Newport, Boston and Portland in the U.S and Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown, and Sydney in Canada.

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This article tagged under:.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• East Coast USA and Canada New England Cruise Ports

New York (NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region East Coast USA and Canada New England

Local Time 2024-03-31 01:29

Port New York cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from New York, NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port New York has two cruise ports with their own passenger terminal facilities. Port Manhattan (4 berths on 2 piers - numbers 88 and 90) is located on Manhattan Island's western coast, beside the Hudson River. Port Brooklyn (1 berth) is located approx 6 mi (10 km) to the south, on eastern Upper Bay on Brooklyn’s Red Hook waterline.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port is also in New York Harbor but is part of Bayonne City (New Jersey) . Bayonne's Military Ocean Terminal serves Royal Caribbean Group/RCG-owned ships from the fleets of RCG's subsidiaries RCI-Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises , while ships of RCG's subsidiary Silversea dock at NYC's Manhattan Terminal.

Currently, NYC's Manhattan Cruise Terminal serves CCL-Carnival , NCLH ( NCL-Norwegian , Oceania , RSSC-Regent Seven Seas ), TUI ,  Virgin Voyages and other major companies .

Currently, NYC's Brooklyn Terminal serves Cunard Line and MSC .

All these ports/cruise terminals are part of the "Port of New York and New Jersey" - a port district in the New York Metro (total population 20,1+ million).

Around 8,1 million New Yorkers live on Long Island (population density 5860 per mi2/2262 per km2).

NYC cruise port

Port NYC NJ (officially "Port of New York and New Jersey") handles a huge cargo shipping volume and is US East Coast's biggest seaport.

Port's cruise schedule lists voyages the whole year round. During winter are popular southbound itineraries – to the Caribbean and Bahamas. During summer are operated mainly roundtrips to Bermuda as well as Transatlantic crossings (USA-UK/ Southampton ). In autumn are offered "Fall Foliage" cruises to Canada and New England USA.

In May 2013, Port NYC started a project to raise Bayonne Bridge in order to allow access to the world's largest container ships  to the cargo ports of New York City and New Jersey (Elizabeth and Newark). The project also included dredging (deepening) the navigation channel.

On September 7, 2017, the boxship CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt (2015-built, IMO 9780873) passed under the elevated Bayonne Bridge. The vessel has TEU capacity 14855 containers, LOA length 366 m, volume 152,991 GT-tons. It became the largest ship to pass under the Bayonne Bridge.

On September 28, 2023, NYC's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC/1991-founded nonprofit) announced new port usage agreements (for Manhattan's and Brooklyn's terminals) signed with Carnival Corporation, NCLH-Norwegian and MSC. The agreements were designed to increase revenues and sustainability/emissions reduction, with term lengths ranging between 3-15 years, each with an optional 5-year renewal.

The 2023-signed agreements included establishing a Community Priority Fund (by adding US$1 per cruise passenger; to be used for projects in the cruise terminals' neighborhoods/Red Hook and Midtown Manhattan), planning ground transportation (improvements to maximize public transportation/reducing road traffic), reducing CO emissions (where feasible, including shore power connections/all cruise ships in NYC must be equipped with the technology by 2028), increasing local provisioning and developing educational partnerships with NYC-based institutions.

Port New York and New Jersey

Port New York and New Jersey is the seaport of NYC metro. It encompasses an area with a radius ~25 mi (40 km) and includes all navigable waterways in NY–NJ Harbor Estuary. The covered coastline is around 650 mi (1050 km) along both states. NYC Harbor is among the world's largest natural harbors. By annual cargo capacity, the seaport is ranked USA's 3rd largest - after South Louisiana (Mississippi River) and Houston (Texas).

Within the seaport there are 2 FTZs (foreign-trade zones) where commercial goods (domestic and foreign) receive same Customs treatment as outside USA. Annually, Port NY-NJ handles around USD 208 billion in shipping cargoes, around 3,4 million TEU's (shipping containers) and nearly 0,4 million cars.

• In July 2017, the port's largest container ship so far (CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt - 14,400 TEUs ) passed under the raised Bayonne Bridge.
• The channels (as draft) and the bridges (as heights) limit the vessels that can enter the harbor.
• Verrazano-Narrows Bridge's clearance is 228 ft (67 m).
• Brooklyn Bridge's clearance is 135 ft (41 m).
• Bayonne Bridge's clearance (lowered-raised) is  155-215 ft (47-65,5 m).

The company "Port Authority of New York and New Jersey" was established in 1921 to manage all facilities and services within the combined NY-NJ harbor area. The company also controls all vehicular and rapid-transit systems connecting New York and New Jersey, several airports, as well as real estate developments. It also maintains its own police force.

US Army Corps of Engineers are involved in regular harbor maintenance works (bulkhead and channels). USCG (Coast Guard) maintains all floatable debris and marine accidents and incidents (spills, rescues, counter-terrorism operations). Both states (NY and NJ) maintain maritime police units. US Customs and Border Protection and US Immigration and Customs agencies regulate international shipping imports and cruise passenger arrivals.

Port's foreign trade zones - FTZ 1 (New York) and FTZ 49 (New Jersey)  handled in 2010 a combined shipping traffic of 4811 vessels and over 32,2 million tons of cargoes valued USD 175+ billion.

In March 2006, some passenger terminals were transferred (as management) to DP World ( Dubai -based corporation).

The seaport has 4x containership terminals, ranking it (by combined volume) the US East Coast's largest, USA's 3rd busiest and the world's 20th largest cargo port. Terminals are leased to private operators.

• Howland Hook Marine Terminal (northwestern Staten Island)
• Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal (Newark Bay)
• Port Jersey Marine Terminal and Red Hook Marine Terminal (both in Upper New York Bay)
• Maher Terminals LLC operates the port's largest containership facilities, served by a total of 11x Liebherr STS (ship-to-shore) megamax container cranes.

NY-NJ port's main imports are petroleum, appliances, vehicles, plastics, electronics, chemicals, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, optical and photographic materials, precious gems and metals.

ExpressRail network supports intermodal freight transport interconnecting all major terminals. In 2014, the total number of handled intermodal TEUs was 391,596. Most imports are transported in TEUs. Petroleum and scrap metals are handled at bulk cargo terminals, many of which are located along the port's straits and canals.

• New York New Jersey Railroad serves freight cars across Upper Bay, connecting Jersey City with Brooklyn (between Greenville Yard and Bush Terminal Yard). The 4 km crossing takes 45 min.
• Cross-Harbor Rail Tunnel is a proposed project under Upper Bay, with western portal at Greenville Yard and eastern portal still undetermined.

Cruise ships and ferries in Port New York and New Jersey dock at the berths of Cape Liberty Cruise Port (Upper Bay, Bayonne NJ) , Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Upper Bay, NYC) and New York Passenger Ship Terminal (Hudson River, NYC).

• Regularly scheduled ferry service across Upper Bay connects South Ferry with St George Ferry Terminal, serving daily around 75,000 passengers.
• Major ferry terminals are Hoboken, Battery Park City, Paulus Hook, Weehawken Port Imperial, Pier 11, West Midtown and the East 34th Street Landing. Most smaller-sized ferries serve only 1 route.
• Small boats operate leisure tours, excursions and NYC harbor cruises. They circumnavigate Manhattan or navigate into Upper New York Bay.

In July 2017, through bidding, Ports America won a contract for operating Manhattan and Brooklyn cruise terminals until 2029. The deal required investments of USD 38,5 million in infrastructure improvements, including Pier 90 berth rehabilitation, extended aprons, new fenders. Brooklyn Pier was extended by 45-60 m (150-200 ft) to allow berthing for larger boats. Construction works started in 2018.

Season 2018 featured two large newbuild liners - Carnival Horizon (133500 GT-tons, 4700 passengers) and Norwegian Bliss (168000 GT-tons, 4900 passengers).

New York ferries

In 2018 was inaugurated the ferry line connecting Bayonne NJ with Manhattan (across Hudson River).

A US$650,000 federal grant was given to the city for the building of a new ferry terminal. The facility is on the southern part of the Military Ocean Terminal, on an artificial peninsula east of NJ Route 440.

The 1,5-acre land site (former US Navy base) was purchased in 2010 and leased for ferry docking at US$200,000 per year.

In the previous year (2017) NYC Ferry inaugurated the commute ferry service linking Manhattan with Long Island (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx). In 2016, NYC Ferry's fleet consisted of 19 newbuild boats.

• On May 1st were launched the East River route (North Brooklyn to Midtown and NYC's Financial District) and the Rockaway route (Lower Manhattan to Sunset Park and The Rockaways).
• On June 1st was launched the South Brooklyn route (8 terminals/between Corlears Hook and Bay Ridge) linking Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• On August 29th was launched the Astoria route (between Western Queens and Roosevelt Island) linking Wall Street/Pier 11, East 34th Street, LIC/Long Island City Queens, Roosevelt Island Manhattan, and Astoria Queens.

In August 2018, NYC Ferry launched a link between Soundview (South Bronx) and Manhattan. The landing site in Bronx is at Clason Point Park (Sound View Ave's end). The nearest subway station (Morrison Ave-Sound View) is 2 mi (3 km) away. Ferry travel time Bronx-Manhattan is 45-min. In Manhattan, ferries stop at 90th St (Upper East Side), East 34th Str (Midtown), Pier 11 (Wall Str). Currently, NYC Ferry operates 6 routes.

New York cruise terminal

The following NY & NJ cruise port map shows the locations of all three cruise terminals (NYC's Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Bayonne NJ's Cape Liberty).

NYC Manhattan Cruise Terminal

The Manhattan passenger terminal is on Hudson River (on Manhattan Island's shoreline), located is between West 44 and West 52 streets. Both Newark International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are located approx 15 mi (24 km) away, while JFK International Airport is approx 20 mi (32 km) away.

This NYC cruise terminal has 3 wharves – Pier 88 (2 berths), Pier 90 (2 berths), and Pier 92 (1 overflow berth). They can accommodate up to 5 cruise liners simultaneously and each has a fully-functioning passenger terminal building. Manhattan terminal serves NCL Norwegian , Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America . At Pier 92's south side dock large liners.

In early 2017, NYC Economic Development Corporation selected Ports America as long-term cruise ship terminal operator for both Brooklyn (1 berth) and Manhattan (Pier 88 and Pier 90), Ports America also supplies cruise ship provisions for vessels docked at Pier 92.

At the top of all the piers, there is a building with dedicated parking lots, snack bars, restrooms, check-in, VIP areas, customs, newsstands.

• Address: "Manhattan Terminal, 711 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019"
• Manhattan Terminal parking: daily parking rate ($18, for 10 hours), overnight rate ($23, for 24 hours). Theparking rate for multiple days is $20 daily.

NYC Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

Located across Governors Island, Brooklyn NYC cruise port terminal is in Red Hook. LaGuardia Airport is 12 miles away, Newark International Airport – 16 miles away and JFK International Airport is 20 miles away.

Brooklyn New York cruise ship terminal used to be a cargo port. You will get very ”industrial feel”. The terminal building on Pier 12 is a new one. The facilities are vending machines, check-in, restrooms and customs. There is a parking area with 500 spots. Brooklyn New York cruise port terminal can accommodate only one ship. It serves Princess Cruises and Cunard ships.

• Address: "Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Pier 12, Brooklyn, NY 11231"
• Brooklyn Terminal parking rates (subject to change): $35 daily.

Brooklyn cruise terminal's shorepower

Since 2016, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal provides shore-power .

The shore-to-ship electric power supply project was first announced in 2011.

Cunard's liner RMS Queen Mary 2 was the first-ever vessel (officially plugged-in on November 12th, 2016).

The US$21 million system was signed off by the New York and New Jersey Port Authority and turned over to the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which currently oversees the cruise shipping program for Brooklyn and Manhattan. As of September 2016, NYCEDC has responsibility for the system's operations and maintenance.

The plug-in shorepower was installed by Cochran Marine. This is a dual-voltage system targeted for use by Cunard Line and  Princess Cruises , which are the terminal’s primary customers. The Terminal's cable positioning device is removable, so it can be stored during winter.

Connecting to Con Edison power grid, the shorepower system allows ships to run their onboard systems without using diesel generators. This eliminates ~1500 tons of CO2, ~95 tons of NOx, and ~6,5 tons of soot/particulate matter annually.

In 2010, the NY-NJ Port Authority estimated that improvement to air quality could yield public health benefits of USD 99 million over 15 years. That was a key element for community groups around the terminal’s Red Hook neighborhood to start pushing for shore power. Beyond the infrastructure cost, the project was delayed by haggling over the price of electrical power – in an era where cheap fuel prices made shipboard generation more economical. The power costs are subsidized in part by the EDC and the New York Power Authority, with terminal user Carnival Corp picking up the rest. As part of an agreement,  Carnival Corporation pays USD 12 cents per kilowatt-hour for shorepower.

Costs were ~USD 10 million (to service one slip) and involve substantial infrastructure improvements. Ship operators must spend ~USD 1 million to make a vessel shorepower-ready. Demand on the energy grid is substantial too. A typical container ship in port uses about as much energy as a single terminal at Boston ’s Logan Airport, while RMS Queen Mary 2 requires 13 megawatts (equal to the entire airport).

New Jersey Cape Liberty cruise terminal (Royal Caribbean)

In October 2014, RCCL-Royal Caribbean and NYC Port Authority dedicated a Cape Liberty cruise terminal for the RCI's ship Quantum OTS. The new terminal started operations on November 10, 2014.

The new facility is located at Port Terminal Blvd (Bayonne waterfront), adjacent to the Tear Drop Memorial (Russia-built 10–story sculpture). The US$55 million building project included port expansion with a new passenger terminal, featuring a total covered area of 125000 ft2 (11600 m2) that hosts check-in, customs and immigration, luggage storage and processing area, parking area (capacity 950 cars/costs US$25 per day including taxes) and also improvements of the existing docking pier. The new terminal building is adjacent to the 2004-inaugurated terminal.

Port Cape Liberty is in close proximity to EWR-Newark Liberty Airport (10 mi / 16 km to the west, ~20-min travel time by car) and easy to access, skipping NYC's heavy traffic and bridges.

• Empire State Building: don’t miss that famed building. It is 1050 ft tall. You can take a look from the airy promenade after a great lift to the Observatory.
• Central Park: the iconic park dates from 1857. It is a large landscaped area where you can enjoy the Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the Bethesda fountain, the Great Lawn and Belvedere Castle.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art: located between East 81 and East 82, dates from 1870. Discover artworks of famous artists – Aristotle with a Bust of Homer by Rembrandt, Wheat Field with Cypresses by Van Gogh, Young Woman with a Water Pitcher by Vermeer and The Unicorn in Captivity, medieval tapestry.
• Brooklyn Bridge: the bridge dates from the late 19th century. It spans across the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge and the views across Brooklyn, Upper Bay and Manhattan are breathtaking.
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: 39 acres with beautiful gardens. Walk through the Bonsai Museum, the Tropical Pavilion, the Aquatic House and the Desert Pavilion. You can also have a coffee, buy a gift or something from the garden store.

New York tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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MSC Cruises Will Call NYC Home Next Year With Cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, More

"New York City was the natural choice when we picked our next U.S. port because it's so accessible..." Rubén Rodríguez, the president of MSC Cruises USA said.

MSC is moving to the Big Apple.

The cruise line will call New York City's Brooklyn Cruise Terminal home starting in April 2023, offering year-round cruises on its MSC Meraviglia to the Caribbean, Bermuda , New England, and Canada, the company shared with Travel + Leisure . The new homeport joins MSC's other U.S. bases, including in Miami and Orlando .

"New York City was the natural choice when we picked our next U.S. port because it's so accessible, whether the guest is coming from somewhere nearby or from around the world," Rubén Rodríguez, the president of MSC Cruises USA, said in a statement shared with T+L. "We designed our mix of itineraries to take advantage of New York's geographic flexibility, so that you can soak up the springtime sun in the Caribbean, head to Bermuda over the summer, or go north to see Canada's natural beauty in the fall."

The MSC Meraviglia can hold up to 5,700 guests and offers 20 bars, 12 restaurants, and even a water park and ropes course to entertain passengers of all ages. The ship will sail six to 11-night cruises, including to MSC's private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

It will be the first time an MSC ship will homeport in the northeastern U.S. year-round, according to the company.

The news comes as the cruise industry has been forced to adapt to a constantly changing business as the coronavirus pandemic enters its third year. In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made its guidance optional for cruise lines , allowing its Conditional Sail Order to expire, and has since lowered its warning on embarking on a voyage.

Currently, MSC requires all guests 12 and older to be vaccinated, according to the company , and will lower that to 5 and older on April 23.

"The cruise industry — MSC included — has always placed health and safety at the top of the priorities list and has always worked closely with authorities and the CDC, whether it's coronavirus or other illnesses," Rodríguez told T+L onboard the inaugural sailing of the company's MSC Seashore in November. "But, clearly, we have learned so much during the pandemic and we know it's not going away. It may become endemic, so a lot of protocols related to vaccinations or testing, to hygiene to sanitation to air filtration, those are with us to stay."

Despite the uncertainty of the last few years, Rodríguez feels the future of the cruise industry — and MSC's future in the U.S. — is strong.

"Clearly we first saw, and continue to see, demand from people who know cruising, that love cruising, and now have opportunities to cruise again," he said. "In our case, we're very large globally, but much smaller in the U.S…. but we have the opportunity to offer something different, something unique to guests that love to cruise but have not cruised with MSC, have not experienced the European nature of our ships, the modern nature of our ships, international character of our guest mix, and our commitment to sustainability."

Additional reporting by Christine Burroni

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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New cruise ship MSC Meraviglia arrives at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

RED HOOK, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A brand new cruise ship has made a grand entrance into the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook.

The MSC Meraviglia, Italian for wonder, arrived at its new home port on Thursday morning, and is ready to launch year-round sailings from Brooklyn.

The boat will be the first cruise ship here all year long. Officials say the ship will bring more than 10,000 full time-equivalent jobs to the terminal.

The ship will soon offer trips to the Bahamas, Florida, Bermuda, and Canada, among other destinations.

City leaders say this ship will bring job and tourism opportunities for thousands in New York City. The mayor is expecting an economic boom of $102 million a year in spending from tourists.

"We're anticipating 219,000 passengers arriving in NYC per year," Mayor Adams said. "Anytime we have international travelers, spend money, spend money, spend money."

The news of the ship is exciting for many, but the terminal itself was the subject of controversy when migrants were first moved there as a temporary shelter.

Just last month, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal was used to house asylum seekers .

The hope was to ease the strain on city shelters, but some advocates were not happy with the conditions . They were compared to detention centers.

At one point, Adams stayed at the terminal overnight on one of the coldest night's of the year to show the temporary setup was warm enough.

Officials say their plan was always to move the men when cruise season started. Those migrants went to new relief centers in Bushwick and Times Square.

The ship's first voyage from Brooklyn is Saturday.

"The uniqueness of New York City really lies in our waterways and our harbors that bring people in and out," Adams said.

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MSC Meraviglia Arrives in NYC for Year-Round Sailings

• April 20, 2023

MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia arrived at its new homeport in New York at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal from where it will sail year-round cruises, according to a press release.

This marks the first time that MSC Cruises has deployed a ship in New York for year-round sailings as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in the North American market.

The MSC Meraviglia will offer sailings ranging from six to 11 nights. Itineraries include:  

• The Bahamas and Florida – Seven to 11-night cruises with calls in Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau and the cruise line’s private island Ocean Cay, The Bahamas; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
• Bermuda – Five and six-night voyages from Kings Wharf in Bermuda starting in August.
• Canada and New England – 10 and 11-night sailings with calls in Newport, Boston and Portland in the U.S. and Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown, and Sydney in Canada.

For international guests, MSC Cruises offers “Stay & Cruise” packages with an option to stay up to three nights in the city before embarking on the cruise.  Guests can choose among several hotels including the Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan, Hotel Riu Plaza Times Square and the Park Central Hotel.

Additionally, guests can look forward to a free guided tour through Manhattan before embarking on the ship. 

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

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Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (With No Supplement Fare)
• Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

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‘A Lot of Chaos’: Bridge Collapse Creates Upheaval at Largest U.S. Port for Car Trade

A bridge collapse closed Baltimore’s port, an important trade hub that ranks first in the nation by the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles.

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Shipping in the Port of Baltimore

Monthly cargo handled by the Port of Baltimore

By Peter Eavis and Jenny Gross

• March 26, 2024

The Baltimore bridge disaster on Tuesday upended operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports, with disruptions likely to be felt for weeks by companies shipping goods in and out of the country — and possibly by consumers as well.

The upheaval will be especially notable for auto makers and coal producers for whom Baltimore has become one of the most vital shipping destinations in the United States.

As officials began to investigate why a nearly 1,000-foot cargo ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the middle of the night, companies that transport goods to suppliers and stores scrambled to get trucks to the other East Coast ports receiving goods diverted from Baltimore. Ships sat idle elsewhere, unsure where and when to dock.

“It’s going to cause a lot of chaos,” said Paul Brashier, vice president for drayage and intermodal at ITS Logistics.

The closure of the Port of Baltimore is the latest hit to global supply chains, which have been strained by monthslong crises at the Panama Canal, which has had to slash traffic because of low water levels; and the Suez Canal, which shipping companies are avoiding because of attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea.

The auto industry now faces new supply headaches.

Last year, 570,000 vehicles were imported through Baltimore, according to Sina Golara, an assistant professor of supply chain management at Georgia State University. “That’s a huge amount,” he said, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the current inventory of new cars in the United States.

The Baltimore port handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year, and it was the 17th biggest port in the nation overall in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Baltimore Ranks in the Top 20 U.S. Ports

Total trade in 2021 in millions of tons

Baltimore ranks first in the United States for the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles, and for vessels that carry wheeled cargo, including farm and construction machinery, according to a statement by Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland last month.

The incident is another stark reminder of the vulnerability of the supply chains that transport consumer products and commodities around the world.

The extent of the disruption depends on how long it takes to reopen shipping channels into the port of Baltimore. Experts estimate it could take several weeks.

Baltimore is not a leading port for container ships, and other ports can likely absorb traffic that was headed to Baltimore, industry officials said.

Stephen Edwards, the chief executive of the Port of Virginia, said it was expecting a vessel on Tuesday that was previously bound for Baltimore, and that others would soon follow. “Between New York and Virginia, we have sufficient capacity to handle all this cargo,” Mr. Edwards said, referring to container ships.

“Shipping companies are very agile,” said Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a professor in the department of maritime business administration at Texas A&M University-Galveston. “In two to three days, it will be rerouted.”

But other types of cargo could remain snarled.

Alexis Ellender, a global analyst at Kpler, a commodities analytics firm, said he expected the port closure to cause significant disruption of U.S. exports of coal. Last year, about 23 million metric tons of coal exports were shipped from the port of Baltimore, about a quarter of all seaborne U.S. coal shipments. About 12 vessel had been expected to leave the port of Baltimore in the next week or so carrying coal, according to Kpler.

He noted that it would not make a huge dent on the global market, but he added that “the impact is significant for the U.S. in terms of loss of export capacity.”

“You may see coal cargoes coming from the mines being rerouted to other ports instead,” he said, with a port in Norfolk, Va., the most likely.

If auto imports are reduced by Baltimore’s closure, inventories could run low, particularly for models that are in high demand.

“We are initiating discussions with our various transportation providers on contingency plans to ensure an uninterrupted flow of vehicles to our customers and will continue to carefully monitor this situation,” Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, said in a statement.

Other ports have the capacity to import cars, but there may not be enough car transporters at those ports to handle the new traffic.

“You have to make sure the capacity exists all the way in the supply chain — all the way to the dealership,” said Mr. Golara, the Georgia State professor.

A looming battle is insurance payouts, once legal liability is determined. The size of the payout from the insurer is likely to be significant and will depend on factors including the value of the bridge, the scale of loss of life compensation owed to families of people who died, the damage to the vessel and disruption to the port.

The ship’s insurer, Britannia P&I Club, part of a global group of insurers, said in a statement that it was “working closely with the ship manager and relevant authorities to establish the facts and to help ensure that this situation is dealt with quickly and professionally.”

The port has also increasingly catered to large container ships like the Dali, the 948-foot-long cargo vessel carrying goods for the shipping giant Maersk that hit a pillar of the bridge around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The Dali had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off toward the 1.6-mile Francis Scott Key Bridge.

State-owned terminals, managed by the Maryland Port Administration, and privately owned terminals in Baltimore transported a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo in 2023, worth $80 billion.

Materials transported in large volumes through the city’s port include coal, coffee and sugar. It was the ninth-busiest port in the nation last year for receiving foreign cargo, in terms of volume and value.

The bridge’s collapse will also disrupt cruises traveling in and out of Baltimore. Norwegian Cruise Line last year began a new fall and winter schedule calling at the Port of Baltimore.

An earlier version of this article misstated the Port of Baltimore’s rank among U.S. ports. It was the nation’s 17th biggest port by total tons in 2021, not the 20th largest.

How we handle corrections

Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

Fly & Cruise

From sky to sea: cruise and flight packages.

Flights, transfers  and  cruise  included  in one unique package.  Designed to provide you with a seamless and stress-free travel experience, Fly Cruises remove the hassle of multiple bookings and planning, offering an effortless, all-in-one solution. From easy booking to perfect flight schedule, transfers included and expert travel assistance, we are committed to ensuring that your cruise holiday starts and ends on the right note.

Combining flights and transfers  with your cruise is extremely smooth. When making your booking, simply select the cruise itinerary that suits you best and choose the Fly&Cruise fare. Additionally, you can pick the airport that is most convenient for you. Before the payment is completed, you will have access to all the flight information, including the option to upgrade your class if it is available. Draw inspiration from the finest destinations that are easily within reach and book your Fly & Cruise holidays in 2024 or 2025!

Please refer to the  FAQ  for additional information.

Why should you choose the Fly & Cruise package?

Fly & cruise guarantees effortless organization and hassle-free travel.

Leave the organization to MSC Cruises! With our Flight and Cruise packages, we handle all the arrangements , guaranteeing a seamless holiday planning for you. Even if you should experience delays or encounter any problems during your journey, MSC Cruises will be there to support you , ensuring you reach the ship without any inconvenience.  Our dedicated telephone helpdesk is available anytime  from three hours before your flight to provide complete assistance .

Fly & Cruise offers personalized flight options tailored to your needs

Maximize your time with our Fly Cruise packages. While booking your cruise, we will help you find the best flight schedule that aligns with your cruise embarkation and disembarkation. Say goodbye to wasted hours searching for flight options and waiting for it at the airport - we have got it covered!

Flight Excellence for unbeatable value

Experience exceptional value for your money with our Fly & Cruise Package. Enjoy the convenience and quality of our trusted airline partners , ensuring a comfortable and memorable flight experience. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, from takeoff to landing. You can also treat yourself to Premium, Business, or First-Class upgrade. 

Seamless transfers for stress-free travel

Leave the airport navigation to us. All Fly & Cruise Packages includes transfers from the airport directly to the ship, and vice versa. Enjoy peace of mind as MSC Cruises handle all the organization, allowing you to fully embrace and enjoy your cruise holiday.

Luggage peace of mind

With MSC Fly & Cruise your luggage is well cared for. In the rare event of a mishap during air travel, our dedicated team will swiftly recover your belongings . We work closely with airport Lost & Found offices to ensure your luggage is promptly delivered to your cabin , so you can focus on enjoying your holiday and making memories.

FLY & CRUISE FAQ

What is included in the fly and cruise package.

• Direct flights to and from your embarkation port
• Comfortable transfers from the airport to the ship and back again 
• Checked luggage and luggage recovery 
• Assistance at airports
• Airport taxes
• Rearrangement of your travel in case of flight delay

What are Fly Cruises?

How can i book a fly cruise.

You can simply book your Fly&Cruise package directly on MSC Cruises website. During your cruise booking you can add a convenient flight for a safe and guaranteed boarding on the cruise. We will offer a list of best flight schedules that aligns with the cruise embarkation and disembarkation.

What happens to the luggage with Fly & Cruise?

The luggage follows the same flow as on a usual flight. In case of delays or losses, our  dedicated staff will support you to ensure a smooth trip.

What happens if the flight company loses my luggage?

What is the luggage allowance.

It differs according to the destination, flying companies and the type of flight classes selected. 

What if the flight is delayed or the departure time changes?

Will i receive assistance at the airport, where do i find my flight details, where should i do the online flight check-in, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

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For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

More From Forbes

Why costa cruises are so cheap.

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Costa Cruises vessels are a common sight at Mediterranean ports.

Embarking on a cruise vacation doesn't have to break the bank. Although traditionally seen as an extravagant choice, cruising today is known just as much for its family-friendly and bargain deals.

Among the mainstream cruise lines, Costa Cruises is known for keeping its base fares as low as possible. While rarely the final price you pay, the advertised rates are a tempting prospect.

At the time of publication, Costa’s ‘Easter sale’ features various 7-night European itineraries from under $450 per person, based on two sharing a cabin in November 2024.

Known for its European onboard experience, Costa Cruises has become a popular choice among budget travelers and families seeking to explore the world—and especially the Mediterranean cruising region —without splashing too much cash. But the line isn’t for everyone, especially those used to a more all-inclusive cruising experience.

From its back-to-basics business model to the efficiencies of being part of the Carnival Corporation, this is how Costa manages to keep its prices so low, and what you can expect on board.

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Trump again targets judge s daughter in new york criminal case, apple iphone 16 pro new leak reveals updated colors coming this fall, flexible itineraries.

One of the biggest differences offered by Costa Cruises and fellow Italian line MSC Cruises is their approach to itinerary planning.

Typically, cruise lines base their ship in a port for a season, and offer varied itineraries throughout that season. Costa, however, runs its ships the same looped itinerary throughout a season, especially in the Mediterranean region, and allows embarkation and disembarkation at different ports.

Costa Cruises ships share the same basic design as many other lines in the Carnival Corporation.

This increases the flexibility for guests when booking, and allows Costa to offer specific segments or itineraries at lower prices in order to fill its ships throughout the season.

Although this practice does help keep ships busy and fares low, it also results in hectic mornings and constant announcements in every port aimed at new arrivals, which can become tiresome after several days.

One area of the Costa experience often criticized on forums such as Cruise Critic is the food. With the main dining room and buffet restaurant always included, it’s fair to say that you won’t go hungry on a Costa vacation.

However, the standard is more everyday than luxury, with a strong focus on Italian cuisine including salads, breads, and pasta.

Another common grumble from some travelers is the relatively late fixed dining times, which can be as late as 9pm. Although this is perfectly normal in Mediterranean culture, it may not suit all travelers.

Non-Inclusive Business Model

There are specialty restaurants on all Costa ships should you wish to pay for an elevated dining experience. This is one example of Costa’s business model of stripping out many items from the cruise fare and making them optional extras.

Although basic food and onboard entertainment are included in the base fare, there are many additional charges to watch out for, including taxes and gratuities.

Perhaps the biggest bill faced by travelers will be for drinks. Tea, coffee, and water are available in the buffet during its opening hours, but all other drinks are chargeable, even water in the main dining room.

Costa Toscana shares the same cruise ship design as many other Carnival Corporation brands.

This makes beverage packages worth consideration for most travelers, even if you don’t drink alcohol.

High Guest-To-Crew Ratio

One of the biggest differentiators between the standard of cruise lines can be seen by examining the guest-to-crew ratio. Simply put, the more passengers per crew member, the slower and less personal the service is likely to be.

On most mainstream cruise lines, a ratio of around 3:1 is the norm, but on Costa Cruises it can be as big as 4:1. This can result in longer waiting times in the dining room and at the bars, something that is another common complaint from Costa cruisers.

Large Cruise Ships

Costa Cruises was founded in 1948 and became a part of the Carnival Corporation in 2000. Being part of the world’s largest cruise group including famous industry brands Carnival, Cunard, Holland America, P&O Cruises, Princess, and Seabourn, gives Costa several advantages that contribute to its ability to offer low-cost cruising options.

One of the biggest factors is the size of Costa cruise ships. All but one of Costa’s ten ships have a gross tonnage above 100,000, while the newest, Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana , are among the world’s biggest cruise ships.

The more passengers Costa carries, the cheaper the costs of operation are on a per passenger basis. High numbers of passengers also mean more upsell opportunities.

The Costa Smeralda and Costa Toscana also demonstrate another benefit of being part of the larger group. Both are ‘Excellence-class’ ships, a class of cruise ship ordered by Carnival Corporation for many of its brands. Sharing a design across so many lines leads to a lower unit cost.

Although there are downsides to taking such a cheap cruise, especially the uncertain amount of additional costs and constant upsells, Costa Cruises does offer a compelling value proposition especially for families. If you know what to expect, a Costa vacation can prove to be an enjoyable travel bargain.

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