What Cruise Lines Leave from Bayonne NJ A Complete Guide

Several major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line, depart from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ, offering convenient access to Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, and transatlantic voyages. This modern port serves as a key East Coast hub, providing travelers with a seamless embarkation experience just minutes from New York City.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are the top cruise lines departing from Bayonne, NJ.
• Year-round voyages are available, with peak seasons in summer and winter holidays.
• Check departure schedules early to secure preferred dates and itineraries.
• Port amenities include parking, dining, and lounges for a seamless boarding experience.
• Destinations range from the Caribbean to Europe, catering to diverse traveler interests.
• Book directly or via travel agents for exclusive deals and onboard credits.

What Cruise Lines Leave from Bayonne, NJ: A Complete Guide

Located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, the Port of Bayonne in New Jersey has emerged as a premier departure point for travelers seeking a convenient, less congested alternative to New York City’s busy cruise terminals. Nestled within the Liberty Port complex and home to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, Bayonne offers a seamless embarkation experience with easy access to major highways, nearby airports, and a growing list of world-class cruise lines. Whether you’re planning a transatlantic voyage, a Caribbean getaway, or a luxury expedition to Europe, the Port of Bayonne is increasingly becoming a top choice for cruisers from the Northeast and beyond.

Unlike the crowded terminals in Manhattan or Brooklyn, Bayonne provides a more relaxed atmosphere with ample parking, shorter check-in lines, and a modern facility designed to handle large vessels efficiently. Since its opening in 2004, Cape Liberty has welcomed millions of passengers and established itself as a key player in the U.S. cruise industry. The port’s strategic location, just 15 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport and 10 miles from Midtown Manhattan, makes it ideal for both local residents and out-of-town visitors. This comprehensive guide will explore the top cruise lines that sail from Bayonne, NJ, including itineraries, seasonal offerings, onboard experiences, and practical travel tips to help you plan your next cruise with confidence.

1. Overview of the Cape Liberty Cruise Port

Location and Accessibility

The Cape Liberty Cruise Port is situated in Bayonne, New Jersey, within the larger Liberty National Golf Course development and adjacent to the historic Military Ocean Terminal. Its address is 4 Port Terminal Blvd, Bayonne, NJ 07002, and it’s easily accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Route 440, and the Bayonne Bridge. For those driving in, the port offers over 3,000 parking spaces, including valet and long-term options. Daily parking rates range from $20 to $35, with discounted weekly rates for extended cruises.

Public transportation is also available. The 80 bus line from Jersey City and Hoboken stops near the terminal, and the PATH train to Journal Square or Exchange Place connects to NJ Transit buses. For air travelers, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is just a 15-minute drive away, with taxi and rideshare services readily available. Many cruise lines also offer pre-cruise shuttles from EWR and Manhattan hotels, making transfers hassle-free.

Port Facilities and Services

Cape Liberty features a modern, two-story terminal with dedicated check-in counters, security screening, and baggage handling zones. The facility is fully ADA-compliant and includes:

• Dedicated drop-off/pick-up zones for passengers with mobility needs
• On-site customer service desks for major cruise lines
• Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Retail and snack kiosks (though limited compared to larger ports)
• Designated areas for embarkation and debarkation

One standout feature is the preferred boarding lanes offered by many cruise lines for suite guests and loyalty program members, which can significantly reduce wait times. The terminal also has a dedicated customs and immigration area for international arrivals, streamlining the re-entry process after transatlantic or European cruises.

Why Choose Bayonne Over Other NYC-Area Ports?

Compared to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Bayonne offers several advantages:

• Less congestion: Smaller passenger volume means shorter lines and faster boarding.
• More parking: No need to rely on expensive city garages or public transit.
• Proximity to highways: Easy access from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and upstate New York.
• Fewer traffic delays: Avoid Manhattan’s gridlock, especially during peak hours.
• Modern infrastructure: Built specifically for cruise operations, not retrofitted.

For families, business travelers, or those with mobility challenges, Bayonne provides a smoother, more predictable embarkation experience. Additionally, the port’s location near Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty offers scenic views during departure, adding to the excitement of your cruise.

2. Major Cruise Lines Departing from Bayonne, NJ

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is the primary cruise line operating out of Cape Liberty, with multiple ships homeported seasonally. The line uses Bayonne as a key departure point for transatlantic voyages, Caribbean itineraries, and repositioning cruises. Notable vessels include:

• Anthem of the Seas: A Quantum-class ship offering 5- to 14-night cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Canada, and Bermuda.
• Liberty of the Seas: A Freedom-class ship known for its 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailings and summer cruises to Canada and New England.
• Oasis of the Seas: Occasionally deployed for special repositioning cruises or holiday sailings.

Royal Caribbean’s Bayonne cruises typically depart between April and October, with peak season in June, July, and August. The line offers themed sailings, such as 70s and 80s music cruises and family-friendly summer adventures, often featuring Broadway-style shows, rock climbing walls, and robotic bartenders.

Tip: Book early for Royal Caribbean’s “Cruise with Confidence” program, which allows flexible cancellations and future cruise credits—ideal for uncertain travelers.

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line)

NCL has a strong presence at Cape Liberty, primarily during the spring and fall months. The Norwegian Breakaway is the flagship vessel, offering:

• 7-night Bermuda cruises (April–October)
• 7-night Canada & New England itineraries (September–October)
• 10- to 14-night transatlantic crossings (spring and fall repositioning)

NCL’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept appeals to independent travelers, with no formal dress codes, flexible dining times, and over 20 onboard restaurants. The Breakaway features a waterfront promenade, a three-story sports complex, and a Broadway-caliber production of “Burn the Boats.”

Insider Tip: Take advantage of NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion, which includes free open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits—great value for longer cruises.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises operates select sailings from Bayonne, primarily with the Celebrity Summit. This Solstice-class ship offers:

• 10- to 14-night transatlantic cruises to Europe (spring and fall)
• 7-night Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean sailings (summer)
• Specialty itineraries to Canada, Greenland, and Iceland (rare but highly sought after)

Celebrity is known for its luxurious ambiance, gourmet dining, and modern wellness facilities. The Summit features a half-acre lawn club, a spa with thermal suites, and concierge-level accommodations with personalized service. The line’s “Celebrity Edge” experience is partially replicated on the Summit, including the Magic Carpet (a moving platform for embarkation and dining).

Pro Tip: Book a AquaClass or Concierge Class stateroom for priority boarding, spa access, and enhanced dining options—ideal for a more refined experience.

Viking Ocean Cruises (Seasonal)

Viking Ocean Cruises occasionally uses Cape Liberty for repositioning cruises between the Mediterranean and North America. The Viking Star and Viking Orion have sailed from Bayonne on 12- to 18-night transatlantic voyages, often stopping in Lisbon, Barcelona, and the Azores.

Viking is renowned for its inclusive luxury model: fares cover Wi-Fi, shore excursions, beer and wine with meals, and gratuities. The ships feature a Scandinavian-inspired design, a thermal pool and spa, and lecture series by historians and cultural experts.

Note: Viking’s Bayonne departures are infrequent (1–2 per year), so sign up for email alerts to catch these rare opportunities.

Other Lines (Occasional Sailings)

While not regulars, other cruise lines have used Cape Liberty for special events or repositioning:

• Holland America Line: The Eurodam and Zaandam have made port calls during transatlantic crossings.
• Princess Cruises: Occasionally deploys the Regal Princess for Canada & New England itineraries.
• Oceania Cruises: The Insignia has sailed from Bayonne on 14-night European repositioning cruises.

These are “one-off” departures, so check each line’s website or consult a travel agent for availability.

3. Popular Itineraries from Bayonne

Bermuda: The Summer Favorite

Bermuda is the most popular destination from Cape Liberty, with cruises ranging from 5 to 10 nights. Royal Caribbean and NCL dominate this route, offering:

• 7-night “Bermuda Escape” cruises: Depart on weekends, spend 3–4 days in King’s Wharf or Hamilton.
• 5-night “Bermuda Getaway”: Ideal for short vacations, with a 2-day stay in port.
• 10-night “Bermuda & New England” combo: Combines island relaxation with fall foliage views.

Highlights include snorkeling at Horseshoe Bay Beach, exploring the Royal Naval Dockyard, and dining on fresh seafood at Swizzle Inn. Many ships offer overnight stays in Bermuda, allowing for nightlife and sunset excursions.

Tip: Book a “Bermuda Beach Day” excursion through the cruise line for hassle-free transportation and reserved beach chairs.

Caribbean: Sun, Sand, and Culture

From October to April, Bayonne becomes a gateway to the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas offers 7- to 9-night sailings to:

• Eastern Caribbean: St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico
• Southern Caribbean: Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada
• Bahamas & Florida: Nassau, Key West, Miami (for repositioning)

Onboard, enjoy Caribbean-themed nights, steel drum music, and jerk chicken stations. Shore excursions include catamaran sailing, zip-lining, and visits to historic forts.

Pro Tip: For a quieter experience, choose a “Southern Caribbean” itinerary—fewer crowds, more authentic culture.

Canada & New England: Fall Foliage and History

September and October are prime for Canada & New England cruises. NCL’s Breakaway and Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas sail 7- to 10-night itineraries to:

• Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine (lighthouses, lobster shacks)
• Boston, Massachusetts (Freedom Trail, Fenway Park)
• Halifax, Nova Scotia (Peggy’s Cove, historic waterfront)
• Quebec City, Canada (Old World charm, French cuisine)

These cruises are ideal for photography lovers and history buffs. Pack layers—temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F.

Insider Tip: Book a “Lobster Bake” shore excursion in Bar Harbor for an authentic Maine experience.

Transatlantic Crossings: The Grand Voyage

For adventure seekers, transatlantic cruises from Bayonne to Europe are a highlight. These 12- to 18-night voyages (April/May and September/October) feature:

• Multiple sea days (relaxation, lectures, enrichment programs)
• Port calls in Lisbon, Le Havre (Paris), Amsterdam, or Southampton
• Onboard entertainment like cooking classes, wine tastings, and guest speakers

Celebrity’s Summit and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas are popular choices. These cruises appeal to retirees, solo travelers, and culture enthusiasts.

Note: Transatlantic cruises are less crowded and often offer significant discounts compared to peak-season sailings.

4. Booking and Travel Tips for Bayonne Cruises

Best Time to Book

• Caribbean cruises: Book 6–12 months in advance for the best cabins and promotions.
• Canada & New England: Book by June for September sailings.
• Transatlantic: Book 8–14 months ahead—these sell out fast.
• Bermuda: Summer cruises fill quickly; book by March.

Use price-tracking tools like Cruise Critic or Vacations To Go to monitor deals. Look for “early bird” discounts, “kids sail free” offers, and “last-minute” specials (especially for repositioning cruises).

Pre-Cruise Logistics

Transportation:

• For Newark Airport (EWR): Take a taxi (~$40) or Uber/Lyft (~$35). Allow 30–45 minutes.
• From Manhattan: Use a “cruise shuttle” (~$50/person) or drive (20–30 minutes with traffic).
• From Philadelphia: Drive (90 minutes) or take NJ Transit to Journal Square + bus.

Parking: Reserve in advance via the Cape Liberty website for discounts. Valet parking is available for $35/day.

Check-in: Arrive 2–3 hours before departure. Bring your passport, boarding pass, and health forms. Use mobile check-in to skip lines.

Onboard Experience Tips

• Download the cruise app: Access your schedule, dining reservations, and ship maps.
• Pre-book excursions: Popular tours (e.g., snorkeling, zip-lining) sell out fast.
• Join loyalty programs: Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor, NCL’s Latitudes, and Celebrity’s Captain’s Club offer onboard credits and perks.
• Pack smart: Include a power strip (limited outlets), formal attire (if dining in specialty restaurants), and a reusable water bottle.

5. Data Table: Cruise Lines, Ships, and Itineraries from Bayonne

Cruise Line	Primary Ship(s)	Itineraries	Season	Unique Features
Royal Caribbean	Anthem of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas	Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Transatlantic	April–October	Quantum-class tech, Broadway shows, rock climbing
NCL	Norwegian Breakaway	Bermuda, Canada, Transatlantic	April–October	Freestyle dining, water slides, Broadway shows
Celebrity Cruises	Celebrity Summit	Europe, Bermuda, Canada	April–October (seasonal)	Lawn Club, gourmet dining, wellness focus
Viking Ocean Cruises	Viking Star, Viking Orion	Transatlantic, Europe	Spring/Fall (rare)	All-inclusive, lectures, thermal spa
Holland America	Eurodam, Zaandam	Canada, Transatlantic (occasional)	Fall	Classic ambiance, cooking demos, enrichment

6. Conclusion: Why Bayonne Is Your Ideal Cruise Gateway

The Port of Bayonne has transformed into a strategic, user-friendly departure point for cruisers across the Northeast. With its easy access, modern facilities, and diverse itineraries, Cape Liberty offers a compelling alternative to crowded urban terminals. Whether you’re chasing tropical sunsets in the Caribbean, exploring historic Canadian ports, or embarking on a transatlantic adventure, Bayonne provides the perfect launchpad for your journey.

From Royal Caribbean’s high-energy ships to NCL’s flexible dining and Celebrity’s refined luxury, the cruise lines sailing from Bayonne cater to every travel style and budget. The port’s proximity to New York City and Newark Airport ensures seamless travel logistics, while its less congested environment means more time relaxing and less time waiting in line.

As the cruise industry continues to evolve, Bayonne’s role is likely to grow—especially with increasing demand for regional departures and shorter, more frequent cruises. For travelers seeking convenience, value, and a stress-free start to their vacation, the Port of Bayonne is not just a departure point—it’s the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. Start planning your next cruise today, and let Cape Liberty set the course for your next great escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines leave from Bayonne, NJ?

Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line operate from the Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne. These lines offer a variety of itineraries, including Caribbean, Bermuda, and transatlantic voyages.

Is Cape Liberty Cruise Port the main departure point for cruises from Bayonne?

Yes, Cape Liberty Cruise Port is the primary terminal for cruises leaving from Bayonne, NJ. It’s a convenient departure point for travelers from New York and New Jersey, offering easy access and modern facilities.

Do luxury cruise lines depart from Bayonne, NJ?

Currently, luxury cruise lines like Regent or Oceania don’t homeport in Bayonne, but premium options like Celebrity Cruises (partnered with Royal Caribbean) occasionally sail from Cape Liberty. Most luxury itineraries depart from nearby NYC or other major ports.

Can I find family-friendly cruise lines leaving from Bayonne?

Absolutely! Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, both known for family-friendly amenities, regularly depart from Bayonne. Their ships feature kids’ clubs, water parks, and entertainment for all ages.

What international destinations can I visit on cruises from Bayonne, NJ?

Cruises from Bayonne sail to popular international destinations like the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and even transatlantic routes to Europe. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian offer the most diverse global itineraries.

Are there seasonal cruises leaving from Bayonne, NJ?

Yes, cruise lines adjust their Bayonne schedules seasonally. Summer and fall focus on Bermuda and Canada, while winter brings more Caribbean options. Holiday-themed sailings (e.g., Christmas markets) are also available.