Brooklyn

Brooklyn, New York, is a world-class cruise port that offers a unique and unforgettable arrival experience. Your ship will sail past the Statue of Liberty and under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before docking in the heart of Brooklyn. The borough has a vibrant and diverse culture, with a unique blend of historic neighborhoods, modern art scenes, and a booming culinary landscape. While Manhattan is just a short trip away, Brooklyn offers its own authentic and exciting experiences for a day in port.

⛵ Port Introduction

Your cruise ship will dock directly at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, located in the Red Hook neighborhood. This is a massive advantage, as you can walk right off the ship and into the city. There is a designated pedestrian walkway from the gangway to the terminal building. The terminal is a large, permanent building that can accommodate multiple ships.

⚓ Terminal Information

The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is a modern, spacious, and fully accessible building. As you disembark, you will walk a short distance to the terminal building. The terminal is clean, comfortable, and well-equipped for your needs.

🚻 Terminal Facilities

The terminal has restrooms, seating, and a tourist information desk with friendly staff who can provide maps and directions. There are also a few shops that sell souvenirs and snacks. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located right outside the terminal. You will find public Wi-Fi available in the terminal building, but it may be slow on a busy day.

🗣️ Language

The local language is English. You will have no problem at all navigating, communicating, or exploring the city.

💰 Money

The currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are universally accepted everywhere, from cafes to major department stores. Cash is also widely used, and ATMs are easy to find at banks, inside grocery stores, and throughout the city.

🚗 Transportation

Brooklyn is a large and sprawling borough, but the area around the cruise terminal is a great place to walk. To get to other parts of Brooklyn or to Manhattan, you have several options.

·       Walking: The area right around the terminal, including the historic Red Hook neighborhood, is very walkable. You can walk to local cafes and restaurants.

·       Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. They are regulated and use a meter, but it is still a good idea to get an estimate of the cost before you begin your journey.

·       Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are extremely popular and widely used throughout the city.

·       Subway: The subway is the most affordable and efficient way to get to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. The closest subway stations (Smith-9th Sts. on the F & G lines, or Carroll St. on the F & G lines) are a long walk from the terminal, so you'll want to take a taxi or rideshare to the subway station.

·       Ferry: This is a scenic and affordable way to get to Manhattan. The NYC Ferry has a stop at Atlantic Basin in Red Hook, a short walk from the cruise terminal. It offers a stunning view of the skyline as you cross the harbor.

♿ Accessibility

Brooklyn has an accessibility rating of 6 out of 10. The cruise terminal is fully accessible. While the area around the terminal is generally flat and well-maintained, the historic neighborhoods of Brooklyn have some uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets that can be challenging to navigate. The subway system is still a work in progress in terms of accessibility, so it's a good idea to check specific stations in advance.

🚶‍♀️ The best way to get to Manhattan from cruise port

The best way to get from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to Manhattan is to take a taxi or a rideshare to a subway station or the NYC Ferry. A taxi or rideshare will take you directly to your destination, while the ferry offers a more scenic and enjoyable journey.

🚽 Toilet

Public restrooms are generally available and clean in Brooklyn and Manhattan, especially at major tourist attractions, shopping centers, and museums. They are free to use.

💊 Drugstore

·       CVS Pharmacy: 543 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217. This is a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal.

·       Walgreens: 259 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231. This is also a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal.

✨ Authentic Experience

1.       Explore the Red Hook Waterfront: Instead of rushing to Manhattan, spend some time exploring the historic Red Hook waterfront. This is a neighborhood with a mix of old industrial buildings and new art spaces. You can walk along the waterfront, visit the Valentino Pier for a stunning view of the Statue of Liberty, and check out the local shops and cafes.

2.       Dine on Local Pizza and Italian Pastries: Brooklyn is famous for its pizza and Italian food. Head to the nearby Carroll Gardens or Cobble Hill neighborhoods and get a slice of authentic New York pizza from a local pizzeria. For dessert, stop by a local Italian pastry shop for a cannoli or a rainbow cookie. It’s an essential part of the Brooklyn experience.

3.       Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: For an iconic New York experience, take a taxi or subway to the start of the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across it to Manhattan. The walk offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyline and the harbor. This is a classic New York experience that is well worth the trip.