Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is located at 72 Bowne Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY 11231, serving as a major departure point for cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada/New England, and transatlantic voyages.

Overview

The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, also known as the Red Hook Terminal, opened in April 2006 and is operated by Ports America under the ownership of the City of New York. The terminal occupies approximately 200,000 square feet and features a single pier (Pier 12) capable of handling up to 4,000 passengers . It is a home port for cruise lines including Cunard, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. The terminal offers modern amenities such as separate embarkation and debarkation areas, a boarding lounge, restrooms, and porters to assist with luggage .

Location and Views

Situated on Buttermilk Channel, the terminal provides scenic views of Lower Manhattan, Governors Island, and the Statue of Liberty . The surrounding Red Hook neighborhood features restaurants, cafes, art studios, and shops, making it convenient for pre- or post-cruise exploration .

Transportation

• Driving: Access is via Bowne and Imlay Street intersection. Directions from Manhattan, Long Island, or New Jersey involve major highways and bridges, including the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and Verrazano Bridge .
• Parking: On-site parking is available with short-term and overnight options, including handicapped spaces. Payment is by credit card only, and reservations are optional.
• Trinity Reservations provides 5 different New Jersey hotels that include long term parking with your over night stay, often for less than long term cruise port parking alone!
• Public Transit: The terminal is accessible via NYC Ferry (South Brooklyn route), MTA buses (B61, B77), and subway connections, though public transit may require multiple transfers and walking .
• Airports: Closest airports are LaGuardia (25–40 min), JFK (30–50 min), and Newark (45–60+ min). Taxis and rideshare services are recommended for convenience .

Facilities and Sustainability

The terminal features modern gangways, bus drop-off areas, and shore power technology, allowing ships to connect to the local electrical grid and reduce emissions while docked . There is no Wi-Fi or luggage storage lockers, but porters are available to assist passengers.

Nearby Hotels and Dining

Trinity Reservations is a company that provides over night cruise port hotel accommodations across the USA. Packages include Park, Stay and Cruise, with & without round trip cruise port transfers as well as Fly, Stay & Cruise, again with and without cruise port transfers but include round trip Newark Airport hotels shuttles 24/7.

Hotels near the terminal include The Lodge Red Hook, New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, and Hampton Inn Brooklyn (Downtown), offering convenient access for cruise passengers . Dining options within walking distance include Red Hook Lobster Pound, Red Hook Tavern, and Strong Rope Brewery, providing seafood, American cuisine, and craft beers .

Cruise Lines and Itineraries

The terminal primarily serves Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, and Princess Cruises. It handles cruises to destinations such as Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada/New England, and transatlantic voyages . The terminal operates nearly 50 ships annually, accommodating around 250,000 passengers.

Accessibility

Wheelchair service must be arranged through the cruise line. The terminal is equipped with accessible restrooms and seating areas in the boarding lounge .
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal provides a modern, convenient, and scenic gateway for cruise passengers departing from New York City, with ample facilities, transportation options, and nearby amenities to ensure a smooth embarkation experience.