Plan a CruiseBayonne Cruise Port Guide
Cape Liberty Cruise Port, which opened in May 2004, is situated on The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, formerly known as the Bayonne Navy Base/MOTBY facility. Royal Caribbean International invested $70 million to construct a modern cruise terminal here. While ships dock at a pier, offering convenient access, it's important to note that there is nothing of interest in the immediate vicinity of the port itself. However, the terminal boasts impressive views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the iconic Manhattan skyline. A crucial point for independent travelers is that pedestrian access into the port area is strictly prohibited by local authorities. All visitors must arrive and depart in a motor vehicle. This means you cannot walk directly to or from the port entrance, even if using public transportation that drops you nearby.
Getting Around from the Port
Due to the restriction on pedestrian access, reaching and departing Cape Liberty requires vehicle transport. The port is located 15 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and approximately seven miles south of Manhattan.
- Cruise Line Transfers: If your cruise line offers airport transfers, this is often the most straightforward option for travel to and from EWR.
- Public Transportation (with Taxi link): The NJ Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system will take you to a station directly outside the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal. However, as pedestrians are not permitted into the port area, you will need to take a taxi for the short remaining distance from the station to the terminal. This taxi fare is typically less than $10.
- Taxi/Private Vehicle: The port is easily accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike (Exit 14A). For GPS users, the address is 14 Port Terminal Boulevard, Bayonne NJ 07002-5038.
- To New York City: Your primary destination from Cape Liberty will likely be Manhattan. To reach NYC, you would first need to take a taxi from the port to the nearest Light Rail station, then utilize the light rail and connecting transit (such as the PATH train) into Manhattan. Be prepared for multiple transfers and allow sufficient travel time.
Attractions and Activities
Given that there is nothing of interest directly surrounding Cape Liberty, the primary "excursion" for passengers with 8-10 hours in port is a trip into New York City. The port itself offers unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline, which can be enjoyed from the ship or terminal.
- Explore New York City: Head into Manhattan to experience world-famous attractions, museums, shopping, and dining. Reaching Manhattan involves taking a taxi from the port to the Light Rail, then connecting to NYC via public transport. Travel time will vary significantly depending on your destination within Manhattan and traffic conditions, but expect it to take a considerable portion of your limited port time. It's advisable to focus on one or two key areas or attractions to maximize your visit. Specific attractions and activities within NYC are extensive and would require separate planning beyond the scope of this port guide.
Dining & Shopping
There are no dining or shopping facilities, or local points of interest, immediately at or around the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal. All amenities are located further afield in Bayonne or, more comprehensively, in nearby New York City.
Currency and Language
The official currency in the United States is the United States Dollar (USD - $). ATMs are widely available throughout the country, and major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted, even for small transactions. In some cases, card payment may be the only option.
Important Notes for Overseas Visitors:
- Taxes: Posted prices for goods and services almost never include sales tax, which will be added at checkout. Sales tax rates vary by state, typically ranging from 4-6% (though it can be from 2.9% to nearly 10%). Exceptions usually include gasoline and alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises.
- Tipping: Tipping is a common and expected practice for services in the U.S., as it often constitutes a significant portion of service workers' income.
- Full-service restaurants: 15-20% is standard. Always check your bill, as a service charge is occasionally added automatically (though rare).
- Taxi drivers, hairdressers, personal services: 10-15%.
- Bartenders: $1 per drink for inexpensive drinks, or 15% of the total bill.
- Bellhops: $1-2 per bag (with a $3-5 minimum regardless of bags).
- Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if assisting), $1 for calling a cab.
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person for half-day tours, $10-20 per person for longer tours.
- Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%.
- Housekeeping (hotels): $1-2 per day for longer stays, or a $5 minimum for very short stays (optional).
- Food delivery (e.g., pizza): $2-5, or more for very large orders.
Language: English is the standard language for everyday use across the U.S. While some states have declared English as their official language, there is no official language at the federal level. Spanish is widely spoken in New Mexico, and French in Louisiana, and Hawaiian in Hawaii, but English remains dominant. For emergencies, dial 911.
Opening Hours: In major metropolitan areas like New York City, many drugstores and supermarkets operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Department stores and larger retailers typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays (generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m.). Most stores remain open on holidays, with exceptions for major holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, when they are usually closed.