Scattering the ashes of a loved one at sea can be an amazing tribute for someone who loved cruising, felt a connection to the ocean, or dreamt of traveling the world, as the endless waves will continue their journey for many years to come.
While a cruise vacation is typically a fun and joyous occasion, a scattering ceremony is a solemn and somber event for those involved, including family members, friends, and the crew members who make such an event happen onboard. Unfortunately, there can also be much misinformation circulating online about these ceremonies.
A new rumor has set sail through social media promoting the idea that Carnival Cruise Line will no longer permit scattering ceremonies, but the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has firmly debunked that rumor.
“[A social media member] is saying, as now are other members, that you do not [grant] permission to scatter ashes overboard,”a concerned guest wrote to Heald.“Is this a new policy change?”
The guest also noted that online discussions have expressed “no harm, no foul” that interested travelers should simply scatter ashes on their own, without permission and without notifying the cruise line.
Heald has quickly refuted that assumption, explaining the consequences should travelers simply scatter human remains without proper arrangements.
“This is absolutely wrong. You must never do this. It has to be documented,”Heald explained.“There is paperwork to be completed by the Environmental Officer and if anyone does this without going through the proper requirements then the ship could be subject to a large fine for breach of environmental rules.”
It should be noted that in Carnival Cruise Line’s Cruise Ticket Contract, while scattering ceremonies are not specifically mentioned, travelers are obligated to comply with all environmental laws and procedures.
“Discharge of any item into the ocean and/or waterways is strictly prohibited,”the contract states.
The cruise line does outline the procedure for how to arrange a burial at sea ashes scattering ceremony onboard a Carnival ship, including how to bring cremated remains onboard the vessel, requirements for an urn or other container, and how to comply with different religious requirements for such a ceremony.
Memorializing a Loved One at Sea
Heald has also offered further guidance about how scatterings are conducted and what guests need to do to memorialize their loved one in this unique and meaningful way. He can assist with the process to ensure travelers have a meaningful and respectful memorial, but the process must be arranged in advance.
“Two or three days before the cruise please send me a request for an ashes scattering,”he clarified.“Please include the ship and cabin number. I will then make the arrangements with the ship directly.”
Travelers should then visit the Guest Services desk onboard on the second day of their cruise – the first full day after embarkation – who will then be able to confirm the time and place for the ceremony.
Carnival Cruise Line Funnel (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
It should be noted that scattering ceremonies can only be held 12 nautical miles outside of port. This means that it is not possible, for example, to spread a loved one’s ashes directly in the harbor of a favorite port of call.
At the time of the ceremony, the guest and their companions – a maximum of 12 people – will be escorted to a private place for the release, a spot that may not be publicly accessible onboard and therefore may require using crew stairs. Guests will be given a few private minutes as they say their goodbyes to their loved one.
Afterward, the ship’s Captain will provide a certificate with the coordinates of where the ashes were released as a keepsake of the memorial.
“There is no charge for any of this,”Heald confirmed.“Please know I will always be here to help with this if you need.”
Guests who have arranged such ceremonies for their loved ones in the past are full of praise for how the ceremonies have been conducted. “Respectful” “lovely” “moving” “perfect” “gentle” and “honored” are just a few of the adjectives used to describe their experiences as they have scattered ashes at sea from various Carnival ships.
Scattering burial at sea ceremonies are available from any Carnival cruise ship, but are subject to individual itineraries and the operational needs of the vessel on specific sailings.
Travelers interested in such a ceremony should reach out to Carnival Cruise Line, whether directly or through Heald, as soon as their wishes are known in order to ensure it can be arranged as easily as possible.
P&O Cruises, the Carnival Corporation brand that caters to the UK market, introduced new ports and itineraries that will debut in its winter 2026-27 cruise series to destinations across the globe.
The collection features 78 new itineraries to 102 destinations, including several holiday sailings where guests can celebrate Christmas and/or New Year’s at sea. Cruisers can choose from short getaways of just 5 nights up to 16-night voyages.
Five-night holiday cruises roundtrip from Southampton, UK, between Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 onboard the 1,878-guest Aurora features a visit to Zeebrugge, Belgium, and an overnight in Hamburg, Germany.
The ship’s 14-night Baltic cruise, departing December 14, 2026, from Southampton, will call at five ports known for their splendid Christmas markets, such as Skagen and Copenhagen, Denmark.
Onboard the 5,200-guest mega-ship Iona, a 16-night Atlantic Islands itinerary from Southampton on December 18, 2026, visits eight European ports and features a late-night call to Lisbon on New Year’s Eve.
A shorter option, Azura’s 10-night Christmas cruise from Tenerife, Canary Islands, to Malaga, Spain, on December 18, 2026, calls at ports such as Fuerteventura, Madeira, Lisbon, Cadiz, and Tangier. The ship has a capacity for 3,100 guests.
A grand tour and a world cruise are also featured in the winter 2026-27 cruise series. Aurora will sail a 75-night Grand Tour, which departs Southampton on January 2, 2027. The ship will make a maiden call at Galveston, Texas, and offer guests two full days in the Gulf Coast city. Another new port on this itinerary is Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Arcadia will operate the line’s 106-night world cruise, also from Southampton, on January 6, 2027. A new port on this voyage is Port Vila, Vanuatu. Other featured ports are Alotau, Papua New Guinea; Kona, Hawaii; and Newcastle, Australia — all notable because P&O Cruises has not visited these ports in the last five years.
In all, the 2,100-guest Arcadia will bring guests to 28 ports, nine of which will feature late-night departures or overnight stays.
Arvia Set to Return to Caribbean for Winter Season
Other highlights of the winter 2026-27 season include the line’s newest ship, Arvia, returning to the Caribbean for 14-night fly-cruise vacations sailing from Barbados and Antigua. The 5,200-guest Arvia entered service in 2022 and has deep ties to Barbados, where she was christened in a beachside ceremony in March 2023.
Arvia, a sister ship to Iona, is the largest cruise ship ever constructed for P&O Cruises. At 185,581-gross tons, the ship has 15 guest decks, 30-plus dining venues and bars, six entertainment lounges, and four pools.
Photo Credit: Daniele Speranza
New entertainment onboard the ship includes Mission Control, an escape room adventure that uses multimedia simulation to create an underwater world and a submarine called Arvia II.
Also sailing in the Caribbean during winter 2026-27 will be the 3,600-guest Britannia. Like Arvia, the ship will operate 14-night voyages, all fly-cruise packages, roundtrip from her Barbados homeport.
Port calls will feature Grenada, Curacao, Jamaica, Aruba, Turks & Caicos, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and St. Lucia.
All of the new 2026-27 voyages have opened for sale, and there are several early booking benefits on offer. These include a 10% fare discount for bookings made by December 9, 2024 on departures on and after October 1, 2026. Also, a reduced deposit of 10% is available for certain sailings, including some holiday itineraries.
Coastal Canada and New England passengers have more chances to explore the great northeast in 2026 now that Holland America Line has revealed more sailings, added ports, and overnight stops.
The cruise line’s latest offerings, released October 15, 2024, includes a new 28-day “Canada, New England and Iceland” voyage,” providing guests with the opportunity to explore three regions on a roundtrip journey from Boston, Massachusetts.
The 2026 season will run from April through October and feature two ships already well familiar with the routes.
The 1,916-passenger Zuiderdam and the 1,432-guest Voldendam will each sail 7-day roundtrip departures from Boston and between Boston and Montreal or Quebec City in Quebec, Canada.
The 81,769-gross-ton Zuiderdam’s 7-day trips from Boston will offer some itineraries with late-night departures from Quebec City and Portland, Maine, as Voldendam, at 61,396 gross tons, offers 10- and 11-day itineraries that include Newfoundland and New France in the Maritimes.
The extended trips on the latter voyages include stops in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, as well as Bar Harbor, Maine.
“Our Canada and New England cruises are filled with culturally rich destinations, storybook settings, the beauty of the St. Lawrence, and vibrant fall foliage later in the season,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America’s chief commercial officer.
“We’re also excited to offer guests the chance to add Iceland to their exploration of Canada and New England,” she added.
“The timeframe is perfect for those sailing on Volendam to take in the spectacular late sunsets and white nights, including during an overnight call in Reykjavik,” she said.
Although the routes may have some added touches, Zuiderdam and Volendam are frequent visitors to the region. Both ships are currently wrapping up their 2024 seasons in Canada and North America on fall foliage discovery cruises.
Zuiderdam, which departed Quebec City on October 12, 2024, will complete its last northeastern voyage of 2024 in Boston on October 21, and then reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by November 23, 2024, with a number of calls in warmer waters, including Bermuda, Bahamas, and Barbados.
Meanwhile, Volendam set off on its repositioning cruise on October 5, 2024. Departing from Montreal, the ship has spent time in numerous Canadian ports and will stop in New York, New York, on October 16 before arriving in Fort Lauderdale on October 19.
Expanded 2026 Itineraries
Holland America Line’s 2026 season will feature 18 unique itineraries, including its standout Icelandic voyage scheduled for June 20, 2026. That trip includes stops in Atlantic Canada and Maine, seven ports in Iceland, and overnights in Reykjavik; St. John’s, Newfoundland; and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Holland America Zuiderdam (Photo Credit: lenic / Shutterstock)
For guests looking for longer adventures, Voldendam will offer 13- and 14-day repositioning cruises between Montreal and Fort Lauderdale or New York in May and September.
Zuiderdam will sail 14-day repositioning voyages in April and October along the Atlantic Coast between Quebec and Miami.
Itineraries are now open for bookings and, for a limited time, cruisers can take advantage of a special “Have It All” premium package.
With this package, guests receive the standard packages of amenities, including shore excursions, specialty dining, Surf Wi-Fi, and a Signature Beverage Package, as well as free prepaid Crew Appreciation gratuities and free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
Zuiderdam’s next return to Quebec will be May 24, 2025, while Volendam returns to Montreal on June 21, 2025.
Starting in January 2025, Margaritaville at Sea’s 1,300-guest Paradise will add itineraries to Nassau, Bahamas, with an excursion option to the Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, giving cruisers a combination at-sea and land-based adventure.
Paradise will offer the cruise line’s first “ship-to-resort” experience as a daylong excursion on 2- to 4-night Bahamas sailings for $99 per person. The Sail and Splash: Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau land tour will provide access to the property’s popular Fins Up! Water Park and other activities.
Since launching in 2022, the two-ship line has operated 2- and 3-night cruises aboard Paradise from Palm Beach, Florida, to Freeport, Bahamas. A 4-night option adds a call in Key West. In 2024 it added a second ship, the 2,600-guest Islander, based at the Port of Tampa and sailing mostly Western Caribbean cruises.
The addition of Nassau as a port of call expands the line’s reach to one of the Caribbean’s biggest ports, which in 2023 welcomed 4.5 million cruise arrivals.
“As we sail into 2025, we’re excited to add the vibrant city of Nassau to our growing list of island destinations,” said Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea.
“Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau has exceptional amenities, including private access to a spectacular beach on turquoise waters, the thrilling Fins Up! Water Park, FlowRider, lazy river, multiple pools, and a variety of restaurant and bar options,” added Ivy.
The resort is located roughly a 10-minute walk from the Nassau cruise port. Opened in 2021, the resort is situated on Nassau’s popular Junkanoo Beach and is near the city center.
A dozen restaurants and bars are offered at the resort, including JWB Prime Steak & Seafood, the Changes in Latitude bar, and the Graycliff Sky Lounge.
The cruise line’s excursion offer specifies entry into the resort and does not indicate that any food or beverages are included in the $99 fee. The resort also has a full spa, a movie theater, and a retail area, and sports a traditional Bahamian design.
“Through this one-of-a-kind partnership with Margaritaville at Sea, we’re thrilled to welcome cruise passengers to explore, relax, and enjoy our world-class amenities, taking their Margaritaville vacation to the next level,” said Zachary Frangos, general manager of Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau.
“Whether lounging by the pool, splashing in the ocean, or enjoying the high-energy fun of our water park, guests won’t miss a beat as they bring their Margaritaville state of mind from the ship to our tropical resort paradise,” Frangos added.
Margaritaville at Sea Resort in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
While the resort option is a new feature for Margaritaville at Sea, the concept is not new to the cruise industry. Cruise lines for years have offered resort-based excursions to guests. Onboard Paradise, other excursions in Nassau will feature city tours, local cuisine and music, visits to Paradise Island, snorkeling, and boating.
Line Discounts New Itinerary as Black Friday Deal
Margaritaville at Sea also has launched its Black Friday Early Access Sale, which is open for bookings. The new two-night Nassau itinerary can be booked for $99 for two people, plus an onboard credit up to $300, and free fares for the third and fourth guest in a cabin.
The cruise line has not revealed how long the sale will be offered. Black Friday is November 29, 2024, but many cruise sales and discounts typically continue through the Thanksgiving weekend.
Paradise entered service in 1991 under the Costa Cruises brand and sailed as Costa Classica until 2018, when she was sold to Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line and renamed Grand Classica. The company was rebranded as Margaritaville at Sea in 2021 and the ship was again renamed following a renovation.
The New Jersey Cruise Port, also known as Cape Liberty Cruise Port, is a major travel hub for cruise ships departing for the Caribbean, Bermuda, Charleston, and even trans-Atlantic voyages.
Located in Bayonne, this 125,000-square-foot port is visited by nearly 600,000 passengers annually, making it one of the busiest in the United States. Today, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the port, nearby airports, and more!
As mentioned, New Jersey Cruise Port, or, as it is officially known, Cape Liberty Cruise Port, is situated in Bayonne, New Jersey. Located along the peninsula in Bayonne Harbor, the port offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and even the Statue of Liberty.
This strategic location provides unparalleled views and is only about a 15-mile drive south of Manhattan, meaning it is accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike.
It is also just a short distance from Newark Liberty International Airport, making it just as accessible to those traveling from far away as it is to those departing from elsewhere in New Jersey and from nearby New York City.
New Jersey Cruise Port Address:
Cape Liberty Cruise Port, 4 Port Terminal Blvd.Bayonne, NJ 07002
New Jersey Cruise Port Pier and Terminal
Cruise Terminal at Cape Liberty (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)
Cape Liberty Cruise Port is on the north side of a single 2-mile-long pier. This enormous 430-acre pier was constructed in the 1930s as a major industrial shipping platform.
During World War II, the US Navy commandeered the pier and expanded it for military purposes, naming it the Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne. It was repurposed in the years following the war and became a significant customs and immigration processing facility.
Finally, on May 14th, 2004, the pier was converted to a cruise ship port, with Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas being the first cruise ship to set sail from the new port. Cape Liberty Cruise Port also replaced the previous name, the Bayonne Navy Base.
While the port is incredibly busy, it only has a single cruise ship berth along the north side of the pier. The total berthing length is 1,800 feet, and the channel depth is 50 feet, which enables the single berth to accommodate full-size cruise ships.
Cape Liberty Cruise Port Terminal Building
Cape Liberty Cruise Port features a single cruise terminal building with two extendable bridges allowing passengers to board their cruise ship. While it was initially very basic, it underwent a major $55 million renovation project in 2014.
Although Royal Caribbean Cruises funded the terminal building renovations, these efforts were part of a larger expansion project, which also involved expanding the berthing location to accommodate larger ships.
The renovation and expansion project involved outfitting the building with modern amenities and services and renaming the guest terminal, the Royal Caribbean Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal Building.
While the building itself is smaller than the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Building that sits directly across Upper Bay on the shores of nearby Brooklyn, New York, it can still provide visiting passengers with a smooth and comfortable experience.
Terminal Facilities, Amenities, and Services
Although the pier it sits on is nearly 100 years old, the terminal building is outfitted with modern amenities and facilities, ensuring guests enjoy a seamless boarding process:
Complimentary Wi-Fi Access
Cape Liberty Terminal Facility (Credit: Cape Liberty Cruise Port)
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building, but you must sign up with a valid email address. Keep in mind that it is very slow, and you are only given access for 20 minutes before you must sign in again.
If you cannot connect to the complimentary Wi-Fi, you can get faster and more reliable internet access at the nearby Starbucks at the front of the pier on Goldsborough Drive.
Check-in Counters and Baggage Services
Seating Area at Cape Liberty Cruise Port
As part of the 2014 redevelopment of the terminal building, a large check-in, customs, and luggage processing area was introduced. This dedicated processing space ensures a stress-free check-in process.
The security desks feature advanced screening technology, so lines move quickly. There is also a baggage desk where passengers can have their bags checked and portered.
Full Accessibility
The entirety of Cape Liberty Cruise Port is wheelchair accessible. With ramps, a service elevator, and even designated seating and parking areas for those with mobility needs, it was designed to ensure that all guests can board without unnecessary complications.
Cruise Lines that Visit New Jersey and Where They Dock
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock)
Cape Liberty Cruise Port primarily serves Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, which offer a wide variety of itineraries to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, New England, and even some trans-Atlantic destinations. German cruise line TUI Cruises also occasionally uses the port, but only because it is part-owned by Royal Caribbean.
Since the New Jersey Cruise Port only features a single cruise ship berth, all ships dock at the same place and use the same terminal facilities regardless of which of the three cruise lines they belong to. Here’s a quick breakdown of which ships regularly use the port and the types of voyages they offer.
Royal Caribbean
Numerous Royal Caribbean vessels regularly sail out of Cape Liberty Cruise Port, offering voyages to Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Eastern Caribbean, Canada, and New England, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Since Royal Caribbean heavily contributed to the $55 million renovation of the port in 2014, its ships have preferential access to its facilities.
Some ships under the TUI Cruises banner also use the port during the European off-season. These vessels offer multi-day tours of the American East Coast and even a trans-Atlantic trip that transports passengers from Bayonne, New Jersey, to Hamburg, Germany.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises operates out of Cape Liberty but to a lesser extent. Although few ships in their fleet use the port, when they do, those ships offer itineraries that visit some pretty exotic locations, including Greenland and Iceland, Bermuda, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Parking at New Jersey Cruise Port
Cape Liberty Cruise Parking
The 2014 renovations of Cape Liberty Cruise Port also included expanding the official on-site parking lot for cruise passengers.
The official parking lot has just over 900 spots available to guests. This small parking facility is also directly adjacent to the terminal building, making it easy for visiting passengers to get to the terminal. For elderly passengers and those with mobility needs, a free shuttle van will transport passengers and their luggage to the main entrance and exit.
Parking fees are $30 per day for standard-sized vehicles, with an increased $60 per day rate for oversized vehicles, like RVs and extended vans. You cannot make reservations beforehand, so it functions on a strict first-come-first-serve basis. If the lot is full, staff will direct you to the overflow lots, and a complimentary shuttle bus will be provided.
The entire lot is protected with overnight security, so you can feel confident leaving your vehicle behind while you enjoy your cruise.
Traveling to New Jersey Cruise Port from Nearby Airports
For those traveling from outside of the New York and New Jersey areas, Cape Liberty is easy to access thanks to its proximity to several major international airports:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (Photo Credit: Kirkam)
While it is the smallest of the three, Newark Liberty Airport is the closest. At just 10 miles from the cruise port, those flying into Newark International Airport can usually travel to the port in about 20 minutes. However, as anyone from the area will tell you, traffic can definitely be an issue, so make sure you give yourself more time.
From the airport, follow signs to I-78 E, then take exit 14A toward Bayonne and follow signs to the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal.
If you are not driving yourself, there are several other transportation options you can take:
Taxis are widely available outside of EWR, so booking your own is unnecessary. Simply walk from the arrivals exit to the taxi pickup line. Some will offer one-way transportation to Cape Liberty Cruise Port for $40, but make sure you ask beforehand, as flat rates are not always an option.
Uber and Lyft are both heavily used in New York City and New Jersey. While rates vary, you can sometimes secure a cheaper ride than a traditional taxi.
Unfortunately, neither Royal Caribbean nor Carnival offers dedicated shuttles from Newark Airport to the cruise port, but private shuttle services are available.
Go Airlink Shuttle is one of the more affordable options, but it is still more expensive than taking a cab. That said, you can book ahead of time, which can be a good option for larger groups.
At just 21 miles from the cruise port, LaGuardia Airport is another option for those hoping to fly to the port. Remember that the short distance can be misleading, as you have to take the Williamsburg Bridge and drive through other areas that are world-renowned for their congested traffic. You will want to give yourself at least an hour, but even that would cut it close.
Take the Grand Central Parkway to I-278 W to the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn. Take exit 32A to I-78 W/Holland Tunnel. Then, take US-1 Truck S/US-9 Truck S and NJ-440 S to Goldsborough Dr in Bayonne and follow signs to the terminal.
Unfortunately, there are no subway connections that would make public transport a viable option to get from LaGuardia to the port, so you are almost certainly better off taking a cab, rideshare, or private limousine.
A taxi ride from LaGuardia to Cape Liberty will cost you around $100, but no flat rates are available, so you will be at the mercy of traffic. On the plus side, plenty of taxis are waiting outside the airport, so you can ask about a flat rate before you set off.
Uber and Lyft drives are also available, with a dedicated rideshare pickup zone outside the airport. Fares are usually about the same, but you have the advantage of knowing what you will pay ahead of time, which is not the case when you’re paying the meter rate for a taxi.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (Photo Credit: Colinmthompson)
Located even further out in Queens, JFK is about 32 miles away from the cruise port. As one of the busiest airports in the country, many cruise passengers find that they can secure cheaper flights to JFK than any of the other airports that serve the greater NYC area.
Like LaGuardia, you will want to give yourself at least an hour to get from the airport to the cruise port. Traffic can be heavy, but it will not be as bad if you can avoid the city’s notorious rush hours.
Take the Belt Parkway West, and follow Belt Pkwy and I-278 W to Dr M.L.K. Jr Expressway in Staten Island. Exit from I-278 W and continue on Dr M.L.K. Jr Expressway. Then, take NJ-440 N and Goldsborough Dr to Port Terminal Blvd in Bayonne. Follow signs to Cape Liberty Cruise Port.
Taxis are the most popular way to get from JFK to the cruise port. While a ride from JFK will run you about $100 to $130, this tends to be the fastest way to get to the cruise port.
Uber and Lyft rides from JFK typically cost a little less than taxis, but the ride sometimes takes a bit longer, as the drivers will try to avoid taking any of the toll roads.
How to Get to New Jersey Cruise Port
Oasis of the Seas Docked at Cape Liberty (Photo Credit: quiggyt4)
If you aren’t taking a flight before your cruise, Cape Liberty Cruise Port is still fairly easy to travel to and from due to the wide range of transportation options:
Rideshare and Taxis Vehicles
Taxis are the most popular way to get around in New York City and New Jersey, with the classic yellow cabs being one of the area’s most famous icons.
Taxis are readily available right outside of the cruise terminal, as well as just about every other major attraction in the area. Expect to pay between $25 and $50 for travel from nearby areas like Jersey City or Hoboken.
Ridesharing services are also very popular, offering another option for those who prefer transparent pricing and the option to call a ride to their exact location. Just be aware of surge pricing if you are looking for a ride during rush hour.
Car Rentals
New York City and New Jersey are both home to plenty of car rental companies. With major rental providers like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis all operating close to the port, plenty of convenient pickup and drop-off locations make it easy to enjoy the freedom of having your own vehicle.
Public Transportation
If you are in NYC before your cruise, the New York City Subway System serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, making it easy and affordable to navigate the city. You can also take the NJ Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Train System, as the 34 Street Hoboken Station is just 2 miles from the terminal.
For a cheaper option, you can use bus services provided by NJ Transit to get to the port, as there is a route with a stop right at the edge of the Cape Liberty Pier. With one-way fares of just $2.60, it’s the cheapest way to explore the surrounding area.
If you are starting in Manhattan, the borough’s Port Authority Bus Terminal offers direct connections to NJ Transit buses, which can take you to the pier.
Dining Near New Jersey Cruise Port
Hendrickson’s Corner
Unfortunately, dining options at the terminal itself are limited to a few vending machines; however, there are several options nearby if you are looking for something to eat.
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar
Located just 2.8 miles from the terminal, Hook & Reel offers a wide range of seafood dishes, including full family-style spreads. While their specialty is Cajun-style boiled seafood and southern dishes, they have plenty of other options, like pasta, soups, and sandwiches.
They all have a full bar and plenty of draft beer, so it can be a great spot to kill some time and enjoy a cold drink before heading to your cruise ship.
Hendrickson’s Corner
Just 2.5 miles from the terminal, Hendrickson’s Corner is a classic NJ-style neighborhood bar and restaurant. With a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, it is a great option for any time of the day.
They have plenty of New York and New Jersey favorites on their menu and as a full bar. They have been serving the Bayonne community since 1884, so this historic bar and restaurant is a great option if you want to take in a bit of the local culture.
Joe’s Pizza & Restaurant
If you know anything about New Jersey, you know how important Italian-American food is to the area. No trip is complete without trying some NJ-style pizza from a local joint, and Joe’s Pizza and Restaurant offers some of the best you will find in the area.
It’s just 2.4 miles from the cruise port, so it is well worth visiting. Whether you want to sit down for a full meal or just grab a quick slice, it’s a great option and the perfect place to try some authentic NJ-style pizza.
Shopping Near New Jersey Cruise Port
The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Photo Credit: Remo Peer)
While the terminal has limited shopping options, several nearby shopping centers offer retail therapy before or after your cruise.
Bayonne Crossing Shopping Center
Located about 2.5 miles away, Bayonne Crossing Shopping Center is easy to get to by taxi. While you won’t be able to do any shopping for designer brands, it is a practical stop for some last-minute cruise supplies. With a Wal-Mart, TJ Maxx, and several other major retailers and chain restaurants, it is a great option for essentials.
Newport Centre Mall
Roughly 8 miles from the terminal in Jersey City, Newport Centre Mall is one of the area’s premier shopping destinations. With over 100 retailers, it has everything you need in one place. There is also a full food court, which can be a good option if you are traveling with picky eaters who prefer to choose their own food.
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
Given that it’s 11 miles from the port, The Mills at Jersey Gardens is a bit far, but it’s also a great option to try to score some amazing deals on brand-name items.
This huge indoor and outdoor outlet mall features a Nike Factory Store, a Saks Off 5th, a COACH Outlet, a Victoria’s Secret Outlet, and many more. It’s the ideal destination for bargain hunters and those looking to kill some time before their cruise.
When Is the Best Time to Visit New Jersey?
While Cape Liberty operates as a year-round cruise port, the busiest time of year for cruises departing from New Jersey is during the fall and winter months. This is because the warmer destinations in the Caribbean are at their most appealing during these months.
As for the best time to visit the city itself, most people find the later summer and early fall months to be the most pleasant. The weather is warm but still cool enough to make it pleasant to explore New Jersey and New York City on foot.
If you are traveling there during the winter, keep in mind that it can be quite cold, and snow can definitely be an issue.
No cruise passenger wants their vacation to be interrupted for medical concerns, but when an emergency arises, every guest is grateful there are those with the skills, daring, and expertise to carry out evacuations safely and efficiently.
Just such an occasion arose aboard Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess on Sunday, October 13, 2024, when a 63-year-old male passenger experienced severe abdominal pain that required greater medical care than could be provided onboard the vessel.
The medevac request was received by watchstanders from the US Coast Guard (USCG) District Eleven Command Center at approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday, October 12. At that time, Grand Princess was at sea returning from Hawaii, having departed for the roundtrip Hawaiian Island cruise on Sunday, September 29.
The ship was put on a “communications schedule” to remain in touch with the Coast Guard for updates while the patient’s condition was monitored onboard. This gave the ship time to move closer to the coast and in reach of assistance.
Fortunately, by the next afternoon, the ship was within range of the newly established Coast Guard Air Station Ventura, which was able to dispatch an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, including Lieutenant Rob Turley, Lieutenant Miguel Cortez, Petty Officer 2nd Class Curren Hinote, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Sam Monahan.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, the medical evacuation hoist was conducted, with a C-27 Spartan aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento providing overflight support to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The cruise ship passenger, whose name has not been revealed in order to protect his privacy and that of his traveling companion(s) and family members, was then transferred via ambulance to Torrance Memorial Medical Center in Torrance, California. No further details on his condition have been released.
The rescue had no impact on the ship’s schedule, and no itinerary adjustments have been necessary. The ship is due back in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 15.
First Rescue for New USCG Station
The USCG regularly performs at-sea rescues for emergency medical situations that may develop on cruise ships. Some rescues are more notable than others for extreme distance, young guest age, hazardous weather conditions, or other mitigating factors.
Even back-to-back rescues might be needed, such as what happened on the sister ship Crown Princess 50 miles off Cape Kumukahi on Hawaii’s Big Island.
This rescue is especially unique as the first cruise ship evacuation performed by the team from Air Station Ventura, which began operation just this summer to provide search and rescue coverage across the greater Los Angeles and Long Beach area.
This follows the closure of Naval Air Station Point Magu, under the jurisdiction of Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, which had serviced the region since 2016. The new station ensures more efficient coverage for emergency responses, including for life-saving rescues at sea.
US Coast Guard Grand Princess Airlift (Photo Credit: USCG)
Grand Princess is currently homeported from Los Angeles, offering extended Hawaii and Baja Mexico itineraries and other unique voyages, including a 33-day South Pacific and Hawaii cruise scheduled to depart on October 31.
The 107,517-gross-ton ship will reposition to Vancouver in May 2025 for the Alaska sailing season, after which she will offer select sailings from Los Angeles once again before being redeployed to San Juan, Puerto Rico in October 2025.
Grand Princess can welcome 2,590 travelers aboard at double occupancy or up to 3,100 guests when fully booked with all berths filled.
Every traveler can breathe easier for their sailing knowing that such dedicated service personnel are available at Air Station Ventura, ready to spring into action whenever needed to offer lifesaving assistance.
With cruise lovers generously contributing to relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy has raised the bar for her tandem skydive fundraising event over Tampa Bay, planned for Saturday, October 19, 2024.
The initial goal, set in the days following Hurricane Helene’s destructive journey off Florida’s west coast and into North Carolina and surrounding regions, was $50,000. In just a week, however, that goal has not only been met but stupendously surpassed, and a new goal has been set.
Now the goal has been raised to $75,000, and what’s more, will be generously matched by the Carnival Corporation Chairman Micky Arison and his wife, Madeleine, through their charitable foundation.
“Our hearts go out to all those who have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricanes Milton and Helene,”said Duffy.“I am so grateful to all who have donated and continue to step up for hurricane relief efforts as I get ready to jump from 10,000 feet above Tampa Bay with members of the Special Forces.”
The event is planned as a fun and unique celebration commemorating the first-ever Special Forces Legacy Initiatives (SFLI) cruise, which will set sail aboard Carnival Paradise on October 19 for a 5-night Bahamas itinerary visiting Bimini and Nassau.
The money raised will go to the Gary Sinise Foundation to support military families, veterans, and first responders with storm recovery efforts in multiple communities devastated by the back-to-back hurricanes.
In just a week, Duffy’s fundraising efforts have already crossed more than $73,000 and are less than $2,000 from the new, higher goal.
“We have reached – almost – our $75,000 goal to support the Gary Sinise Foundation and the support for our first responders and military families that have been impacted by the recent hurricanes,”Duffy said in a video update.“I will be jumping next Saturday, skydiving over Tampa Bay with the Special Forces.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has also worked to spread word of the fundraiser through his popular Facebook page.
“I [ask] you to please donate, even if it is just a few dollars because every little helps,”Heald said.“I hope today we can push toward $100,000.”
Unique Carnival Cruise Line Fundraisers
Duffy’s jump will take place from the Tico Belle, a World War II C-47 Skytrain aircraft that participated during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944.
The storied history of the Tico Belle also includes operations elsewhere in France, Holland, and Germany during World War II, as well as providing relief following the Battle of the Bulge.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy
This makes Duffy’s jump all the more symbolic and significant with Carnival Cruise Line’s connection to supporting military families through various fundraising efforts, partnerships, and donations all year long.
Many of the cruise line’s charitable efforts are focused on its partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as with Operation Homefront, both worthy causes happily and generously supported by Carnival cruise line fans and guests.
That is the Dominican Port Authority’s (APORDOM) adopted model as it celebrates the Dominican Republic’s new “tourist port,” Cabo Rojo on the island’s remote southern coast.
The port is set to welcome its final cruise ships of the year in 2024, with a total of five ship calls for its inaugural year.
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will arrive on October 16, 2024, and Holland America’s MS Eurodam, calling on November 20, 2024, are helping put the new destination on the map for cruise passengers.
Located in Pedernales, Cabo Rojo began receiving cruise ships to the port in early 2024, beginning with Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl in January and Holland America’s 2,106-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam in April.
The arrival of Adventure of the Seas and MS Eurodam will bring up to 3,114 and 2,250 more passengers to Cabo Rojo, respectively. Adventure of the Seas is scheduled to return before the year ends on December 11.
The five cruise calls in 2024 mark a successful start for the new destination, although the port is still under development. As the port continues to be built into a new destination, the port authority steadily sees an increase in calls.
Carnival Corporation, which owns Carnival Cruise Line, Holland American Line, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, P&O Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Cunard Line, plans to bring 13 cruises to the port between 2025 and March 2026.
The cruise operator is testing out the new port, according to Sharon Mei, manager at nearby private destination Amber Cove.
“They send one. If they do well, they will increase (cruises) according to the corresponding facilities,” he said.“The issue of water, transport, tourist guides… that organization is very delicate.”
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Royal Caribbean also plan to increase calls to Cabo Rojo. NCL will bring more guests aboard Norwegian Jewel beginning January 7, 2025, while Royal Caribbean will return in May 2025 with Adventure of the Seas.
A Developing Cruise Destination With Big Ambition
Cabo Rojo is being developed at the tune of $126 million. In January 2024, it completed a 656-foot dock and a mooring that can accommodate multiple ships and began welcoming cruise passengers to the area with a beach and local shopping.
However, early reviews from passengers on Cruise Hive boards indicated the port was not yet ready. Said one guest,“Give it a year. While everyone is trying REALLY hard to make our call a successful visit, it’s clear the port just isn’t ready yet.”
Cabo Rojo Cruise Port
“The best way to think of Cabo Rojo is to compare it to a new version of Amber Cove,” the guest continued.
Amber Cove in Puerto Plata, owned by Carnival Corporation, offers a preview of what Cabo Rojo might achieve. That port, more than 160 miles from Cabo Rojo, saw 80,184 passengers and 23,801 crew members pass through between January and August 2024, reflecting a 13 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
More than half of these visitors were Americans and popular excursions included visits to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, Playa Dorada, and city tours of the historic center.
“We serve an American passenger with a different standard of services,” said Mei. “They are cruise passengers who like to go out: almost more than 50 percent go on excursions, and 8 percent take taxis.”
Cabo Rojo’s long-term plan to become a tourism hub includes constructing nine resort properties, a water park, and an international airport.
The Holland America Line ship Zuiderdam was home for seven nights during fall foliage season. My mid-September 2024 cruise, called Canada & New England Discovery, sailed a few weeks too early to see bright autumn colors along the shoreline, but the coastal scenery was still great, with lighthouses and pretty forested landscapes.
Our cruise began in Quebec City with an overnight in that historic port on Day One of the voyage, giving the ship’s 1,900 passengers plenty of time to explore the destination on the Saint Lawrence River.
Port calls were made to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Portland, Maine, before the cruise ended in Boston. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia are rural, and Portland is a small city.
Travelers seeking exciting, cosmopolitan port calls on their cruise itinerary should look elsewhere, but for those seeking peaceful villages and scenic vistas, these fit the bill.
Read on for the 8 best things about this vacation at sea.
Thermal Suite Day Pass a Soothing Respite
A giant polar bear statue brings whimsy to the midships pool (Photo Credit: Donna Tunney)
The Greenhouse Spa & Salon aboard Zuiderdam offers dozens of treatments and services to guests, everything from manicures and facials to hot stone massage and acupuncture. I didn’t try any of those, but I did buy the Thermal Suite Day Pass for three consecutive days.
Each day pass cost $49 and it was money well spent if you like to unwind in steam, sauna, and a mineral water hydro-pool. The facilities were never crowded, were pristinely clean, and extremely relaxing.
Robes, towels, and lockers are provided, and the day pass allows access until the spa closes for the night. You can enter and exit the spa facilities as many times as you wish throughout each day. For $150, I enjoyed three days of spa access. That’s the same rate I would’ve paid for a 50-minute Coconut Poultice Massage, plus 18% tip.
The ship’s two pools were a lot of fun, too, especially the midship pool, with its retractable roof and a huge polar bear statue at one end. It’s a stone’s throw from the spa, which allows guests to move between its cool water and the spa’s warm hydro-pool, for an invigorating hot-and-cold double dip.
Tip for future cruisers: Look out for a sale on embarkation day that reduces the spa day pass cost if purchased as a bundle for the whole week.
Entertainment and the Big ‘Orange Party’
The dance floor in the Rolling Stone Lounge is packed during the big Orange Party (Photo Credit: Donna Tunney)
Holland America Line is a Dutch company, founded in 1873 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Since orange is the national color of Netherlands — it’s a nod to the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau — an Orange Party is held aboard every voyage operated by the cruise line.
On my Zuiderdam sailing, the big celebration was held in the ship’s Rolling Stone Lounge midway through the cruise and was a rip-roaring good time. The house band rocked and rolled, the dance floor was packed, and most guests were dressed in something orange.
New to Zuiderdam in the 2024 season, a Canadian band called Breton Thunder performed twice in the ship’s World Stage theater. The five-person group played mostly traditional Celtic songs that inspired the audience to clap and foot-stomp along with the tunes. Both shows were standing-room-only.
Other entertainment included Third Avenue West, an excellent trio (piano, bass, and guitar) that played in the Ocean Bar before and after dinner, and a piano player who performed in the Billboard Onboard lounge most nights.
Daily activities were geared to the older demographic this ship attracts. The bingo games, trivia contests, and art lessons were well attended but I would have liked a few more interesting choices, like talks about the culture or history of Eastern Canada by local experts.
Spying Pilot Boats at Sunrise
Early risers can watch the arrival of harbor pilot boats (Photo Credit: Donna Tunney)
Speaking of food, dining on multi-course meals is par for the course on cruise ships and I happily indulged. It was one reason I rose just before dawn most days and headed to the Promenade Deck, where three times around totals a mile-long walk. Several times around and, well, you can just about work off that key lime pie.
Dawn is a great time to be on the outside Promenade deck. It’s cool, quiet, the air is fresh and salty, and a brilliant sunrise is the main attraction.
On the days when my ship approached her next port during those early hours, I was able to watch the local harbor pilot being escorted to Zuiderdam, so that he could navigate the ship through the complicated currents of coastal estuaries and safely into port.
Typically it’s a small motor boat captained by the local harbormaster that chugs alongside the cruise ship so that the pilot can move from one vessel to the other. The harbor boat veers off after delivering the pilot, via an entry door to the cruise ship just above the water line, and heads back to shore.
It’s a simple exercise that happens all the time on cruise ships, but it was a highlight for me because it brings the local destination to life as a real place with real people. It also offers an insider’s peek into how cruise ships operate.
Good Times in the Game Room
Zuiderdam is an older ship. It entered service in 2001 and has none of the bells and whistles of ships owned by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line — no water thrill rides, surf simulators, go-karts, or roller rinks, for example.
Geared to an older demographic, it does have lots of places to relax, like bars, lounges, indoor and outdoor sitting areas, and a large observation area on the top deck.
There also is a Game Room, situated alongside the observation lounge on Deck 10, and this was where many guests, mostly Boomers and older folks, who made up the majority of guests, congregated before and after dinner.
It was a quiet, friendly place where guests met to play board games, cards, backgammon, and other activities. The nearby Crow’s Nest bar was handy for getting drinks, and its waitstaff circulated through the Game Room on a regular basis.
Of all the public spaces onboard Zuiderdam, it was the Game Room that I liked best, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, the faces of contented cruisers enjoying games like Scrabble, Chinese Checkers, or Clue, and happy people — including me — simply enjoying human interactions instead of being preoccupied with their phones, devices, and laptops.
One drawback to this space was the presence of the ship’s Excursion Desk. It had very limited hours, and when open it drew a lot of guests trying to book last-minute tours. This meant long lines and since it shared space with the Game Room it brought noise and confusion to the area.
Dining Al Fresco on the Balcony
While Zuiderdam has great dining venues and cuisine choices, all of which I enjoyed, there’s nothing quite like having a meal served in your stateroom.
In-suite dining, particularly in good weather, when guests can use the table and chairs on their balcony, is a real treat. It’s the truest form of oceanfront dining and the view can’t be beat. Meals ordered for my stateroom arrived cooked as requested, on time, and were enjoyed on the veranda.
I’ll give room service on this ship a giant thumbs-up, not only for the quality of the service but for that grand feeling of royal treatment that came with it.
Unlike some competitors, Holland America does not charge a fee for room service delivery. The room service breakfast menu is a form guests fill out and hang on the outside of their cabin door by 2 a.m. for delivery the next morning. The full room service menu is available on the stateroom television, and orders are placed via the cabin phone.
Shout Out to an Outstanding Crew
A barista at the Crow’s Nest coffee and cocktail bar (Photo Credit: Donna Tunney)
Fancy dinners, dance parties, casino games, and the bubbling waters of a hot tub are routine happenings on cruise ships, and they were on this one, too, but it’s the people around you who make the real difference, and the crew of Zuiderdam did just that.
As someone who has sailed on a few dozen cruises during the last three decades, I can say that the Zuiderdam crew is top notch. They’re helpful and kind, and always have a smile for guests.
A media group tour below decks took me to areas unseen by other passengers, and was an educational highlight of the week. We walked through an enormous laundry department and the kitchen galleys, among other areas, while a senior officer explained the various processes that keep the ship operating.
Taking in the volume of tasks crew members must accomplish every day was a real eye-opener. Others I spoke to also were impressed by the attentive and courteous service provided by Zuiderdam’s excellent crew.
Exploring Old Town Quebec City
Old Town Quebec City, home to the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel, is a highlight of the Eastern Canada itinerary (Photo Credit: Donna Tunney)
Travelers to Quebec City, especially its Old Town, experience an Old World atmosphere, with cobblestone streets, narrow, winding alleys with outdoor cafes, centuries-old churches, and one of the most famous hotels in the world, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
I boarded Zuiderdam at the French Canada port and the ship overnighted there before setting off on her itinerary the next day. The overnight enabled guests to experience Old Town in the evening, when pedestrian-only zones are roped off so that restaurants can put tables onto the streets.
Musicians perform on street corners, creating a festive, European ambience at this embarkation port, which was a major highlight of the voyage for every guest I chatted with.
The Chateau Frontenac, the landmark hotel of Old Town, was built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway and looks like a giant French chateau sitting on a hill overlooking the Saint Lawrence River.
Lots of cruisers from Zuiderdam and from other ships docked on the day we visited ducked inside for a quick peek around and saw how the wealthy vacationed during the Gilded Age, and still do today.
Looking for Ghosts in Nova Scotia
Sydney, a port call on my Zuiderdam cruise, is a small, walkable destination founded in 1785 and home to some 30,000 people. It’s a quiet town on quaint Cape Breton Island and has a historic district that features homes and buildings dating back to its settlement.
The cruise line and local vendors offer “Haunted Sydney” tours, which focus on places like the Cossit House, now a museum with costumed guides but said to be a building where ghostly voices from the past are often heard.
The Black Brook Cemetery is said to be haunted by a witch buried nearby, and other locations have spooky reputations, too. The historic district had a distinctly eerie feel to it, I must admit, as I wandered around the neighborhood.
The district has one great thing going for it — views of the port and its pretty waterfront park, where a bagpiper performed throughout the day as cruisers explored the town.
Final Thoughts and Impressions
Overall, I liked Zuiderdam and its Canada/New England itinerary, and would recommend both to friends of a certain, older age. Younger folks, and certainly families with children, I believe, would experience a fair amount of boredom on this ship and in the port calls, with the exception of Quebec City.
But for Boomers and older folks seeking a traditional cruise experience, Zuiderdam, and Holland America Line on the whole, are a good bet.
I would make one suggestion: Nix the self-serve utensils in the Lido buffet and switch to a policy where all food items are served by gloved crew members from behind the food stations.
It might require more staff, but it reduces the chances of illness spreading through the ship. In my opinion, cruise ships no longer should have any self-serve food stations.
