New York, three ways to sail.

Where the photos are in New York

1. The Statue of Liberty from the deck

   When a ship leaves New York Harbor the statue is on the right side, facing forward. Get to the railing a few minutes before the captain announces the approach, and keep a lens cloth handy, because harbor spray happens.

2. Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier

   In Red Hook, near the Brooklyn terminal, with some of the best views of the city and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

3. The Brooklyn Bridge

   Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is free and iconic, with the whole skyline in front of you on the way across.

4. Hudson Yards and the Vessel

   More than 100 shops and restaurants and the Vessel, a structure made of 154 intertwined staircases, a short way from the Manhattan terminal and a strong backdrop even from the outside.

5. Times Square and Central Park

   Times Square is just east of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal and is best for people-watching and neon. Central Park is a longer trip but a calm, green contrast.

How the light works

Glass towers turn into mirrors in strong midday sun, so the best skyline pictures come near sunset or under thin cloud. From the deck at sail-away, wind and spray are the enemies: shoot in short bursts, hold the phone with both hands and clean the lens first. The lower Manhattan skyline is at its best in the last hour of daylight.

Before you board

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal is at 711 12th Avenue at West 55th Street, using Piers 88 and 90 on the Hudson, close to Times Square and Hell's Kitchen. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal opened in 2006 on the Red Hook waterfront, with a NYC Ferry to Wall Street. Cape Liberty is across the harbor in Bayonne, New Jersey. They are in different places, and even different states, so check your documents for the one you need.

Details checked September 2026. Piers, fees and schedules change, so confirm with your ship's daily plan.

Questions people ask

Which side of the ship sees the Statue of Liberty?

The right side, facing forward, when a ship leaves New York Harbor. Get to the railing a few minutes before the captain announces the approach.

Are all three New York terminals in Manhattan?

No. One is in Manhattan, one is in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and Cape Liberty is in Bayonne, New Jersey, across the harbor.

What is there to photograph near the Brooklyn terminal?

Red Hook's Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier has some of the best views of the city with the Statue of Liberty in the distance, and the terminal has a NYC Ferry to Wall Street.