When looking for the best departure points for value-minded cruises, you might think of Florida, Texas, and perhaps even California. However, New York has several good deals for those who are looking to sail out of the Big Apple.
Norwegian Seven-Night Bahamas and Florida
If you're looking for a week-long cruise to the Bahamas that doesn't require buying a plane ticket to Florida, consider one of Norwegian's seven-night Bahamas and Florida cruises. The Norwegian Gem visits Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau, before returning to New York.
The Norwegian Gem is the last of the Jewel-class ships and has a capacity of 2,394 passengers. It was built in 2007 and underwent a refurbishment in 2015. Some revamped areas include Bliss Ultra Lounge, a new casino area, and The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck, which have more shaded areas, cabanas, and loungers.
You have most of a day in Orlando (Port Canaveral), where you can head off and visit the Kennedy Space Center or spend a few hours at one of the area's theme parks. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. Nassau is renowned for its beautiful Victorian architecture, preserved cathedrals, and endless duty-free shopping.
Sample pricing for an April itinerary starts at just under $500 per person for an interior cabin on iCruise.com.
Norwegian 12-Night Transatlantic Cruise
Ships that split itineraries between the Caribbean and Europe usually have a discounted Transatlantic crossing that offers a great value. The Norwegian Breakaway does a cruise from New York to Southampton, United Kingdom. The Breakaway holds 3,963 passengers and was launched in 2013. The ship features an aqua park and sports complex, Broadway-style entertainment, and a very cool oceanfront promenade.
The majority of days are at sea, but there are stops in Portugal, Ireland, and France. Possible things to do include:
- Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal): Terra Nostra Garden and hot springs, Sete Cidades and wine tasting, and Fire Lake and Ribeira Grande
- Cork (Ireland): Old Midleton Distillery or visit the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle
- La Havre (France): D-Day landing beaches and Normandy area museums
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Portland (UK): Stonehenge, Winchester and its Cathedral, and the Roman city of Bath
Carnival Four-Night Bermuda From New York
Bermuda is another relatively inexpensive option that departs from New York. Quick four-night cruises on the Carnival Horizon allow you to spend one day in Hamilton, Bermuda. Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda, and you can't miss the iconic pastel-colored colonial businesses that dot the harbor area. Visitors love Bermuda's beaches and beautiful waters, but there is plenty else to do, like visiting aquariums, the zoo, and the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.
The Carnival Horizon is a brand new ship for 2018, and its maiden voyage is April 2. With a capacity of 3,954 passengers, it's the sister ship to the Carnival Vista, which was the largest Carnival cruise ship to date. Cool features on the Horizon include the 800-foot-long sky ride around the top deck, an IMAX theatre, and a 455-foot-long water tube attraction that is part of the Dr. Seuss-themed onboard water park. The Horizon also features a Guy Fieri-themed smokehouse and brewpub and a Teppanyaki restaurant, which is a first for the line.
Sample pricing for a May itinerary starts at around $800 per person for an interior cabin on Cruise Cheap.
Disney Halloween-Themed Cruise to Canada
Disney Cruises offers a four-night Halloween on the High Seas Canada itinerary that takes place in September and October aboard the Disney Magic, which holds 2,700 passengers. You spend one day in Saint John, New Brunswick, but the real draw here is the Disney cruise itself. Some festive Halloween entertainment includes:
- Mickey's Mouse-querade Party: Games, trick-or-treating, dancing, and Disney characters in costume
- Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing and Scream: Interactive movie followed by meet-and-greet with Jack and Sally
- Haunted Stories of the Sea: Ghost stories over a campfire setting
- Halloween Isn't Just for Kids: Adults-only party includes a costume contest
- Other Halloween Activities: Including mask making and pumpkin-carving
This itinerary has several sailing dates, but the October one tends to be the least expensive, with interior cabin rates starting around $1,000 per person on iCruise.com.
Princess Seven-Night Canada and New England
Princess Cruises offer a cruise on the Regal Princess for seven nights that stops in New England and Canada, with only one day at sea. This is a great itinerary for people who like to be in port almost every day versus a long stretch of sea days.
Ports include Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Enjoy the Atlantic coast, fall foliage, and perhaps even a whale sighting. You'll explore historic sights, like Place-Royale in Quebec and St. Paul's Cathedral in Halifax.
Regal Princess is one of Princess' newer ships, launched in 2014, and it holds 3,560 guests. This ship has more than 1,400 balconies, as well as the SeaWalk, a glass floor walkway that extends 28 feet past the side of the ship. If you're traveling without kids, be sure to unwind in the adults-only Sanctuary.
Sample pricing for an October sailing starts at about $900 for an interior cabin on Cruise Web.
What's Included and Excluded in Pricing
With these inexpensive fares, all the amenities are typically very similar. Cruise prices include your accommodations, meals in the main dining room, coffee/tea and non-bottled water, onboard entertainment, and use of facilities like hot tubs, pools, and fitness facilities.
Extra charges not reflected in the advertised prices usually are:
- Taxes and fees (usually added in the final price)
- Gratuities
- Transfers to the ship
- Gambling
- Specialty restaurants
- Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees
- Shore excursions
- Internet access
- Spa and salon services
Finding Inexpensive New York Cruises
Some of these cruise deals take place during the hurricane or shoulder season, which is why you're likely to find better deals on cruises to the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands during that time of year. However, that obviously means there is a greater risk of potentially adverse weather in some instances. If you're cruising during a potential hurricane season, you should consider travel insurance.
Cruises like transatlantic crossings can be a great deal because the cruise line needs to get the ship from one port to another as they change cruise seasons. These tend to include a lot of days at sea, which is perfect for some type of cruisers who prefer to explore the ship and all its amenities.
For those travelers who have the flexibility to do last minute cruises, you can often find some reduced rates on itineraries departing soon.
Good Deals on Great Vacations
Be sure to compare prices. Some of the best discounts you'll find are on sites that specialize in comparing cruise prices or offer last minute deals, like Vacations to Go or Cheap Cruises. A little research and flexibility can go a long way towards saving hundreds of dollars in some cases.
