Starting April 2026, all Virgin Voyages sailings from New York depart from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook — not the Manhattan cruise terminal at Pier 90, which is undergoing multi-year infrastructure renovations. The Brooklyn terminal is a well-run, modern facility with excellent harbor views, and Red Hook itself is a genuinely interesting Brooklyn neighborhood to explore before or after your sailing. Here is everything you need to know about getting to and from the terminal.
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is located in Red Hook at 72 Bowne Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231. It sits on the waterfront with direct views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor — one of the most dramatic embarkation settings in the world. The terminal is modern and well-organized with straightforward check-in and luggage handling.
Getting There from Manhattan
- Rideshare/taxi: The most common option. 15–25 minutes from midtown Manhattan depending on traffic, roughly $25–45. The BQE and the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel are your primary routes. Budget extra time during rush hour.
- NYC Ferry: The NYC Ferry’s South Brooklyn route stops at the Atlantic Basin ferry landing in Red Hook, approximately a 10-minute walk from the terminal. The ferry from Pier 11 (Wall Street) in Manhattan takes about 30 minutes. A scenic and stress-free option.
- Car service: Pre-arranged car service is the most reliable option for early embarkation days. Book in advance.
From the Airports
- JFK: 30–60 minutes by rideshare, $45–70 depending on traffic and time of day.
- LaGuardia (LGA): 30–60 minutes, $40–65.
- Newark (EWR): 45–75 minutes through the tunnel, $55–80.
Red Hook Before Your Sailing
Red Hook is a formerly industrial Brooklyn neighborhood with strong food and culture credentials. Arriving the day before gives you access to: Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies (a legitimate institution), Hometown Bar-B-Que (some of the best barbecue in New York), Sunny’s Bar (a historic waterfront bar with extraordinary character), and the Red Hook Fairway Market. The waterfront park has iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan skyline.
The Brooklyn Advantage
The move from Manhattan to Brooklyn actually improves the embarkation experience. The Red Hook terminal has less traffic congestion than the midtown Manhattan piers, cleaner logistics, and the harbor views during embarkation are spectacular. The downside — slightly more complicated logistics from midtown Manhattan hotels — is more than offset by the improved terminal experience.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Stay in Brooklyn the night before. Brooklyn hotels near the terminal (DUMBO, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens) are excellent value compared to Manhattan and put you 10–15 minutes from the terminal. The neighborhood dinner options are extraordinary.
- The NYC Ferry is the most pleasant option if the timing works. The view of New York Harbor from the ferry approaching Red Hook is one of the great urban maritime experiences. Sail to your sailing.
- Allow extra time for rideshare during rush hour. BQE traffic on a Friday afternoon can add 20–30 minutes to any estimate. Leave a buffer.
Ready to Sail from Brooklyn?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. Let them help you book the New York sailing and plan your pre-cruise Brooklyn experience.
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