New York Cruise Guide

New York City has always been a city of superlatives: largest, tallest, trendiest, best. It's also one of the world's most resilient. Although the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 left their scars, New Yorkers quickly rediscovered their optimism. They like their hometown. They wouldn't dream of living anywhere else.

New York offers more to see and do than you can manage in one visit. You'll find the finest selection of entertainment, museums and restaurants in the world. Some stunning new attractions have opened, and some old favorites have been rebuilt and refurbished like an old Broadway musical. But the New York City skyline is still the awe-inspiring star. True, two amazing icons are missing, but look up: Does any city have as many world-famous landmarks? The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Lincoln Center, the Flatiron Building, and the bridges—Brooklyn, Queensboro, Verrazzano—are just a few. Most reassuring of all: The Statue of Liberty is still there, waiting to say hello.

The modern and comfortable Passenger Ship Terminal on Manhattan's West Side services cruise ships at piers 88-94. It can handle five ships at a time. Easy access is available from the West Side Highway/12th Avenue by car, taxi or bus. Each pier is equipped with rooftop parking, a snack bar, waiting area, phones, taxi stand, public bus stop, tour-bus stop and complete customs processing. Phone 212-246-5450. http://www.nycruise.com.

The pier area (12th Avenue, between 48th and 55th streets) is strictly a place to get on and off your ship, as this far West Side neighborhood does not lend itself to walking. Twelfth Avenue itself is a wide, multilane boulevard that is normally heavy with traffic. However, the Hudson River Park has built a bicycle and pedestrian path that runs from 59th Street to Harrison Street in TriBeCa. If you arrive in the city by ship, don't fear: Most of the city's sights, including Fifth Avenue, the Theater District and Times Square, are only a short cab ride away.

New York is the starting point for many cruise trips to the Caribbean, Europe and even Asia. All cruises visiting New York offer shore excursions of the city, but New York is best explored on one's own. If you do decide to take a guided tour, the ones offered by your ship will give you a general idea of the city. They may also be more cost-effective and will guarantee that you get back to your ship in time.

The itineraries and prices of shore excursions vary between cruise lines. Some typical ship-sponsored excursions may include a scenic drive of Lower Manhattan with a visit to Ground Zero, a driving tour of New York landmarks, a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge, and shopping excursions. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for more information.