Brooklyn, New York Opens Its First Cruise Ship Port

In 2003, New York announced the grand opening of aVery similar to Manhattan, Brooklyn offers a trendy
new alternative port for cruise lines. Because ports innightlife as well as diverse cultures and eclectic cuisine.
Florida were becoming more and more crowded,Bars, clubs and restaurants line the streets, offering a
additional docking facilities in interesting cities on thetremendous variety of options for visitors and locals
Eastern Seaboard were needed to provide cruise linesalike.
with a new home port. The port has been wildlyIf culture is your thing, Chinatown is always a
popular. So much so that another has been added inwonderful experience. In addition, Flatbush offers the
nearby Brooklyn.largest Caribbean population in the United States. In
The Red Hook terminal in a neighborhood in Brooklyneither place, you'll delight in the authentic sights, sounds
opened in April 2006 and welcomed its first permanentand tastes on every corner.
resident, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 (formerly docked inWith spectacular views of many popular attractions,
Manhattan). Located on the Buttermilk Channel, theincluding the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty,
Brooklyn terminal gave the first increase in New Yorkthe Red Hook terminal also offers exciting options for
cruise ship pier capacity in over 30 years. With thesightseers. However, New York City is just a short
likes of Cunard and Princess cruise lines as eagercab ride away and opens a virtual treasure trove of
residents, the terminal has already become a success.attractions, shows, museums and affairs.
Most other major cruise lines have also assignedOverall, Brooklyn offers greater value (with lower
vessels to sail from Brooklyn.rates on hotels) and a central location, making it a
Princess Cruise lines will launch the Crown Princesswonderful choice for both vacationers and the cruise
from the Brooklyn dock in June 2006 for a Caribbeanlines. If New York is closer for you than Florida, or if
cruise. From June to October, Princess will offeryou've been longing to visit the Big Apple, consider
numerous Caribbean tours, including calls on ports inbooking your next cruise from the Red Hook terminal
popular destinations such as the Virgin Islands, Grandin Brooklyn. Your travel agent will have a complete
Turk and Jamaica. Star Princess will begin cruises fromlisting of which cruise lines sail from Red Hook and the
Brooklyn in October 2006 visiting ports up and downdestinations available.
the New England and Canadian seacoast.Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation
But Brooklyn? It doesn't seem like the most excitingCenter based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online
location for a cruise ship port. On the contrary. Whiletoday at for the best deals, including
not normally publicized as a vibrant city with plenty toAlaska cruises and
do, Brooklyn offers cruisers an opportunity to spend aHawaii cruises. You'll find their service exceptional and
few days in New York before or after their tour.their attention to detail second to none.