• Bayonne is a convenient departure port for New Yorkerscruise ship image by Roy from Fotolia.com
  
  The Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey opened in 2004. As of February, 2010, the port serves Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruise Lines, with itineraries to Canada, the Caribbean, New England and Bermuda. Bayonne is at least a 30 minute drive from Manhattan, depending on traffic.
  
  

Royal Caribbean Cruises

• Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas sails from Bayonne. This large ship checks in at 138,000 tons, and can accommodate more than 3,100 passengers. The ship offers some unique features, including an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and golf simulators. One of the most popular theme restaurants is Johnny Rockets, serving up classic malt shop fare like burgers, fries and shakes. Itineraries for 2010 and 2011 include 9-night Bermuda and Bahamas; 12-night, 13-night, and 14-night Southern Caribbean; 9-night Canada and New England; 5-night Bermuda; 10-night Caribbean; and 8-night, 9-night, and 10-night Eastern Caribbean.
  
  

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Cruise Lines Summit sails from Bayonne. The ship can accommodate a little more than 2,000 passengers, and weighs 91,000 tons. Its 25,000 square foot Aqua Spa is one of the signature features of the ship, along with its three story foyer. Its champagne and martini bars add to the ambiance,, while its Normandie Restaurant features items from the original classic ocean liner. 2010 itineraries include 7-night Bermuda and New England; 7- and 14-night Canada and New England cruises; 7-night Bermuda; and 6-night Bermuda and Caribbean.
  
  

Cape Liberty Cruise

• The Cape Liberty Cruise Port is located at Bayonne Harbor, the former home of the Bayonne Navy Yard. It is a fifteen minute drive from Newark Airportm and is accessible by train on the NJ Hudson-Bergen line, by bus from New York's Port Authority Bus Terminal, and via the New Jersey Turnpike. Passengers will be treated to a terrific view of the Statue of Liberty shortly after departure. The Port has a secured parking facility next to the dock.