Cruises from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean
Cruise Routes from New York
New York is slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular cruise ports in North America. More and more ships depart from it year-round, especially from spring through late autumn, heading to diverse and varied destinations. If in the past cruise lines sent their smaller and older ships to sail out of New York, this year many companies are bringing out their newest and most impressive vessels.
The amazing family-friendly ship Carnival Horizon sailed in the summer of 2018 on two main routes, which I will detail below.
In the summer of 2025, Carnival's ship sailing from New York to the Caribbean will be Carnival Venezia, built in 2019 and refurbished in 2023. The ship's capacity is approximately 4,000 passengers.
Ships from Additional Cruise Lines Sailing from New York in 2025-2026:
Here are examples of ships from various cruise lines sailing roundtrip from New York:
♦ Princess Cruises' ship - Enchanted Princess to Northeastern USA up to Halifax, Canada, and back to New York in 2025. A similar itinerary in 2025 will also be offered by Virgin Voyages' ship - Brilliant Lady, and Cunard's Queen Mary 2 will sail the same route in 2026. Additional ships sail this popular route to Canada.
♦ The ship Norwegian Breakaway will cruise to Bermuda in 2026, and Oceania's ship Insignia will sail to Bermuda in 2025.
♦ In addition to Carnival Venezia, Norwegian Cruise Line's ship Norwegian Escape will also sail to the Caribbean from New York in 2025.
♦ Route from New York to Bermuda:
A short 4-night cruise to Bermuda, calling at King's Wharf port. Extensive information about Bermuda - an island of magic and mystery - and what to do there can be found in the article: Trip to Bermuda Island
♦ Route from New York to the Eastern Caribbean:
An 8-night itinerary to the Eastern Caribbean visiting three great ports: Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
Those who prefer to avoid traveling to hot Florida during the summer months can fly to New York (the cheapest and shortest flight available to the US), tour New York and Northeastern USA and Canada, and top it off with an indulgent cruise. No domestic connecting flights and no hassle. An ideal solution for families planning a trip to the Eastern US this summer.
Information About Carnival Horizon and Its Amenities:
Carnival Horizon, weighing 134,000 tons with nearly 5,000 passengers and 1,450 crew members, is the twin sister of Carnival VISTA, which launched in 2016 and sails to the Caribbean from Miami. It features the same exciting amenities currently found only on the "Vista":
Sky Ride
Pedal-powered carts, similar to bicycles, that travel along an elevated track suspended above the sports deck and out over the open ocean. In addition to a workout, riders enjoy breathtaking views of the ship, its facilities, and especially the vast ocean unfolding beneath them.
IMAX Theater
The only one of its kind at sea, screening the latest Hollywood blockbuster films across a massive screen.
WaterWorks Water Park
Featuring two long, twisting slides inspired by Dr. Seuss, alongside a water play splash zone for young children.
SportSquare
A huge open-air sports complex named SportSquare, featuring a ropes course, mini golf, billiards, bowling, ping pong, foosball tables, basketball and volleyball courts, outdoor fitness equipment, and of course a jogging track.
Video: Carnival Horizon Deck Attractions:
Dr. Seuss Zone
For the youngest travelers, there is a delightful themed area they will never want to leave: vibrantly decorated and furnished in cheerful colors with a fun atmosphere inspired by the famous Dr. Seuss book series. Hand-painted character murals on the walls and costumed characters roaming around entertaining the children make storytime an unforgettable experience. To complete the adventure, a special Dr. Seuss menu is offered, featuring whimsical pancakes, curly fries, and even green eggs.
Video: Carnival Horizon Kids' Rooms:
Camp Ocean
For older kids, there is an enormous and charming ocean-themed area called Camp Ocean, fully decorated with marine wildlife motifs and designed in calming blue tones. It is split into distinct age-group areas, ranging from the young "Penguins" to the "Sharks" and "Stingrays".
Naturally, the ship also features "Carnival Seaside Theater" under the stars, screening first-run movies, live concert performances, and host to a variety of trivia game shows.
Adults looking for peace and tranquility can unwind at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, an expansive and luxurious complimentary lounge area dedicated entirely to guests aged 21 and older.
Specialty Staterooms:
The Horizon also features the specialty guest accommodations previously exclusive to the Vista:
For families, spacious Family Harbor staterooms accommodate up to five guests, eliminating the need to book two connecting rooms. The whole family can stay together in a fun and roomy accommodation. The dedicated family zone includes an exclusive 24-hour lounge offering complimentary breakfast, drinks, daily snacks, as well as board games and movies for the entire family. In addition, guests staying in this zone enjoy dedicated concierge assistance, babysitting services, and kids-eat-free privileges at most specialty restaurants onboard.
Another unique category is the Havana staterooms and suites, styled with vibrant, cheerful Cuban decor. You will feel as though you are staying in a private tropical island retreat with a classic Cuban vibe. Havana Cabana suites feature an outdoor private patio that includes a relaxing hammock.
Video: Exclusive Havana Area on Carnival Horizon:
Guests staying in Havana staterooms enjoy exclusive access to a private Havana area featuring a swimming pool, club lounge, and bar.
Variety of Restaurants and Bars
Video: Bars and Clubs on Carnival Horizon:
The dining variety on Carnival Horizon (like on Vista) is the largest across the entire fleet:
Highly recommended: "The Chef's Table" - an exclusive gourmet dining experience where you dine alongside the executive chef, who prepares exquisite dishes right before your eyes while offering a behind-the-scenes look into the culinary world.
The ship boasts diverse specialty dining options such as Asian cuisine, seafood, sushi, Italian, and a steakhouse, alongside an extensive bar selection including the award-winning Alchemy Bar and an onboard craft brewery.
For the first time on Carnival ships, there is also a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant where a master chef prepares your meal live with dazzling culinary performances and flair.
In the ship's central atrium sits a stunning bar crowned by an enormous "Dreamscape" LED sculpture displaying vibrant lighting effects and rotating digital animations:
For sweets lovers, a treat for both the eyes and palate awaits: Cherry on Top, a massive, colorful candy store fully stocked with a vast assortment of confections and an ice cream bar customizable with assorted toppings.
General Information About Carnival Cruise Line:
Carnival's motto is: "The FUN Ships". Their ships feature vibrant, Las Vegas-style aesthetics and non-stop, round-the-clock entertainment. The line is celebrated for its wide selection of onboard programming, including dazzling stage productions, lively social games, and engaging competitions that are highly interactive: talent shows, karaoke, pool games, and more. The cruise line also features premier nightclubs equipped with modern audio and lighting technology.
Carnival's ships are especially suited for families, young travelers, and the young at heart.