Sailing out of New York vs. Port Canaveral

[Raya]

We're debating between a HotHS trip out of New York (with almost no risk of hurricane) or one out of Florida (which means we could tack on a few days at the park). Is there any reason why the New York port is better or worse than Florida? We've never driven to Port Canaveral, always taken the Disney transport. That part of our 4 cruises didn't make a big impression on me, good or bad.

 

[msmama]

You still have the risk of hurricanes sailing out of NY (my first cruise out of NY, the one after mine, was re-routed due to hurricane - it was supposed to go south and ended up going to Canada so depending on the cruise, that may not apply to you).

I live an 1 1/2 hours from the NY cruise port so I'm always going to choose the one I don't have to fly to. Also, until now, it'd been the Magic in NYC and I like the smaller ships better (also doesn't apply anymore).

The NY port cruise staff aren't dedicated Disney employees but I've never felt that makes a difference, but might to some. I also really enjoy sailing down the Hudson. I feel like sailing out of NYC is a bigger event than leaving Port Canaveral. You could tack on a few days in NYC, too.

But really, I don't think either one is better or worse (but may be depending on what you're used to, lol).

 

[RedHead0186]

Driving to PC is pretty easy, I've done it a few times, including recently. As @msmama said, you still get the chance of hurricanes on a NY sailing (Fiona comes to mind, as she turned north after hitting the Caribbean and headed toward toward Bermuda. PC is also a nice terminal because DCL redid it during COVID so it's brand new (and just for DCL).

 

[auntlynne]

See the NYC skyline and Statue of Liberty during Sail Away? Just a different start / end point?

Is FL or NY/NJ an easier flight/connections?

And, yes, hurricanes hit anywhere on the East Coast, Gulf of Mexico. So I don’t see either as a sure bet in the fall.

But how do you feel about missing Castaway Cay? Or does the NYC cruise include that? What is the itinerary? Bermuda? Gos do you feel about the port(s)?

I‘ve been to NYC once. That may be enough. Hotels are not cheap and it is a very big city. LaGuardia and JFK are out a ways (but I think transportation has improved). Newark airport is ridiculed, but it might be closer to the port - don’t know which one DCL sails from - Brooklyn or the other.

But NYC might provide an opportunity to catch a Broadway show the night before.

Lots of factors to weigh into the decision. I can’t imagine the drive to Port Canaveral is the biggest one.

Have fun making the decision - and seeing the input you get.

 

[Flying Fish]

Difficult question to answer without knowing more info. We have sailed out of both ports plenty of time. Are you closer to one than the other? Do you enjoy the parks more than an extra night or two in NYC? Have you cruised out of NYC in the past? I would agree that storm risks are possible in either case, but I have never really planned my cruises around that concern.

The only thing I can say for certain is sailing in and out of NYC is a special experience. I got goosebumps the first time we sailed past the Statue of Liberty - of course, I left my phone in the room and have no pictures of it that evening. Give us some more info, and I bet you'll get more input than you wanted.

 

[Chipmunkmaniac]

the sailing in and out of NY experience is def a plus for the NY sailings!!!!! Very special way to end our transatlantic (getting up at 4 am to sail by the statue of liberty and into the skyline of Brooklyn)