• New York City is a popular departure point for recreational cruises.cruise ship image by palms from Fotolia.com
  
  When planning a cruise vacation, many travelers must first arrange their transportation to the city that holds the port of departure. If you don't live close to a port, airfare can add several hundred dollars to your trip expenses. Although some popular departure points include Miami, Tampa and Los Angeles, if you live near the Big Apple, you can save the cost of flying to another port by booking a cruise that departs from New York City.
  
  

Carnival Cruise Lines

• Fifteen Carnival cruises depart from New York City, with cruise length ranging from 2 to 8 days, and destinations including the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Canada, New England and Bermuda. Carnival also offers a 2-day "Cruise to Nowhere." By booking this option, passengers can enjoy all the amenities of a cruise vacation without ever leaving the ship. Prices vary depending on the type of room you select and the length of stay. On-board features include bars and restaurants, water slides, spas and salons, fitness centers and activities designed just for the kids. Camp Carnival is an another special feature: Kids can be left supervised at Camp Carnival for a few hours so you enjoy other activities without worrying. And for travelers who want a break from children, Carnival also offers an adults-only area.
  
  Carnival Cruise Lines
  3655 NW 87th Ave.
  Miami, FL 33178
  888-CARNIVAL
  carnival.com
  
  

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Sixteen Norwegian cruises leave from New York. Cruises range from 1 to 21 days. Just like Carnival, Norwegian offers a 1-day "Trip to Nowhere" for people who want the rest and relaxation of a cruise without going very far. For booking a real cruise, tropical locations include the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Norwegian also offers transatlantic cruises to Europe, including Italy and Greece. Prices vary based on duration, destination, and the type of room you choose. Ship amenities include deluxe meals, bars and clubs, a spa and fitness center.
  
  Norwegian Cruise Line
  7665 Corporate Center Dr.
  Miami, Florida 33126
  866-625-1166
  ncl.com
  
  

Royal Caribbean

• Nineteen Royal Caribbean cruises leave from the Big Apple. The length of these cruises ranges from 5 to 14 nights. Destinations include the Caribbean, Bahamas, New England, Bermuda and Canada. Prices vary depending upon the length of the cruise, the destinations, and the type of room. Royal Caribbean ships have on-board activities such as musical entertainment, swimming pools and miniature golf courses. You can enjoy all your meals on the ship, but you can also disembark at ports of call to explore the sights and sounds of the countries you're visiting.
  
  Royal Caribbean International
  1050 Caribbean Way
  Miami, FL 33132
  800-256-6649
  royalcaribbean.com