It is still #ChooseCruise month, so I’m breaking from sharing about Turks & Caicos, and continuing sharing more cruise guides. Today is about cruising from New York City. Did you know there are many cruise offerings from the New York area? You’ll want to head up early, not only will you not have to worry about missing your ship due to a delayed flight, but you’ll have time to explore more of your departure port. 

Just like with Seattle, coming 2-3 days ahead isn’t enough to explore New York, but that’s another post. Like I mentioned, I always always always recommend flying in the day before your cruise departs. So, let’s focus on what to do in New York roughly 24 hours before cruise departure. Of course there are endless sights to see in the Big City, but these are a few of the musts that you can squeeze in before setting sail if you’ve never been.

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9/11 Memorial & Museum
At the very top of anyone’s NYC list should the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Though the 9/11 Memorial is a difficult place to visit, it is also a beautiful one. I believe the designers have done an incredible job of creating a space that is warm & welcoming all while paying due respect to those who lost their lives that day. The architecture of the two memorial pools, which are exactly where the twin towers once stood, is impeccable. The waters begin flowing at the names, and flow to the center into the earth. 
You can enjoy a walk around the beautiful, solemn grounds of the memorial for free, but I recommend checking out the museum as well. If you find yourself in the museum, plan to spend two to three hours here.  The 9/11 Museum is located under and around the original twin towers, and gives us a closer look of the events that transpired that fateful day and the days, weeks, months, and even years to follow. The museum, along with the memorial commemorating the names of those who perished, also gives us a look at the 1993 attacks on the World Trade Center. 
The feelings you’ll experience when visiting the memorial & museum are unfathomable and no doubt difficult, but you won’t regret visiting this most sacred site. 

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Top of the Rock
When people ask me what are musts in New York City, Top of the Rock is always at the top of my list! No pun intended! Since you’re on a time crunch, skip the Empire State Building, and head to Rockefeller Plaza instead to take a ride up to the top of Rockefeller Center. At the Top of the Rock, you’ll catch views of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and many more sights of New York & beyond.
If you must, try to squeeze in the Empire State Building, but Top of the Rock, in my opinion, has better views. I love that there aren’t crazy lines, at least the several times I have visited, and that you can see views of the Empire State Building on one side and Central Park on the other.
I also recommend visiting twice, once during the day and once after dark. It is incredible to see the difference. During the day, you see a concrete jungle. At night, you see an incredible light show. Both have their own beauty. Another bit I love is you can see the stunning St. Patrick’s Cathedral, along with other buildings, from a whole new angle. But there is just something about the beautiful of St. Patrick’s from above and below. 

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Broadway Theatre
Broadway Theatre is one of my absolute favorite aspects of NYC. Catching a show on famed Broadway is a must when in the city! There are many wonderful shows to see, and I could go on and on about so many of them. But see one for yourself, and you’ll likely become addicted to theatre like me. The evening before your cruise departure is a perfect time to see a musical or show at the theatre. Check out my post on tips for tickets here. 

There are so many other spots to see in New York, but these are some great options to catch before you depart for your cruise. Are there any other spots you’d want to see in NYC?