Aerial view of Manhattan cruise ships docked at Hudson River piers in Manhattan Cruise Terminal, with buildings and a waterfront in the background.

Infrastructure & Transportation Waterfront

Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan

Location: Manhattan

Project Status: Ongoing

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal (MCT) Master Plan process provides an opportunity to understand how a transformation of MCT into a future-ready terminal can meet the needs of its users and the local community.

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal has been a critical waterfront asset for New York City since the terminal first opened in 1935. Almost a century later, improvements to the terminal’s structure and amenities are needed to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving cruise industry. The Manhattan Cruise Terminal Master Plan, led by NYCEDC, outlines a strategic vision to transform the terminal into an industry-leading hub for maritime activity.

Anchored by comprehensive analyses, assessments, and engagement, this Master Plan details the capital projects required to deliver on the needs of the community and reposition New York as a leader in the regional cruise market for decades to come. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, improving the passenger experience, expanding the public realm, and fostering local partnerships, MCT aims to become a model of innovation, community engagement, and sustainable urban development.

The Process

The Master Plan integrates community feedback on traffic and public realm improvements with technical analyses on cruise market trends, traffic impacts, infrastructure needs, and financial feasibility. The Master Plan is a guide for investment at the terminal and a framework for future improvements.