cruises from syracuse ny

Finger Lakes Cruises

The best way to experience the Finger Lakes is to get out on them. Views from the shore and scenic byways are iconic, but  to get the full sensory effect of the Finger Lakes you have to get on the water.

Nothing beats a summer vacation in the Finger Lakes region! There’s plenty to see and do while you’re here, but what could be better than a Finger Lakes cruise? Set off on one of the best boat cruise  tours in the Finger Lakes, and you’ll enjoy the water from a whole new perspective. CHECK OUT THE FINGER LAKES BOAT TOUR GUIDE , featuring opportunities on all 11 lakes.

A Fun, Family-Friendly Way to See the Finger Lakes

Boat cruises in the Finger Lakes can be found on Canandaigua Lake , Skaneateles Lake , Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake as well as the Erie Canal . These cruises are an inexpensive way to get on the water and see the region from a different angle, with historical cruises, lunch and dinner cruises, themed cruises, sustainability and ecology-focused tours, sight-seeing, fall foliage cruises and more.

Finger Lakes Dinner Cruises & Other Specialized Boat Tours

Many boat cruise lines offer a dinner cruise with a great selection of quality food to enjoy while you experience the sights and sounds of the water. Some boat cruise companies allow you to reserve a private boat for your Finger Lakes wedding party or other group event. Incorporate a sightseeing tour on the water for your next special event!

Check out all of the boat cruise options below and find the perfect stop for your next trip to the Finger Lakes.

Boat Rentals & Marinas 

Take your vacation into your own hands and captain your own vessel by discovering rental opportunities and marinas open to public boat launches. From high-end motor boats that will make you the envy of the lake to canoes and kayaks for exploration closer to shore, our many partners can find the best solution for your family vacation, friends weekend or escape during a business trip to the region,  

Baldwinsville

Canandaigua

Hammondsport

THE BEST Syracuse Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in syracuse.

• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The TroutFitter

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Top Dock Spots & Boat Tours in Syracuse

It's summertime and the water is calling. With dozens of lakes, waterways and rivers sprawling throughout the Syracuse area, it's easier than ever to get your boat in the water, rent your preferred vessel, reserve a dinner cruise, catch a concert dockside, hit up the coolest waterfront attractions and experience why Syracuse sizzles in the summer.  

ONONDAGA LAKE & RIVERWAYS

Where to launch, onondaga lake park marina & boat launch.

Located within Onondaga Lake Park, this marina hosts the only paved, public boat launch on Onondaga Lake. Operating sunrise to sunset April 15 - October 31, this launch offers daily boat/personal watercraft launches for $10, as well as discounted senior prices, seasonal launch passes, ample vehicle and trailer parking & more.  99 Vine Street, Liverpool  

Kenneth P. Lynch Boat Launch at Honeywell's Onondaga Lake Visitors Center

This new launch spot sits on the southern shore of Onondaga, with free launching for trailered motorboats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Conveniently located near the NYS Fairgrounds and right off Interstate 690, this ramp location offers parking for 30 cars and trailers as well as an accessible fishing platform.  280 Restoration Way, Syracuse

WHERE TO CRUISE OR DOCK

The winds of cold springs harbor marina.

Situated on the Seneca River near Onondaga Lake, The Winds is a full service marina that is home to 58 dock slips, a fuel dock, inside and outside storage area and a nearby state boat launch. The marina boasts a full service kitchen and outdoor Tiki bar with live music every weekend, all summer long — get your boat in the water and stick around for some tunes, bites and bevs.

Lakeview Point Landing  — Amphitheater

Tucked along the southern shore of Onondaga Lake, Lakeview Point Landing provides boaters with a convenient access point to reach Onondaga Park’s West Shore Trail which runs directly through St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview. Motorized boaters can reserve a dock slip at $1.50/ft. on show days, with docks opening two hours prior to show time and a dedicated entrance into the amphitheater (concert tickets must be purchased separately and in advance). Reservations are not required on non-show days, and the docks are free for use on those days as well.

Syracuse Inner Harbor

Boats can scope out the shores of the lake while coasting into the Inner Harbor on Onondaga's southeastern shore. Here you can dock your boat and walk around the up-and-coming district at stops such as Meier's Creek Brewing Company at the Iron Pier or  Buried Acorn Brewing . The Inner Harbor Amphitheater and boutique hotels in the area also offer continuous events throughout the year.

ONEIDA LAKE & RIVERWAYS

Oneida shores boat launch.

This boat launch offers the most accessible route to New York State's largest inland lake and is ideal for larger motorized vessels. Less than a mile off Interstate 81 in Brewerton, the paved launch provides multiple entry ramps for boats of all sizes at $10 per launch, ample parking nearby, picnic facilities, rest rooms, ranger patrols and public campsites.  9444 Bartel Cir, Cicero

Oneida Lake South Shore Fishing Access Site

With tons of vehicle and trailer parking available, this free-to-launch park on the southern shore of Oneida Lake has four launching bays. It is a more shallow launch spot, ideal for smaller motorized boats and car-top crafts.  Bush Road, Bridgeport

Oneida River Boat Launch

An outlet of Oneida Lake and part of the NYS Barge Canal, this DEC launch is free to the public and offers up parking for 20 cars and trailers.  2487 481, Clay

Frenchman Island

Reopened to the public in 2008 as a New York State Park, the Frenchman Island near Oneida's western shoreline is 26 acres of deep woods, peaceful trails and a circa 1917 lighthouse, all accessible via boat with a 150-foot pier on the south shore of the island. Over 100 years ago this small island was home to a small resort with a two-story inn and a bowling alley. Camping and fires are not permitted but visitors are free to enjoy the trails and wildlife at their own discretion. 

The Waterfront Tavern

Tie up to the docks outside The Waterfront Tavern and enjoy classic American pub fare, summer cocktails on their spacious deck, or beat the heat with some apps in their interior restaurant, all fit with great inlet views.

Barado's On The Water

Tucked away in a cove near Big Bay on the west side of Oneida Lake, this bar and grill serves up a variety of fresh American fusion fare, handcrafted cocktails, and serene seaside views.

Sylvan Beach

A great place on the eastern shore to bring the entire family, Sylvan Beach is loaded with beachfront bars and restaurants, a quaint and retro amusement park, a casino with 100+ slot machines, classic car cruise-ins every week and much more!

OTISCO LAKE

Otisco lake dec boat ramp.

Experience the peaceful waters of the Finger Lakes when you launch at Otisco's hard surface ramp on the southwestern shore. Parking for 13 cars and trailers, ideal for vessels 25' or less. 1490 West Valley Road, Preble

Otisco Causeway

Dividing the lake into two distinct basins is the Otisco Causeway, which is the spot on this lake where kayaks, canoes and hand-launching watercrafts can hit the water. This launch neighbors the boat ramp and also hosts a fishing pier for easy access family fun.  1438 West Valley Road, Preble

Lakeside Vista Restaurant

Located right on western shoreline of Otisco, this full-service tavern and restaurant serves up casual dining, live music and Finger Lakes wine flights with a side of stunning lake views.

Otisco Lake Park

A serene outdoor space to relax, have a picnic, listen to the birds and take in the lake, Otisco Lake Park boasts hundreds of feet of incredible fishing access and three acres of tree-lined greenspace.

Amber Inn Tavern

From pizza and wings to artisan flatbreads and fresh-cut fries, the Amber Inn off Otisco Valley Road serves up cold craft brews, modern American cuisine and tons of live music.

SKANEATELES LAKE

Dec boat launch, skaneateles lake.

Launch your very own Finger Lakes excursion along Skaneateles Lake from this free boat ramp on the northwestern isle of the lake. A small launch with limited parking space, this is a great spot to hit on less crowded summer days and also boasts a small beach dockside ideal for kayaks and canoes. NYS Boat Launch Fire Lane 15, Skaneateles

Scott Boat Launch

At the southernmost end of the lake in Homer, NY is the Scott Boat Launch, a no-frills access point for vessels of all sizes. East Lake Road, Homer

Skaneateles Marina

No boat? No problem! Rent a pontoon, paddleboard, or single & double kayaks at this marina located on the western shoreline of Skaneateles. You can also launch your own boat, but they do offer half- and full-day rentals for the craft of your choice, make your reservations well ahead of time because spots fill up fast!  1938 West Lake Road, Skaneateles

Staghorn Cliffs — Cora Kampfe Dickinson Conservation Area

Take in the sights of 1,350 feet of shoreline and the high bluffs locally known as Staghorn Cliffs. Visitors are often amazed to find thousands of fossil horn corals embedded in the bedrock, prime examples of an ancient coral reef from the Devonian Period. Access to the 21-acre preserve is by boat only, with easy beach docking for canoes and kayaks.

The Glen Haven Hotel, Marina & Restaurant

With a rich history spanning over 100 years, The Glen Haven restaurant and bar is a unique, off-the-beaten-path gem at the south end of Skaneateles Lake. Patrons can cruise in, dock the boat, enjoy the live music and sample their fun and modern menu. Lodging is available but tends to book up fast.

Mid-Lakes Navigation

Mid-Lakes Navigation is the place to go for a guided cruise around this stunning Finger Lake. Guests can choose from sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, lunch cruises, or cocktail cruises in the summer — you can even head out on a mail delivery expedition across the entire lake!  3 West Genesee Street, Skaneateles

Upstate Guide Service

Join the crew at Upstate Guide Service for the ultimate outfitted fly fishing, light tackle spin fishing and tributary trout fishing cruises. Providing professional guided services on Skaneateles Lake and other upstate fishing spots, you can schedule your excursion on the lake by emailing them or giving them a call .

SENECA RIVER

Mercer park.

This spot is where to get your canoe or kayak into the river with long and easily accessible docks and a handicap accessible area. There's also a playground and swings, restrooms, picnic tables, basketball courts and more. North Street, Baldwinsville

Baldwinsville Community Park

Just south of the village of Baldwinsville, this large wooded park provides a boat launch on the Seneca River, as well as restrooms, ball fields, picnic areas and a pavilion, nature trails and more.  Lions Parkway, Baldwinsville

Case Marina, LLC

A great location to launch, this marina offers over 40 slips and full fuel service, as well as giving easy access for navigating westbound on the Seneca River toward Cross Lake, a super hot fishing spot.  2302 W. Genesee Road, Baldwinsville

Southwest Trail

Located directly next to an old functioning lock, this spot has docking space for visitors to tie up and hit the quaint riverside village of B'ville. Here you can grab a bite and beverage right on the water at several locations. The Suds Factory River Grill has spacious indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the Seneca, and a quick walk up the street also offers up local faves like Angry Garlic , Mohegan Manor & Pizza Man .

Bud Light Amphitheater at Paper Mill Island

Also right in the heart of town is Paper Mill Island, an awesome spot to cruise by and catch some summer concert action from the water. 

Visit Syracuse Staff

Discover The Best Cruises in Syracuse, New York

See the world and relax at the same time by discovering your perfect dream cruise near Syracuse, NY. Book today or contact a AAA Travel Agent for exclusive AAA member benefits!

Showing 39/39 Cruise Results for Syracuse, New York

More Articles

Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

THESE ARE THE BEST NY CRUISES 8 AMAZING DESTINATIONS YOU CAN CRUISE TO FROM THE NEW YORK AREA

Published on March 4, 2020

TAKE YOUR VACATION FROM THE NEW YORK CITY AREA TO THE TROPICS

KING’S WHARF, BERMUDA

PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN

PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

READY FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE FROM THE NEW YORK AREA? SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVES AND MORE.

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

CRUISE ALONG THE NORTHEAST COAST FROM THE NEW YORK AREA

Bar harbor, maine.

ST. JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC

DEALS FROM NEW YORK AREA

PERFECT DAY BAHAMAS

STARTING FROM 

BERMUDA CRUISES

BEST FALL CRUISES FROM NEW YORK AREA

CANADA & NEW ENGLAND

FALL FOLIAGE NORTHBOUND

RELATED ARTICLES

How to Maximize a Weekend Getaway Cruise

Top 10 Things To Do: Caribbean Islands

View this year's Cruise Schedule for Future Sailings

Take the subway when getting around the city. It’s safe, efficient and much cheaper than relying on cabs.

Some of the NYC’s best restaurants are local hole-in-the-wall spots that won’t show up on any foodie round-up. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations on where to eat.

If you have time, venture beyond Manhattan. Brooklyn and Queens also have their own unique flavor and are worth crossing the bridge to explore.

EXPLORE MORE

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Cruises from New York

Begin your cruise leaving from new york in an empire state of mind.

From the lights of Times Square to the shops of SoHo, experience the city that never sleeps when you cruise from New York with Princess®. Wave goodbye to the Statue of Liberty as you set sail to Canada & New England or the Caribbean. Our Transatlantic cruises can even take you to the Mediterranean, the British Isles and beyond. Let the allure of the Empire State set the tone for your cruise adventure.

Find the Best Cruises from New York

Canada & New England Cruises

Travel through time as you sail to Canada & New England on a cruise from New York. Walk in the footsteps of Paul Revere, hike through Acadia National Park and indulge in crab cakes and fresh-caught lobster along the way. Bask in the coastal beauty of Prince Edward Island, and spend two days exploring the French influences of Quebec City. With Princess, chronicles of the Northern seaboard await.

Transatlantic Cruises

Relive the golden age of ocean travel on a Transatlantic cruise from New York. Unwind at sea and jump into adventure at each destination. Choose from voyages that take you through the British Isles and the Mediterranean Sea to the Land of Fire and Ice. Or stop by Spain and France on a cruise from New York. Indulge in the best of land and sea with a Transatlantic cruise from Princess.

What to Know About Cruises from NYC

Between the iconic landmarks and the allure of city life, a trip to the Big Apple is a dream in and of itself. Here’s everything to know about cruises from New York.

New York at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)
• Time Zone:  Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Docking:  Your cruise from NYC will depart from Brooklyn. Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Pier 12 (72 Bowne Street, Brooklyn).
• Attire:  We suggest dressing in layers as temperatures fluctuate throughout the year and even throughout the day. This includes a light shirt, sweater and jacket.
• Transportation:  While taxis are available throughout the city, you can also navigate the Big Apple by bus, subway, train, ferry or pedicab. Much of the city can also be seen on foot, or you can rent a Citi bike.

Things to do in NYC

Learn more about the nation’s history at the 9/11 Museum & Memorial or during a visit to Ellis Island. Indulge in international flavors as you travel from Little Italy to Chinatown in just a matter of minutes. Or spend the day shopping in South Street Seaport with the Brooklyn Bridge as your backdrop. Whether you arrive hungry for dinner or adventure, there’s no shortage of choices on a cruise from New York.

Ships that Cruise from New York

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best cruises from New York. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board any of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Enchanted Princess®

Island Princess®

Crown Princess®

Coral Princess®

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

You May Also Like

Medallionclass® on all ships.

Next-level technology. More time for you. Your vacation – simplified, personalized.

New To Cruising

First time cruising? Have questions? We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing.

Food & Dining

Award-winning and made from scratch

2024 ERIE CANAL CRUISES SCHEDULES & RATES

Advance ticket purchase is recommended for all cruises as they may sell out. To be sure you are able to purchase tickets for the cruise date & time you prefer, we suggest you purchase tickets in advance.

Erie Canal Daily Sightseeing Cruises

• 2024 Season: Sight Seeing Cruises depart daily from May 18 through October 16*
• Departs from: Gems Along the Mohawk, Herkimer, NY
• Boarding: 15-30 minutes prior to departure at Gems Along the Mohawk
• Departure times: 1 p.m. or/and 3 p.m. daily; (morning cruises on select days –  10:30am departure)
• Ticket prices: Adults – $25.00, Children (ages 4-10) – $15.00, Infants 3 and under – FREE
• *Daily cruise schedules vary by day, check the latest daily cruise schedule by clicking BOOK YOUR CRUISE below.

Yankee Trails

• Albany, NY area 518.286.2400
• The Villages, FL 352.633.4643
• Treasure Coast, FL 772.242.9926
• Toll Free: 800.822.2400
• Other Contact Information
• Request a Quote
• E-Gift Certificates

Our latest catalog is live!

Find Sporting Events, Concerts, Shows, Casino, and more.

Albany, NY Area

The villages, fl, cruise specials, destinations, departure ports.

Find vacation packages, hotels and airfare to popular destinations.

• Trips from Albany, NY Area
• Trips from The Villages, FL

Trending Trips & Deals

New york city tours, yankees schedule, turning stone, new york state tours, broadway shows, washington d.c tours, cape cod tours, boston tours, boston red sox schedule, navy vs. notre dame, new york mets schedule, concerts & shows, hells kitchen on broadway, cabaret at the kit kat club, harry potter & the cursed child, moulin rouge, the great gatsby, billy joel at madison square garden, the notebook, the rolling stones at metlife stadium, kenny chesney at metlife stadium, george strait at metlife stadium, the foo fighters at citi field, a beautiful noise, luke combs at gillette stadium, culinary institute of america, bronx zoo tours, new england tours, globus national parks, lake placid & the adirondacks, fall in montreal, long island & the hamptons, 1,000 islands cocktails & classics, new jersey tours, pennsylvania tours, judy's journey, travel with lynn, amish country tours, globus vacations, niagara falls tours, turning stone $15 special, resorts casino, foxwoods casino, royal caribbean, celebrity cruise line, princess cruise line, msc cruise line, viking river cruises, president's cruise, holland america cruise line, avalon waterways, brian & chrissy wgna cruise, fun & sun packages, disney world packages, sandals all inclusive resort packages, beaches all inclusive packages, collette vacations, fun jet vacations, globus packages, palace resorts, special events, yankee trails - in the media, night out on the town, airport shuttles, bachelorette/bachelor parties, birthday parties, julie's manager's cruise, the cruise express schedule, 2024 customer appreciation cruise, norwegian cruise line, cie guided tours, signature series, connect with yankee trails, directions & departure points.

• from Albany NY, Area
• from The Villages, FL

569 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144

fx: 518.283.3279     e: [email protected]

161 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205 Park in spaces furthest from storefront, near Yankee Trails signs and Crossgates Mall access road.

Route 30 (Minaville Rd.) From I-90 East or West, take Exit 27. After tolls, turn left onto Route 30, then first left into Park & Ride lot.

Visitors Center on Route 23B From I-87 North or South, take Exit 21. After tolls, turn right into Commuter Parking Lot. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.

Westbrook Ln, Kingston, NY 12401 In Kingston Plaza, park in LOT E by the Catskill Mt. Railroad between the baseball field and Hannaford.

Off Main Street This location is for CRUISE EXPRESS pick-up/drop-off only.

13731 US-441, Lady Lake, FL 32159

Pick-up / drop-off only at this location. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING.

• New York City
• Niagara Falls
• Washington DC

• National Parks
• Fun & Sun Air Vacations

• Motley Crue
• NYC Broadway

• Buffalo Bills

• Quincy Market (Boston)
• Disney World

Cruise ship sails into New York City port with 44-foot dead whale across its bow

• Updated: May. 10, 2024, 10:05 p.m. |
• Published: May. 09, 2024, 1:35 p.m.
• The Associated Press

New York — A cruise ship sailed into a New York City port with a 44-foot (13-meter) dead whale across its bow, marine authorities said.

The whale, identified as an endangered sei whale, was caught on the ship’s bow when it arrived at the Port of Brooklyn on Saturday, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries spokesperson Andrea Gomez said.

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said the whale was on the MSC Meraviglia, which docked at Brooklyn before sailing to ports in New England and Canada.

“We immediately notified the relevant authorities, who are now conducting an examination of the whale,” officials with the cruise line said in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life,” the officials said, adding that the Geneva-based MSC Cruises follows all regulations designed to protect whales, such as altering itineraries in certain regions to avoid hitting the animals.

The dead whale was relocated to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and towed to shore there to allow for better access to equipment and to conduct a necropsy, Gomez said.

The necropsy, an autopsy on an animal, was conducted on Tuesday, Gomez said. Samples collected from the whale will help biologists determine whether it was already dead when it was struck by the ship, she said.

Sei whales are typically observed in deeper waters far from the coastline, Gomez said. They are one of the largest whale species and are internationally protected.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Sei Whale Death Sparks Conversations About Ecology, Marine Safety

A dead whale was found on the bow of a cruise ship that arrived in New York City. The whale was identified as an endangered sei whale. An official necropsy confirmed it was a mature female. Experts are trying to figure out how this could have happened and if more needs to be done to protect these endangered mammals.

Dana Cusano

Dana Cusano is a bioacoustician and behavioral ecologist whose research focuses primarily on the acoustic behavior of marine mammals. Her interests include the use of vocal signaling in animals and the link between vocalizations and behavior. She is a research assistant professor in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Professor Cusano answers five questions below about sei whales. She is available for interviews.

Q: How common it is for sei whales to be swimming near cruise ships?

A: I would say it is probably pretty common for them to be in the same areas. Sei whales up in the Northeast are often found in areas with heavy boat traffic during certain parts of the year, including shipping lanes which are used by cruise ships.

Q: What might the whale have been doing in the location where it was struck (i.e. feeding, migrating, nursing, etc.)?

A: We actually don’t know a lot about sei whale behavior, and we don’t really know where this animal was struck. But sei whales in the Northeast at this time of year, including around New York, are probably migrating further North and stopping to feed along the way.

Q: How can these accidents be avoided?

A: By slowing down. Sei whales mostly feed at the surface, and often this just means swimming with their mouths open to filter feed small zooplankton. You can imagine this puts them at a high risk for vessel collision. Cruise ships travel at somewhere around 20 knots, and up to maybe 25 knots. This is equivalent to up to 29 mph. For a whale that is at the surface and focused on a vital task like feeding, they just don’t have much of a chance to get out of the way.

Q: How do whales communicate with each other in incidents of distress – can they send signals to each other?

A: Sei whales are mostly solitary, and any groups are usually loose associations just for the purpose of feeding. So, although they do communicate with one another to socialize and find mates, they wouldn’t likely communicate distress to each other.

Q: Is there an aspect about this story that you find most interesting, or you will follow more closely?

A: Although we don’t know a lot about sei whale movement and distribution, we are seeing a lot of them in heavily trafficked areas in recent years. Hopefully we don’t start to see an increase in the number of vessel strikes too.

To request interviews or get more information:

Daryl Lovell Associate Director of Media Relations Division of Communications

M  315.380.0206 [email protected] | @DarylLovell

The Nancy Cantor Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St., 4 th Fl., Syracuse, NY 13202 news.syr.edu | syracuse.edu

Syracuse University

Daryl Lovell

• Sei Whale Death Sparks Conversations About Ecology, Marine Safety Friday, May 10, 2024, By Daryl Lovell
• 5 Questions for Commencement Speaker Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, Italy Thursday, May 9, 2024, By News Staff
• Commencement 2024 by the Numbers Thursday, May 9, 2024, By Christine Grabowski
• In Memoriam: Life Trustee Michael ‘Mike’ Falcone ’57 Thursday, May 9, 2024, By Eileen Korey
• In Memoriam: Life Trustee Bernard ‘Bernie’ Kossar ’53, L’55 Thursday, May 9, 2024, By Eileen Korey

More In Media Tip Sheets

Law professor: the manhattan district attorney’s convoluted legal case against donald trump gets more convoluted.

To request an interview with Professor Germain, please contact Ellen James Mbuqe, executive director of media relations, at [email protected]. By Gregory Germain, Professor of Law, Syracuse University College of Law. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has charged Donald Trump with…

Faculty Share Perspectives on Mental Health

Did you know 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year? If you’re working on a story for Mental Health Awareness Month, our Syracuse University faculty experts are available for interviews. Please see their names, background, and…

Faculty Available for Interviews on Ukraine Aid

If you are in need of an expert for your story ahead of the Senate vote on foreign aid to Ukraine, please review our Syracuse University faculty experts below. If you’d like to schedule an interview with any of them,…

Victory for Veterans: Law Expert Reacts to Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a decorated veteran of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq after a lengthy legal battle with the government regarding 12 months of G.I. Bill educational benefits. Retired Lt. Col. Elizabeth Kubala, teaching professor…

Experts Weigh In on Tesla Layoffs

Tesla announced significant layoffs and the departure of two senior executives on Monday, signaling increasing challenges amid rising competition and falling sales. Two Syracuse University faculty members shared their reactions to this news in the comments below. If you’d like…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact [email protected] .

Connect With Us

• @SyracuseUNews