City’s new agreements with cruise lines will boost economy and reduce emissions

RED HOOK — The city’s new agreements with cruise lines, which dock in Brooklyn and Manhattan, will boost the economy and reduce emissions. New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) on Thursday announced new usage agreements with Carnival Corporation & plc brands, including Princess Cruises and Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and MSC Cruises for future sailings from the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals. These new agreements prioritize emission reductions, educational partnerships, investment in New York City businesses through local provisioning, and creates a community benefit fund to address neighborhood priorities. 

The cruise industry creates an economic impact of nearly $420 million per year in New York City and spending related to cruise passengers and crew supports approximately 2,667 jobs across New York City, with over 2,000 of those jobs representing tourism-adjacent industries including hotels, food and beverage, shopping, transit, and entertainment. NYCEDC anticipates over 1.3 million passengers will travel through the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals this year, a record-high, that signals cruising and tourism have strongly rebounded in New York City.   

“The cruise industry is a massive driver in New York City’s economy, generating thousands of good-paying jobs for New Yorkers and helping fuel the tourism and hospitality industry,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “It is essential to ensure that these large-scale industries remain focused on sustainability and working alongside the community in all aspects, which is exactly what this agreement does.” 

“New York City – in addition to being my hometown – is an iconic destination beloved by our brands and their guests, and we’re honored to be a part of this vibrant community,” said Josh Weinstein,…