Parking at Brooklyn cruise terminal

[smelmel]

I would appreciate any information regarding parking at the Brooklyn cruise terminal. we are cruising in October, leaving on a Sunday. Is there a best time to arrive, will there be empty spots, will the car still be there when we return (just kidding :D ) Car service from NJ will cost more than 2X then parking at terminal ($143 for the week).

[Underwatr]

I've never seen the lot more than half full (QM2 cruises, 2500 passengers +/-).

 

Hurricane Sandy did a number on cars that had been parked at Red Hook but that's extremely unusual.

Edited August 10, 2016 by Underwatr

[mking8288]

Unlike Manhattan Cruise Terminal's rooftop parking, both Bayonne (NJ) and Brooklyn terminals provide secured parking at street/ground level - Sandy was an unusual, late season hurricane/coastal storm that basically scored a direct hit on/near the metro NYC area.

 

Tidal & storm surges, wind and other factors basically translated into major coastal flooding, above flood stage in much of southern Brooklyn - the entire Red Hook/waterfront area is designated Zone 1 for Hurricane Evacuation by NYC - OEM, the most at risk & first zone for residents & businesses alike to vacate & get out of harm's way when the forecast threatened. Even for more "minor" coastal storm surges, the area is often under several feet of water with warnings & watches in place, residents urge to relocate further inland and to higher grounds ... to the nearest designated shelters.

 

Good news in that since Sandy's strike in 2012, flooding at the terminal has not been reported as a problem, or else - nobody would be risking their vehicles by parking there.

 

The parking lot is big and plenty of capacity, as noted - park further away from the waterfront if you are worried, just kidding.

[smelmel]

Thank you Underwatr & mking8288 for the very helpful information. Now if I can just get my husband to agree to take his car - hahaha!

[Underwatr]

Every alternative I've considered to parking at the terminal has had higher cost and more hassle.

[mking8288]

You are welcomed, depending on your whereabouts - early Sunday morning, it can be a quick & easy run up the Turnpike or GSP, zip across Staten Island onto the VZB for Brooklyn.

 

Leaving from near GSP, Exit 40 - it typically take about 2 hours for the non-stop run riding with the traffic flow, somewhat above the posted speed limit - LOL) to get into Brooklyn, maybe 2.25 hours with a quick fuel & restroom stop ... plus, 15 to 20 minutes to the Hamilton Avenue exit for Red Hook/Pier 12 once off the highway onto local streets. It's mostly all highways, just a handful of traffic lights and stop signs, turns before reaching the terminal/parking - unlike going thru Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel.

 

Set your iPhone/Androids to Navigate (been using Waze for a while, more supplemental road/route info & traffic alerts, etc. once underway) played over bluetooth with in-car system, it will get you there easily.

[smelmel]

Every alternative I've considered to parking at the terminal has had higher cost and more hassle.

Yes, including tolls & parking our usual car service would cost double & he's less then most others.

[smelmel]

You are welcomed, depending on your whereabouts - early Sunday morning, it can be a quick & easy run up the Turnpike or GSP, zip across Staten Island onto the VZB for Brooklyn.

 

Leaving from near GSP, Exit 40 - it typically take about 2 hours for the non-stop run riding with the traffic flow, somewhat above the posted speed limit - LOL) to get into Brooklyn, maybe 2.25 hours with a quick fuel & restroom stop ... plus, 15 to 20 minutes to the Hamilton Avenue exit for Red Hook/Pier 12 once off the highway onto local streets. It's mostly all highways, just a handful of traffic lights and stop signs, turns before reaching the terminal/parking - unlike going thru Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel.

 

Set your iPhone/Androids to Navigate (been using Waze for a while, more supplemental road/route info & traffic alerts, etc. once underway) played over bluetooth with in-car system, it will get you there easily.

My husband is familiar with the drive - he works in Brooklyn. From GSP exit 117 it shouldn't take us more than 50-60 minutes to get to the pier.