NEW YORK 2016 CRUISES planning & info thread. NYC

[CampbellzSoup]

Pre-determined to a degree. Uber does still do surge pricing though, so you're taking a risk.

As far as cabs, know the cross-streets of where you're going. When you get in give them the ADDRESS (not the name of the hotel) and say "between X and Y". Example (NOT to a hotel, but this is how you'd do it): "717 9th Ave between 48th and 49th". They will figure you know where you're going and take the most direct route (though honestly most cab drivers I've encountered DO take you the most direct route - but there ARE one way streets that can't be taken the other way, so sometimes going around blocks IS in fact necessary.

I know people on here seem to not like anything short of 4-star, but there are some super nice Hampton Inns around all over Manhattan from the financial district to the theatre district.

When you are looking at where to stay, be sure to factor in transportation hassle and costs from NJ or CT, especially if you're not driving and especially if you plan to sightsee in Manhattan before the cruise. Once that car fare or train fare is factored in, you may be just as good staying in Manhattan proper.

Beth trust me these cabs can spot a tourist and do take advatange...

Also too if you stay in Times Square your gonna pay Times Square prices...if your going to make it an event by all means upgrade - but there are plenty of awesome affordable options if the room is being used as a room.

 

[SeaSpray]

Beth trust me these cabs can spot a tourist and do take advatange...

Also too if you stay in Times Square your gonna pay Times Square prices...if your going to make it an event by all means upgrade - but there are plenty of awesome affordable options if the room is being used as a room.

Great advice about other hotels/rooms being close by the port and more affordable in NJ or other spots in NYC.

We're staying in Times Square because it is FREE for us (Marriott Rewards points; Platinum member). Otherwise we'd probably stay in NJ with one of my siblings.



I've lived in MA for the past 18 years but I still sound like a "New Yorker" since I grew up just a half hour south of the city, in central NJ. I'm a Jersey Girl 100% and proud of it!! (And I still don't pump my own gas ). My mother was born and raised in Manhattan and I picked up a slight NYC accent from her while I was growing up.

(Off topic, but my sons were ages 9 and 6 when we moved here to MA and I am so HAPPY to say that they do not have any trace of a Boston or New England accent at all!! I do love where we live, but the accents drive me nuts sometimes).


Anyway, everyone up here in MA assume that I'm from NY; they can't tell the difference between NY and NJ. I'll be sure to speak to the taxi driver, not my DH because he is a true New Englander and has a slight Boston accent. LOL


Question: If for some reason I'm feeling up to walking that day, how is the walk from Penn Station to the Marriott Marquis Times Square?

How many blocks?? We'll each have a fairly large sized piece of luggage, plus a carry-on bag, plus backpack for my and my DH's personal items and medications.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Times Square for free!? How cool is that!

 

[Holly Quinlan]

Anyone know the address for the port? Any idea when they will release Saint John port adventures?

 

[Jmariab64]

If it's pier 88, the address is 711 12th Ave Manhattan

 

[Dug720]

Beth trust me these cabs can spot a tourist and do take advatange...

Also too if you stay in Times Square your gonna pay Times Square prices...if your going to make it an event by all means upgrade - but there are plenty of awesome affordable options if the room is being used as a room.

Fare is a moot point if you fly into JFK - flat rate to Manhattan. Now, if you're stuck with the other airport...that one is metered all the way. As for Jersey...you're looking at a LOT more in car service or cab fare unless you're going to deal with trains and then cabs - honestly you'll probably make up whatever you save on a hotel just in transportation costs into Manhattan.

As for less expensive places, I know there are. But I also have read the threads of "where do I stay at Port X" on here and can pretty easily predict that most of the people who ask about those really won't be happy with the cheaper options.

 

[Ofinn]

Fare is a moot point if you fly into JFK - flat rate to Manhattan. Now, if you're stuck with the other airport...that one is metered all the way. As for Jersey...you're looking at a LOT more in car service or cab fare unless you're going to deal with trains and then cabs - honestly you'll probably make up whatever you save on a hotel just in transportation costs into Manhattan.

As for less expensive places, I know there are. But I also have read the threads of "where do I stay at Port X" on here and can pretty easily predict that most of the people who ask about those really won't be happy with the cheaper options.

Thanks with all your suggestions. I especially liked the Hampton Inn one. I don't need 4 star I've always been very happy with Embassy suites. Hampton inn, and Marriot Residence Inn type hotels. I booked the Canada cruise. I'm not sure I'm keeping it. It's more than I like to spend for a 5 night cruise, and we already have 2 cruises planned before next October. We are definitely going to New York next Fall. If we don't do the cruise we're going to Plan a DC, New York and Boston trip so I appreciate all your suggestions.

 

[ASchwa]

Great advice about other hotels/rooms being close by the port and more affordable in NJ or other spots in NYC.

We're staying in Times Square because it is FREE for us (Marriott Rewards points; Platinum member). Otherwise we'd probably stay in NJ with one of my siblings.



I've lived in MA for the past 18 years but I still sound like a "New Yorker" since I grew up just a half hour south of the city, in central NJ. I'm a Jersey Girl 100% and proud of it!! (And I still don't pump my own gas ). My mother was born and raised in Manhattan and I picked up a slight NYC accent from her while I was growing up.

(Off topic, but my sons were ages 9 and 6 when we moved here to MA and I am so HAPPY to say that they do not have any trace of a Boston or New England accent at all!! I do love where we live, but the accents drive me nuts sometimes).


Anyway, everyone up here in MA assume that I'm from NY; they can't tell the difference between NY and NJ. I'll be sure to speak to the taxi driver, not my DH because he is a true New Englander and has a slight Boston accent. LOL


Question: If for some reason I'm feeling up to walking that day, how is the walk from Penn Station to the Marriott Marquis Times Square?

How many blocks?? We'll each have a fairly large sized piece of luggage, plus a carry-on bag, plus backpack for my and my DH's personal items and medications.

I would say it is about 10 to 12 blocks. It depends on where you exit Penn Station. The shorter route would be exiting Penn Station by the LIRR that will put you on 34th and seventh Avenue. From Amtrak stay in the level of LIRR, it will most likely be where you get off the train and then from the train platform go up the elevator, steps or escalator and then you will come to the station where the LIRR is situated. Look for the ticket booths, pass those by and keep to the signs that say seventh Avenue. Right before the subway entrance turn left, McDonalds should be in front of you to the right. After you turn left, you will see a hall with two sets of up and down escalators. Take the up escalators, and it should bring you 34th and seventh. Turn right and walk to the avenue, You will be able to see one of the entrances to Macy's diagonal to you. Keep to the side you are on, turn left and cross the street so that now the entrance to Macy's is across the street. Keep going straight on seventh, about 10 blocks and you will see Times Square coming and the street numbers will go up. There will be a split in the road, but if you keep left and close to where the ball comes down, you should be able to come upon the Marriott Marquis. Hope this will help you.

 

[SeaSpray]

I would say it is about 10 to 12 blocks. It depends on where you exit Penn Station. The shorter route would be exiting Penn Station by the LIRR that will put you on 34th and seventh Avenue. From Amtrak stay in the level of LIRR, it will most likely be where you get off the train and then from the train platform go up the elevator, steps or escalator and then you will come to the station where the LIRR is situated. Look for the ticket booths, pass those by and keep to the signs that say seventh Avenue. Right before the subway entrance turn left, McDonalds should be in front of you to the right. After you turn left, you will see a hall with two sets of up and down escalators. Take the up escalators, and it should bring you 34th and seventh. Turn right and walk to the avenue, You will be able to see one of the entrances to Macy's diagonal to you. Keep to the side you are on, turn left and cross the street so that now the entrance to Macy's is across the street. Keep going straight on seventh, about 10 blocks and you will see Times Square coming and the street numbers will go up. There will be a split in the road, but if you keep left and close to where the ball comes down, you should be able to come upon the Marriott Marquis. Hope this will help you.

Thank you so much! I'm going to print this out.

 

[Dug720]

Thanks with all your suggestions. I especially liked the Hampton Inn one. I don't need 4 star I've always been very happy with Embassy suites. Hampton inn, and Marriot Residence Inn type hotels. I booked the Canada cruise. I'm not sure I'm keeping it. It's more than I like to spend for a 5 night cruise, and we already have 2 cruises planned before next October. We are definitely going to New York next Fall. If we don't do the cruise we're going to Plan a DC, New York and Boston trip so I appreciate all your suggestions.

You're very welcome! There are a couple of Hampton Inns in the Financial District (close to Battery Park/Statue of Liberty as well as a subway station that will hit most of the major lines (A, C, E, 2, 3, 4, 5) that would get you where you need to go. And they are generally surprisingly reasonable. My parents just booked one over Thanksgiving for less than $200/night!! Over THANKSGIVING!!!

 

[KashasMom]

I'd suggest staying in Secaucus (NJ). There are a few hotels (Google for them) that offer park n cruise rates. You can take the train (if you don't have a lot of luggage) or the shuttle from the hotel to the pier. That's even a good idea for people flying...fly into Newark, many hotels have free pick up from the airport. You'll save a lot of money. Parking and hotels are expensive in NYC - and hotels in particular, are rarely good value for money.

 

[disdel]

Thank you so much! I'm going to print this out.

Great directions, spot on ASchwa! It is just about 3/4 of a mile, and the sidewalks will be crowded, as always, just be aware of your surroundings.

 

[EnchantedRoses]

I live in Queens - so it'll be a short drive to the port.

However those that do have to stay at a hotel for a night...check out Groupon/Living social etc...they do have a lot of deals every now and then.

 

[ASchwa]

Great directions, spot on ASchwa! It is just about 3/4 of a mile, and the sidewalks will be crowded, as always, just be aware of your surroundings.

Thank you, I am from NY. I know how disorienting Penn Station can be. I once overheard a man call 911 to find out where he was in the station. The only thing about my directions I am concerned about is that work on the Moynihan station has restarted. Who knows how long that will take! They are saying that Amtrak will be situated there when finished. I am not sure how both parts of the stations will connect.

 

[disdel]

Thank you, I am from NY. I know how disorienting Penn Station can be. I once overheard a man call 911 to find out where he was in the station. The only thing about my directions I am concerned about is that work on the Moynihan station has restarted. Who knows how long that will take! They are saying that Amtrak will be situated there when finished. I am not sure how both parts of the stations will connect.

LOL, yep, the construction will change things, sometimes on a daily or weekly basis. Go to LGA, or JFK airports two weeks in a row - guarantee there will be a change in the roadways.
All they have to do is get outside, then "go North, young man"

Also born/raised NYC, and spent three (of the bad 70's, 80's, 90's) decades of work in Midtown - helped clean it up so folks could come to 42 St and see Lion King, lol. Know my way around a bit, can still help out-of-towners, and love to do so.

 

[Boardwalk Gal]

Hello from PA...
I will be taking bus from PA to either Port Authority or to the Piers. Can't wait to board on my 8th Disney cruise!!

 

[ASchwa]

LOL, yep, the construction will change things, sometimes on a daily or weekly basis. Go to LGA, or JFK airports two weeks in a row - guarantee there will be a change in the roadways.
All they have to do is get outside, then "go North, young man"

Also born/raised NYC, and spent three (of the bad 70's, 80's, 90's) decades of work in Midtown - helped clean it up so folks could come to 42 St and see Lion King, lol. Know my way around a bit, can still help out-of-towners, and love to do so.

LOL! I was born in NYC, raised on Long Island. I remember how Times Square was in those decades. Thank you for helping to clean it up. It is definitely much better today. I try to also to help when I can. Actually, get outside near seventh avenue and then go north.

 

[Ofinn]

After changing my mind about 100 times I've decided on the transatlantic. We plan on spending 2 to 3 nights in New York after the cruise. I'm a runner so I would like to be near central park or some place I can run besides a treadmill or a wooden deck. It's my sons birthday, and we plan on taking him to Nintendo World near Rockefeller center. We would also like to visit the empire state building, wall street, times square, and I know I'm forgetting something. Any suggestions on the best area. A place to run after being on the ship for 10 days is probably the most important to me.

 

[ASchwa]

After changing my mind about 100 times I've decided on the transatlantic. We plan on spending 2 to 3 nights in New York after the cruise. I'm a runner so I would like to be near central park or some place I can run besides a treadmill or a wooden deck. It's my sons birthday, and we plan on taking him to Nintendo World near Rockefeller center. We would also like to visit the empire state building, wall street, times square, and I know I'm forgetting something. Any suggestions on the best area. A place to run after being on the ship for 10 days is probably the most important to me.

You can run in Central Park, there are roads inside the park with jogging lanes. After taking your son to Nintendo World (been there a few times), take him to see Rockefeller Center where they have the tree during Christmas time, they have an observation area called Top of the Rock. There is also a Lego store there. Times Square there is a Madame Tussaud's where there are wax figures, if you have time, take in a Broadway show. Go to the ticket booth and sometimes there are discounts on certain shows. Sometimes just sitting and watching all the people in Times Square is fun. Be careful of the people dressed up as characters, if you take a picture with them they expect money. Toys r Us is in Times Square and they have a Ferris Wheel inside the store. While near Wall Street, there is a statue of George Washington. It is supposed to be the place where he took the oath when he became President. You can go to the Freedom Tower, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. If you want to go back on the water, take the Circle Line, it goes around Manhattan. Take in a museum, Natural History, the Metropolitan, Museum of Modern Art and maybe the Guggenheim. The Public Library on 5th avenue (a lot of people like the lion statues). Serendipity 3 has really good desserts, they have the frozen hot chocolate and sundaes. You can go to Dylan's candy bar, M&Ms World and Hershey's. Bryant Park where you can watch people playing chess. You can also look up if there is going to be a festival. The San Gennaro festival may be at that time. Near what was Little Italy in the city there is a yearly festival that has a lot of Italian food to be bought from booths on the street and some fun games. This is what I can think of right now.

 

[Ofinn]

You can run in Central Park, there are roads inside the park with jogging lanes. After taking your son to Nintendo World (been there a few times), take him to see Rockefeller Center where they have the tree during Christmas time, they have an observation area called Top of the Rock. There is also a Lego store there. Times Square there is a Madame Tussaud's where there are wax figures, if you have time, take in a Broadway show. Go to the ticket booth and sometimes there are discounts on certain shows. Sometimes just sitting and watching all the people in Times Square is fun. Be careful of the people dressed up as characters, if you take a picture with them they expect money. Toys r Us is in Times Square and they have a Ferris Wheel inside the store. While near Wall Street, there is a statue of George Washington. It is supposed to be the place where he took the oath when he became President. You can go to the Freedom Tower, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. If you want to go back on the water, take the Circle Line, it goes around Manhattan. Take in a museum, Natural History, the Metropolitan, Museum of Modern Art and maybe the Guggenheim. The Public Library on 5th avenue (a lot of people like the lion statues). Serendipity 3 has really good desserts, they have the frozen hot chocolate and sundaes. You can go to Dylan's candy bar, M&Ms World and Hershey's. Bryant Park where you can watch people playing chess. You can also look up if there is going to be a festival. The San Gennaro festival may be at that time. Near what was Little Italy in the city there is a yearly festival that has a lot of Italian food to be bought from booths on the street and some fun games. This is what I can think of right now.

Wow! I wish I wish I was turning 12 and you were planning my birthday. This kid is so lucky he was born in September when prices are great this will be the 5th time we have cruised on his birthday. I feel like I need a week in New York to do all that. I guess I will look at hotels near central park. Thanks so much.