NY cruise - What's the best way to get to NYC?

[tres409]

Hi, I'm crazy obsessed with the idea of taking the 7-day cruise from NY to the Bahamas in October 2017. I live in Massachusetts, very close to the RI border, so no airfare needed. Yay! But I'm troubled by what the best way would be to get to NYC. I've taken Greyhound buses before, but there's a ton of stops and it would take 5 - 6 hours. I've looked into Amtrak, but very few trains allow you to check baggage. And parking for the week would run around $350. Has anyone else done this before? Are there any tips or tricks for making this easier? I'd hate to miss out on such a great cruise opportunity!

 

[CamColt]

We too are from MA and when we sailed out of NY we drove. It took 4 hours and we got to spend 2 days in NYC before the cruise. Even with the parking fee we saved money on air fare and it was worth it for the convenience.

 

[lanejudy]

While most of the Amtrak trains along that corridor won't check baggage, you are allowed to bring it on the train with you. Depending on your party size and packing, that might (or might not) be an option. I used to travel Philly to MA by Amtrak with a large suitcase and carry-on plus a young child in a stroller; there was always a spot I could "park" my big bag.

I believe there are also "sleep, park and cruise" offers at some hotels in the NYC and north Jersey area. You stay the night prior to the cruise, the hotel offers a shuttle to the port terminal and allows you to park at the hotel while you are cruising.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[mmouse37]

There are some offsite parking garages that are less money but you would have to walk to the port or take a taxi.

http://www.parkwhiz.com/manhattan-c...utm_content=Manhattan Cruise Terminal Parking

MJ

 

[firsttimemom]

We took Amtrak from Baltimore back in 2012. There are sections either before the seats or in the back of the train car to put your luggage. Worked out great!

 

[schmass]

We're from just north of Boston. In 2012 DH and I sailed out of NYC and we took Amtrak there and then a taxi to the port. This was very easy and worked well. We're going to sail again in 2017 and will drive. We have 2 young kids now so driving will just be easier. Even with the $300 parking, we are still saving a lot by not flying! We're also considering the "sleep, park and cruise" offer that @lanejudy mentioned. That way we'd get there the night before and it would cost us about the same amount - only concern there is the "shuttle" to the port, since I'm not sure about the carseat situation.

 

[gometros]

Check out hotels in Secaucus or around Newark Airport. Some hotels have park & fly deals and you can easily take NJ Transit to Penn Station.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Always get to the city the day before. Train to my mind is the best, right into Grand central and a taxi to your hotel, enjoy a evening , diner, maybe a show. This way you get a good night sleep and a taxi right to the docks the next morning.

No worries about a delay and missing the vessel.

Have a great cruise.


AKK

 

[tgarre06]

We're from just north of Boston. In 2012 DH and I sailed out of NYC and we took Amtrak there and then a taxi to the port. This was very easy and worked well. We're going to sail again in 2017 and will drive. We have 2 young kids now so driving will just be easier. Even with the $300 parking, we are still saving a lot by not flying! We're also considering the "sleep, park and cruise" offer that @lanejudy mentioned. That way we'd get there the night before and it would cost us about the same amount - only concern there is the "shuttle" to the port, since I'm not sure about the carseat situation.

Sorry, I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to know if you traveled yet, and, if so, how it worked out. We live in southern MA, and want to take the cruise out of NYC to Bermuda. We have two young kids also, and we would drive. Curious to see how you made out with the park and cruise at the hotels with the carseat situation. TIA!

 

[Pens Fan]

Sorry, I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to know if you traveled yet, and, if so, how it worked out. We live in southern MA, and want to take the cruise out of NYC to Bermuda. We have two young kids also, and we would drive. Curious to see how you made out with the park and cruise at the hotels with the carseat situation. TIA!

This is the package we booked last fall http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/...-ridgefield-park-LGARPGI/offers/100077011.htm. We were extremely pleased and felt the price was more than fair when you consider the price to park at the cruise terminal.

It was just my husband and I, so I can't answer your questions about car seats. If this hotel interests you, I'd recommend contacting them directly and asking them if the car service can provide car seats.

 

[schmass]

Sorry, I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to know if you traveled yet, and, if so, how it worked out. We live in southern MA, and want to take the cruise out of NYC to Bermuda. We have two young kids also, and we would drive. Curious to see how you made out with the park and cruise at the hotels with the carseat situation. TIA!

Our cruise isn't until this October, so I'm afraid I am not much help. I did end up booking that hotel package, though. I had used their online request form to ask about the car seat situation, and that was kind of a joke. I got an extremely unhelpful response back from them that had nothing to do with my question. I plan to call them when we get a little closer. My in-laws decided to come with us, so in the worst case scenario, my husband would drop my MIL, the kids and I off at the port, and then he and my FIL would take the provided transportation. I'd really like us to all travel together, though.

On another note, I just booked the 6-night NYC to Bermuda and plan to book this hotel again, so hopefully it works out well!

 

[RedSox68]

We live south of NYC about 90 minutes and we always drive in -- the changes we'd have to do with the NJ Transit, and the costs of Amtrak and taxis, it just works better for us to drive and park.

 

[ImprovGal]

I take Amtrak from RI to/from NYC cruises. They allow 2 carryons (50 lb limit on each, my 28" suitcase is within max dimensions) and 2 personal items. Plus, I earn Amtrak Guest Reward points, which I redeem for Disney gift cards.

 

[RedSox68]

I take Amtrak from RI to/from NYC cruises. They allow 2 carryons (50 lb limit on each, my 28" suitcase is within max dimensions) and 2 personal items. Plus, I earn Amtrak Guest Reward points, which I redeem for Disney gift cards.

That is a win/win!