NYC CRUISES PLANNING/INFO ThREAD!

[anty30]

For anyone looking for a reasonable hotel in the heart of Times Sq check this one out. It's clean and central to everything. Plus, it has a complimentary continental breakfast which is hard to find in the city. It's also a Choice Hotel if you have Choice privileges.

Comfort Inn Times Square (NY041)

129 West 46th St, New York, NY, US, 10036
Phone: (212) 221-2600
Fax: (212) 790-2793


Just an FYI for those interested.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

How about the Hampton Inn at Times Square? We like staying there and they too have a great breakfast in the morning (complimentary).

For anyone looking for a reasonable hotel in the heart of Times Sq check this one out. It's clean and central to everything. Plus, it has a complimentary continental breakfast which is hard to find in the city. It's also a Choice Hotel if you have Choice privileges.

Comfort Inn Times Square (NY041)

129 West 46th St, New York, NY, US, 10036
Phone: (212) 221-2600
Fax: (212) 790-2793


Just an FYI for those interested.

 

[SeaSpray]

AmTrak: Boston to NYC


For 4 adults, round trip, AmTrak looks to be about $400.00. Then we'd have the cost of a taxi from Penn Station to the cruise terminal.

This seems like a pretty good way to go, except that I always like to be near the ship at least 1 day in advance, just in case of any unexpected situations like trains breaking down, flights being delayed, traffic on the highway, etc.

We could drive down the night before, and then we'd be paying for a hotel room, and probably have to pay for parking for the week, not to mention who knows much gas will cost by then. Even with today's gas prices, it'd cost about $200.00 round trip. $200 for gas + $300 for hotel + 240 for parking = $740.00. And we're not even on the ship yet! LOL

AmTrak is actually looking pretty good right now... We could have older DS drop us off at the train station so we wouldn't have to pay to leave our vehicle there, and then have him pick us up when we get back.

Here's my question: Is it worth the convenience and savings of $$$ to take AmTrak, but have to worry the day of the cruise that something could delay us getting to NYC??

Looking at cost and comfort alone, AmTrak seems to be the way to go...

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We are taking the Amtrak train into Penn Station from Baltimore a couple of days before the cruise. We will taxi over to the hotel, then taxi over to the ship the day of the cruise. Taxi's are cheap in NY. Why don't you entertain something like this?

AmTrak: Boston to NYC


For 4 adults, round trip, AmTrak looks to be about $400.00. Then we'd have the cost of a taxi from Penn Station to the cruise terminal.

This seems like a pretty good way to go, except that I always like to be near the ship at least 1 day in advance, just in case of any unexpected situations like trains breaking down, flights being delayed, traffic on the highway, etc.

We could drive down the night before, and then we'd be paying for a hotel room, and probably have to pay for parking for the week, not to mention who knows much gas will cost by then. Even with today's gas prices, it'd cost about $200.00 round trip. $200 for gas + $300 for hotel + 240 for parking = $740.00. And we're not even on the ship yet! LOL

AmTrak is actually looking pretty good right now... We could have older DS drop us off at the train station so we wouldn't have to pay to leave our vehicle there, and then have him pick us up when we get back.

Here's my question: Is it worth the convenience and savings of $$$ to take AmTrak, but have to worry the day of the cruise that something could delay us getting to NYC??

Looking at cost and comfort alone, AmTrak seems to be the way to go...

 

[SeaSpray]

We are taking the Amtrak train into Penn Station from Baltimore a couple of days before the cruise. We will taxi over to the hotel, then taxi over to the ship the day of the cruise. Taxi's are cheap in NY. Why don't you entertain something like this?

Not a bad idea! It would take care of the "I like to be near the ship a day before the cruise" issue.

I guess I don't like the idea of lugging our luggage into a taxi to get to a hotel, and then lugging it into a taxi the next morning to get to the ship. I think that might be the more minor inconvenience, though. And I really do enjoy traveling AmTrak. Driving on the way down wouldn't be too bad, but I hate the idea of having to drive 5-6 hours home, after a nice, relaxing cruise. At least on the train, it's much more relaxing.

Ok, so far, this is my first choice: AmTrak to Penn Station the day before the cruise. Then Hotel in NYC. Then taxi to the Magic!

 

[flyrandy]

We go into NYC occasionally and I highly recommend Priceline. We can get hotels for 1/2 off or more sometimes. Make sure you check off the right region and the right hotel class

 

[mattmommy]

Was on NJ transit this past weekend. Free kids are gone on the weekend. They are half price.

I just looked into taking the train from Hamilton. Kids are free up to age 11 on weekends if riding with a paying adult. Hope this helps.
I emailed NJ Transit about taking luggage on the train and here is the response I got:

Dear Xxxxx,
Thank you for your inquiry. As of this writing, there are no restrictions on bringing luggage aboard NJ TRANSIT services. Please carry on only the amount of luggage that you can safely manage without assistance. NJ TRANSIT employees are not obliged to handle your belongings.



NJ TRANSIT uses several different rail cars, some of which have more of a provision for luggage than others. Our newest cars have three seating levels – upper, lower, and mezzanine – and are known as “multilevels.” Due to height issues (they have to fit through the tunnels and under overpasses), these cars have no overhead racks on the lower level, and only narrow ones on top. If the train that arrives has multilevel cars, the best option is to ride in the mezzanine level, which offers more space. Please note that customers with disabilities have priority in accessible seating areas. Luggage should not be positioned in such a manner that it blocks aisles or otherwise interferes with easy movement.



Please also keep abreast of travel and security news. In times of heightened security, restrictions may be imposed. However, right now, you can travel freely with luggage.



NJ TRANSIT looks forward to serving you.



Sincerely,

Fred Bauer
NJ TRANSIT Customer Service Team

So between the uncertainty about space for luggage, paying another $7/day parking at Hamilton, taxi in NY (probably needing 2) from Penn Station to port, it's easier to just drive and park. We'll leave early in the am so we can skip a lot of traffic and we sail on a Sat so hopefully won't be a hard drive.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Was on NJ transit this past weekend. Free kids are gone on the weekend. They are half price.

thanks for the heads up

 

[tink70]

Has anyone taken a cruise out of New York? I know they are adding NY as a port, and I am considering going, but I would be driving myself, and my DD and am a little nervous. Are the ports easy to get to?

 

[Bethshaya]

Depends on your definition of easy. If you've never driven in NYC before, your knees will be shaking by the time you get there

Seriously though, as a fellow Connecticutonian, (is that a word?) you know how crazy it gets there with traffic. It is pretty easy to get to the terminal. Parking is very, very expensive and personally, I dont think the expense and the stress is worth it.

It'd be cheaper to get a car service then to park your car for the duration of the cruise. Cruise parking is about $30 a day.

 

[jilljill]

Has anyone taken a cruise out of New York? I know they are adding NY as a port, and I am considering going, but I would be driving myself, and my DD and am a little nervous. Are the ports easy to get to?

I've merged your thread with the info thread for NYC cruisers. You should find lots of info for driving to the port and other transportation options.

 

[tink70]

Depends on your definition of easy. If you've never driven in NYC before, your knees will be shaking by the time you get there

It'd be cheaper to get a car service then to park your car for the duration of the cruise. Cruise parking is about $30 a day.

I am not big on traffic, so thats what I was afraid of! But I thought I would ask. I will check into the car service, but seeing how I am in the northeast part of the state, that could be pricey also.

Thanks for the info, and thanks Jill, for linking me to the other thread, I will be checking it out!

Marnie

 

[jilljill]

I am not big on traffic, so thats what I was afraid of! But I thought I would ask. I will check into the car service, but seeing how I am in the northeast part of the state, that could be pricey also.

Thanks for the info, and thanks Jill, for linking me to the other thread, I will be checking it out!

Marnie

You can also look into taking Amtrak to Penn Station and then a taxi to the airport. Not sure if there are other types of mass transit that you could take that would be less costly than Amtrak.
We'll most likely be driving to north Jersey and then taking NJTransit into Penn Station and then a taxi to the port - very easy to do. We're not keen on driving in the city.


You are welcome. It's been a couple of weeks since this thread was utilized.

 

[Bareacuda]

Since my transportation is taken care of... my question is....

What the heck do you pack(clothing) for this trip.????
Im from Arizona and September is still 100 degrees!

TIA
Ann

 

[jilljill]

Since my transportation is taken care of... my question is....

What the heck do you pack(clothing) for this trip.????
Im from Arizona and September is still 100 degrees!

TIA
Ann

It could still be that hot in NYC at time of sailing. I'm really hoping it isn't, but it could be a possibility. We sailed out of NYC the middle of June about 3 years ago and it was 102 just before sailaway. When we got up to Canada it was about 80-85. But then cruises a couple of weeks after our's had lots of fog and it was cooler. So it's hard to tell what it will be like in Sept. for your sailing. The best advice I can give is to keep watching the weather channel for a couple of weeks before you leave home.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

For those that are worried about taxis to/from Penn Station, don't be. Most taxis have large trunks or even mini-vans. The taxis are sitting right outside Penn STation. There is a taxi stand and you really can't miss it. Taxis are very easy!!!!

 

[SeaSpray]

For those that are worried about taxis to/from Penn Station, don't be. Most taxis have large trunks or even mini-vans. The taxis are sitting right outside Penn STation. There is a taxi stand and you really can't miss it. Taxis are very easy!!!!

I'm leaning towards taking Amtrak from MA to Penn Station, so this is very good to know! I had been wondering whether the taxis could handle all the luggage or not.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp

 

[JMLBrats]

Just read in the Disney files that they have a cruise ship now leaving from NYC. Does anyone know where it sails to? And more details about this trip?

Thanks!

 

[bbn1122]

Info is on the DCL website, but from what I remember, Canada and Bahamas (with stop at Cape Canavarel). I believe Canada is 5 days and Bahamas is 8 days.

Check the website - it has the itinerary and all info posted.