NYC CRUISES PLANNING/INFO ThREAD!

[Minnie Monellen]

Cybernoypi- we're on the same cruise. We cant decide btwn taking amtrak from Baltimore or driving. You cant check bags on the train we would take and the website says it restricts the size of bags that you can carry on (our cruise suitcases are MUCH larger). But DH says he's never seen people stopped from bringing large suitcases on. We're definately coming up the night before so we either take the train and say in an expensive Manhattan hotel room or drive and leave the car in Newark.

Are there any hotels where you can stay, park and cruise? I know Springhill suites does but it is in a difficult location. And what would be the cost of a cab?

You might want to consider staying in one of the hotels on the Hudson River waterfront for your pre-cruise stay. You could shop in NJ and/or do some sightseeing in NYC. Both these hotels should have some type of stay, park and cruise program. And somewhat nicer than staying in Newark. Here's the info from the first post in this thread:

Homewood Suites by Hilton®
10 The Promenade, Edgewater, New Jersey, United States 07020
Tel: 1-201-941-4700 Fax: 1-201-941-479
next to shopping, restaurants, and movie theaters

Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
500 Harbor Boulevard · Weehawken, NJ 07086 USA ·Map · Contact Us · Phone: (201) 617-5600 · Fax: (201) 617-5627 · Special Offer Reservations:
(866) 716-8115 (next to Lincoln Harbor NY Waterway Terminal)

 

[Hygiene99]

I was on NYC to see the ship last week and my friend and I just happen to be walking away from the port to grab something to eat. We wound up walking with the gentleman who does the Disney Parks Blog. He was walking back to his hotel and I noticed it was a Kimpton Hotel (Disney put a few of their people there). Just 5 blocks from the port. I have stayed in Kimpton's before and had great experiences. This one is called Ink48 by Kimpton and is on 48th and 11th Ave. and is in an old printing building....it would be a great hotel to stay precruise....walk a few blocks the othe way you you are in Times Square.

http://www.ink48.com/midtown-manhattan-hotel/near-cruise-ships.html

MJ

1 night before the cruise.


Our best most flexible rate.
Room Charges: USD 529.00
Fees: USD 0.00
Tax: USD 81.59
Total: USD 610.59
Would love to stay!

 

[vickxo]

Question - So I booked my bus to the parks - got the first bus YAY! but did anyone else who booked it see if there was a place to book the bus back to the cruise ship? Anyone have any clue how that portion works? Did I just miss it?

 

[KristiMc]

Question - So I booked my bus to the parks - got the first bus YAY! but did anyone else who booked it see if there was a place to book the bus back to the cruise ship? Anyone have any clue how that portion works? Did I just miss it?

It said that there will be buses from all 4 parks going back to the ship starting at either 3 or 3:30. The last bus leaving AK will be at 8:00, HS and Epcot last bus at 10:00 and MK 11:00.

There was no sign-up for a return bus - you just hop on one when you want to return.

I read that there will be more information in the daily navigator.

 

[KristiMc]

Vickxo - I see that you are on the June 2nd cruise - so are we. We have a cruise meet thread here on the DIS:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40787044

We also have a cruise meet group on Facebook - come join us:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/134889869933290/

 

[KristiMc]

I got a response from DCL regarding cruise quests and EMH entrance

3/7/12

Dear Kristi,

Thank you for your patience while we researched your request.

Yes, our guests who will be sailing onboard will be able to utilize the
parks extra magic hours so this is why we have a 6:30am departure.

I hjope this information has been helpful.

Kristi, we look forward to sailing again with you and your family!

Have a Magical Day!

Kaylee
Reservations Department
Disney Cruise Line

 

[Evasmommy]

6-17-12/6-22-12. I am in the same situation. trying to decide the best way to get to NYC from Providence, RI.
Option 1.
Take Peter Pan bus, will cost us $120(2 adults $40 each, kids half price) taxi cab fare around $40 round trip from station to cruise port. approx $160 total.

Option 2.
Drive, parking for 6 days=$180 plus toll, gasoline and sitting in traffic.

I am open to suggestions...

We are sailing out on June 22nd from NYC and live in Swansea, MA. It stinks that Disney hasn't contracted with the bus co yet. I think they are waiting to see if NYC will stick.

This is what we are doing: Staying in a hotel the night before we leave in Stamford CT and then driving into the city on sail day. It takes away a lot of the traffic issues. We got a great rate but will still have to cover the parking at the terminal and gas. Overall it is a little more than busing from Prov if they had contracted. Taking the train into Penn statation is another option but having a kid with us and luggage that sounded a little too stressful. Good luck!

 

[jilljill]

Haven't seen anyone post this info Parking at the Manhattan terminal has gone up, it's now $35/day.

http://www.nycruise.com/parkNYC.html



Parking Rates

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•Daily rate (up to 10 hours) for drop offs/visitors - $30.00


•Cruise Parking - $35.00 per night


•Cruises from 11 to 30 nights - $350.00

Please Note:
Payment is due upon arrival into the parking lot.
Taxes are included in the rates.
Crusie parking opens at 9:00 a.m.
Check out 1:00 p.m.

Payment accepted by cash, Visa, MasterCard


We do not accept reservations. Space is subject to availability and is provided to cruise parkers on a first come, first serve basis.

 

[Carol36]

There are a zillion restaurants in NYC. It depends what you want.

NY is the home of awesome pizza and bagels. In my mind, that is what to eat in the city. I wouldn't spend a fortune on a fancy place if only here a short time.

Ellen's Stardust is a wonderfully fun Broadway experience (the wait staff sings to the restaurant in a high energy atmosphere).

Four Seasons is an elegant NYC institution. But, there is better food.

Serendipity is another famous fun "institution".

American Girl Cafe is a blast for young girls (your doll "eats" in a special seat with your child).

Can you give me an idea of what you want? Elegant, fun, typical NYC, ...?

Ellen's Stardust sounds like fun. Pizza is definitely on our list. We will be celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary(without our children) while in NYC before our "Magical" cruise. Something special, not too stuffy, with yummy food would be great for that day.(worth the cost) NYC speciality restaurants are also what we are looking for, even if it's "street food" or diner. Because we have never been, getting the most out of 3 days would be great!
Our children are almost all adults, but are NOT excited that we are going on a Disney Cruise without them!

 

[Carol36]

 

[Eric Julie and Hailey]

11 Madison Park. #1 on Tripadvisor. That says a lot in NYC! Also, Four Seasons is a NYC instituion.

Non-fancy ideas:
Serendipity
Ellen's Stardust
Mars 2112 (lousy food, but great theming)
Jekyl and Hyde (same)

 

[mmouse37]

John's Pizzeria for casual meal....used to be a church so the design is great.

Carmine's (on the same street) for a great family style italian meal. IMO best to have at least 4 people to appreciate the family style service and to try a few different entrees.

Both are on West 44th Street...in the Times Square area and right next to the Helen Hayes Theatre where Rock of Ages is playing so very easy to do a pre theatre dinner.

MJ

 

[annichan]

John's Pizzeria for casual meal....used to be a church so the design is great.

MJ

What would you say, is it essential to get reservations here or would we do fine just walking in (party of 2)?

Thank you!

 

[Kimmysmom]

Can anyone tell me if we book the bus to go to AK on our Disney day, will we able take the bus back from Magic Kingdom?

 

[KristiMc]

Can anyone tell me if we book the bus to go to AK on our Disney day, will we able take the bus back from Magic Kingdom?

Yes, you will be able to take a bus back to port from MK. Here is what I read from the dcl website:

- Complete your day at any of the 4 theme parks and board your complimentary transportation back to the ship.

- Return transportation commences at 3:30 p.m. and is available from all 4 major theme parks at the bus depot throughout the day and evening. The last bus departing to the port from Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park is at 8:00 p.m. A complete schedule will be available on your "Personal Navigator", the daily events flyer onboard the ship.

The last bus from Epcot and HS leaves at 10:00 and the last bus from MK at 11:00.

 

[jilljill]

What would you say, is it essential to get reservations here or would we do fine just walking in (party of 2)?

Thank you!

Here's another vote for John's - the best pizza. Here's a link to their website: http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/index2.htm

I'm not sure if they take reservations or not, you can contact them to get the official answer.

 

[jilljill]

Junior's on 45th St, next to the theater where Lion King plays, is another favorite of our's. Prices are reasonable and portions are huge.

http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/our_restaurants/times_square/

 

[NJGirl]

What would you say, is it essential to get reservations here or would we do fine just walking in (party of 2)?

Thank you!

They do not take reservations for a party that small. it can get crowded and busy fast during prime meal times. The key is to get there before 530 for dinner or after the 8pm shows start.

If you're doing lunch...try to get in just before 12. Then they get slammed, paritcuarly on Wed matinee days and weekends ones

Same goes for Juniors. No reservations and just like John's , it gets difficult to even get in the door during peak meal times

 

[ge0rgette2]

Ellen's Stardust sounds like fun. Pizza is definitely on our list. We will be celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary(without our children) while in NYC before our "Magical" cruise. Something special, not too stuffy, with yummy food would be great for that day.(worth the cost) NYC speciality restaurants are also what we are looking for, even if it's "street food" or diner. Because we have never been, getting the most out of 3 days would be great!
Our children are almost all adults, but are NOT excited that we are going on a Disney Cruise without them!

I second Ellen's. Being a NY Long Island girl..Ellen's is a good time!!

Hi NJGirl.

Carmine's is awesome. Family style. Tony DiNapolis too!

 

[NJGirl]

I second Ellen's. Being a NY Long Island girl..Ellen's is a good time!!

Hi NJGirl.

Carmine's is awesome. Family style. Tony DiNapolis too!

Ohhh you said Tony DiNapolis!! I'd pick them over Carmine's anyday!