muse_clio

On 7/16/2023 at 4:42 PM, GTJ said:

Any type of pre-arranged service will induce stress because of the need to find the one specific vehicle that has been so pre-arranged. Most times when I have had a pre-arranged service (typically Uber) it has been a hassle for the driver to find me in the crowd, and for me to find that one particular driver. It is stressful to know that I will be charged for the pre-arranged service in any case, and that I will not have the option to give up and just hail the first taxi that comes by. Less stressful is not making pre-arrangements, and to simply hail a taxi when needed, wherever I might happen to be at the time, or to walk to a fixed and identifiable station or bus stop. Usually, taxi is less expensive than TNC or FHV services.

the flip side to that coin is that with a taxi, the meter is always running!

1 hour ago, Turtles06 said:

Get a Red Cap to assist you on arrival in NY. (When you are in the train, tell the person who takes your ticket that you’ll need a Red Cap in NY. They will call ahead and arrange it.) The Red Cap will meet you on the platform, take your luggage up to the street and put you into a cab.  Well worth a good tip. 
 

Sometimes you might have to wait for the Red Cap. Just keep an eye out on the platform and speak to the first Red Cap you see. 

Thank you for this info! Wait as in minutes? Half an hour? Longer? 

14 hours ago, njhorseman said:

Your ship will be docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

 

As NY City taxi drivers reportedly…..

Much appreciate the info, njhorseman. Quick investigation indicates private car service to allay any stress is worth the cost. Appreciate the recommendations. If anyone else has recommendations or tips, I’m appreciative. 

Hi,

Thanks to the East Coasters for lots of good info. Two questions on NYC Cruise Terminal that I have after having read several posts already.

1) Is the NYC Princess Cruise Terminal the Brooklyn Terminal or the Manhattan Terminal?  The Princess site is slightly vague.

2) Please help me identify the best transport options to reduce risk and stress (i.e., "balance of reasonable price, quick, safe, least hassle") from Moynahan Station to the Princess Cruise Terminal the day of the cruise. One thread speaks of the ferry, driving service, uber/lyft, and taxi, but I'm a bit hazy on the details.  

We arrive for a 4 November Princess cruise on 4 NOV scheduled around 11 am from the DC area on the Vermonter. Likely we can negotiate the city streets for a couple blocks with our luggage--we travel light, but I am recovering from an ankle injury so a long walk is not viable. If a driving service is recommended, I'm all ears for a recommendation. 

Please don't belabor the risks. I know them. There's a very active thread on a similar question, including all the dangers of arriving the day of the cruise. This is the first time in 18 cruises we've arrived day of cruise, and we can't avoid it. Please help me identify the best options to reduce risk and stress given the situation. 

thanks in advance!

muse_clio

@missy2662, did you take a whale tour?  We are interested in one in JAN 22, and have just started looking.

is there some way to book Horace in advance?

Thank you both. I was concerned about getting Lyft or Uber folks when the port is so busy.

Could anyone recommend a reliable, reputable, shuttle service from Port Everglades to MIA. The port is hosting SEVEN ships the day we return to port, and I'm sure that transportation will be crazy.

I have a reservation booked with Super Shuttle from Port Everglades to MIA. I just read their reviews in several places and have concerns. Plus, Supershuttle wants to pick us up at 10:45 for a 12:30 flight, which seems too late. Go Airport Shuttle reviews are better, but not by much. There are just two of us, and 4 pieces of luggage.

TIA.

Thank you so much for the time and effort (and internet minutes) you spent to enrich our PANCAN cruise in FEB. Apple should offer you a "reward" for advertising the phone's amazing abilities in the hands of a capable photographer.

Our last PANCAN was on the Coral, which had a forward deck accessed from a cabin passageway (maybe deck 9?) Does CB have the same "hidden" deck? And if yes, is it still free to use during the canal transit?

And a second question...do you know if the spa is still offering the increasing discount if you book multiple spa treatments?

tracey

What type of food and drink for all you can consume?

Thanks to a pedicure recommendation on this thread, I booked a spa day for myself and for my husband. Based on my experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Toi Spa in Ft Lauderdale. Toi Spa is located at 1489 SE 17th St, just down from the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina, just across from the port.

The recommendation on this thread was for a pedicure from Amanda. She did both my manicure and pedicure. She provided excellent service, was friendly, careful, well spoken, and very talented. I gave her a challenge of a design for my pedicure, and she nailed it (pun intended). I also had a most excellent massage, and my husband said his Thai massage was the best he's ever had. My waxing service provider, Masha, was the best service provider for waxing that I've had in 20 years. We were offered us tea, coffee, and other beverages. The atmosphere was calming, the décor quite lovely. Each worker was friendly. Several hotels were near, so if you are staying near the port, this might be a great place to stop for a mani/pedi, massage, or waxing. Certainly the mani-pedi was better than that I had at the ship's spa, and the massage rivaled those of the best masseuses we've had around the world.

I certainly did not expect the superior level of service we received, and my husband and I both agreed that we will absolutely make time to do a full spa day at Toi in December when we visit Ft. Lauderdale again.

We have no affiliation with the spa, and I haven't been paid to write this. I'm just tickled to share the knowledge of a great Ft. Lauderdale spa. The massage was about half the price of the Coral Princess massages, and that's a great thing in my book!

Hi, anywhere to get fresh sushi on the Coral?

My husband said they had sushi one day for lunch in horizon court, but I didn't eat there at lunch more than once and didn't see it myself. No sushi offered at any specialty restaurant and never saw it offered in the main dining room.

I was told they have sushi at Vines, but I don't even remember seeing the Vines on the Coral.

Cruisers often ask where to get a mani/pedi by the port. My friend has been going to this nail tech for a while and loves her!

 

Toi Spa in Southport Shopping Center on SE 17th St (across from Embassy Suites). They offer over 20 different spa pedicures, as that is their specialty. Ask for Amanda there and call in advance for appts. 954.990.6687

Perfect timing for this info. Thanks.

Who did you book with

Eduardo Humphreys Your Lucky Tour.

Yes, he had very good TA reviews, didn't he?

I contacted him and had some conversations with him via email, but I was somewhat concerned by his "exuberant" claims. Being concerned, I booked with a guide who I had used before.

If you have a gluten intolerance, mark the restriction in your princess personalizer within the timeframe stated on the website. If you do this, the galley staff ensures that gluten free items are well-stocked for the cruise.

Then, once onboard, speak to the Princess Maître D' in the main dining room where you will take your primary meals. He or she will meet with you each night at the end of your meal and present you with the menu for the NEXT night's meal. You can select what you want to eat then, and the maître d' will discuss your selections with the chefs to determine if a substitution exists for any gluten (Barley, Oat, Wheat, Rye) used to prepare that food. You will be told before you leave the dining room what your options are for the next evening meal.

If a substitution does exist, they will prepare that dish with the substitution. Somehow, the wait staff always knew where I was, who I was, and what I needed. One night, a new waiter unknowingly attempted to place a gluten-containing product at my place, and another waiter SWOOPED in and shuffled the first waiter away from my place setting. He was really watching out for me.

In addition, you will receive your own fresh baked gluten free bread and crackers when the bread basket is delivered to the rest of your table.

What makes this somewhat humorous is that we choose to dine with different people each night, allowing the staff to seat us where they need. Generally, most diners are too polite to ask, but I've had several people ask me if I'm "famous" because of the special treatment. :o I have since discovered that gluten intolerance was not my problem (I'm not celiac), so I don't get the "special" treatment, but I generally see at least one person getting similar treatment on each cruise, and I wonder what their food allergy is.

It is a huge investment for any business and, to have e few customers two or three days a week, does not make it economically feasible.

I am sure each researched the possibility..

Yes, you stated the issue much more clearly than I. I wasn't being derogatory. Only noting that an investment in a rental car made no sense because the expense did not make the trip any more convenient. At least in our case.

Does th Hilton Marina have airport pick up..shuttle sevice to and from hotel.

Thanks

We are coming in from MIA, and I know that they don't from there! Have you checked their website?

I'm also curious! I thought I'd had it figured out, but realized that the pickup/drop off location was in Texas City (about 20 minutes away) I'm thinking this is less than ideal :/

I'm in agreement. I checked Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise. None are convenient. :( Possibly why the Houston cruise terminal is not doing as well as expected.

Luckily, I had points. Been saving for a special event. This is our 10th anniversary. So paying a bit for an upgrade is a reasonable expense.

we will be there several days, and we definitely spend time sitting on the balcony when we have one. And we're bringing the binocs for our PanCan cruise anyway, so yacht viewing will be fun!

Don't know how you guys know this info, but thanks for taking the time to share. The forums are always so helpful.

The Hilton Ft. Lauderdale is offering potential discounted upgrades from a INTRACOASTAL VIEW ROOM W/ BALCONY double to

1) Tower Room Double , 312 sq. ft. •These deluxe guest rooms feature elevated views of the hotel's enhanced, palm tree-sprinkled pool area and picturesque inlet marina or Fort Lauderdale's impressive 17th Street Causeway. •Floor to ceiling windows with door opening to furnished private balcony $12 a night

2) Tower Waterway View , 312 sq. ft. •Conveniently located in the main tower, these guest rooms overlook the inlet marina and Intracoastal Waterway or Port Everglades.•Floor-to-ceiling windows with glass door opening to furnished private balcony. $29 a night

3) Tower Jr. Suite King , 440 sq. ft. •Large studio style floor plan with separate living and sleeping area, King bedded only.•Furnished wrap around balcony overlooking the inlet marina and the heart of Ft. Lauderdale. $47 a night.

We've never stayed at this hotel and have no idea if the upgrades are worth it, or are needed for a good view. Anyone with experience who could share info?

your photos are lovely, your comments illuminating, and your courtesy at sharing quite gentlemanly.

thanks! Happy return to the land.

muse_clio

Considering renting a car to drive from Hobby to Kemah and then dropping off the car the next day if a drop off location exists near Port of Houston. Avis, Enterprise, Budget, or Hertz. Anyone know?

Hi West Coast Gal,

We're planning on staying in Kemah too, and I'm wondering how you are getting to the port from the hotel. This is my first cruise out of Houston, so I have no familiarity with the area or any car services....

muse clio aka tracey