Alex618

On 9/4/2023 at 5:12 PM, Charles4515 said:

A ferry to Hamilton and a taxi would be fastest but you could take a bus. I would go to the caves early and see if you have time for the zoo on the way back to Hamilton.  

How much time should be allotted to take Ferry and Taxi to get to caves ?

2 hours ago, mahdnc said:

I saw this 5 minute video in the Wall Street Journal last month and thought it was interesting enough to share here.  Much of it describes how Wonder of the Seas docks at Port Canaveral (answer: very carefully):

 

Captain Explains How He Docks the World's Biggest Cruise Ship 

 

Thank good video

On 8/17/2023 at 3:34 AM, Cap_D said:

Agree.  No reason to fly into MCO and drive to a cruise port, when FLL and MIA are closer their respective cruise ports, plus West Palm is another option.  Hard to envision a family with kids or a couple paying for airfare and transport from MCO and to go on a non-Edge class ship.  And, families with kids flying would migrate to the CocoCay itineraries or just skip Celebrity.  Plus younger couples are not going to be impressed with an older ship, no modern quick service concepts, cutbacks, etc. 

Port Canaveral is serviced by 3 airports Sandford, Melbourne, and Orlando.  The drive from airport in FLL can be 45 with traffic with heavy traffic.  The commute to Port Canaveral  from MCO is 40 minute and an easy drive with usually no traffic tie ups.  MCO also is a ticket to the world.  All that drive to a cruise generally hate driving to Port everglades and Miami, traffic is a nightmare after Palm Beach Gardens.  Many may not know that Port Canaveral is the worlds busiest port.  The port now has NCL, Disney, Carnival, Royal, Princess, and MSC. Celebrity needed a presents.to remain competitive. 

3 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Port Canaveral is the world's busiest cruise port? Really?

Yup, happened this year. Port Canaveral now has MSC, Disney, Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity as of December 2024, and NCL. In addition, to military, and cargo ships. The article posted was screen shoot from a publication. 

if you have not sailed out of the port, it is an easy port to get to and very efficient boarding process.  It is also serviced by three airports, MLB 30 minutes away and MCO and Sanford 40 minutes away. The port area is clean and safe area. Accommodation  are available at Cape Canaveral  and Cocoa  Beach.  This area is also home to Canaveral Space Force Station and Patrick Space Force Station. 

2 minutes ago, fvandewouwer said:

I thank you both for your reply especially Mick B for this amazing explanation

luckily we only need a one way transportation to Jersey as we do a TA from there 😀

I am trying to figure out what a taxi will charge and I found the website Carmel ( Taxi / Limmo service )

If I calculate the price from somewhere around the Empire State building to the cruise terminal for 2 people and 3 x luggage ( 2 big and one small ) I get 52 dollars which is not that bad

but I see the toll is not incuded so I wonder : how much do I need to add for toll

tried to find it but it is not clear to me.

Could you give me an idea about what to add ( toll and tip )

 

thanks again

all the best from Belgium

 

I would definitely investigate, this sound way to low!  That what the fare was when I traveled often from Newark to city in the 80’s.

4 hours ago, fvandewouwer said:

A very good day, We are cruising out Cape Liberty, New Jersey Cruise Terminal next year in April ( RCI )

and need transportation from Manhattan ( not sure yet which hotel )

I read somewhere that RCI provides a bus service to the cruise terminal from Times Square but I cannot find anything on the website of Royal so before I call them is there anyone who has used this service ?   if not

what is the best way to get from Manhattan to the New Jersey Cruise Terminal it seems that a taxi is very expensive and there is no public transportation we can use. ( I checked google )

thanks for your tips and ideas

have a great time

You might want to consider staying in Jersey City and taking the train into the city..  Another alternative, hire a car service.  This will also not be inexpensive.  RCI might offer transportation closer to sailing.  

Check the new Brightline high speed rail from Orlando

10 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

Don't let the negativity this board creates disillusion a year in advance. It's unfortunate that some people decide their expensive trips are terrible before they leave the house. Go, try it, if it's not for you, then move on. There are a few people who are hellbent in making sure everyone who will listen shares their misery. Celebrity has definitely made some blunders and questionable decisions lately, but these are topics that surface on every single board on this site. The grass isn't always greener. 

In analyzing all they have done, in my opinion and others I have spoken to, it appears they are trying to appeal to a younger crowd.  Look at Coco Cay and its attractions, and the short cruises on the Byond.

2 hours ago, Rustyman said:

If the tactic is to move customers from the MDR to the buffet then I’m sure people will vote with their feet and leave Celebrity. One of the joys of cruising is the evening meal in the dining room chatting to new friends over an enjoyable meal, Celebrity are taking this experience away, or at least ruining it, so even though the rest of the cruise may be good, the absence of the evening in the MDR is enough to move many to other lines or land based holidays.

The buffet food is good but it is essentially fast food, the dining area lacking in ambience..

I also think the OVC is a good area to pick up infections due to people using the same serving utensils. I avoid it at cost plus often hard to find a table.

Has anyone in Aqua just walk in to main dining room on embarkation day? Curious!

6 minutes ago, LauraS said:

Just an FYI that you absolutely CAN post a link to a tour operator's Facebook presence....it is only ROLL CALLS on FB that cannot be posted.

 

That said, I've personally taken Heidi's full day tour and I'll tell you it was a very long day!  I know (from following her on FB) that she has just lost her beloved pup Buddy, who traveled with her on every single tour so she may be delayed in responding.

Is Heidi’s tour good or would you suggest someone else?

19 minutes ago, outbackpaul said:

 

Yeah. Can't put the link here.

 

 

I sent first two request from AOL, I have just sent 3rd from gmail.  Hopefully I will get a reply.

1 minute ago, outbackpaul said:

 

I've always gotten a response the next morning. If it's been a couple of days.. try her Facebook page and message her there.

Facebook page under Bermuda byway tours?  Thanks for the info!

Are their taxis readily available at caves for return to ship?  What is approximate cost?  How difficult are the 80+ steps, are they places to stop and rest when climbing back up? 

On 4/30/2023 at 12:32 PM, outbackpaul said:

https://www.bermudabyways.com/

I have sent two emails with no response for next May.  Any advice on how to reach Heidi?

On 4/27/2023 at 7:53 AM, sebas030 said:

yes you can choose.

 

There was a topic on this bord about blue flag taxis in the past.

 

I used them 3 times with reservation for a specific driver because of this bord.

 

It is a great way to tour the island and they do customize the tour at your demand. In example we wanted to go up the Gibbs Hill lighthouse, he waited for us at the bottom and even took pictures of us at the top that he texted me after. You can choose where not to go and the drop off location.

 

 

Who was your driver?

On 3/29/2023 at 7:19 PM, OnTheJourney said:

Bermuda Byways Tours. However, they're fully booked for the day we're there - only takes a max of 10 people. 

I have sent two emails to Bermuda Byways and have no replies.  Is better to call ?  Also, what email did you use?

Does the Excursion with dedicated ferry run back and forth continuously from ship to Hamilton and from Hamilton to ship, or do you have a specific time to go to Hamilton and a specific time to return to ship? 

I call CC in advance of our May because my husband drinks one or two drinks per cruise and I like some of the selections of the premium package.  I was told NO but you can probably do it on board.  Tried the first day onboard, no soap!  I repeatedly mention to maître d’ and sommelier about the policy.  No luck!  I can live with the classic.  I only drink wine and on our NYE cruise, where I had premium, I am not sure if the wine was premium as I never recognized the label.  

14 hours ago, njhorseman said:

When you book Uber or Lyft, or if booking a car service, and even if you take a taxi, be sure to use the correct name of the cruise port, Cape Liberty. There's an area of Jersey City named Port Liberte, which happens to have a ferry terminal. You don't want to be taken there by mistake.

Thank you

Booked Westin in Jersey City for our May Bermuda cruise.  Looking for recommendations for transportation to Port Liberty?

19 minutes ago, GTJ said:

It really depends on what you want in a hotel, for each area is distinct. Many of the hotels in Jersey City are in a redeveloped urban core along or near the waterfront. It is ideal for people who like to be able to get out of their hotel room and walk around, being on the water, finding a nice restaurant, wandering into some stores. This area is most accessible to Manhattan, with good public transportation via PATH subway and buses. The hotels near the airport (some of which are actually within the corporate limits of Elizabeth) are in the middle of a tangle of expressways and the turnpike, outright hostile to walking. They usually have complimentary transportation to and from the airport, and are good if all that one seeks is a comfortable night's rest without ever leaving the hotel. Transportation to Manhattan can be cumbersome and expensive, often involving two-steps (hotel to airport, then airport to Manhattan). The hotels in Elizabeth are clustered around an outlet mall. Like the airport hotels there is little charm here, but at least one can leave the hotel and walk someplace, even if only to the outlet mall across its huge parking lot. The retail and restaurants are as bland as can be. There is transportation to and from Manhattan, by comfortable express bus service, but its schedule is rather limited.

 

My preference is Jersey City, for it best reflects my values. Whether it reflects your values or not I cannot say.

I have chosen the Westin in Jersey City

1 hour ago, Got2Cruise said:

Great. It’s the location that’s the most important over there. Enjoy! 

Thanks to all for the info, greatly appreciated!  

4 hours ago, Got2Cruise said:

I would stay at the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson. 

I have currently decided on the Westin over the Hyatt Regency.  There are many negative reviews in the past month on the Hyatt Regency.