old fool

Just a suggestion;

There will be a "zillion" taxis waiting when you arrive in port in NYC -- no problem. The meter fare should be about $40 plus tip. Travel time usually 30 - 40 minutes

One caveat -- agree before getting in the taxi that they will take you "on the meter" and not just a flat fare (which usually ends up being $75 or whatever they think they can get)

Bottom line?.....

I think we should just blow off FCDs since it never seems to be offered without buying a fare that exceeds the amount of the OBC given?

Would this be an accurate statement?

Thanks,

On 7/17/2023 at 10:08 AM, NYCSev20 said:

I second Tony.  A quick idea is to take an Uber to the South Ferry and a trip on the Statan Island Ferry and back, always great views.  I haven't taken friends on this in a while but you used to be able to stay on in Statan Island and not have to pay for the return. There is a nice tree at the NY Stock Exchange on Wall Street that a lot of people don't see.  From South Ferry take the number 1 subway up to Penn Station. From there it is not too much of a walk to Hearld Square (Macy's), Times Square, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Sak's and St. Patrick's Cathedral.  After that head down to see Grand Central then on the 4 or 5 subway back down to the South Ferry (Bowling Green stop) and another Uber back to Brooklyn. Not sure what the Ubers would be but could probably do all that for less than $75.

I couldn't agree more with this. Forget the expensive car thing.....

You could avoid the Uber ride and take the small ferry from Red Hook to Wall St. leaves less than 200 yards from where you exit the cruise terminal!!! Just show up there, it runs frequently, and enjoy the great view of the city from the water for less than $4 each way.

A different follow on question.......

In November of 2022 we did the 12 day Caribbean trip and were unhappy with some of the negative changes that we found from earlier years:

 The selection of available foods in both the Britannia Restaurant and Kings Court was VERY much decreased. Somebody in headquarters seemed to have slashed the grocery bill.

Have things gone back to the "good old days" or have we entered a new era?

PS Are senior officer parties gone too????

12 hours ago, 0493669935 said:

cunardonboardservices@cunard.com  Perhaps you could let us know the outcome?

 

For transparency purposes, I believe the Spa should have a list of charges regarding the Aqua Therapy pass that you can actually see.

I will let everyone know when I hear (or if I hear?) from Cunard. 

18 minutes ago, 0493669935 said:

I sailed on the 21st July sailing NYC - SOU.

 

Prior to sailing I emailed onboard services and was quoted $99 for the 7 night sailing, but this could only be reserved whilst onboard.

 

On embarkation day the spa manager stated that the rate was $179 for the week. I was asked to produce the email and the $99 was honored somewhat reluctantly.

 

I agree there is some confusion as to what is being quoted by the Aqua Therapy Center. 

I'll email them. What is the address?

Thanks,

I seem to be getting conflicting information????

I spoke with "Cunard" they seemed to be a bit confused but did eventually came up with "$105 for 6 days use of the Aqua Therapy Center on a TA. 

Anyone have first hand knowledge about this?

The spa???

Does the "full voyage" spa fee for the TAs still exist? If so, how much?

The web site now only talks about $35 for 2 hours...........

TO:

Anyone who has used BloomLabs.co (in person, midtown Manhattan)??

Appointment needed?

Could they supply a hard copy of the results?

Any other comments will be welcome?

On 2/18/2022 at 7:41 AM, Landrewm said:

I used the coronavirus.health.ny.gov website and picked the clinic closest to my hotel. I hope this helps 

Please share what location you used and how the process worked as well as charges if any.

Thank you,

Just now, Kristal Blade said:

Hi again Old Fool,

I’m from U.K. we have a system here called National Insurance. A set amount is deducted from your salary to cover the cost of our National Health Service. So I don’t need or have health insurance.

 

I will have holiday insurance but that won’t cover a Covid test.

 

But… I’m ok to pay $75. And many thanks again for your very useful info. 

In actual practice, it's more a case of if you have insurance they submit it, if not it ends up being free. 

On 3/11/2022 at 2:02 AM, Kristal Blade said:

Thanks Old Fool,

unfortunately I overnight on a Saturday before my Sunday departure. I will be in Denver before that, maybe I should try to test there. 
 

Fingers crossed testing is dropped sooner rather than later!

This web site has locations all over NYC, searchable by zip code: 

Many locations are listed as "free" Many more if you filter for "all locations". Testing at even the so called "pay for" sites should be free ( for example Same Day Testing has numerous locations / web site: https://rapidtestingnyandct.com/ ) -- if you have health insurance and usually $50-$75 if you choose to self pay.

Again, it doesn't matter if you are a citizen of the US.  Many sites listed are open 7 days and some even 24 hours / day (e.g. 24 Hour Doc)

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

A bit more information on Covid testing in NYC. You do not have to be a resident of New York or a citizen of the US.

I very much welcome comments from anyone who has tested for Covid in NYC before boarding their cruise. RE: Testing where, when, how much, etc.

For what it's worth -- information I have but not made use of yet. Call the NYC Dept. of Health at 1-(855) 491-2667 or email www.nyc.gov/health/covidexpress for an appointment up to 2 days before you want the test. Lots of testing locations around NYC including Manhattan. It's a rapid test - results back in 24 hours but usually the same day the test was done. Testing is free but ONLY Monday through Friday.

On 11/14/2019 at 9:44 AM, MarkBearSF said:

We've had great luck with Blackberry. Less costly than Smith's and they've done well for us.
https://www.blackberrycars.com

 

Yes, we second that advice. Fast, reasonable price, door to door very good service.

We love the November / December TAs. That being said, we have had crossings that were as flat as a mill pond, but also crossings with 112 MPH wind across the decks and 38 foot seas!! The vast majority of crossings are toward the calmer side of this weather and seas spectrum.

If you are very concerned  and susceptable to motion sickness, the most stable location on the ship is low and in the middle of the ship. The grills being high and at the bow and stern end up being by far the roughest location. Maybe consider saving your money and ride down low with the rest of us in "steerage" and feel less motion???

I can't ever remember the terminology (credit / deposit, etc.) so I'll just give an example;

We give Cunard $300 each, while on board, then much later when we book the next TA we each get $150 OBC in a balcony --- most of the time??? If we book close to sailing and / or some cheap fare we are not given any OBC. The same goes for some OBC given by Cunard -- maybe yes, maybe no.

I have no clue on when or how this happens.We always do get the shareholder OBC of $100 per cabin though??

If anyone out there understands this please let me in on it....................

Yes, Every voyage we always put down 2-4 $300 deposits for the OBC which they generate. In the US, I thought it was $150 OBC for 7 days or less and $250 for 8 days or more?? ....good for 4 years and you can get the money back if you don't use it. I seem to remember that with a few discounted fares we were not able to make use of the deposit. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on that.

We always have booked using a US travel agent, but would like to know advantages if any to using the on board booking office.

We have always been given the seating time we want simply by speaking with the maitre 'd when boarding. It should not be a problem.

On 4/2/2019 at 3:25 AM, Summergee said:

It used to be possible for men to hire a dinner suit on board. I'm not sure that still applies. Many ladies wear smart black trousers and a sparkly top on formal nights and I have never seen them being turned away from the restaurant. 

Yes, i think it's about $150 for rent the whole kit for men's formal wear once you are on board.

Stay put -- Deck 5 mid ship is great --- in rough weather you will be VERY glad you did.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

Please refresh me as to the time of the evening performances in the Royal Court theater -- specifically on a transatlantic voyage.

I love the Old Pretender beer while on the QM2 but  never seem to find it while in London??? Any specific locations for sale in London would be most appreciated???l (A exhaustive Google search has provided nothing?)

Thanks