Time in US Between Cruises

[Gilpet]

I know this is a very "open" question but I'm hoping for suggestions for places to visit. We're planning to sail on Quantum from Southampton to New York next November and returning on QM2 eight days later (Cunard wouldn't be my cruise of choice but I don't fly and there is no other choice for ships coming back in this direction at that time of year).

 

We want to visit Niagara for a couple of days and obviously a couple of days in New York but can anybody make any suggestions for other places we could/should visit on our first trip to the US. We have e-mailed Amtrak and they can arrange it all for us but they need to know where we want to go lol. Yes we could look at a map and pick places randomly but I was hoping that some of you CC'ers could come up with some ideas for us.

 

I know this is difficult because of personal preferences - I suppose the most important thing to say is that we're not museum/art gallery type people.

 

Somebody will probably tell me I have posted this on the wrong board but the RCI boards are the most helpful on CC and we will be sailing on Quantum so I thought it was valid :)

 

Thanks

 

Gill

[PattyG12]

Hi Gill ... You could easily spend the rest of that time in NY. If you want to travel a bit farther, you could take the train up to Boston or down to Philly. Both of these places would give you another couple days. While in NY try to take in a broadway show. Another day could be the boat out to Ellis Island to see the statue of Liberty.

[xxHadleyxx]

You only have 8 total days to work with, right?

 

2 in NYC

 

2 in Niagra Falls area

 

that leaves 4. On the train, you'll spend the better part of a day going to Niagra, in each direction.

 

So, not a whole lot of time left.

 

What I would do is loop NYC-->Niagra area-->Boston-->NYC

 

Boston is a beautiful city with many things to do for all interests and fairly different from NYC, to add some variety in for you.

[Gilpet]

Thanks guys :) - I'm off to google Boston

 

Gill

[cruiseguy1016]

A lot depends on how busy you want to be. Do you want to go, go, go every day or would you like to relax a little? Most people hear "New York" and they think of New York City. New York State is so much more than New York City. The Catskills, the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes region are a few examples. New York City is steel and concrete. A lot of the rest of New York State is beautiful mountains, lakes and breathtaking vistas. November is not the best time of year to see it all because the trees will be bare and will not look as good as during the summer and fall. You could spend a month in New York State and not see all it has to offer.

 

Okay, off my New York State sales pitch. You will love the Niagara Falls area. Spend some time on both the U.S. side and the Canadian side. Do a little research on the area and you'll find a variety of things to do on both sides of the border. I agree with the others that also recommend Boston. There's a lot of things to see and do there also and it will give you a feel of another aspect of U.S. culture.

[ahecht]

The Accela Express train to Boston is what passes for a high speed train in the US (although it's way slower than what you have in Europe), so that shouldn't be a problem. I always recommend that first-time visitors to Boston do a Duck Tour, which is always entertaining and a great way to get an overview of the city. If you want a great New England lobster roll, James Hook & Company is right next to Union Station (where your train will most likely arrive) and makes one of the best in the area.

 

The train to Niagara Falls will be a different story. Those tracks are mostly used by freight trains and they have right-of-way over Amtrak. As a result, the trains are often hours late. Also be aware that the trains from New York to Niagara Falls do not allow you to check luggage, and carry-on space is limited.

 

That said, Niagara Falls is wonderful, especially the Canadian side.

[Gilpet]

Lol Ken, you're absolutely right - in my ignorance I was thinking of New York as a city instead of a state so that will require much more research on my part :)

 

Ahecht, I had seen that there was no checked luggage which is a bit of a problem with two cruises to pack for :eek:. I'm not sure what we'll be able to do about that unless the hotel we use in New York will allow us to store the bulk of our luggage there but I doubt if they will for security reasons. Would it be too silly to ask what a "Duck Tour" is?

 

Gill

[Toddcan]

Being from Niagara, I have to say that you should most certainly visit the Falls.

 

It's about a 6.5 hour drive from NYC to Niagara Falls.

 

But, if you come (the Falls really are amazing - gotta see it in your lifetime!), make sure you have your passport, and go to the Canadian side. There is a Niagara Falls NY, and a Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada. The Canadian side is much prettier and scenic. The US side is very industrial.

 

You can easily spend 4 full days in the area. I would suggest visting the following:

 

1. The Falls

2. Niagara-on-the-Lake (small town near Niagara Falls which is very much reminiscent of an old English town)

3. Vineyard tour (this is wine country)

4. Casinos if you are into that

5. The city of Niagara Falls has a touristy area called Clifton Hill. Lots of stuff to see and do- mostly touristy stuff.

6. Do the Maid of the Mist boat tour - OR the "Journey behind the Falls" (or both!). each of these tours gets you right up to (or behind) the falls itself - quite spectacular! Google them.

[xxHadleyxx]

The Duck Tours are a tour of the city on a vehicle that can go on land and in the water--so you do in the river and on the streets. The guides are generally very fun and energetic, each with a self create wacky persona, and the tours can be a lot of fun and a good way to get a feel for the city.

 

http://www.bostonducktours.com/

 

and, yes New York State is very large. Boston is much closer to NYC than Niagra Falls.

Edited November 11, 2013 by NHDisneylover

[Sky616]

While in Niagara Falls head over to Toronto for a day or two. Very nice city, a little chilly in November but not too bad.

[Toddcan]

While in Niagara Falls head over to Toronto for a day or two. Very nice city, a little chilly in November but not too bad.

 

I would NOT recommend Toronto. It's very frustrating with traffic problems, and it's just a "big city". Unless you want the Theatre experience, but they will have that opportunity in NYC much more than Toronto. IMO, driving from NYC to visit Toronto is like driving from Mexico City to San Diego to grab a Taco.

[Travel R]

What are your interests - do you enjoy sports, shows, music, history, food, nature, etc.?

 

If we know a little more about your likes, it may help me/us narrow down some suggestions for you.

[boulders]

I would NOT recommend Toronto. It's very frustrating with traffic problems, and it's just a "big city". Unless you want the Theatre experience, but they will have that opportunity in NYC much more than Toronto. IMO, driving from NYC to visit Toronto is like driving from Mexico City to San Diego to grab a Taco.

 

Toronto's traffic issues are nothing compared to Boston's or NYC's. And it's more interesting and lots more to do than Boston.

 

There are certainly nice rural places to stay between NYC and Niagara Falls. But it will be chilly at that time of the year and the leaves will be mostly gone. I would recommend renting a car and driving to Niagara Falls rather than taking a train. It makes it easier to cross the border. The real panorama of the falls is on the Canadian side. Most of the hotels are there too.

 

I'd recommend trip advisor for your research.

[Toddcan]

Toronto's traffic issues are nothing compared to Boston's or NYC's. And it's more interesting and lots more to do than Boston.

 

Maybe it's because I've lived within 45 min drive of Toronto for 50 years, but I would not ever suggest Toronto is more interesting than Boston - especially in November! Mind you, I never suggested Boston - I just find it silly to suggest visiting Toronto if they will already be in NYC. But, maybe with the recent Rob Ford issues - might be worth a visit :D

 

Waterfront: all condos now

Young St: uh.. really?

Sports teams - lol

Theatre... compare to NYC, please

Not sure where Toronto > NYC

Gardiner, and DVP - parking lots

 

As you can tell - not a fan of the big TO. :)

[xxHadleyxx]

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

 

I happen to love Toronto (and Boston).

 

I would not recommend Toronto for the OP given the limited time. Yes, it is close to Niagra, but it is that much further from NYC when Niagra is already pretty dang far in the time OP has.

 

And while I truly to enjoy Toronto and spent a fair number of weekends and a couple of weeks visiting, I, personally think it has much less of interest to offer the typical visitor than Boston.

[PattyG12]

hahaha how did this get into a conversation about "my city is better than yours" ... OP just wanted some ideas that they could visit during a ONE week trip and still see NYC and Niagara. Shoot, maybe they could "pop" out to LA too. Let's stay on topic please!

[Mouse's Shadow]

I don't know how you are traveling between, Niagara and NY, but the Finger Lake region is in between. There are about 5 State Parks in a 30 mile radius, with beautiful waterfalls, gorges and many vineyards. In Nov. the leaves will be off the trees. It is a beautiful area. If you have any interest in doing some hiking it would be a great place to go.

 

I'm going to assume that Amtrak goes east of Kentucky, but Mammoth Cave is in between Florida and NY. An amazing natural wonder. I'm not sure how viable these options are, but you certainly have time to find out, if they interest you.

[Gilpet]

Thank you all so much for all your wonderful suggestions :)......now I feel really guilty that we've decided to go for our other option for next year - shown by the addition of two countdown clocks to my signature. We are now going on Independence to Fort Lauderdale (via the Caribbean), taking a train to New York and Queen Mary back to the UK. We'll spend one day in Fort Lauderdale, 26 hours on the train :eek: and 2 days in New York. I've copied and pasted all of your replies because Niagara is somewhere we do want to visit but it will now probably be 2015.

 

Thanks again for all your help

 

Gill

[jcl410]

... We are now going on Independence to Fort Lauderdale (via the Caribbean), taking a train to New York and Queen Mary back to the UK. We'll spend one day in Fort Lauderdale, 26 hours on the train :eek: and 2 days in New York. ...

Gill

 

 

Gil -

 

I strongly suggest you book a private room for your trip on the Silver Meteor (That's the name of the train you will be on.) The price of the room also includes all meals in the dining car.

 

This route also has checked luggage service. So, you'll just need a carry on while on board.

 

There will be porters in New York to help you from baggage claim to the taxi queue.

 

Aloha,

 

John

[Gilpet]

Thanks John. we're planning to book a couchette - I couldn't believe it when I saw it included meals lol.

 

Gill

[Jimnbigd]

Radio City Music Hall in New York City might be doing their Christmas program. They start around mid-November.

[Mystaken]

Hope you consider a stop in Washington, DC in your travels! Easily accessible by Amtrak. Lots of free things to explore!

[Tiggertastic]

We took amtrak and did New York and Washington DC - absolutely loved DC - so much to see and so much to do and all free 0 I think it was 3 hours and had free wifi onboard

 

We also did Boston and did the heritage trail

 

I remember the amtrak between DC and NYC was only $90 for both of us and ask for a red cap who will take you and your luggage into the train before they open general boarding - we were whisked on a golf buggy and they work for tips only so we were happy to give him $15

[BillOh]

I know this is a very "open" question but I'm hoping for suggestions for places to visit. We're planning to sail on Quantum from Southampton to New York next November and returning on QM2 eight days later (Cunard wouldn't be my cruise of choice but I don't fly and there is no other choice for ships coming back in this direction at that time of year).

 

We want to visit Niagara for a couple of days and obviously a couple of days in New York but can anybody make any suggestions for other places we could/should visit on our first trip to the US. We have e-mailed Amtrak and they can arrange it all for us but they need to know where we want to go lol. Yes we could look at a map and pick places randomly but I was hoping that some of you CC'ers could come up with some ideas for us.

 

I know this is difficult because of personal preferences - I suppose the most important thing to say is that we're not museum/art gallery type people.

 

Somebody will probably tell me I have posted this on the wrong board but the RCI boards are the most helpful on CC and we will be sailing on Quantum so I thought it was valid :)

 

Thanks

 

Gill

 

Niagara is at least 350 miles from NYC and a place I prefer in the summer months!

[negc]

The Accela Express train to Boston is what passes for a high speed train in the US (although it's way slower than what you have in Europe), so that shouldn't be a problem. I always recommend that first-time visitors to Boston do a Duck Tour, which is always entertaining and a great way to get an overview of the city. If you want a great New England lobster roll, James Hook & Company is right next to Union Station (where your train will most likely arrive) and makes one of the best in the area.

 

The train to Niagara Falls will be a different story. Those tracks are mostly used by freight trains and they have right-of-way over Amtrak. As a result, the trains are often hours late. Also be aware that the trains from New York to Niagara Falls do not allow you to check luggage, and carry-on space is limited.

 

That said, Niagara Falls is wonderful, especially the Canadian side.

 

The Amtrak station in Boston is South Station, not Union, and James Hook is a short walk but not right next to it. Duck tour is an excellent suggestion but Boston is also a very walkable city so places like Quincy Market, the Italian North End, and the Freedom Trail are easily doable for anyone who is not limited by mobility issues.

Washington DC is also a good suggestion especially accessible by Acela trains out of NYC, but you could easily spend a couple of days sightseeing in NYC itself before heading off elsewhere. Hotels in any of the three cities mentioned can be quite high so check with the major chains to see if any are offering special bargains, or check out Priceline if you aren't specifically tied to a particular hotel brand.