Flying to NY / Cruising on Sunshine

[MissyAnn0529]

I thought I already posted this but now I can't find it -- so please forgive me if I did!

 

My husband and I are stepping out of our comfort zone (Galveston) and leaving from New York on the Sunshine on September 2nd. I need to get our hotel/flight booked but I'm slightly overwhelmed. We will stay at a Marriott brand hotel (reward points) and there are some by each airport so I think I can figure that out. I just don't know which airport would be closest to things we would like to do in NY before the cruise. We will either get to NY on Thursday evening or Friday early. I know time won't allow us to see everything but I would like to try and catch a couple things off our bucket list. Can anyone familiar with the area give me some advice on where to fly in and what sites we should try and squeeze in?

• 9/11 Memorial
  
• Central Park
  
• Yankee/Red Sox Game
  
• Time Square
  

Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated!

 

Thanks!!!

Melissa

[pe4all]

The first thing I will tell you is to stay away from flying into LaGuardia airport. Use Kennedy. LGA is under construction, and there are sometimes miles of cars and 2 hour delays just getting INTO the airport. I would use my points and stay at a Marriot or Marriot-branded place in/near Times Square. (Marriot, Courtyard, Fairfield, Springhill, Residence Inns, etc.) If you want to see a Yankee game you can grab a subway there. Otherwise, it is pretty easy to get around Manhattan - bring good walking shoes!

[nybumpkin]

None of the airports are close to what you have in mind, so I second pe4all's recommendation of finding a hotel in Manhattan. Central Park and Times Square are easy to do in a day, as they're both Midtown. The 9/11 Memorial is easily accessed from Midtown by public transportation, but if you want to see the museum in addition to the memorial you may want to consider getting advance tickets. Information is here: https://www.911memorial.org/visit-museum-1.

[mjkd]

If you can fly into JFK. First of all LGA is undergoing a multi billion $$ repair project and is a mess, Second JFK has the AIR TRAIN. Air train goes from the airport to Jamaica Station for a flat fee of $5 Then you can get a subway (2.75)? or LIRR if staying near penn station. Taxi's have a flat fee into the city(manhattan) i think it may be $52.00 plus tolls. It appears that the Marriot has a few hotel choices in midtown Manhattan (yes they are very expensive) but you will save money on further travel. Whatever pier you are leaving from subtract 40 from the pier # and that is the street that the pier is on. IE.. pier 90 is on West 50th St.(12th ave & w 50th st) weather permitting it is an easy walk for two adults. If traveling with babies or old folks a taxi may be in order. As far as a Yankee red sox game if you don't have tix don't bother and DON'T wear EMENY clothes into hostile territory, although I am not one, Yankee Fans can be tuff on others. The subway from Midtown will take any where you need to go, fast, cheap, and a NY adventure. If you have time the #1 train runs on the west side of Manhattan and the last stop is south ferry where you can walk around battery park and also take a free ride on the Staten Island ferry. Great views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the distance. Any other local knowledge I can provide just ask and I will try my best to give you the helpful advise.

[Cruising Photographer]

You can easily spend 3-4 hours in the 9-11 memorial museum. It is quite overwhelming. I wouldn't try to see that before getting onboard your cruise. Central park is quite enjoyable and not too far from the cruise ship port. You can walk around there for a few hours in the morning before you board the ship.

[mumofsons]

Hello here is my two cents for what they are worth.

You will love going out of Manhattan. DH and I did it last year. We flew into Newark - it is actually closer to Manhattan than JFK or LaGuardia.

We decided to spend a few days there before we got on the cruise - We stayed right in Times square at a Hampton inn but any hotel in the area would be fine.

If you plan to do the Statue of Liberty - we reserved our time to go up to the crown - awesome! You have to book it three months in advance but I think it was only $25 per person - well worth it.

We also booked the private tour of the 911 memorial - I think it is at 8am and happens before the memorial opens - it is quite sad but I think everyone should do it - if you do the guided tour you get so much background info and then have time to do the side exhibits by yourself. I highly recommend spending the extra to do this - I just googled it and got the tickets online.

We also did the VIp tour of the Empire State building - which gave us access to the higher floors which again was really cool. We also did a pass on the hop on hop offs - fun and the weather the week we were there was fantastic. One more thing we did was a night tour on the rivers - skyline at night was fantastic.

We are not foodies so I can't recommend anything.

You can also try and get tickets for the Tonight Show or Late Show - google it we had tickets for the monologue the Tonight Show.

Groupon is also good for different things - enjoy yourselves - prepare to do alot of walking!!;p

[mjkd]

Mumofsons

 

Some great points. Sometimes being so close to the target you (I) lose sight of the center. Yes Newark is a good option, so is getting a hotel in NJ save ton of $$$$ but sight seeing can be a little more difficult on a tight schedule. The entire NYC metro area has a vast public transportation network, don't be afraid just ask. I am going out on a limb saying this but most NYers will be glad to help a visitor if you ask. Most of the transit system have apps that you can down load prior to your visit and preplan your trip. Also the Highline is a nice thing for visitors, it free, great vistas and an easy way to walk around manhattan.

[melissa81]

As a New Yorker, who volunteered at Ground Zero after 9/11 as an EMT, I would highly recommend going to the 9/11 memorial museum. I have been twice now, and I truly believe that everyone should visit this place. It is sad, it is hard, and it is truly hallowed ground, as it is built over the site of the original towers. It is truly an amazing tribute to everyone who lost their lives on that fateful day, as well as those who survived, and volunteered. With that being said, the first time I went, I went alone. As a responder, I needed to take it in by myself. I was there for 6 hours. It is very easy to spend 4 plus hours, if you take your time, read all of the information and plaques, watch the videos etc. the second time I went, I brought family from out of town, and we were there for about 4 hours. I still feel like I haven't seen everything, and need to go back. I would recommend hitting time square at night. And as others suggested, I would stay in manhattan as opposed to near one of the airports, as they are in the other Burroughs and it's not as easily accessible to manhattan. If price is not a problem, that is your best bet to see as much as possible. On another note, I'm sailing on the August 12 sunshine out of NY, this will be my first time sailing from New York, and I'm super excited! If you have any other questions, please ask, I don't know a ton about the airports, since I live here, I don't fly into the to go into manhattan, I take a simple train ride! But as far as sightseeing, I'm close to an expert! Haha. I've been known to take the train into the city by myself randomly and just wonder around and see what going on!

 

 

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[Jerseygirl1416]

The most important information you were given above was DO NOT FLY INTO LGA.

I'd fly into EWR and stay in Midtown. You can do Central Park, Times Square and the 911 Memorial in one day easily.

[Crusin Karen]

Ah, those beautiful twin towers....I used to be able to see them on a clear day from my back yard. And I saw and smelled the smoke for days....lost a few friends and a bunch of people from our and neighboring towns. We have a "park and ride" in our town for people who work in Manhattan. Saddest thing was seeing all those unclaimed cars that night. I have been to the city many times since, but just can't make myself go to the memorial. Someday I will. And DH and DS'es were there for days "helping" as cops and EMT's.

You will have a wonderful, memorable time in the city that never sleeps! Beware that going to the Stadium is going to cost you big bucks! And as another poster warned, be careful what you wear. If you are a BoSox fan,:evilsmile: leave your stuff at home and keep your lips zipped!!! Don't forget to buy a hot dog and hot pretzel from a vendor~ ENJOY and have a great cruise too. Duck going under the bridge!!! ;p

[jimbo5544]

Ah, those beautiful twin towers....I used to be able to see them on a clear day from my back yard. And I saw and smelled the smoke for days....lost a few friends and a bunch of people from our and neighboring towns. We have a "park and ride" in our town for people who work in Manhattan. Saddest thing was seeing all those unclaimed cars that night. I have been to the city many times since, but just can't make myself go to the memorial. Someday I will. And DH and DS'es were there for days "helping" as cops and EMT's.

You will have a wonderful, memorable time in the city that never sleeps! Beware that going to the Stadium is going to cost you big bucks! And as another poster warned, be careful what you wear. If you are a BoSox fan,:evilsmile: leave your stuff at home and keep your lips zipped!!! Don't forget to buy a hot dog and hot pretzel from a vendor~ ENJOY and have a great cruise too. Duck going under the bridge!!! ;p

 

 

Nice post. Our daughter worked in Tower One and thankfully was going in late that day....Yo really should go see the memorial and museum, they did it right. Op, sailing out of New York is an experience not to be missed. Make sure your camera is ready for some of the best sail away pics that can be had. As Karen says, duck when you go under the VN bridge on the way out. Also, if you are a morning person, sailing back in at sunrise is spectacular.

 

 

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[Port of Tampa]

We are doing the same cruise with the Premier offer from the casino. Some new ports will be exciting. Unfortunately i did not know about LGA prior to making our arrangements but got a great deal on direct flights from Tampa and have until 3pm on Saturday for our return flight so even if there is insane traffic we will be ok. We arrive in NY Thursday night and are staying at the Hampton Inn Times Square South...is it walkable to the cruise port from there? We plan to spend all day Friday sight seeing and enjoying some great NY food.

 

Cheers and happy cruising.

[Crusin Karen]

Nice post. Our daughter worked in Tower One and thankfully was going in late that day....Yo really should go see the memorial and museum, they did it right. Op, sailing out of New York is an experience not to be missed. Make sure your camera is ready for some of the best sail away pics that can be had. As Karen says, duck when you go under the VN bridge on the way out. Also, if you are a morning person, sailing back in at sunrise is spectacular.

 

 

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Oh, thank God :halo: OP, don't forget Lady Liberty! She will be on starboard side as you sail out. I have seen her millions of times and she still brings a tear to my eye.

[LzyCruiser_NWA]

Crap I wished I saw this thread before I booked my flights for October into LGA.

 

It's too late to change it now but is it possible to make it to the ship given the flight lands at 10:30am?

[Bases5]

Crap I wished I saw this thread before I booked my flights for October into LGA.

 

It's too late to change it now but is it possible to make it to the ship given the flight lands at 10:30am?

 

Last Sept we did the same thing. our flight landed at about 10:15 at LGA

We hired a car service (Carmel) They were grest It was under $50 including tip.

We got to the ship at 12:15

We were very worried reading all the stories about LGA remodel but it worked out great for us.

YMMV There was ton's of construction so I see where it could be a hassle.

[Jerseygirl1416]

Crap I wished I saw this thread before I booked my flights for October into LGA.

 

It's too late to change it now but is it possible to make it to the ship given the flight lands at 10:30am?

 

I would contact your ground transportation company and ask them about the traffic issue and if your time frame is feasible. There were news reports last month of people including flight crews having to get out of cars on highways jammed with stopped traffic and having to walk over highway fences and up overpasses to try to make flights. They were calling on the Govenor's office to straighten the mess up but I don't know if they've handled it. I would definitely be proactive if I had a flight coming into LGA the same day as I cruised.

[nybumpkin]

Op, sailing out of New York is an experience not to be missed. Make sure your camera is ready for some of the best sail away pics that can be had. As Karen says, duck when you go under the VN bridge on the way out. Also, if you are a morning person, sailing back in at sunrise is spectacular.

We've sailed out of Manhattan seven times and never have tired of it. Both sides of the river. Once you pass the Statue of Liberty, look toward the East River and its bridges.

[nybumpkin]

The entire NYC metro area has a vast public transportation network, don't be afraid just ask. I am going out on a limb saying this but most NYers will be glad to help a visitor if you ask.

You're not going out on a limb at all! I'm a frequent visitor, not a local, but I've seen many instances of locals going up to people who look completely lost to ask where they're going and if they can help. A few years ago I was in Penn Station for the 7th Avenue train and saw a couple from Texas trying to get to the Statue of Liberty and puzzling over a map. I knew the fastest route would be to put them on a #2 or #3 train to Chambers Street and then switch to the #1 to South Ferry - but for people who don't know the subway it would be a lot easier to take some extra time (they had the time) and just get on the #1 and not have to switch trains.

 

Do be aware of your surroundings though. As in any major city, NYC has its share of grifters.

[138east]

I thought I already posted this but now I can't find it -- so please forgive me if I did!

 

My husband and I are stepping out of our comfort zone (Galveston) and leaving from New York on the Sunshine on September 2nd. I need to get our hotel/flight booked but I'm slightly overwhelmed. We will stay at a Marriott brand hotel (reward points) and there are some by each airport so I think I can figure that out. I just don't know which airport would be closest to things we would like to do in NY before the cruise. We will either get to NY on Thursday evening or Friday early. I know time won't allow us to see everything but I would like to try and catch a couple things off our bucket list. Can anyone familiar with the area give me some advice on where to fly in and what sites we should try and squeeze in?

• 9/11 Memorial
  
• Central Park
  
• Yankee/Red Sox Game
  
• Time Square
  

Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated!

 

Thanks!!!

Melissa

 

Don't make any non cancellable plans until you understand the costs of the hotel, time and cost of transportation in and out of the city, and flight costs.

 

Definitely consider Newark Airport. There are 5 Marriott properties at the airport and one in downtown Newark.

 

A Manhattan Marriott hotel would be great if you have enough points, but they are very expensive in points and might not be available. If you're staying in Manhattan, figure $40-50 from LGA (car service), $80-100 from JFK (taxi/car service) and $40-50(train/airport bus for 2 plus local cab) or $90-$110(car service) to get from the airport to your Manhattan hotel. There is also a train option from JFK.

 

If you don't have enough points for Manhattan, you should fly into Newark and consider the downtown Newark Courtyard which has an airport shuttle. A quick cab ride (don't know if the hotel will drop you off) to Newark Penn Station puts you at a major transportation hub with NJ Transit trains to New York Penn Station ($5.25/pp) and PATH trains to the World Trade Center ($2.75/pp).

 

My second choice would be the main Marriott or the Elizabeth Courtyard at the airport where you take the hotel shuttle to the P4 airtrain Station, the free Airtrain to the Newark Airport train station, and NJ transit to New York Penn Station ($13/pp.) or NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station and PATH to World Trade ($11.25/pp).

 

These are one way fares. To get to the cruiseport, both train and airport bus plus a cab would be an option as well,as a car service.

 

http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/Rail_System_Map.pdf

http://www.panynj.gov/path/maps-schedules.html

http://web.coachusa.com/coachusaassets/files/94/naerackcard.pdf

[George C]

I know LGA is closest airport but lots of people have been posting about long delays, I will be flying there and going to midtown end of May and will post how good/bad it was. Several Marriot's in midtown area which will put you walking distance to Times square and Central Park along with Rockerfeller center and many other things. I would get the Uber app and use Uber to get around NYC . Get tickets to World trade center museum before hand with tour , tour is about 1 hour and you will want another hour to walk around. Elevator to top of the WTC is really cool and about 30 dollars, there were no lines for that when we went ( lived in NYC when towers were being built and worked walking distance from there in wall St area.). Yankee game will take up several hours , subway will be best to go and get back for that. My brother is in NYC now and had a friend there last week will get any update to LGA and post

[markeb]

To the OP:

 

Flying in Thursday evening, (which is going to be rushed for what you want to do), Marriott properties in Midtown are 80-90,000 points for two nights (you can actually get the Marquis Marriott for 90,000 points, or a superior room for 90K to $100/night). Please price in cash first, though. The same hotel shows a non-refundable rate of $264/night or a member rate of $293/night. I might save my points for a time when nothing vaguely affordable is available (like London, for instance...).

 

If you've never travelled in NYC, I'm going to go (only a little) against the grain and say use a car service to get to and from your hotel. You can certainly use transit from JFK, but I suspect you'll feel like a stranger in a strange land.

 

If you do stay in Times Square, the major subway lines run through there, which makes a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park, and Yankee Stadium easier. The MTA web page has great trip planners, and as has been mentioned, New Yorkers will generally bend over backwards to help you find your way (other than possibly rush hour or stopped on Fifth Avenue taking family photos...). The Yankees game is probably a stretch goal given your time in the city.

 

If you do have points and plan to use them, book soon. If you book a refundable room, keep checking the price; they do fall, believe it or not.

 

Good luck!

[Got2Cruise]

Tickets to Yankee/Red Socks very hard to come by as individual tickets, and resell tix ridiculously expensive If you eliminate the Yankee game you should be able to accomplish the rest on your list.

 

 

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[138east]

Tickets to Yankee/Red Socks very hard to come by as individual tickets, and resell tix ridiculously expensive If you eliminate the Yankee game you should be able to accomplish the rest on your list.

 

 

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The Sep 1 game starts at 7:05, which means getting yourselves all the way to the Bronx by subway during the height of rush hour at the start of a holiday weekend. Wouldn't be my first choice of a fun thing to do with just 1 day in NYC. As Got2cruise said, concentrate on the other things on your list.

[Crusin Karen]

The Sep 1 game starts at 7:05, which means getting yourselves all the way to the Bronx by subway during the height of rush hour at the start of a holiday weekend. Wouldn't be my first choice of a fun thing to do with just 1 day in NYC. As Got2cruise said, concentrate on the other things on your list.

COMPLETELY agree with this! Buy some peanuts and cracker jacks and beer and order hot dogs from room service and watch the game in your room. :cool::cool:

[beachys]

When we sail out of Manhattan we like to stay at Marriott Marquis in Times Square. It's more costly, but right there amongst all the action and we can come and go from the hotel easily. Some of the group would need a break, the rest of us could keep going and not feel uncomfortable breaking up