Brooklyn cruise terminal to Liberty Cruise Terminal in December.

[yoj13]

Could anyone who is familiar with cruise terminals in New York/Jersey give any idea on the best method in transferring from Brooklyn CT to Cape Liberty. As it is 3 days before Xmas, I realise that things may well be described as hectic in this part of the World, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Clarea]

I would ask the NY area experts on the East Coast Departures forum:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=415

[Homosassa]

As someone who lived and worked in NYC, this question makes my head spin.

 

The most efficient way is to arrange for a car service. It will be expensive as you will be responsible for covering the tolls for the bridges or tunnels.

 

Allow one-three hours for the trip (dependent on the time of day and day of the week).

[138east]

You need to book a car service like Dial7 or Carmellimo to go between NY and NJ. These are both large fleets of livery cars that know how to get from the Brooklyn Cruiseport to Cape Liberty. There are several possible routes to do this and these car service companies are best equipped to pick the best route at that time. The routes vary from 15-30 miles and under optimal conditions take about 40 minutes to up to an hour.

 

They should quote you a base rate. In addition there will be tolls of up to $12 if the car has a NY ezpass, and possibly more if they charge you for the car to return to NYC. Expected tip is 18-20% of the base rate.

 

Do NOT take a NYC cab.

[Clarea]

... Allow one-three hours for the trip (dependent on the time of day and day of the week).

Wow!:eek:

[Homosassa]

Wow!:eek:

There is a reason that when you ask someone in NYC how far it is, the answer will be in time, not miles.

 

As 138east, says, "40 minutes to one hour under optimal conditions." However, the chances of optimal conditions are not something to be counted on.

[Baron Barracuda]

Direct route is Battery tunnel into lower Manhattan then Holland tunnel to NJ. Trouble is you're traveling on Friday 12/22, the last business day before Christmas. It's a gridlock alert day in Manhattan with lots of folks looking to get out of town early. Longer but less congested route is through Staten Island and over Bayonne Bridge. Under optimum conditions either way should take about an hour, but again this isn't a normal day.

 

Agree if you can't hitch a ride on santa's sleigh car service or uber is next best option. There are some good car services in Brooklyn that you can locate on web. They'll quote you a fixed price and drivers have access to real time traffic reports so they'll pick best route. If you're off ship at 9am should be at Port Liberty by 10:30 max.

[Brooklyn Boy]

One other thing to keep in mind Snow!!!. As a proud Brooklyn born native (still waiting for the Dodgers to return to where the universe meant them to be) I have to admit that snow removal is not our finest activity. In the midwest 4 inches of snow is a pain in the neck. In NY, 4 inches turns the roads into a parking lot.

[yoj13]

I am most grateful to everyone for the helpful comments and I am very sorry my question caused Homosassa's head to spin! I am coming in from the UK on the QM2 and when we initially booked the cruise, both ships were leaving from Brooklyn so no problem. However, things have changed and the Anthem now leaves from Cape Liberty, we have never sailed from Brooklyn or Cape Liberty, hence my request for assistance. Thanks again folks - very much appreciated.

[Homosassa]

LOL - my head started to spin because of the complex answer I could have given using cars, trains, buses, and boats. The car service is definitely the way to go.

 

And remember, the short direct route (through Manhattan) is not always the best way to go in terms of time. If your car service tells you the best way is through Staten Island to New Jersey, it is likely to be the truth for that day.

[Baron Barracuda]

I am most grateful to everyone for the helpful comments and I am very sorry my question caused Homosassa's head to spin! I am coming in from the UK on the QM2 and when we initially booked the cruise, both ships were leaving from Brooklyn so no problem. However, things have changed and the Anthem now leaves from Cape Liberty, we have never sailed from Brooklyn or Cape Liberty, hence my request for assistance. Thanks again folks - very much appreciated.

 

Anthem has always sailed from Cape Liberty, never Brooklyn. Someone gave you bad info.

[Capt_BJ]

when I arrived at Red Hook (Brook')

 

there was a line of taxi

 

and a line of 'hire cars' ... black SUV types that quoted a flat rate price for our destination. Pretty much the same thing another post recommend you pre-book.

 

I chose one of the black cars ....

 

We were headed to LaGuardia airport and the trip was fast, efficient, clean and comfortable and exactly the price we were quoted. I did add a tip. (remember that in the US, we tend to tip A LOT)

 

I'm not saying this was the least expensive option but it WAS 'flat rate' and there was no waiting for an UBER to show up (there was a long line of vehicles trying to get IN to the port area at RH as we drove out) and the car was MUCH nicer than a taxi. After the fact research says the price was lil more than a taxi .... maybe less. In a taxi you are on the meter .....

 

I went this route as our flight was a lil earlier than I would prefer under normal circumstances and have NO regrets.

 

There were BIG SIGNS in the terminal offering this service .....

 

**************

you'll want US$ to pay for this altho almost EVERYTHING in the US can accept a credit card today!

 

For the average cruse ship turn around you should have PLENTY of time. ANTHEM will probably be boarding until 3pm and I'm confident you'll be off QM2 by 11 giving you 4 hours for the trip. You could be in MIAMI in 4 hours!

 

*******************

editorial comment:

 

You're gonna go from QM2 to ANTHEM OTS ....... prepare for culture shock!!!!!

Edited August 1, 2017 by Capt_BJ

[lenquixote66]

Could anyone who is familiar with cruise terminals in New York/Jersey give any idea on the best method in transferring from Brooklyn CT to Cape Liberty. As it is 3 days before Xmas, I realise that things may well be described as hectic in this part of the World, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Find a reputable Car Service . There is virtually no other way of traveling .

[WestfieldTraveler]

I would even request an SUV if the weather forecast looks like snow. Even though all the major roads are usually kept clear you are likely to feel a lot safer traveling in one of those large things in bad weather.

[Jana]

One other thing to keep in mind Snow!!!. As a proud Brooklyn born native (still waiting for the Dodgers to return to where the universe meant them to be) I have to admit that snow removal is not our finest activity. In the midwest 4 inches of snow is a pain in the neck. In NY, 4 inches turns the roads into a parking lot.

 

I was born in Brooklyn but grew up in L.A.

 

I BLEED DODGER BLUE!!!

 

♥ ♥ ♥

.

[yoj13]

Anthem has always sailed from Cape Liberty, never Brooklyn. Someone gave you bad info.

 

Yes. it's not the only mis-information the TA gave us either but that's another story for another day.

[yoj13]

when I arrived at Red Hook (Brook')

 

there was a line of taxi

 

and a line of 'hire cars' ... black SUV types that quoted a flat rate price for our destination. Pretty much the same thing another post recommend you pre-book.

 

I chose one of the black cars ....

 

We were headed to LaGuardia airport and the trip was fast, efficient, clean and comfortable and exactly the price we were quoted. I did add a tip. (remember that in the US, we tend to tip A LOT)

 

I'm not saying this was the least expensive option but it WAS 'flat rate' and there was no waiting for an UBER to show up (there was a long line of vehicles trying to get IN to the port area at RH as we drove out) and the car was MUCH nicer than a taxi. After the fact research says the price was lil more than a taxi .... maybe less. In a taxi you are on the meter .....

 

I went this route as our flight was a lil earlier than I would prefer under normal circumstances and have NO regrets.

 

There were BIG SIGNS in the terminal offering this service .....

 

**************

you'll want US$ to pay for this altho almost EVERYTHING in the US can accept a credit card today!

 

For the average cruse ship turn around you should have PLENTY of time. ANTHEM will probably be boarding until 3pm and I'm confident you'll be off QM2 by 11 giving you 4 hours for the trip. You could be in MIAMI in 4 hours!

 

*******************

editorial comment:

 

You're gonna go from QM2 to ANTHEM OTS ....... prepare for culture shock!!!!!

 

The culture shock oh yes!. We are seasoned cruisers, but surprisingly have never tried Cunard even though it sails from Southampton, so is a train ride away rather than a plane ride for embarkation. Cunard always seemed to be top price so when the opportunity arose at a reasonable price we grabbed it with both hands. However, we have been on lots of RC ships so definitely know what to expect. The trip is Southampton to New York on Cunard for 7 nights. 7 nights on Anthem, 4 nights in New York (including NYE) then Cunard back to Southampton for another 7 nights.

[Homosassa]

If you like the ballet, try and purchase tickets for the New York City Ballet's production of George Balanchine's Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. It is a world class company and the Nutcracker is a tradition at Christmas. Tickets should be available on line now (or very soon) and will sell out.

 

Of course, there is always Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes.

[CarpeCerevisi]

Sounds like a very nice trip. As others have said, I would suggest a prearranged car service. If you do consider using a NYC taxi please know that since the trip ends in New Jersey the taxi driver may refuse the trip and the trip would not be a metered fare. The fare would have to be a flat fare negotiated between you and the driver, and make sure that it includes all tolls.

 

 

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[floatel_lvr]

Sounds like a very nice trip. As others have said, I would suggest a prearranged car service. If you do consider using a NYC taxi please know that since the trip ends in New Jersey the taxi driver may refuse the trip and the trip would not be a metered fare. The fare would have to be a flat fare negotiated between you and the driver, and make sure that it includes all tolls.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

CC is giving sage advise (as have others). I am also a NY native who recommends a pre-booked car service. They will take you the best route for that day and you will know in advance what your costs are.

[yoj13]

Honestly, I can't tell you all, how very grateful I am for your advice and suggestions.

Now I realise, why the TA didn't mention transfers, but we were excited at the time of booking and more important issues, can and do fly out of the window - or should that read brain.

A big thank you to everyone.

[ATC cruiser]

Maybe if you ask nicely the QE2 captain can drop you off at Cape Liberty before they dock in Brooklyn. [emoji41]

 

 

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[Capt_BJ]

The culture shock oh yes!. We are seasoned cruisers, but surprisingly have never tried Cunard even though it sails from Southampton, so is a train ride away rather than a plane ride for embarkation. Cunard always seemed to be top price so when the opportunity arose at a reasonable price we grabbed it with both hands. However, we have been on lots of RC ships so definitely know what to expect. The trip is Southampton to New York on Cunard for 7 nights. 7 nights on Anthem, 4 nights in New York (including NYE) then Cunard back to Southampton for another 7 nights.

 

Oh, I was reading this from the perspective of a QM2 person going to a first time RCCL. You are the other way ......

 

If I may can I still warn of culture shock from the other side vs what I expected?

 

If not already aware QM2 is SERIOUS about the dress code. If you don't meet the standard you will not be allowed into the main dining room. I saw folks invited to leave a lounge because they did not meet the dress code. Formal for a man means tux or dark suit .... informal STILL requires a jacket.

 

You can dress 'less' but after 6pm will be restricted as to where you can go on the ship - not the main dining room, casino, main lounges etc. Pretty much restricted to the buffet area .....

 

You mentioned the price ..... yep, a wise traveler can cross by QM2 with a balcony for less than 'economy plus - aka middle class' flying. But ya need time flexibility ... days versus hours ...

[yoj13]

Oh, I was reading this from the perspective of a QM2 person going to a first time RCCL. You are the other way ......

 

If I may can I still warn of culture shock from the other side vs what I expected?

 

If not already aware QM2 is SERIOUS about the dress code. If you don't meet the standard you will not be allowed into the main dining room. I saw folks invited to leave a lounge because they did not meet the dress code. Formal for a man means tux or dark suit .... informal STILL requires a jacket.

 

You can dress 'less' but after 6pm will be restricted as to where you can go on the ship - not the main dining room, casino, main lounges etc. Pretty much restricted to the buffet area .....

 

You mentioned the price ..... yep, a wise traveler can cross by QM2 with a balcony for less than 'economy plus - aka middle class' flying. But ya need time flexibility ... days versus hours ...

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for the info regarding tux, dark suit etc., One of the main draws of this cruise, was the fact it negated air travel across the pond and back, its just got to be better than eco on BA or Virgin (Sorry). So we will decide whether or not to miss the delights of formal dining on Cunard and go minus the tux/evening wear or take the whole dammed lot and enjoy what Cunard have to offer! It's a big birthday event for me and that occurs on Anthem so hopefully the sky will be blue and the sun will shine. Really looking forward to it.

[DKNYC]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the info regarding tux, dark suit etc., One of the main draws of this cruise, was the fact it negated air travel across the pond and back, its just got to be better than eco on BA or Virgin (Sorry). So we will decide whether or not to miss the delights of formal dining on Cunard and go minus the tux/evening wear or take the whole dammed lot and enjoy what Cunard have to offer! It's a big birthday event for me and that occurs on Anthem so hopefully the sky will be blue and the sun will shine. Really looking forward to it.

You are correct and have a great attitude. I have done both Cunard and Royal Caribbean multiple times. Yes Cunard definitely beats the metal tube hands down. And they are more serious about the dress code but that is only after 6pm. During the day there is not much difference. I enjoy the enrichment lectures, trivia and the Planetarium on QM2. Oh, and don't miss the afternoon tea at least once.

 

Denise

 

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