Flying New York to Vancouver on disembarkation day too risky?

[Purplesquid]

Disembarkation day question (from pretty inexperienced, but enthusiastic, cruisers): Arriving NYC on Wednesday August 30. Are shuttles to airports generally available at MCT? Is it foolish to attempt to fly to Vancouver that day (for Alaska cruise in 3 days)? United have a direct flight from Newark at 3.22pm, Air Canada at 5.55pm. It looks like there’s four cruise ships in port that day (approx 8000 pax), so port may be crazy and taxis impossible. The United flight would be preferable in terms of arrival time in Vanc & views flying across the continent. US appears to require being at the airport 3 hours in advance, so would need to be at Newark by about midday. Too stressful???

Alternative plan would be to stay overnight in NYC (walk to hotel to avoid taxi issues), enjoy Central Park & fly next day. Any advice?

[navybankerteacher]

7 minutes ago, Purplesquid said:

..

Alternative plan would be to stay overnight in NYC (walk to hotel to avoid taxi issues), enjoy Central Park & fly next day. Any advice?

Since you have three days between cruising (and seem to like to see a bit of NYC) it makes sense to debark leisurely, spend the night in NY, and fly the next day - picking whatever flight time attracts you, that three hour time change helps.

[meadowlander]

1 hour ago, Purplesquid said:

Alternative plan would be to stay overnight in NYC (walk to hotel to avoid taxi issues), enjoy Central Park & fly next day. Any advice?

1 of those ships will be at the Brooklyn terminal. I do not think you would have issues getting to EWR by noon. The poster njhorseman is more familiar with MCT and can be more helpful.

[princeton123211]

15 hours ago, Purplesquid said:

Are shuttles to airports generally available at MCT?

No-- there aren't independent shuttles from MCT but your cruise line might offer a shuttle option or a city tour combined with an airport drop-off. 

 

15 hours ago, Purplesquid said:

Is it foolish to attempt to fly to Vancouver that day (for Alaska cruise in 3 days)? United have a direct flight from Newark at 3.22pm, Air Canada at 5.55pm.

This is very doable from a timing perspective. Frankly I'd take the earlier United flight to limit time spending in EWR (which is fine but not the greatest airport) and get into Vancouver earlier. 

 

Keep in mind that NYC taxis are not required to take you to Newark (which is in New Jersey) and charge their deadhead return tolls etc. For this reason I would use Uber or Lyft for this trip. 

 

15 hours ago, Purplesquid said:

US appears to require being at the airport 3 hours in advance, so would need to be at Newark by about midday. Too stressful???

No-- quite easy to do. You'll be booted off the ship by 9-10am at the VERY latest. EWR at that time of day is about a half hour without much traffic. 

 

15 hours ago, Purplesquid said:

Alternative plan would be to stay overnight in NYC (walk to hotel to avoid taxi issues), enjoy Central Park & fly next day. Any advice?

With 3 days before your next cruise you certainly have the time in NYC for an overnight if you want. Just run the same play essentially 24 hours later. 

[njhorseman]

2 hours ago, princeton123211 said:

 

Keep in mind that NYC taxis are not required to take you to Newark (which is in New Jersey) and charge their deadhead return tolls etc. For this reason I would use Uber or Lyft for this trip. 

That's incorrect. EWR is the one place in NJ where NY City taxis are required to take you.

The fare is based on the meter plus a $20 Newark Surcharge, plus tolls both ways, plus tip.

 

[njhorseman]

18 hours ago, Purplesquid said:

Disembarkation day question (from pretty inexperienced, but enthusiastic, cruisers): Arriving NYC on Wednesday August 30. Are shuttles to airports generally available at MCT? Is it foolish to attempt to fly to Vancouver that day (for Alaska cruise in 3 days)? United have a direct flight from Newark at 3.22pm, Air Canada at 5.55pm. It looks like there’s four cruise ships in port that day (approx 8000 pax), so port may be crazy and taxis impossible. The United flight would be preferable in terms of arrival time in Vanc & views flying across the continent. US appears to require being at the airport 3 hours in advance, so would need to be at Newark by about midday. Too stressful???

Alternative plan would be to stay overnight in NYC (walk to hotel to avoid taxi issues), enjoy Central Park & fly next day. Any advice?

As @meadowlander noted one of the four ships, Caribbean Princess, will dock in Brooklyn so there will be about 3,100 fewer passengers than you thought disembarking in Manhattan.

 

You can certainly make the 3:22pm United flight from EWR if you wish. NCL will likely offer a bus transfer if you wish to use it, but you have more than sufficient time to get to EWR via taxi, Uber/Lyft or a car service such as Carmel Limo or Dial 7.

 

That having been said, staying in Manhattan for the day is a great idea regardless. You might want to consider not limiting yourself to a hotel within walking distance of the pier and booking something closer to Central Park, if that's where you want to go.