Bounce/Luggage storage in Brooklyn and transfer advice-first time in NY and on a cruise!

[Cruisenewbie2023]

Hi!

 

We disembark on Sunday 18 June at Red Hook terminal and our flight is at 7pm. (First time cruisers, honeymoon and we have our 3 year old daughter with us!)

 

We want to store luggage, including the child car seat in a suitable place in Brooklyn whilst we explore the area- but are overwhelmed with choices, and at the same time, unsure about safe storage (where is this stuff stored in say, a deli) and does anyone recommend anywhere? A lot aren’t open until 10am so not sure if you are off the ship at 7am or how quick it is to disembark?
 

We want to be able to pick up either a taxi or book a car service (Prem Luxury and Dial 7s I’ve heard are good?) and go to JFK from Brooklyn at about 2pm. 

 

Our sights in Brooklyn are: Park, walk half way across the bridge, DUMBO, photo under Williamsburg Bridge (I am huge Brooklyn 99 fan!), and I think Time Out market. 
 

Sorry for such a big ask but can anyone recommend anything we can do that is safe and reliable?

Also, would you say the car service is better than flagging a yellow cab, for transfers? I am anxious they won’t wait for us to pop her car seat in, or will be double the price of yellow cab and cabs are obligated to wait? 

 

These are the car journeys:

1- JFK- Times Sq, (about 6pm Thurs 08 June) 

2- Times Sq Manhattan-Red Hook terminal, (10am boarding time so I guess 9am taxi?- Sun 11 June)

3- Red Hook terminal to Brooklyn luggage storage (Sun 18 June- anytime on disembarkation, I am guessing 9am as that’s what the itinerary shows 7am?)

4-Brooklyn Luggage storage to JFK (Sun 18 June about 2pm for 7pm flight) 

 

thank you to anyone for help, I’ve tied myself in knots on google and emailing JFK and car companies for advice! 
 

Thanks, Natalie  

[princeton123211]

9 hours ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

We want to store luggage, including the child car seat in a suitable place in Brooklyn whilst we explore the area- but are overwhelmed with choices, and at the same time, unsure about safe storage (where is this stuff stored in say, a deli) and does anyone recommend anywhere? A lot aren’t open until 10am so not sure if you are off the ship at 7am or how quick it is to disembark?

There's a lot to unpack here so I'm going to take it in pieces. Generally I recommend storing luggage at a hotel that has a formal bell service. I would not recommend storing luggage at a deli or bodega. Any nicer full service hotel will provide this-- usually we will have breakfast/lunch/drinks at them and tip the porter well. Based on what you said you want to see the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge might be a good candidate-- near Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, and pretty central to the things you said you wanted to see. Obviously hotels are open 24/7 so no need to worry about hours like some of the other options you were looking at. 

 

9 hours ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

We want to be able to pick up either a taxi or book a car service (Prem Luxury and Dial 7s I’ve heard are good?) and go to JFK from Brooklyn at about 2pm. 

In terms of car services Dial7 and Carmel are usually recommended (I have not heard of or used Pre Luxury and have lived in and around NYC for a good portion of my life). Dial7 and Carmel are aggregators to third party contractors but are fairly consistent and will be a nicer car overall than taking a taxi. You also have taxis and Uber/Lyft as options. Transportation on demand in NYC is so plentiful that making prior arrangements isn't really necessary but you can if that makes you feel better. 

 

9 hours ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

Also, would you say the car service is better than flagging a yellow cab, for transfers? I am anxious they won’t wait for us to pop her car seat in, or will be double the price of yellow cab and cabs are obligated to wait? 

One isn't necessarily better than the other-- the car services companies will be a little more expensive, you'll need to make a prior reservation, but the car will be nicer than a yellow cab. The yellow cab offers flexibility of going whenever you want without needing to schedule ahead. Again, Uber/Lyft can give you the best of both worlds here. 

 

Yellow cabs have a flat rate of $70++ between JFK and Manhattan on the front end of your trip-- it can be a good deal vs other options at peak times. 

 

Also worth mentioning that car seats are not required by New York law for taxis/car services and children can sit on their parents lap. Obviously this is a very personal safety decision but wanted to make you aware in case that changes your thinking about bringing it. Uber actually has an option called UberCarSeat which will provide you a car seat for that ride. 

 

9 hours ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

1- JFK- Times Sq, (about 6pm Thurs 08 June) 

For this one I would either use the flat rate taxi or schedule an airport pick up which will be more expensive but give you some help with the driver meeting you in the terminal, assisting with luggage, etc. 

 

9 hours ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

2- Times Sq Manhattan-Red Hook terminal, (10am boarding time so I guess 9am taxi?- Sun 11 June)

3- Red Hook terminal to Brooklyn luggage storage (Sun 18 June- anytime on disembarkation, I am guessing 9am as that’s what the itinerary shows 7am?)

I would personally use Uber for these short trips. Car service companies are going to charge significantly more (they really dont want short trips like this) or use a taxi. 

 

9 hours ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

4-Brooklyn Luggage storage to JFK (Sun 18 June about 2pm for 7pm flight) 

I would use an Uber or taxi. Taxis will be easy to come by if you store your luggage at a major hotel. 

 

 

[meadowlander]

11 hours ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

We want to store luggage, including the child car seat in a suitable place in Brooklyn whilst we explore the area- but are overwhelmed with choices, and at the same time, unsure about safe storage (where is this stuff stored in say, a deli) and does anyone recommend anywhere? A lot aren’t open until 10am so not sure if you are off the ship at 7am or how quick it is to disembark?

While disembarkation may begin at 7 am, you can stay on as late as 9, possibly 9:30 am. Ask at guest services for the last luggage tag # if you want to stay onboard late.

 

Recently a poster from Canada asked about luggage storage in NYC following their cruise, having an evening flight from Newark. They followed up stating they had used Bounce and had a "fabulous experience'. Was the first time I had heard of Bounce.

 

Cannot help you with anything else but did want to make you aware that the NYC ferry (South Brooklyn route) is within walking distance of the Brooklyn terminal. It is 2 stops & 20 minutes to Pier 11 near Wall Street, if you have interest in going to Manhattan.

 

[Cruisenewbie2023]

5 hours ago, princeton123211 said:

There's a lot to unpack here so I'm going to take it in pieces. Generally I recommend storing luggage at a hotel that has a formal bell service. I would not recommend storing luggage at a deli or bodega. Any nicer full service hotel will provide this-- usually we will have breakfast/lunch/drinks at them and tip the porter well. Based on what you said you want to see the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge might be a good candidate-- near Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, and pretty central to the things you said you wanted to see. Obviously hotels are open 24/7 so no need to worry about hours like some of the other options you were looking at. 

 

In terms of car services Dial7 and Carmel are usually recommended (I have not heard of or used Pre Luxury and have lived in and around NYC for a good portion of my life). Dial7 and Carmel are aggregators to third party contractors but are fairly consistent and will be a nicer car overall than taking a taxi. You also have taxis and Uber/Lyft as options. Transportation on demand in NYC is so plentiful that making prior arrangements isn't really necessary but you can if that makes you feel better. 

 

One isn't necessarily better than the other-- the car services companies will be a little more expensive, you'll need to make a prior reservation, but the car will be nicer than a yellow cab. The yellow cab offers flexibility of going whenever you want without needing to schedule ahead. Again, Uber/Lyft can give you the best of both worlds here. 

 

Yellow cabs have a flat rate of $70++ between JFK and Manhattan on the front end of your trip-- it can be a good deal vs other options at peak times. 

 

Also worth mentioning that car seats are not required by New York law for taxis/car services and children can sit on their parents lap. Obviously this is a very personal safety decision but wanted to make you aware in case that changes your thinking about bringing it. Uber actually has an option called UberCarSeat which will provide you a car seat for that ride. 

 

For this one I would either use the flat rate taxi or schedule an airport pick up which will be more expensive but give you some help with the driver meeting you in the terminal, assisting with luggage, etc. 

 

I would personally use Uber for these short trips. Car service companies are going to charge significantly more (they really dont want short trips like this) or use a taxi. 

 

I would use an Uber or taxi. Taxis will be easy to come by if you store your luggage at a major hotel. 

 

 

Princeton,

 

Thank you so so much for your reply, it’s so kind when people take the time to really help and respond with advice like this and I am so glad I asked as I had reservations about this Prem services, thank you for the second recommendation for Carmel’s!

Thank you for the Marriott recommendation! That would be perfect for us I am going to look at that, like you say getting a taxi, a proper service. I was really reluctant about using these shops/delis as I’ve seen similar in London when visiting and although cheap for a few hours for one bag, it didn’t feel secure. 
 

Yes that is a good point about Uber/Lyft and providing a seat. We would rather rear facing her as she does at home (not common in the UK but in Sweden it’s standard practice) so I would be wanting to use our rear facing seat, we have bought a suitable car seat to install with the seatbelt, and read that they legally have to allow one to be installed and can’t refuse, I’ve bookmarked this link🤞:https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/passenger-frequently-asked-questions.page#:~:text=The TLC encourages everyone%2C including,sit on an adult's lap.

when you say schedule a pick up from JFK, would that be a car service like Carmel’s? And is taxi same as the yellow cabs you flag?

 

thanks again for your message I feel a lot better taking advice on those routes and it’s very nice of you to share your wisdom with a nervous (but excited!) traveller 

 

thanks,

Natalie 

[Cruisenewbie2023]

3 hours ago, meadowlander said:

While disembarkation may begin at 7 am, you can stay on as late as 9, possibly 9:30 am. Ask at guest services for the last luggage tag # if you want to stay onboard late.

 

Recently a poster from Canada asked about luggage storage in NYC following their cruise, having an evening flight from Newark. They followed up stating they had used Bounce and had a "fabulous experience'. Was the first time I had heard of Bounce.

 

Cannot help you with anything else but did want to make you aware that the NYC ferry (South Brooklyn route) is within walking distance of the Brooklyn terminal. It is 2 stops & 20 minutes to Pier 11 near Wall Street, if you have interest in going to Manhattan.

 

Hi meadowlander,

 

Thank you for replying and sharing this information, as someone very anxious about this journey and all the bits and bobs, you’ve really made me feel a lot better! The MSC website is limited in practical advice, and knowing that is how disembarking works gives up time to not worry about chasing taxis early or dragging luggage. Now Princeton has recommended somewhere I am going to go for them and if no space, we know we can stay later on than I assumed and we have more options at 10am. 
 

thanks, so is that route the alternative to the taxi to and from the terminal? I might look at that for us. We are stopping in Manhattan the days before cruise with a little itinerary planned based on lots of suggestions on different NY Facebook groups. Trying to do the main sights but avoid some of the others and a lot of the famous food places seem very touristy. 
 

Thanks so much ✨

[meadowlander]

1 hour ago, Cruisenewbie2023 said:

thanks, so is that route the alternative to the taxi to and from the terminal? I might look at that for us. We are stopping in Manhattan the days before cruise with a little itinerary planned based on lots of suggestions on different NY Facebook groups. Trying to do the main sights but avoid some of the others and a lot of the famous food places seem very touristy. 
 

Thanks so much ✨

You are welcome. I have received much help and info on these boards, when I can I try to give assistance back.

 

If you go to you tube and search for 'traveling to and from the Brooklyn cruise terminal by ferry", you will see how easy it is to get to/from pier 11 in Manhattan to BCT. The video was submitted by 'The Castlepoet'. You would know best if you can travel by ferry with your daughter & luggage.

 

I booked a cruise with MSC a few years back, as they were entering the US market. Had an outstanding price on a repo from NYC to Florida but their customer service was so dreadful that I cancelled and vowed not to sail MSC. Hopefully your experience will be more pleasant. Enjoy your cruise & honeymoon.

Edited May 27, 2023 by meadowlander