NYC by Train

[Valen9]

We'll be traveling to NYC by Amtrak for our cruise. Does anyone have any advice as to the best way to get 3 people + luggage from Penn Station to the cruise terminal?

 

Also, does anyone know if Amtrak will hold onto our luggage for a few hours? I'm sure they'll be kicking us off the boat long before our 2pm train arrives, and it would be nice to be able to ditch the bags and see something.

[Valen9]

By the way, I'm looking to get to the terminal where the Norwegian Gem docks. Is a taxi my best bet?

[138east]

When you get onto Amtrak ask the conductor how to get a porter in NY to take you up to the cab stand. He should be able to have someone come to the train and collect you and your luggage, take you up in the elevator to the main level, and take you out to the cab stand. This is worth paying for.

 

When you leave you can do the reverse. Engage a porter before your train is called. He will take you down the elevators to the correct track and get you loaded on before the train is announced. That way you will get a choice of seats before the general public.

 

I'm not sure about getting rid of your luggage on the other end. If you look through this forum, there has been mention of a place to leave luggage near Penn Station as well as a hotel where you can pretend you are a guest, tip the doorman, and leave your luggage for several hours.

[lukes]

Every time we (4 people) cruise we take Amtrak into the city. Sometimes we have a hotel for the night prior (take in a bit of the city) other times we have gone directly to the ship terminal from Penn station. From Penn station a taxi is the best, it can be walked but I wouldn't recommend it with luggage in tow. The taxi ride is about 10 minutes - depending on traffic and generally has cost us less than $ 10 prior to tip. As for disembarkation we usually wait as long as possible on the ship. Leave the ship, again take taxi back to Penn station. Our train usually leaves 1:30 - 1:45 so we wait in the passenger lounge, grab a paper, something to eat to bring on the train. There is / at least there was a luggage drop off area where you can leave your luggage and pick it up later. We usually have a Red Cap assist us with the luggage onto the train, because they will take you down early and you don't have to fight the rush and crowd with luggage in tow.

 

When are you sailing? Where are you travelling from?

[megr1125]

i don't think they will hold bags for you in Penn station..but if you are traveling on the Acela train, in 1st class you get access to the Club Acela lounge and you could probably get them to hold your bags.....

[BlueHerons]

I'm not positive about this because we always carry on the train but I think you can check your bags in two hours prior as long as you have tickets. I'd call Amtrak.