Dawn out of New York

[KarateLois]

We just booked a cabin on the Dawn sailing March 27. This is our first cruise on this line and the freestyle food and dress sounds interesting. We booked an inside on guarantee because the room is not a priority for us so an inside is just fine. Anybody have any advice on this trip? Is there any info online about the port trips that they offer? Also, we are in South Jersey. Any advice on the best and most cost effective way to get to the port? Their bus is $50 per person. Do we have any reasonable options?

[EileenN]

We have sailed the Dawn in November and loved the ship. Food was great and the crew could not do enough. Many have used the NCL bus for transport. It takes your luggage, fights the traffic and is given priority when arriving and departing from the pier. Your luggage is taken from the bus to the boat for $ 2. per person and it is by far the easiest way to get on board and home without hassle. I live nearby and have a friend drive us, but would consider the bus if I lived further out. No parking problems, no unloading or question about room for luggage, no fighting the crowds for dock crew to take the luggage and no looking for your transport on the return home.

A limo would cost about the same but not be given any priority.

[Tomct]

We just booked a cabin on the Dawn sailing March 27. This is our first cruise on this line and the freestyle food and dress sounds interesting. We booked an inside on guarantee because the room is not a priority for us so an inside is just fine. Anybody have any advice on this trip? Is there any info online about the port trips that they offer? Also, we are in South Jersey. Any advice on the best and most cost effective way to get to the port? Their bus is $50 per person. Do we have any reasonable options?

 

There has been some discussion of late on this board concerning the cancellation of some or all of the NYC bus transfers. It's difficult to predict exactly what NCL is planning to do, but you may want to contact Academy Bus Co. in NJ @ 201 420-7000 x2231, and see what they have to say.

 

We're on the bus next Thursday, picking up the run from Providence as it passes through New Haven, CT. NCL has confirmed this bus will be running, but told me their future plans are still being discussed. I think other runs and dates have been cancelled, and apparently the reason is based on the lack of demand.

[Kalos Orisate]

There has been some discussion of late on this board concerning the cancellation of some or all of the NYC bus transfers. It's difficult to predict exactly what NCL is planning to do, but you may want to contact Academy Bus Co. in NJ @ 201 420-7000 x2231, and see what they have to say.

We're on the bus next Thursday, picking up the run from Providence as it passes through New Haven, CT. NCL has confirmed this bus will be running, but told me their future plans are still being discussed.

This is very interesting. We have been investigating various ways to get to the Dawn in New York from Ontario, Canada. Our latest thinking was to drive, and stay overnight at my relative's place in New Haven, then take a train to New York. but if there's an Express NCL bus to the port, then this is clearly the way to go. Where do we sign up, and is the return bus to New Haven guaranteed ?

[lou_vnj]

We're in Voorhees (next to Cherry Hill) and have done the Dawn twice and have parked at the pier both times. $168 for 7 day cruise. I'm not one to drive in Manhattan, but since it's on sunday, there's no traffic except at the port. It's a quick 1hr 20min drive up the turnpike. I researched the bus and decided for the same price, we could drive ourselves and not be at anyone's mercy. The parking is safe and secure.

[jodon2]

What part of south New Jersey?

Joe

[uneamie]

We're in Voorhees (next to Cherry Hill) and have done the Dawn twice and have parked at the pier both times. $168 for 7 day cruise. I'm not one to drive in Manhattan, but since it's on sunday, there's no traffic except at the port. It's a quick 1hr 20min drive up the turnpike. I researched the bus and decided for the same price, we could drive ourselves and not be at anyone's mercy. The parking is safe and secure.

We live in Pine Hill New Jersey about 5 miles from Voorhees. We also drove to the pier last year, but it was in October on a Saturday and there were 4 ships in port...which makes a big difference. It was a total nightmare! If one is driving in please check at the port authority web site as to how many ships are in port the day you sail. We started on 42nd street at 10:30 AM and did not get to the parking lot till 12:30PM. That is 2 hours in traffic to get to the port from 42nd street. Not a good thing. The parking, as you stated, is very safe and worth doing if you don't want to wait for a bus etc.

[Suesan Jean]

:) Hi Karate Lois!! Come on over sometime and post on the "Roll Calls", there are a couple of threads going for people going on this cruise, so far there are at least 10 of us Cruise Critics going......

My Husband, daughter and I are going, it will be our FIRST cruise!! Can't wait!!

"Talk"to you later......:)

[RSGS315]

I wish they had a bus picking up in Central New Jersey. We are about 60 miles south of New York City, and none of the cruise lines have bus service from our area. We would have to go south to Cherry Hill, which is ridiculous.

We are paying $125.00 one way plus tip for a limo to take us to the pier. $50.00 is a great deal from South Jersey, I feel.

Ginnie

[Tomct]

This is very interesting. We have been investigating various ways to get to the Dawn in New York from Ontario, Canada. Our latest thinking was to drive, and stay overnight at my relative's place in New Haven, then take a train to New York. but if there's an Express NCL bus to the port, then this is clearly the way to go. Where do we sign up, and is the return bus to New Haven guaranteed ?

 

I made my reservation after checking out the stops available on their website, by calling their regular number. It turns out they prefer that you do it through your travel agent. I wish I had, because I had trouble getting a written confirmation, and still only have one covering 2 of the 4 people. NCL has confirmed we are all on the manifest for the bus, so I gave up trying.

 

I did receive separate vouchers for "To Port" and "From Port". It is my understanding the bus passengers get priority disembarkation upon return to NY, so I expect the bus to be waiting for us.

 

Again, make sure you get assurance the bus trip you need is not earmarked for cancellation. The last I knew, none of the bus trips to NY were showing on their website, only those in the Miami area.

[lou_vnj]

We live in Pine Hill New Jersey about 5 miles from Voorhees. We also drove to the pier last year, but it was in October on a Saturday and there were 4 ships in port...which makes a big difference. It was a total nightmare! If one is driving in please check at the port authority web site as to how many ships are in port the day you sail. We started on 42nd street at 10:30 AM and did not get to the parking lot till 12:30PM. That is 2 hours in traffic to get to the port from 42nd street. Not a good thing. The parking, as you stated, is very safe and worth doing if you don't want to wait for a bus etc.

 

You do always have to expect the unexpected in Manhattan. What I can say, on one of our cruises, 3 ships were in port and there were way too many people arriving for departure when we're just getting off the ship. Since official boarding time is 1pm, I can't understand why there are people waiting to board at 10am when we're getting off the ship. They should not allow any car or taxi full of passengers and luggage to come into the terminal area until all departing passengers are out of there. From what I have seen, getting there way early either gets you caught in traffic around the pier or you get to wait 2 hours inside the terminal in the giant line (at least for NCL, not sure about the other cruise lines). My preference for going to NYC in by train, but that doesn't work to the port. I figure that whether bus or car, both will be stuck in traffic the same.

[Tomct]

You do always have to expect the unexpected in Manhattan. What I can say, on one of our cruises, 3 ships were in port and there were way too many people arriving for departure when we're just getting off the ship. Since official boarding time is 1pm, I can't understand why there are people waiting to board at 10am when we're getting off the ship. They should not allow any car or taxi full of passengers and luggage to come into the terminal area until all departing passengers are out of there. From what I have seen, getting there way early either gets you caught in traffic around the pier or you get to wait 2 hours inside the terminal in the giant line (at least for NCL, not sure about the other cruise lines). My preference for going to NYC in by train, but that doesn't work to the port. I figure that whether bus or car, both will be stuck in traffic the same.

 

You may have actually answered your own question about arriving early. We've sailed from NYC twice, arriving around 11 am to "try" and beat the trafic. Once their was a "Gay Pride" parade which increased the traffic, but it was still moving, and the other time it was a clear sail. The day we returned from the cruise, the QM2 was in town, and I pity the inbound cruisers.

 

Since traffic is somewhat unpredictable, the safe way is to arrive early, knowing you may have to wait awhile to board, but at least you are there. We then board, check out our cabin, take a quick tour if we have new guests with us, and head to Venetian for a nice lunch, while everyone else fights the traffic.

 

I can't imagine anyway in the world you could keep traffic out of the port until a certain hour, and even if you did, and people coopereated and did not cruise around the area waiting for the opening hour, the ship's arrival time is also somewhat unpredictable. Also, at least with our limited experience, disembarkation problems also contribute to delays that would also negate your noble effor to smooth the process.

 

As mentioned in prior post, we are trying the bus this time. That makes me wonder if any ports have off site shuttle parking lots to improve traffic flow around the ship.

[CTCruisers]

This is very interesting. We have been investigating various ways to get to the Dawn in New York from Ontario, Canada. Our latest thinking was to drive, and stay overnight at my relative's place in New Haven, then take a train to New York. but if there's an Express NCL bus to the port, then this is clearly the way to go. Where do we sign up, and is the return bus to New Haven guaranteed ?

 

If you book the bus through NCL, it is guaranteed. But, you need to contact NCL (or have your travel agent call) to confirm that the bus from New Haven will still be running for your cruise. The bus runs from the New Haven Train Station.

 

We called for our April vacation and NCL confirmed that the New Haven bus is still running. It seems that that run is the only not cancelled. According to other posts, all of the ones from south and west of NYC have been cancelled. It is not even listed on the NCL website.

[cinderella7]

I can't find the thread on "roll calls" with 10 other cruise critics sailing the Dawn on March 27. What title is it under? I started one a couple of weeks ago on role calls titled Easter Sunday on the Dawn (or something similar). So far I only have one response. Anyway, this is our second time on the Dawn and you won't be disappointed.

[quitecontrary1]

Having lived in the area for most of my life, I have a few thoughts. If you lug the luggage, you can take NJT from South Jersey and utilize the new light rail line to Trenton, then to Newark or NYC (Both Penn Stations?), then taxi? local train? shuttles? This is where you need to do some research! Compare costs! Figure out what is best for you! Newark opened the Arts Complex and has broadened the transport options for the area. It could be an adventure. There are LOTS of ways to get around this part of the East Coast. BTW I am of the age that I still remember when North Jersey NJT had STRAW SEATS on the commuter lines!!! Have fun on your journey getting to the final destination...YOUR CRUISE! Remember the Blizzard of 96 (I think)? DH and I had to figure out how to get from DC to Northwest NJ. We had no choice except to get home since I was starting a NEW JOB!!! Turned out we were only a handful that ventured out into the frozen tundra but found that much of the public train systems were "a go." It increased my appreciation of public transport! And yes, I made it to my first day of work with time to spare!

 

[KarateLois]

Thanks for all of the great info. I did not reply sooner because I got busy and then got "the bug." For those who asked, we are in Moorestown/Cherry Hill area. We are still discussing our options. I am going to the roll call next.

[jeannep]

Hi Lois,

You are going to love the Dawn. We have been on it 2 times and are planning another trip in May.

 

We loved the Everglades Boat Ride in Port Canaveral. It takes about an hour bus ride to get there. The boat is one of those that fly over the swamp with a hugh fan on the back. The driver stops in different places and you get to see many aligators and other wild life. After the ride they put on a small show of animals which is pretty interesting. They have a gift shop and offer aligator meat.

 

In Miami, we have taken the Miami City tour. That was really nice. They take you to Little Havana and give you Cuban coffee and sweets. You get to see South Beach and Coconut Grove.

 

In the Bahamas we have taken the Zoo Tour They show you around town and then they take you to the Zoo which has the only trained flamingos in the world. They put on a show and it is pretty interesting.

Last year we took a taxi to the Atlantis. We gave our donation to their casino and then we saw part of the aquarium. We walked around town and did some shopping. That was also good.

 

I hope some of these ideas help. I know you are going to love the Dawn.

 

Enjoy!

Jeanne

[peanutJMV]

We used NCL bus service Sept 04, $50 PP well worth it.

Picked up the bus at the terminal Westampton, NJ.

Very convenient.

Got to the port by 1245pm, bus was waiting for us when we got off the ship.

I will book the bus again.

Have a great time.

[jeannep]

Lois,

 

 

The Everglade Boat Ride that we took was out of Miami not Port Canaveral. There is one out of Pt.Canaveral but I dont know which is better.

 

We took a cab to the Space Center. If you like space, they certainly have alot to offer.

 

Whatever you choose I am sure you will enjoy it.

 

Jeanne

[NJBill]

I am also traveling from SJ (Magnolia) in August. We are planning on taking New Jersey Transit from 30th street station and transferring in Trenton to Penn Station in NYC, then taking a taxi/Limo to the port. You can also take AMtrak direct, but NJT is much less expensive.

[templed]

We took almost the identical cruise in 2004... (March 21, I believe)...

 

couple tips... don't try to go TOO early... We wanted to "beat the rush" and got caught in the middle of disembarkation...

 

Public transportation ... if you can...

 

If you are taking car service... have the drop you across the street... don't bother with the ramp, you'll sit in traffic for a good hour... The place to drop... corner of West St. and 49th... just make sure you have the gusto to drag your luggage across the street...

 

If you have the option to take a priority bus... by all means take it.

[Walruz73]

Hi

Someone mentioned about the availability of buses to the Dawn in NYC.

My travel agent confirmed a bus running from Providence on 4/17 for that day's sailing. Leaves at 8am. We plan on being on it. A group of 12.

[seawyllow]

Hi Everyone,

 

Bus services from West and South of NYC have been cancelled by NCL. For those of you in Central and South Jersey, we took NJ Transit from Point Pleasant to Penn, and then just jumped a cab and was at the port in 5 minutes. DO NOT go up the ramp, you will just sit in traffic. Have the cab leave you at either 48th or 49th street and 12th Ave. and walk across the street. Or better yet, have them leave you at the lower level and just take the elevator upstairs and beat the crush of cars. Same for debarkation, since it will be a mad house with everyone trying to get off and everyone else trying to get on.

 

When we went on October 31st, there were other ships in port and it can get hairy! There was a marathon on the Sunday we came back and you just never know what may be going on in the city that day.

 

Have a great time, she is a beautiful ship!

 

Chris

[KarateLois]

A friend from Jersey City recommended that we drive to Weehawken and take the mid-town ferry to the port. It arrives at 38th street, pier 78. The people at the Waterway suggested we then take a cab to the pier for NCL, but I don't now how far it is or even what pier Dawn sails from. I'm not that local to the area so I don't have that map in my head and I can't find a map of the piers online...anyone have any feedback on this method of getting to the ship?

[templed]

the actual mileage is about 2 miles... Pier 88 (I think that's the pier that Dawn sails from) is at 79th st and West St. (West side highway).

 

Cab would be about $5 to $10 depending on traffic.