NCL Cruise. Sept 2nd from Manhatten Cruise Term - help please.

Hello everyone,

 

Would like any help, advise and thoughts before maybe booking an NCL cruise please.

 

We will be landing at EWR at 9.30am on Saturday 2nd September from Indianapolis airport. The NCL cruise departs on this date too.

 

Is there enough time for two adults to get over to the cruise terminal in Manhatten. I am told that check in and boarding will be from 12 - 2pm.

 

We've already booked our flights and are unable to travel in to EWR the day before ! How reliable are United flights on this route and on a Saturday morning. (Wouldn't want to miss the boat !)

 

Thanks in anticipation

 

:-)

It's going to be pretty hard to judge on time on that route. It looks like United is reassigning a flight number from a Cincinnati to EWR route to the Indianapolis to EWR route, and changing its partner. That's a regional carrier/United Express flight. In September, it will be Republic Airlines with an ERJ 170; right now, that route is CommutAir on an ERJ 145. The current flight has a 94% on time rating.

 

My concern is that it's a regional jet, and the only other flight that "might" get you there on time is arrives at 2:05 and is an even smaller ERJ 145. That combination gives you NO margin for error.

 

There is a non-stop at 7:05 on Friday, and connecting service at 7:35. Is there no way to make one of those? (Although the fall back if something went wrong would be the flight you're on, which will probably be overbooked...)

Edited July 18, 2017 by markeb

If everything is on time, you should be OK. Problem is if your flight is a couple of hours late or unexpected traffic. We drove from Maryland and went past EWR so drove the same route a taxi or a car service would. On our Saturday morning it was clear.

If your flight is on time getting in to EWR you should be fine. You are traveling on a Saturday and there will be less traffic into Manhattan. Plus there is more than one route into Manhattan and your driver could adjust according to traffic conditions.

 

Also you have a window for boarding (noon to 2) which allows for some flight delay.

OP, that's the NCL Gem doing 7 nights New England, sailing at 4 PM so cutoff for boarding is 2 PM (2:30 PM ??) if you've completed online check-in ahead ... later arrival subject to denied boarding as pax manifest has to be finalized for CBP approval - and, next home @ Halifax is 2 days later.

 

With smaller commuter jets being flown on your route, basically luggage has to be (gate) checked & retrieved on arrival, probably at the carousal & not on the tarmac (I stand corrected on this, hate flying into/out of EWR and UA has 70% of the capacities flown) EWR has the top honor of among the worst major airport for summer-time delays & on-timer records ... with the good news that Saturday is one of the slowest day of the week, but, also fewer flight options as alternative if yours are CX'd or delayed.

 

Once you are at the gate, expect another 15 to 30 minutes before getting into ground transportation to MCT, another 45 to 75 minutes ride, depending on traffic & best (fastest) route taken.

 

That would put you at MCT around 11 to 11:30 AM, where early boarding would've been done (usually, already) and general boarding are under-way. Security lines are open around 9:30 AM unless ship is delayed and/or there are other inspections being conducted.

 

There is some room & time for contingencies but not a lot ... car service like Carmel or Dial 7 would be the choice on what to take. Have NCL's port agent's phone #/contact info handy at the pier - in case you need to call ahead & let them know when you are delayed & running late to catch up before they pull the gangway.

 

Difficult as noted already to predict UA's landing time on a recent route by a partner carrier, track the inbound aircraft's routing as it's often a better indicator, never definitive, however.

Dear Mking, Noxe, Mskau, Markeb,

 

Thank you all for your replies, they have all been very useful and much appreciated.

 

Flying in to IND from U.K. via EWR for a 2 week course. The third week, from 2 September we have free and will be flying back to EWR on the 2nd September.

 

Saw the NCL Gem cruise advertised and thought what a great idea for our third week. But, after thinking hard about the timings and with the 12 -2pm check in, departure at 4pm - I think we are cutting it too fine. If as you all say, the internal flight is on time, then that's great, but what if it isn't, - potentially not being able to board and the ship sailing away without us.

 

So, we have decided to hire a car at EWR for a week and do a road trip. Last September / October attended same course, same flight route and all flights bang on time - no problems at all.

 

Drove from EWR to Niagara Falls and Buffalo last year and we loved it. Everyone was so kind and helpful to us . Great drive up through Finger lakes and back via Watkin Glenn.

 

 

Any ideas, suggestions for a week driving / hotel holiday?

 

 

Thank you all so much for your input.

When exactly are you flying back to the U.K.? Did you consider Celebrity Summit from Cape Liberty sailing 9/3 for 7 days to Bermuda?

 

How about a road trip to the Boston area? Sep 2-4 is Labor Day weekend, so you might want to make some hotel reservations.

Some New England suggestions:

Mystic Seaport

Newport Rhode Island mansions

Cape Cod (ferry to Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket)

Boston

Salem

Lexington/Concord

Cape Ann (Gloucester/Rockport)

... Flying in to IND from U.K. via EWR for a 2 week course. The third week, from 2 September we have free and will be flying back to EWR on the 2nd September.

... we have decided to hire a car at EWR for a week and do a road trip. Last September / October attended same ... Drove from EWR to Niagara Falls and Buffalo last year and we loved it ... Any ideas, suggestions for a week driving / hotel holiday? <abstracted>

That's our major national holiday weekend, "Labor Day" in the U.S. - plenty of cars on the road with gasoline a/k/a "petro" prices down this year ... before many school-aged return to the classroom the following week.

 

Now that you are looking at a "Plan B" instead - a few quick suggestions. Book - ASAP just to lock in the rates - a full-size car or higher as a compact or mid-size would likely not be good for a long road trip with hours behind the wheels, or for the passengers riding along. Same for hotels along, as long as all those are 100% refundable & cancel, you can always change it should better deals/discounts come along - just don't count on it.

 

Since you just did Niagara Falls/Ontario & upstate NY last year, and you idea was/is to see New England/Canada (although it is a little early for beautiful colors, Fall foilage in early September) ... I suggest, possibly going thru New England via Connecticut, near the coastal towns. Perhaps, stopping in places like Mystic, CT and onto Newport, NH - then, head toward Cape Cod/Plymouth onward toward Boston by perhaps Tuesday (Monday 9/4's traffic would be miserable anywhere, try to stay put somewhere & wait, ride it out).

 

Hotel rates aren't going to be cheap but since you are driving, stay further out from big cities for "lower" rates, if you can - 45 minutes or 1 hour from downtown Boston, etc. (you get the idea) Perhaps go up north past lower Maine ... it's late in the season, but still get your fresh cold water lobster fixes in, if you are into seafood. Then, work your way across Maine toward the towns & small cities in Vermont midweek - where, perhaps, the Fall colors might begin to change. Next, head toward Lake George - upstate NY, that's about 75+ minutes north of Albany, NY for another stopover. Putting you within an easy day of driving back toward NYC - where you can spent a day or 2, if desired - before flying home.

 

(P.S. I see that 138east/Carol is thinking of the same - excellent ... she knows her region well & can help find some deals and specials. You will see as much as what the Gem will cover in a week's time, at your own pace)

When exactly are you flying back to the U.K.? Did you consider Celebrity Summit from Cape Liberty sailing 9/3 for 7 days to Bermuda?

 

How about a road trip to the Boston area? Sep 2-4 is Labor Day weekend, so you might want to make some hotel reservations.

Some New England suggestions:

Mystic Seaport

Newport Rhode Island mansions

Cape Cod (ferry to Martha's Vineyard/Nantucket)

Boston

Salem

Lexington/Concord

Cape Ann (Gloucester/Rockport)

 

Hi 138east,

 

Thank you, and did see Summit - but fly back on Saturday 9 September. :-(

 

Will have a look at all places you recommend. Cheers.

Hi 138east,

 

Thank you, and did see Summit - but fly back on Saturday 9 September. :-(

 

Will have a look at all places you recommend. Cheers.

 

Thanks also for heads up on the Labor Day weekend too. :D

Along with Carol's suggestion, which is excellent, you might also look towards Pennsylvania. The Amish country in Lancaster County, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, etc., would be reachable in a week's drive. Kind of depends on your preferences. I've been to most of the places Carol mentions at some point in my life, and those are excellent suggestions. Pennsylvania is just a slightly different option.

 

If you were a month later, it would be no comparison as the foliage would likely be changing in New England!

Or head south! Cape May is beautiful, ferry over to Delaware, Baltimore, DC...

Or head south! Cape May is beautiful, ferry over to Delaware, Baltimore, DC...

Thanks mjkacmom,

Googled Mystic Seaport late last night and immediately fell in love with the place 😀 Weekend is here now, and we'll be doing our research. Feel more excited by this road trip than the cruise ! 😜

Thanks again.

Hi everyone,

 

Wishing for Plan A (cruise) again now 😏!

 

Well, we've spent hours and hours looking at maps, attractrations, hotels up and over towards Boston, Salem, Gloucester. Fabulous places to visit, think we need 6 months holiday.

 

Found Battleship Cove - wow, would love to see all the ships. ( we're into anything Naval, Nautical, ww2 stuff, history, (Loved the Naval Yard in Buffalo)

 

Just realised The Hudson River crossing !! GWB. :o

 

Spent a week in NYC a couple of years ago and we watched the traffic on this bridge ... it looked very scary to us and on a Saturday morning and and a holiday weekend too.

 

 

Thoughts, and advise welcome please.

Hi everyone,

 

Wishing for Plan A (cruise) again now 😏!

 

Well, we've spent hours and hours looking at maps, attractrations, hotels up and over towards Boston, Salem, Gloucester. Fabulous places to visit, think we need 6 months holiday.

 

Found Battleship Cove - wow, would love to see all the ships. ( we're into anything Naval, Nautical, ww2 stuff, history, (Loved the Naval Yard in Buffalo)

 

Just realised The Hudson River crossing !! GWB. :o

 

Spent a week in NYC a couple of years ago and we watched the traffic on this bridge ... it looked very scary to us and on a Saturday morning and and a holiday weekend too.

 

 

Thoughts, and advise welcome please.

 

If you rent a car, you are going to have to rent an EZ pass for automatic toll payments. GW Bridge is $15, which is the most expensive toll you will encounter. Depending on where you go, there will likely be other tolls that pop up.

 

Boston - USS Constitution is the big draw. Boston driving can be awful. If you plan to be in Boston, staying outside the city and taking public transit in is recommended. When you firm up your plans, post back with exact date for suggestions.

 

Driving across the GWB - where exactly would you be going that Saturday? I can post detailed directions for taking the GWB and the cars only parkways through NYC and Westchester County to avoid I95 through the South Bronx. There is a $5.50 bridge toll for this route, but it is a scenic cars only ride up the Hudson for a bit and much less congested because many folks take other routes to avoid the toll.

If you rent a car, you are going to have to rent an EZ pass for automatic toll payments. GW Bridge is $15, which is the most expensive toll you will encounter. Depending on where you go, there will likely be other tolls that pop up.

 

Boston - USS Constitution is the big draw. Boston driving can be awful. If you plan to be in Boston, staying outside the city and taking public transit in is recommended. When you firm up your plans, post back with exact date for suggestions.

 

Driving across the GWB - where exactly would you be going that Saturday? I can post detailed directions for taking the GWB and the cars only parkways through NYC and Westchester County to avoid I95 through the South Bronx. There is a $5.50 bridge toll for this route, but it is a scenic cars only ride up the Hudson for a bit and much less congested because many folks take other routes to avoid the toll.

 

Hi again 138east,

 

Thank you so much for your replies.

 

On Saturday 2nd September we will drive to Fall River, probably stop 2 or 3 nights. We want to visit Battleship Cove etc.

 

 

From Tuesday as per MKing suggests visit Boston.

 

 

Where would you suggest we book a hotel in order that we can use public transport ? MKing suggests 45 minutes out !?

 

 

Just been and bought a Michelin detailed road map, so if you could also give us best directions from Newark airport please.

 

 

Are all toll plazas Easy Pass only ??

 

 

Thanks again for you patience and knoweledge.

... On Saturday 2nd September we will drive to Fall River, probably stop 2 or 3 nights. We want to visit Battleship Cove etc.

From Tuesday as per MKing suggests visit Boston.

Where would you suggest we book a hotel in order that we can use public transport ? MKing suggests 45 minutes out !?

 

Just been and bought a Michelin detailed road map, so if you could also give us best directions from Newark airport please. Are all toll plazas Easy Pass only ?? ...

Greetings, on your way up to Fall River, MA - which is probably a 4 to 5 hour drive from EWR with weekend/holiday traffic on the road ... expect to see heavy road congestion and campers & boats in tow, out in full force.

 

Mystic (Seaport) CT is along the way on I-95 North on the coastal route, about 10 minutes off the highway. Just before is Groton/New London, CT - homebase for silent service (U.S. submarine) and musuem (retired nuclear sub on display & open for touring) ... open on weekends, but do check for holiday schedule change.

https://groton.com/channel/US-Naval-Submarine-Base/3074

 

Hertz, one of the major car rental - charges $5 a day for using its EZ-Pass, windshield mounted called "PlatePass" with a max. charge of $25 for a week (7 days) plus actual toll charges computed on cash rates. If renting with another, check with them ahead to confirm that they have this option - all of the national chains do offer it, AKAIK.

 

Leaving from EWR/NJ crossing into NY via the GW Bridge, there are cash lanes, manned-toll booth so you can pay cash ($15 as noted). If you take the first exit in NY for the Henry Hudson Parkway & go north, there is one more EZ-Pass only toll, taking you across into the Riverdale section of the Bronx, onward into Westchester and continue with the parkways into CT (Merit Parkway or I-15 North)

 

Once you get into CT and onward to RI and MA, there are no tolls except if & when you use the MA Turnpike (I-90) and for points north of MA to/from Maine (if you go that far). If you return toward CT/NY area from the greater Boston area, even the MA Turnpike still has cash lanes, just slower while everyone else zipped thru quicker (those of you in MA, please update/correct me on this ... with the latest). Flying home to UK via EWR on the following Saturday, you can avoid most of the tolls by using the parkways thru and into NY - go across on Westchester @ Tarrytown, NY into Spring Valley, NY and onto the Garden State Parkway (tolled but with cash lanes open) & use that to return to EWR area ... that would avoid using the Henry Hudson Bridge crossing entirely (commonly used for Manhattan Cruise Terminal - both to/from - going south or north). This is just a "side" suggestion or comment - possibly add 15 to 20 minutes of driving time near NYC but you would avoid some of heaviest traffic with all the crazy exits & turns.

 

Since you will be in the US for 3 weeks, will you be using a smartphone and/or have access to cellular data service, does your home plan have any reasonably priced travel or international plan ? T-Mobile has a traveler's prepaid sim card option, easily activated - as it will be useful for turn-by-turn GPS navigation & maps, it's well worth that extra $45 USD. A 2nd. lesser-known, sometimes referred to a Walmart plan, is available for online activation only - for $30 + taxes and 2% surcharge and up to $10 for the prepaid sim/activation - would give you 5 GB of 4G/LTE data, 100 minutes of US calling & unlimited texting - an unlocked iPhone or Android smartphone compatible with USA networks is all you need. AT&T has a similar plan at slightly higher or about the same price ... it will be very helpful for your travel partner to be the driver's co-pilot in looking ahead while driving, and finding places, hotels, and shopping malls/outlets, etc. during your stay.

 

On hotels, please let 138east/Carol help out ... we drove & stay outside of downtown Boston (parking is typically extra $30 to $40 a night with most hotels) - usually staying at Holiday Inn Express on Boston St in South Boston, off I-93 (about 15 minutes from local Chinatown nearby) or further out, Homewood Suites in Canton, MA (about 30 minutes from downtown Boston) ... our needs being a little different with our annual trip/ritual to "visit".

For an in town hotel I'm seeing the Park Plaza and the Copley Square hotel for $161-163 for Sep 5-8 on Lastminutetravel.com cancellable until Sep 2. This is a terrific rate for during the week. Park Plaza is offering a "cozy" room whatever that is. I'd do the Copley Square. DD & SIL have stayed there and it was fine.

 

The problem with staying outside of town during the week is getting parking at the T station. If you don't get there really early, there are no spaces left.

 

So if you're interested in staying in town, book the hotel. You can drive to Alewife T Station in the afternoon of September 5 and park the car overnight for $8/day. Take the T to South Station and a cab to the hotel.