spirit rev

I renewed my passport a couple of months ago. I used the expedited service. I had my new passport and my old passport back within 2 weeks of sending them in. I was amazed! Now to figure out where to go to use the new one.  

Consider getting red cap service when you arrive into Moynahan Train Hall (Penn Station). To request it, as the conductor on the train - early into the journey - for one and they will call ahead for one. 

When we did this, the red cap brought us up into the station and then hailed a taxi for us. Worth every penny we gave him in a tip. 

When I have participated in the guest choir, we were asked to wear white tops and black bottoms although if you didn't have that anything was acceptable for the concert in the grand lobby. I usually have black slacks and some sort of a white top with me so it is not a problem for me. The one time I didn't have a white top, I wore the lightest color top I had with me. 

We travel to NYC frequently for cruises and shows. We stay at the Courtyard at 54th and Broadway (address is 1717 Broadway). It is about half way between Times Square and Central Park. 

We frequently have dinner at DJ's Irish Pub at 57th and 9th. It has a fairly local clientele. For breakfast we avoid the hotel's buffet and head over to the Apple Jack Diner at 55th and Broadway. There are definitely many from out of town eating there but it has a real NYC diner atmosphere. 

50 minutes ago, DuckTollerFans said:

We've considered driving from Rochester and taking Amtrak into NY.  How is the long term parking at Albany? I've been to that station though I didn't have a car with me.   (It was a MUCH better station than SDY where I used to travel to often!)

First, we like to travel from Albany station, even though Schenectady station is closer because a number of the trains originate in Albany. There can be delays arriving into ALB with the other trains, particularly the ones coming from the west. The trains starting in ALB do not have cafe service so be prepared if you want food or beverage. I can provide you with these train numbers if you would like. 

Parking at the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station is good. We have never had a problem getting a space. There is a parking garage attached to the station. There are also three surface lots. There are signs directing you to the parking from the station building. If you prefer, you can drop off your luggage at the main door to the station with someone staying with the luggage while the other parks. Signs at the parking entrance direct you to each lot and give prices. All lots have a daily and weekly rate. Note: they recently started to take only credit card as you exit. If you want to pay cash, there is a machine in the station that will allow you to pay your parking fee in cash before going to your car. 

Luggage assistance is available in a "booth" along the wall near where the entrance to the tracks is - kinda opposite from the post office. 

There are some larger tables available at least in Britannia Club and Princess Grills. You can request to be seated at one. However, remember, since this is anytime dining, others seated at the table may or may not be present when you are. Most table for 2 are close to other tables so you can be in conversation with other diners. 

8 hours ago, slamas said:

There are 4 of us disembarking a ship in Boston in July. We need to get to NY to catch our plane back to Australia. Thinking of booking the Acela train to NY. Trying to find out if we can take luggage on board and if Business class travel is worth the money. Would appreciate any input into these questions. Have not been to either cities in America!! So, flying blind!! Thanks for your time. 😇

For short distances like this I always prefer the train in the Northeast. Husband has always enjoyed the Acela train and the perks that go with first class. He tells me the whole train is considered business class. 

When you arrive in NYC you will still need to get to the airport you are flying out of as the train station, Moynahan Train Hall/NY Penn, is on Manhattan. Taxis are readily available to airports or hotels if you are spending time in NYC before your flight home. The trip to the airports will be at least an hour, perhaps more if there are any traffic issues. 

We always encourage use of the Redcaps (porters) if you have several pieces of luggage. The service is free, but tipping is appropriate. On your way from Boston ask the conductor to call ahead for a redcap to meet the train. Our recent experience is that they not only met us at the train but took us and our luggage to a taxi stand outside the building and helped us secure a taxi. You can also look for the redcap service in the Boston station. This will probably help you get on the train early, without standing in line to board. 

1 hour ago, princeton123211 said:

And on the outbound, since Red Cap service isn't available in Albany, advise the conductor when they scan your ticket after boarding that you'll need it on arrival to New York or Boston (which do offer the service) and they will have them waiting for you. 

We always have redcap service when we boarded in Albany. Yes, advise the conductor that you would like redcap service when arriving in  NYP. This is our experience over years of travelling Amtrak from Albany to NYC  

Just a note 

We have never had any issues with getting all of our luggage/suitcases onto the same train we are on between Albany and NYP. They are even in the same car as we are. When we cruise our total luggage is 2 (airline) checked size pieces, two carry-on size pieces and at least 3 personal items. 

Be sure to see a redcap for assistance. 

We regularly travel via Amtrak to NYP. 

When you arrive at the station, either end, go to the Red Cap area. Tell them which train you are on. They will assist you getting your luggage onto the train - before the general boarding. While the service is free, we do tip them. While on the train, ask the conductor to request Red Cap service at either NYP or ALB. They will meet  you at your car and assist getting your luggage from the platform to either your car or to a taxi. We had great service at NYP last week. They took our luggage outside of the station and helped secure a yellow cab for us. Again, tips are appreciated. 

One of the questions we have been asked several times on the sailing we are currently on from NYC has been about how we deal with luggage on Amtrak. We can't tell folks how amazing we find the Red Caps at both the Albany station and at Moynahan Hall at Penn Station in NYC. 

5 hours ago, Mudhen said:

I'm hoping that you've left a few "treats" in the bars for us, as we board on Friday!

Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know what's happening onboard. I've read all of your posts and you've done a wonderful job.....enjoyed every bit.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

I also have been enjoying your posts as we will also board when you arrive in New York City. 

3 hours ago, Millieloulou said:

Thankyou so much to everyone who has helped with their reply’s.I am ever hopeful that I can talk MOH into to making the Caribbean voyage next time ,Southampton to Southampton.

So glad everyone is having a great time, all the meals look mouthwatering.We are counting down the hours !

We are also counting down the hours to the Caribbean part of this cruise. We are appreciating this "live from" report. 

Will be heading down to NYC on Thursday. It is just a short (2.5 hours) train ride. 

We stay in this hotel regularly. We like it very much. The location is convenient to Times Square and Central Park. Staff from the front desk as well as the bellmen are very helpful. We have never had a problem getting transportation when needed - taxi or car service - depending on where we will be going. 

The Courtyard is on the lower floors, with a bank of elevators for them. The Residence Inn is on the upper floors with their own bank of elevators. There are kitchenettes in the Residence Inn rooms. Breakfast is included with the Residence Inn and available for a charge for those staying in the Courtyard.  Both share the same lobby. 

I choose which to stay in based on how long we will be there that trip and what the price of each is. 

2 hours ago, fozzy said:

I'm fine taking the taxi. It's catching one at Penn station that gives me pause. I understand there's a taxi stand though which helps. 

We regularly catch a taxi at Penn Station. We arrive into Moynahan Train Hall. Exit at the doors to Eighth Ave. and 33rd. Then we cross 8th Ave (actually in front of Penn Station) and on the right is a well-organized taxi stand. 

Note: If you plan on using a yellow taxi, we find we often have to ignore and liberally use the word "NO" to folks who approach us asking if we want a taxi. 

Wondering 

On our upcoming sailing on the QM2, one of our gala nights is themed for the 1920s. When they had the Masquarde Night in the past there were masks for sale onboard. Do they have any 1920s themed props for sale? 

1 hour ago, Millieloulou said:

This was one of the many questions I was preparing to ask so pleased that a few people are still concerned. Having been isolated during the 2021 Caribbean cruise we are trying to prepare for as much as possible.

Does anyone know if not having covid proof will be applicable from Brooklyn as we board for our Christmas/New Year 2023 cruise?

Also are any of the islands asking for proof?

 

We will be on the Christmas/New Year's cruise also. Hope to meet you. 

We are in NYC frequently. We usually stay at the Courtyard by Marriott (Residence Inn is also on the upper floors of the same building) at 54th and Broadway. It is an easy walk to Broadway shows as well as Central Park. There is great assistance in securing transportation from the hotel to the cruise pier. 

This is a suggestion for getting from London to Amsterdam. The Eurostar has several trains, some direct, between the 2 cities. A direct train takes about 4 hours. Why not take the train and avoid airports  completely for that part of your trip?

Our experience when disembarking at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is that it iw very organized. However, we have had a long line to get a taxi at the stand. 

Last time we came into Brooklyn Cruise Terminal we arranged for private car transport to Moynihan while on the ship. It was a bit more expensive but well worth the cost to reduce frustration and standing, waiting in line. We were off the ship about 1/2 hour before our reservation. When we arrived at the pickup area, we were immediately "given" a car. (Too bad we weren't able to get on an earlier train north.)

There is a taxi stand across the street from the exit of pier 88 much like the one outside of Penn Station. There are also a lot of private drivers hustling for rides as you exit the pier. Be careful, their charge is outrageous. 

When we sailed out of Dover we stayed in Canterbury in The Lodge that is operated by the Cathedral on the Cathedral grounds. It was a wonderful experience. Our room was comfortable and overlooked the Cathedral. Magical. 

The day of the sailing we took a taxi to the pier. The driver acted as a tour guide, even showing us a few things as part of the fare paid earlier - including a stop at the top of the White Cliffs. Wish I could remember the name of the taxi company. 

I have stayed here but before it was rebranded by Hilton. Thoroughly enjoyed its location. Tube stations are only a couple of blocks away. 

I plan to stay there in September when we're in London. 

If your cruise includes a stop at the Bay of Islands, I have LOVED the excursion to the Glow Worm Cave. This cave continues to be family owned and, I understand, is not as commercialized as on on the South Island of NZ. An excursion to learn about the Maori is also good. I'm pretty certain there will be an excursion to Hobbiton. Even for someone who is not a follower of The Lord of the Rings, this was a good excursion. Plus, there will probably be a chance to have a pint and perhaps a quick lunch at the Green Dragon Inn. 

Port: It's difficult  - too many that I love. 

Ship: Gem followed by the Spirit and Jewel 

Stateroom: Aft facing cabin. On the Gem and other Jewel class ships - on deck 10. They have a larger balcony. 

7 minutes ago, gumshoe958 said:

@spirit rev if you tell us which hotel you’re staying at we can give you more accurate advice.

We are flying on a Saturday. 

Our hotel is the Hilton Curio on John Islip Street 

Thanks for your knowledgeable assistance.

My travel partner is very  good understanding the NYC subway maps so  should have no issues understanding the London Tube maps if my memory of them is correct.