mamakacie

Just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions!  We rented a car at EWR, drove, to Liberty State Park, drove to Carlo’s (no wait at 10a on a Friday), drove to Doubletree, dropped bags, and returned rental.  The National return was right in the backyard of the hotel and it only cost us $74.  We think it was a good choice, because there are 6 of us (and a lot of bags), so car service would have def cost more.  

We trained over to the city and wore ourselves out.  Lol. As many trains/connections we took yesterday, I feel like a pro.  Train system was definitely a learning experience, but my family was patient about it.  I’m sure we got around a lot quicker than we would have on foot or by car.  🤪

On ‎5‎/‎5‎/‎2019 at 5:43 AM, megr1125 said:

Hate to be a dream buster but the line at Carlo's will be RIDICULOUSLY long depending on the time of day you get there...and their stuff, which used to be quite good, is now mass produced and lousy since it's all made in their production center off site.  When the show started, it was easier to get in there and the products were fresh and tasty.  Now, it's not unusual for the line to stretch for 2 blocks. GO EARLY!!!

I have no desire to go there, but I'm letting my daughter choose some things because she's graduating and turning 18.  And that's her number 1 thing.  Ugh. 

Would it be safe to book a 12 noon flight out of EWR on a Friday (Adventure of the Seas, Cape Liberty port)?  Or is that definitely not enough time?  That flight is a lot cheaper than the 3pm flight and there's 6 of us, so it would be quite a savings, but I don't want to miss the flight either.

8 minutes ago, 138east said:

That sounds like a good plan up to a point.  Liberty Landing Ferry is the ferry that services Liberty State Park.

 

The question would be if you could actually return the car in time to avoid incurring a fee for the second day.  The port road can get really backed up, so it could take you quite a while to do a port drop off , return the car, and actually get yourself back to the port again. Dropping off at the airport would be even more time consuming and would be $30-40 to get yourself back to Cape Liberty.  Return the car early and spend the money instead on a car service to take yourselves to Cape Liberty.  If you get there between 10 and 10:30, the traffic is usually manageable.  Anthem typically boards by 11 and you will be among the first ones on the ship.  Many lunch venues open at 11:00 am.  For the kids bumper cars start at noon and the Northstar might be running.  It’s a short cruise and you want to make the most of each day.

 

Your husband will have to deal with a PATH train ride to midtown.  The ferries just don’t run late enough and will be very expensive for 6 people.  Google some PATH pictures and youtube videos so he knows what to expect.  It’s basically a subway and underground all the way to 33rd St.

Ok, I think I got it.  

Rent van at airport, go to Carlo's, go to Liberty State, maybe ferry to Statue, go to hotel, try to check in/off load bags, return vehicle and train to the city.  Also, train to the port the next morning.  

Make sense?  I feel so much better about our craziness now:)  Thank you!

Good info!  My daughter turns 18 on our upcoming cruise:)

3 hours ago, 138east said:

Another thought - Enterprise has a return in Jersey City about 4 blocks from the Doubletree.  You could rent at the airport, drive first to Liberty State Park for the views, drive to Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, check into the hotel, and return the car.  That would be $100 well spent to cover your transportation to the hotel, Liberty State Park, and Carlo’s for 6 people and luggage.    Then do PATH to 33rd St for the evening and light rail/Uber to Cape Liberty for the ship. What time does your flight arrive?

This is a good option.  Our flight arrives at EWR before 8am.  Maybe grab a van from Enterprise/National, go to Carlos, go to Liberty State Park, possibly ferry from there across to the city, come back and then go to the hotel, check in and return vehicle?  For some reason, trains make my husband nervous.  Just being in areas that he's not used to, so I'm not sure about taking the train to port.  It might be worth paying the nightly parking charge to drive us all to port.  6 of us with 5-6 large bags might be worth having the vehicle.  It doesn't bother me to do the driving (as long as I'm not getting yelled at for missing a turn.  Lol.)

As far as Liberty State Park, I just wanted to show them the views and memorial.  That's the area that I'm used to ferrying out of.  I am letting my daughter (that's graduating and turning 18) make some of the decisions and she mentioned The Statue of Liberty, the 911 Memorial, going to the top of the Rock or Empire.  So not a super long list, but will probably take us most of the day.  

There are 6 of us, we cruise out on 6/8, flying in early on 6/7 (EWR).  I'm looking at staying in Jersey City (possibly the Double Tree).  I'm familiar with Liberty State Park and would like to show that to my family.  My daughter will be turning 18 on this trip and her #1 request is to visit Carlo's Bakery (Hoboken).  We will spend some time in NYC that day, also.  I'm familiar with the ferry out of the park area.  But there may be ferries closer.  

Has anyone ever stayed in that area - is it acceptable for a family?  Also, I'm debating on renting a car (Enterprise out of EWR).  I have a company rate and can get it for less than $100 for the day (van and parking).  I'm thinking this may be cheaper than taxi/uber to hotel and around park.  

Suggestions?  

Thanks so much!!  (I've cruise Disney out of Port Canaveral a few times and feel like a pro, but RC and NYC port are giving me a bit of anxiety.🙂 )