NewJersey222

What hotel? I have stayed at Country Inn several times and they have their own shuttle which, as of May 2017 was $17.50 plus tax, per person, one way to Cape Liberty. When you disembark the ship, I believe they will return you to EWR or hotel. I would suggest calling C Inn directly for how that works. Their address: 100 International Drive, Elizabeth, NJ. Have not done return to EWR, but will this Dec. Last May they also picked up a couple who was staying at Embassy Suites directly across from C Inn. Or you could take a cab, car service to Cape Liberty. Usually the hotel will make arrangements for that unless you have a particular preference.

Good luck,

Marie

NewJersey222

We stayed at Country Inn Nov. 2016, room was clean, breakfast very good, had dinner both nights at Ruby Tuesdays and pleased with their food/service as well. Personnel at hotel were very pleasant and helpful. Hotel has an area where you can buy snacks or frozen "dinner" to eat. If you take Country Inn shuttle to port, I suggest you book at check in to get the leave time you want. You can walk over to the Jersey Gardens Mall, VERY large mall. Took shuttle to Cape Liberty day of cruise with no problem. I always take reviews of others "with a grain of salt" as some just like to complain. It is not like hotels in FLL or Mia, as it is an industrial area, but we found it to be very pleasant. Staying there again this May, 2 nights. Will take shuttle to port again.

Good Luck

NewJersey222

Marie

Thanks for the info.

You are very welcome. :)

NewJersey222

Marie

<p>We took Country Inn Elizabeth, NJ Shuttle from EWR to hotel, hotel 2 days, then their shuttle to Cape Liberty for around $20.00 each, then private cab back to EWR as my friend had to catch an early flight and we did not want to risk her missing flight back to Toronto.</p><br><p>With Country Inn in Elizabeth, NJ, you can take shuttle back to hotel or to EWR.  I would suggest calling hotel directly as things change.  Embassy Suites in Elizabeth may have same set up.  These hotels are literally across from each other in Elizabeth.  You will have to call to confirm. Phone #s on line.</p><br><p>Good Luck</p><p>NewJersey222</p><p>Marie<br></p>

I found this on the Jersey Gardens web site:

 

From Newark Liberty International Airport

The Mills at Jersey Gardens offers shuttle transportation from AirTrain Station P4 every half hour starting at 10am Monday-Saturday and 11am Sunday.

 

You might want to email them to see if there is a charge

https://www.simon.com/contact?mallId=1374

Hello,

Yes, there is a $5.00 charge, cash only. Just spoke with Jersey Gardens Mall today.

Good luck

NewJersey222

Marie

For May 5:

Country Inns - $143.25 + $70 port transportation

Embassy Suites - about $169 + $80 port transportation

Trinityreservations.com -Ramada Plaza - $175 for room and round trip port transportation.

 

The first two are next to the Jersey Gardens Mall and offer free breakfast.

Hello,

To elaborate:

Country Inn, Embassy Suites in Elizabeth, NJ offer shuttle to hotel from EWR and, also for around $20.00 shuttle to Cape Liberty. We stayed at Country Inn November 2016, complimentary breakfast was great. Shuttle on time from hotel to Cape Liberty.

NewJersey222

Marie

I have never had a problem like this at Cape Liberty. Hopefully this was an exception. Would be curious to know the cause.

I have cruised from Cape Liberty many times over the years with RCCL and Celebrity: never had a problem. I walk off with my luggage and either taxi or RCCL shuttle to EWR. I take the train. Dec. 9 we were getting into the cab at

6:39AM; arrived EWR 7:20AM. Smooth as silk!! And yes, that is why when flying, you should never book flights prior to 12Noon even though when flying from Seattle, WA, back to Phila., PA in 2012, returning from an Alaska cruise, I booked my flight 11:30AM, but had back up plan B and C, as usual. I walked off the ship at 8AM. No problem making the flight. Sounds like some folks cut it a little too close....If flight was prior to Noon, they should have walked off luggage in tow. Whenever people travel, we always have to allow for something, whatever that is!!! Good luck next time.. See you in May 2017 on Anthem.....

NewJersey222 :):D;)

Thanks everyone. I think he will have to decide by tomorrow, so that will give me 48 hours. I will call RCL tonight and ask about the insurance.

 

thanks!

Hello,

Just thought I would jump in with my $.02: in life "honesty is always the best policy". If it were me, I would call RCCL and ask them as others here have suggested. Good Luck

Have a great time on your cruise,

NewJersey222

Be sure you book the Courtyard Elizabeth (not Courtyard Newark) if you pick a Courtyard. You want to be near the Jersey Gardens Mall, so Embassy Suites and Residence Inn are also options to put you in that location.

Thank you, Carol, for the info. We are definitely staying at one of those, now to decide which one....Decisions, decisions....:)

NewJersey222

Could you provide more details? Do you have sightseeing plans? Are you driving from Voorhees NJ? Are you parking at the port? Both hotels are fine - the Courtyard is probably nicer, but neither hotel may be your best choice if you're going to be going in and out of Manhattan and parking at the port.

138East (Carol),

I figured as much. No sightseeing plans. I am taking the train, and my friend is flying from Toronto. We are meeting at P4, EWR. No in/out of Manhattan this time, maybe in the future. Because we arrive the Friday following Thanksgiving, the NYC crowds will be insane!!

Thank you for your response, Carol,

NewJersey222

Which one of these hotels, in your opinion, is the nicer of the two in Elizabeth, NJ, near Jersey Gardens Mall, on International Blvd.:

Country Inn and Suites??

Courtyard Marriott??

We are cruising on RCL Anthem Nov 27, but are staying nights of 25 and 26 November prior to cruise.

Have cruised many times from Cape Liberty, but have not stayed at either of these hotels.

Thank you,

NewJersey222

The reviews are good, but....bottom line you can't walk anywhere at all and there is no dinner food, so you'd have to cab it to a restaurant or order take out. Without a car you're literally stranded in the hotel.

Carol,

As always, thank you for your input/help.

Marie :)

NewJersey222

Thank you, Carol, for your response. I will decide what to do, but is it a safe location at Hampton Inn, and clean??

Thank you again in advance,

Marie

Hello,

I have reservations for this hotel in Nov: Hampton Inn, Elizabeth, NJ. One of us is taking train to EWR and the other is flying to EWR. Only need one night for hotel. Please give your opinion/input as to its: cleanliness, location, safety, what is around it, and where to eat lunch, dinner; also transportation to Cape Liberty.

If it is not a "good' place to stay, please give recommendation as to where else to stay.

Thank you in advance for your help,

Marie

Amen Rosbiffer, over $70 with tip for a ride to the airport. Very easy to get a cab, just dig DEEP.

 

No, it's not far, but the roads are a cluster and "you can't get there from here". Let's see.....pier to airport.......about $35 in New Orleans, $20 in Ft. Lauderdale, $70+ in Jersey and San Pedro, Cal.

Agreed!! I paid $70.00 from port to Newark Airport including tip, tolls in December 2015. Not sure why so much $$ either!! Next cruise from Cape Liberty May 14, 2016 and using transfers.

Safe travels,

Marie

We just booked the County Inn as well for our8/14/16 cruise on the Summit. I got some mixed info on the r/t shuttle they do to/from the port. One person said they do hotel to ship at a choice of 10am or noon and the the return is ship to hotel where we then have to get on their airport shuttle to the airport...yet another person told me the same info for to the ship but said on the return it does ship to airport. Guess I will find out when I get there and go from there unless someone who has used the r/t shuttle from CI can let me know their expierence. :confused:

Hello,

Just a suggestion: from ship directly to EWR instead of all the other stuff to add to stress of catching a flight. You can take: shuttle at port, cab, or ship transfer to get to Newark Airport. Your decision. It may be a few dollars more, but easier in the long run.

Good Luck

Marie

This is actually a good location in Newark. The prison has security. The hotel very difficult to get to on foot, so no random people floating around. The hotel has gated parking and 7x 24 attendants. People come and go all night. It's actually in a quieter area on the north side of the airport and is a full service hotel. The Doubletree is next door.

 

I'm not keen on the hotels on the west side of the airport along routes 1& 9 because of the truck traffic and the easier access by random people. I've stayed at both hotel properties when they were a Holiday Inn and a Sheraton.

Hello,

I have stayed at this hotel as well. I actually could see prisoners from my room. And they are in a secure area. The only reason I do not stay here anymore is because the tub did not drain properly, but that was several years ago. I stay elsewhere now.

Good Luck,

Marie

Please do a review - there are many folks like you out there who are looking for a less expensive hotel that meets their needs. This hotel was really cheap last year. For 6 of us we paid $142 for 2 rooms including taxes and $15 to park. We had exactly what we wanted - 2 large clean connecting rooms - 4 double beds - 2 bathrooms - 2 TV's - all at the very end of a 1st floor hallway so our infant and toddler wouldn't disturb anyone. The problem with Newark Airport is finding the less expensive hotels that are not total dumps or in a truly awful location.

 

In reading the Trip Advisor reviews I found that many folks who had bad experiences either did not choose the hotel or did not research the hotel. Many of them ended up there because of interrupted travel plans, which got them off to a bad start.

 

The things I noticed were:

1) There is a $15 charge for parking

2) The food is pricey, but the canteen was reasonable.

3) The Teddy's pub seemed popular

4) The hotel is truly a transient hotel - people are coming at all hours of the day and night. The staff is busy and may not have all the "charm" that folks from other parts of the country might like to see.

 

Mixups happen - if I were given a room that was not clean, I would ask for another. In a hotel like this I always call ahead to make sure they know I am coming and to get a room blocked out.

 

I liked the location in a relatively inaccessible enclave. Road noise and airplane noise was not a factor. We were driving, so the hotel's close proximity to Exit 14 was a huge plus.

138east,

Like I said, I will do my best. And I agree with you. I too, do research in areas I am not familiar. I did this when airlines got too pricey a few years ago to cruise out of FL which is how I ended up cruising out of NY and Cape Liberty. No regrets with those decisions. :D

Will write review in June, probably the end of the month.

Regards,

NewJersey222

Marie

Could you post a review of the Ramada when you get back. Since it changed hands, no one has posted about staying there. IMO for the price, it's a good value.

 

I stayed at the Holiday Inn with 5 other family members in connecting rooms. It was just fine. What I did do was call the hotel at 11 am to confirm my reservation and to ask that adjoining/connecting rooms be assigned to us for a late arrival at 11 pm. When we arrived, everything was all set for us - rooms were clean. The location at the end of the hall on the first floor was perfect.

 

You might want to contact Bayonne Taxi - they run a shuttle to the port and do pick ups at the Sheraton next door. Some folks have used this for $15/pp. I'm not sure exactly how it works - I don't think you can make a reservation way ahead, but at that price it's certainly worth asking.

138east,

I will try to post a report on the Ramada near EWR. I must admit I am hesitant to do so because I feel most people are toooooooooooo critical of where they stay, food, etc. And it is a matter of opinion as to where you stay... likes, dislikes....

Thanks for the tip: as a matter of fact, I have used Bayonne Taxi ship to EWR last Sept. $15.00 + tip. I intend to look into them EWR to port in Sept.

Already on Caribbean Princess!!!:D:D

Regards,

NewJersey222

Marie

Marie - you're my kind of traveler! What hotel do you use at Newark Airport and could you tell us about it? It sounds like you might be traveling solo, so if you have found a place you are comfortable that would be good information.

138east,

I have chatted with you in the past. Here you go:

Near EWR, I have stayed at Howard Johnson, and this time I am staying at what used to be the Holiday Inn and is now the Ramada. I stayed there when it was the Holiday Inn and swore I would not stay there again. Used a black car service to Cape Liberty and felt ripped off!! I have read comments about the Howard Johnson and how the doors are banged up!!! Who cares!!! My #1 concern, if I am traveling alone is SAFETY and cleanliness of the hotel!!! I have always felt safe at the Howard Johnson. They even have small "college" type refrigerators in the rooms. Last year there was even a microwave in the room, which was a nice surprise to me. I am trying the Ramada this time to see how it goes. If you want a 4* hotel, this is not for you. I look at it this way: I am not buying it, just staying overnight. One time while at the Howard Johnson, because of the location of the room, if you left the window open you could hear the planes taking off and landing.. So instead of complaining, no sense in that, I closed the window.....Also, I do not have unlimited funds.

I cruise twice a year. Will be on the Explorer of the Seas this Sept. ;Canada and New England. Did this trip last year and loved it!!

Happy Cruising,

Regards,

NewJersey222

Barb -thanks for the suggestion, but I don't have a car (I live in center city Philly and don't need one) and don't want to bother anyone to drive me to Wilmington.

 

I'm assuming from your post, that the driver does get there (with some guidance). And hopefully, now knows the way. I am going to call the bus company to express my concern about this though. BTW How crowded does the bus get.

Hello Deb1113,

Because you live in Center City Phila., why not take Amtrak to Newark Airport (EWR), then a cab to Cape Llberty?? I have cruised out of Cape Liberty several times, live in Voorhees, NJ, however I take the Speedline to Camden, then the Rail from Camden to Trenton, then NJ Transit Train from Trenton to Newark Airport. I usually go the night before, stay at a hotel, then take a cab to Cape Liberty (around $35 to $45). It does not sound like you would want to do it the way I do. But, #1 it is about $18 one way. The downside is it takes a few hours, but I LOVE trains, enjoy the train ride because it is preparing me for my cruise!!! I do not take Amtrak because I have to backtrack, it costs more and the time would be about the same.

Like I said, I have done this several times, and enjoy myself. As a matter of fact, I am leaving next Wed., May 26, staying overnight at a hotel near Newark Airport, then the next day taking the train to NY Penn Station, then car service to Brooklyn (Red Hook). I am cruising with Princess....

Sorry, after responding to your posts I realized that you do not want to take the train. So I am sure you will decide which mode of transportation is best for your needs. I can not bear to take lots of stuff!!! I have one suitcase, and a carry on, Traditional Dining. So I do not have to schlepp lots of luggage while transferring to the trains!!! Not to say you do, but it makes traveling via any mode much easier. Maybe I have been lucky, but this has worked for me for a few years now...

Hope this helps,

Good Luck,

Regards,

NewJersey222

Marie

mem775416@aol.com

Hello Love2Cruise4Less,

I happen to agree with most of what you say. My opinion is that there must not be much $$ for solo cruising. I am sailing in one week and have not heard from the Travel Agent that I booked with, and had to call her for my final payment. I am interested in different threads with CC and (no offense) people get into all kinds of personal things, health, jobs, etc.

This thread has shared much information and I am glad Ryan started it.

Happy cruising,

NewJersey222

Marie

Next Up: Caribbean Princess May 24, 2009!!!!:D

That's the impression I was under too.

NewJersey222

Marie

I enjoy doing a cruise by myself once a year to just get away from everything and make my own schedule. Eat when hungry, sleep when I get tired. Here are pictures of Carnival Imagination inside 1A cabins. These are the refurbishd cabins are generally the same on each of the Fantasy class ships. This is Cabin E183 on the Imagination. Great location aft, closr to the stairs that lead to Promenade and right into the back entrance of the Lido buffet

Hello ATL2LAS!!

Thanks for sharing your pics.. Was wondering what they looked like.. I am looking into a 1A for spring 2010 solo.

Next up: Caribbean Princess, May 24 (2 weeks)!!!:D

Then: Explorer of the Seas (RCL) Sept. 17:)

Regards,

NewJersey222

Marie

Hi Marie,

 

My understanding of why cruises in the northeast are more money is that there are significantly less of them... and as a result they fill up pretty well. I wish it were the reverse. I have been told the 1a on the miracle which sails from NYC are not porthole 1A cabins. My cabin on Valor is a 1A with two portholes...I usually go balcony when I'm with my daughter...but alone it makes no sense and would be too expensive. I need a little glimmer of light and water to get by:) You are coming up on your Princess cruise soon so I hope you have fun. Is that a solo cruise? BTW I had no time with NYC port when I sailed last on the Dawn. I took train to Penn station and my daughter and I walked out to 8th avenue and got a cab up to the port....we could have walked but it was hot and we wanted to get there. I take one bag on wheels and my daughter knows if she wants to bring it ...she is responsible for carrying it....thats life :)

Hello Cherylroslyn,

Yes, my Princess cruise is coming up and yes, it is a solo!!!! I am sooooo ready!!! I have heard you can walk from New York Penn Station to the terminal in Manhattan, but not to Brooklyn....

Thanks for the heads up on porthole 1A cabin on Miracle. I am not crazy about not having a "window" but, if it means saving $300 to $400 that's ok. More other things I can do.

I also take one suitcase, with wheels of course, and a carry on. I can not bear to take a lot of "stuff". Did it once, it took me one hour to unpack, and that cuts into my fun time!!! I just don't bring as many shoes, if you know what I mean....

Keep in touch,

Regards,

NewJersey222

Marie:)