cometsmom

Sorry I forgot your second question about the winter weather-I don't believe normal winter weather effects the rails but I'm sure if you call Metro North they can give you more info. The two people I talked to were really informative and patient with my many questions!

There were plenty of parking lots (didn't notice the cost) but if you Google Union Station, New Haven it will give you their rates by day, week, etc. I believe the lots are patrolled and secure. We used to drive to the pier as well but it's too expensive when you compare to Metro North.

Just took a ride down to Union Station in New Haven to get a feel for how it's going to be Friday. I was still worried about the luggage but its not a problem at all. Plenty of room - the people we saw had a lot more luggage than we do. Easy off 91-south at exit 1, just keep following to the right. Plenty of parking areas if you're leaving your car there. Bought two roundtrip tix for total of $62 and they're for whatever time you want- trains leave about every 15 min or so.

I had looked at the bus from Hartford but you're locked into times and not knowing exactly when we'll get off the ship, if you don't make the bus time your ticket says, they will charge you another $20 each.

So relieved!

We're in Middletown and used to drive to the pier in New York but it's $35 a day now! We're taken Metro North out of New Haven (Amtrak is more $). If you buy your tix on their website round trip is about $30 each. You can also buy them at the train station for same cost. The only glitch buying them on line is that they actually mail the tix...we're just going to get them at the station. Have a great trip!