kellers13

Is it safe to walk in St. Maarten, like over to Boardwalk/Beach area from the port?

57 minutes ago, molly361 said:

That's what makes me nervous.  That the day will come when demand is down and they stop testing and the cruise lines will still be requiring a test.  I know people will say buy the at home kit.  

This is what I'm afraid of too!

I don't know what they are doing, but my edocs were there 30 days out, then disappeared and its now greyed out. ???

I ended up booking at the Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands. The nearby late night eats and easy public transportation to NYC were the deal makers. 

Thanks to all who helped :)

So I thought I had pretty much figured our the area we would be staying, decided on Secaucus/Harmon area. Then I discovered these 2 Marriott's by the ferry (port imperial), the Envue and the Residence Inn....and am seriously considering these simply for the convenience, and views.

Thoughts on this area???

Does not have to be a Hilton, just an example. Would prefer easy access to NYC. Free parking is preferred, but not 100% necessary. Easy commute to Cape Liberty is high on the list (we are parking at the port).

As far as cost, would like to stay around 300-350 USD total for the 2 nights. 

Thank you all for your help. I'm glad I didn't jump the gun on Staten Island.

I will take a look today at Jersey City.

I felt that downtown Newark was not a great area, so thank you all again. :)

So to add to that, a "decent (safe)" area is important to.

What are everyone's thoughts on staying near Newark Penn Station? Last time we stayed at the Hilton, but did not bring our car...so this is a factor to consider.

22 hours ago, njhorseman said:

If you don't mind someone other than Carol answering...Staten island is out of your way if you're coming from Ontario, and you'll pay a stiff extra toll to take one of the bridges from NJ to Staten Island. Are you driving in on I  80 ?

If so, Parsippany, NJ would be a convenient place to stop for the night...suburban and corporate office park type of town, with many hotels including a Hilton and a Hampton Inn.

What would the tolls be?? Parsippany is too far out. We want to be closer in case the weather is good, to go into the city.

1 hour ago, njhorseman said:

If you don't mind someone other than Carol answering...Staten island is out of your way if you're coming from Ontario, and you'll pay a stiff extra toll to take one of the bridges from NJ to Staten Island. Are you driving in on I  80 ?

If so, Parsippany, NJ would be a convenient place to stop for the night...suburban and corporate office park type of town, with many hotels including a Hilton and a Hampton Inn.

What would the tolls be?? Parsippany is too far out. We want to be closer in case the weather is good, to go into the city.

Hi 138East, 

I am hoping you can help me out again. We are driving in for Dec 1st Anthem departure, expecting to arrive on the 29th (just in case of weather issues). Looking for a decent (we usually stay in Hiltons) hotel, with easy commute to the port in the morning. 
Prefer a hotel with free parking and restaurant/bar. Strongly considering Staten Island Hilton or Hampton, just to avoid the airport area chaos. Thoughts? Recommendations?

On 12/20/2018 at 8:49 AM, cruisin'sz said:

I was wondering if it was worth it to buy jewelry while on-board.   Can you really get a good deal or is it all just one big rip off?  Also, if you do buy jewelry on board, can you use your on-board credits and (I think it is 15% ) the ship discount some of us have as frequent cruisers?   Finally, if it is worth it to get the jewelry - are the jewelers negotiable.  Thanks for the help.    

I bought several pieces last year on RCCL in the jewelry store. NOT because they were a great deal, but because I loved them. We did talk the sales person down quite a bit and had the items appraised after returning home to find them 2x and my favorite piece actually 3x the value paid. Bottom line - buy it if you love it.

Would these be the same across all ships? I am going on the Breakaway in a month.

Help me decide?

The prices work out to the same give or take a few dollars. Anyone have experience at either resort?

Thank you all for your knowledge. :)

I did search, however am seeing conflicting info about Margaritaville on the Breakaway. Can anyone please confirm for me if it is A la Carte or a set price?

I am looking for a hotel for November 24th/25th (2 adults) - Departing on Breakaway on the 25th so, prefer to stay near the port, and near the French Quarter. We are flying in, so will be using uber or taxi to get to hotel.

Thanks very much for any advice.

I hope someone can help me out here, I have read in previous years that there is a site that lists if there are large "special interest" groups on certain sail dates/ships, but for the life of me today, I cannot find it or even find the proper wording to search for it.

TIA.

Leigh

Just out of curiosity, when a ship stays overnight, do all passengers have to be on board overnight? For instance could you stay out at the bar till 2 am, or stay in a hotel in Nassau instead?

I see, I won't bother you then - Happy Sailing :)

Holey smokes Carol, you are resourceful! Could I email you some questions?

One option is to take Amtrak to Newark Airport Station with a layover in New York. Which train were you considering? You take the Airtrain to P4 to pick up the hotel shuttle. Through Trinityreservations.com you can book the Ramada Plaza for $184 tax included for a room and round trip port transportation.

I am actually on your cruise and am coming in from Boston on Amtrak and staying in NY at the La Quinta on 32nd St, which still has incredibly good rates for Jan 27 between $100 and $125, depending on bed size and discounts like AAA or senior. I am planning on walking a half block to 6th Ave to take PATH to Hoboken, the light rail to Bayonne, and Uber into the port for about $15. On the return my train is about 10:15 from NY Penn Station, so I'm planning on self disembarking and taking public transit.

Are you confident you would make it to the 10:15 train on time?

Thanks for your help :)

We are booked for Jan 28, out of Cape Liberty. We are travelling via Amtrak from Syracuse, NY. Should we get off at the Newark Penn Station or the New York Penn station to stay for a night before the cruise?

We have to consider hotel prices and prefer a shuttle to/from the port, or will taxi or uber it.

Which area should we stay in?

We are on the same cruise and ours is not yet showing any booking for shows or dinners available yet, just the thermal spa. I will keep checking.

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Can anyone tell me if there is any kind of non-alcoholic beer available on board? Specifically pertaining to the Escape - we sail in March 2017.

After reading TheDougOut's post and seeing his pic, I too went and plotted out our cabin on the Escape for Mar 2017. See what you've started?? We are all OCD planners.

150 days from today NCL Escape!

Doing the happy dance because I finally got official approval for Vacation from work! Yay