kippon

The only thing I will mention is that I would budget more than 10 minutes to get to the port.

oh yes, definitely. what time would you recommend one arrive at port? knowing my mother, she'll want to leave at midnight the night before. ;)

i waited a bit too long to book a hotel for the day before/after cruise, and some of the recommended accommodations were totally booked! upon a bit of research, i found a user reported bedbug free/not gross, safer location, close to port (approx 10 minutes from Cape Liberty Cruise Port) accommodations with a great Cruise Parking Package at:

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson* - Newark Airport NJ

100 Glimcher Realty Way, Elizabeth, NJ ‎

i doubt one is allowed to link to outside websites in this forum(?), so just copy and paste the above into your search engine or map of choice, if need be. (*i am not affiliated with RCI or Country Inn/Carlson, just sharing info to help others.)

their all-inclusive cruise package is called "Sleep-Park-Cruise", and it's very affordable. for $298 (including taxes, our particular package included 1 night king bed, complementary continental breakfast, wifi, up to 10 days of parking, and a free shuttle from the hotel to the boat and back! (amongst other things). i'm no longer a smoker, but i noticed the hotel/room is non-smoking, as are all of the accommodations which i researched in the port area, although i'm sure one could just take a walk! the associates are super friendly on the phone. they induced a 1 night stay for our arrival back at port for an additional $99, which induced tax, i believe.

i can't recall how much parking was per night *for the package* or if it was only included as a block of 10 nights, but i just a 1 Night double occupancy (w/ parking, but no extended cruise parking) is advertised as $119 + tax. again, approx 10 min from port, and they have vacancies.

i hope this helps someone seeking lodging! this is my first cruise, and i GREATLY APPRECIATE all the help i've found within the CC forums! best regards~