NYC Info needed - What to do for 5 hours pre-cruise VOS Bayonne?

[DFritz]

HELP!!! What kind of suggestions does everyone have concerning the five or so extra hours we have , pre-cruise. We are driving to Secaucus and staying overnight for our 6/13 Voyager cruise out of Bayonne. We do not want to drive into the city but we would like to make a visit. Please, please don't say stuff like: use the path, use the light rail, catch a bus, etc. I am public transportation stupid as I live in a very rural area where competition on the roads is Amish Buggys and John Deere Tractors. We don't even have lines on the roads and most of them are gravel. I need specifics. We will be staying at Crowne Plaza Meadowlands-Secaucus. Thanks

 

'Til my next cruise

 

[42trvl]

Although you are quite close to the city, 5 hours is really not very much time to get in and out, especially considering the heavy traffic around here. Since you're uncomfortable getting around yourself and your time is limited, maybe you should call the hotel concierge and see if they have some type of an escorted bus tour from the hotel. There are also lots of "direct" buses from the Secaucus area, so if the hotel has one right from its front door then you would not need to worry about finding your way around. Anyway, I think asking the hotel is your best and safest bet. If you don't care about going into the city, then there is lots of outlet shopping in Secaucus.

[DFritz]

Thank you for the response. I HATE to shop so that is not an option for me. Five hours isn't enough time to hit a museum or something? I don't even spend five hours at a port of call.

 

'Til my next cruise

 

[deecruiser]

We're on the 5/30 Voyager cruise and planning to do a quick tour of NY before we go. We're flying into LaGuardia and doing a cab and the public transit thing and will take the train to Bayonne around 6:30 or so.

 

We'll be seeing just the basics, I think a walk up 5th Avenue and then over to Serendipity's. Not sure how much we can see, but just get a taste of the city and then outa there and to the cruise.

 

I'll follow-up and let you know if we were crazy to try and do this. Anyone else have any advice?

 

Voyager 4/00

Explorer 1/02

Navigator 4/03

[PhoenixCruiser]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DFritz:

HELP!!! Please, please don't say stuff like: use the path, use the light rail, catch a bus, etc. I am public transportation stupid as I live in a very rural area where competition on the roads is Amish Buggys and John Deere Tractors. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

LOL We would spend the time at the ESPN Zone in Manhattan. We actually stayed in New Jersey and took the Public Transportation into the city -- believe it or not, it was easy to navigate. However, your time will be limited and I agree with calling the hotel Concierge. Have fun planning

 

Navigator of the Seas 6/26/04

 

 

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[peteinsonj]

Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is great-- if you have lots of time you can go through the entire museum.

 

If less -- the IMAX at Liberty Science center is superb (its a HUGE golf ball like circular theatre, not like the Sony ones).

 

Another option -- depending on time -- take the ferry to Liberty Island or the immigration museum. But this might be a bit tight.

 

Have fun!

 

Pete

[MonaCK]

I would just do something simple -- maybe head into times square.. go to Madame Tussaunds Wax Museum on 42nd street... look at the giant indoor ferris wheel at the Toys are Us... maybe catch a glimpse of The Naked Cowboy.

 

 

I would definitely see about taking the bus from your hotel. I'd bet that they have regular shuttles into Manhattan, or can give you specific instructions on the best way to get there.

 

Good luck, and have fun.

[sandhillwings]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> We are driving to Secaucus and staying overnight for our 6/13 Voyager cruise out of Bayonne. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

DFritz - if you're arriving early enough on the 12th, you could take a taxi over to The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City (due north of Bayonne). They are opening a new exhibit called: Magic: The Science of Illusion. The Center is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm seven days a week.

 

Also, nearby The Science Center is a ferry to The Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, I have no idea as to the hours of operation, cost or length of time.

 

On the 13th, if you wish to go into Manhattan, take a cab to The Staten Island Ferry terminal on Staten Island. Then you can take the ferry into lower Manhattan. Check out the South Street Seaport or perhaps even take a cab up to The Empire State Building and have a look around. Forget the fancy restaurants. Get a grilled hot dog with "the works" from any of the swarthy sidewalk vendors in the area. An authentic New York taste treat! (Later that evening while onboard ship, you'd best use one of the public restrooms rather than the one in your cabin... ).

 

Wishing you a terrific cruise.

[cgc33a]

I have the same dilemma. What to do for 4-5 hours precruise. I have kids with me & have decided to rent a car (mostly b/c of the luggage issue-what to do with it). My top choices for sightseeing are non players. wanted to take the kids to Edison's labs in West Orange (very close to the airport) but they are closed for renovation. Edison Museum in Menlo Park is closed on Sunday. I have done too many of the Science museum type places & have 2 very different age kids, so keeping them both happy there would be a nightmare (+ they charge $5. to park). Been to Statue of Liberty & think the kids are too young for Ellis Island. Think we might drive out to Morristown to a park that is a big Rev. War "attraction". If that doesn't work, I may have to settle for a movie at Jersey Gardens. I think I have exhausted every avenue (AAA Tour guide & 2 friends from that neck of the woods)

[madforcruising]

Possibly I´m not the best person to step in here, as I´m not from NY (not even out of your country) but I´ve been to New York several times. So I´ll try it.

The website of your Hotel mention a shuttle to the train station and a train from there to Penn Station.

Penn station is a good location to start as it´s quite centrally located.

From there it´s easy to go to Maycy´s (OK I remember you hate shopping), Empire State Building is not to far away too.

You could walk the 5th Ave., go to the Times Square area where it´s lots to do. Rockefeller Center is interesting too.

I know you don´t want to here general statements, but I can´t tell you exactly what train/subway to take. But believe me it´s very easy to navigate the subway in NY. I´m from a small town too.

One option could be to tour the Madison Square Garden located just above the Penn Station.

 

Forgot to mention one thing.

NEVER EVER DRIVE INTO MANHATTAN. The traffic is crazy. I wouldn´t do it for a million dollar. (Well OK for a million maybe )

 

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[trish1c]

From the meadowlands IMHO 5 hours is not enough time to do one of the "big" museums -- Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, etc. You might have time to do the Gugenheim. Remember, the museums are uptown in the 80's & you'll be in midtown. Even from the Meadowlands, you still have to budget at least 1/2 hour each way travel. If there's traffic on the helix, through the Tunnel for closures or an accident, or problems getting up town, those times will increase.

 

Something unstructured would be best -- walking 5th Avenue or Times Square would be my choice. Perhaps the Empire State Building.

 

As long as you stay out of the subways, public transporation should be no problem. Go on line & look up info. Then ask the concierge at the hotel. Write everything down in 2 places (maybe give to 2 people), follow the directions & off you go.

 

Trish

[pinebro]

we decided to take the harbor cruise offered by rccl.....you check in at 3pm,(avoid lines?) drop luggage, get boarding passes, etc..., then the tour. back to ship about 7pm. sounds like a good way to see the sights, and burn some time.

 

16 CRUISES AND STILL ANXIOUS FOR THE NEXT ONE.....

[cruisingrightalong]

My daughter is doing the same thing as pinebro...sounds exciting and easy. I called RCCL and they said...put your luggage with the porter first....then go to the "excursion site" which will be marked....after the excursion you will check in and get seapass cards etc. Believe though you have to preregister and show your "receipt."

 

Lou

 

Radiance of the Seas May 2, 2004

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[trish1c]

After reply to the post this morning I heard a commercial.

 

Think about the central park zoo, it's not too big. You get the flavor of Manhatten & fits w/i the time frame.

 

Trish

[cjankowski]

How or where do you find out about the harbor cruise offered by rccl. I would like more info on this as we will be coming in Sept. I think this may be something our group of 5 would like to do. Could you lend me more info on it. Thanks

 

Rhapsody of the Seas-Jan 2004

Voyager of the Seas-Sept 2004

[nyrfan]

Spend the afternoon at the South street Seaport!

 

Lots of shops, food and a couple of museums. Very good for killing a few hours.

 

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[cruisingrightalong]

To find the harbor cruise...you go to the shore excursions on the page. Go to purchase...have your booking number ready....you can enter it and see a list of excursions for your cruise.....you don't have to go all the way thru the "buying process" unless you want to.

 

Radiance of the Seas May 2, 2004

Brilliance of the Seas November 14, 2003

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[MyCousinRachel]

If you decide to go to Central Park Zoo - make sure you also have lunch outside at Tavern on the Green. It's absolutely beautiful... they have a bar outside and a price fixed lunch menu. Not too expensive. Do not take taxi to Staten Island Ferry. I'm a Staten Islander -- it's at least a 40 minute drive to the ferry from Secaucus and will cost you a fortune. Also I don't know how readily available taxis are in Secaucus. You may have to get the hotel to call a car service for you.

 

Also -- For deecruiser -- make sure you get reservations for Serendipities -- not easy to get a table walk in.

 

Hope this info helps.

 

Laurie

[deecruiser]

MyCousinRachel:

 

Good to know. Maybe we'll just walk by. Just saw the movie "Serendipity" and thought it might be fun to see the real place.

 

I think we'll just take a walk down (or up?) 5th Avenue and see what's there.

 

Also wanted to stop by a candy store (Dylans) that is near to Serendipty, and maybe Bloomingdales and Central Park.

 

Voyager 4/00

Explorer 1/02

Navigator 4/03

[MonaCK]

Serendipity doesn't take reservations, unfortunately. But there is a bar/restaurant across the street from Dylans if Serendipity is too crowded.

 

Last time I tried to go there, there was a 2 hour wait!

 

The Frozen Hot Cocoa is good -- but not THAT good.

[FinelyCruising]

The Statue of Liberty is so close, why not take the time to see the Statue on Liberty Island. Awesome thing to do with a family and kids. It's right there.

[RiverRev]

I echo those who suggested the train to Penn station in New York City, but must caution you about the time. 5 hours is not much time for the city especially on a Sunday. The reason I say this is that Sunday transit schedules are limited, most trains run hourly tieing up two hours for transit. I recommend that if you choose to do this you consult www.njtransit.com where you will be able to plug in destinations to get a train time.

 

A visit to midtown will give yo a good glimpse of the city. The train arrives on 34th st between 6th ave and 7th ave. as [reviosly stated you will be under Madison Square Garden and across the street from Macy's. The empire State Building is a good view (on clear days) and probably a singular moment for you and the family. It's also pretty easy to find since it spans the block between 33rd and 34th just east of the train station. The problem is that the line can be long so an early morning visit is your best bet before the lines can build.

 

I always take my friends on a walking loop up 7th Ave into Times Square past the Good Morning America Studios and the theatres and continueing to 50th street. Turn right on 50th and one block to Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center - the home of the TODAY Show and an additional block to St Patrick's Cathedral. Time contraints would point you back down 5th Ave to view the upscale shops of NY and the famous NYC Public Library. Lions in front. Great portrait collection on the third floor including many by Gilbert Stuart (most famous one on the $1 bill). Grand Central Station is on the left at 42nd street, but keep walking to 34th and the ESB. Turn right and back to the train.

 

If yo do the walk and have lots of time turn left on 5th and walk north to 59th St past Tiffany's, the largest Disney Store in the world, and the Plaza Hotel. Turn left and walk across Central Park South noting the carriage rides through the park. You will pass hotels - like the Ritz Carlton - that charge $300-$5000/night to Broadway and turn left (the new Time-Warner building is straight ahead and the monument to the right is Columbus Circle). Stroll down Broadway past the Ed Sullivan Theatre - home of David Letterman, grab a sandwich at the Hello Deli and back into Times Square. Continue backtracking to 34th St and the Train Station.

 

Good Luck

 

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

 

Navigator Of The Seas 1/04

[flagirlcruiser]

I think the quickest, closest stop would be the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis Island (has a fantastic museum of immigration to the US). You can drive and then take a ferry. Although 5 hours seems like a ton of time, in NY/northern NJ with the traffic and congestion, the drive time to and from the city alone can take a while -- plus finding parking can also take some patience. Another idea is to take the Lincoln Tunnel into the city and head to Chinatown to walk around and maybe catch a great lunch. Chinatown is an amazing part of NYC and is pretty much just on the other side of the tunnel. I'm sure the hotel concierge or a NY travel book can give you the details on directions. Have a great time!! I love NY!

 

I almost forgot about the Circle Line! It's a little cruise around Manhattan. You can see the entire city! It's fairly inexpensive too.

[gkrebs]

Flaggirl

 

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are an excellent suggestion. It never crossed my mind before you mentioned it. You dont even have to go into the city to get there. It is right at the end of the Turnpike just before the Holland Tunnel. Ferry is 6.00 and takes you to both Ellis and the Statue. They just recently reopened the island that the statue is on, but know one is allowed to climb up. another option right there is the Liberty Science Center. Both these options are easy to get to and 5 hours is just the right amount of time for either one of them. WOW again great idea.

 

Chinatown idea is good, but take the Holland Tunnel instead of Lincoln. Holland tunnel empties on to Canal Street. For those going late in September, this could be an excellent choice since Chinatown and Little Italy are right next to each other and the Feast of San Genero is at that time.

 

 

 

Gary

 

 

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Time to Set Sail

 

[DFritz]

I thank all of you very much for the suggestions and directions. I have no problem with using public transportation- I'm just stupid with how to use it. It took me reading several posts before I figured out what a transfer was ( I think I know). I guess my biggest error was in realizing how long it takes to go 3-5 miles. It appears that the time it will take me to get into the city is about the amount of time it takes me to go the thirty miles to the grocery store.

 

One post mentioned St Patricks Cathedral. Does anyone know if this church offers Sunday services? We can leave the hotel very early in the morning to get to the city earlier but mom wanted to go to Sunday Mass first . We found a place near the hotel and figured we would take her to mass, then have brunch and then go into the city and get back to the port around 5:00 ( thus my 5 hours or so). If she can go to mass in the city than we could go in early, make mass part of the visit, eat in the city and then transport back to the hotel to get the car around 5 after looking around a bit.

 

All of the suggestions sound great . The Empire State or a carriage at the park are all great. Thank you to all of you for helping this country hick find her way around. I will be checking with the hotel but I have found in the past that these are usually city folks who have no comprehension of country folks. We're not dumb. Just different. I would love to teach a city boy how to ride a cow or wrestle a pig.

 

'Til my next cruise