NYC Port Call, Docking at Red Hook Experiences?

[capriccio]

On our Quebec to Fort Lauderdale cruise in October we will be docking in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan :mad: (at least according to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal website; Princess lists it as Manhattan or Brooklyn on my travel summary). While Princess offers lots of excursions that we don't plan to take since DH is a NYC native and will be our tour guide, they do not mention a shuttle to/from Manhattan. Since Brooklyn's official web site tells you emphatically not to use the subway ("Trust us, you want to take a cab, limo/sedan, or a charter bus to or from the terminal. You do NOT want to use public transit to get to the Terminal.") it looks like we will need to take a taxi, which we've heard can be difficult to get at/to the port, or arrange for a private car (expensive).

 

If you've made a port call in NYC and docked at Red Hook, please share your experiences! Thanks.

[caribill]

Since Brooklyn's official web site tells you emphatically not to use the subway ("Trust us, you want to take a cab, limo/sedan, or a charter bus to or from the terminal. You do NOT want to use public transit to get to the Terminal.") it looks like we will need to take a taxi, which we've heard can be difficult to get at/to the port, or arrange for a private car (expensive).

 

If you've made a port call in NYC and docked at Red Hook, please share your experiences! Thanks.

 

I guess we do not follow advice well.

 

We have been to Red Hook twice on a cruise. Both times we took a cab from the cruise terminal to the nearest subway station which is between 1 and 2 miles away (about $8). We then took the subway into Manhattan.

 

After touring, we took the Subway back to that Brooklyn subway station and then a cab to the cruise terminal.

 

Only problem is getting that cab to return to the cruise terminal. They are not lined up at the subway exit, so you need to hail one. And then get into the cab before telling the driver where you want to go. Otherwise the driver may say he won't take you there before you get in (which is not allowed by NYC taxi regulations).

 

Also have directions from that Brooklyn subway station to the cruise terminal as many drivers do not know how to get there. Google maps is a good place to get and print out the directions.

 

One tour I bet DH has not done is the gold vault at the Manhattan Federal Reserve Bank building. Google that to find the details.

[PrinzessinFiona]

There is a water taxi going to the Wall Street pier/Manhattan about a mile away...it is only 5$ and starts at IKEA and Red Hook Fairway....looks nice!

 

http://www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/ikea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZVNZ3Id8RU

 

 

It even passes the Statue of Liberty!

Edited August 26, 2014 by PrinzessinFiona

[smeyer418]

The Red Hook terminal is only a few years old. Its in a industrialized(although changing) area of Brooklyn. Its perfectly safe to walk around the area during the day. The subway stop is about 3/4 of a mile away from the terminal, actually not that much more than the subway is from the Manhattan cruise terminal. You do have to walk either over or under a major highway.

 

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbsWrRu1ctGu7

 

The water taxi is free on the weekends.

 

I use a local car service. Arecibo(7187836465) that will come pick you up at the pier and drop you off either at the subway or Manhattan for a reasonable fee(yes you in NY City its not inexpensive) the subway or bus at $2.50pp is inexpensive by any standard.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/arecibo-car-service-brooklyn-2

see http://www.mta.info

 

The closest subway stop technically is Smith and 9th Street on the F/G line but I would suggest using the Smith/Carroll Street stop its a better walk through a Brownstone neighbor....

 

I live in the area so ask away.

[smeyer418]

On our Quebec to Fort Lauderdale cruise in October we will be docking in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan :mad: (at least according to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal website; Princess lists it as Manhattan or Brooklyn on my travel summary). While Princess offers lots of excursions that we don't plan to take since DH is a NYC native and will be our tour guide, they do not mention a shuttle to/from Manhattan. Since Brooklyn's official web site tells you emphatically not to use the subway ("Trust us, you want to take a cab, limo/sedan, or a charter bus to or from the terminal. You do NOT want to use public transit to get to the Terminal.") it looks like we will need to take a taxi, which we've heard can be difficult to get at/to the port, or arrange for a private car (expensive).

 

If you've made a port call in NYC and docked at Red Hook, please share your experiences! Thanks.

 

 

I can't imagine the "official" website saying not to use the subway in this area.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway

[x lindsay x]

Just to clarify Brooklyn.com is not an official site. I think they are giving advice based on people starting or finishing their cruise at the port, and I would be the first to say hauling around luggage up and down stairs and onto buses that are not equipped to handle luggage would not be worth the cost savings over a taxi or car service.

 

Go to the official site for the cruise terminal and they will give you detailed information about using buses and subways in the area. They also list their authorized car service if you are looking for one.

http://www.nycruise.com/brooklyn-terminal/

 

If you plan to use public transportation and your ship is in port on the weekend ALWAYS refer to mta.info for any service disruptions/changes. Certain buses subways don't run on the weekends at all, and some will be shut down for repair work so always check with the mta before planning anything.

[capriccio]

Thank you all for your guidance! DH is Brooklyn born and bred (but left for college more than 45 years ago and never went back) and we have no problem taking the subway (as he says, he went from East New York to Williamsburg - long before it was fashionable - on the subway in the 1960s for high school, he can take a subway anywhere!) I was more concerned about the walk to/from the station. The distance isn't a problem and as long as the neighborhood is safe we should be fine. I had seen the info on the ferry - how is the walk to Ikea from the cruise terminal?

[capriccio]

The Red Hook terminal is only a few years old. Its in a industrialized(although changing) area of Brooklyn. Its perfectly safe to walk around the area during the day. The subway stop is about 3/4 of a mile away from the terminal, actually not that much more than the subway is from the Manhattan cruise terminal. You do have to walk either over or under a major highway.

 

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbsWrRu1ctGu7

 

The water taxi is free on the weekends.

 

I use a local car service. Arecibo(7187836465) that will come pick you up at the pier and drop you off either at the subway or Manhattan for a reasonable fee(yes you in NY City its not inexpensive) the subway or bus at $2.50pp is inexpensive by any standard.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/arecibo-car-service-brooklyn-2

see www.mta.info

 

The closest subway stop technically is Smith and 9th Street on the F/G line but I would suggest using the Smith/Carroll Street stop its a better walk through a Brownstone neighbor....

 

I live in the area so ask away.

 

Thank you so much - the pictures were very helpful! I am going to share this with the folks on my roll call.

[cruiserjanet]

We are hoping to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. I see it's only about 2.5 miles from the Red Hook Cruise terminal and there's an industrial area in between. Since we like to walk and, if we have time, can we walk from Red Hook to Brooklyn Bridge Park or vice versa?

[smeyer418]

Thank you so much - the pictures were very helpful! I am going to share this with the folks on my roll call.

this may help

 

http://mapq.st/1wwVUCf

 

#1 is where the subway at Smith and Carroll is there is a cross walkway over at Summit Street that goes over the BQE to the Carroll Gardens area of Brooklyn, The walk in exit shown in my pictures is at Pioneer and Conover Streets.

 

If you change over from the map to the Satellite view you get a pretty good picture of the 'hood. 40 years ago this was the ending vestige of a active working waterfront...now mostly gone ie the ILA Long shore man headquarters(the Albert Anastasia medical center) now gone to housing.

Edited August 26, 2014 by smeyer418

[capriccio]

T

 

The closest subway stop technically is Smith and 9th Street on the F/G line but I would suggest using the Smith/Carroll Street stop its a better walk through a Brownstone neighbor....

 

I live in the area so ask away.

 

Is this how you would walk to the Smith & Carroll subway stop?

 

• Out of the terminal complex on Bowne (1 block)
  
• Turn left on Van Brunt (3 blocks)
  
• Right on Carroll (6 blocks)
  
• How do you get over/under the BQE?
  

or

 

 

 

• Out of the terminal complex on Bowne (1 block)
  
• Turn left on Van Brunt (2 blocks)
  
• Right on Summit (2 blocks)
  
• Becomes Monsignor Delvecchio (1 block)
  
• Becomes 1st Place (3 blocks)
  
• How do you get over/under the BQE?
  

Thank you!

 

Looks like you read my mind and was replying as I wrote this!

Edited August 26, 2014 by capriccio

[smeyer418]

We are hoping to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. I see it's only about 2.5 miles from the Red Hook Cruise terminal and there's an industrial area in between. Since we like to walk and, if we have time, can we walk from Red Hook to Brooklyn Bridge Park or vice versa?

Yes

walk to Van Brunt street make a left follow that down until it ends and make the right and then a left on to Columbia Street. walk to Atlantic Avenue and make another left into Pier 6(kids play area) the Southern end of the Park which runs from pier 1to 6.

see the map below. When you walk out of the walk in exit walk down to Van Brunt and then make the left. Its an easy flat walk.

 

http://mapq.st/1wwVUCf

[smeyer418]

Is this how you would walk to the Smith & Carroll subway stop?

 

• Out of the terminal complex on Bowne (1 block)
  
• Turn left on Van Brunt (3 blocks)
  
• Right on Carroll (6 blocks)
  
• How do you get over/under the BQE?
  

or

 

 

 

• Out of the terminal complex on Bowne (1 block)
  
• Turn left on Van Brunt (2 blocks)
  
• Right on Summit (2 blocks)
  
• Becomes Monsignor Delvecchio (1 block)
  
• Becomes 1st Place (3 blocks)
  
• How do you get over/under the BQE?
  

Thank you!

 

Looks like you read my mind and was replying as I wrote this!

number 2 not number 1. As I said at Summit there is a above grade cross over.

 

You can't cross at Carroll. You have to walk up to Union Street- at a street grade crossing.

Its called Monsignor D's street because that is where the Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral is...He used to bless the fleet each year.

 

http://stmarystarbrooklyn.com/art-history-architecture/history.html

 

Traditionally Carroll Gardens was always one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Why you ask...it was home to a lot of "soldiers" who were connected in the bent nose way. There once was a shooting in broad daily light on Court street and no body saw nuttin'.

 

Those of you who watched the "West Wing" remember the episode where Toby father came to visit and he was asked when Anastasia was killed that was Albert's brother.

 

This was all before my time. I was 8 and lived in Manhattan.

Edited August 26, 2014 by smeyer418

[suzmca]

Here is updated list of participants in our October 31 Slot Pull. We will meet at the entrance of the Casino at 1:00

 

Jim and Cathy

Steve & Donna

Jo Ann

Tom and Helen

Ron & Sharyn

Maggie & Armando

Phil & Lorraine

Brad & Suz

Kent & Marla

Donna W.

Richard W.

Wendy & Billy

Mark & Rosalee

Barbara & Larry

Rick & Patty

Marlene & Nelson

Pearl

Robert L

Loretta & Steve

Lee & Jill

[capriccio]

number 2 not number 1. As I said at Summit there is a above grade cross over.

 

You can't cross at Carroll. You have to walk up to Union Street- at a street grade crossing.

Its called Monsignor D's street because that is where the Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral is...He used to bless the fleet each year.

 

http://stmarystarbrooklyn.com/art-history-architecture/history.html

 

Traditionally Carroll Gardens was always one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Why you ask...it was home to a lot of "soldiers" who were connected in the bent nose way. There once was a shooting in broad daily light on Court street and no body saw nuttin'.

 

Those of you who watched the "West Wing" remember the episode where Toby father came to visit and he was asked when Anastasia was killed that was Albert's brother.

 

This was all before my time. I was 8 and lived in Manhattan.

 

Thank you for all your help! I've got a map copied and I checked the transit website to determine routes and times. We're good to go in just over 2 months - now I just have to hope that the weather cooperates :D.

[smeyer418]

Here is updated list of participants in our October 31 Slot Pull. We will meet at the entrance of the Casino at 1:00

 

Jim and Cathy

Steve & Donna

Jo Ann

Tom and Helen

Ron & Sharyn

Maggie & Armando

Phil & Lorraine

Brad & Suz

Kent & Marla

Donna W.

Richard W.

Wendy & Billy

Mark & Rosalee

Barbara & Larry

Rick & Patty

Marlene & Nelson

Pearl

Robert L

Loretta & Steve

Lee & Jill

 

LOL and a free pull to me..:)

[marco]

If you are beginning or ending your cruise at Red Hook and have lots of luggage to schlep, the subway is not the most convenient method of transportation and I probably wouldn't recommend it either, but if you are docking there as a port of call and won't have luggage to deal with, you should have no problem using the subway and/or bus.

Edited September 2, 2014 by marco

[Kbears]

If you are beginning or ending your cruise at Red Hook and have lots of luggage to schlep, the subway is not the most convenient method of transportation and I probably wouldn't recommend it either, but if you are docking there as a port of call and won't have luggage to deal with, you should have no problem using the subway and/or bus.

 

So what is the best directions to get to the subway? We have an 8 hour stop.

[smeyer418]

So what is the best directions to get to the subway? We have an 8 hour stop.

 

you walk out the walk in entrance to van brunt make a left to summit street make a right cross over the bqe on the foot bridge keep walking until smith street and carroll street f train to manhattan.

[Jkrosey1]

Geeeez. this is the only stop we are not using a "cruise excursion" I was hoping we were going to the manhatten terminal. Makes it more expensive to get taxi to hop on and off.

Does anyone know what would be the easiest way to do this.

Edited September 5, 2014 by Jkrosey1

[Jkrosey1]

Thanks for this info...

[Kbears]

Geeeez. this is the only stop we are not using a "cruise excursion" I was hoping we were going to the manhatten terminal. Makes it more expensive to get taxi to hop on and off.

Does anyone know what would be the easiest way to do this.

 

I am going for the subway. Maybe a taxi to get back. I will see what the time is looking like.

[smeyer418]

I am going for the subway. Maybe a taxi to get back. I will see what the time is looking like.

if you plan to take a Taxi back, please carry the directions back with you. While the cab driver should know where this is many will claim not to.

The directions are really simple. The Brooklyn cruise terminal is located directly behind the Brooklyn exit of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel-aka the Hugh Carey Tunnel in Brooklyn(surprise its in Brooklyn). The tunnel is tolled at about $5.60 with a required ez pass.

Get to and take the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to Brooklyn

Take the Hamilton Avenue exit that is shortly after the toll Booths. Make the First left then an immediate left making sure not to get back into the tunnel. Go straight ahead to Van Brunt street and make a left. Then make the first right at the light into the cruise terminal.

From most of Manhattan its about a $25-30 ride or less.

[capriccio]

We had a fabulous day in NYC yesterday. The weather was gorgeous and we walked about 1 1/2 miles (half hour) to the Carroll street station- half a mile to get out of the port, 2 blocks on a street thru an industrial area and then thru a neighborhood with kids going to school, crossing guards at every corner and lots of folks pushing baby strollers (a little baby boom in Brooklyn!). The neighborhood was lovely - tree lined street with big brownstones decorated for Halloween. We're so glad we followed your advice! Everyone we met was helpful - we just needed to look the least bit confused in a subway station and someone would offer to help us. After a long day we returned to the ship where our balcony had a spectacular view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The breath taking Sail away was the end of a memorable day.

 

Edit - darn auto correct. I know I wrote smeyer in the title!

Edited October 31, 2014 by capriccio

[smeyer418]

We had a fabulous day in NYC yesterday. The weather was gorgeous and we walked about 1 1/2 miles (half hour) to the Carroll street station- half a mile to get out of the port, 2 blocks on a street thru an industrial area and then thru a neighborhood with kids going to school, crossing guards at every corner and lots of folks pushing baby strollers (a little baby boom in Brooklyn!). The neighborhood was lovely - tree lined street with big brownstones decorated for Halloween. We're so glad we followed your advice! Everyone we met was helpful - we just needed to look the least bit confused in a subway station and someone would offer to help us. After a long day we returned to the ship where our balcony had a spectacular view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The breath taking Sail away was the end of a memorable day.

 

Edit - darn auto correct. I know I wrote smeyer in the title!

 

 

LOL you are welcome. Traffic was really bad in the 'hood yesterday. Subway was better.