Breakaway boarding time

[Duffy888]

We are cruising on the Breakaway on the 19th, NCL are advising us we can board at midday and not to arrive more than one hour before then, will there be likely to be long lines at this time? Anyone know if it's worth us getting there earlier? We are staying in New York for 3 nights beforehand (travelling from the UK), was thinking of getting a cab from our hotel to the pier, our hotel is close to the Empire State Building.

 

thanks :)

[mjkacmom]

I don't know if there is anything going on that day, but we got there at 9:45 (no lines at all), and they started boarding at noon.

[NYteacher]

I think arriving at 11:00 is a reasonable one. There probably won't be many lines and you can then go wait on chairs until you are called to board. You will probably be more comfortable sleeping late and going to the pier as you described, I doubt you would be let aboard earlier.

 

Definitely take a taxi. You can hail them directly on the street, if your hotel doesn't have a doorman who would do that for you. Do NOT take a black town car after your cruise. Our yellow taxis are metered, the town cars basically charge what they will and intimidate tourists into a much higher fare. You are expected to tip at least 15% for the taxi and may pay with a credit card.

[Duffy888]

Thanks for the advice, that's good to know about the taxi's. I think we'll do that then, leisurely morning and have breakfast and get a taxi around 10.30 to get there for 11ish. No point waiting around if we can't get on until noon anyway I guess.

 

thanks

[steinwayguy76]

The 19th?

[Duffy888]

22nd actually! Our flight is on the 19th so I've got that in my head!

 

 

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[steinwayguy76]

Great to hear. Was nervous that perhaps my travel dates were off. I'm leaving on the 15th. Hoping your travels are safe and that your cruise experience is awesome!

[Duffy888]

Thanks, enjoy your cruise

 

 

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[mking8288]

OP, welcome to the Big Apple & of course, our favorite homeport. BA usually arrived back in NYC by 7:30 am and is docked at Pier 88 by 8 am to get ready for priority disembarkation by 8:30 am and most of pax are off by 10 am - unless there's a delay returning to port, immigration/customs delayed or weather, and the remote possibility of hitting a whale coming into the Bay (it happened in 2014, really ... search for those discussion here)

Last time, we arrived around 10:30 am, breeze thru security & priority checked in - got the boarding card for Zone/Group #2 and made ourselves comfortable - the process started around 11 am with special (needs) groups, casino guests & wedding parties - and, we've on Deck 6 by 11:30 am, dropped off our carry-ons in the cabin (nothing valuable, those stayed with us) & headed for lunch (our review linked below w. details & info)

Our BIL/SIL arrived separately after us and the lines for security & check-in got a bit longer - might want to check on the next sailing or two on its disembarkation time; and, adjust your arrival to get to the pier a little earlier than 11 am.

BTW, eat a very light breakfast in the morning before checking out of your hotel as you know, plenty of good food on the BA - loved the giant mega-ship and can't wait to get out this winter snow soon enough.

Edited February 3, 2015 by mking8288

[meatball_nyc]

^ excellent advice.

P.S. Enjoy your stay in the city and I hope the weather cooperates!

 

 

~Robin

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

Edited February 3, 2015 by meatball_nyc

[Kroozen]

I'm on the 22nd cruise as well. We're staying overnight in NYC the night before. I was planning on getting to the pier around 10-10:30.

[Duffy888]

OP, welcome to the Big Apple & of course, our favorite homeport. BA usually arrived back in NYC by 7:30 am and is docked at Pier 88 by 8 am to get ready for priority disembarkation by 8:30 am and most of pax are off by 10 am - unless there's a delay returning to port, immigration/customs delayed or weather, and the remote possibility of hitting a whale coming into the Bay (it happened in 2014, really ... search for those discussion here)

Last time, we arrived around 10:30 am, breeze thru security & priority checked in - got the boarding card for Zone/Group #2 and made ourselves comfortable - the process started around 11 am with special (needs) groups, casino guests & wedding parties - and, we've on Deck 6 by 11:30 am, dropped off our carry-ons in the cabin (nothing valuable, those stayed with us) & headed for lunch (our review linked below w. details & info)

Our BIL/SIL arrived separately after us and the lines for security & check-in got a bit longer - might want to check on the next sailing or two on its disembarkation time; and, adjust your arrival to get to the pier a little earlier than 11 am.

BTW, eat a very light breakfast in the morning before checking out of your hotel as you know, plenty of good food on the BA - loved the giant mega-ship and can't wait to get out this winter snow soon enough.

 

Thanks mking for the detailed info, it's really helpful. We may head there a bit earlier then. And we'll certainly only be having a light breakfast to save room for the feasts aboard! I shall have a look at your review, thanks again :)

[Duffy888]

Hey Kroozen, the countdown is on now, not long to go, I really can't wait! Have you got far to travel to New York?

[Duffy888]

^ excellent advice.

P.S. Enjoy your stay in the city and I hope the weather cooperates!

 

 

~Robin

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

 

Thanks Robin, fingers crossed for the weather although I'd be happy to see a bit of snow in NYC :D

[meatball_nyc]

Oh, you will see snow! Take a stroll through Central Park. The Mall walkway is nice then end at Bethesda Terrace. Middle of the park from 66th St. to 72nd St.

Bow Bridge is nice too.

Have fun!!

http://www.centralparknyc.org

Safe travels!

 

 

 

~Robin

Every Day at Sea is a Great Day

Edited February 3, 2015 by meatball_nyc

[Duffy888]

Thanks, Central Park is definitely on our to do list in New York :)