In transit transatlantic

[missalto]

Looking forward to our 20 day round trip transatlantic cruise on QM2 in June. There are no excursions listed for New York so I contacted Cunard today. Was told that many disembark in New York and we have to wait till we are onboard and then will be told what excursions are available for in transit passengers. Is this usual? We also have a 5 nighter to Boston and Halifax as part of our voyage. Only 3 excursions showing for Halifax which is disappointing. Would be interested to hear from other 'in transit' passengers to hear of experiences.

[Ray66]

Yes we did a a 15 day roundtrip including Halifax in 2014. We were only given the New York Highlights excursion in our Pre-Voyage Documentation brochure. We booked this on board.

 

 

The choices for New York at the time were:

 

New York Highlights, 7.45am-11.45am. Activity level: low. $72

 

Manhattan Transfer 7.30am-4pm (pick up 3pm). $50

 

New York Highlights:-

We had three stops - the first at the 9/11 memorial fountains which was around 20 minutes. The second at the Rockefeller Centre for around 35 minutes and the last at St Paul's Chapel for around 10 minutes.

 

We were given eleven excursions for Halifax.

 

In Halifax, we took the tour to Peggy's Cove in the morning and strolled round Halifax in the afternoon.

Edited April 1, 2016 by Ray66

[Lakesregion]

New York is so geared to tourists that they offer a huge number of venues to see the city. I would not go with a Cunard trip as they are pricey. Grab a car or taxi into Manhattan. Take a ride on a double-decker bus which will get you the middle of Manhattan. Take a Free ride on the Staten Island Ferry and return back to Manhattan. That will get you a pretty good look at the harbor and a real good look at the natives. Have lunch at Saks Fifth Avenue. Walk up a few blocks and see both St Patrick's and across the street St Thomas's. Knock on the door at Harry Winston's or Van Clef and Arpels and if they like your looks they will open the door and show you their jewels or walk across the street and tour Tiffany's with zero obligation. Have tea in the Plaza Hotel for a modest $85 per person $110 with Champagne.

 

Lots to do on your own.

[laktex]

There will likely be a bus to Macy's from where you can do your own thing - just plan in advance.

[SPacificbound]

We spent two full days at the 9/11 Memorial Fountains and 9/11 Memorial Museum.

 

I can't imagine what a ship tour could show passengers in 20 minutes.

[Ray66]

There will likely be a bus to Macy's from where you can do your own thing - just plan in advance.

 

Yes, that is the Manhattan Transfer costing $50 mentioned above.

[Lakesregion]

Yes, that is the Manhattan Transfer costing $50 mentioned above.

 

Depending on which day of the week you come into New York you can get a taxi from Red Hook to Macy's for from $20 to $50 (Traffic conditions affect the total fare as it is metered for distance and time) and that would be for 1-3 people total not Cunard's $50 PP for a bus.

[steeler33]

We did the same last year. The vast majority of the excursions on the link below were on offer. We spend some time looking through them online, picked what we wanted to do and booked it once on board.

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/destinations/regions/usa-and-canada-cruises/new-york/