The Gem, The Breakaway and a Marathon - embarking advice please

[Cb2534]

Hi. We depart this Sunday and it is a busy one. We knew it would be crazier than usual as two ships are scheduled to depart. When we found out there was also a Marathon that morning :o with associated road closures in that area we changed our arrival time from 10-10:30 to 12:30-1:00. Any additional advice on how to better navigate this craziness? It there a drop off spot close to the terminal that would allow us to jump out of my sister's van with our luggage so she can potentially avoid getting stuck in the queue to drop off passengers? We will be coming in from NJ via the George Washington Bridge and we are on the Gem. Thanks for any advice.

[mking8288]

If you are driving in via GWB, I think it should be fine - use Waze to help in your navigation in getting dropped off, arriving later than usual should also help. Most of the runners for the Half Marathon will be long gone by the time you get near Pier 88/90 and surrounding street closure re-opened gradually. Keep right as you come off the elevated highway & follow the big signs to the cruise terminal.

 

We've been there with 3 ships including the BA in years past, they are used to managing the traffic & flow of pax, a little patience will go a long way.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2470060&highlight=Marathon

 

Worst case, continue south on 12th Avenue after coming off the highway and make the next left turn at W. 48th Street, get drop off and walk across 12th Avenue to the gated entrance (it will be open) and take the giant elevators or escators up one level, check your bags & go inside.

[x lindsay x]

Luckily the half marathon starts early in the morning so most roadways should be back to normal by noon. The last runner should start around 8:30am and with the fairly strict pacing guidelines they have set up they should be crossing the finish line by 11:45a. They will sweep any lagging runners behind that pace at several spots along the course because they are obligated to open the roadways at certain times. Just give yourself extra time and be sure to bring some extra patience.