NYC post cruise car pickup

[crisp1]

Our last cruise on the Gem we were told that we had to cross the highway in order to get picked up by our driver. I read on another board that it's possible to get picked up on the second level- same as the drop off for the cruise- is this correct- has anyone done this- have you had any problems with doing this?

Thanks

[luvtheships]

I always get picked up on the second level

 

 

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[cruiservictor]

We also have gotten picked up on the second level without a problem. When you get out to the end of the pier, just go up in the elevators to the second level. Go outside, make a left, and walk about halfway down to the next pier. There is a sign that says "guest pickup" or something like that. Just call your car service when you get there, and you will be on your way. Much better than joining the masses crossing 12th Avenue. And by walking down towards the next pier, it will get you out of the way of the people being dropped off for the next cruise in front of the terminal. And another tip, use a porter - he will zoom you through a separate customs line, and take you right up in the elevator and out to the pickup point.

[mking8288]

It's possible but effectively beyond NCL's control, up to the discretion and security level at the port, as enforced by NYPD and port security. Also, with just one ship docked on port day, they tend to not to be as strict - especially on a slow weekend. On weekdays with 1 or more mega ships doing turnaround plus additional ships calling, I've seen car service & taxis (empty) cruising not allowed to drive up to level 2 to pickup or meet disembarking passengers. Traffic can backup on side streets waiting to turn onto the pier for 15+ minutes vs. crossing 12th Avenue, a 5 minute walk (and, porters will often go out of their way ... in appreciation for goodwill & tipping for good services, to assist). Private passenger vehicles generally find it easier to drive up - car services & limo/black car, not necessary ... your success or results will vary.

 

We will find out early next month ourselves, again.

[njhorseman]

Several of our limo drivers have told us that on some days, particularly where there's more than one ship docked, they have not been allowed to enter the cruise terminal and have to pick up their passengers across the street on the northbound side of 12th Ave. or an adjacent side street.

[crisp1]

The Gem is the only ship docked that day. So getting picked up on the second level should not be a problem- I hope :)

[$hip$hape]

Our last cruise on the Gem we were told that we had to cross the highway in order to get picked up by our driver. I read on another board that it's possible to get picked up on the second level- same as the drop off for the cruise- is this correct- has anyone done this- have you had any problems with doing this?

Thanks

If you are paying for a "driver" limo, you should not be crossing the street.

It's faster for the driver NOT to enter the terminal, however you are paying for convenience.

There is a Taxi stand across the street, if that's what you want. Easy.

 

Our issue was paying for a Limo, and then having him show up at the terminal "pick-up" area 45 minutes late.

We almost took a Taxi.

(The driver said his dispatcher made him do another run first)

 

Make sure you are in contact with the driver's phone.

Edited April 9, 2017 by $hip$hape

[TYSONBOXER]

We had a limo pick us up once and he went to the lower level. We were on the second level waiting for him. We called the office to find out where he was. So we went down to lower level to get him. They yelled at driver but let him wait for us to come down.

 

 

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[crisp1]

We also have gotten picked up on the second level without a problem. When you get out to the end of the pier, just go up in the elevators to the second level. Go outside, make a left, and walk about halfway down to the next pier. There is a sign that says "guest pickup" or something like that. Just call your car service when you get there, and you will be on your way. Much better than joining the masses crossing 12th Avenue. And by walking down towards the next pier, it will get you out of the way of the people being dropped off for the next cruise in front of the terminal. And another tip, use a porter - he will zoom you through a separate customs line, and take you right up in the elevator and out to the pickup point.

What do suggest as tip for a porter who gets us up and 'away' with 5 bags

[cruiservictor]

What do suggest as tip for a porter who gets us up and 'away' with 5 bags

 

Whether the porter takes us up to the top level where our car is and loads the luggage into the trunk, or brings us out to the car service pick up area on level 2, I always give $20. I figure it is money well spent for all the time saved and convenience.