Ideas for NYC B2B turnaround day

[bluefish17]

We have an upcoming 14 day B2B cruise on Meraviglia from Red Hook first 7 days to Bahamas, then next 7 days to Bermuda. We will be keeping the same cabin. We've never done a B2B before and are wondering what to do on the turnaround day in NYC. Stay on the ship? Go into NYC for the day?

Any suggestions or tips greatly appreciated.

[JT1962]

1 hour ago, bluefish17 said:

We have an upcoming 14 day B2B cruise on Meraviglia from Red Hook first 7 days to Bahamas, then next 7 days to Bermuda. We will be keeping the same cabin. We've never done a B2B before and are wondering what to do on the turnaround day in NYC. Stay on the ship? Go into NYC for the day?

Any suggestions or tips greatly appreciated.

If you’ve never been to NYC, I would book an excursion to at least see the highlights. MSC usually offers sightseeing excursions for those doing B2B, sometimes combined with those that are being dropped off at the airport. I’m not sure if these are offered in NYC, but I have taken a couple in Miami. 

[tcruisin77]

We’ve done a couple of B2Bs and they usually escort you off the ship until every passenger is off. Then you get to reboard so there isn’t much time that you have to fill if you don’t want to book an excursion.   We like the pool so we use the opportunity to sit out there and enjoy the calm before the storm as everyone else embarks.  Bahamas and Bermuda in the same trip sounds delightful; enjoy!

[carmi0018]

I. A retired NYC hotel Concierge. I wouldn't get off the ship. Even ona Sunday morning it could take 45 min- hour to get into Manhattan by taxi. Remember you have to be back by 2pm max . Not much time, but if you have never been and want to maximize your touring time, take the Downtown Tour on whatever double decker busses are running. They are hop on, hop off which would allow you some time at a stop or two . The tours take 2-3 hours without getting off. Everything is narated and the view can't be beat!

[kad56]

If you are interested in sightseeing, you could take the NYC Ferry to either Governor's Island (a park with restaurants, a thermal spa, and playgrounds, or to Wall street). I agree that taking a taxi or a subway would be way take way too much time, but the ferry from Red Hook should give you some options. I did a B2B in Miami, and I debarked for a few hours. For me, if I have to get off the ship, I might as well walk around and see something. When I got off the ship on my B2B, I had to get off with everyone else who was debarking, and I was annoyed how crowded it was. If I was going to do another B2B, I would get off the ship as soon as self-debark opens to avoid the embarkation crowds.

 

Edited August 4 by kad56

[dbrown84]

21 hours ago, carmi0018 said:

I. A retired NYC hotel Concierge. I wouldn't get off the ship. Even ona Sunday morning it could take 45 min- hour to get into Manhattan by taxi. Remember you have to be back by 2pm max . Not much time, but if you have never been and want to maximize your touring time, take the Downtown Tour on whatever double decker busses are running. They are hop on, hop off which would allow you some time at a stop or two . The tours take 2-3 hours without getting off. Everything is narated and the view can't be beat!

They wouldn't have to be back by 2PM.  They are already guests onboard.  And since they could be off the ship by 8 if they wanted, there is plenty of time 

[kad56]

Keep in mind that MSC is required to get everyone off the ship to zero it out.

[bluefish17]

Thanks everyone. Did not realize we would have to leave the ship. The ferry sounds like a good option.

[rxlowry]

The ferry is super close to the ship too and with traffic I’d say it’s a good bet

[runner15km]

You are close to the Brooklyn Museum. 

[rasta]

Feery 100%...quick, easy and inexpensive.  Other choice would be an early lunch at Pete Lugers, although it seems to not be as good as years ago.

[George C]

Twin towers memorial is in lower manhattan just quick trip over the Brooklyn bridge. Museum is fantastic you should be able to prebuy tickets.