Cape Liberty Excursions

[bling19572010]

I know this probably sounds like a silly question to alot of people but I would like some input. We'll be sailing out of Cape Liberty on the Explorer of the Seas on November 3, 2006. We will be arriving to Newark the day before the cruise departs. We will be arriving early afternoon so we will have the afternoon and evening free and I would like to know what the must see/do things are for the NY/Manhattan/New Jersey areas. Thanks to all that reply!

[Nick Needs To Know]

I know this probably sounds like a silly question to alot of people but I would like some input. We'll be sailing out of Cape Liberty on the Explorer of the Seas on November 3, 2006. We will be arriving to Newark the day before the cruise departs. We will be arriving early afternoon so we will have the afternoon and evening free and I would like to know what the must see/do things are for the NY/Manhattan/New Jersey areas. Thanks to all that reply!

 

It all depends on your budget and, what you enjoy doing. If this is your first trip into the area, you might want to consider dinner and a show in Manhattan, there is also a bus tour around Manhattan you might enjoy, or you could visit famous sites like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty. Let me know what you might like and, I'll try to steer you in the right direction.

 

Nick

[bling19572010]

Hi Nick Needs to Know....Thank you for your quick reply! None of us have ever been to New York, so there are alot of things we'd like to see/do. Money will be kind of tight since the cruise is costing quite a chunk. I do know that we'd like to see the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building and then whatever else that time allows. Since I'm an Emeril fan, I'd like to possibly visit Chelsea (sp) Market. Also, maybe go to Times Square. Also, I can't seem to decide on a hotel. I've read that we DO NOT want to stay in Newark, but we'd like a hotel that is convenient to the port and the sites of New York and affordable (ha!). Any suggestions there? Thank you so much!!

[Nick Needs To Know]

Hi Nick Needs to Know....Thank you for your quick reply! None of us have ever been to New York, so there are alot of things we'd like to see/do. Money will be kind of tight since the cruise is costing quite a chunk. I do know that we'd like to see the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building and then whatever else that time allows. Since I'm an Emeril fan, I'd like to possibly visit Chelsea (sp) Market. Also, maybe go to Times Square. Also, I can't seem to decide on a hotel. I've read that we DO NOT want to stay in Newark, but we'd like a hotel that is convenient to the port and the sites of New York and affordable (ha!). Any suggestions there? Thank you so much!!

 

I'll give you the same recommendation I try to give everyone that asks on here one of the best hotels with very easy access to Manhattan is the Hyatt in Jersey City: http://jerseycity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

 

You'll have both PATH train and ferry service very close to the hotel.

 

In all honesty, I can't give whole hearted encouragement to visit the Chelsea Market, don't get me wrong, it's kind of neat but, it really isn't that big. However, if it's something you really want to visit, here is the link with all the information: http://www.chelseamarket.com/

 

Here is the information for the Statue of Liberty:

http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/statueFerry.html

 

and this is the official website for the Statue of Liberty;

http://www.nps.gov/stli/

 

Times Square - lots of shops and restaurants, this is one of the better websites to check: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/

 

You also might want to consider:

 

Grey Line Tours - Double Decker Bus with on/off stops

http://www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/

 

Circle Line - Boat Tour

http://www.circleline42.com/

 

And if you need hotel suggestions for Manhattan oppossed to staying in NJ just let me know!

 

Nick

[windjamming]

I second Nick's suggestion of the Jersey City Hyatt. It's convenient to NY, has the best views of Manhattan, and you don't have to deal with the hassle of crossing the river the next day on your way to Cape Liberty.

 

Can I also add a few ideas to Nick's already terrific list?

 

1. Since you won't be getting into NY until later in the afternoon, how about dinner at a lower-budget but still very NY restaurant? Chubo, (http://www.chubo.com), in the Lower East Side, is budget-conscious but still very chic. Katz's deli on E. Houston (http://www.katzdeli.com) is also a good, low-budget NY choice; it's also where they filmed that "When Harry Met Sally" scene. I'm sure many other people can recommend good NY restaurants!

 

2. The Top of the Rock (http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/), atop Rockefeller Center, has 360 degree views of Manhattan and you'll be able to see the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Chrysler Building. I think you'll see Times Square as well. This complex is also where they have the Today Show.

 

3. A good place to have after-dinner cocktails is at the downtown Ritz Carlton's lounge Rise (http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11652909/), with views of the Statue of Liberty. It's also walking distance to your ferry back to Jersey City, so it's a nice end to the evening.

 

Enjoy!!!

[bling19572010]

Nick & Windjamming....thanks so much for the great info. I'll check out the sites and suggestions tonight and let you know my thoughts! Thanks again!

[Nick Needs To Know]

Another tip that I forgot to include in my original list is free restaurant reservations:

 

http://www.opentable.com

 

Most of the restaurants that use this service link their websites so you can see the menu and most times the prices before you go. I use it on a weekly basis. And, I agree with Katz's Deli, great NYC landmark! If you want a more upscale dining experience The Waterclub http://www.thewaterclub.com/ is one of my personal favorites along with The River Cafe in Brooklyn http://www.therivercafe.com/

 

Nick

[DFW4]

Since you mention your trying to save money, here's a few tips about the Hyatt. (We stayed there the night before our 5/28 Explorer sailing). Cab fare from EWR to the hotel was $45. The Path train is right outside the door to take you to the World Trade Center and you can easily connect to subways to Times Square. We did that and basically did our own walking tour of NY.

 

As for transportation from the Hyatt to the port, the hotel quoted $30 for a taxi and $60 for a private car (for the 10 minute drive). We asked for a taxi and had many, many problems in getting one. Finally, when it arrived, he quoted $50. I offered $40 and he took it, so beware.

 

It was $45 cab fare from the port back to EWR.

 

Yes, the hotel was nice, but $200 for the room, and another $125 in transportation makes me wonder about doing it again??

[YANKEE914]

There are so many great things to do in New York, it depends on what you enjoy. If you have children, you could go to the Children's Museum or the Intrepid. I love going to a show and dinner. If you go the TKTS booth in Times Square you can get discount tickets for a Broadway show that afternoon (if there is a matinee - usually on Wednesday and Saturday) or evening. Be warned, though. It is crowded and you would have to stand in line. If you have kids the ESPN Zone is a cool place to go for lunch or dinner. They even have televisions in the bathrooms! But my favorite thing to do is to take the boat over to Ellis Island. You can do this tour and include a stop to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty. Ellis Island is awesome -- especially if you had relatives that came through there. Get the audio tour it is full of information. My kids even loved it. Enjoy!

[bling19572010]

You all have been so helpful. Thank you. I live in the midwest and for some reason NYC intimadates me. I think the main thing that worries me is just trying to get from point A to point B without getting completely lost. But with all your suggestions, I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable. DFW24, thanks for the heads up on the taxi costs! How was your Explorer trip? What did you do in Aruba and Curacao?

 

Yankee914...my one and only baby....will be 21 when we cruise, but I appreciate your input and the Ellis Island tour may be just want we want to do.

[gillianrose]

What is the name of the PATH station next to the Hyatt Jersey City?

 

What is the name of the PATH station (or whatever transit station, even if not PATH) nearest to the Marriott at Newark Airport—not the Courtyard, but the "regular" Marriott?

[Host Kewlguy]

Being a life long NJ resident I decided to list some popular Cape Liberty, Bayonne excursions:

 

Beach Breaks:

 

Day---Excursion to clothing optional beach at Sandy Hook State Park, AARP and Rainbow lifestyle oriented.

 

Night--Bioluminescent radioactive snorkle around Lady Liberty. No fish or coral, but thrill to the glow of the water.

 

 

Jimmy Hoffa Burial Site Hunt:

 

Your tour will stop first at the tire dump under the Pulaski Skyway where Jimmy was first believed to be buried. Later you will visit the end zone at Giants stadium. Other possible visits to resting places will be determined by vote aboard the bus.

Returning you will stop at a real Soprano style mom and pop restaurant in Jersy City--see the '"gun check", be frisked, eat authentic Calamari and Cannoli.

 

ATV on Kennedy Blvd:

 

Dodge non licensed illegal alien taxi drivers...navigate around mega potholes at breakneck speed...visit Journal square-dollar store capital of the world, where if you've missed Atlantic City,you can engage in an exciting 3 card monty game on the street.Before returning, visit Bayonne's world famous Judicke's bakery for a donut. While there, be sure to make a contribution to the Overweight Police Officer's Memorial fund.

 

Hudson County Nightlife tour:

 

This is a bus tour of unlimited stops and duration to the Bars of Bayonne and Hoboken where there are more per square foot than there are churches in Vatican City. Top it off with a night of bowling at world famous Hudson Bowl-o-Rama...cash in your voucher for 2 Buds and a pack of Lucky Strikes.

 

Survivor Tour:

 

Not for the phsically challenged or sane.

Your bus will take you to Newark via the famed death trap, Pulaski Skyway...2.3 miles recognized as the most lethal stretch of road in America, it has been nicknamed the 'Polish Highway to Heaven"

Should you survive and wish to continue,you can try an unguided 5K run through the scene of the 60's Newark riots. Not restored, many of the streets and burnt out dilapidated buldings look today as they did 40 years ago. A can of mace will be provided to each participant. Ambulances from UMDNJ will also be on standby.

 

Booking to these excursions will be limited so we suggest that you book early.

[Nick Needs To Know]

You all have been so helpful. Thank you. I live in the midwest and for some reason NYC intimadates me. I think the main thing that worries me is just trying to get from point A to point B without getting completely lost. But with all your suggestions, I'm starting to feel a little more comfortable. DFW24, thanks for the heads up on the taxi costs! How was your Explorer trip? What did you do in Aruba and Curacao?

 

Yankee914...my one and only baby....will be 21 when we cruise, but I appreciate your input and the Ellis Island tour may be just want we want to do.

 

I think I can understand being intimadated by NYC, it's a large city that can be overwhelming. One thing to remember is that most New Yorkers are very friendly and most will help point you in the right direction. If you get totally lost, pop into one of the hotel lobbies and ask or find a police officer and ask.

 

Also, just be aware that the New Jersey roadways are very busy and can be very confusing. I'm not sure if you plan to rent a car but, I did want to give you that heads up.

 

One last thought, I know it's more expensive but, if you're worried about being ripped off by a cab driver, considering hiring a limousine. You don't have to go all out and get a super-stretch, you can hire what are known as black cars and these are usually normal Lincoln Town Cars. This way you have a guaranteed set price and, a guaranteed pick up/drop off at specific time. We use a local company called Empire, but, my family business has a corporate account with them. A good site to check out is http://www.limos.com you can get quotes from various companies without charge or obligation.

 

Hope all of this helps, and, just keep asking, we'll all here to help each other!

 

Nick

[bling19572010]

Yes, Nick, you have helped me out alot. Thanks for all your great info!

[Lightsluvr]

Sounds like a guy who has taken some of those excursions...I feel the love... :)

 

I understand that the NJ Attorney General is offering bus trips to Trenton for a history of ethics in Jersey politics... ( a very brief excursion)

 

:rolleyes:

 

LL