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My husband and I are planning on doing this cruise next April. I am in the planning stages right now. I do have a few questions for anyone that can help me.

 

1. How do most people get to Bayonne? Ride their bike, trailer??? Any problems with leaving vehicle/trailer at host hotel, such as theft, damage???

 

2. How do you get to the port to embark? Hubby will have to ride the bike, of coarse:p. But how does the passenger get there with all the luggage? Taxi, shuttle, other option???? Do people ever get together to share a ride to the port?

 

3. Once at the port, where/how do you meet up with your partner? How is this handled?

 

 

This sounds like one REALLY awesome cruise!!!!!

Edited by sharod
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Got to ask, why no link to information about M/C cruises?

Not a specific cruise but general information on the topic,

what & where, departure port & ports etc.

Where is the closest to the west coast, this sounds like it could be fun.

 

Ok did some searching and this does not look like it would work for me.

Edited by frediver
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My husband and I are planning on doing this cruise next April. I am in the planning stages right now. I do have a few questions for anyone that can help me.

 

1. How do most people get to Bayonne? Ride their bike, trailer??? Any problems with leaving vehicle/trailer at host hotel, such as theft, damage???

 

2. How do you get to the port to embark? Hubby will have to ride the bike, of coarse:p. But how does the passenger get there with all the luggage? Taxi, shuttle, other option???? Do people ever get together to share a ride to the port?

 

3. Once at the port, where/how do you meet up with your partner? How is this handled?

 

 

This sounds like one REALLY awesome cruise!!!!!

 

We just came back from the March 19-30 cruise. The ride was great. We will do it again. We did get rained out after about an hour in San Juan but that happens.

 

What we did was trailer the bikes. Some did ride their bikes but at this time of the year that is a real gamble with snow or freezing rain. We parked the truck and trailer at a spot not far from the port call Premier Parking and it was $12/day. We dropped off the bike in the designated area right beside the ship and then latter put the bike in the hold of the ship and then dropped off the luggage (I would suggest you drop off the luggage first because it quickly got really busy) and then parked at Premier. The place has secured parking and a free shuttle to and from the pier. All six of us took the shuttle so we would stay together.

 

The bikes were loaded at around 11:30am but you will need to get there with the bike between 10:00-10:30am to make sure that everyone is there before the bikes are put on the ship. The bikes saddle bags are checked by security and nitrogen is put in the gas tank, to keep the fumes down. You then can go and park the truck and come back for regular check-in at the main terminal.

 

After the cruise the bikes are unloaded to the same designated area and then you get on a bus that takes you to the terminal to get your luggage and go through customs. After that we found the Premier Parking guy and hopped in the shuttle with our luggage to our parking spot where we loaded the truck up with our luggage and then went back to the pier and picked up the bikes and headed home.

 

I hope this helps out anyone interested in this cruise. The bikers you will meet are great and you will make a lot of new friends.

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We just came back from the March 19-30 cruise. The ride was great. We will do it again. We did get rained out after about an hour in San Juan but that happens.

 

What we did was trailer the bikes. Some did ride their bikes but at this time of the year that is a real gamble with snow or freezing rain. We parked the truck and trailer at a spot not far from the port call Premier Parking and it was $12/day. We dropped off the bike in the designated area right beside the ship and then latter put the bike in the hold of the ship and then dropped off the luggage (I would suggest you drop off the luggage first because it quickly got really busy) and then parked at Premier. The place has secured parking and a free shuttle to and from the pier. All six of us took the shuttle so we would stay together.

 

The bikes were loaded at around 11:30am but you will need to get there with the bike between 10:00-10:30am to make sure that everyone is there before the bikes are put on the ship. The bikes saddle bags are checked by security and nitrogen is put in the gas tank, to keep the fumes down. You then can go and park the truck and come back for regular check-in at the main terminal.

 

After the cruise the bikes are unloaded to the same designated area and then you get on a bus that takes you to the terminal to get your luggage and go through customs. After that we found the Premier Parking guy and hopped in the shuttle with our luggage to our parking spot where we loaded the truck up with our luggage and then went back to the pier and picked up the bikes and headed home.

 

I hope this helps out anyone interested in this cruise. The bikers you will meet are great and you will make a lot of new friends.

 

Thank you so, so much for this info!!!! I don't know why, but this part seems like the most confusing part of the whole trip!!!! You have been a great help!

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My husband and I are planning on doing this cruise next April. I am in the planning stages right now. I do have a few questions for anyone that can help me.

 

1. How do most people get to Bayonne? Ride their bike, trailer??? Any problems with leaving vehicle/trailer at host hotel, such as theft, damage???

 

2. How do you get to the port to embark? Hubby will have to ride the bike, of coarse:p. But how does the passenger get there with all the luggage? Taxi, shuttle, other option???? Do people ever get together to share a ride to the port?

 

3. Once at the port, where/how do you meet up with your partner? How is this handled?

 

 

This sounds like one REALLY awesome cruise!!!!!

 

 

Here's my 2 cents for what it's worth.

 

We have done this cruise out of Bayonne twice. The 1st time we dropped off our luggage and then drove to a storage facility close to the pier where we parked the truck and trailer and then rode the bikes back to the pier.(2 points here; the storage facility is now charging double and not a good choice and we could have also dropped off the bikes in the secure area then went and parked the bikes, but then there is the problem of getting back to the pier.)

 

2nd trip (just this past March), we stayed at the Hampton Inn on Staten Island. It included free parking and a free shuttle, operated by the Hilton next door. We booked the shuttle, but only put the luggage on it and rode the bikes behind. We unloaded the luggage and proceded to the staging area. This worked out excellent but you need to book the shuttle about 3 months in advance for both ways. May need to pester the hotel so that you get your name on the list as soon as they start taking reservations. One other downfall is $32 (truck & trailer, 4 axles) to get onto Staten Island but no charge to get off. On the return trip take the shuttle back with your luggage and then come back and pick up the bikes.

 

The Premier Parking is pretty much across from the storage facility and the price sounds great. Research it, but it sounds like a great option with the shuttle included.

 

** Passengers are not allowed to remain in the secure staging area and should be dropped off when you drop off the luggage. After the bikes go through the security check and are loaded onboard, the operators come back over to the terminal and join up with their passengers to go through check in and embarkation.

 

If you have other questions you can email me using my screen name at hotmail. I know my first time I was full of questions. You will have a great time it is a fantastic way to see the islands.

 

Karen

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If you have other questions you can email me using my screen name at hotmail. I know my first time I was full of questions. You will have a great time it is a fantastic way to see the islands.

 

Karen

 

Thank you very much for the info. I probably will have more questions, just haven't thought of them yet:D!!!!

 

I will send you an email when they do come to mind!!!!

 

Again, thank you!

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  • 1 month later...

Hi all!

 

My name is Joe, I just booked our first m/c cruise. We will be on the same cruise as Sharon and her husband. My g/f, Suzanne, and I will be riding the bike down from Mass. the day before and staying at a hotel close to the port. I've wanted to do this cruise for years! And now the countdown begins.. :)

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Hi all!

 

My name is Joe, I just booked our first m/c cruise. We will be on the same cruise as Sharon and her husband. My g/f, Suzanne, and I will be riding the bike down from Mass. the day before and staying at a hotel close to the port. I've wanted to do this cruise for years! And now the countdown begins.. :)

 

We too have been wanting to do this for several years. Originally thinking of taking Amtrak down to Florida and touring around when I remembered wanting to do this. So, now we will be heading off to the Caribbean!!!

 

Have a safe ride down from Mass and we will see you at the ship!!!

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We too have been wanting to do this for several years. Originally thinking of taking Amtrak down to Florida and touring around when I remembered wanting to do this. So, now we will be heading off to the Caribbean!!!

 

Have a safe ride down from Mass and we will see you at the ship!!!

 

Are you guys riding or trailering? Will you be staying the night before at a local hotel? I'm really hoping it's nice enough to ride the bike to NJ. The trip shouldn't take more than 5 or 6 hrs, including stops. Hoping for a mild winter!

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Are you guys riding or trailering? Will you be staying the night before at a local hotel? I'm really hoping it's nice enough to ride the bike to NJ. The trip shouldn't take more than 5 or 6 hrs, including stops. Hoping for a mild winter!

 

Trailering. We actually have a new trailer on order, should be in within 4-6 weeks.

 

We are coming in a day early. When we arrive, hubby wants to drive straight to the port so that we he rides the bike over the next day, he is familiar with the route. Not sure which hotel we are staying at. That is still up in the air.

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When I booked the cruise, the lady I talked to says that they use a Marriot hotel in the area, and that she can book the room for us, but not until this season's cruises are over. Once they are done, she'll be doing the paperwork for the next season's trips. That's a good idea, driving the route beforehand.

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When I booked the cruise, the lady I talked to says that they use a Marriot hotel in the area, and that she can book the room for us, but not until this season's cruises are over. Once they are done, she'll be doing the paperwork for the next season's trips. That's a good idea, driving the route beforehand.

 

 

The Group does stay at the airport Marriott. It's a beautiful hotel and fun to be with the group. I believe they charge $10 per night for parking and it is about $50 to take a cab each way.

 

Our last cruise we stayed at the Hampton Inn on Staten Island and it is also about 20 minutes from the port. The bennefit is that parking is free and there is also a free shuttle. We were able to ride to the pier and put the luggage in the shuttle. You do need to book the shuttle as soon as the booking opens up because it fills up fast. Also need to book your return trip to the hotel. If the weather is poor you can trailer the bikes to the pier and drop off the luggage, return to hotel to park and shuttle it back. The big downfall is there is no toll to cross off of Staten Island but you pay a toll going on.

 

These are some pros and cons, and food for thought.

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  • 2 months later...

My husband and i have looked at these cruises for several years now.

 

I actually have so many questions.

 

We are not New to cruising, BUT new to any other cruise line except Disney for the mst part.

 

So these are my questions:

 

1. is the ship itself a good ship and is there Fun things to do with the group while on board?

 

2. How many stops does the ship make and do you take the bike off at each stop?

 

3.About how many bikes attend this cruise

 

4. can you talk to these people before hand, like is there a message board for this cruise other than here

 

Going over to the cruise site now to check things out.

 

thanks

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My husband and i have looked at these cruises for several years now.

 

I actually have so many questions.

 

We are not New to cruising, BUT new to any other cruise line except Disney for the mst part.

 

So these are my questions:

 

1. is the ship itself a good ship and is there Fun things to do with the group while on board?

 

2. How many stops does the ship make and do you take the bike off at each stop?

 

3.About how many bikes attend this cruise

 

4. can you talk to these people before hand, like is there a message board for this cruise other than here

 

Going over to the cruise site now to check things out.

 

thanks

 

1. They are great ships and lots to do. You would have to check out each one individually to see what each one has. Ships doing the motorcycle cruises at this time are: Royal Caribbean: Freedom of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Independence of the Seas Celebrity: Silouette, Equinox. Ships leave from New Jersey and Florida

 

2. The bike cruises are from 5 to 12 days long and this of course dictates how many ports you hit. They never ride in Nassau (do to insurance issues), Domenica (road conditions I think), private islands/ports. Other than those ports, you take your bike off at each port and either local police or riders meet the group and you have an escorted ride around the island with sight seeing stops and a lunch stop that is usually long enough to fit in a swim as well. Usually get back early enough to spend a little time at the port shopping or for a cold one. No one else touches your bike, you load and unload it yourself. They are parked below public decks and are put in wheel chocks with the wheel turned to the right and they don't move an inch.

 

3. We are on a smaller ship in April and they take 20 bikes whereas the Explorer will take up to 35 and also have a special gangway that will accomodate trikes.

 

4. If you call the company they will answer any questions. As far as talking with others in the motorcycle group, CC is the only way I have made contact with others in the past.

 

It really is alot of fun, and a great way to see the islands. Any other questions, just ask.

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

To those of you that have done this type of cruise before, I have questions, please...

 

1) How is this company?

2) How did your insurance handle riding outside USA?

3) How was your not having an international driver's license handled?

4) Anything else that is needed to know or that you learned after being on this cruise?

 

My hubby's MC is looking into the 04/24/14 out of NJ. Need to be able to take a trike. Need time to payoff cruise.

 

Thank you, everyone.

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To those of you that have done this type of cruise before, I have questions, please...

 

1) How is this company?

2) How did your insurance handle riding outside USA?

3) How was your not having an international driver's license handled?

4) Anything else that is needed to know or that you learned after being on this cruise?

 

My hubby's MC is looking into the 04/24/14 out of NJ. Need to be able to take a trike. Need time to payoff cruise.

 

Thank you, everyone.

 

We are going on our 3rd Motorcycle cruise in 2013. We have had a great time and have made some wonderful, life-long friends. When you go on one of these cruises, you have to pay a lump sum of cash the first night onboard, this covers insurance for on the islands, any permits needed and some compensation for the escorts on the islands. There has only been one island that we have been on so far, that issues you a temporary licence and that is St Kitts. It is such a great way to see the islands and have fun riding you bike at the same time.

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We are going on our 3rd Motorcycle cruise in 2013. We have had a great time and have made some wonderful, life-long friends. When you go on one of these cruises, you have to pay a lump sum of cash the first night onboard, this covers insurance for on the islands, any permits needed and some compensation for the escorts on the islands. There has only been one island that we have been on so far, that issues you a temporary licence and that is St Kitts. It is such a great way to see the islands and have fun riding you bike at the same time.

 

Thanks for all the info, XRAYMAGIC. I called company and got additional info I needed. Did not know anyone that used them so I wanted firsthand review. Looks good to me.

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  • 2 months later...
Is anyone spending the night prior to the cruise at the Marriott Newark Airport? I think I'll ride down the day before and spend the night there. My gf will be flying in on the 18th and will meet me on-board.

 

Are you going as part of the motorcycle tour? We live on Long Island so will be riding in that morning. Hopefully with other couples.

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Are you going as part of the motorcycle tour? We live on Long Island so will be riding in that morning. Hopefully with other couples.

 

Yup! I live I'm Mass and it's about a 4 1/2 hr ride. I could leave early on the 18th but I'd rather ride down the day before and not have to worry about a flat tire or something. What do you ride?

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Yup! I live I'm Mass and it's about a 4 1/2 hr ride. I could leave early on the 18th but I'd rather ride down the day before and not have to worry about a flat tire or something. What do you ride?

 

I am the passenger. My hubby has a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 and a 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS. We would be booking via ETA. Is that your group also? We are trying to get a few more couples to go. We are only a couple of hours or less from home to Cape Liberty so no overnight needed.

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DH and I have heard about MC cruises and we really want to do one. I would really love to surprise him with this cruise for our 10th anniversary in March 2014. I would love to do it next year but I am pretty sure they are booked up and that the price would be a bit high for me to pay off without him noticing.

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DH and I have heard about MC cruises and we really want to do one. I would really love to surprise him with this cruise for our 10th anniversary in March 2014. I would love to do it next year but I am pretty sure they are booked up and that the price would be a bit high for me to pay off without him noticing.

 

Not necessarily booked up. We are looking at the 04/2014 cruise out of Cape Liberty, NJ only because we are looking to leave from close to home also only Explorer of the Seas allows a trike on which friends ride. However if they do not go, I have more choices available.

Check website: http://www.cruise-eta.com/motorcycle-cruise/.

After deposit which is steep ($900 for us), I calculate that I would need to pay about $143 per month to payoff by December. That would give me 4 months to get some play money together. :) And if I do my taxes early....

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