Questions about NY Port

[drmark50]

Going on the NCL Gem in January out of NY (East Manhattan) and have a few questions that I couldn't find answers on.

1. We will be traveling with our 19 month old daughter and plan on getting to the pier early (around 9:30 am) and am curious if we will be able to get out of the cold while waiting? This will be our second cruise, first was out of Miami and we waited outside until the doors were opened and want to make sure this is not the case.

2. What time do the doors usually "open"? Is getting there around 9:30 too early? We will be taking a car service in which is about an hour trip so it is easy to adjust our schedule. There will be five of us staying in a suite so will have priority embarkation, but two are in inside cabins so are hoping if we get there really early we can all board at the same time.

Thanks for any input.

[patseacruiser]

Others may be able to weigh in here about what time the terminal opens but if I don't see an answer I will ask when I am at the port on Thursday and let you know.

[smeyer418]

Originally Posted by drmark50

Going on the NCL Gem in January out of NY (East Manhattan) and have a few questions that I couldn't find answers on.

1. We will be traveling with our 19 month old daughter and plan on getting to the pier early (around 9:30 am) and am curious if we will be able to get out of the cold while waiting? This will be our second cruise, first was out of Miami and we waited outside until the doors were opened and want to make sure this is not the case.

2. What time do the doors usually "open"? Is getting there around 9:30 too early? We will be taking a car service in which is about an hour trip so it is easy to adjust our schedule. There will be five of us staying in a suite so will have priority embarkation, but two are in inside cabins so are hoping if we get there really early we can all board at the same time.

Thanks for any input.

The earliest I have ever seen anyone get on a ship was 11:30(and yes I have priority embarkation on NCL)...they will allow you to board at the same time. I don't suggest getting there at 9:30 with a 19 month old. In fact I wouldn't get there at 9;30 with adults either. waiting around in what is essential an empty hanger isn't going to be fun for a 19 month old. There is nothing for them to do except to get in trouble.

On NCL and if you are in a full suite and you get there around 11 you will be brought to the front of the line and treated royally with little waiting(and those with you will be too).

The Gem is a great ship with the suite comes breakfast and lunch in Cagney's.

[Budget Queen]

I too have priority embarkment, and my experience has been about noon as the earliest, of which I drop off my bags only and don't get on the ship until later.
This terminal does have some inside seating.

I'm just about to book the Gem for 1-13, what sailing are you on??