Back to Back Transatlantic Nov 2012

[Rileyspike]

Hello All,
I am booked on the back to back transatlantic crossing on the QM2 in November and was wondering if anyone knew how much time you get in New York.

Ive looked at my voyage personaliser but it only states arrive "EARLY MORNING" depart "AFTERNOON"

My partner and I were hoping to squeeze in some shopping whilst in New York and was wondering how much time we actually had.

[cruiseluvva]

I did this a couple of years ago with two friends.

We arived early - can't remember exact time but I know we were dropped off outside Macy's by 8.30. We sailed at either 5 or 6pm.

We took the transport into Manhattan and did our own thing - booked tickets to the Top of the Rock online before we left home - walked miles and miles and miles and caught the shuttle bus back around 3 pm.

Just remember to get up EARLY to watch your arrival - we got up at 3.45am - and make sure you're one of the first off to catch the shuttle if you book it.

Have fun and don't plan on doing much that night

[Cornus]

You might consider getting off the ship with the 'self-help' group and just take a taxi into the city. We're always off by 7:00, get a taxi to Penn Station to catch the train to NJ with no problems. Then just do the reverse when you are ready to return in the afternoon.

We're doing something similar...a BtoB in Oct., but we'll have five days to spend in GB while the QM2 sails to Brugge, Amsterdam, and LeHarve. We'll board again to sail back to NYC.

I notice you are from Brighton. I'm in the process of booking a place there for our five day stay. Any suggestions on things that are *be sure not to miss*?

[Rileyspike]

Originally Posted by Cornus

You might consider getting off the ship with the 'self-help' group and just take a taxi into the city. We're always off by 7:00, get a taxi to Penn Station to catch the train to NJ with no problems. Then just do the reverse when you are ready to return in the afternoon.

We're doing something similar...a BtoB in Oct., but we'll have five days to spend in GB while the QM2 sails to Brugge, Amsterdam, and LeHarve. We'll board again to sail back to NYC.

I notice you are from Brighton. I'm in the process of booking a place there for our five day stay. Any suggestions on things that are *be sure not to miss*?

Thanks for the advice:

In terms of Brighton I'm very biased as its my home town, its no London or New York but its still great.

If you like old world grandeur then book the GRAND HOTEL, but if you want something a little more boutique style then book DRAKES or BLANCH HOUSE.

Brighton has lots of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops and plenty of small shops.

A must see is the ROYAL PAVILION, a wonderful palace built for the Prince Regent.

Brighton has a large gay scene which is very inclusive so worth a visit if your gay or straight.

It is now a city but I still consider it to be a large town, it has the coast to the south and to the north the DOWNS NATIONAL PARK. Plenty of walking and villages to explore and lots of village pubs to have lunch.

I could go on and on but suffice to say I love it and I'm sure you will have a great time.

If you want to know anything else then please let me know as I've lived here all my life.

[Rileyspike]

Originally Posted by cruiseluvva

I did this a couple of years ago with two friends.

We arived early - can't remember exact time but I know we were dropped off outside Macy's by 8.30. We sailed at either 5 or 6pm.

We took the transport into Manhattan and did our own thing - booked tickets to the Top of the Rock online before we left home - walked miles and miles and miles and caught the shuttle bus back around 3 pm.

Just remember to get up EARLY to watch your arrival - we got up at 3.45am - and make sure you're one of the first off to catch the shuttle if you book it.

Have fun and don't plan on doing much that night

We got up very early on our last TA to see New York but unfortunately it was very foggy so could not see much ....... hopefully we will have better luck this time.

As long as we have enough time to do some walking on dry land see some sights and some shopping I'm happy. Then back on board the wonderful QM2 for more pampering!

[eratog2]

I did the back to back in May this year - I was hoping there would be a shuttle bus into Manhattan, but unfortunately there wasn't, so I got a cab to Macy's in Brooklyn. We berthed in New York very early, so I had breakfast and left the ship - I actually got to Macy's before they opened, so had a coffee in a New York diner at the end of the same block. I had to be back on board by (I think) 4.30pm, so had plenty of time. As I was travelling on my own, I was worried about going into Manhattan on my own, then not being able to get back, which is why I went into Brooklyn instead.

I would certainly check if the shuttle is running again - I may have just been unlucky, but I was told that in the tours office onboard.

Enjoy your voyage - I thought it was wonderful, and would love to do it again.

[Whitemarsh]

Originally Posted by eratog2

I did the back to back in May this year - I was hoping there would be a shuttle bus into Manhattan, but unfortunately there wasn't, so I got a cab to Macy's in Brooklyn. We berthed in New York very early, so I had breakfast and left the ship - I actually got to Macy's before they opened, so had a coffee in a New York diner at the end of the same block. I had to be back on board by (I think) 4.30pm, so had plenty of time. As I was travelling on my own, I was worried about going into Manhattan on my own, then not being able to get back, which is why I went into Brooklyn instead.

I would certainly check if the shuttle is running again - I may have just been unlucky, but I was told that in the tours office onboard.

Enjoy your voyage - I thought it was wonderful, and would love to do it again.

I'm sorry you missed Macy's in Manhattan, the ground floor was very busy with a great atmosphere. Great fun.

[Rileyspike]

Originally Posted by eratog2

I did the back to back in May this year - I was hoping there would be a shuttle bus into Manhattan, but unfortunately there wasn't, so I got a cab to Macy's in Brooklyn. We berthed in New York very early, so I had breakfast and left the ship - I actually got to Macy's before they opened, so had a coffee in a New York diner at the end of the same block. I had to be back on board by (I think) 4.30pm, so had plenty of time. As I was travelling on my own, I was worried about going into Manhattan on my own, then not being able to get back, which is why I went into Brooklyn instead.

I would certainly check if the shuttle is running again - I may have just been unlucky, but I was told that in the tours office onboard.

Enjoy your voyage - I thought it was wonderful, and would love to do it again.

Thanks for this .... my biggest fear is getting stuck in New York traffic and missing the ship!! but if Cunard supply a shuttle bus then they won't depart without a bus load of passengers.

Glad you enjoyed the crossing .... I don't go until the 20th November but exited already.

[scottjeanne]

My documents say we arrive and can disemberk in NY at 6:30 am (long before anything will be open).

[shinyshoes]

Originally Posted by scottjeanne

My documents say we arrive and can disemberk in NY at 6:30 am (long before anything will be open).

That's a wonderful opportunity to see the city wake up and get some views along the concrete canyons. I love early mornings in NYC. Get your morning coffee at a diner or deli (please not Starbucks) and just soak up the unique atmosphere that is the rightly named BIG APPLE. Plenty of time for shopping or sightseeing later. Get off the ship with the 'Self-help' pax, as you are B2B you wont have luggage. Taxi to Manhattan (Approx $30/40) there is a fare increase on the way I think. Ask to go via the Brooklyn Bridge, there's one of your sightseeing items ticked and you get a good view of the ship if you look backwards. I have been off the ship as early as 6.30 and as you will be up to watch the arrival you can grab a bite to eat from the buffet and you're all set for a wonderful day, irrespective of the weather.
I wish, I wish.....
SS