Nitemare

Did you see any of this? I've been in NYC a half dozen times since Covid and never seen a car on a sidewalk (yes, it has happened 2 or 3 times in the past few years, but it's a big city and these are ISOLATED incidents, and it happened in Pre-covid times, too). I have no idea what the 'do your own thing with no repercussions" thing means, but these are just scare creeds, generally spoken by folks with an issue. You were there. Will you tell your friends to watch out for cars on sidewalks?

No real difference in terms of what you see. Real difference in terms of "bragging rights", if that matters to you. But by going past the circle you are cruising more and stopping less, so likely fewer landings to get those extra miles south. We prefer landings.

Amtrak will tell you "no checked luggage". All this means is there isn't a baggage car, but you can definitely take all your bags on board with you (or use a Red Cap) and store them over your seat or in the ample space at the end of each train car

You may have trouble finding a GC tour that starts that late in the day. Most start earlier and get you back to the city for dinner. I agree with the above, do NOT book with a third party, there is no benefit and you risk communication issues if a tour is canceled or delayed due to weather, which can happen any time in Iceland. One option might be a one day car rental, the Golden Circle isn't hard to drive on your own. There just aren't that many roads there and they are all very well signed, so hard to get lost. You won't get as much knowledge as you would on a tour, but you'll still see the highlights and at your own pace

If you google the title of this thread the first 3 links (after the link to this thread!) have his phone number and the fourth has his email address. I didn't go any further than that, but I will ask if you tried that phone number?

This thread discusses the reserve option, there are others that mention it if you use the search fuction: Also mentions that it is very rare to run out of parking. In March it will be really unlikely as there aren't many cruises that time of year from NYC

Great info! Thanks for the update!

That depends on what YOU want to see in your limited time. If you want to see Central Park, the areas near the park (54th street and up) would make most sense. If you want to see Times Square and the billboards and theaters and tourist attractions, then midtown between 38th and 52nd makes most sense. If you want a quiet neighborhood, SoHo or TriBeCa might work, so could the Upper East or Upper West side. You will find hotels in your price range in all those locations. Bring a Pack 'n' Play as a Plan B if there isn't a crib.

Another option is the Rowes Wharf/Airport water shuttle. You can go there and leave your luggage and pay for water shuttle transfer to the airport later in the day, and then explore the city on your own without your bags. Boston will keep you occupied for the day, it's quite walkable and has strong transit downtown if you want to explore towards the edges like Fenway Park or cross the river into Cambridge

What is the date and what is the budget? Do you need a place that can provide a crib(s)? That might be a bit limiting as many promise "cribs (when available)"

We have stayed at that 4 Points a few times. On a nondescript block but really close to the theaters and Hells Kitchen dining and lots of subway stations.

maybe, but I've seen folks still posting 'reasonable' budgets on TripAdvisor

With a group tour you don't always have the freedom you get with a self drive. We did a tiny bit of research on TripAdvisor of dinner restaurants in or near our lodging, knowing we could always get a sandwich or a hotdog at the gas station/convenience stores/community centers if we were delayed. Other than in Reykjavik and one place in Isafjordur (NOT Tjorhusid) we've never waited to get into our chosen restaurant in Iceland, and that's with 31 nights under our belts (so far)

You'd never catch me at a "Fast Food place" in Iceland! We don't drink, so a dinner with 2 $40 entrees (no tipping) easily got us under our budget. The water is delicious. Sometimes sacrifices must be made to afford unique splurges like Into the Volcano, which was SO expensive but totally worth it.

Ahhh, the old "hide behind an island" trick! That won't fool the Downeasters for long but a smart move!

You can also walk to the MBTA Silver Line, about 10 minutes, and take the bus (it goes in a dedicated lane) to the airport and get there in about 30 minutes for about $5 a couple

What ship and what time do you dock? What day of the week?

Iceland doesn't have to be expensive. Easy to save money if you camp (tent or RV). Even if you don't, we averaged $225/night for real hotels (plus one crazy expensive Yurt) 4 years ago, and averaged under $100/day for the two of us to eat three meals. All lodging except one included b'fast, and lunch was at a picnic table with treats from the great bakeries and grocery stores. Sandwiches, fruit, etc weren't double what we pay at home. Dinners ranged from $40 for the two of us to $150 at one splurge.

You might want to ask on the Iceland forum at TripAdvisor where a couple folks who live in Iceland might have local knowledge

True, but one that is expected to go to warm locations ends up in freezing climes at the last minute without folks getting the opportunity to repack in many cases is pretty rare, thankfully

Snooki and Pauly D!

West . . . to Harrison, New Jersey? 😁

I will say the village near the train is VERY cute, and we've gone there just for the shopping, but we were coming from the White Mountains and were passing thru on the way to other attractions.

Google Maps shows lots of options, if you use the "Nearby" function. For specific advice, budget and preferred types of food helps By the way, I have requested this thread be moved to the Florida Departures board.

If you have status with Bonvoy, the Courtyard breakfast is pretty good.