GTJ

As noted, "[i]n tourist locations, such as hotels and restaurants in Vieux-Québec most customer-facing staff will be conversant in English, and English menus will be available . . . ." Visitors who confine themselves to just tourist-infested Vieux-Québec can get by just fine with English and no understanding of French. I suspect that most people who say that they have had no problems did not leave these parts of the city. But elsewhere, be it rural areas or urban areas--even along rue Charest in the core of the city--you will not find much English. The city is very much francophone. If you're looking to see more of the city than just the tourist area, then you should be comfortable enough French (not necessarily being fluent, but understanding that there may be a language gap).

The answers to your questions depend on whether you will be doing the laundry yourself, or using drop-off service. For yourself, the washing cycle is typically 30 minutes, and the drying cycle another 30 minutes. Generally you supply your own detergent (some laudromats might provide "free" detergent on a promotional basis), which you can generally buy in small single-use boxes from the laudromat. Total cost for washing what will fit in a single machine, including detergent, should be less than ten dollars. For drop-off service, you should allow several hours. Given your time constraints, you will want to emphasize your "need-by" time it can be properly prioritized. The laundomat provides the detergent as part of its drop-off price. Cost is generally determined on a per-pound basis, likely around $2.00 per pound.

The latter option is expensive--overpriced in my mind--but given that it is unlikely that any other similar arrangements would be available, or could be cobbled together easily, it might be your best choice. You have a need for transportation from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, to the airport, for your baggage to be attended, to see something during the time when you would otherwise be sitting idly at an airport. A 3-1/2 hour city sightseeing tour should be less than $100, and a bus transfer between Manhattan and the airport should be about $20 . . . the price offered by NCL is about twice what I believe to be fair. But if the only option, then you may have no practicable choice. Do you know the name of the company that would be providing this service?

There are very few cities that have a single zone for the entire city (I have seen a few cases in smaller cities where taxis are a de facto substitute for non-existent public transit), but there are a few more cities that use multiple zones rather than taxi meters. A zone system can reduce that taxi meter anxiety because everyone knows the correct fare in advance, and it applies regardless of the circumstances of any particular day or time (indeed, one of the reasons for the flat fare from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, a city that otherwise relies on taxi meters). Yet it was a few years ago that Washington, D.C., went the other direction, replacing its zones with taxi meters, replacing anxiety of maps with the anxiety of taxi meters. See http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbarro/2012/02/17/a-guide-to-riding-taxis-in-the-district-of-columbia.

Perhaps "many" rather than "any"? I stop at red traffic signals while bicycling!

Yes, www.aupieddecochon.ca is the correct link. Alas, I cannot go back and correct my embedded link!

I did not realize that! In my mind I envision Jewish delis being defined as such, but not being Jewish I have not been explicitly attuned to the applicable rules. So that leaves open the question of good kosher delis. Maybe Deli 365?

Indeed, it can be nerve-wracking watching the meter go, particularly as fast as it increases. But there's a few cities that do have fixed-rate taxis. For example, taxi trips within Hoboken, New Jersey, are a flat $8.00 fare anywhere (less $1.00 if boarding at the railroad station, plus $1.00 for each additional passenger), and thus no need to watch the meter. For me, the least stressful transportation is regularly-scheduled, commodius, with fixed and reasonable rates, and departing from well-defined points.

Recently published by Patch is an article relating to the safe operation of the “hop-on, hop-off” bus tours than many cruise passengers seem to favor using as part of their touring of New York City before or after their cruise. http://www.patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/nyc-double-decker-buses-are-disaster-waiting-happen-guides-say Among allegations being made is that the operators of these buses routinely drive recklessly, ignoring red traffic signals, and giving scant attention to safety. A recent collision resulting from one of these bus drivers passing a red traffic signal injured 67 people, with 32 hospitalized. “[T]ourists themselves have flooded sites such as Tripadvisor with bad and ‘scary’ reviews.” Apparently some of the bus drivers have been accused of verbally abusing the passengers traveling on their vehicles. Caveat emptor. It is always good to thoroughly research planned excursions, and the companies operating them. Transportation is a dangerous activity that should be taken seriously.

Transportation to and from the airport in Québec does not have much choice. The Réseau de transport de la Capitale ("RTC") operates a transit bus service, route 80, from the city centre to the airport. The service departs from Place-Jacques-Cartier (on the north side of rue Charest est, just west of rue Dorchester) every half hour, and the trip takes 50 to 60 minutes depending on time of day. The adult cash fare is $3.75. You can find more information here: http://www.rtcquebec.ca/en/schedules-and-routes/bus-schedule/all-routes/80/aeroport-international-jean-lesage. Not much English is spoken in the city of Québec. Virtually everyone--about 95 percent of the city's residents--speak French as their mother-tongue, and only one-third of the city speaks at least some English (though not necessarily good or fluent English). As well it is very helpful being able to read French, as only few things are bilingual. In tourist locations, such as hotels and restaurants in Vieux-Québec most customer-facing staff will be conversant in English, and English menus will be available, but otherwise do not expect much English to be understood. At one time in the 1800s much English was spoken, but today it is difficult to survive with English alone.

It is true that Schwartz's is iconic, but do note that the sandwiches are not overstuffed as in New York (and also don't buy the line that "it's like pastrami"). The deli is located right on the Main (boulevard St-Laurent) at rue Napoléon. If you're looking for other kosher items, then don't miss out on bagels from St-Viateur. Or if you're just seeking iconic food items, then keep in mind that just a few blocks from Schwartz's you can find Au Pied de Cochon (not kosher at all!).

The prior message said, "The combined bus and light rail will take about 1 hour plus small wait / transfer time." Additionally, I did a random trip planner request, and from origin to destination (excluding access from the pier to the origin point, and egress from destination point to check-in counter) I received a response of 65 minutes travel time, with the bus departing the bridge at 8:25 a.m. It sounds as though you are disputing that claim that was previously made. That's fine, but the argument in that case would be that travel time is longer than that previously stated. The question of whether one wants less stress, or time to relax and have breakfast, are individual choices, not uniformly shared by everyone. For someone who lives in Michigan and has to rely on DDOT everyday, it might be that Seattle Metro would be relatively relaxing! Thus, I think the correct answer is "maybe." It depends. As to your curiosity, I note that a friend and colleague of mine was previously general manager of King County Metro Transit, and I have personally used the service for which he was responsible many times. I can even recall some of my first rides on Seattle Metro in the late 1970s, when it was an early adopter of articulated coaches (MAN, I recall). Another friend and colleague of mine just recently left his post as chief operating officer for Community Transit. I will also note my now-deceased (18 months) friend and colleague who was based in Washington State and publisher of the professional journal BUSRide, and with whom I have had several discussions of Seattle bus service. Most of my relevant professional involvement today relates primarily to Alaska and Canada surface transportation, but also involves Seattle tangentially as it is just over the border from Vancouver, and so I keep up to speed on Vancouver-to-Seattle transportation and other transportation just over the border on the American side. I publish on the subject regularly. While New York City is the center of this industry, and more people are located here than any other place in the United States and Canada, those of us who are employed in it do keep on top of happenings in other parts.

Sometimes when planning travel by cruise vessel, with arrangements made in each and every port, it is so easy to lose track of things!

Do the various brands have the autonomy to specify their own vessels, or is Carnival treating the Princess brand differently than its other brands when acquiring new vessels? Ordinarily I would expect some centralization and standardization among the brands.

If one is off the vessel and done with immigration and customs by 8:00 a.m., then it seems that there would be enough time. Allowing 20 minutes for that short walk (why can't Seattle provide better access, especially for people with disabilities?!), then get the no. 33 bus at, say, 8:25 a.m., and with a transfer to light rail, an airport arrival time of 9:30 a.m. Much later than 8:00 a.m. (the vessel is scheduled to arrive at 7:00 a.m.) and a faster means of travel may be advisable. Probably okay to plan on using public transit, but if delayed in getting off the vessel, then taxi/TNC as "Plan B." So more of a "maybe" than an outright "not recommended."

I would also like to know these details as well. I have reviewed street views on Google maps. It appears as though pedestrians can reach the vessel from Concord Street, between Cumberland Street and Market Street, opposite the customs house, by walking through Parking Lot A and across a path elevated above the water to the off-shore passenger terminal and the vessel docked alongside. The Google maps street view from July 2019 shows many persons appearing to do this. See https://goo.gl/maps/2PVKxqAPDe6pUgKh8 It appears as though motorists can reach the vessel from southbound Washington Street, south of Laurens Street, and driving themselves into a large parking lot. There appears to be remote baggage drop-off and passenger check-in within the parking lot, and then buses transport motorists to the aforementioned passenger terminal. A helpful video shows the motorist route. See https://youtu.be/upzsVmIbVIc What is not entirely clear to me if whether there are baggage drop-off and check-in facilities for pedestrians at the aforementioned passenger terminal (accessed from Concord Street), or if Carnival Cruise Lines compels its passengers to walk from outside the passenger terminal off of Concord Street, up to Washington Street motorist entrance, and weave themselves on foot through all the motorists who are driving into the large parking lot, only to return to the passenger terminal by bus. It would not make sense to compel non-motoring passengers to do this, but it would not surprise me if the cruise line did so compel its passengers. Can anyone who has walked to the passenger terminal advise?

Some of the key pizza spots in Brooklyn: Di Fara, generally regarded by most as the best in NYC, Midwood, on Avenue J at East 15th Street, next to BMT Brighton Beach ("Q" to Avenue J) subway line Juliana's, Brooklyn waterfront, on Fulton Street close to ferry, near IND Brooklyn ("A," "C" to High Street) subway line Grimalidi's, next door to Juliana's, is nearly as good Totonno's, Coney Island, on Neptune Avenue at West 16th Street, near BMT Stillwell Avenue subway terminal ("D," "F," "N," "Q") L&B Spumoni Gardens, Bensonhurst, on 86th Street at West 10th Street, between BMT West End ("D" to 25th Avenue) and BMT Sea Beach ("N" to 86th Street) subway lines Luigi's, South Brooklyn, on Fifth Avenue at 29th Street, near BMT Fourth Avenue ("R" to 25th Street) subway line Roberta's, Bushwick, Moore Street at Bogart Street, near BMT 14th Street-Canarsie ("L" to Morgan Avenue) subway line Lucali, Carroll Gardens, on Henry Street at Carroll Street, near IND Brooklyn ("F," "G" to Carroll Street) subway line Some of these have additional locations. There are other good places--some very good--that I will not dispute (for example, recently I heard a good review of Wheated, Flatbush, on Church Avenue at Coney Island Avenue, between BMT Brighton Beach ("B," "Q" to Church Avenue) and IND Brooklyn ("F," "G" to Church Avenue) subway lines, but it is not on the list above because I do not think it has yet built a reputation). There's also some good places in Manhattan, but fewer in number, in part because places can survive in Manhattan without having to be that good . . . there's lots of tourists who will buy it anyway (many think that 99-cent pizza slices are great!). Good pizza in Manhattan includes John's of Bleecker Street, in Greenwich Village, and Patsy's, in East Harlem; Lombardi's, in Little Italy is okay, and we've also found John's of Times Square, in west Midtown on West 44th Street, as being acceptable when returning from out-of-town travel because it is so convenient to Port Authority Bus Terminal (what else is good in west midtown without spending a fortune? Los Tacos No. 1?!). And I will give a plug to my borough and say that the best in Queens County is Nick's, Forest Hills, on Ascan Avenue at Austin Street ("E," "F," "M," "R" to Forest Hills-71st Avenue). I don't known the Bronx or Staten Island well enough to give recommendations. But if one has the time then best to head to Brooklyn.

Are you certain about this? If you go to the Viator website, this tour has a picture of a van with advertising for "Portland Explorer," and with USDOT number 3196694. The USDOT number corresponds to Portland Explorer Tourism LLC. You can look up the company's records on the SAFER website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. The company's own website makes more clear that the tour is to visit three lighthouses. It says: " We will spend about 40 minutes at Portland Head Light and about 10-15 minutes at Spring Point Ledge Light and Portland Breakwater. We are unable to go into the lighthouses in Maine, but we will be able to walk around the park and hear the history of the area." It seem as the "city tour" portion is simply driving along some downtown Portland streets incidental to the trip to the three lighthouses. If one is a lighthouse enthusiast, then this might be an efficient manner in which to visit these locations. But the tour is not being advertised as one that is a more typical city tour. I have not used the company's services, but I have no reason to believe that the company provides any lesser service than what it advertises on its own website. I am also curious--my wife and I were discussing this just last night--why people book through Viator instead of directly with the tour operator. Viator charges higher rates than the tour operators themselves (here, Viator charges $64 for all persons, while the tour operator charges $60 for adults, $58 for seniors, and $50 for children), and I would expect that Viator also takes a commission and remits to the tour operator less than the tour operator's standard rates. Is it because tour operator websites are too confusing, and the Viator website is better designed? Or is there some other reason to use a middleman for making arrangements with a tour operator? We could not figure out it out amongst ourselves.

Any type of pre-arranged service will induce stress because of the need to find the one specific vehicle that has been so pre-arranged. Most times when I have had a pre-arranged service (typically Uber) it has been a hassle for the driver to find me in the crowd, and for me to find that one particular driver. It is stressful to know that I will be charged for the pre-arranged service in any case, and that I will not have the option to give up and just hail the first taxi that comes by. Less stressful is not making pre-arrangements, and to simply hail a taxi when needed, wherever I might happen to be at the time, or to walk to a fixed and identifiable station or bus stop. Usually, taxi is less expensive than TNC or FHV services.

My interests likely differ from yours, so what I would plan may not be on your list. Five things that I would do with a day in Brooklyn, starting from Red Hook: (1) sightsee along Van Brunt Street, and up and coming urban avenue increasingly filled with interesting places to visit, including a PCC streetcar hidden behind the former Fairway, now Food Bazaar, and perhaps lunch at the Ikea store, (2) a visit to the New York Transit Museum, downtown under Livingston Street between Boerum Place and Court Street, including the exhibits on the mezzanine, the historic car fleet on the lower level, and its fabulous book and gift shop, (3) lower Fulton Street and the "old" downtown Brooklyn, a/k/a DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), including Juliana's for pizza and Jacques Torres for chocolate, (4) Williamsburg, notwithstanding all the young people who have "discovered" this historic place and former city in its own right (it was eventually annexed by the City of Brooklyn in 1855), it, and to a lesser extent neighboring Greenpoint, have a fabulous array of stores, architecture, and new waterfront revitalization, and (5) Coney Island, an icon for the past beach-boardwalk collection of things unusual. Others might include on their list of places to tour in Brooklyn places in Prospect Park (including the Brooklyn Museum), Sheepshead Bay, Green-Wood Cemetery, downtown Brooklyn, and Bushwick-Ridgewood. There's also the possibility of traveling to Manhattan, which also has a few things to see.

The company appears to be legitimate and affiliated with a hostel, Auberge le P'tit Bonheur, http://www.leptitbonheur.com. I have not verified through the Commission de transports Québec their license to operate.

It has become more challenging to find good edited maps that can be downloaded as a PDF. Google maps is good for what it is, but not entirely satisfactory. I find that OpenStreetMap is more satisfactory for printing out maps to use for walking, and I have downloaded a PDF that shows the relevant area for seeing the walled city, and attached it to this message; this map does not really highlight the funicular railway very well, so I have a second, more detailed map, of that area. The map for which I posted a link above is okay, but I have not found anything else that is substantially better (I am certain there are, but I just have not found them). It is always useful to keep track of where one is at any given moment, but the streets of Vieux-Québec do lend themselves to just walking about. A few resources that I think are useful for planning a walking tour, and basic interpretation of some sites, are the following. Ville de Québec, Old Québec and the surrounding neighbourhoods, http://www.fliphtml5.com/ftqw/ofuu Ville de Québec, Walking Tours in Québec City, http://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/walking-tours Urban Guide Québec, Self-guided walking tour of old Québec city, http://www.urbanguidequebec.com/self-guided-walking-tour-quebec-city GPSMyCity, Old Quebec Walk (Self Guided), http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/old-quebec-walk-3031.html Lonely Planet, A walking tour of Québec City, http://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/free-walking-tour-quebec-city Vieux-Québec map.pdf Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec map.pdf

It depends. If this was a one-way sailing from Vancouver to Seward or Whittier, then they would be out of luck. It would be unlawful for them to board a foreign flag vessel in Ketchikan, an American, and sail to either Seward or Whittier, other American ports. On the other hand, if this were a closed loop sailing from Vancouver, then they could lawfully board in Ketchikan, provided that their destination was Vancouver.

Are you seeking private transportation or public transportation?

I imagine that the most convenient location would be the Sunoco service station at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Between 147th Street and 148th Street, and between 147th Avenue and 150th Avenue, across the street from the former Green Bus Lines garage at Cornell Park.