Cunard New York Excursions

[Ray66]

Did any of you who did a round-trip on the recent QM2 Transatlantics either book or see details and prices of excursions in New York?

 

Although there are about a dozen excursions shown on the Destinations pages, Cunard say:

 

The majority of the New York City tours are sold onboard due to it being dependant on the number of in transit guests travelling on that sector. In the important information for New York, we do advise the following

 

Guests not leaving or joining in New York . Due to the varying number of guests continuing their voyage and visiting New York as a port call, only one tour option, New York Highlights, will be available to pre-book. During your voyage, depending on final guest numbers and the demand, the tour office will offer one or two additional tours which can be booked directly on board. A general overview of the New York tour options are available on the Cunard website, however it is important to note that these are examples only and cannot be guaranteed to operate.

 

I would be interested to find out which actual ones were offered. Thank you. :)

[DreamingOfSunnyDays]

I'm in the same erm "boat" on this one.

 

Aprently there'll be a shuttle bus offered to the centre and back again so even if they don't have the tours we like can plan your own itenary. Can anyone confirm this?

[pepperrn]

Did any of you who did a round-trip on the recent QM2 Transatlantics either book or see details and prices of excursions in New York?

Hi Ray66,

 

Sorry, you did ask me to find out for you, and I promised to help out! :o

 

My only excuse is that it has been a bit of a whirl since I returned from New York (mainly feeding the washing machine :eek: )

 

I've got a leaflet at home which I begged from another passenger for you.

 

When I get home later today I'll dig it out and then come back to you here. I don't think it contained much detail but would be something. I got the firm impression that things change with almost every crossing! Back later...

 

Best wishes,

Edited May 25, 2014 by pepperrn

[dencruise80]

Did any of you who did a round-trip on the recent QM2 Transatlantics either book or see details and prices of excursions in New York?

 

You could try some third party tours.

 

viator: http://www.viator.com/New-York-City/d687-ttd

 

gray line: http://www.grayline.com/things-to-do/united-states/new-york-city/

 

The pier is easily accessible by taxi. I would advise printing a map from google before you leave home. A route from the Brooklyn Bridge to the pier would be good. It may be accessible but many taxi drivers will need directions.

 

There are also "limo" "car services" available. They are reliable and regulated.

 

Carey: http://careylimous.com/index.php

 

Carmel: http://www.carmellimo.com/?affLink=WG

 

Dial Seven: http://www.dial7.com

 

Of course, get a price quote before booking to avoid surprises. There will be taxis available at the pier.

 

You could also take a taxi to the subway. And there may/will be a shuttle available to the subway, if you are not in a hurry.

 

MTA: http://www.mta.info

[pepperrn]

Hi Ray66, Sorry, you did ask me to find out for you, and I promised to help out! :o I've got a leaflet at home which I begged from another passenger for you. I don't think it contained much detail but would be something. I got the firm impression that things change with almost every crossing!

Hi Ray66,

 

This was the only tour that I know was offered to "in-transit" passengers on 16th May (there would have been more that the passengers I spoke to didn't know about. This is the only one they were told about).

 

NYC142 NEW YORK HIGHLIGHTS. 4 Hours. Sightseeing drive of Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Theatre District, Empire State Building, St Patrick's Cathedral, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, Financial District, Fifth Avenue, Central Park. Visit St Paul's Chapel built in 1766 housing 9/11 exhibit. Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty across the bay. Tour may vary depending on traffic and sequence may vary. Due to street closures/traffic some sights may not be accessible. Depart 07.45 am. return 11.45 am. $69. Activity level; Low.

 

The leaflet suggests visiting the Tour Office Grand Lobby Deck 2 ext 22034 for other options and further details. It also sates that there are a "large variety of tours, from fully guided to more independent options".

 

I'm sorry that I can't be of more help with this. When I inquired at the Tour Office they seemed very reluctant to go into details or commit themselves to precise information of other tours on future crossing dates as "they tend to vary according to on-board demand at the time".

 

My advice would be to hold back until you board, there were places available on the above tour during my crossing, so you shouldn't lose out, and you may be offered others (all day?) you much prefer. How much were they charging for this tour booked in advance? ($69 booked on board).

 

Hope this helps a little :)

Edited May 25, 2014 by pepperrn

[Ray66]

Thank you very much for your efforts Pepper. Much appreciated.

 

The tour you mention is the one already offered to us by Cunard and is available to book now at $69 and would see us back at the ship before noon.

 

As you suggest, we will wait until we board and see what other tours are available.

 

-----------

 

dencruise 80,

 

Thank you for your suggestions but as this is our first visit to New York and we're a bit concerned about the risk of getting stuck in traffic, we'd prefer to take one of the ship's excursions this time.

 

I'm sure your links will be of interest to other people reading this though.

 

Thank you both once again. :)

[ToadOfToadHall]

We went 3 years ago (I think) to NY for the day. They did a shuttle bus for $40 each, left quite early (I recall walking up 6th Avenue towards central park at 8:30). It drops you off at Macys and picks you up at the same place around 15:00.

 

I remember it was not offered on the online excursion booking, you could only book once on board, about 3 or 4 days into the crossing.

[Ray66]

 

The tour you mention is the one already offered to us by Cunard and is available to book now at $69 and would see us back at the ship before noon.

 

I've just been in my Voyage Personaliser and the price of New York Highlights has gone up to $72! :(

[southwestie]

Why not get off the ship , take a can into the city and pick up the Ho Ho bus from almost anywhere and see everything, or for less money and great fun, walk to the bus stop and take the bus and subway into the city .

[Ray66]

Thanks but we've got quite a lot of OBC so would prefer to use that on a ship's excursion booked on board.

[Salacia]

Ray, I don't know if this is of any help for your particular voyage, but here is a list of NY excursions offered by Cunard: http://www.cunard.com/destinations/regions/usa-and-canada-cruises/new-york/

 

I understand that you want to use your OBC for tours booked on board, and that you are concerned about being tied up in traffic if you take a private tour (that has also been my concern in many ports that I have visited for the first time). But to return to the ship around noon means that you might not have much time in NY, depending on how smoothly the docking, immigration and custom process goes.

 

Are there any particular sights you want to see in NYC? -S.

[Salacia]

Why not get off the ship , take a can into the city and pick up the Ho Ho bus from almost anywhere and see everything, or for less money and great fun, walk to the bus stop and take the bus and subway into the city .

 

Hi Rob. Being a native New Yorker, I have no experience with tourist buses - I really should try that sometime. I'm not sure what Ho Ho bus you referenced...is it this

 

http://www.newyorkpass.com/En/bus-tour-packages/?aid=8&gclid=COG10KCc1b4CFSOPOgodQGIAow

 

or this http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/

 

Just to confess: I have often taken sailing tours around Manhattan on the Circle Line http://www.circleline42.com/new-york-cruises/home.aspx and many more times on the Staten Island Ferry (which is free of charge) http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml

 

Anyway, there are many ways to see Manhattan, at a cost from free to big bucks- such as a r/t lower Manhatten via the SI Ferry or booking a private limo tour, custom arranged (either through the Tour Office on board or through a local provider).

 

Cheers,

Salacia

 

P.S. There are interesting sights available in Brooklyn, about 10-15 minutes cab from the Cruise Terminal in Red Hook. Such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, etc.

Edited May 31, 2014 by Salacia

[DreamingOfSunnyDays]

Hi Rob. Being a native New Yorker, I have no experience with tourist buses - I really should try that sometime. I'm not sure what Ho Ho bus you referenced...is it this

 

http://www.newyorkpass.com/En/bus-tour-packages/?aid=8&gclid=COG10KCc1b4CFSOPOgodQGIAow

 

or this http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/

 

Just to confess: I have often taken sailing tours around Manhattan on the Circle Line http://www.circleline42.com/new-york-cruises/home.aspx and many more times on the Staten Island Ferry (which is free of charge) http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml

 

Anyway, there are many ways to see Manhattan, at a cost from free to big bucks- such as a r/t lower Manhatten via the SI Ferry or booking a private limo tour, custom arranged (either through the Tour Office on board or through a local provider).

 

Cheers,

Salacia

 

P.S. There are interesting sights available in Brooklyn, about 10-15 minutes cab from the Cruise Terminal in Red Hook. Such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, etc.

 

Salacia, if you could recommend the must see sights of New York and only had about 7 hours what are they?

[north east girl]

Hi Ray66,

 

This was the only tour that I know was offered to "in-transit" passengers on 16th May (there would have been more that the passengers I spoke to didn't know about. This is the only one they were told about).

 

NYC142 NEW YORK HIGHLIGHTS. 4 Hours. Sightseeing drive of Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Theatre District, Empire State Building, St Patrick's Cathedral, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, Financial District, Fifth Avenue, Central Park. Visit St Paul's Chapel built in 1766 housing 9/11 exhibit. Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty across the bay. Tour may vary depending on traffic and sequence may vary. Due to street closures/traffic some sights may not be accessible. Depart 07.45 am. return 11.45 am. $69. Activity level; Low.

 

The leaflet suggests visiting the Tour Office Grand Lobby Deck 2 ext 22034 for other options and further details. It also sates that there are a "large variety of tours, from fully guided to more independent options".

 

I'm sorry that I can't be of more help with this. When I inquired at the Tour Office they seemed very reluctant to go into details or commit themselves to precise information of other tours on future crossing dates as "they tend to vary according to on-board demand at the time".

 

My advice would be to hold back until you board, there were places available on the above tour during my crossing, so you shouldn't lose out, and you may be offered others (all day?) you much prefer. How much were they charging for this tour booked in advance? ($69 booked on board).

 

Hope this helps a little :)

 

Hi Peppern, Just noticed this thread, we are doing a B2B in August. Think I will wait to book a tour sounds like you get a bit more choice once on board. Also we have OBC to use up.

 

Catherine

[Ray66]

Hi Peppern, Just noticed this thread, we are doing a B2B in August. Think I will wait to book a tour sounds like you get a bit more choice once on board. Also we have OBC to use up.

 

Catherine

 

I certainly hope there is more choice once on board as there is only one available to book in our VP and Excursions book - New York Highlights.

 

Apparently Ellis Island has re-opened on a limited basis after Hurricane Sandy but I suspect may not be included as a Cunard tour. I wasn't aware there was damage until I read this

 

http://www.nps.gov/elis/planyourvisit/index.htm

[Salacia]

Salacia, if you could recommend the must see sights of New York and only had about 7 hours what are they?

 

Wow, that's a tough question I think the recommendation of what to see in 7 hours in NYC would depend on primary interests, the time of year and the day of the week, budget, as well as any physical limitations.

 

One easy one and very pleasant way to circle the complete island of Manhattan is on the Circle Line. The full sightseeing tour takes under 3 hours, but there are shorter tours available. The boats dock at Pier 83 on W 42st St & 12th Ave. We've take this tour several times with friends from out-of-town, and we found it to be very enjoyable. See their website for additonal information http://www.circleline42.com/new-york-cruises-about/directions.aspx BTW, Times Square is a short cab ride away, if that is on your must see list.

 

If art and art history is your thing, I recommend the Metropolitan Museum of Art.(Website here http://www.metmuseum.org/ Get there as early as possible as it does get crowded later in the day. The restaurant in the Museum is very nice, as is the gift ship. If time permits, take the Fifth Avenue bus ($2.50 in coins or MetroCard) down Fifth Avenue. Of course, if you see a store that appeals to you as the bus takes you down 5th Ave (like Tiffany's or Saks Fifth Ave) just get off the bus at the next available stop. Just to mention that St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Ave is undergoing extensive renovations - even the interior is full of scaffolding, so, unfortunately, you won't get to see much.

 

Or get off the bus at 42nd Street, make a left on 42nd St and walk two blocks east to Grand Central Station. It really is an amazing site. In addition to the fabulous main hall, here are small shops and a food court on the lower level. BTW, the ladies room on the main level is safe and usually well kept. A few doors from the ladies room, you will find a small NYC Transit Museum that is popular with children of all ages, and you can find some interesting NYC souvenirs there. For more info on Grand Central, see http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/

 

Directly outside Grand Central Station is a taxi stand on the corner of 42nd & Vanderbilt, so it shouldn't be hard to find a cab. Don't forget to print out directions back to the Red Hook Terminal in case your cabbie is unfamiliar with the route (although there is usually a dispatcher at the taxi stand that will get you a cab with a driver who knows the route.)

 

Anyway, that's just a couple of suggestions. If there is an area of special interest, I'd be happy to offer additional suggestions.

BTW, if you see several police cares, firetrucks and ambulances speeding by with sirens blaring, don't worry - it's most likely one of the emergency drills that take place not infrequently in Manhattan. Cheers, -S.

[DreamingOfSunnyDays]

Wow, that's a tough question I think the recommendation of what to see in 7 hours in NYC would depend on primary interests, the time of year and the day of the week, budget, as well as any physical limitations.

 

One easy one and very pleasant way to circle the complete island of Manhattan is on the Circle Line. The full sightseeing tour takes under 3 hours, but there are shorter tours available. The boats dock at Pier 83 on W 42st St & 12th Ave. We've take this tour several times with friends from out-of-town, and we found it to be very enjoyable. See their website for additonal information http://www.circleline42.com/new-york-cruises-about/directions.aspx BTW, Times Square is a short cab ride away, if that is on your must see list.

 

If art and art history is your thing, I recommend the Metropolitan Museum of Art.(Website here http://www.metmuseum.org/ Get there as early as possible as it does get crowded later in the day. The restaurant in the Museum is very nice, as is the gift ship. If time permits, take the Fifth Avenue bus ($2.50 in coins or MetroCard) down Fifth Avenue. Of course, if you see a store that appeals to you as the bus takes you down 5th Ave (like Tiffany's or Saks Fifth Ave) just get off the bus at the next available stop. Just to mention that St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Ave is undergoing extensive renovations - even the interior is full of scaffolding, so, unfortunately, you won't get to see much.

 

Or get off the bus at 42nd Street, make a left on 42nd St and walk two blocks east to Grand Central Station. It really is an amazing site. In addition to the fabulous main hall, here are small shops and a food court on the lower level. BTW, the ladies room on the main level is safe and usually well kept. A few doors from the ladies room, you will find a small NYC Transit Museum that is popular with children of all ages, and you can find some interesting NYC souvenirs there. For more info on Grand Central, see http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/

 

Directly outside Grand Central Station is a taxi stand on the corner of 42nd & Vanderbilt, so it shouldn't be hard to find a cab. Don't forget to print out directions back to the Red Hook Terminal in case your cabbie is unfamiliar with the route (although there is usually a dispatcher at the taxi stand that will get you a cab with a driver who knows the route.)

 

Anyway, that's just a couple of suggestions. If there is an area of special interest, I'd be happy to offer additional suggestions.

BTW, if you see several police cares, firetrucks and ambulances speeding by with sirens blaring, don't worry - it's most likely one of the emergency drills that take place not infrequently in Manhattan. Cheers, -S.

 

That's amazing! Thank you :)

 

Would you recommend the Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building?

[pmb1]

...

Would you recommend the Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building?

As a born New Yorker (now living in NJ) I recommend the Empire State Building because from there you have the best view of the Top of the Rock as well as of the rest of the universe.

[Salacia]

That's amazing! Thank you :)

 

Would you recommend the Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building?

 

You're welcome. Since time is of the essence during your short visit, I think it would depend on which observation point you are closest too. If you're near Rockefeller Center on Fifth Ave, Top of The Rock would be the pick, but if you're visiting Grand Central Station, an interesting walk just couple of blocks down 42nd Street and your in front of the Empire State Building. Just from my observation, there seems to be more tourists in the Rockefeller Center area, so the wait to be admitted the Top of the Rock is fairly likely to be longer than for the Empire State Building. You can purchase tickets for either place in advance on-line if desired.

 

If you decide to visit the Empire State Building, walk a couple of blocks further down 42St and take a peek at the United Nations Building. If interested, you can tour the UN - info here http://visit.un.org/

BTW, look to your left just before you get to 1st Avenue and you will see Tudor City. It's a small complex of apartments surrounding Tudor Park...if you're a film buff, you will recognize the setting from several movies :) Cheers, -Salacia

[Salacia]

As a born New Yorker (now living in NJ) I recommend the Empire State Building because from there you have the best view of the Top of the Rock as well as of the rest of the universe.

 

Time permitting, that would be my choice too :)

[Ray66]

Would you recommend the Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building?

 

I was just looking into this myself yesterday. I started off wanting to go to the Empire State Building but after reading reviews, decided Top Of the Rock would probably be best. People on Trip Advisor say there is a longer wait at the ESB (unless you are willing to pay the $50 for express).

There are unobstructed 360 deg views from Top of the Rock and you get a good view of the ESB.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k2255744-Empire_State_Building_versus_Top_Of_The_Rock-

New_York_City_New_York.html

 

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g60763-d587661-Reviews-Top_of_the_Rock_Observation_Deck-New_York_City_New_York.html

 

http://www.essential-new-york-city-guide.com/empire-state-vs-the-rock.html

If you want to say you’ve been to the top of the most famous skyscraper in the world (a building that the American Society of Civil Engineers has called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World), then go to the Empire State Building. If you're more interested in an easier (and likely much quicker) experience, then the Top of the Rock might be your style.

 

I’m hoping Cunard will offer the 7 hour Insight into New York & Rockefeller tour which also includes a visit to Grand Central Terminal, Harlem, Central Park & Greenwich Village.

I’ll post back on here which excursions they offered when I return.

[Salacia]

You're welcome. Since time is of the essence during your short visit, I think it would depend on which observation point you are closest too. If you're near Rockefeller Center on Fifth Ave, Top of The Rock would be the pick, but if you're visiting Grand Central Station, an interesting walk just couple of blocks down 42nd Street and your in front of the Empire State Building. Just from my observation, there seems to be more tourists in the Rockefeller Center area, so the wait to be admitted the Top of the Rock is fairly likely to be longer than for the Empire State Building. You can purchase tickets for either place in advance on-line if desired....

 

Correction: I should have said Fifth Ave, not 42nd St...but taking a cab to 34th St & 5th Ave would usually be faster than walking. If you're shopping at Macy's (151 West 34th Street), you'll be within walking distance to the Empire State Building (5th Ave between 33rd & 34th St). The 'no waiting express ticket' cost approx $67US pp for access to both the 86th floor and the 102nd ESB observation decks (as Ray mentioned previously, the express ticket to the 86th floor observatory is $50). Whether it's worth it or not is a personal decision. :)

Edited June 3, 2014 by Salacia

[pepperrn]

That's amazing! Thank you :) Would you recommend the Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building?

Hi DreamingOfSunnyDays,

 

Of course, one day one has to go to the top of the Empire State Building.

 

However, having done this twice, and gone to the top of the Rockefeller Center twice as well, I've no intention of ever returning to the Empire State.

 

Unless you are very lucky picking your time to ascend, the lines to reach the elevators (even with the expensive "no-waiting" ticket I ended up waiting, on my second visit, for over an hour-and-a-half) has to been seen to be believed. Once up on the 86th floor it is so crowded, with people almost fighting to see any sort of view, it is not in any way a pleasant experience. Also be aware that there is nowhere to sit. A friend (who was taken ill on the 86th floor) asked me to find a seat, the attendant I approached and explained the situation to said "Yea, we've got seats, down on Fifth Avenue. Go there". It took another 45 minutes to get down (*). The 102nd floor is less crowded it must be said, but it is small and they move you down quickly to make room for more visitors. I am told that the building is far less crowded in the evenings if that helps you.

 

In contrast the "Top of The Rock" is a great experience. Almost never a line, the elevator ride to the top is an experience in itself, with a glass top to the elevator with lights in the shaft above your head as you ascend/descend. Once up there the roof design allows you to see almost 360 degrees from one point. It is also far less crowded in my experience. See here:

 

 

You can see Central Park (which you can't from the Empire State):

 

 

And of course, one thing you can't see from the top of the Empire State is... the Empire State Building. Whereas at the Top of The Rock you get the classic view:

 

 

As I said, you have to endure the top of the Empire State once :(, but once you've done that... enjoy the far better experience that is the Rockefeller Center :) .

 

Hope this helps :) .

 

 

 

 

(* That was May, the friend died later that year in October).

Edited June 3, 2014 by pepperrn

[Salacia]

In addition to the Empire State Building and The Top of The Rock, here's another option for those looking for a good view of the City, albeit from a much lower height: The rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum where you will find the outdoor Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar. Purchase some food or beverage and enjoy the view (weather permitting) at no additional charge other than the fee to enter the museum. Details here: http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/dining-at-the-museum/roof-garden-cafe-and-martini-bar

 

BTW, if you are planning to visit the Metropolitan Museum, you may be interested in this: A Half Day at the Met: The Director's Tour for the Second Floor http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/itineraries/directors-second-floor

Edited June 3, 2014 by Salacia

[Ray66]

We went 3 years ago (I think) to NY for the day. They did a shuttle bus for $40 each, left quite early (I recall walking up 6th Avenue towards central park at 8:30). It drops you off at Macys and picks you up at the same place around 15:00.

 

I remember it was not offered on the online excursion booking, you could only book once on board, about 3 or 4 days into the crossing.

 

We will probably do that if there's no satisfactory excursions available. The New York Highlights tour is wait-listed according to my VP but we weren't really interested in that one as it gets back to the ship too early.

 

Well, tomorrow's the day we board. Never done a crossing before so will be a new experience for us. 15 nights - 6 nights to cross the pond, one day in Halifax, one day at sea, one day in NY and 7 nights back to Southampton.

 

Many thanks to all who have contributed to this thread with information.