Gem for Canada/New England Cruise

[biojeep]

We are contemplating going on the Gem for Canada cruise. How much of a hassle is it to get to a Times Square hotel from Laguardia for a pre-cruise night. Never been to NYC & seem to be a little intimidated. We would stay at Novotel which I think is pretty close to the port. Suggestions or pros & cons for Uber, taxi, or car service would be appreciated. We would use NCL shuttle back to airport after cruise. Also does the Gem sail past the Statue of Liberty? Any help would be appreciated.

[PhillyTravelBug]

It would be worth it if you have never been. I live near Philly and have been to NYC plenty. It's an intimidating city, but provides endless fun. I would recommend an Uber as NYC taxis cost a fortune,

[NayRN]

I've flown into LGA and stayed in Times Square twice. We used Super Shuttle (private sedan) both times with great success! No stress...even though traffic is crazy! I think I paid $100 for a private sedan (turned out to be a Lincoln Navigator) for four of us plus luggage! Best money I ever spent! If you don't want to spend that much, I check out the approximate cost for Uber.

 

Yes, the Gem does sail past Lady Liberty - and I hope you have a starboard balcony!! It was nice to sail past her in the privacy of our own balcony!!

[khaide612]

There's major construction at LaGuardia which makes traffic insane and one of the parking lots is closed. I use LaGuardia as a last resort airport when flying - the prices would have to be significantly cheaper for me to deal with that place. It's hard to meet up with a pickup - especially if dragging luggage. JFK & Newark might be easier to meet up with an Uber or grab a cab. Also, taxi fares are standard from JFK to midtown so no one can just rip you off on that if you get a yellow cab there. LaGuardia is the meter rate.

 

The Gem does pass the Statue of Liberty and goes under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.

[poona1]

by the way, does anyone know when is the best time to see the changing of leaf colors during this sailing...sorry to sidetrack

[Mid43]

by the way, does anyone know when is the best time to see the changing of leaf colors during this sailing...sorry to sidetrack

 

Roughly early to mid October is probably the best time; you wont be seeing a lot of scenery from on the ship; but when in port, on various tours there can be some scenic drives.

 

We cruised on the Gem this past October and loved it; the ship and the crew were fantastic, and hopefully you will be lucky enough to enjoy the Cynthia MacLeod Trio as they were fantastic, and she is a site to see watching her work her fiddle!

[Bobrunner]

Also thinking of a Northern trip on the Gem. Question concerning the casino. Is the casino open after leaving each port like it would when leaving the southern islands? Thats our fun part of then cruise for us.

[Mid43]

Yes the casino is open the usual times, such as within an hour of leaving port etc. I don't know the specific times, but it was open every evening from what I recall.

[Bobrunner]

Yes the casino is open the usual times, such as within an hour of leaving port etc. I don't know the specific times, but it was open every evening from what I recall.

 

Mid43 - thanks on the casino item. How was the cruise up north? More to see than the same things when cruising the islands over and over?

[Mike A]

I would like to second the advice to avoid LGA if at all possible. For the next 2 years getting in and out of the airport will be a disaster. I was there today at 1:00 AM and it took an hour to get out of the parking lot. While JFK is further away you can take the Sky Train and connect to the Subway (A train from Howard Beach or E train from Jamaica). Both go directly to Times Square for a fraction of the price of a cab.

While I will be on the Gem for the 1st time on 5/20,I have been on the Jewel (Twin Sister) you will love the ship. Midsize, Not too big. Not too small.

Regarding the Statue of Liberty you will see it on the Starboard side as you sail down toward the Verrazano Bridge. Please note the NY Skyline will be on the Port Side. Either way you cannot go wrong.

 

 

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[biojeep]

Thanks MikeA - what alternative do you suggest other than sky train? Also, do you think it would be easier to get from Newark airport or JFK to Novotel in Times Square?

[biojeep]

With all the construction at LGA , does Uber pick up just outside baggage claim area?

[Mid43]

Mid43 - thanks on the casino item. How was the cruise up north? More to see than the same things when cruising the islands over and over?

 

 

Hey Bob, it's a nice cruise. I think the "Fall Foliage" spin on the cruise deceives some people. While in port you may see changing leaves etc, but you certainly will not see anything when out to sea. Folks think you sail close enough to the coastline to see something I feel.

 

The ports are nice, and you are visiting towns and such as opposed to beaches. All have something to offer. If you like history there are some nice tours for that. All the ports are within city limits, so easy to walk off and walk around the areas if you don't want to do an excursion.

 

It's a nice cruise, I love the Gem, and with any amount of luck you will get to enjoy the Cynthia Macleod Trio as she is dynamite on the fiddle and fun to watch!

 

Enjoy, happy sailing.

[Bobrunner]

Hey Bob, it's a nice cruise. I think the "Fall Foliage" spin on the cruise deceives some people. While in port you may see changing leaves etc, but you certainly will not see anything when out to sea. Folks think you sail close enough to the coastline to see something I feel.

 

The ports are nice, and you are visiting towns and such as opposed to beaches. All have something to offer. If you like history there are some nice tours for that. All the ports are within city limits, so easy to walk off and walk around the areas if you don't want to do an excursion.

 

It's a nice cruise, I love the Gem, and with any amount of luck you will get to enjoy the Cynthia Macleod Trio as she is dynamite on the fiddle and fun to watch!

 

Enjoy, happy sailing.

 

Thanks Mid43. Will check on scheduling for next year before the Gem is gone to NO

[Mike A]

Thanks MikeA - what alternative do you suggest other than sky train? Also, do you think it would be easier to get from Newark airport or JFK to Novotel in Times Square?

 

 

Newark is not bad either. You can take airtrain from EWR to Penn Station and a 1 stop subway ride to Times Square or a 10 -12 block walk.

 

 

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[2Oldpeopleinlove]

I love seeing the positive comments. We are going on our first cruise in September, and it's the Canada/New England trip on the Gem.

[Speedy55]

We are going on this cruise June 2018. What is the chance of seeing whales from our balcony? Thank You

[MrMike45]

I literally work across the street from the Novotel (can see if from my office window). Depending on the day (weekday vs. weekend), would be about anywhere from a 10 min to 30 min cab ride. And no need to Uber it. Doorman will hail a yellow cab for you whenever you want and load your bags.

[biojeep]

Thanks for the info MrMike

[MrMike45]

Thanks for the info MrMike

 

No problem. If you do wind up staying at the Novotel, make sure you have a drink or two at their rooftop bar. We have had a few firm events there. Really nice setup and really awesome views of all of Times Square and Midtown Manhattan.