Can someone walk me through embarkation at NYC please?

[pookel]

Hi, first-time cruiser here and we are departing NYC on the Gem on January 16. I've never been to a big-city port or on a large ship and I have no idea what to expect. I'll be flying in the day before and we'll probably be taking an Uber/Lyft to the port. Where do we get dropped off? Where do we go from there? Are there multiple terminals and how do I know which one to go to if so? What are those luggage tag holders I see online for, do I need those? Do I need to have paperwork printed out or ready on my phone, or can I just show up with my passport if I did all the online check-in stuff already?

 

I'd appreciate a detailed step-by-step explanation as I'm autistic and really like to understand plans before things happen. Thanks!

[shof515]

the gem docks at the manhattan cruise terminal located at 711 12th ave. there is only one ship in port that day so it should be easy to find. ship usually docks at pier 88

 

you will be dropped off in front of the terminal

 

luggage tag holder is optional. it just plastic that protects the printed luggage tag, you can get a similar effect by wrapping the tag with clear tape

 

you dont need to print all of your documents. have the documents ready on your phone and then show the passport

[phillygwm]

7 minutes ago, pookel said:

I'd appreciate a detailed step-by-step explanation as I'm autistic and really like to understand plans before things happen. Thanks!

I had a taxi, not an Uber, just because I came in to Penn Station and there were a bunch sitting there.  He didn't seem to know exactly where to go but we gave him the address and there was plenty of signage to guide him once in the vicinity.

 

From there, you give your checked baggage to a porter (along with a few bucks) and take your carry-on with you.  You enter the terminal, clear security, and someone will direct you based on your status/cabin (Haven, Platinum, or not.)  Boarding occurs, usually, a bit after 11:00 and is Haven first, then Platinum and above, then by group.

 

I have those plastic tag holders but don't use them.  I just print a couple tags per bag and staple them well (like 3-4)  on each handle.

 

You didn't ask about disembarking but a helpful tip there:  There will be dozens of drivers trying to direct you to their car.  Skip them; they're not metered and are wildly overpriced.  Cross over 12th Ave, walk up or down a block, and call your Uber from there.

[pookel]

Ty guys!! This is exactly what I needed

[MJC]

We are old school and always have paper copies of everything. In October we were much quicker getting through embarkation in Brooklyn than those scrolling through their phones for things.  ymmv.

 

We just staple the luggage tags, never used holders. We borrow a stapler at the hotel desk.

 

Agree 100% about skipping the solicitations by private drivers at the port. 

 

 

 

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, pookel said:

Hi, first-time cruiser here and we are departing NYC on the Gem on January 16. I've never been to a big-city port or on a large ship and I have no idea what to expect. I'll be flying in the day before and we'll probably be taking an Uber/Lyft to the port. Where do we get dropped off? Where do we go from there? Are there multiple terminals and how do I know which one to go to if so? What are those luggage tag holders I see online for, do I need those? Do I need to have paperwork printed out or ready on my phone, or can I just show up with my passport if I did all the online check-in stuff already? I'd appreciate a detailed step-by-step explanation as I'm autistic and really like to understand plans before things happen. Thanks!

 

Christmas Day Instructions

 

Exactly 21 days prior to departure, check in online and get a check-in time. When you log on to your MyNCL account, you'll see the Days at the top right. That is around 12/25/22. Exactly at midnight eastern time (could be 11 pm Christmas night in ND). Personally, we always pick an early check-in time (9:00-9:30) and get to the port early to avoid some of the crowds. 

 

You will get your eDocs online the next day. They include your cruise ticket (first page or two) and information on your cruise (including address of departure port). Click on the link next to the suitcase icon to get your luggage tags. 

 

 

------------------------

Embarkation Day Instructions

 

1. Wake up and have a lovely breakfast at your hotel

 

2. Do not attach your cruise luggage tags until day of cruise. Attach luggage tags to your bags. If you are an infrequent cruiser, paying for holders may not be worth while to you. We print our tags out, put a strip of clear packing/shipping tape down the length of the luggage tag, and use that same tape to tape the ends together in the hotel before leaving for the port. We put two tags on each bag (one on the top handle and one on the side). Don't forget to pack the roll of tape and a very small scissors in your checked luggage (or even a nail clipper, just to cut the tape). 

 

3. Make sure that you have your cruise ticket, passport and any other required documents in your handcarry. Too many people have their passports in their luggage and are screwed once they get to the check-in. 

 

4. We usually stay at Times Square. It is just up the street from the cruise terminal and has lots of restaurants and things to see. From Times Square, we can try to get an Uber/Lyft or just hail a cab. In the past, a regular taxi has been cheaper than Uber/Lyft because of their demand pricing. 

 

5. You are going to Manhattan Cruise Terminal. There are multiple piers and there will be signs directing you to your ship. NCL normally uses Pier 88. The cruise terminal is like an airport, you keep driving down the row of piers until you get to your cruise line. Your driver will drop you somewhere near pier 88. There will be porters on the curb collecting luggage. Hand your luggage to the porter and tip the porter $5. 

 

6. Stop. Walk over to the windows along the walkway along the departure level where you left your bags and take your first picture of home for the next week.

 

7. Walk over to the doors of Pier 88. They will do a cursory check that you have your passport and cruise ticket (first page of edocs).

 

8. Enter the terminal and join the Security line. Security will check that you have a ticket and passport again. 

 

This is just like an airport. You put your handcarry on the X-ray machine and you walk through the magnetometer. You can keep your shoes on (unless you know that they have large metal shanks in them). No drinks may be taken beyond security (no bottled water, no sodas). 

 

9. Now that you're through security, it's time to check-in.

 

Manhattan Cruise Terminal may use two check-in areas. One as soon as you pass security and one all the way at the end of the terminal. The Gem is a small ship and they may be able to do it with one counter. If they use two check-in areas, it is divided by deck number (the Gem may use only one area). Your room keys are only at the check-in counter for your deck. 

 

At the far end of the terminal, there may be check in counter for other decks

 

10. Follow the signs to your check-in area and group. There are a lot of different lines, Regular Passengers, Priority Passengers, Casino Passengers. If you are in the Haven (Suites), there is a separate check-in area for you. We'll assume that you are just regular passengers and will join the line. 

 

11. At check-in, the agent will scan your passport/birth certificate. And they are likely going to re-take a picture. The agent will get your room keys and give you a boarding group number. 

 

12. Find a seat in the waiting area. Look for the sign saying "Boarding Here" (I think it was Door C). find a seat. Suites boarding starts around 11:00 am. Priority Boarding around 11:15 am. And General boarding at 11:30. Board when your boarding group is called. 

 

Enjoy!

Edited December 12, 2022 by BirdTravels

[phillygwm]

1 hour ago, shof515 said:

luggage tag holder is optional. it just plastic that protects the printed luggage tag, you can get a similar effect by wrapping the tag with clear tape

 

you dont need to print all of your documents. have the documents ready on your phone and then show the passport

I never thought of using tape, basically laminating the tag.  I'll need to try that!

 

Personally, I wouldn't dream of not printing docs out.  I realize you can do it on your phone and it works but I'd be too fixated on that 1% chance that my phone dies, or I don't have a signal, or whatever.  

[hallux]

2 hours ago, shof515 said:

luggage tag holder is optional. it just plastic that protects the printed luggage tag, you can get a similar effect by wrapping the tag with clear tape

For me the luggage tag holders are about more than just protecting the paper tags but also about making sure they remain on the bag.  On my first cruise every tag external to my checked bag was torn off, including a normal ID tag that had survived plane trips.  I didn't get my bag until I went to guest services at 9:30 at night and found it.  I now have luggage tag holders with cable loops to secure them to the bag (and a metal grommet in the plastic), in 4 subsequent cruises I haven't lost a tag.  CHEAP insurance, IMO...

[pookel]

Bird that's an amazing level of detail and I appreciate it so much ❤️

[SusanLINY]

Birdtravels, great post, thank you

[schmoopie17]

You already have embarkation covered, above.

 

As for debarkation...DO NOT USE THE NCL AIRPORT TRANSFER!!!!!

It was a total sh!t show. We were told to stand in a line outside the buses. After about 15 minutes of standing in that line, they said we need to move to another line. Again, after about 15 minutes they told us to go back to the original line. Note that we had just about gotten to the head of the line when they told us to move back to the BACK of original line. All of this was in 30 degree weather with howling winds.We waited another eternity to actually board the bus.

 

The driver was surly, didn't speak English, couldn't figure out how to turn down the heat...people were loudly complaining of the excessive heat on the bus, Upon arrival at the airport, without a word he jumped off the bus and began pulling everyone's bags off, regardless if that was the terminal people needed. Never again...

[SunshineGal2022]

Thank you Bird.  That’s the level of instructions I prefer too.  My anxiety will be so much less now.  

[laudergayle]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

From Times Square, we can try to get an Uber/Lyft or just hail a cab. In the past, a regular taxi has been cheaper than Uber/Lyft because of their demand pricing. 

BirdTravels…love your detail in your posts.

 

To all:  On our past few trips to NYC we found it convenient to use the CURB app which is what the NYC regulated taxis use.  It operates similar to Uber/Lyft apps but as Bird stated, you are not subjected to the demand pricing.

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, pookel said:

Bird that's an amazing level of detail and I appreciate it so much ❤️

Have a wonderful cruise! 

 

Remember, online check-in starts at midnight eastern time on day 21. Early check-in times may sell out quickly, so someone should try and log on (I think it will be Christmas night in ND). 

 

You will need passport (numbers, expiration dates), photos of each member of your party (have someone take a head shot looking straight into the camera with a solid background - wall), emergency point of contact (name and phone number), credit card number (can be changed on day of cruise). 

 

(As you can tell from the photos, we sailed from NY on the Norwegian Prima to Bermuda in October 2022 while we still needed vax cards, test results, and Bermuda Travel Visas). 

[grobma]

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

 

Embarkation Day Instructions

 

I live a mile from the terminal and have embarked there at least 4 times, and I don't think I could have explained it any better!

[pookel]

38 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Have a wonderful cruise! 

 

Remember, online check-in starts at midnight eastern time on day 21. Early check-in times may sell out quickly, so someone should try and log on (I think it will be Christmas night in ND). 

 

You will need passport (numbers, expiration dates), photos of each member of your party (have someone take a head shot looking straight into the camera with a solid background - wall), emergency point of contact (name and phone number), credit card number (can be changed on day of cruise). 

 

(As you can tell from the photos, we sailed from NY on the Norwegian Prima to Bermuda in October 2022 while we still needed vax cards, test results, and Bermuda Travel Visas). 

 

So our ship leaves at 4 p.m. (which means we must board by 2 p.m. so I assume we want to be there before noon) but our hotel is in Newark and we want to fit in breakfast or brunch with a friend who lives in NYC before we board. Is there any down side to choosing a later check-in time? Like, as long as we are there by the time we pick, we should be fine, right?

[cruisingrandy]

We are leaving on Epic Dec 16 and flying into and staying at Fairfield Inn near EWR.  What is best transportation to port from there.  Uber, taxi or other?  Booked arrival time of 10:30-11:00.  Thanks in advance

 

Edited December 12, 2022 by cruisingrandy

[MJC]

27 minutes ago, pookel said:

Is there any down side to choosing a later check-in time? Like, as long as we are there by the time we pick, we should be fine, right?

Just remember it is a workday so there will be be commuter traffic coming through the tunnel in the morning, and if there is snow, everything will slow way down. Leave a good time cushion.

Edited December 12, 2022 by MJC

[hallux]

2 hours ago, cruisingrandy said:

We are leaving on Epic Dec 16 and flying into and staying at Fairfield Inn near EWR.  What is best transportation to port from there.  Uber, taxi or other?  Booked arrival time of 10:30-11:00.  Thanks in advance

 

There is LOTS of discussion of all of this in the East Coast departures forum section - https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/317-east-coast-departures/

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, pookel said:

 

So our ship leaves at 4 p.m. (which means we must board by 2 p.m. so I assume we want to be there before noon) but our hotel is in Newark and we want to fit in breakfast or brunch with a friend who lives in NYC before we board. Is there any down side to choosing a later check-in time? Like, as long as we are there by the time we pick, we should be fine, right?

Yes. As long  as you are there by 2 pm. 

[laudergayle]

2 hours ago, cruisingrandy said:

We are leaving on Epic Dec 16 and flying into and staying at Fairfield Inn near EWR.  What is best transportation to port from there.  Uber, taxi or other?  Booked arrival time of 10:30-11:00.  Thanks in advance

 

In October we used Carmel limo.  It was a driver based out of NJ, he knew exactly where Pier 88 was.  The fee was comparable to taxi and less than Uber.  We paid $80 and that included tolls and gratuity, although we gave him another $10 when he dropped us off.  We made reservations in advance.

[flarad]

We also chose to use a yellow cab and the Curb app. There are so many drivers that appear to be Uber fighting for your business it's overwhelming. Walk a block or two on 112th and you'll have an easier time of it. Also I highly recommend the hotel where we stayed, Ink 48. We actually walked two blocks to the port on the morning of departure. Super easy. There's a rooftop bar and the restaurant, Print, was outstanding. It's just a few blocks walk to Times Square but not as crazy and touristy. 

[phillygwm]

7 hours ago, schmoopie17 said:

As for debarkation...DO NOT USE THE NCL AIRPORT TRANSFER!!!!!

It was a total sh!t show. We were told to stand in a line outside the buses. After about 15 minutes of standing in that line, they said we need to move to another line. Again, after about 15 minutes they told us to go back to the original line. Note that we had just about gotten to the head of the line when they told us to move back to the BACK of original line. All of this was in 30 degree weather with howling winds.We waited another eternity to actually board the bus.

I've never done transfers from NY (because I'm going to Penn Station.)  I have done it out of LA and Miami.  Neither was a particularly bad experience but if you're rushing to make a flight (or to standby for an earlier flight) the transfer service will be maddening.  The bus will sit there until full.  In that instance, grabbing a taxi or Uber at the terminal is a better idea.  

 

I did mention the NYC drivers hanging just outside the terminal in an earlier post.  I'm not sure whether there is a similar situation elsewhere but caveat emptor.  You want a metered taxi or Uber/Lyft only.  

[juju2454]

9 hours ago, hallux said:

For me the luggage tag holders are about more than just protecting the paper tags but also about making sure they remain on the bag. 

I bought some off amazon,  highly rated no less, and three were torn off first use.  I gave them to family oo and theirs were torn off as well and one damaged the suitcas handle in the process.  So they aren't great.

[ChiefMateJRK]

12 hours ago, phillygwm said:

There will be dozens of drivers trying to direct you to their car.  Skip them; they're not metered and are wildly overpriced. 

 

1 hour ago, phillygwm said:

You want a metered taxi or Uber/Lyft only.  

When we sailed Joy in October, the only drivers I encountered trying to direct me to their car were cab drivers.  I brushed off the first dozen or so, mainly so we could get across the street and catch up with DD.  After that, a very nice but insistent cabby with a Toyota highlander won (after confirming a $75 flat rate to LGA), and he quickly grabbed our luggage and loaded it up.  It was fun.  Unlike the boring Uber drive into Manhattan.