Want to know the surprising truth about cruising from New York (or New Jersey)?
I often get client inquiries about cruising from New York or New Jersey vs. cruising out of Florida. There’s a feeling that it is easier and less expensive to cruise out of NYC/NJ than it is out of Florida? What do you think? Easier is certainly subjective and for non-flying clients who want to cruise out of the Northeast, leaving from Florida is a moot point (unless you drive or train) so permission granted to STOP READING right now!
STILL READING? GOOD!
Let’s see the TRUTH about cruising from NYC/NJ vs. Florida. I’ve previously compared the itineraries available along with the experiences offered comparing cruising from NYC/NJ vs. FL in a previous post. It is time to get into a real comparison. We’re going to look at two 7 day itineraries: one from New York City and another from Miami, Florida. Since there are no REAL 7 Day Caribbean Itineraries from NYC, I’ve picked a 7 day Bermuda trip from NYC and a 7 Day Eastern Caribbean Itinerary from Miami, FL. We are going to look at a family of four wanting a cruise vacation right at the end of the school year.
Here’s YOUR NYC/NJ vs. FL Comparison
We’re going with Norwegian Cruise Line and Here’s WHY:
They will both have new sister ships sailing in June, 2014, so I’m controlling for any perceived difference in the on-board experience and facilities
Miami to the Eastern Caribbean will be aboard the brand new Norwegian Getaway
This is an example where I tried to make a reasonable comparison. Here’s more for you to consider:
1) During the Christmas and New Year’s season, flight prices go crazy along with cruise prices. Flights to Florida around school vacations can also get into a situation of tight supply and higher prices.
2) It may be challenging to compare itineraries out of NYC/NJ vs. Florida; there are “real” Caribbean itineraries from NYC/NJ. However these range from 9-12 days round trip.
3) You define the meaning of the best value for your vacation!
4) Looking for a great vacation value? Look here for another analysis comparing cruise to resort vacations.
5) This analysis does not imply that one vacation is better than another. YOU are the final judge, just PLAN YOUR TRIP with me 🙂
6) Prices can and WILL change!
DOES this article stir up any reactions?
Please share in the comments and pick up the phone or send an email to start planning your next vacation!
There are some of the most enchanting views of the world under the magnanimous skyline of London. If you happen to visit London, do visit these sights:
Shard Tower
1. The Shard Shards in London is now open, welcoming visitors in multitudes. The tallest building of the European Union, the skyscraper is a 72-storey structure. This pyramid tower covered with glass is on the London Skyline, from where you can take a bird’s view of the city. From here you will be able capture the farthest view of the city.
2. London Eye
It might be the umpteenth time that you are hearing about the London Eye. But there is something truly captivating about this huge observation wheel. It will generate unforgettable memories. Get into this 135m high wheel, and see across 25 miles of London. Take this breathtaking view of the city from the top.
3. Sky Bar
Sky Bar is a part of Grange St Paul’s Hotel, with its interiors built of glass. You get a lively view of the St Paul’s Cathedral, across the adjoining roof top. A spiritual home, and a beautiful structure preserving years of English history, the sight of St Paul’s Cathedral is a meaningful and complacent view from your table. This hotel is among the most treasured five-star Central London hotels, crowded by visitors in great numbers.
4. Primrose Hill
This spot is particularly famous with film directors, who wish to give a brilliant background to their shots. This hill top of 256 feet, has interesting views of the Zoo in Regent’s Park. Besides, you also get a sight of the North Greenwich Arena from here. This pleasing height with charming views is sure to please.
5. Duck And Waffle
Duck and Waffle is a cosmopolitan restaurant on Liverpool Street. With so much happening over your table, you will get the stunning view of the city from its 40th floor. Duck and Waffle will appeal to your each of your senses with a French menu made of traditional and contemporary ways combined. Its interiors are suffused with lights, illuminating the interiors of the restaurant. Opened in 2012, it will give you a sweeping view of Shard across the window.
6. Sky Lounge
Sky Lounge in London is located there on the Tower Hill. Enjoy your glass of fine wine, whiskies or champagne on a stunning rooftop with chic surroundings. It is an essentially preferred lounge for summer evenings, when you can see the sky change its colours.
7. Boat Ride on River Thames
A Boat ride on River Thames will give you a moving and fleeting sight of London city. Hire a boat and sail on the waters of this dazzling river. Watch the life passing by while you catch a glimpse of it while sailing on a boat. You will find really fast, and some historically significant boats for hire.
8. London Bridge Opening
You don’t always need to be up high to get that spectacular, rare sight. Stand on the shore of London Bridge, and you will find the London Bridge lifting up into two parts, right in front of
London Bridge opening
you. It opens on certain dates and on specific times, to let the ships float through. It gives way to big ships like SB Gladys, and De Welvisch. Enjoy this amazing view from the shore.
Visit these sights to marvel at the city of London. You will be dazzled by the view offered by these fascinating spots.
Author Bio: Elina works as a travel writer and editor with londonhotels4u.com , and writes heartfelt experiences of her trips and journeys. Explore the fascinating destinations with her.
Cruising from New York City or New Jersey? What do you get for your money when cruising from New York City or New Jersey?
Is cruising from New York City or New Jersey a better “deal” than cruising from Florida?
Understand your vacation objectives prior to planning a cruise from New York or New Jersey first!
I want YOU to think about your vacation.
How much will it cost? (No, NOT JUST the “cost” of the cruise.)
How much value will you get out of your trip?
Is really “cheaper” to cruise from New York City/New Jersey than Florida?
What does cheaper mean?
What are you getting for your hard earned cash?
Let’s take a look at what’s departing from the three cruise ports and then compare what you get in Florida? Think you know the answer?
The purpose of this article to to help you understand what you can accomplish on a “warm port” or “sun and sand” type of itinerary. From the NY/NJ area you can do only so much in a average 7-9 day itinerary. Want to see the Caribbean? From this area, you can see about 22.5 hours of “port” in the true Caribbean in about 8 days. One major cruise line is geographically challenged in their 8 day itineraries, calling them Caribbean when they actually are not quite what you may expect! To really explore the Caribbean from the NY/NJ area, you need a 9 or more day itinerary. A sample 9 Day trip provides 4 ports and 33.5 hours in port (Yes, I am adding up the number manually to help illustrate the point.)
Will You Cruise from New York City?
Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival offer year round service out of New York City’s West Side cruise port. Norwegian just launched their new Breakaway in Spring 2013.
From NYC, you can enjoy a 7Day seasonal itineraries are great for a Canadian or Bermudan trip. A Bermuda trip will feature three solid days in port. Trips to the Bahamas and Florida are also offered but these are not warm and beachey all year round.
(Holland America offers one-way seasonal service to Montreal and luxury line such as Silversea, and Crystal offer seasonal and occasionally long segments trips out of New York so don’t factor into this analysis much.)
Is it Better to Cruise from New Jersey
Let’s feature Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas which leaves from Bayonne, NJ. This ship is a little well used BUT hugely popular and almost always booked full up as it offers a wide variety of true Caribbean itineraries starting at 9 days.
The new Quantum of the Seas will be here soon to replace the aging Explorer of the Seas; The new Quantum and will have a wealth of “stuff” aboard to charge more $$. Can’t change what you can do out of Bayonne itinerary wise. Royal’s Quantum will have bumper cars and a ride like the London eye. They are introducing their newest ship in NJ with a full array of new “stuff” on-board. Again, you can’t do much with a 9D itinerary so Royal is adding lots of “things” on the new Quantum of the Seas. Longer literariness beyond 9 days are also offered which will include much more varied ports.
So, what do YOU get if you choose to cruise from of NYC/NJ:
1) More on-board stuff to enjoy?
2) “Better” itineraries?
The answer lies with you but I can help you evaluate the options. And, YOU know what is best for your individual vacation objectives.
How about leaving from Florida?
Does it cost more to go on a cruise from Florida? And, what do you get for your money?
Even with airfare, Florida can be the winner! I believe Florida is the better value and gives you better itineraries. On a 7Day round trip itinerary, many ships will give you four full days in port. The newest mega ships will give you three ports days on a 7 Day itinerary. Then, either before or after the cruise you can enjoy a stay in cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Orlando. Lots of people sail from NJ/NY because they don’t want to fly. Since you can’t change the itinerary that much for this area all you can do is change the ship.
Until recently, the cruise lines just left their older ships in NYC/NJ as they know people just want to leave from NYC/NJ. Norwegian was ahead of the game over a decade ago with the Norwegian Dawn. Norwegian wins the cruise ship arm’s race today with the Breakaway. Royal must follow with the Quantum of the Seas while Carnival will further discount to cement their place at the bottom of the heap.
Would you like to see a business case comparing the cost of a cruise out of NYC/NJ versus a cruise out of Florida with airfare?
What are your thoughts? I would really like to know!
Please comment on this article! If you enjoyed it, please share.
Read on for how he might just plan his next big trip. I think you’ll enjoy this article or my name isn’t Esteban Peril!
Don’t even think about purchasing trip protection insurance. What could possibly happen? “I’m gong on this trip no matter what!” And besides, while I’m on my trip nothing detrimental could possibly happen, so no trip protection insurance for me!
Advance planning your sightseeing activities, or excursions is boring. Just do whatever you feel like doing whenever you feel like doing it! What could possible happen without advance planning? Perhaps that museum you’ve been waiting to visit is closed the day you get there. Perhaps just showing up at the Vatican may bring you the unpleasant surprise of a multi-mile long waiting line only to be rushed through.
Musei Vaticani: Braccio Nuovo (inside)
Book your trip at the last minute. Why worry about getting what you want? Just wait for the last minute and you will find everything your heart desires at rock bottom prices! That’s how Mr. Danger would roll! The airlines, resorts, and cruise lines are just desperate to accommodate Carlos Danger at the last minute with a pristine selection of choices. Isn’t that what the interwebs say? In reality things just don’t work this way for the most part but there are exceptions, and I will list a couple for you to ponder:
Hotels like Circus Circus in Vegas – properties that are less than prime but located in high demand areas may have last minute deals .
Seven Day or shorter cruise that repeat over and over to the Caribbean and short Bahamas cruises. These voyages sail repeatedly and one weeks itinerary is next week’s itinerary (except for East vs. West Caribbean cruises.) These cruise MAY offer last minute bargain pricing as the product is always here and almost always doing the same thing.
Definitely don’t use a travel adviser! Carlos does what he wants when he wants and doesn’t need travel advisers since he always makes great decisions! Finally and most seriously, do you need to plan every single tip with a travel adviser? Of course, not! I would be foolish to say you need me for a 2 day trip to Vegas if you’ve been there for 15 trade shows and know every single resort, restaurant, and show on the strip! Unless, of course, you were looking for off-strip, or some unique touring activities, or someone to help plan a complete vacation!
Guest Post Courtesy of Lorena Starkey for Interesting and unusual hotel features
Whether traveling for business or vacation, there are certain amenities that people typically expects from the hotels they stay in, perhaps continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi or complimentary shampoo/conditioner. Most travelers also assume that there will be further amenities offered by room service, generally at a fee. However, it is not too often that you encounter these strange and unusual amenities offered by some rather grand hotels.
Giraffes
If you stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, you may be greeted by these long-necked critters. Not only have they been trained to not be afraid of the guests, but also, they have developed the odd habit of sticking their necks through doors and windows to say hello. How’s that for a wake-up call?
Swimsuit Dispenser
Have you ever stayed at a hotel with a swimming pool only to realize you forgot to pack your swimsuit? Well, with the new vending machine at Standard Hotels that dispenses swimsuits, that’s no longer a problem. Just purchase a suit from the machine like you would a soda or candy bar.
Pillow Fight Supplies
Your children will love this amenity offered by the Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach. You receive a bag of 30 tiny silk pillows, boxing gloves for kids and milk and cookies – everything your kids will need to have an enjoyable pillow fight, including a snack for afterwards. What kid wouldn’t like that?
Singles Awareness Day
Feeling a bit out of the social loop due to travel away from home, or even feeling down because you didn’t have someone special for Valentine’s Day? Well, here you go. You can enjoy casual Evening Socials at Minot Hyatt House with buffet and great conversation for fellow travelers, or there is even Singles Awareness Day at The Time Hotel in New York. They offer a complete package for throwing yourself a pity party: a table for one and a free double shot of booze, a supply of break-up movies, bottomless ice cream room service, complementary bottles of tequila and a box of Kleenex.
Tea Sommelier
The Lanesborough in London offers a tea sommelier for those who enjoy the afternoon tea service. You can learn all about the tea you are drinking, from the benefits it provides to techniques on how to prepare and enjoy it properly.
Soap Concierge Service
A guest at the Viceroy Riviera Maya in Mexico offers a variety of cleansing products, all created locally using organic ingredients. Whether you just need something to clean up or would like something more relaxing, you are sure to find a soap to fit your needs.
Pirate Service
For a fee of $45 per child at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island in Florida, your child can have a pirate tuck him into bed, read him a pirate-themed story and gift him with a treasure chest full of goodies to boot. Arrggg, what fun, me mateys!
Bagpipes
The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California offers dinner music in the form of bagpipes, performed by an in-house piper. The piper performs every evening in front of the outdoor dining terrace.
Tartan Butler
At The Balmoral in Edinburgh, an on-site butler (in kilt) is available to help guests discover to which Scottish clan they or their ancestors belong. He will even work with a local shop to fit guests with kilts made from their families’ tartan.
Borrow a Pet
Staying in Chicago at the Hotel Monaco? While it caters to pets, particularly dogs, it also offers a service to those who are lonely because they had to leave their pets at home. Yes, they will provide a complementary goldfish to keep you company during your stay.
These hotels are going above and beyond to provide a unique experience for their guests. Some of these amenities are sure to create interesting and lasting memories.
Lorena Starkey works with Minot Hyatt House to bring travel and extended stay hotel rooms to those looking for vacationing in Minot, ND or for temporary lodgings for oil field workers who come to the booming region.
Must see sites?/experiences? Do you care about lines? size of crowds?
Do you want to explore on your own? with a group? some of both?
VACATION TRAVEL DINING
Ah, for the love of dining!
Want to eat like a local?
Are buffets OK? Full-service a la carte dining?
Wine and food paring? degustation menus?
Special Dietary Needs/requests?
Need a gym to exercise or facility that offers certain classes?
Is this list a Lot of questions?
Hope you are getting some insights into why I ask so many questions! The more I know about you and your travels, the better the job we can do working together to plan the right trip that will have you coming home with happy memories to replay again and again.
Last question, where are the INTERNET travel specials and those the travel deals on ORB-TRAV-EDIA? I get the same “deals” you get. Let’s work together, to plan the right trip for you. Start right below!
What would you do if you were stuck in Europe due to strikes?
Let me share two stories about clients who had their vacation plans affected by strikes, but were able to recover from these strikes easily with me in their corner:
Two guests traveled on a custom tour for a 50th Birthday celebration from Athens to Mykonos and were to depart for Santorini. Their ferry for Santorini did not show up (they kept me updated via text messages). The tour company tried to blame the delays on weather and then claimed it was an operational delay (what’s that?) and refused to offer compensation for missing the one night in Santorini.
On the bright side, Mykonos is not a bad place to get stuck in…especially the San Marco Hotel. Elena, the great manager at the hotel, checked my guests back into their same room and offered more fruit and water be brought to them. The hotel arranged for two ferries to get them to Santorini the next day, as regular ferries from the mainland were under an alleged longshoreman strike.
RESULTS: My guests had purchased third party travel insurance, which I had recommended. They were qualified for trip delay coverage under this insurance. After their trip, they received a reimbursement check for the missed night in Santorini. NOTE: Had they taken the tour operator’s insurance, they would have received NOTHING!
Lightning striking the Eiffel Tower (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Strikes in France happened earlier this month. Two friends were on a custom tour to visit Paris, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Go ahead an LOOK at their trip. Air Strikes were announced by French air traffic controllers, so the airlines cancelled their flights . This was right after my guests got to visit the Eiffel tower. How were they going to get to their next hotel in Lake Como, Italy on time? I spent lot and lots of time online and on hold on the phone with Rail Europe. I eventually got them tickets on the TGV train from Paris to Milan, Italy. The only tickets available were first class, so they got to travel in style.
RESULTS: My clients got to Milan and subsequently, Lake Como without altering their itinerary. I will help them file a claim to reimburse their extra expenses for the first class train with their third party travel insurance.
Have your travels been affected by any types of strikes? Please share your experiences!
Travel Itinerary Planner for your iPhone/iPad or Smart Phone
Your next dream trip is booked and deposited, and you’re really looking forward to this trip! Questions – what are you doing with your:
airline reservations?
cruise/tour/resort reservations?
transfer reservations?
sightseeing/excursions/theme park reservations?
dinner plans?
tee times/spa reservations?
travel insurance policy?
travel documents/vouchers?
maps?
city information?
Looking for a special way to to get all of your travel information into one personalized document to track all of your plans? I mean a way to centralize everything?
Travel Itinerary Collage
I’ve got a custom itinerary planning system for you! See a sample right here:
I’ve removed this link as I now have newer itinerary planning tools – Check out UMAPPED
And you can print it out, post on Facebook, or download to your smart phone, iPhone, or iPad. You can also email a link to your travel itinerary journal to your friends and family. You can also keep your journal as a wonderful memento after you return home.
It’s easy to get you very own custom trip travel itinerary journal with an interactive calendar.
So, keep all of your travel plans in one convenient place that you can update along side with your travel adviser. Interested in getting your own beautiful travel itinerary journal? Just ask today and we can get started on your next trip or even help you journal a trip you already have planned out.
Beautiful Itineraries
Working with our Izento trip planning tool gives you a custom journal and calendar to keep all of your trip details organized in one place. Plus, we can work interactively on all parts of your trip to jointly create a complete vacation. We can even include restaurant recommendations in your trip journal and automatically optimize the ideal times for your dinner reservations. (You don’t have to go that far if that sounds a little too scary!)
This is my review of the Norwegian Breakaway; is this New York City based cruise experience right for your vacation? Norwegian Cruise Line’s vision is to recreate the feel of a land resort at sea with the Norwegian Breakaway. They were on their way with the Jewel class. The introduction of the Breakaway class (Breakaway, Getaway, and Breakaway+) now complete the disintegration of the model of what a mass-market cruise experience offers (main dining room followed by main theater for a show). The layout of the Breakaway makes main/late dining and one big show impossible and this is not by chance but by design.
The Vision
I was honored with an invitation to attend a two-day inaugural of the Norwegian Breakaway on May 10th. The next day featured multiple presentation and cabin tours. I especially enjoyed hearing the vision of Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Lines’ CEO who has appeared on Undercover Boss. Breakaway is vision for Norwegian Cruise Line by working with management team and ship based team members to develop this new experience. Norwegian is recreating the true feel and flow of a land resort at sea.
While the Epic was the start of the “new” Norwegian; the Epic experienced numerous shipyard delays but is now an award-winning vessel with great dining and entertainment options. The Breakaway had a much smoother delivery from the shipyard. Norwegian wants to be more like Oceania Cruises (same private Equity stakeholder.) To maintain a high level of service to keep YOU HAPPY the Norwegian Breakaway has 2 captains and 2 hotel directors.
Boarding
Our room cards were swiped at the terminal on DRY land for expedited boarding. I hope they do this at port stop, taking a cue from Royal, to speed up all boarding.
Staterooms and Haven Suites
Our cabin was a balcony: 8140
26” TV
Tea/Coffee maker
Decent balcony
Directly over theater
Modest but functional bathroom
Room steward
My room steward Leo was very friendly. I remember his name because of his high level of service. As this was an inaugural cruise, there were product-training seminars. After one, I went rushing back to my room with a muffin in one hand and cup of coffee in the other; Leo saw me approaching the door and came right over unlock and open the door for me. That is service.
Mini Suites
Most do NOT have a tub, you must get Family mini suite to have bathtub
One enlarged sink with TWO faucets
Larger shower than in regular balcony
Mini suite is an elongated balcony cabin by pulling cabin further out in the hall
NO room divider curtain – Jewel class mini’s have these and are great for letting kids sleep while adults catch some TV.
Studio Cabins
Following the lead of the Epic, the Breakaway offers solo cabins
Minimal space at 100 square feet but maximum design with a full bed and efficient layouts
Studio cabins have private access to the Studio lounge to offer a place to spread out and relax and perhaps mingle with other solo guest
Oh, and there is NO single supplement for these cabins…great job Norwegian!
Spa Suite
NEW category with laminate floor
Spa access privileges
Soaking tub in room
Haven access
Haven Suites
The Haven Suites are some of most luxurious at sea. Haven Courtyard now has its own private restaurant (Jewel class ships used Cagney’s steakhouse for lunch and dinner) along with its own bar and concierge desk.
If you’ve got a good sized family or group and have a five-figure budget for a luxury cruise but want to keep the kids happy and look for entertainment after 9pm, then the Haven suite complex is for you. Norwegian is the innovator of this concept. Royal and MSC are coming up with their own ship within a ship concept.
Dining/Bars/Casino
Bars featured numerous draft beers including Newcastle Nut Brown Ale. What other big ship cruise lines have such a great selection?
The pours in the mixed drinks were generous…hoping it will stay that way!
Norwegian has one of the best Casinos at Sea programs.
1 of 4 deejay systems in the world with a virtual double sided mixing board on a huge flat panel display
27 dining options
11 included complimentary
the Waterfront is new al fresco/waterfront dining with WIND BREAKS
While you will be presented with a barrage of paid dining options, it is important to understand that you do not have to pay to enjoy your meals and snacks with the included options
Does your buffet have a wine dispenser?
Garden Buffet is for lunch and breakfast or casual dinner. This buffet has an Elegant-dining area more like Princess/Celebrity
NO Great outdoors, but uptown bar instead with a bar and another serving line
Complimentary Main dining – “Taste”…good food and service except for overcooked chicken
Julio Cadix from Honduras, Best bartender ever
Main Theater – Rock of Ages
Norwegian Breakaway Rock of Ages cast members
Theater is only two decks high and incredibly small. Further, there are no balconies or tiered
sections. Jewel class ships feature a separate tiered off section for Haven Suite guest access with an attendant. The Breakaway just has the mid section on the left side attended for the use of the Haven guests.
Rock of Ages is nearly 2 hours long with great music and singers and a set that really takes you back to the 80s!
Music is live but the drummer is behind a dark scrim the whole time. As a drummer I’m really bummed out that it was decided it was not worth seeing the drums and drummer…how sad!
The show is adult oriented and a little risque and not at all appropriate for pre-teens, but if you like 80s music, you will love the show!
SECRET TIP
Norwegian Breakaway fish navigation
The hallways in the passenger cabin areas are long long long! How do you navigate them? Another steward told us that the fish on the carpet point forward. You may figure that out faster than I, but now you know.
MY COMMENTS
Norwegian cruise Line competes against Carnival and Royal Caribbean in mass market cruising. Carnival has the entry-level price and Royal stands firm with the highest price in this market. Norwegian does not have the capital resources available to Carnival and Royal, so they compete by not competing,. I truly see Norwegian as the innovator and here’s why:
Norwegian was the first to offer flexible dining with “Freestyle” dining and the other lines were forced to offer flexible dining but their version is just not the same. Each of Norwegian’s Restaurants have either own kitchen. It is not a matter of a main dining room or multiple main dining rooms with a section available for flexible dining.
Norwegian wanted to recreate a land resort feel at see. They were on their way with the Jewel class. The introduction of the Breakaway class (Breakaway, Getaway, and Breakaway+) now complete the disintegration of the model of what a mass make cruise experiences offers. The layout of the Breakaway eliminates the center elevators and stairs. Decks 6, 7, and 8 are the hub of the ship and foster lots of movement between the dining and entertainment venues. YES, there is a lot of back and forth and mid-ship cabins may be the right call.
Sneak Peek of the Norwegian Getaway
Illusionarium (Magic) vs. Cirque Dreams as the main show
Grammy Experience vs. Fat Cats
Legally Blonde vs. Rock of Ages
Did you like reading this review? Please share and provide your comments!
