A few random updates

So just a few random updates while they're on my mind..


The shuttle from Cape Liberty to EWR is now in the $28 PP range, more in line with what the cruise lines charge...this change is at the direction of the cruise lines...seems that they were tired of losing money!

The parking garage is really nice and is $20 per  night for parking....

The hotels that WERE on GLIMCHER REALTY WAY are still there BUT the name of the road is now INTERNATIONAL BLVD so please keep that in mind...they're still the same, just on a new street!

The new terminal is really wonderful.  I was there in November when I was on Anthem of the Seas for 2 nights....still amazed at how fast things move.....and I will be there again in a couple weeks when I head out on Anthem's 3 night cruise to Canada...(it's a cruise to nowhere actually bit since technically CTNs are no longer legal, we'll be touching Canada though no guests will leave the ship!)

I tried the Hotel Indigo in Downtown Newark a couple weeks ago when I attended a concert at the Prudential Center.  It's fairly nice, a couple doors down from the Courtyard Downtown Newark...and s few blocks from the rail station...plus it is near a few places to eat.  HOWEVER, I would caution you that Newark is NJ's biggest city and the hotel is in an area that while not really bad, is a downtown, CITY locale.  I'ts in an old bank building and is sort of industrial inside...it is nice and I was comfortable staying there....BUT it's not for everyone.  If you'd be OK with staying in at night and not really being close to shops for forgotten items, and you're used to big cities, then you might want to take a look.  You could safely go to a few restaurants on foot (again, I would not suggest going out on foot at night...I was attending a Springsteen concert so that block was literally the safest place in NJ that night...LOL) and you may be able to save a few bucks...

I will post a review and photos later....

Recently returned from another great cruise from Cape Liberty.  Of course, I stayed over the night before.  I'd arranged to leave my car in the hotel parking lot for a small additional fee.

Wound up having the hotel call a car for me.  They arrived right on time and took me to the pier for $60 plus tip.  I even was able to get the driver to stop for a very small additional fee $5 plus a nice tip) to pick up a fellow cruiser at the light rail just opposite the entrance to Cape Liberty.

We were able to board early, and headed for food!  The new terminal makes it easy to get checked in and onto the ship rather than the old way of riding the shuttle.

No news on the new parking garage as yet.  I will say that there was a good amount of snow when we returned but the lot was fairly clear so aside from people having to clean off their cars, getting in and out of the lot wasn't horrible.

I still suggest staying near the pier if you're sailing in winter months.  I also recommend booking a post cruise hotel, as long as you can cancel the same day....especially if you're flying!  If EWR starts cancelling flights, hotels may fill up fast and you do NOT want to sleep in the airport..

Just food for thought!

Will write a full review on the Cruising Along section as soon as I can!

Happy sailing!

New terminal at Cape Liberty

Since so many people ask, here is a photo of the sign with transportation options available once you leave the new terminal.....

And a few shots of the terminal and drop off areas:

Inside the terminal

And yes...there is a GANGWAY....it's really nice to walk onto the ship right in the middle of the action!!

Driving in to Cape Liberty

Many have asked about the road into Cape Liberty and driving past the "tent" in front of the terminal to drop off your bags and passengers.

Here are some photos.... Of course, this will likely change once the new terminal has been constructed, but for at least the next several months, this is how it works.

Sure, it's not the prettiest port in the world, but it's an hour from home, and well...I love it!!

The images below were taken after leaving the South Cove shopping center, so if you're coming from the NJ Turnpike extension, your view will be a LITTLE different...

 Coming off Route 440.  If you're coming from the NJ Turnpike, you'll be making a LEFT at the traffic light that's in the background of the image above.

 Driving in....

 It's a 2 mile road from 440 into the pier area...

 The road will curve around as well...

 Getting closer...

 One more big curve coming up....

At last...the drop off area...!!

Drop your bags (follow the directions of the porters who will also be directing traffic)

 Turn left...

 Follow the signs..

Turn left into the road to access the lot, between the buildings...

This is the entrance to the parking lot, you'll pay just inside the fence, before you park.

Walk to the terminal, or you can even catch the shuttle, but it's really not far...

And you're all set!!  Happy sailing!!

Another update on the new terminal

I was up at Cape Liberty again over the weekend and was surprised, and delighted to see that there had been some progress other than digging and foundations being poured!

There's still a LONG way to go, but at least there is SOME semblance of a building actually there!

Woo hoo... still skeptical that it will be done in time for Quantum, but maybe now things will move along more quickly!

Quick update

So....construction continues on the new pier for Quantum of the Seas....that ship will be in Cape Liberty for about 6 months, followed by Liberty of the Seas, also for 6 months, and Anthem of the Seas, for as long as Royal leaves her there..

An Embassy Suites opened on Glimcher Realty Way in Early 2014 and it's gorgeous!  Not your typical Embassy.  They do have a shuttle within a few miles, but NOT to the pier....rates are a little higher than other properties, but you get a full, hot breakfast cooked to order OR you can choose from the buffet items, plus a nightly manager's reception with light snacks.  ( I heard they actually have a light dinner, but I have not personally confirmed it so I would not say YES they do..)

Here are a couple pics of the port construction....the terminal is supposed to be done in time for the November arrival of Quantum, as is the parking deck....We'll see

I will try and update this space more often........

Some Updates for Cape Liberty 411

Transportation options

Black Executive Cars- I have  used them several times…however, i am not sure if they're getting too big or if they're just swamped.  I have been happy with them, and others have....but some have not.....

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Independent Driver LLC 888-816-0973, ext 0

Other CCers have used -can't be booked more than about 4-6 weeks ahead, no website

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  www.trulimo.com - not necessarily the cheapest option

 have used in the past…also good option

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  973-622-5800 signature transportation - based at the EWR  Marriott...very helpful

If you need accessible vehicles:

www.twinlimo.com

they only handle people needing wheelchair accessible vehicles...very nice to deal with-also used in the past

HOTEL UPDATES - click the links for photos

The Sheraton is NOW a DOUBLETREE by Hilton.  took a tour, and it wasn't bad., and the parking lot seems safe, even though this hotel is near the Ramada.

Doubletree EWR Hotel

Hotel Site - Doubletree EWR

The RAMADA might be a good budget option, but honestly I was not impressed and I thought the place smelled bad (stale food) and was really beaten up...and I am not sure I would park here.

Ramada EWR

Hotel Site - Ramada EWR

My choice for a budget selection would be the Holiday Inn EWR as when I toured, it was in better shape with large rooms.  Parking lot seems safe as well.

Holiday Inn EWR

Hotel Site - Holiday Inn EWR

A hotel near Secaucus/Meadowlands that would be a good choice is the Sheraton Meadowlands.  

Sheraton Meadowlands

Hotel Site - Sheraton Meadowlands

I still prefer those hotels on Glimcher Realty Way....especially the Residence Inn, though I have no issue with the Country Inn nor the Courtyard.  Again, these hotels will be listed under ELIZABETH NJ and are near Jersey Gardens Mall, plus an iHOP and Ruby Tuesday (though that RT location is not all that great as Ruby Tuesdays go...)

I stayed at the Residence Inn prior to my last cruise on Explorer and was very happy.  As we were there mid week (Mon-Thurs usually) there was also an evening social hour with a meal...the night we were there was BBQ night, burgers, hot dogs, etc-no need to go out.....

Courtyard by Marriott Newark/Elizabeth

Residence Inn EWR/Elizabeth

Country Inn & Suites EWR/Elizabeth

If you're JUST taking the train to access NYC, etc, the Newark Penn Station Hilton is the only hotel in downtown Newark that we suggest.  It can be pricey but it's convenient.   I have not toured this hotel yet, nor have I stayed there, but I will try to see a room sometime.  They tend to sell out...

Newark Hilton Penn Station

That's all for now....more will come.......just wanted to get a quick update done...

A couple other hotels

Took quick tours of 2 other hotels..the Holiday Inn (formerly the Best Western EWR) and the Renaissance.

The Holiday Inn was recently renovated and the rooms and hotel were clean. This property also offers both smoking and non smoking rooms. Small restaurant/lounge and friendly staff. The King room i saw was HUGE with a microwave and small fridge. Not all rooms offer this, but I was told you can request these items.

The Renaissance was just renovated and the rooms are really lovely. Large, clean and comfy. Bathrooms are not huge, but not too small either. The King room had a couch and a fridge. The double double had an armchair and ottoman-not sure about the fridge, I forgot to look.

The Renaissance also has a full service restaurant and bar, and all rooms are non smoking. They also have a gym and indoor pool.

The 2 hotels are opposite the airport and can be tough to get to if you're not paying attention and used to the area.....also there isn't anything around to eat, other than the hotel's own food. The Holiday Inn's surrounding area is not nice to look at; at least the Renaissance is next to a couple other hotels and isn't quite as ugly. Parking at the Ren is $14 per night...the HI seemed to have free parking, though I didn't ask.

Probably would NOT choose either for a park n fly, BUT I plan to test out the Renaissance soon as there are rooms with lovely airport views! Yup, the kid in me strikes again!!

Either would probably be fine for a pre/post cruise night. Not the most convenient to anything, but clean and comfy enough. I'd choose the Renaissance as I'm not big on HIs as a rule...but if I got stuck, the Holiday Inn wouldn't be horrible!

October 2011

Seems that the Renaissance has finished it's renovations-will be checking it out in a couple weeks!

The old Days Inn is now a rebranded Holiday Inn. I haven't seen it yet, but it looks-from the outside, as if it has been renovated. Again, I haven't seen it so I can't recommend it.

The Wyndham Garden is NOT a place we suggest. BUT I did take a tour about a month ago and saw 4 or 5 different room types. That hotel is in the midst of a renovation and the rooms looked nice, and clean! (I got a good look at a couple of them, I peeked under the beds, scrutinized the bathrooms, etc.) It does offer a package sometimes, but again, many places will have a park and cruise package for a reason...TO GET BUSINESS into a mediocre hotel.

If you got stuck there for a night due to a bumped flight, it would probably be OK, but I wouldn't stay there on purpose unless absolutely necessary.

Ate at the Brownstone Diner in Jersey City a couple weeks back! Delicious pancakes! VERY busy place. Huge portions! Worth a visit if you have a car. They have a minuscule parking lot, but there is street parking (not free, but cheap-I parked in front of the hospital across the street.)

Decided to try out a hotel on the list last night. Got a good rate at the Springhill Suites by EWR with a coupon from www.roomsaver.com.

This hotel would be fine as a crash pad. Not really anything wrong but it is VERY noisy. I can understand the traffic and airplane noise-that's to be expected. BUT the hotel itself-sheesh, the A/C was really loud and you can hear everything-even rooms next door closing the curtains!

I had a connecting room (I HATE those) but they had nothing else-and I heard the people next door slamming the cabinets, fridge, microwave, etc for an hour.

Again, for a place to just sleep a night, and maybe park, it's fine, but again-be prepared for noise. Also there is nothing around for food-you'd have to go out or order in, and the wait on 4 places I called was over an hour and this was after 9 PM!

Be sure to have good directions and pay attention. I am up there often and KNOW where I am going-and I goofed. Also, be careful, there are HUGE potholes around the off/on ramps. Ouchies for the cars!

Just came back.....

.....and I noticed a couple other hotel shuttles coming in...so here is one idea: Haven't stayed there, and I tend to avoid Staten Island but i saw the van...

Hilton Garden Inn NY/Staten Island: http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=EWRSIGI

Cape Liberty Cruise Port Info

Hi gang...since so many people ask, here is a list of some helpful CAPE LIBERTY cruise port info.....I have listed some hotels, tours, transit companies, etc...and I will update it. Feel free to give suggestions as well.....I pretty much just did this from memory...and since I got tired of typing it all the time!!!

Note....if the links don't work, you may want to just try copying it into your browser, typing it, or, what the heck...Googleing it!!!

Here is some good info about the 3 area airports, LaGuardia (LGA), JFL and Newark (EWR)

http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/NYC_Airports_to_Manhattan_Transportation_FAQ

Helpful Cape Liberty Info:

HOTELS:

Update: March 2010:

A few Marriott-branded hotels have recently started a park/stay cruise package that does NOT include transportation to the pier....but it might still be a good option. Rates vary based on time of year and property:

Courtyard Newark Airport

Spring Hill Suites Newark Airport

Newark Airport Marriott

Courtyard EWR/Elizabeth

Renaissance EWR Airport

Area hotel listing:

Courtyard by Marriott Newark/Elizabeth : www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrez-courtyard-newark-elizabeth

recently renovated, now featuring the new Courtyard lobby. There is no longer a sit down place to eat, it's kind of a walk up place..think Starbucks with more food choices....click this link for details: http://www.gocourtyard.com/

Residence Inn by Marriott Newark/Elizabeth www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewreb-residence-inn-newark-elizabeth-liberty-international-airport/

also recently renovated-nice rooms with flat screen TVs--I just wish they redid the tubs! Not bad, but they should have retouched them! FYI-if you want to buy a snack in the "market"-I got a bag of chips and a candy bar for $4.46! Highway robbery! Yes it's "convenient" and an "airport hotel" but it would have been cheaper AT the airport...

Country Inn & Suites Newark/Elizabeth www.countryinns.com/newarknj_airport

Newark Airport Marriott www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrap-newark-liberty-international-airport-marriott/

Courtyard Jersey City www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrnw-courtyard-jersey-city-newport/

Renaissance Newark Airport www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrnr-renaissance-newark-airport-hotel/
(rooms and bathrooms on the small side....halls darkish....rooms are clean and have new bedding and TVs, but are in need of a touch up. Overall though this is a decent place...just nothing around!)

Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Newark Airport http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrsa-springhill-suites-newark-liberty-international-airport/

The SHS is good for a pre cruise stay. It's a little hard to get into if you are driving due to the wacky road convergence.....hatd to explain, but when it says stay a certain lane on directions, stay in that lane!

UPDATE AUGUST 2010-tried this hotel again, be advised that there is a LOT of noise-not only from outside but the hotel itself: people, a/c, everything. It's still a decent place to stay, but I prefer the choices in Elizabeth.

Fairfield Inn & Suites and Courtyard by Marriott Newark Airport-adjacent to the SHS above. Again, fine for a night or so, but nothing around although the CY restaurant would be OK in a pinch!

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrca-courtyard-newark-liberty-international-airport/

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrfs-fairfield-inn-and-suites-newark-liberty-international-airprot/

Jersey City Hyatt http://www.jerseycity.hyatt.com/

Wyndham Garden Newark Airport www.wyndham.com/hotels/EWRAP/main.wnt -kind of old -was something else...NOTHING around.

Hilton Penn Station Newark NJ (not Penn station NY!) http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/EWRHGHF-Hilton-Newark-Penn-Station-New-Jersey/index.do Connected to Newark Penn Station. Be advised-the are VERY tough when it comes to guests taking the shuttle from the airport to the hotel unless you are actually a GUEST. They CHECK!

Doubletree Jersey City http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/EWRWTDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Jersey-City-New-Jersey/index.do

Sheraton Newark Airport http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=796

Homewood Suites by Hilton Edgewater :http://homewoodsuites1.hilton.com/en_US/hw/hotel/EWREWHW-Homewood-Suites-by-Hilton-Edgewater-NYC-Area-New-Jersey/index.do

W Hoboken-brand new-about 3-4 blocks from the PATH station in Hoboken-and close to NY Waterway Ferry into NYC.http://www.starwoodhotels.com/

Ramada Newark Airport (formerly Holiday Inn) http://www.ramada.com/ - this is actually a Ramada and a Ramada Plaza. Two buildings on one piece of property run as two hotels (but it's basically one place!) Different rates and probably different room styles and amenities. This was a Holiday Inn and was decent for the price (usually about $60-75). Good place just to crash, but nothing around really. Now that it is a Ramada, I question how long it will remain a decent option, as Ramadas in this part of the world tend to get run down.

Hilton Garden Inn NY/Staten Island : Offers a shuttle to the pier. I haven't stayed here, but HGIs are generally nice hotels and it is another option: www.hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=EWRSIGI

TRANSPORTATION:

Update May 2010

New Jersey Transit http://www.njtransit.com/

Hudson/Bergen Light Rail http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/hblr_06.pdf OR http://www.mylightrail.com/

PATH Info (for PATH trains into NYC and JFK/EWR/LGA airport info) http://www.panynj.com/

NY Waterway Ferry: http://www.nywaterway.com/ RIGHT next to the Hoboken PATH stop.

Amtrak: http://www.amtrak.com/

A bus option from EWR into NYC (there are others too)

http://www.coachusa.com/olympia/ss.newarkairport.asp

NYC Subway/LIRR/Metro North: http://www.mta.info/

Info on getting FROM Manhattan to EWR: http://gonyc.about.com/cs/airlinesairports/a/getto_ewr.htm

http://www.511ny.org/ is the official traffic and transit site for the state of NY...and you can call 511 from the phone if you're IN New York as well......probably a good thing to check out.

A FEW CAR SERVICE OPTIONS:

http://www.trulimo.com/ Another excellent option...they even have a vehicle that is wheelchair accessible. Excellent customer service. I used them for our last cruise and just booked for the next one. Reasonable price as well...(they are coming about an hour from their home base to get us!)

Dial 7 http://www.dial7.com/

Carmel Limo http://www.carmellimo.com/

Olympic Airporter http://www.olympic-limo.com/

Black Executive Cars: http://www.blackexecutivecars.com/ VERY reliable, courteous, prompt responses to emails! Excellent!

Bayonne Taxi and Shuttle....picks up at some EWR area - 201-339-5000

Twins Mobility Limo - If you have a need for wheelchair transportation, this is the place! They are wonderful and the van is nicer than your average van. They tried to make it look a little more like a "limo"....Excellent service, prompt response. Just used them for our May 2010 cruise!

http://www.twinlimo.com/

OTHER FUN STUFF

IKEA (near hotels off exit 13 A) www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=12&langId=-1&StoreName=elizabeth

Cape Liberty website: http://www.cruiseliberty.com/

Jersey Gardens Mall http://www.jerseygardens.com/

New York City Hop On/Hop Off bus: http://www.inetours.com/New_York/Tours/NYC_Tours.html

Coach USA NYC Sightseeing www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/

Gray Line Tours http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/destinations/us/newyork.go

Liberty State Park: http://www.libertystatepark.org/

Statue of Liberty: www.nps.gov/stli

New York Tours--full day or park day...with pickup from Jersey Cty/Meadowlands area hotels, and P4 at EWR Airport...... http://www.newyorktoursnyc.com/ -Looks like you see EVERYTHING...the full day tour goes to Statue of Liberty....there is an extra charge for the ferry (probably not much!) I haven't taken this but looks comprehensive from brochure.

Century 21 Department store (great bargains can be found!) http://www.c21stores.com/

Other NYC Shopping Info: http://www.ny.com/shopping/

Discount Broadway show tickets: http://www.tdf.org/

Metropolitan Museum of Art... http://www.metmuseum.org/

ATLANTIC CITY: about 2-3 hours away. You can rent a car/drive, or hop a bus. Train would take too long as I htink you have to go from EWR to Philadelphia-30th street and change. Not worth the aggravation.

Try Academy Bus: http://www.academybus.com/casinos_general_information.asp

AC Websites:http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/

http://www.atlantic-city-online.com/

GROCERY/PHARMACY/LIQUOR STORES

Grocery Store...Stop n Shop
http://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/locator/store_details.htm?storeNumber=0822

SUPER Stop n Shop located next to entrance to port area (there's a couple other things there too!)

http://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/locator/store_details.htm?storeNumber=0853

(It is too far to walk, and a cab is about $8 each way. It's around 2.0 miles from the terminal. The driveway into the pier is next to the shopping center-but it is a 2 mile walk into the terminal area with NO sidewalks and technically you aren't permitted to walk. That's not to say people don't do it....I would NOT suggest it......)

Also in that area:

http://www.bayonnenj.org/cgi-bin/database/read.pl?search=fante

There is an AJ Wright, Subway, Staples, Houlihan's restaurant, a wine store, Wendy's, Dunkin Donuts, a few other things and a laundromat

Shop-Rite: 865 W. Grand St., Eilzabeth :http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=651+Kapkowski+Rd,+Elizabeth,+NJ+07201+(Jersey+Gardens+Mall)&daddr=865+W+Grand+St,+Elizabeth,+NJ+07202&hl=en&geocode=Fbh2bAIdQi-U-yErsi9nex36Sw%3B&sll=40.67248,-74.20526&sspn=0.026495,0.076904&mra=ls&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=14

http://shoprite.mywebgrocer.com/StoreLocator.aspx?s=38079284&g=b11a6e6a-93d3-436e-b316-2ec374983a25&uc=8EE7C1&f=se&lcfo=4

Bayway World of Liquors (haven't been there though...here is a link to directions) 639 Bayway Ave, Elziabeth, NJ (908) 353 6300 http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=87+Glimcher+Realty+Way,+Elizabeth,+Union,+New+Jersey+07201,+United+States&daddr=639+Bayway+Ave,+Elizabeth,+Union,+New+Jersey+07202,+United+States&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&dirflg=h&sll=40.656725,-74.193405&sspn=0.053523,0.153809&ie=UTF8&ll=40.65629,-74.231529&spn=0.026762,0.076904&t=h&z=14

Walgreens: 401 Rahway Ave, Elizabeth, NJ http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=401+rahway+ave,+elizabeth&ll=40.659676,-74.225693&spn=0.00669,0.019226&t=h&z=16

Rite-Aid 25 S. Broad St, Elizabeth : http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=25+S+Broad+St,+Elizabeth,+NJ+07202&sll=40.659676,-74.225693&sspn=0.00669,0.019226&ie=UTF8&ll=40.663729,-74.220479&spn=0.00669,0.019226&t=h&z=16



PLACES TO EAT:

Brownstone Diner, Jersey City http://www.brownstonediner.com/

Featured on Food Network's "Diners Drive Ins and Dives"! Their pancakes look YUMMY and REALLY BIG!

Los Faroles Restaurant (never ate there, but sounds good) www.losfarolesrestaurant.com/media/flashfaroles.html

Ruby Tuesday (Near hotels off exit 13A/Jersey Gardnes Mall) http://www.rubytuesday.com/ - This location is OK in a pinch, but honeslty, my last meal there was horrible!

Iberia Peninsula Newark : http://www.iberiarestaurants.com/

iHOP (International House of Pancakes) Glimcher Realty Way adjacent to the Country Inn, Courtyard and Residence Inn in Elizabeth. This used to be the Jersey Gardens Diner, and when it opens should offer a decent, well priced option for those staying in the area. - NOW OPEN

(service was a little slow, but the server was VERY sweet-wasn't crowded which bugged me. However, the food was very good and served piping hot as it should be!)

If you are REALLY bored: in Terminal A at the airport, there is a small food court BEFORE security. Your choices are: a TGIFridays, Subway, Burger King, Pizza Place and maybe 1 or 2 other things.....and you can see some planes!

As of 11/2009 there is some renovation going on in terminals A and B so the food options may be somewhat less, temporarily, pre-security.

For a field trip, if you watch TLC's "CAKE BOSS" you can go to this bakery in Hoboken! http://www.carlosbakery.com/ . You can get there via PATH. You must change trains a few times, but it's under $2 to get there...and it's really only about 2-3 blocks from the Hoboken PATH station! GREAT cannoli and I love cannoli a lot!

Some fun places in NYC (there are thousands, here are just a few!)

Havana Cental (Times Square: Cuban) http://www.havanacentral.com/

Virgil's BBQ (Decent BBQ, Decent prices) http://www.virgilsbbq.com/

John's Pizzeria NYC http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/

Trattoria Dopo Teatro (Italian, in Theatre District) http://www.dopoteatro.com/

Serendipity (Famous Frozen hot chocolate!) http://www.serendipity3.com/

Craving a great burger in NYC? Check this out...http://www.burgerrankings.com/

A group of friends who go out monthly to different burger places. Peter Luger's is a famous steakhouse....SO, gettting a burger may be a great way to check it out! Never been there, but maybe someday!

WANT TO SEE ONE OF THE MORNING NEWS SHOWS??

Good Morning America info : http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=144752

TODAY Show: http://www.todayshow.com/

CBS Early Show: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/28/earlyshow/main1354772.shtml

OR...LIVE with Regis & Kelly: http://bventertainment.go.com/tv/buenavista/regisandkelly/get_tickets.html

The View :
http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/tickets

David Letterman: http://lateshow.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/tickets

ATLANTIC CITY

New train service from NYC and Newark Penn station.....LIMITED SERVICE, Fri, Sat, Sun ONLY but may be interesting for some. It is called the ACES train!

http://www.acestrain.com/

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Info

About Liberty State Park in Jersey City..... http://www.libertystatepark.org/

You can easily access Liberty State Park on the NJ side via PATH trains and shuttles...this may be an easier option than going into Manhattan.


About Statue of Liberty National Park : http://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm


Admission to the monuments is free. Parking at LSP may be $5.00. The ferry is not free...price information and suggestions for reservations can be found on the websites posted here!

So we stayed at the Spring Hill Suites November 20th before our 9 night Explorer cruise. The hotel was fine for a night. Several small things wrong with the room, but nothing major. It was clean and comfy. This is a newer SHS so our room only had one TV and was shaped a little funny. If you have been in other SHSs, there are usually 2 TVs and the bedroom area doesn't feel so squished.

Again, I stay almost exclusively in Marriott-branded hotels, so this was not my favorite type of SHS-BUT it was FINE! Really!

Be careful getting there though.....if you don't watch the signs and stay in the correct lane you will wind up going several miles out of the way!! I am FROM Jersey and I'm used to driving here!

Jersey Gardens diner was pretty good. Big menu, big portions and the prices aren't bad. Not 'cheap Jersey Diner' but not over the top. Desserts were a little dry, but all in all, the food was good. We will probably go back in February!