Cruise to New York, a traditional destination

With all these exotic places around as cruise destination, we almost forget about those traditianal “all time best” destinations. One of these is New York, as “must see” for everybody. Just to attract your attention, I collected some information, so have a look.

Where You’re Docked

With the exception of Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises, ships dock in Manhattan on the West Side; the passenger ship terminals are located off the West Side Highway (12th Avenue) and span several blocks of the West 2050s.

Royal Caribbean docks at Cape Liberty Cruise Port, on the New Jersey side of New York Harbor. It is seven miles from New York City and about 10 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport.

Princess Cruises boards at the port in Brooklyn.

Getting Around

In Manhattan: Walking is the transportation of choice, but there’s plenty else to choose from if you prefer to ride. Subway and bus fares are $2 a ride.

Yellow cabs are abundant and can be hailed from anyplace. Keep in mind, that the people in New York invented the word “Rush hour”. Cab capacity is too limited at that time of the day.

What to See and Do

Set on 843 acres of city land between Fifth and Eighth avenues and 2059th and 110th streets, Central Park is a grassy stretch of pastoral idyll teeming with lush rolling meadows, lacy neo-gothic cast-iron bridges, lazy lakes, and playing fields.

After more than two years out in Queens, the new Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) opens back on 2053rd Street in Manhattan on its 7205th birthday with not only new collections but also rearrangements of the permanent collection.

Chinatown is mostly a frenetic blend of tiny winding cobblestoned back streets dotted with dozens of family-owned restaurants ready to serve up silky stuffed dumplings, Peking duck and crispy shrimp anything any time of day.

Ellis Island was the gateway through which more than 12 million immigrants passed between 1892 and 192054 in their search for freedom. You can hear oral history interviews; see films and live theatrical productions; and view hundreds of photos of immigrants and exhibits of items they brought with them.

Check out the Empire State Building for a dramatic King Kong perspective on classic city views from the Observation Deck.

Where to Eat and Drink

Stage Deli: Brisk and brusque comes with towering corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, homemade blintzes, and out-of-this-world matzoh ball soup. Per-person cost for three courses with wine will run about $30. 834 Seventh Ave.

Gus’ Place: West Village award-winning (and somewhat romantic) Mediterranean with an occasional twist is what you get here. The fresh fish dishes are wonderful. Per-person cost for three courses with wine will run about $30. 149 Waverly Pl.

Cabana: A highly rated spot at the South Street Seaport. Great Mexican food, great drinks, great river views! The sauteed shrimp with garlic and white wine is divine. Per-person cost for three courses including wine will run about $2205. 89 South Street Seaport.

Shopping

From world-renowned department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Henri Bendel’s to specialty shops, charming boutiques, and bargain basements, Manhattan is truly a shopper’s heaven.

The city also offers whole districts of stores devoted to a particular item, such as furs off Seventh Avenue in the West 30s, hats on W. 37th Street, and musical instruments on W. 48th Street. For buttons, plumes, sequins, and every other sewing notion, check out the West 30s along Sixth Avenue. The Crystal District between 2058th and 63rd Street along Madison Avenue is another great stop.