Christmas 2010 Explorer - NYC Pre-cruise: How many nights?

Hey everyone.

I am starting to do the planning for the pre-package in NYC. I was curious of the people who think they are coming HOW MANY NIGHTS do you think you would want to stay in NYC?

And do you want to do tours? Or just organized dinner/show for one or two nights?

Thanks,

Sounds like we're getting under way. Speaking only for myself, even though I live in Brooklyn, I have every intention of booking at least two nights in the city (Manhattan). I want to be part of the whole experience without the hassle of an hour subway ride each way to do.

My suggestions for tours:

Holiday Lights Tour (via bus)
At least one Broadway show
A night time performance of the Christmas Show at Radio City

And we can figure out where to eat depending the activities scheduled for the evening.

We're in the still thinking about it stages. The main reason we would travel NORTH to cruise SOUTH would be the opportunity to visit NYC during the holidays. We'd probably want closer to three or four nights but, not necessarily all filled with group activities. Maybe have the first two nights independently and then the third and fourth nights with the group as more people come in each day.

I like all of Vinnie's suggestions: a Broadway show, Radio City Christmas Show, Christmas Holiday Lights Tour by Bus. Those are almost must dos.

Our time commitment will depend on pricing so the better you can do on pricing, the more nights we will book.

I am coming from PA so more than likely I would book two nights. One night simply isn't long enough.

Sounds good. I think we will offer a few different hotels to accomodate different budgets.

I agree with the activites part. Maybe offer packages, but no activities until two days before.

Keep suggesting away...I love the input.

And I can't believe you come from FLORIDA to go to the Caribbean out of NY. :-)

Thinking about it but, pending the kids school schedule and getting it two years in advance - not likely... Hope we can make it!

Boca Brats wrote:

I like all of Vinnie's suggestions: a Broadway show, Radio City Christmas Show, Christmas Holiday Lights Tour by Bus. Those are almost must dos.

Our time commitment will depend on pricing so the better you can do on pricing, the more nights we will book.

I completely agree, also waiting for pricing but, two nights with a Broadway show, Radio City, Holiday Lights Tour would all be perfect.

Hi Marilyn, I figured the sooner you meet me, the sooner you can get yourself prepared for me I'm Nick, the well known trouble-maker on the Cunard boards. We live in Staten Island, and, even with the Cunard Holiday sailing in 2009, we are continuing to debate whether or not we're going to take the hotel or not - however, logic is leaning towards taking it and more than likely that will be the case with the 2010 Cruise on Royal Caribbean too.

So, you can put us down as a tentative yes, and, we usually travel with a minimum of both sets of parents. So, that would be three hotel rooms and three cabins on the ship. As far as restaurants, shows, sightseeing, etc - I'm more than happy to add to the suggestions made by others.

Looking forward to returning to Royal Caribbean, it's been a while since we sailed with them and, I'm trying to get some of the Cunard cruisers to jump ship and book Royal Caribbean for 2010 too

Awesome Nick. Looking forward to meeting you. Are you going on the July 1st QM2 sailing? I will be there!

I will be on both July 1 and December 20 for QM2 I'm certain we're going to have a great time on both QM2 and Royal Caribbean. So, tell me, what are the chances it's still going to Explorer of the Seas in NJ in 2010? Any hint they might switch ships and have a new one up here by then? I know - wishful thinking but, it would great if it happens.

Who knows. They are making lots of changes right now with the economy.

Most ships are either heading back to the US, or to Europe. The exotics are starting to get pulled more each week.

I don't know how that would/could affect this ship, but it is always possible. But frankly the newest ships are all in the Caribbean year round (leaving Florida), or in Europe.

We'll see. And I'm excited to know that you are going to be on the July 1st sailing. :-) Now it won't just be me, my husband, and my parents. It will be a totally social thing, I think!

Marilyn it's going to be TOTALLY social! You should come out and hang out on the Cunard boards, we have a fantastic group going on the July 1st sailing and, this way you can get to meet every via the boards before we all meet on board or should I say during the pre-cruise fun and festivities. Tina and Nina really out did themselves with activities for us!

Awesome. I'll go there! :-)

atbcat wrote:

Sounds good. I think we will offer a few different hotels to accomodate different budgets.

I agree with the activites part. Maybe offer packages, but no activities until two days before.

Keep suggesting away...I love the input.

And I can't believe you come from FLORIDA to go to the Caribbean out of NY. :-)

I know it sounds crazy but, I know it's going to be a lot of fun. Here are some things I'd personally
like to see and do while in Manhattan:

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck
  
• NBC Studio Tour
  
• Rockefeller Center
  
• City Tour by Bus
  
• At least one Broadway show
  
• Radio City Christmas Show
  

Well, with the planning that I'm starting with the awesome help of a NY insider (Marina), I think all of those will be accomplished! :-)

Oh we're beginning to cook up some good plans, I think you guys will really like the pre-cruise package!

Curvy Gal Cruises wrote:

Oh we're beginning to cook up some good plans, I think you guys will really like the pre-cruise package!

Oh come Marina - tell us!! We want to know!! At least toss us a crumb!

Two nights for us provided the guess is right and this sailing will depart on a Sunday, otherwise, more than likely just one.

Marina is kicking butt helping me with the NYC planning! Way to go Marina.

One night for sure - maybe two.