I've posted this question on the crusing forum and thought I'd also post it here...don't get mad!
Author: mrsd2fan
Date: 04/22/2008, 10:50 am
I'm posting this question for a co-worker-
she is flying into Newark for a Cruise out of NYC. Should she stay at a htoel near the airport or near the cruise terminal? I suggested one near the cruise terminal, but I want to make sure this is the correct advice.
Also, can anyone suggest a good hotel at either location?
Thanks!

There is no need to stay near the cruise terminals, which I assume are in Manhanttan rather than Brooklyn. It is no more than a 15 minute cab ride from the major tourist areas. It should be a minor consideration.

Whatever you do, do not stay near newark.

Unless the ship leaves port very early in the morning, she's probably better off staying near the airport. It's likely to be substantially cheaper, and not necessarily a whole lot less convenient. She needs to leave herself a LOT of time to get to the terminal, as NY traffic can occasionally be really goofy, and her best bet for the transfer is probably a car service.

Well, it depends on what time your friend arrives in EWR and what time her cruise ship sails but generally I'd recommend your friend spend the night in the city and then take a quick cab ride to the pier.

Hotel rooms in NYC can be pricey and depending on which pier her ship is departing from there may not be anything that close. That said, if she were to stay near EWR airport she could be in for a lengthy trip to the city if she happens to be travelling at or near rush hour.

If she decides to stay at EWR I'd suggest the Airport Marriott. They have 24 hour shuttle service between the hotel and all the terminals or she could take the terminal tram to either Terminal A or B and take a 4 minute walk across the parking lot to the hotel.

As for which hotels in NYC might be convenient, it depend on which pier your friend is sailing from. Also, does your friend have a budget for the hotel?

Is your friend sure she's cruising out of Manhattan and not out of Red Hook in Brooklyn - which is also in New York?

Actually, we just found out that is is Brooklyn- would this change anyone's opinion?

Oooooh, Is someone going the QM2? I loved her

Anyway, If time and money permits perhaps go for staying in the city. Mid-town Manhattan is pretty easy to get around and close to lots to see. That is unless they are not interested in NYC.

I took the cruise ship transfer from the Sheraton, it was VERY DISORGANIZED!

I believe they are thinking about staying in NYC or Newark the day before the ships sails. They are sailing on the Caribbean Princess

Staying in Newark when you are sailing out of Brookklyn is NOT a great idea. You have 2 river crossings to deal with - Jersey to Manhattan and then Manhattan to Brooklyn - and if there's traffic it could take forever.

I would tend to stay in Manhattan - but downtown in the financial district- where you can often get good hotel deals.

There is also a Marriott in downtown Brooklyn a short cab drive from the piers,

FWIW - we've stayed a few times at the Marriott Downtown (fka Marriott Financial District) on West St and have gotten some very good rates. Hotel is quite nice.

I'll echo that... I booked my parents a room there last summer for $199 a night (weekend rate). That's a steal for that hotel and it is an easy cab ride to Red Hook.