Can anyone recommend a reasonable bus, limo or van service that would pick up a group of 13-17 people with luggage at 3 different homes in CT & NY & transport them to the NCL pier in NYC on 7/6/2008 & reverse it on 7/13/2008?

You can try any of the New York car services. Just pick a number on the key pad, put 212 in front of it and press the number 7 times, like (212) 666-6666 or (212) 777-7777. Carmel is pretty good - that's the 6 number above.

With that many people plus luggage you will need a bus - not a van. And most of the car services deal with sedans, limos (for special events) and small vans - not buses.

You can try the car services - but I would think you should also try the local bus companies to see what they would charge.

Also - is there some reason why you all have to go together? Trekking to all those houses and packing in groups of people is going to take hours longer - and I'm sure cost a lot more - than each family just getting a local car service to take them to the pier.

You should realize that all car services or buses will charge you extra for each stop - and any waiting time and packing in luggage time. And that can run up the prices a lot.

Really, 3 separate vehicles is a much better idea.

For 13-17 people(and I'd guess it will make a big difference 13 vs. 17) PLUS luggage you need a bus. You can get a quote from dial7.com or carmellimo.com or http://www.nyairportservice.com/charters.html
but there may be Ct. or Westchester services that would charge less. You might find some good info on the forum at cruisecritic.com

Thanks everyone for your help

Depending where in Ct and NY, if the people can get to a Metro North station, it's a cheap option to Grand Central then a cheap cab ride to the dock.

I drive all the time to Poughkeepsi for my city trips, $4/day parking free weekends/holidays and a beautiful train ride along the Hudson. 1 hour 40 minutes.