My husband and I are leaving 10-28 for a 6 day cruise on the Norwegian Spirit. We leave Manhattan on 10-28 and return back there on 11-2. We need help deciding on where to stay on 10-27 and 11-2. Is it better to stay in Newark since it's cheaper and that's where we are flying in and out of or should we stay in New York. Any suggestions on an economical hotel that someone has stayed at before. Also, on the cruise? We leave Manhattan and go to Cananda, Bah Harbor, Maine, Boston, MAS and Martha's Vinyard. It's just us on or 25th anniversary so we want to pack in as much romantic adventure in the time we have. Has anyone done this cruise and what would you all suggest we do in New York and at our destination ports. Sorry for the long question but we're very excited and would like as much input from you experts as possible.

Do I have this straight - you are flying into Newark from somewhere on 10/27, leaving on your cruise from Manhattan on 10/28, arriving back in Manhattan on 11/2 and flying out of Newark on 11/2 or 11/3????

Obviously a lot will depend on the times of your arrival and departures into/from Newark and the times your ship leaves and dock in New York.

Assuming you arrive at Newark mid-day to late afternoon or early evening on 10/27 you'd be wise staying in Manhattan (not too far from the pier where your ship is docked). You could then spend the rest of your arrival day (and depending on the time your ship departs) maybe part of your cruise day enjoying some of the NYC sights.

On the return you probably want to spend the night near Newark airport (especially if your flight out leaves early the next morning).

It would help if you could be more specific about your departure and arrival times.

I don't know about 11/2, but there must be plenty going on 10/27 because I had a heck of a time booking earlier this year. That particular date had exceptionally high rates everywhere and increased the "average" rate for stays including nights before and after. For that particular night, my recommendation would be to shop like the dickens and book something immediately that you can cancel. Then, keep shopping if you like.

thanks for the replies and let me give you a better schedule. We arrive in Newark on 10-27 at 4:30 and the ship leaves at 4pm on 10-28 so we have that evening and part of the next day. We will probably try to make it to the ship by 1:30 before departure at 4pm. We arrive back at 8AM on 11-3 and our flight back home is at 7AM on 11-4 so we have all day after deparctation on 11-3. You're right we would want to stay close to the airport on 11-3. Any suggestions on the best place to stay and what would be you're favorite things to do if you just had 1 evening and one late morning and day to stay in New York?

Since you arrive kind of late in the day, it would be a waste to spend a lot of money on a nyc hotel for a Sat night. How about staying in Secaucus at Harmon Meadow Plaza? www.harmonmeadow.com You could take a train from airport to the Secaucus Transfer center and then a cab. If you want to hang out in nyc at night, bus service (nj transit #190) runs from harmon meadow hotels. Then on 10/28, take the train, bus or cab to nyc for cruise. For 11/2, this is nyc marathon weekend, book a hotel immediately in nyc or I would suggest, the same place in Secaucus, where you could be back in nyc (20 min bus ride) to hang out. for hotel choices, I swear by www.tripadvisor.com Good luck!

In an ideal world, I agree staying in Manhattan on the 27th makes the most sense, but as djkbooks mentions, it's a very expensive night. The best thing I see on quikbook.com is the Envoy Club for $289 plus tax. Otherwise you're looking at more than that for places like the Red Roof Inn. The other idea I had was staying at the Sheraton on the Hudson in Weehawken, NJ which is just across the Hudson from midtown and the Manhattan cruise terminal (you are leaving from Manhattan, yes? There's a cruise terminal in NJ and another in Brooklyn). But that Sheraton is $329/night or more!

On the 2nd, as others said, you have the problem of the NY Marathon on the 4th. Staying at Newark for a 7 am flight makes sense, but given that you have all day and all night, Newark is not the most convenient place from which to "do" Manhattan. There is room at that Sheraton on the Hudson as a compromise but it's $299.

Do you know about the forum cruisecritic.com? YOu might find some good advice for stops on your cruise there.