The Crazie Explorers New England Cruise September 15, 2011

cruisetarp · February 16, 2011

Hector - it is a little hard to say right now. With the private tours you pay for the van and driver for the time you want. The individual cost would be divided by how many people would be splitting the cost. We will have a more definate price once I get all the quotes from the different companies I have found and researched.

As a photographer - you MUST go to Peggy's Cove one way or the other.

dino1pa · February 18, 2011

Hi Mary Lou; sorry it took me a bit to respond. Just let us know what you come up with, and we will decide from there. I definitelly will like to visit those places where I can go nuts with my camera.... :cool2:

1shipshape · February 20, 2011

Good News! Looks like we will be able to make it in September! DH just figured the taxes and we'll get enough to pay for the cruise. Whew! So, I'm starting to read up about some of the reviews on the Explorer... soso I'd say. I'm hoping they make a few positive changes by September. I'm excited about all the ports we're going to visit. So much to do in so little time!!! We're also trying to decide if we want to take a RED EYE flight to Newark and see if we can check in to the hotel when we arrive at 6 a.m. Anyone have any experience with that? The last time we were in NY was for our Honeymoon... and we didn't sleep on the plane and not until we could get in our hotel late in the afternoon. So, your comments will be much appreciated. I'll be checking in more often to catch up the cruise news. Toodles! :rolleyes2:

deb1220 · February 20, 2011

Toni....GREAT NEWS!!! So glad you're able to join us :biggrin:

sailingrose · February 21, 2011

Toni that's great that you'll be joining us. I can't help with the hotel since we've never checked in early in the morning.

1shipshape · February 21, 2011

I'm going to be doing some exploring and see if what we come up with regarding flying in early... or late... or even taking the red eye and going to the ship from there. I've got time now to start "shopping" around for what we want to do so time is on my side at this point. We'll have lots of "firsts" on this trip, just like many of you, so it will be an "adventure". :biggrin:

sailingrose · February 21, 2011

Toni I'm so looking forward to this itinerary. It's all new to me. I haven't even started on the airfare yet either but I did find the airlines that have direct flights. Hey, it's a start.

1shipshape · February 24, 2011

I started looking around at the hotels by the Newark Airport and discovered that the Country Inn & Suites (Elizabeth, NJ) is pretty highly recommended by aarp, other cruisers sailing out of Cape Liberty and a few other sites. The good thing about it is that it does have a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel; it has parking, is very close to a huge outlet mall (Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall) and food places; it has an indoor pool, continental breakfast, and the rates are not too bad. So, I'm pretty sure we'll book there. Check it out for yourselves, everyone.

I also discovered a place that MIGHT be able to transport us from the hotel to the cruise terminal. I have sent them an email and will let you know when I receive a response.

I can now start dreaming of all those lobster rolls (I have never even had one but it makes my mouth water to think of it), lobster tails, fresh air, and fun adventures exploring the New England area.

I know we will want to go to Acadia National Park and hike. Do we have any other "hikers" out there who will be joining us????

I got so excited about this trip that this fleeting thought raced through my mind.... how about a B2B? DH just about had a "fit". :blink: Oh well, I tried.

sailingrose · February 24, 2011

HOTEL INFORMATION; Unfortunately, we have had a couple of cancellations and we no longer qualify for "group" pricing in any hotels in the area. After several trips to Newark I have found what I think is the best deal for us but since there is no group booking everyone will be responsible for making and confirming their own reservations. If by som chance our group grows I can go in and renegotiate with the Wyndham.

I selected the Wyndham Garden Hotel at Newark Airport - 550 US Highway 9 - Rt. 1 & 9 South - Newark, NJ 07114. Phone: 973-824-4000

The hotel will provide free shuttle service from Newark Airport - please confirm when you make your reservations. Unfortunately there is not a lot around the hotel - it is an industrial area - but they do have a coffee shop, restaurant and Lounge in the hotel. They can arrange transportation to public transportation if you want to venture into NYC. I did not see the rooms, but the lobby, restaurant and rest rooms were very clean, When making your reservations, check all the rates - they have Auto Club, AARP and "leave your car" rates.

When you are making your airline reservations please keep in mind that a cab from either JFK or LaGuardia airport will run in excess of $100 each way so even if your flight into Newark is a bit more, it may be cheaper in the long run.

Unfortunately the hotel (or any of the other hotels I checked) will not provide transportation to the ship so my next job will be to find a shuttle or cab company for that. However I can't do that until I have some idea of how many people will be needing transportation.

In the next few days I will begin posting information on tours for you to look over. Lots to see and do on this cruise.

Also, information on our group shirts will be firmed up.

Let's get this thread moving and start planning!!

Toni Marylou went and checked this hotel out and they were priced well. There really are few hotels in the area. She's just getting off the Radiance of the Seas this morning so when she checks in I'm sure she'll be able to help more.

1shipshape · February 25, 2011

HOTEL INFORMATION; Unfortunately, we have had a couple of cancellations and we no longer qualify for "group" pricing in any hotels in the area. After several trips to Newark I have found what I think is the best deal for us but since there is no group booking everyone will be responsible for making and confirming their own reservations. If by som chance our group grows I can go in and renegotiate with the Wyndham.

I selected the Wyndham Garden Hotel at Newark Airport - 550 US Highway 9 - Rt. 1 & 9 South - Newark, NJ 07114. Phone: 973-824-4000

The hotel will provide free shuttle service from Newark Airport - please confirm when you make your reservations. Unfortunately there is not a lot around the hotel - it is an industrial area - but they do have a coffee shop, restaurant and Lounge in the hotel. They can arrange transportation to public transportation if you want to venture into NYC. I did not see the rooms, but the lobby, restaurant and rest rooms were very clean, When making your reservations, check all the rates - they have Auto Club, AARP and "leave your car" rates.

When you are making your airline reservations please keep in mind that a cab from either JFK or LaGuardia airport will run in excess of $100 each way so even if your flight into Newark is a bit more, it may be cheaper in the long run.

Unfortunately the hotel (or any of the other hotels I checked) will not provide transportation to the ship so my next job will be to find a shuttle or cab company for that. However I can't do that until I have some idea of how many people will be needing transportation.

In the next few days I will begin posting information on tours for you to look over. Lots to see and do on this cruise.

Also, information on our group shirts will be firmed up.

Let's get this thread moving and start planning!!

Toni Marylou went and checked this hotel out and they were priced well. There really are few hotels in the area. She's just getting off the Radiance of the Seas this morning so when she checks in I'm sure she'll be able to help more.