David Kriso
Cruising can’t be a more enjoyable vacation experience. The on board entertainment and on board activities are non-stop. There is something fun for everyone to do. Before all of the fun can begin, cruise passengers have to deal with the grueling process of getting transportation to and from the cruise terminal. Whether cruising locally or from a port city requiring a plane or train, finding the proper transportation always raises concern. The cost of taking a taxi, bus, or a limousine can be unimaginable. Time is also critical. Here are three helpful hints to take into consideration regarding cruise transportation.
1) Use mass transit!: When it comes to cruising from a short distance, it is best to use mass transit. If mass transit is available, use it. For example, New York City’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Boston’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal are the two easiest ports to reach via mass transit. In Manhattan, the New York City Subway C and E lines stop at 50th Street. After getting off the bus at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, or the train at Penn Station, cruise passengers can easily take the C or E train to 50th Street. From 50th Street, cruise passengers can walk four blocks west to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. With an MTA Metro Card, the cost each direction is $2.75.
In Boston, cruise passengers can take the T’s silver line bus to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Boston’s South Station is Amtrak’s terminal. South Station is on the silver line route. On the T subway system, South Station is on the red line. The ride to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is fifteen minutes. From Boston’s Logan International Airport, cruise passengers can take the blue line south to State Station. At State Station, it’s a short ride to Downtown Crossing, where cruise passengers can change over to the red line. South Station is the very next stop. The MBTA’s Charlie Card is $2.25 per passenger. Regardless of what city cruise passengers use mass transit, it is paramount to PACK LIGHT.
2) If time is critical, take a taxi.: This is not to be confused with hint #1. Very often, cruise passengers will book their returning flights or trains very close to disembarkation. At many times, they book their trains and flights too close. Frequently, cruise passengers book their flights and trains too early, along with misjudging their time of disembarkation. In these situations, cruise passengers miss their bus transfer. In the worst case scenario, they miss their flights. To avoid this inconvenience, it is best to take a taxi to the airport or train station. Disembarkation can be hectic at times. Each and every week is different, predicated upon how quickly passengers clear through customs. Cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line have disembarkation down to a science. Disney Cruise Line is known to for finishing disembarkation by as early as 9:30 am. If time is of the essence, taking taxi is the way to go.
3) Know before you go!: Some cruise passengers have tight budgets. Some cruise passengers plainly like to do things in an efficient manner. Further, there are cruise passengers who research every detail and option concerning their cruise transportation. It pays to know the drill. The cruise lines’ bus transfers can be pricey. It is often predicated upon on the cruise line and/or cruise port. Some cruise line bus transfers cost as much as $40.00 per person. A limousine ride may cost more than the bus transfer. A taxi ride may cost less than both the limousine and the bus transfer. Obtaining the contact information of taxi and limousine companies in the port area is a huge plus. It’s an even bigger plus to obtain fare quotes from each of them. It can be the difference maker. Doing ample research on the port city and transportation costs will greatly reduce cruise passengers’ worries.
A cruise vacation cannot be a more rewarding way of getting away from the real world. The entertainment, the unforgettable dining experience, and the welcoming atmosphere are all a part of what makes a cruise the perfect escape from the stresses of life. When it comes to cruise transportation, cruise passengers dislike putting up with the frustration. It comes with the territory. Cruise passengers shouldn’t have to stress at all. Cruise passengers should use mass transit to and from the port, if available. It saves a significant amount of time and money. If time is tight, cruise passengers should take a taxi to the airport or train station. Cruise passengers should not have to miss their trains or flights due to misjudging their disembarkation. This pin-points the vitality of hint #3. Cruise passengers should know before they go. Voluminous research and proper planning are the name of the game.
