North America Port Reviews

Summary:  Just returned from the last leg of Arcadia world cruise , joining from San Francisco ,wonderful holiday on a fantastic ship with fabulous food great entertainment and great staff . Only a couple of points for Iglu ,we asked for a table for 4 with our travelling companions, but got a table with 2 strangers ? Not sure how this happened but got sorted with the help of P&O Staff. Also booked a transfer from San Francisco airport to the hotel this proved to be a little difficult at the time, but again got sorted.

Summary:  When taking a cruise from New York, why not add a pre or post-cruise stay in the Big Apple? While you can marvel at Manhatten's iconic skyline from your ship, as you sail in or out from one of New York's ports, the real delights of New York City can only be explored on land. So, take a few days and sample all that this great city has to offer. From the Empire State Building to the oasis of Central Park, NYC is a city not to be missed!

Summary:  Arrived in New York in the traditional Blue Riband manner aboard a Cunard liner, in this case the QM2. Came into the cruise terminal in Brooklyn. Unfortunately fog had accompanied us for the last two days of our journey so my 5.30am wake up brought no sights at all which was disappointing. However when the fog was clearing you got some eerie sights and photos of buildings shrouded in mist. We were stopping at NY Helemsley on E42nd St in midtown Manhattan and had no transfer arrangements. We were 4 adults and 1 infant. We had not been able to prebook prior to departure because of not knowing when we would disembark. You could book from the ship but we would have had to get a van which was $350!!!! We had read previously that Yellow Cabs were not regularly available and the wait could be extensive. We took our chances and joined the line for a cab which was extremely well marshalled to prevent queue jumping. It snaked a fair way but was moving. I think we waited around 45 minutes but there were a lot of cabs dropping people off to join our ship. We had to wait for a larger cab to get us all in but we then had a fabulous journey over Brooklyn Bridge and up the east of Manhattan on the river's edge up to the intersection at 42nd St. The cost pre tip was $22.90 - do not be ripped off by ship prices. You could also have taken a black car if you were 2 which had short line but was presumably more costly. We travelled by subway on 7 day pass for $29 which was worth it even though only there for 5 days. Hidden gem is Highline - an urban park on an elevated railtrack in Chelsea. Went to Coney Island which is very run down but lovely beach and interesting subway journey. Staten Island Free Ferry a must, especially as had missed the sights sailing in. Fireman's Wall at Ground Zero a numbing experience - 343 (I think) firefighters gave their lives. Would I go back - you bet - when I have saved up again.

Summary:  We joined our ship at the Port of Miami. When I tried to look into it I struggled to locate much information hence I thought i would write this review! The port is very close to the rest of Miami, 1 mile from central Miami (the city) and only 4 miles from South Beach. Unlike a lot of ports its a pleasant place and is very close to lots of action. We stayed at the Double Tree Biscayne Bay which is a large hotel but is very nice and has superb views over the water. The hotel has plenty of restaurants and offers valet parking (approx $30) but given that the port is only 1 mile away we opted to return the hire car and get a taxi to the port! There is plenty to do near the hotel, such as the large Bayside development (which is right next to the port) which has lots of shops and restaurants and would be particularly good for an evening sojourn. We ventured into Miami central using the Miami Mover which is a great (underused!) monorail which loops around Miami. It is also worth a visit to the Miami Childrens Museum which is fantastic and has plenty to do. We opted for a car journey over the bridge to the tranquil Biscayne Nature Reserve/Bill Baggs where we hired bikes and played spot the lizard/iguana and then strolled along the shallow waters looking at sea worms! We were recommended to the restaurant there but alas we didn't have time! We enjoyed this are so much that next time we will not stay in South Beach (where we normally stay) and base ourselves on the city side instead!