We arrived in New York at Port Authority and then carried two backpacks 5.5 blocks to our hotel. Along the way, we stopped at Mom’s Bar and Kitchen. It was a good choice: we were hungry, having skipped breakfast to catch the bus, and it gave us a break from the bag’s weight.
Why are we each carrying two backpacks? After we disembark in Southampton, England, we are hiking the South West Coast path, where one backpack will be ported to that day’s destination while we hike with a smaller pack with that day’s food, water, and extra clothing/rain gear. We also needed clothing for the ship, which we discarded as we used it.
The next day, we used the Hop-On Hop-Off bus to tour the city, getting off at the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Since we had to wait, we visited The National Museum of the Amerian Indian. Entrance is free, and I recommend it. We only had an hour to visit, but we would return to complete it. After the ferry ride, we spent several hours exploring Central Park’s 1.32 square miles, seeing most of its perimeter but missing the zoo.
The next morning, after visiting the 911 Memorial, we made two trips with our packs to the pier, where we boarded the NCL Prima. The embarkation took more than four chilly hours, and it was the worst shipboarding I have ever experienced.
Thanks for the update, Jane. We think of you and Dennis out there trekking away. Keep safe!
Dave