Visiting USA for the 1st Time from across the pond, any excursions which will take me to see birds/wildlife

Thank you for sharing your adventure! Happy you remained safe and had some exciting times, good photo opportunities and time with family.

Hi,

That was a strange one, The captain and crew worked hard to avoid the 2 hurricanes on our journey across the Atlantic 1 that was working its way up and the other that hit St.John`s Newfoundland which should have been our 1st port, we had two ports cancelled and two rearranged. So excuse the pun, not plain sailing. Our first visit, was a mixed bag. the Canadian ports did the best they could for the situation they were in.the excursions were altered to suit. We were met by fantastic people and who though disappointed showed no signs to us visitors. on our journey to NY we had a sighting of a submarine that was on the port side half a day from NY. New York on the 22nd September, give us a different welcome, as we sailed under the bridge, the heavens lit up, lightning, thunder, deep black skies, rain poured down and turned to huge hailstones, couldn't see Liberty or the buildings of New York. the good points, on the 23 September, we spent the day at Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge, what a truly fabulous nature reserve, this made my holiday, What a guy Don Riepe, showed us the best you could ever want from a tour of the reserve, my nephew took us for a meal in Brooklyn and a walk on the bridge. 24 September We had a highlights tour and walk in Central Park on our last day, it was a Park, the star was Jamaica Bay. We left New York in sunshine, made a change seeing things we missed because of the rain.

We headed back up the coast to Canada and managed both Saint Johns, before our rocky journey back to Blighty.

Hi KantWait2Crooze,

Thank you so much for the Heads up,

Since we started cruising in 2018 , we are still virgin cruisers. You have been very generous with the information you have provided, its this sort of information that sticks in your mind.

Regards

John

One more thing , you will be accosted by people requesting spare change. Don’t give it to them. It’s easier to say no to all of them than to pick which ones to give to. Some stores will have a person that opens the door for you. It’s a shakedown. They may request a tip. Just keep walking. Don’t even give them a second look. Say thank you, but that’s it.
And as I said before, keep a tight grip on your camera. Wallet in front pocket. If you must use an ATM, use one inside a bank, not a store.

Hi KantWait2Crooze,

The British in general, do not tip unless someone has done something special. Possibly why P&O have tips included in the price, then it`s your choice if you want to give extra to individuals. I would only ask for directions from a shopkeeper in the area that I am looking for, can buy something from the shop as a gesture of goodwill. With todays life style, use of your mobile. Being in the States will be different as my mobile contract would not cover me, I am looking at possibilities for data only sim cards, for the places we are visiting as my mobile can take two sim cards.

Every traveller has to be on their guard in new place, It went unnoticed when I was young now as a senior, more aware of my surroundings.

Thanking you for your time and empathy

Regards

John

Ummmm, in NY, we tip. Everyone. It’s just a part of life. I mean if you ask directions just say thank you, no tip necessary. Boston however………I almost got into a fight with some guy. I asked directions, and he got nasty when I didn’t tip him. I said thank you , but he wanted more. Too bad for him. But in NY, any service person gets a gratuity.

Hi AuntiPinkie,

I would love to see all of America, you have a vast area of interest from native American's, my favorite actor John Wayne and would love to visit the Boneyard. I do not like flying. I take photos of Military Aircraft, I have flown, but It not my interest. Now we use Cruise Ships, it has everything I like, I like the freedom to walk around, I spend lots of time on the upper decks with access to all around good views. (Fred Olsen and the smaller P&O ships that do round trips in the UK). I am open to all advice, anything that might be useful, is good information.

Like if you were coming to the UK, I would say avoid London, there so much more to see in the UK also We do not Tip anyone (its your choice) in any cafe or restaurant, in some eating establishments asking you to tip that would go to the shop owner Not the Staff..

I like this site and the interesting and openness you have shown to me.

I thank you

regards

John

I will recommend one place for coffee and great donuts, and it’s not too far from the pier. Tell a cab driver you want to go to The Donut Pub on 14th street ( @ 7th Ave ). Ask if you can bring some back on the ship ( ask at the ship, not the shop ). Hopefully you’re not diabetic.

But of course you know who to ask

I am truly happy to see all these responses to a traveler to the Northeast! If I ever find myself in that part of our country, I know who to ask for help. Nikonshooter (aka John), I hope your visit is filled with beauty and joy. I really wanted to give advice, but living in Colorado, I have no knowledge that would be of use to you.