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

Hello Yankee47,

I understand what you said, its been so long and with restrictions, that self awareness in ports as strangers on a new shore has been lost . Now visiting and finding out from local people that live there, is not something found in the brochure's for that place or anywhere. Some just head off into the distance, and forget their own safety by making silly mistakes, which you have pointed out.

Thank you, your jolt in the arm is a good call.

Regards

John

As almost any ny er will admit, there's no such thing as a safe place. I didn't specifically mean the NY bot gdns. I find that nyers have gotten so used to the dirt, crime,political chicanery, noise and enough quality of life issues, they try to ignore it. .Many flee to the burbs and beyond, if they can. Yes its true it' was and still can be a vibrant city with more to do than you could cram into one lifetime, IF you can insulate yourself from the rest of it. No mean feat. I left many years ago, never looked back or even had the urge to visit. I repeat,watch yourself.

So, what I tell people visiting NYC is, don’t look or act like a tourist. Don’t keep looking up at the skyscrapers. Don’t pull out wads of cash. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Wear your camera strap and hold the camera.
Don’t eat off the food carts. Some will ruin your trip. NYers have built up a tolerance to the questionable food quality of some carts. If you must have a NY dog, make sure it’s grilled, not boiled. If you pass one of the Papaya King stores, they’re okay too. Don’t pull out a map. Better to ask a cop or a construction worker( I would help anyone that came up to me). Just be polite. While I think of it, great views at the top of the Empire State Bldg. I don’t know the cost. Don’t take the coupon from the people on the street. Oh, and don’t buy water from someone selling out of a cooler. There are plenty of stores that sell drinks.

I live in the Century on Netherland

Hi 1 Dream,

Thank you for your advice, its like all strangers, trying to cover as much of the sights in a short period.

What i miss this trip, will make me want to visit again

Thanking you for your advice and input

Regards

John

Hi Yankee47

Thank you, what does that mean, "Just watch yourself" I am a bit wary about this comment

The Botanical Gardens, seems a good place, is the area a safe environment.

Thanking you for your time, and being aware in a strange place, strange being, Not knowing anything about the area I would be visiting.

Regards

John

Hi @KantWait2Crooze,

Some good advice, thanks, some really good pointers, the Ship excursions are a poor excuse, everyday its the same excursions like they just copied and pasted, the Ship is there two and a half days roughly.

I have a plan B, My nephew works for IBM and lives in an apartment close to the Cruise Port, not sure if he can get time off to show us the sights.

It would be a shame to miss out on such a vibrant city and not see the natural things the City has to offer.

Thanking you for your time and input.

Regards

John

Since you will be here overnight I would go with the suggestions of @KantWait2Crooze and take a cab (be prepared to pay) to the Bronx Zoo or the NY Botanical Gardens. Since they are not that far apart I would start there and as early as possible. On the way back to the ship you could stop at central which also have a small zoo somewhere around 68th St. FYI Central Park stretches 51 blocks. The cruise ports are on West 46th to West 54th Streets & 12th. Ave. I mention that to say if you choose not to go the the Bronx Zoo or NY Botanical Gardens it is possible to walk to Central Park entrance on 59th. street 8th. Ave (Central Park West). There is so much going on in the park that it's sad to say us New Yorkers take for granted.

Enjoy you visit and be safe!

Hi Theresa,

P&O, have excursions that are more cultural and visits to stores which is not my interest. I will look into the places you have mentioned, seeing your country in the RAW with its natural beauty, is what I would like to see. Thank you. lots of positives for me to look into.

thanking you for your input

regards John

I'm from New York, however, I see several people have given you places to go while there.

So since I also lived in Maine for several years so I'll try and give you some ideas for there. In Maine you can see wildlife just about everywhere on land and off the shore in the Alantic. Acadia National Park is only around 30 minutes walking from city center in Bar Harbor, some of the most spectacular place there to visit are Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, and the Schoodic Peninsula. The Bar Harbor Shore path is part of a larger project called The Museum in the Streets. This self-guided tour is marked with signs around town that teach you the history of Bar Harbor through its historic buildings and the residents who owned them. Also, at low tide you can walk over to Bar Island or you can charter a boat and take a coastal cruise to what sea birds are about or seals maybe a whale. Here's the visitor site... https://www.visitbarharbor.com/see-do

In Portland there is Baxter Woods, a nature reserve. A Casco Bay cruise or catch a view out over the Atlantic at the Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park, just four miles from downtown. Maybe something a little more cryptic at the The International Cryptozoology Museum. Walk the trails of Fore River Sanctuary. You could visit Longfellow Arboretum which is part of Payson Park.

There are lots of islands of both cities that can be visited too.

I hope this helps? There is the Internet you can use to research all these regions. Also, check to see what P&O offers as excursions or even use this site to help you to check for excursions by looking up your cruise. If you have the Shipmate App there's an Excursion section.

I hope you have an awesome cruise!

Theresa F.