Hello fellow cruiser's just wondering if theres anyone else sailing with us on Oct 10th?  This is our 6th cruise but first time to New York, we hope to take a couple of extra days in New York before the cruise to see some sights.  We are flying in from Illinois two country bumkins with NO big city experience, anyone have any suggestions.  We are still trying to find a reasonable hotel room thats centrally located.  Is the city's bus system easy to use and get around on?  Are there area's we want to avoid?  Are taxi's really expensive?  We were told first timers to New York should see the Empire State Building, Staue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Bronx Zoo and Staten Island Ferry is this feasible to do in two days?  Can we get to these things by bus?  I have a lot of questions so any advice would help, thanks so much.

We're going on the same cruise in September. First time I'm going on a cruise and don't have to fly!

 As for those sites, you're trying to squeeze too much into 2 days, I'd say you need 3 to do it and enjoy it. I'd recommend taking one of the Liberty ferries from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, and also see Ellis Island. The price is very reasonable, as it's a National Monument site.  The museum there is fabulous. I've been there twice, and am thinking of going again soon, as it's been about 8 years since my last visit. (Right before 9/11, when I had a great view of the WTC from Ellis Island!)  That may take most of one day. The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre and Times Square can be done in one day, but it may be pushing it if you want to do the NBC studio tour at Rock Centre. I have never taken that tour, but friends have said it's fun. The Bronx Zoo would be another day.

Taxi's are reasonably priced. and good if you want to see the city as you go from place to place. I prefer the subways, but I go to Manhattan a lot. They are very easy to use and fairly safe. Haven't used the buses, so I can't comment on that.

If you have any other questions, just ask!

I am going on the same cruise  and i too am spending two days in New York

 We are also spending 2 days in NY.  We are booked for the 8th and 9th at Hilton Penn Station.  We stayed there last year and it was so easy to get to NYC and back to our room.