10th September, 2018

We are just waiting as we dock at Pier 88 (I think), in the Hudson River alongside Manhattan prior to starting our 2 night stay in New York. Unfortunately the weather is distinctly dreary with low cloud and drizzle, so the journey in under the Narrows Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline was less spectacular than hoped, though a few photos were taken and I hope they give you a feel for our grand entrance. This included an armed escort on both sides of the ship.

We have booked a 48 hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour, so we are hoping the weather improves. At least I can confirm that my new waterproof jacket lives up to its claims.

We docked at Pier 88 on the west side of Manhattan on the Hudson River at just after midday and eagerly set off down the ramp to the infamous US Immigration. The system requires that every passenger must pass through immigration and no one can board again until everyone has been through. We queued patiently for an hour and then set off in a light drizzle for Times Square, which was about a 25 minute walk away. We picked up our tickets for the Night Tour and then had a walk around the Square. The shops and eateries are a bit similar to Piccadilly Circus with lots of souvenir shops and fast food restaurants. We only wanted a snack, so popped into Applebee’s for a couple of sides and then queued up for our bus tour.

The weather, sadly, had not improved so it was on with the ponchos and off we went, heading south down 8th Avenue, past the Flatiron Building and on across Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn then back up Broadway until we arrived back at Times Square. The rain was, by now, coming down pretty heavily and Val had to retreat downstairs, but your correspondent stuck it out gamely. A few pics to prove it.

Ok, I am typing this on the balcony of my cabin as I can just pick up the port wifi! But only just! So publishing now, while I can. More when able.