Some seasoned travellers say the best part of an ocean voyage is starting out.
But nothing can beat arriving at a foreign port by sea – especially if it’s the entrance to New York where you are welcomed by the majestic Statue of Liberty.
A first glimpse of the Promised Land
Between 1892 and 1954, the 145-foot statue was a beacon of hope for twelve million people who passed through the United States Immigration Centre on Ellis Island.
Most of them arrived as steerage passengers, while those who could afford it arrived in style to a rousing welcome.
Nowadays it’s all comfort and no steerage.
Arrive in style and comfort
Talking of a relaxed way of arriving in the Big Apple, last year over 20 passenger ships arrived and departed the Port of New York, and that number is steadily increasing for the city has long been an all-year-round destination..
Book now for an historic meeting of Cunard’s Queens in 2011
This time next year, New York will host the historic first meeting of Cunard’s three Queens: Mary 2, Victoria, and their baby sister, Elizabeth – who will launched in October 2010.
The spanking new Queen Elizabeth will then set off from New York on her maiden world voyage to 39 ports in 23 countries.
But New York will be, for many, the most memorable for there’s something exceptionally exciting about a place that was once known as New Amsterdam.
Just like the movies
The first time I arrived in New York, 40 years ago, I thought I’d landed in a film set.
A keen film and TV fan since childhood, especially anything American, everything seemed so familiar.
I tried to see the whole of Manhattan in a day before I calmed down and realised it wasn’t going anywhere: Broadway, 5th Avenue, Wall Street, the Empire State Building, the UN, Central Park (where I sat on a bench in the middle of the night for ten minutes to see if I would get mugged, for a bet), and Harlem.
But it’s the images of New York that flick through my mind from films that seem more real.
Like those from Stanley Donen’s 1949 musical comedy, On The Town, in which three sailors (Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Jules Munshin) dance and sing their way off their ship to grab some gals and paint the town red.
I can also picture myself sharing that tiny stateroom with The Marx Brothers in their classic comedy, A Night at the Opera, for the laughs and fun of the experience would counter the discomfort of being crammed into that cabin.
Safe on the streets
Those days of relatively innocent fun in New York may be long gone but I’m glad to report that so have the days when the city was notorious for its high crime rate, which damped down considerably after 9/11 – which helped bring NY’s citizens together.
They used to say that New York isn’t a very friendly place. And if it wasn’t for the muggings, there’d be no personal contact.
When you worked out your budget for trip to the Big Apple, it was suggested, quite seriously, that you put aside a certain amount of small change for the muggers.
But now you can truly relax in NYC and have the time of your life. For if you can’t find fun in New York, you won’t find it anywhere else.
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8 Comments
Feb 13 2010
15:39
I spent a week in New York around 1976 we flew there, it was a brilliant place to visit a very exciting city. If I where to go again a cruise would be my choice of travel this time around.
Feb 14 2010
9:02
An interesting take on the realities of New York and America in general. No matter what your nationality, there seems to be an electric buzz about visiting the ‘States’. You’ve done it again James. Your ability to describe these trips in a measured manner give us a real taster of what is to come. Sail on.
Feb 15 2010
0:31
I don’t see why it always has to be about America. Just for the record, New Malden is also worth a second visit.
Feb 15 2010
9:10
Hi James
I visited N.Y. about the same time as you, 1971. I was a drummer on the Greek cruise liner The Americanis. We had three days on the town and where advised to go mob handed for safety but no worries.
We had a great time, wish we could have stayed longer. I bought a New York Giants baseball cap which i have to this day, wonder if it is a collectors item.
The view from the top of the Empire State Building is awesome, you can actually see the curvature of the earth, i would certainly reccomend a visit. Regards Rob.
Mar 01 2010
21:17
I was born in New Malden, Milton!! Been back only twice since I left there at the age of 11, some 46 years ago. Says a lot really…..
Mar 03 2010
10:13
Tim, I’m so glad you and Milton have found each other. I’m a Londoner now living on the Isle of Wight and can’t actually remember ever visiting New Malden. But I’ll give it a try next time I’m heading for the Big Smoke. Looking at the map it occurs to me that New Malden is not really that far from Southampton Docks so maybe I could convince one or two British cruise lines to extend their itinery to Surrey…possibly by a liner that has been adapted as a gigantic hovercraft. Just imagine it sailing up the M3 to the M25…what a sight. Then we could invite everyone who lives in New Malden or were born there or passed through the town at some stage in their lives to sign up for the New Malden maiden cruise. Actually, lads, I think I’ve had too much of the hard stuff so you’ll excuse me while I head to the nearest AA meeting…
Mar 03 2010
10:43
Which only goes to prove my point, Tim. New Malden is worth a second visit., but maybe no more. Not sure about Mr Leavey’s idea. Come to think of it I’m not sure about Mr Leavey.
Mar 04 2010
8:28
Milton, you’re almost being serious, which is a worry to those of us who are your fans. But we’d miss you if you weren’t there. Saying that, I’m not sure about Mr Leavey either…