Wednesday 17th January 2018
New York City previously called New Amsterdam, the ‘Big Apple’ is the most highly populated city in the US, comprises 5 boroughs (Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn) sits where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
At its core is Manhattan which is among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centres. Its ‘must see’ sights include The Empire State Building, The One World Trade Centre, Memorial Pools and 9/11 Museum, Times Square, Central Park, and of course the Statue of Liberty.
Broadway theatre is staged in neon-lit Times Square. New York is a shoppers’ paradise with its fabulous department stores and quirky boutiques, it is also a culinary delight with areas such as Little Italy and Chinatown. And for those seeking culture, there are excellent museums including the MET and the Guggenheim.
In New York Harbour are Ellis Island, the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States from 1892 until 1954. Nearby on Liberty Island is The Statue of Liberty a colossal neoclassical sculpture a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States dedicated 1886.
After an overnight here in New York awoke this morning to a snowy scene. Not totally unexpected but still a bit of a surprise.
Not too much rush this morning in the hopes it would clear up quickly, but no, so got out the winter gear and set off ashore. Thought it best not to be too ambitious and so just a short walk through the slush to the nearby Intrepid, a permanently moored Aircraft Carrier housing the Sea, Air and Space Museum. Intrepid came into service in 1943 and remained in service until 1974, seeing action notably in World War Two and the Vietnam War, she was also used as the recovery ship for early space missions including the Gemini program.
The Museum consists basically of the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid with a collection of aircraft, interactive and interpretive exhibits and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Also a 22ft long, 4 ft wide, 4.5 ft high 1/40th scale Lego model of the Intrepid - 250,000 bricks - more bricks for everyone next Christmas to top this!
Back to our ship in time for afternoon tea and to prepare for the start of the next sector of our voyage.
Lots of new faces have joined us for the continuation of the voyage, many additions going all the way to Southampton, some with onward pals for Queen Mary 2 to get them back to New York. Feels like a new cruise, the vibe of the ship all disrupted, strange, I’m sure it will very soon settle down again.
Sailaway from New York after a lovely sunset, still jolly chilly on deck, ice underfoot. Great views of the lights of the Manhattan skyscrapers. Passed close to the Statue of Liberty as we sailed off down New York Harbour heading off to warmer climes.
and so to dinner in the main restaurant.
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