how long to go through customs NYC

[cromsters]

just trying to figure what time to make reservations to catch amtrak in penn station nyc. how long from the time you get off the boat (the cruise ship says everyone should be off within an hour and a half after they start letting passengers off(we arrive at 10 but they start letting you off at 12) how long can you plan on being in customs after that? or is that all part of disembarkment

[Heidi528]

Don't know if this helps or not... In March we went through customs getting off Spirit. I didn't even have to pause on the way. We had our own luggage, and I had our customs slip and ID ready. As we were walking through the customs line I handed our slip to the officer who came up to us, and he moved on to the person behind us. Never asked to see our ID or even changed facial expressions. Took less than a minute total time.

[LisaP]

The major delay I've encountered when disembarking in NYC is the huge taxi line, or mob, once you get outside the terminal. Our first time, we waited 45 minutes for a taxi. Now, we walk across the street, head toward 11th Avenue, and usually find a taxi within minutes.

For Penn Station, I wouldn't book anything before 2:00-2:30, assuming disembarkation begins at noon. Those with flights or cruise line transfers are usually let off first. You can also opt to carry off all of your own bags -- in other words, check nothing -- and you will be among the first passengers off the ship. (Which could still be crowded if many have the same idea.)

[cromsters]

thanks that really does help.

[cromsters]

speaking of catching a taxi, are there taxis ready to hail when you come off the dock or do you need to call and have one come pick you up. i am a country girl so i am really new at all of this.

[LisaP]

There will be plenty of taxis around the pier area, so don't worry about having to call one. The main problem with the NYC Passenger Ship Terminal is that taxis have to ascend a ramp to get to the taxi stand, and the taxi stand really isn't that big, so it gets very crowded very fast. It occasionally takes taxi drivers 15 minutes or more just to make it up the ramp. This is why we walk across the street. Hailing one there is very easy.

When you are inside the terminal, you may also be approached by taxi drivers. AVOID them. Some might not have the proper licenses. Your best bet is to go outside and either take a number from the taxi dispatcher at the taxi stand, or hail one yourself a block or so away.

[cromsters]

thanks lisap. i appreciate your help.