Valiant Lady docks at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on the west side of Midtown. Disembarkation is a rolling process that typically begins around 7:30 AM and wraps up by 10:00 AM.

A few things to keep in mind:

The night before arrival, you'll receive instructions for your assigned disembarkation time and luggage tag color. Set your bags outside your stateroom door by midnight if you'd like porters to handle them. If you prefer to carry your own luggage off, you can self-disembark early in the process.

RockStar Suite guests receive priority disembarkation as part of their perks package.

Plan your departing flight no earlier than 12:00 PM to give yourself comfortable breathing room. 1:00 PM or later is ideal.

The Manhattan Cruise Terminal puts you in an excellent position for all three major New York area airports.

JFK Airport ... approximately 45 to 60 minutes by car or rideshare, depending on traffic. Budget $55 to $85 via Uber or Lyft.

LaGuardia Airport ... approximately 30 to 45 minutes by car or rideshare. Budget $40 to $65.

Newark Liberty Airport ... approximately 25 to 40 minutes by car or rideshare. Budget $45 to $70.

Taxis are available directly at the cruise terminal. Rideshare pickup requires a short walk to street level. Porter service is available inside the terminal for luggage assistance.

Why fly home when New York City is right outside the door?

September in New York is one of the best kept secrets in travel. The summer crowds have thinned, the weather is still warm and golden, and the city is in full swing with fashion week energy, fall gallery openings, and outdoor events before the season turns.

A one or two night extension is easy to arrange and gives you a completely different travel experience to end the trip on.

Suggested 1 Night Extension

Check into a hotel in Midtown or the Upper West Side within easy reach of Central Park. Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. Have a proper New York dinner somewhere you've been meaning to try. Sleep in a real bed that doesn't move. Fly home Monday refreshed instead of rushed.

Suggested 2 Night Extension

Add a second night and you have time to see a Broadway show, visit the MET or MoMA, do a walking tour of the High Line and Chelsea Market, or simply wander neighborhoods you've always wanted to explore. The West Village on a crisp September morning is worth the extra night alone.

Hotel Recommendations I Love for This Area

The Civilian Hotel (Midtown West, steps from the theater district and easy access to the terminal) ... The Arlo Midtown (stylish, well priced, rooftop views) ... The Lucerne on the Upper West Side (classic New York brownstone feel, close to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History) ... The Knickerbocker in Times Square (iconic, central, great bar on the rooftop).

I can help arrange your hotel, airport transfers, show tickets, and restaurant reservations as part of your overall trip package. Just let me know when you're ready to add it on.

Adding a New York City extension to your Fall Foliage voyage is easier than you think and often the detail clients are most grateful for after the trip. Reach out and I'll put together options that fit your style and budget.

Just don't be surprised if one night turns into two.