Friday 13th May.

Our flight left Heathrow at 09.05 and we arrived at JFK 11.15 and were out of airport by 12.00.
Had an interesting taxi ride with driver 4L39, one near collision followed by short heated discussion and a Mac truck blowing its horn, flashing lights and driving right up behind us!!

Manhattan from the Cab prior to any excitement!

We were at the CASA hotel West 45th Street early, so we dropped off our bags and went to Grand Central Station, looked around main concourse and got Metro tickets and then went to Chrysler Building lobby.


We got into room on the 21st Floor and unpacked quickly and freshened up. We had a good view with Times Square in the distance.


We were going on "The Ride" which started outside Senor Frogs so we made our way there and had something to eat. Cathy ended up being taken to the stage and winning a dance off against a much younger guy and I am sure the booty shake clinched it! 

The Ride. This an hour tour around mid Manhattan with interactive stops and two great hosts onboard. We recommend for its fun and if you do it on the first evening it helps with the jet lag.
We ended the evening at about 21.00 and hit the sack,

What we have booked before we leave.

As it is our 25th Wedding Anniversary we wanted some special treats.

Well as mentioned in a previous post we had upgraded our flight to premium economy, We would have loved to go business / first class but the extra cost was huge and the seats are more pods and not together like to set of two we have in premium.

In New York we have booked the ride for our first night on the Friday. Should help with the jet lag!

Saturday we are off to the ball park, Go Yankees!!

Saturday night we have booked a clipper twilight cruise, time for a few drinks I think.

Monday is our last full day and Cathy has a booked at table at Print Restaurant.

For the QM2 we have booked the Bon Voyage package and look forward to some champagne in the cabin and breakfast in bed on the 18th May which is our anniversary and getting a good portrait photo.

We wanted a cabin with a balcony and decided with the Atlantic that a sheltered balcony was our best option and got midships for most stability , Cabin 5141.

ESTA approved February 24th.

Finally Insurance via Cover for You, level 5 for USA and cruise cover for 2 weeks. No cover for existing conditions as ....we do not have any ...yet!

Decision made.

Well with the decision made there were some final details to decide.
How do we fly to New York
What Cabin shall we have
Where shall we stay near Heathrow
Where shall we stay in New York

So final details are

Exeter to Heathrow , let someone else do the driving, within a budget of course.

Stay near Heathrow, my IHG rewards points made this a freebie.

How are we flying, lets go Premium Economy.

And in New York, CASA Hotel 45th Street

Finally the cabin

Job done and the most expensive adventure we have ever had was sorted and we couldn't be happier.