10/14/2018 - New York

Our time on the ship is limited, but not in New York. After breakfast, we set off for our last day. We couldn't leave our suitcases at the AIDA port, and there were no lockers at the train stations in New York, but of course, there were people who turned it into a business. There are special luggage storage places where you can store your luggage for a few bucks for the whole day. Suitcases deposited, and off we go to explore Times Square, Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Church, Central Park. We covered a lot of ground. In addition, Fifth Avenue was closed for a parade on Columbus Day. Many immigrants with Hispanic background celebrate this day. Slowly, the crowds tire us out, and we take the subway to Greenwich Village, a neighborhood a little further downtown. After a refreshing break, we enjoy the hustle and bustle with small boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Finally, we visit a small part of the Highline Park, a green strip on an old railway track, at an elevated height. This park impressed us with its height and the view over the harbor and the city. But now it was time to slowly return to our suitcases and make our way to the airport, which was easy.

New York was certainly the absolute highlight of our cruise. In general, we take many great impressions from Montreal, Quebec, Halifax, and Boston. Even though we couldn't visit Newport, it had to be done to have the unique entry into New York. AIDA is and remains a great concept and has once again convinced both of us.

Now, almost a quarter of my time off is over. I will mainly be at home for the next few days, before heading to India with Vanessa on 10/31/18.