New York New York

After a good night's sleep, we’re pumped and ready to tackle our full-day adventure around NYC, courtesy of TripAdvisor. I booked the “New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour” for $99 a pop, and being the adventurous types, we scoped out the subway the day before. Just two blocks from our apartment, so we’ve got this.

First, a quick stop at a local breakfast joint to fuel up, then back to the apartment for a last-minute freshen-up. When we hit the subway, I knew we could just tap Samsung Pay, but naturally, I hesitated in front of the turnstile. Enter our NYC subway hero: a worker in a neon vest who jokes, “Well, it’s about time you asked me!” Who says New Yorkers are gruff? With his help, I get through but, of course, the same card doesn’t work for my husband (déjà vu from Vancouver). The subway pro saves the day again, and we’re on our way!

Ten minutes and six stops later, we emerge in Times Square, and wow—there’s nothing like seeing it up close! You turn a corner, and BAM, there it is, live and in full sensory overload. It’s unreal. After snapping some photos, we head to our tour meeting spot. My best friend from high school and her husband, who are also joining us on the cruise, will be our sightseeing buddies for the day. Time to get this show on the road!

Here's a quick synopsis of our tour and link  NYC Sightseeing Tour

Combine New York City’s top attractions in a guided tour via bus and the Staten Island Ferry. With insider commentary from your guide, visit Rockefeller Center, South Street Seaport, 9/11 Memorial, and Wall Street. Take a Staten Island ferry ride, with views of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. Back on land, hit Lincoln Center and Central Park before wrapping up this whirlwind tour.

Interestingly, our first stop on the tour is Central Park—where we visited just yesterday. However, the park is so vast that today we’re exploring a different area, including the iconic Dakota Building, where John Lennon lived and tragically passed. We also visit the nearby Strawberry Fields Memorial, a tribute to Lennon’s legacy within the park’s peaceful landscape.

St. Patrick's Cathedral 

Next stop is Rockefeller Center and we go underground to see the hidden underground passageway to get from Rock Center to Times Square.

Next stop: lunch at the Gansevoort Liberty Market, right by the World Trade Center Memorial. This spot is a must, with every type of food you could crave. Husby and I split up in the food court; I go for a massive tofu salad bowl, and he decides to join in because, hey, it’s a feast. After lunch, we stroll over to the 9/11 Memorial. We didn’t have time for the museum, but standing there at Ground Zero is both breathtaking and deeply moving.

The 9/11 Memorial is located at the site of the former World Trade Center complex and occupies approximately half of the 16-acre site. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America.

Next up—New York Harbor and a classic cruise-by on the Staten Island Ferry! We’re here to catch the Statue of Liberty in all her glory, and our guide knows the perfect spot: right at the bottom deck, facing the water. We get right up front for the best view as Lady Liberty herself comes into sight—cue the cameras!

What a day! We wrap it up back in Times Square to meet up with friends at Carmine’s for a classic Italian family-style feast. Portions here are no joke, so we’re careful not to overdo it (easier said than done). Carmines After a fabulous meal, we make a final stop at their hotel for a nightcap with a view. Our friends think we’re nuts for taking the subway back to the apartment so late, but we’re feeling adventurous! With some friendly help, we navigate the bustling subway—feels like we’ve stepped right into a movie scene. A perfect end to a jam-packed day, and now we’re officially pooped. Goodnight, New York… tomorrow, we cruise!