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New York Harbor

April 5th, 2020 | Posted by Janos in New York | Videos | Weekend Cruises - (Comments Off on New York Harbor)

Entering New York Harbor by Cruise Ship

New York Harbor,part of the Port of New York and New Jersey, is at the mouth of the Hudson River where it empties into New York Bay and into the Atlantic Ocean at the East Coast of the United States. It is one of the largest natural harbors in the world.(source-Wikipedia)

This is where all the tourists flock. The grand harbor to NYC! You don’t want to miss it as it is the greatest harbor of the greatest city.From the One World Observatory, we had a 360-degree view of the New York and it was stunning. It is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. It is part of the Port of New York and New Jersey and is at the mouth of the Hudson River, which goes into New York Bay; then to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 11 National Parks surrounding this harbor. The most iconic statue is the Statue of Liberty.

The harbor itself consists of two very large areas: the Upper Harbor (which is very sheltered and much of which is adjacent to Manhattan), and the Lower Harbor, which opens up after you pass under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.

The entrance from the Atlantic Ocean to the Lower Harbor is flanked on the south by the tip of Sandy Hook, which is in New Jersey, and in the north by the tip of the Rockaway Peninsula at Breezy Point, which is in Queens, New York City, New York State. These two locations are two parts of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

The views in every part of the harbor are really terrific. If you want to understand why NYC first became one of the world’s great port towns, or if you simply want to enjoy a lot of great views and some nice fresh salt air, I recommend that you take one of the numerous different water tours that are available.

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Siesta Key Beach

April 5th, 2020 | Posted by Janos in Short Cruises | Weekend Cruises - (Comments Off on Siesta Key Beach)




Just a few miles south of Bradenton lies beautiful Siesta Key Beach.  It is located off Siesta Key, a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. It is a popular vacation destination and the home of less than 10,000 residents. There are three beaches on Siesta Key, including Turtle Beach, Crescent Beach, and Siesta Beach. The sand on Siesta Beach is 99 percent pure quartz that is crystal white. This beach has been named as the best sand beach in America by different sources for several years. The water just offshore is shallow and perfect for family swimming. The area along the beach is designed to offer sunbathers and swimmers concession stands and picnic areas. There is a lifeguard on the beach year-round. Volleyball courts and tennis courts are also available for vacationers. With Siesta Village within walking distance, it is easy for vacationers to reach shops and restaurants.

Average temperatures on Siesta Key Beach average between 71 and 77 degrees. Low temperatures are between 50 and 60 degrees in the winter months of December, January, February, and March. High temperatures in these months average in the 70’s, keeping water temperatures in the mid to upper 60 degree temperatures. High humidity levels keep the air and water feeling up to 10 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. Tourists visit the beach all year round, and it is a popular destination for Spring Break when college students have their break time and head to the Florida beaches.

Vacationing families and college students who are on Spring Break can find many activities when they head for Siesta Key Beach. There are kayaks available for rental, and parasailing is also a popular activity. A charter boat ride can be taken to enjoy some time fishing in the Gulf or Bay any time of the year. Golfers can drive a short distance to Sarasota, Bradenton, or Venice to tee off at one of the championship golf courses that are situated along the coast. There are also additional golf courses in North Port, Parrish, Englewood, Palmetto, and other areas on the Florida Gulf Coast.

Siesta Key is home to many fine restaurants, including Italian, French, Japanese, and American-style cuisine. Seafood is a specialty in many of the restaurants, but there are also pizza parlors, delis, and cafes. After a day of swimming, many guests have dinner and then head for one of the ice cream shops or to New York Italian Ices. The parking lot along Siesta Key Beach can hold 800 cars, and the restaurants in the town area can accommodate about as many dining guests. Parks and picnic areas are also available for tourists who would rather picnic in the open air.

Shopping opportunities are also located in the town area, where guests can find souvenirs or buy clothing, jewelry, or bath items. Various shops carry all of the supplies that sunbathers forgot to bring, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, beach towels, and used books. A grocery store is also there for those who want to buy soft drinks or beer. The beach is only minutes from Sarasota, an area rich in culture with museums, theater, jazz clubs, and performing arts. Sarasota is also the home of Sailor Circus where children become students and are trained to perform as clowns and other circus characters.

Tourists who visit Siesta Key have the choice of staying near the beach in one of the hotels on Siesta Key, or they may opt to stay in Sarasota. Many tourists want to spend time at the beach in the daytime and enjoy the culture of Sarasota in the evening when the Sarasota Ballet of Florida or the Sarasota Opera are performing. Sarasota has many night spots and bars that are often crowded year round, especially during Spring Break time.