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Activity #573 |
The Royal Bus Tour of New York City |
What if I can't do the full tour?
We also offer half day tour options! To purchase our Half Day Morning tour of Midtown and Downtown, which introduces you to Times Square, the Theatre District, SoHo, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Meatpacking District, choose the "Morning Tour" ticket options when you select your tickets.
What are the hotels where you pick up guests, and what time is the pickup at each hotel?
We pick up guests at the following hotels on the following schedule: 8:30 AM - Waldorf Astoria; 8:40 AM - NY Hilton (Ave. of the Americas); 9:00 AM - Marriott Marquis. [PLEASE NOTE: You will be asked to select a pickup location when you buy tickets. We will pick you up at your hotel ONLY if you selected that option during your ticket purchase. Otherwise, we will be expecting you at our main pickup point at West 45th St. and Broadway (exact location provided on your e-ticket).]
The hotel where I’m staying isn't in your list. Are you able to pick me up?
Unfortunately, no. We only provide pick up the hotels listed: Marriott Marquis, NY Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria.
If I am not staying at one of the hotels on your list, can I still arrange to be picked up there, or should I meet you at your central pickup point?
Hotel pickup is really only intended for people who are staying at one of the hotels on our standard list. If you are not staying at one of those hotels, it will be simpler for you to meet us at our central pickup point on West 45th St. and Broadway (exact location will be provided on your e-ticket). The central pickup point is very close to all the hotels on our list, so it will be just as convenient for you to get to as any of the hotels.
Can I meet the tour at one of your hotel pickup points even if I didn't pre-arrange hotel pickup with you?
No. Unless you pre-arranged pickup at another hotel from the list, you must meet us at our central meeting location at West 45th St. and Broadway. Exact meeting location and directions will be provided immediately upon purchase of your e-ticket.
If I select hotel pickup, but I'm running late, will you wait for me in front of my hotel?
If you select hotel pickup, it is extremely important that you be in front of the hotel at the time specified, as we will not be able to wait for you since we must be on time for other guests. We are unable to offer refunds or rescheduling for guests who miss their designated hotel pickup.
Is this tour handicapped- and wheelchair-accessible?
We often are able to accommodate handicapped passengers and passengers in wheelchairs. If you are attending with anyone who has special needs, please click on the "Contact this Seller" link to describe your needs to us so we can confirm whether or not we will be able to accommodate you BEFORE you purchase your tickets. Unless we coordinate with you ahead of time, we can not guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you on the specific tour date you desire.
Do I have to buy a ticket to take my young child on this tour?
Because New York State law requires that young children travel in car seats on moving vehicles for their own safety, and because the car seat takes up a seat on the bus, you will need to buy a ticket for your child, regardless of age. Please note there is a reduced price ticket for children ages 12 and under.
Do I need to bring a car seat for my young child on the tour?
If your child is young enough to need a car seat, you will need to bring one on the tour. (We are sometimes able to lend you a car seat, but please make sure you arrange this with us ahead of time, since we can not guarantee we have one available for you. To check if we can lend you a car seat, please contact Marvelous Manhattan Tours by clicking on the "Contact this Seller" link. Please do not assume our car seat will be available for your child unless we have confirmed this with you directly!)
Can a minor (under age 18) attend the tour without a parent or guardian?
No, due to New York law, all minors (under age 18) must be accompanied by a parent or an adult guardian on our tour.
May I bring my pet on the tour?
Pets are not allowed on the tour.
Does the tour occur rain or shine?
Yes, the tour runs regardless of weather. We spend most of our time in the tour vehicle, but do make several stops. Please dress appropriately for the weather so you are comfortable when we stop.
Where does the tour end?
The tour usually ends back at the original meeting location, which is near West 45th St. and Broadway, in Manhattan. (Exact meeting location details, including a map and subway directions, will be provided to you immediately upon purchasing your eticket.)
Do we go to the the top of the Empire State Building or take a ferry (boat) out to visit the Statute of Liberty?
On the Royal Tour, you will learn about both of these New York landmarks and view them from the street, but we will not go inside them. You will easily be able to return on your own, as both attractions are very visitor friendly and have their own standard tours. (Note: there are often long lines at both the Empire State Building and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, so if you decide to return, you should go early to maximize your visiting time!)
Can I bring wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages on the tour?
No. It is against New York State law to consume alcohol on a tour vehicle.
Are cameras allowed on the tour?
Yes. We recommend you bring a camera (or videocamera) and plenty of film and batteries so you can capture the sights of New York City.
Are the tours conducted in English only?
Yes. The Royal Tour is conducted in English only at this time. So much of the tour is visual, however, that it can be enjoyed by visitors with limited English.
Is there assigned seating on the tour?
No. There is no assigned seating - it's first come, first served. If you have a group who wants to sit together, please arrive together so you are less likely to have to split up your group.
Is there a bathroom on the tour vehicle?
There is no bathroom on the tour vehicle, but we make several stops where bathrooms are available.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes, private tours are available. Most groups, however, decide to attend the public tour for two reasons. First, it is usually significantly less expensive. Second, part of the fun of the tour is interacting with all the other New York visitors who take the public tour, and enjoying the group dynamic with your guide. We are specialists in providing customized private tours for corporate groups, wedding parties, and other special events. Pre-arrangement is required. If you are interested in booking a private tour, contact Marvelous Manhattan Tours by clicking on the "Contact this Seller" link.
If the tour is sold out, is there a waiting list?
No, Marvelous Manhattan Tours does not keep a waiting list for our tours. Tours usually sell out, and often well in advance, so please make sure to purchase your tickets far in advance, especially if you have limited time availability.
Is this a good general New York City sightseeing tour?
Yes! This tour is designed to give you a great introduction to New York City. You will see well-known and lesser-known sights of Upper, Middle, and Lower Manhattan, making the tour an excellent way to get your bearings. Unlike big, impersonal bus tours, this small group tour is conducted by native New York characters who will enliven your experience and understanding of New York while showing you the sights.
Does "the King" do all the tours? Can I make sure to reserve a tour that he is leading?
The King and his highly talented, entertaining "court" of tour guides lead the tours. We are unable to specify who will lead each tour, as sometimes tour leaders change at the last minute. Don't worry - you won't be disappointed no matter which guide you get! All of the guides are native New York characters who will add a lot of color and flair to your understanding of New York.
Is this the husband and wife team that started 15 years ago running tours with a van?
You found us! Stephen and Christina Duer started Marvelous Manhattan tours 15 years ago with a single van, and have been thrilling their customers ever since. Since then they've had three children, and Christina no longer leads tours but helps behind the scenes together with the fantastic Kathy. Marvelous Manhattan has added a whole "court" of fabulous tour guides, new vehicles, and many more stories about New York to entertain you on the tour.
Do vehicles have air conditioners?
Yes, our vehicles have air conditioners.
