New York City and Coronavirus

Coronavirus. One word that is pretty much inescapable these days. Everywhere you glance - your TV, your phone, newspaper stands, emails– it is front and center as the headline more and more with each passing day. And with good reason – the World Health Organization has officially proclaimed it to be a pandemic.

We here at New York City Vacation Packages (NYCVP) are in the business of sending thousands of visitors to NYC each year. As travel advisors however, you send people to destinations all over the world.  So, when you come to us – you are coming to us as the experts in all things New York City. That includes monitoring the practices the City is implementing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We want to make certain that we can give you peace of mind that you in turn can pass on to your clients. That being said – you can be rest assured that we have been keeping a watchful eye specifically on the Big Apple during this worldwide crisis.

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So, what exactly is New York City doing to make it safe for the millions that live and visit there? Simply put – a lot.  We have received updates from museums, hotels, attractions, tours, the MTA, Broadway and more – all addressing what steps they are taking to prevent the spread. Below is a very condensed sampling of the precautions being taken - as quoted from the sources (that were received either via emails or taken straight from their official website):

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): “The safety of the public and our employees is a top priority for us. Measures we're taking: Continuing our enhanced sanitizing procedures across the system. Trains, stations, and buses are normally cleaned every day and disinfected as needed. Now, we're disinfecting stations and high-touch surfaces—like turnstiles, ticket machines, and handrails—twice a day. Our cleaners are working to disinfect trains, cars, and buses every day, with the entire active service fleet being covered every 72 hours. And Access-A-Ride vehicles are disinfected every day. We're using CDC-endorsed cleaning products.”


Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum: “The Museum is following and will continue to follow all CDC and NYC Department of Health recommendations and guidelines. We have instituted even more vigilant cleaning practices and have increased the number of hand sanitizing stations throughout the Museum.”

Broadway League: “(New York, NY) – March 12, 2020 - Under the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will suspend all performances immediately in support of the health and well-being of the theatre going public, as well as those who work in the theatre industry. Performances will commence the week of April 13, 2020.”

Hyatt Corporation: “The precautionary and response measures are helping us continue to provide a safe and clean environment:

• Comprehensive COVID-19 guidance is in place at Hyatt hotels globally, detailing how to protect against transmission of the virus (including implementing hand sanitizer stations and frequent cleaning of high-touch areas), and procedures in case there is a suspected or confirmed case among our guests or colleagues
• Cross-functional, global response teams, including infectious diseases and occupational health experts, provide guidance to our hotels and help address specific needs and situations when needed”

Marriott International: “We take standards for hygiene and cleanliness very seriously and are taking additional steps to ensure the safety of our guests and associates.  On a daily basis, our hotels around the world are working to ensure that they meet the latest guidance on hygiene and cleaning. Our hotels’ health and safety measures are designed to address a broad spectrum of viruses, including COVID-19, and include everything from handwashing hygiene and cleaning product specifications to guest room and common area cleaning procedures.”

Hilton Worldwide: “We take great pride in maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. In response to the coronavirus, we have taken additional measures developed in consultation with global and local public health authorities (including the WHO and CDC) to make our cleaning and hygiene protocols even more rigorous:Our hotel teams are receiving ongoing briefings and enhanced operating protocols.

• We have increased the frequency of cleaning our public areas (including lobbies, elevators, door handles, public bathrooms, etc.) and have continued the use of hospital-grade disinfectant.
• We will continue to adjust food and beverage service in accordance with current food safety recommendations.
• We have increased the deployment of antibacterial hand sanitizers.
• We have activated our regional and global response teams to provide around-the-clock assistance to our hotels and are prepared to act swiftly should we be alerted to a case of coronavirus at one of our properties.”

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island via the National Park Service: “Visitors can be assured that facilities in national parks, including lodges and restaurants, continue to monitor conditions and maintain high standards related to the health and wellness of staff and visitors. Park and concession staff are working to maintain clean and healthy facilities in parks in accordance with CDC guidance.”


New York Historical Tours: “All of our tours are private tours and we are taking extra precautions further limiting group size, avoiding crowds and following the guidelines as directed by official experts and local authorities."

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): “The Metropolitan Museum of Art will temporarily close all three locations—The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters—starting tomorrow, March 13, to support New York City’s effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. The Museum will undertake a thorough cleaning and plans to announce next steps early next week.”

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On your end – if your clients are still a bit leery – you can always suggest some alternatives to situations where they will be grouped together with larger crowds – often in enclosed spaces. For example – instead of booking them on a shared shuttle from the airport – book them private transfers where they will have a vehicle just for those in their party. Instead of booking a public motorcoach tour – suggest they try a private tour complete with their very own tour guide for a more intimate setting. Even small group walking tours where they limit the number of participants is a great alternative.

New York City has been faced with many challenges over the decades that have impacted tourism. With each new challenged faced – they have always come back – bigger and better. We see no reason to expect any differently with the latest crisis. Our partners are all on the same page - to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and eventually stop the outbreaks. 

Summer in the Big Apple - Our Staff’s Top 5 Favorite “Summer in the City” Activities

No doubt - after the damp and dreary January and February much of us experienced has passed – and March has arrived not looking much perkier – your clients’ minds are fast forwarding to those bright, warm and sunny days of summer – and of course – where they want to spend their vacation time.

I think you will all pretty much agree that being outside is a top priority when the “nice” weather arrives. And what better place to be outside in than New York City? Here there is truly something for everyone. And with so much for your clients to see and do – the choices can seem overwhelming.  That being said – I have decided to narrow down some of those choices for you – and them.

How did I do this you ask? Well it just so happens I am surrounded by quite a few New York City experts. So I took it upon myself to poll the staff here at New York City Vacation Packages to find out some of their favorite things to do in the City in the good ol’ summertime.

The results are in and I am delighted to share with you the Top 5 Favorite “Summer in the City” Activities – according to my fun loving and knowledgeable co-workers.

We would love you to share these ideas with your clients – or try them out yourself!

1. Play Ball!

Hand’s down one of our all-time favorite things to do is to root on the Bronx Bombers! With Yankee Stadium just a short trip uptown to the Bronx, it is - simply put - a very relaxing way to spend a summer afternoon or evening.  Jump on the No. 4 train or the D train and take it to the 161st Street/Yankee Stadium subway station where once you disembark you are literally steps from the entrance.  Head inside, grab a hot dog and a cold drink (btw - did you know you can get wine at the stadium?), settle into your seat and take in one of America’s favorite pastimes.

And just to be fair – we also have our share of Mets fans in the office. Some even prefer Citi Field over Yankee Stadium. With both venues being just a little over a decade old – I think they both shine in their own way. And getting to where the Met’s take the field is easy too – just take the No. 7 train to Mets/Willets Point Station!

2. Harbor Anything

The one common denominator that almost everyone submitted to me as a favorite is any activity on the water. And they were passionate about it! Below are actual quotes from the emails I received in response to my poll:

“There is nothing like being out in the New York City Harbor on a summer day on a harbor cruise, it is a great way to relax while enjoying the incredible sight of the New York City Skyline.”

“ANYTHING on the water! Brunch Cruise, Harbor Lights Cruise and The Downtown Boathouse - located at Pier 26 - provides free kayaking!”

“THE BEAST!!!!! Fast, Fun, and Amazing!”

And I wholeheartedly agree. Nothing like floating in the harbor on a summer day or evening. With the sun (or stars) shining and the water glistening – it’s just such an amazingly different vantage point to take in the beauty of Manhattan.

Whether it be on a tall ship, a speed boat, a water taxi, a kayak, a yacht or whatever your client’s vessel of choice is – it is never a letdown.

3. Celebrate America’s Birthday

Some of us like a traditional picnic in Central Park and then scoping out a spot on the banks of the East River to view the fireworks.

Others like something untraditionally traditional - a bar-b-que - but over Broadway. Each year we host our annual event at the Novotel New York Hotel where we serve traditional 4^th of July food – yet in an untraditional setting – on an outdoor terrace seven stories up - complete with views of spectacular Times Square. We like to think of it as a birthday party with NYC flair!

And if your clients agree with favorite #2 (Harbor Anything) then we also have a fabulous option for them after the picnic  -  a harbor cruise including a buffet dinner, open bar, dancing and of course – a view of the Macy’s fireworks display from the vantage point of being anchored in the water! With views of the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and other icons – what could be more American than that?

4. New York City Parks

So many parks – so little time! Central Park, the High Line, Riverside Waterfront Park, Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park – just to name a few! Our staff all agree – the parks in NYC are like no others. They are surprisingly plentiful as well as diverse! (Read on to see what our top two parks offer.)

In Central Park alone your clients can take a bike ride, rent a rowboat, go to a zoo, horseback ride, climb the steps to a castle, see spots made famous in movies and television, hike trails to see hidden waterfalls, discover numerous statues, monuments and fountains – and so much more. One of our favorite things about Central Park is that when you are in the park – you sometimes forget that you are in the middle of a bustling city. The quiet, the water, the gardens, the trails – it makes it feel like a completely different island that you have stumbled across.

The High Line is a totally different experience. What was once an elevated freight rail line on the West Side has been repurposed into a 1.45 mile walking trail. It spans from the newly developed Hudson Yards (where your clients can climb the popular Instagram spot The Vessel), continues on through Chelsea and winds up in the trendy Meatpacking District – with plenty of exits and entrances to hop on and off throughout. (And we all agree – a stop at Chelsea Market is a must!) Along the way you will encounter plenty of vegetation, unique sculptures, numerous overlook points and even a sundeck!

5. South Street Seaport

If your clients haven’t been downtown to see the newly revitalized South Street Seaport area (renovated in 2018) then we highly recommend you suggest doing so. The historical area is one of our favorite places to stroll around on summer days – and nights. This quaint area consists of cobblestone streets, bars and restaurants, ice cream shops, retail shops and even playgrounds for the kids.  Here they will also find the South Street Seaport Museum and the Titanic Memorial - a 60-foot-tall lighthouse in memory of those who died on the RMS Titanic in April of 1912. Pier 17 is also re-opened and re-imagined and hosts some fabulous rooftop concerts throughout the season and boasts a rooftop bar with unbeatable views of the Brooklyn Bridge.

And of course – also downtown - just a few blocks away from South Street Seaport - is another of our favorite cobblestone streets – Stone Street. This area in the Financial District has some great pubs and restaurants and we highly recommend it for an “adults” evening out.

And there you have it – our Top 5 “Summer in the City” Activities. Trust me - this is a very condensed list – if I had the time, I could probably make this list a top 50 - or 500 - for that matter.

We here at NYCVP think New York City is one summer destination that does not disappoint! And for your clients that are heading there for their summer holiday – give us a call. Hotel, air, transfers, tours, Broadway shows, attraction admissions – at New York City Vacation Packages we can include them all!

Let the countdown to summer begin!