Now that I stopped laughing I will try to answer your post.
Throw the FLL/MIA mentality out the window.
You are in for one major culture shock my friend.
Carnival sails from Manhattan. Princess from Brooklyn. It doesnt matter what airport really.
Flying into JFK might be 10.00 more via taxi than LGA. Depending on the price of gas. Determine which airport based on the flight ticket. Delta flies into JFK.
Both airports will be a sea of yellow regarding taxis. You will also be bombarded by private limo drivers outside luggage claim. Private shuttle companies that will provide you a free tour of the airport and other hotels are a dime a dozen.
Getting to your hotel will be a non issue. They have a taxi stand and they are a revolving door. Making arrangements prior to arriving IMO is not really necessary.
http://www.nycruise.com/
Now for hotels.....before you start searching, go potty and do not eat or drink.
I stayed in Times Square for one cruise. I used Marriott points as the hotel was 500.00 a night(marathon weekend). The hotel is 11/2 miles from the port and took us 25 minutes via taxi.
I also found a BARGOON, a major steal imo at the Grand Hyatt hotel at Grand Central Station for 300.00 a night. Hotel rooms are TINY in Manhattan. I was very impressed with how HUGE the rooms were at the Hyatt. Another time we stayed at the W. The room was smaller than inside cabin on a ship and that was 275.00 a night 8 years ago.
http://www.hotelsbythepier.com/index2.php?pier=new-york
Walking around Manhattan is primarily safe. Just dont be stupid about it. Most people dont own cars there, they walk or take a taxi.
When we sailed out of Brooklyn we stayed in Manhattan. I might have saved a few bucks on a hotel in Brooklyn but the taxi cost and sighting time.
I do hope you will able to make the time to sight see as Manhattan has soooo much to offer. Stay on the top deck for sailaway. The skyline is an amazing sight to see as well as the Lady. It is kinda gut wrenching sailing by ground Zero.
