Nighttime Skylines

SunsAnvil

For my job I have often visited places like Sydney, San Francisco and Hong Kong (sorry to drop names). I have seen fantastic nighttime photos, but have failed to emulate what others have done.

Although I've moved up through various cameras and settings, I've never managed to get a satisfactory balance between the blackness of the night sky and the sharpness of the neon lights. Close up it is easier, but when capturing landscapes it's not.

Since I'm traveling on a ferry of bus limits, what I can get away with in terms of the camera settings? I'm looking for a tripod free compromise. Any suggestions?