gkerlin

And yes your plan sounds fine.    As long as it it not more than 120 hrs from when you had the tapeworm done till you get on the ship you are ok.   

If you are concerned about the timing you could always find a vet along the way and make an appointment for tapeworm.    Any vet can do that.   They can then write it in on you health certificate or you just having the dated receipt is also accepted.   Ask the Vet to write in the time on the receipt if it is close to the 5 days.  They seem to be pretty good about the tapeworm - but there is no messing with the rabies at all.

We have done the trip before.   This will be our 4th crossing.

Sorry to hear about the waitlist.   There is still time and if you are high up on the list you have a decent chance as people tend to drop off just prior to final deposits being due. 

For cats my understanding is that they require 2 kennels.  We've never had cats on our crossings yet. One kennel for the beast and one for the litterbox.    We need 2 kennels for the two dogs, and they just turn it into one bigger kennel like they do for the cats.

An option - one that we do - is to rent an Airbnb in Brooklyn a couple nights prior to departure.  It makes for a very relaxed way to start the trip.   Then a short ride with a car service or Uber to the ship and you are good to go.

2 hours ago, Lulu73 said:

My cat was vaccinated February 15th of this year. And the vet office says he is fine to go to the UK.

 

My dog…..I have to double check. He is up-to-date according to US standards…..but the person I’m working with at the vet office says he will need to be re-vaccinated before we leave. (Maybe because there were lapses in coverage or something….I’m not sure) Which will be earlier than when he is due by US standards. She said it wouldn’t be harmful to him to be revaccinated early, even though he doesn’t need it yet.

 

@gkerlin Have you made this trip before?

 

(Edit) I just found out I was accepted to the grad school a few weeks ago…so there is a lot to figure out between now and July. Yikes. 

Yes I can see the cat is fine. The recent vaccine guarantees him.

The dog - it depends,  getting it revaccinated before you leave guarantees he will be fine as well.   A lapse in coverage could do it or not having all the documentation to prove the unbroken chain of vaccinations as listed below:

1).    For the EU/UK The first rabies vaccination AFTER microchip implantation is considered a primary vaccination and is only valid for 1 year.

2).   The second, if administered within a year from the first, is considered a booster and is valid for 3 years.

All the subsequent vaccinations (if #2 above was done on time) would be considered boosters and valid for 3 years provided they were all done within 3 years of each other.  (not 3 years and one day)

That is key.   You must have a documented booster within a year of a primary, and then an unbroken trail of boosters all done within the 3 year windows after that.  If you have done that AND HAVE ALL the documentation to prove it, then no worries for next year.  If you are even late one day you must start over.   If you do not have all the documentation to prove it - you must start over.   I sense that might be while the vet is saying he needs to be revaccinated.   The US standards dont matter.   The rules above apply,

If you do not have all of the documentation to show that she received her first booster within the 1 year period -  then All of the subsequent 3 year vaccines would be each be considered primary for UK/EU purposes regardless of it being ok in the US.    

No worries about the EU tapeworm treatment since you are not going there.

For the UK you’ll have to be between 24 and  120 hours prior to embarking with a tapeworm treatment.

The Rabies requirement is really the only one that can get a bit sticky.

When were your pets last vaccinated for rabies?

Lulu,

if you’re only going to the UK, then you only need the one for Great Britain.

They sent both because the ship sometimes continues onward to the EU or some passengers will travel immediately onward to the EU by land, and will need both.

You said your vet mentioned some thing about tapeworm treatment for the EU. This concerns me that your vet may not understand the regulations, because there is no tapeworm requirement in most of the EU, only Great Britain and a few other EU countries. And where there are - the time requirements are the same.

I mentioned this only because you need to be certain that the vet who fills out the paperwork is USDA certified to complete the health certificate. If he’s not, it will be rejected. You can go to this link to look up doctors who are USDA certified.
A “type 1” or “type 2” Vet are both OK for dogs.

If you go over the $12 limit you pay for the whole drink, they do not subtract $12 from the price.

We were in QG and just got off in New York on October 25.

We were in disembarkation group 2 and our disembarkation time was listed as 8 AM.

The QG restaurant opened early, I believe it was 6:30 AM.

What I liked this time was they were checking the queue and making sure that the only people who were in line, were members of the proper designated group. This prevented a free-for-all with everybody trying to jump the line and get off at the same time.

We had our luggage,  was through immigration, and in front of the terminal by 830. 

We just got off QM2 on Tuesday 25 October. We were in QG and there was no table number waiting in our state room, and we were sure table for me arrived at the restaurant.

There was much more than 6 inches between the tables because the waiters were able to pass between our two top of the two top next to us.

And yes,  just the best tables are going to go to the most expensive cabins. However, if you’re not happy with your table, simply talk to the maître d’, and he will try to accommodate you as best he can.   

I don’t pay much attention to the luggage limitations. I look at the type of car I’m renting and then can make a determination on that. 
 

LHR to Leicester we are renting an E class Mercedes, and it still says only two suitcases.  I know thats E class Mercedes can pack a whole bunch more than that.

I’m not sure that I would trust the spa  booking system using Cunard’s website.  It’s not exactly super reliable.

We usually book the spa when we get on board, but I took a look at booking online and our westbound had pretty much had the same (only early AM available) problem.    

The verbiage on the thermal suite booking page says: “ you can book the pass online, and choose your desired time on board ( 8-10 AM; 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM; 1 to 3 PM; 3:50 to 5:30 PM; 6 to 8 PM)“.   

When the 2hr  passes were loaded into my cart, they assigned odd times such as 8:15 and 9 AM which are not even the session start times so I don’t have a lot of faith in those appointment times

The system also only offered up the first three days of the crossing. The last four days were grayed out and unbookable at the moment.

Traveling is an adventure.  You never know what you’re going to find

15 minutes ago, techteach said:

@gkerlin Could you please report back after your cruise? I will be booking transportation for our trip in December. Thanks.

I sure will.    I also booked them from LHR to our hotel on Leicester Square so I'll have 2 trips with them.

We are on the October 18 TA and are spending a few days in London first.

On the recommendation of our travel agent who loves them, plus several friends who use them frequently, we made reservations with Blacklane.

https://www.blacklane.com/en/

OK thank you.

I wonder how difficult it will be to get a weekly pass with a time we like.

Time will tell

Just checking in with some who’ve been on board recently, to see what the current status is regarding the aqua therapy center.

Previously, my understanding is that they were selling limited passes for the week with strict appointment times.

Just curious if it has loosened up some and what sort of passes are currently being sold. We’ll be making the westbound on October 18 and always like to get the week pass

Thanks for the helpful replies.  

We'll be traveling on Monday Oct 17th    Our time is flexible but I figured we'd travel mid-day simply because its not commuter times.

I like to take trains in different countries for the "experience" but from what I can glean from researching this route its not anything special so it sounds like the Car Service is the way to go.

Towards that end - some suggestions?

Hire a car from Sout'n to come get me -or one from London?

I see "executive" was mentioned, but when I google that a bunch of "executives" come up.   Are they these people ?

And Majestic comes up with several hits.   Is this the company referred to?

Has anyone used 12 Transfers out of London?  They have a lot of good reviews.

It looks like South Coast has either been bought or changed names.   

They have unpaid bills and now they link to TMR Chauffeurs.

I'm looking for some suggestions on services that people have used.

Thanks again!

I'm trying to figure out whether to take a Car Service or the Train from London to Sout'n the day before our Oct 18, 2022 crossing.

We'll either take the train from Waterloo, or a car from our hotel (The Londoner) on Leicester Square.

Not being familiar with the UK trains, and reading that this route is more commuter makes me wonder if it will be luggage friendly.

Our trip would be off hours - departing London around 1130.

The two us us will each have a carry-on sized wheeled case, plus a folded hanging suit bag.  The hanging bag can sit on top of, and strap to, the wheeled carry-on so only one hand is needed to pull it along.

We'll be staying overnight at the Harbor Hotel in Sout'n so would need a cab from the station vs the car service would drop us off at the door.

I'm not worried about the money.   I'm more concerned about dependability.

Logistics are certainly easier with the car service but I don't know who is reputable and can be counted on and who is not.

The train is faster and likely more reliable.

Anyone with experience with either the Southwest Train from London to Sout'n -  or a reputable car service from London have any thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Greg

I need to issue a correction now as I’m not certain that our friend did indeed receive the “Covid letter” for their May 1 crossing.

I looked at the text exchange between my wife and her friend, and her friend said she received the letter “a couple of weeks ago” which certainly would not have been the letter we’ve been talking about since that communication seems to arrive just a few days prior to sailing.

My apologies for any confusion.

Thanks bluemarble.  I just found out friends of ours are also on the May 1 crossing and they did receive the “Covid letter” from Cunard. 
 

Now I’ll have to see if I know anybody on the May 8

Does anyone know if passengers on the April 24 received the Cunard email re: QM2 Managing Covid on board, that offered refunds/FCC’s?

Also the May 1?

Our friends on the April 17 crossing received their email 4 days prior.   So the May 1 crossing would probably be today or tomorrow.

One of their party tested positive a day after arrival in Southampton so obviously he picked it up on board.

On edit: I’ve seen another post that referenced the April 24 receiving the Covid letter, so I’m wondering if it continues to the May 1 crossing

Well after Safarigal takes her east, and Jack brings her back west, we’ll be jumping on May 15 with the pups to take her back east.

I will be interested to hear an update from both of you regarding how things are on board.

I am especially interested as to whether the aqua therapy pools, sauna, and steam rooms will be operating. They seem to be our main pleasure on a crossing as much of our time is otherwise taken up with “kennel duty“ (keeping the pups happy).     It would be hard to imagine them being open if masks are required universally indoors, but one can hope eh?

For some of you who just completed a TransAtlantic:
 

Are people currently being tested mid voyage on a transatlantic?

We are on the May 15 Eastbound.

Not that I care about being tested, anything to keep the ships sailing are fine by me,  just curious

Friends of ours who are embarking on today’s TA in Brooklyn just informed us that they are doing Covid testing of all passengers at the terminal. Regardless of the fact that everyone was required to get a test before hand.

The word is that a lot of people are upset. Perhaps because of the delay?

Our friends received a letter (which I posted in another thread) informing them about Covid on board and the resurgence of mask mandates. I’m wondering if this new procedure  is related to that, and if they had an outbreak the QM2’s Caribbean cruise.

4 hours ago, bluemarble said:

 

The Cunard website indicates NAAT tests are acceptable for US departures. From the "Accepted pre-cruise tests for the USA and Canada" section of their "Preparing to sail - at the terminal" page:

 

"The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test)."

Ahhh…. Thanks blue marble!

I looked at the upper section about testing at the terminal and it only specified an antigen test but somehow I missed down below where they list the accepted tests where it does mention NAAT

That gives me more options just in case.

We leave on a TA Sunday, May 15 and I have the Binax now medically observed tests which we plan to use. Since we’ll be traveling/arriving from Arizona in our motorhome I’m hoping the cell data service will be sufficient for the self-test on Friday, but I was looking for a back up test location Plan B just in case.

 I also have noticed that very few Walgreens/CVS locations where we will be in upstate NY have the rapid antigen test. Most of them have rapid NAAT tests however. I’m not sure if the NAAT test is considered acceptable by Cunard. Supposedly they’re more sensitive and a better test but who the heck knows? 

Looks like masks are making a comeback due to increasing cases onboard.

Friends of ours are on the April 17 Eastbound TA, departing in four days, and just received this email.

Important information about your voyage.   Booking reference: xxxxxxx   Dear Mrs (name deleted)   We are committed to the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. Our health protocols have proven effective against COVID-19 and have been developed in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and global medical experts. Before you complete your check-in, we would like to inform you that we are currently managing a number of COVID-19 cases on board. Our protocols anticipate this possibility and are designed to flex and adapt to these situations. We are operating only highly vaccinated voyages and our crew and guests are up to date with their vaccinations and receive a booster when eligible. Given the protection offered by vaccines, the individuals who have tested positive generally have either no symptoms or mild symptoms and are being managed in a specific isolation area of the ship. Out of an abundance of caution, we are now requiring that all guests wear masks indoors – except, of course, when eating or drinking and in your own stateroom.  This is particularly important in areas where larger numbers of people are congregating indoors, and for anyone who is not fully vaccinated or has a health condition that may put them at higher risk of severe disease. Health experts advise you use a higher-grade mask while indoors such as FFP2/KN95 or a surgical mask. Complimentary masks are provided in your stateroom. If you need additional masks, please ask your stateroom steward, or visit Guest Services. We recommend you change your mask every 3-4 days or when spoiled or difficult to breathe through. We also encourage everyone to follow good hygienic practices that are applicable in our everyday lives.  Please remember to:   Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly before eating, and after using the restroom. Use your stateroom restroom whenever possible. Use hand sanitizers where handwashing facilities are not available. Minimize direct contact, such as handshaking, with others during your cruise. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissues are immediately available, sneeze or cough into the top of your arm rather than your hands. If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms on board, please immediately notify the Medical Staff by phoning 999. COVID-19 symptoms include: Sore throat, congestion, runny nose, fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhoea. The Medical Staff are authorised to conduct an initial medical evaluation for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms at no cost to you. You may also be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 at any time before embarkation and during your voyage. Testing requirements may change without notice. Protecting you and your booking If you are currently experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please follow current medical advice and do not travel to the airport / terminal. Having read this notification, we encourage you to assess your individual risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 disease. If you have concerns about joining the ship and you wish to transfer, postpone or cancel your voyage on Queen Mary 2, you will be given a 100% refund on all monies paid, including on any company-booked shore experiences. Please let us know by contacting us on: Australia: 13 24 41 Europe (exc. Germany) , Middle East, Africa and the Rest of the World: +44 (0) 2380 657064 Germany: +49 (0) 40 415 33 555 New Zealand: 0800 543 431 United Kingdom: +44(0) 344 338 8630 North America: +1 800 728-6273 Alternatively, please contact your travel agent. Thank you for taking the time to read this advisory and we wish you a very enjoyable holiday. Yours sincerely, Dr K Ramsdale Medical Director Carnival UK

We’ve made the trip several times and will be doing round trips again May / Oct this year and next year as well.

Here is a link to the USDA search tool to find a proper “accredited” veterinarian. Once you find a vet in the area you can Google search to find out the practice they work at. It Has to be an accredited veterinarian has not all veterinarians can fill out the paperwork.

https://vsapps.aphis.usda.gov/vsps/public/VetSearch.do

Here is a link to a blog post of our first trip with the dogs in 2018.   
 

http://eilean350.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-voyage-has-begun.html?m=0

First it seems like a lot to do and feels overwhelming, but actually it’s a pretty simple process once you understand it.