buchanan101

7 weeks today I will on my first crossing.... 😁

well I guess they need to keep it clear for planes to land on? It was the Carnival Vista I saw parked there in 2016. - which isn't actually much longer than Concorde QM2 is actually only a cricket pitch longer than the Carnival Vista, at least according to wikipedia

It may have been different if it docked over on the west side of Manhattan. I've seen a cruise ship right next to the Aircraft Carrier museum. That would be a pretty good spot to "hotel" in New York. I'm guessing it's either size, or the need for immigration facilities that means Brooklyn is used?

Stayed just off Times Square before - didn't find it a problem apart from the throng to get through at the end of the day. It's nice and central to go off in various directions, which we do - certainly don't hang around Times Square! Hope we aren't two of your "not the best ones"

In July? Both New York and south of France WAY too hot!!

We are off in 62 days... I think we are getting the RSC (performing parts of plays) and a gospel choir. Not at the same time...though that'd be interesting Trying to persuade (tease) my OH that we can have dance lessons on board...

Love New York. There for 8 days last time… an Indian summer in Nov 2016 which by coincidence we were there for Trump’s election. Which was interesting… Immigration; There is something at JFK. I remember last time the process was semi-automated. I was ok because I’d been there before since 2008. Automated Passport Control - assume Brooklyn has the same. This is from BA website. “If you're arriving in JFK Terminal 7 and have a US or Canadian passport, a B1/B2 tourist visa or if you're travelling on the ESTA Visa Waiver Programme, you can use an Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosk to speed up your travel through immigration. Instead of filling out a paper customs form, you can scan your passport, take a photograph, and answer a series of customs-related questions using the APC kiosk. Please then take your receipt and passport to a US Customs and Border Patrol officer to finalise your documents for entry into the USA. If you're travelling on an ESTA or a B1/B2 tourist visa you will need to have entered the USA at least once since 2008.

I believe that the QM2 had to get special dispensation to have the lifeboats that high - because of crossing the North Atlantic The perils of the North Atlantic (especially in wintertime) are numerous, accordingly Payne designed the vessel with her lifeboats 88 ft. (27 m) above the water instead of the SOLAS recommended 49 ft. (15 m). SOLAS made this exception because of the condition of service that the Queen Mary 2 is intended for. According to Ellis, a SOLAS clause states that if a vessel will be traveling in poor weather, lifeboats can be secured at a higher level than the usual 49 ft. (15 m). This clause, coupled with Lloyd's Register's assistance, was the focal point of a meeting in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Coast Guard, who after mulling Cunard's reasoning opted to waive the conventional lifeboat height requirement.

Shirt requirement now just "collared". This would include polo shirts

Thanks - just looked at the first link to your blog - impressive that there was no one else on the ship when you took the photos! The terminal is very close to Manhattan, especially compared with JFK. I think after splashing out for Queens Grill e can afford a cab 😉

Thanks! Those 5 year old prices aren't going to be a lot less now I'd guess than booking a transfer (found some for about £70 to Times Square), but we will be Queens Grill and it may well beat trying to find your driver

Possibly the same story that all UK passengers have had one time or another at Terminal 7?? Last time was very quick as chose the seats carefully on the plane, moved quickly and were first through. I think it's quicker now because there are egates?

It seems such a shame that the ship leaves the same day it arrives; made it unattractive for us...all that way and just a few hours in NY - I guess they've done the trade offs - it won't be earning much money if it sits there for 2 or 3 days. Wonder if they ever pop up to Boston for an overnight there and back to NY for people wanting a few days in NY and a cruise both ways... (Good move to do the tour through Cunard - means the ship has to wait for you...!) Which crossing are you on?

Looking to book a transfer... just wondering what time to say (obviously be in contact with driver on mobile). Or is it just easier to get a cab - private transfers to Manhattan are about £70?

No! It is fine - sort of mistake I'd make!! So Brooklyn is like the fun at JFK, but at least hopefully it'll be like last time we went where on the plane I deliberately chose ports side seats right at the front of premium economy... once bitten by those immigration queues... Thank you!

Thanks - but arriving in Brooklyn, not Southampton. We thought given the choice a NY arrival would be a bit more glamourous than the oil refineries of the Solent - in any case we frequently go to the IoW so are very familiar with the Solent arrival!

Hi - first time QM2 crossing only 2 months away, and I like to be organised... Best way from Brooklyn Terminal to Times Square? I understand that immigration is carried out on board during the crossing, so it shouldn't be anything like arriving at JFK? Is that correct? Travelling Queens' (Queen's?) Grills - so priority disembarkation - what does that entail? Does it work booking a private transfer (have done from JFK before) or I guess that there will there be enough cabs waiting? What sort of time would we be off? Thanks

Excellent, thank you. And these are replaced when required? Surprised there isn't the current go-to red - a Malbec. Or maybe I am behind the times!

The requirement before this was hardly a big deal - order a £10 test for home, photo it and get a certificate. I guess short of a witnessed test it was open to abuse. I bet it all changes - for tighter requirements- before our trip in October.

We aren't quite as discerning (i.e. knowledgeable) as you folk. There's plenty in the packages that we'd try, so probably just go for the Captain's selection package. Not going to do any other drinks package - I won't be drinking fancy coffees as I need to save some calories on the intake (+ several walks round the main deck), so black coffee available in the Queens Grill room and lounge should be enough... Wonder what the quality of wine is like that they offer to stock the fridge with in the QG room - don't drink spirits much so may just take a single bottle of decent gin on board Under 3 months now... Covid permitting...

A question on wines - are the 6 bottle wine packages good value?

That is sort of what is called a Sports Jacket in the UK

Tux or dark suit is the guidance I believe - if rental is $100 a night for two galas might as well buy one...

Ok, Mayflower 106 is not a walk from Red Funnel whereas Ocean Terminal may just have been... We will probably get wine as part of our 2 bottle top up...OBC is only $460 for the pair (and $100 of that was as a shareholder) May get one of the packages for meal times Thanks...just hope Covid is not back with a bang

My take on reading info recently sent is that it has to be a tailored shirt - i.e. not a t shirt? But jacket optional. They say dress as if going to a smart restaurant or theatre... (which I take as button up shirt and chinos...) I'm questioning whether to buy a suit or a tux (the latter seems to be cheaper) for the two gala nights. Can tuxs be hired on board?