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On 8/25/2022 at 12:46 PM, shipgeeks said:
The pier in Halifax is right at the boardwalk, a very accessible area along the waterfront, leading to museums, eateries, etc. One would not need a tour to enjoy a day there, taking in the waterfront sights and the adjoining attractions.
I totally agree. The waterfront walk is excellent. Don"t miss going to the museum It is right along the waterfront walk as well as a visitor center that may be helpful. We enjoy taking the public ferry round trip across the river for another perspective.of the city. The public garden are in Halifax are beautiful but I am not sure if your electric scooters would be up to the steep streets leading there.
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On 9/5/2022 at 3:32 PM, RachelG said:
Has anyone actually been successful in renting a car at the port recently? I tried to go through the National website, but it makes no mention of being able to rent at the port.
I tired to rent a car there in October 2019. I was arriving by cruise ship and was requesting a reservation weeks in advance. The rental company was very kind and gave me lots of information about the area, roads, driving time, etc.. I must have been on the phone with this extremely helpful agent for well over a half hour. After the lengthy conversation, I didn't reserve a car. Early September is the end of their tourist/visitor season. Many services are greatly cut back or eliminated at that time. I am a seasoned traveler and prefer independent experiences, but always consider safety first. Renting a car at this time of the, year, in this port with limited services, for me was not a wise choice especially given a strict ship's sailing time.
THis is a wonderful, welcoming port. There is a visitor center in the port terminal that you can contact in advance. When a ship comes in, the local people come out and make the port area like a festival for the entire day. I had a fantastic day surrounded by and mingling with the local people,
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On 8/24/2022 at 5:34 PM, Renmar said:
Thanks for this information. We are on our first Cunard cruise and our first Atlantic crossing by ship. We want to travel as light as possible because we are traveling around Europe for 6 weeks and we are not planning on lugging heavy suitcases around (we are 80+). We have no problem with spending the gala nights at any of the locations which not require formal wear.
Again, much appreciated.
Theo
Is a dark blue blazer (2 or 3 button style) or a double breasted dark blue blazer with a dress shirt and tie acceptable in the Britannia dining room on formal nights? That seems to be what is stated in the new dress code: jacket, with dress shirt and tie required for men on formal evenings. The new dress code states nothing about a dark suit or tux. I have always worn a tux on formal evenings and a jacket with tie all other nights in the Britannia dining room. I would welcome having to pack less. Any input on what is required in relation to the new dress requirements would be appreciated.
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On 10/1/2021 at 10:05 AM, bluemarble said:
Here are links to partial 2021-22 dress code and themed evening schedules for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth in PDF format. I've compiled these schedules from what other members have found on "My Cunard" within the day-by-day calendars for their voyages. As of this posting, schedules are apparently not yet available for Queen Victoria.
QM2: QM2 2021-22 Dress Code and Theme Schedule
QE: QE 2021-22 Dress Code and Theme Schedule
This is very much a work-in-progress with many gaps in these schedules. I have filled in some gaps for QM2 under the assumption all seven-night transatlantic crossings will adhere to a standard schedule as they have in the past.
If you can fill in any of the gaps in these schedules, please post what you are seeing in "My Cunard" (or have learned elsewhere). If you are seeing schedules for QV, please post those here as well. I'll need the name of the ship, the begin/end dates of your voyage, and the dates and themes for all the "Gala Evenings" on your itinerary.
If you see anything that needs to be corrected, please post those corrections here as well. These documents reside on my Google Drive so I'll be able to update them there with your additions and corrections without needing to attach new versions here.
I have been told by a Cunard agent in the California office that men are no longer required to wear jackets on casual evenings in the Britannia dining room. The new dress code that was sent to me states slacks and a dress shirt for men on casual evenings in Britannia dining room; jacket, dress shirt and tie on formal nights.
I would be pleased with any additional information related to the new dress code.
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On 7/8/2022 at 12:19 PM, penlady said:
What on earth has happened to the level of service that I knew and always received on board this ship. Stay tuned for my comments when I get time to write them.
I am sorry to hear your recent report of service on board our favorite ship. I sail in 2 weeks and hope for a better experience with service I have come to expect on QM2.
Perhaps you can take a few minutes to quickly answer my question on Cunard's new dress code. Approximately what percentage of men were no longer wearing jackets in Britannia dining room for dinner on Casual nights? The new dress code states slacks and a dress shirt for men on casual nights in Britannia dining room; no jacket required. For formal nights the new dress code states a jacket and tie for men. They have a photo of a gentleman in a sports jacket, slacks, dress shirt and tie for a formal night. They have a photo of a lady for a formal night in a short black dress. They also show a couple in the typical formal attire we are accustomed to. It is very confusing. We would welcome the opportunity to include less formal wear in packing. Where there many passengers in less formal wear on the formal evenings?
Thank you for any light you can shed on the subject.
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What does error 2F173/1 mean? How is it resolved? I am sailing soon on QM2 and cannot get past the error message. I am logged in so that is not the problem.
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Another suggestion: Hotels usually have info on car rentals or a car rental kiosk on site. The following hotels are very close to the cruise ship pier.....quick, easy walk. For additional car rental info, you might try contacting :
The Great George, 58 Great George St., Charlottetown 1-800-361-1118
Delta Prince Edward, 18 Queen St., Charlottetown ( part of a hotel chain deltahotels.com 1-866-894-1203)
Hotel on Pownal, 146, Pownal St., Charlottetown 1-800-268-6261 (This hotel is farther from the pier...about 6 blocks.)
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Budget had moved their downtown office a few years ago. The new office was too far for walking but they did have a pick up/drop off service at the pier. I wouldn't be surprised if they recently closed the office or only keep it open when cruise ships are in port. For more local up to date information contact the Charlottetown Tourist Information ....best if you phone but you can also go to their web site. The people are very friendly and helpful. It is a beautiful island and the color coded driving maps (available on line or at tourist info) are easy to follow.
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Per POM website:
Miami-Dade County Ordinance requires all guests with a disabled parking permit or license tag to pay standard parking rates except as provided by Florida State Law. However, two hours of complimentary parking will be provided to vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit or license tag.
In accordance with Florida Statute 316.1964, ONLY vehicles with specialized equipment such as ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls, for use by a person with a disability, or any vehicle that is displaying the “DV” license plate issued under s. 320.084 or the Florida Toll Exemption permit, is exempt from parking charges.
BlueEyes50,
Thank you for updating the information for disabled parking -- fees and requirements.
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We will be going to the Baths for the first time in December, so excited! We are leaning toward taking the excursion through the ship instead of planning our own arrangements. I'm trying to find out two things ... Is the ferry ride from the cruise ship especially rough? I saw a couple blogs that said the ferry ride was a real handful. Also, are there places to rent snorkel equipment nearby?
I did not see any places to rent snorkel equipment.
We took the ship tour and were happy we did. The large boat that took us to the Baths was docked right at the cruise ship pier. Vans were waiting for transfer to Baths -- no: waiting, lines, rushing, or long walks. Boat was very clean and comfortable; complimentary punch or rum punch on return. The negative: depending on schedules and time frame, you may have more time at the Baths using the ferry service.
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I'm confused. I chose the Baths because the excursion write-up said it is good for non-swimmers, but one poster has said they got pulled under by rip tide while swimming through the rocks area. It was my understanding that this involved wading only and climbing over and through rocks. Can someone definitively answer if there is swimming involved in the walk through the rocks, or is it just wading?
When we went through the caves, there was no swimming required but wading was necessary in a few areas. There is one spot where you have to go over a large boulder holding on to rope because it is slightly slippery. Best to wear water shoes. There are areas in the caves where swimming is possible, but optional.
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I Hated the Baths. We arranged for a private boat to take us and bring us back which you can do once off the ship and make your own schedule. It was not as beautiful as I imagined.The beach area is VERY small. The granite boulders looked like huge rocks, nothing special. The walk from one area to the other was frightening to me. I am claustrophobic and it was a near nightmare for me. Half way through a group came in the other direction so we stepped aside for them to use the rope to pull themselves up and over the slippery rock. After letting many go the area filled up from others coming in on our direction. I could not take it. I yelled for them to all get out of the way telling them I had to get out. I continued through and again the next beach, devils ...., was equally small. The walk to the roadway was about a 15 minute steep walk. The water in the rock areas were like rip currents. I was swimming through and got caught and tossed upside down. Luckily my DH saw me tumbling under the water and lifted me out. I am a strong swimmer and I was like a rag doll. I was cut all over and bleeding. The rocks are jagged and all over. Friends of mine stayed on Tortola and went to a top rated beach via taxi and had a wonderful time. I would recommend Crane Garden Bay. I would never do The Baths again and would not recommend it. The ride out there was a very fast 30 minute speed boat ride of all bumps since they were cranking it up to make it there fast.
Sorry you had such a miserable day. I don't like tight areas either but my experience at the Baths was the total opposite. I took the ship tour in Nov. 2015. The sea was choppy on the boat ride to the Baths, but the boat and captain handled it well and passengers were comfortable. Red flags were up at the Baths indicating strong currents and No Swim warnings. We went through all the caves from one beach to the other round trip without issue. Despite several tour groups being at the Baths, we never encountered a crowded area. The natural beauty of the Baths kept me enthralled and I never experienced that dreaded tight feeling.
I've been to the Caribbean many times and to most of the islands. The tour to the Baths was one of the very best I've done in the Caribbean. This is a perfect example of how people experience things differently. My choice for a perfect beach day would never be Cane Bay Beach on Tortola (or Magens Bay on St. Thomas). Tortola is one of my favorite islands. I only hope that with the arrival of more cruise ships the island will not loose its charm which has happened on many of the other islands.
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I'm very surprised that if you've spent two weeks on St. Maarten, you don't have any idea about what you would like to do.
Give us at least a little direction.
What have you done in the past that you don't want to do again?
gary
Gary, My impression of St. Martin is crowds, crowds, and more crowds....not my idea of a nice vacation day. Do you have any suggestion for a port day that would not involve crowds? I enjoy the beach but not one with wall to wall chairs. Are there any natural, unspoiled areas or tours that highlight the natural areas of the island? Do you have any input on the Tall Ship sailing?
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Has any gone on this tour and can give a review?
Description: approx. 5 hours; Carib Indian guide; visit Botanical Gardens; Morn Bruce overlook; Hibiscus Falls (approx. 60 steps at falls with option to take a dip in the pool); organic, vegetarian, buffet lunch at eco-village with native Carib Indian dancers; drive through Carib Indian Territory; short photo stop for
scenery and craft stalls; photo stop to view Castle Bruce black sand beach.
Would appreciate as much info as possible?
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When we went to Dominica in December 2009, we booked a private tour with Beno and it was the highlight of the week. We wanted to go to the Caribe Indian territory, so he took us to the village where we took a tour and bought some baskets. He then took us to a waterfall (can't remember the name).
Dominica is still relatively unspoiled and beautiful. Enjoy the day and your trip!
We are considering a Carib Indian Eco-village tour. Sounds similar to your tour.
This one reads: approx. 5 hour tour - With Carib Indian guide visit the Botanical Gardens; continue to Morn Bruce overlook; journey to Hibiscus Falls in the rain forest (approx. 60 stairs at falls -- option to take a dip in pool at bottom of falls); organic, vegetarian, buffet lunch at eco-village; Indian dancing; drive through Carib Indian territory with photo stop and craft stalls; photo stop at Castle Bruce black sand beach.
Is this the tour you did? If so could you be specific on what you liked and dislike and why.
We have been to Dominica before and went into the rain forest very far from Roseau. Looking for something different to do this time.
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How is the shopping in Dominica? Just wondering. I am talking about clothes and things made in Dominica. thanks
gina
They are noted for baskets made locally. In Roseau a huge selection in all sizes and shapes can be found at the Old Market. Prices are reasonable.
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Appreciate the nice follow-up from this Texas "neighbor" in the Ft. Worth-Dallas area. Yes, it was fun!! BUT, make sure you are wearing the head gear. You'll get "flipped" around a good bit and those stones in the river are smooth and HARD!
THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio
Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139
for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 160,553 views for this posting.
Which river were you on? Our choice is Layou river or Pagau river. Not sure which to select.
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Depending on your mobility, there is a public bus stop about 3 blocks from the pier. It is a slight up hill walk, but not as steep as the roads/hills farther on in town. Inquire at Tourist Info for a bus route map and directions. I'm not a fan of Hoho buses. I would opt for a taxi to the Citadel if walking is an issue. If possible, I suggest walking back to the ship. From the Citadel it is an easy walk to the lovely Public Gardens, not to be missed. On returning to the ship, it will be a down hill walk toward the level waterside promenade.
Enjoy your visit.
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You should be able to check in at The pursers desk on board and obtain your new boarding card. before debarking
You use your old boarding card to debark on the morning in Southampton then use the new card to embark. You also will be able to book excursions for that morning you are in Southampton on board. Speak to the tourist desk when you first join the ship or if a tour is selling out, get your TA to do it. When you return you just walk through to security, show your new card and then onboard.
Very helpful - thank you
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We are on a back to back... Does anyone know what time we can disembark and embark?
I want to plan our day for a trip to Salisbury or one of the market towns.
Thanks!
Hi Jacqueline, A few years ago in Southamton, it was possible to be off the ship by 7:30 a.m.. It was a very easy disembarkation. They usually don't confirm reboard time until the evening before sailing day. My guess is it will probably be 3 or 3:30 p.m. since currently the ship is scheduled to sail at 4:30 p.m.. A life boat drill will be scheduled before sailing, but is optional for those doing back to back.
With heightened security everywhere, there is no certainty with exact procedures anywhere.
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Although the New Forest ho-ho is OK for seeing the Forest (three routes on one all-day ticket), IMHO it's not at all suited for transport from Southampton to Beaulieu - it would be time-consuming and very poor value.
You can take a local bus to Lyndhurst, the self-proclaimed "capital of the New Forest", then the 10am green ho-ho via Brockenhurst to Beaulieu. Earliest you'd get to Beaulieu would be 10.52
Or a train to Brockenhurst, then the green route to Beaulieu. Same ho-ho, depart Brockenhurst 10.12, same earliest arrival of 10.52.
But the ho-ho routes are one way. So the return to Lyndhurst would take almost an hour, to Brockenhurst would take almost 1.5 hrs.
Likewise the little ferry from Southampton across to Hythe, then the green route. Again, because the route is one-way, although the return to Hythe from Beaulieu takes only half an hour, the convoluted "pretty" route from Hythe to Beaulieu takes well over 1.5 hours, with an earliest arrival time of 12.07pm.
You can avoid the convoluted parts of the ho-ho by taking the train to Brockenhurst then the green ho-ho to Beaulieu, but for the return using the ho-ho from Beaulieu to Hythe for the ferry back to Southampton. This would make better use of your time but would almost-double the combined train & ferry fares as well as getting little value out of the ho-ho tickets.
So yes, you can use the ho-ho but IMHO it's not a good use of your limited time and it's not kind to your purse.
The ferry plus Beach Bus might work out, but for whatever reason the early bus times only go to Beaulieu village (Beaulieu Garage). From there it's a 15 to 20 minute walk to the entrance to the Beaulieu complex, and I doubt you'd find a taxi. The main gate on Palace Lane isn't a public entrance.
If it suits your back-on-board time, the 3.11pm Beach Bus back to Hythe does call at the Beaulieu complex but although it gets you half-price tickets on the ferry, if you use the bus only for the trip back to Hythe it'll save little compared to a taxi both ways.
There is a local bus service between Hythe and Beaulieu, but it's so desperately infrequent as to be useless.
I strongly suggest in your circumstances you take the Hythe ferry from Southampton, then a taxi from Hythe pier to the Beaulieu complex.
The Hythe ferry pier at Southampton is on Town Quay, easily walkable from City (berth 101) or Ocean (berth 46) cruise terminals or a 5-minute £6 taxi ride from Mayflower (berth 105/6) or QE11 (berth 30/40)terminals.
The ferry service is half-hourly, journey time 20 minutes, return fare £6. An interesting and smooth crossing of Southampton Water to a very very long pier at Hythe. A little narrow-gauge train meets the ferry & takes you to the shore. Aim to sit at the landward end of the train in order to be amongst the first at the taxi rank.
The 6 mile / 15 minute drive from the taxi rank at the pier across a corner of the New Forest to Beaulieu will cost vaguely £12 to £14 e/w.
Do arrange with the driver to collect you at an agreed time for the return to Hythe - there 's no taxi rank at Beaulieu.
Present your ferry ticket when you pay your admission at Beaulieu - that used to give a discount but I don't know if that's still the case.
If you take the 9am ferry from Southampton you'll be in Beaulieu before 10am.
I suggest that at the Beaulieu complex you visit Palace House, abbey ruins and SOE museum first - the motor museum is large & interesting but time-consuming & you don't want to miss those other aspects.
The place is well worth a very full day, but you'll see plenty in your 4 to 5 hours.
Common sense says to return on the second-to-last suitable ferry just in case of any hiccups.
Finally, do check on the Beaulieu website whether any major events are planned for the date of your visit.
http://www.thenewforesttour.info/routes/green-route
http://www.thebeachbus.info/#timetable-anchor
http://hytheferry.co.uk/?page_id=194
https://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/southampton_accommodation.htm (the little thumbnail map at the bottom of the page shows the cruise terminals. The Hythe ferry terminal on Town Quay is close to the Isle of Wight hi-speed terminal, the yellow E on the map.)
JB :)
Your reply and information is most appreciated and extremely helpful. Thank you for being so thorough.
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What is the procedure for reboarding the ship in Southampton when back to back transatlantic cruises were each booked separately. For each cruise there is a different booking number, but I have the same cabin for each transatlantic crossing.
Having the same cabin on both cruises, there will be no issue of changing cabins. My concern is the ease of reboarding and procedure. I would like to do a tour on the port day in Southampton and plan for best use of time ashore.
Because my 1st cruise booking indicates disembarking in Southampton, I can not pre-book a ship's tour for Southampton port day. Once on-board, will I be permitted to book a ship's tour for the port day in Southamton?
Any additional information will be appreciated.
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Excellent post, thank you. As I have said I don't mind putting on Khakis and a nice shirt but a tux ain't happening. I'd have no problem eating in the buffet every night. I suppose there is no dress code there other than no bathing suits or something like that? Thanks again for the post.
There are usually 3 or 4 formal nights on the transatlantic crossings. The majority of men wear either a tux, dark suit with tie, or Heritage attire. A business suit with tie would also be acceptable.
The dining room in the evenings is a very nice experience and formal nights are usually special. It is all part of the experience. Give it some thought before you choose the buffet for every night.
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In addition to the Beach Bus via the Hythe Ferry you can also connect with the New Frest Hoho bus in Hythe. Or you can take the train to Brockenhurst and take Hoho or bikes through New Forest.
Did you do this on a port day? I'm concerned with time frame and timely return to ship for sailing. How frequent did you find pick ups along the route of the Hoho? Do the trains Southampton>Brockenhurst>Southampton run frequently?--travel time? Approximate Hoho travel time Brockenhurst to Beaulieu? When in the New Forest a few years ago in July, the traffic in and around Brockenhurst was extremely congested, almost at a stand still.
Sydney independently.
in Canada/New England
Posted
There used to be a local bus that went to Louisborg. There are some local tours and private guides that do tours. I would definitely arrange something in advance.