BklynBoy8
-
Posts
5,203 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by BklynBoy8
-
-
Hi,
Thanks for your replies. I agree that Cunard should offer some more variety with this Independence Day itinerary. The QE2 (my all-time favorite ship) used to offer more cruises from New York. I have decided to wait and book a longer cruise with more sea days. Also, I don't like the fact that I would not be able to enjoy any of my World Club Diamond benefits during this short cruise.
Chuck
Chuck, agree with you on both counts.
Use to like the QE2 Selections a lot in the past. Never had a problem with booking the cruises we liked and looked forward too. Each year without skipping a year.
QM2 use to keep Brooklyn Cruise Terminal very busy in the past before favoring Europe ex. Hamburg destination.
Also we should take advantage of our loyalty benefits earned....
-
Preliminary itineraries for 2019 show the trip being extended to 7 nights with a port call in Newport.
Sent from my SM-J700T using Forums mobile app
WOW, thank's for the good news...Maybe there's hope for the future...With Newport being an inside bay less likely to have difficulty...Never had a problem with Newport all the times in the bay and like the port very much...Very interesting
-
There was a similar topic last month:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2521392
I have to strongly disagree with the above. In my last sailing in December the early arrivals screwed up things for everybody. I was in PG, didn't get off the ship until after 10, and passengers were already arriving!
It's not logistically possible for 2691 passengers to be on the ship by Noon. Couple that with the delays in disembarkation due to US immigration staffing and early arrivals make traffic around the terminal miserable for everybody. Arriving passengers won't get on the ship any sooner and departing passengers have a difficult time meeting up with their rides because of all the congestion. This is why Cunard uses staggered boarding times - in an attempt to prevent this from happening when too many people overwhelm the local infrastructure.
For a 5PM sailing check in cut off is 3:45 PM. If you arrive about 2PM you are more likely be breeze through.
Unfortunately you can't argue with passengers that have been waiting for that special day to arrive. On our arrival on July 1st early at the terminal, fortunately the terminal handed the crowds well with disembarkation and embarkation arrivals.
We always are thankful that the Staff at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal handle these situations in a professional and skillful manner.
Sorry that the start of your sailing was disappointing on arrival..
-
Hi Brooklyn Boy. I believe there is a change in itinerary for 2018: St John NB will replace Halifax as the first port stop. -S.
Salacia, I know about the change for next year which speaking to many on board this past cruise actually attracted them to this years with not much interest in St John's. Unfortunately next year would not have attracted us with St. John.
I mentioned Newport as an added port to Halifax and Boston. This cruise really needs to be a 7 day/6 night instead to add a spark to it. This itinerary is getting a bit old.
-
We are looking forward to our first Cunard cruise. Printed out our eticket last night. We are boarding in NY, Brooklyn, and they assigned a boarding time of 1500! No way would I normally arrive for a cruise that late. Do they hold you to that time or could we arrive at noon as we planned? Also note that they don't tell you what time they sail or the cut off time for boarding, which I normally see. Any help is appreciated.
First, Wishing You Bon Voyage! Have a Glass of Champs on Me...lol:champagne-toast:
Traditionally barring any weather condition delays, the QM2 Majestically sails into NY Harbor at 5PM. That is just after the mandatory boat drill at 4:30PM. We see the gangway pulled away after the boat drill. But we have seen not that often late comers arrive just too close for comfort..But I know many want to start the cruise as soon as they can board.
I do not see any problems arriving at Noon and boarding then. The terminal doors to the gangway are typically opened at Noon when the ship gives the word they are ready for boarding.
-
Dear Chuck,
First, Future Wishes to a Bon Voyage what ever is your choice.
If you are considering the cruise later on there is a thread started by a member from this year's last 4th cruise for next year
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2517859
We did this cruise this year for the 3rd and final time. Repeating it again would not make sense unless there were some changes to the schedule and contents. We found the cruise to almost be over so fast. Maybe if they added another port like Newport before the final 2nd day at sea. I too agree that days at sea are the best part a cruise experience. You also on this type of cruise not able to take advantage of built up World Club benefits that are typically offered for your grade of accomplishment ex. Platinum, Diamond.
Our most favorable cruise experience are Caribbean Cruises which we would never get enough of days at sea and visiting others islands and cultures not to mention better weather conditions.
My wife and I did travel Britannia Club on this past July 4th cruise and experienced the new 13th Deck Cabin recently added. We found them very nice and new in style but way too far a distance to travel (walk) back and forth from especially since the Britannia Club Restaurant is on the farest end of the ship 11 decks down. Good way to get hungry and work off your meals. If it seems we were disappointed with our placement while on guarantee, we were. We would not ask for this location again or choose it as a choice.
This reason for booking this cruise was sort of like your reason, but ours was concerning the caring of a family member back home. So we would have wished for a longer cruise.
On this past cruise, we really didn't see too many children surprisingly. And only adults were present in the Club Restaurant.
In 2007, we really did this cruise to try out the QM2 after a couple of decades of loyalty sailing on the QE2. Not flying anymore, our only choices of sailings are those out of NY Harbor.
Maybe one day we will treat ourselves to a BTB... Ah 14 days at sea...What Life and Experience..
Once again, Future Bon Voyage....
-
On our July cruise, we were booked for the Club Dining that evening.
On embarking on the ship, we were directed to the Kings Court or the neighboring Carintha Lounge which was the alternative location many went to.
Our first dining and assigned table took place that evening in the Club Britannia.
Bon Voyage...
-
Watching the QM2 leaving Brooklyn traveling thru NY Harbor with a NYC Fire Boat Salute.
What a beautiful Picture in All Her Glory..
-
Thank you Whirled Peas! I should note I was asked to remove a bulge in my suitcase when placing it in the overhead bin on the plane. It was a rain jacket and that extra sweater. No other issues and I believe/hope :o I have everything I will need onboard.
By the way, my itty bitty purse has been great. At first I thought I would miss all the extras I normally tote with me, but it works well so far. However I wish I had space for lipstick. You are on your way to lighter packing starting with that item!
Quite an exciting flight, though. Due to some malfunction, our 757 could not travel above 16,000 feet. The pilot told us we most likely would have to land somewhere along the way due to using so much fuel at the lower altitude. We made it to JFK, thankfully. Looking out the window, it felt like a helicopter tour of the entire northern USA border.
Safely in Brooklyn now, awaiting boarding!
Best of luck with your packing endeavor. :D
Glad you got here safely.
I know the excitement of being in the terminal and awaiting those "Golden Doors" open and heading for the gangway.
I envy you today...Wish we were with you..only three weeks ago we did the same walk as you boarding the QM2.
Maybe will watch you going under the VZ Bridge later by the Narrows..Hope the weather get better for a True Sail away...
-
Are there duty free shops at either the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal or the Southampton terminals?
Unfortunately No.
The terminal is just for Checking In, Security and Document/Boarding Procedures (Checking Boarding Documents, Obtaining Cabin Keyless Cards and Developing On Board Cashless Accounts).
It is not like a Airline Terminal design...
-
Dear BklynBoy8,I promise not to subject my fellow crossers to my unruly left feet on the dance floor; yet I hope I may peacefully sit and vicariously enjoy the braver, more skilled whirlers on a few nights at sea. Being a solo cruiser this time, even that passive moment feels a bit awkward.
No weight gain? I'm envious. Yes, that gym may see me now that I know you were able to stave off the bulge of so many meals.
I commiserate with you regarding the stationary bike. My 10-years-younger :ohusband can exercise anywhere; however I require a task. I cannot end up where I started, such as cycling around a track. If I can ride to the store to buy rice, then I will go. Hence the TA, rather than a round-trip sailing with port excursions. I will have reached another location when I disembark!
Again, your kind words have heightened my enthusiasm for this solo adventure. Less than one week to go!
Many thanks,
Sphynxie
Oh BTW, there is also the Romp Around The Promenade Deck. Three times around equals close to 1 mile. How delightful to stroll in the morning those several times with the fresh sea air and those accompanying your around the Deck as encouragement. What a wonderful way to start the day or working off a meal.
Also I too enjoy sitting and watching those energetic participates in the Queen Room or those with those Super Moves in G32 Disco late at Night. Where they get that energy at that time is amazing. G32 is a great place to chill out.....lol...
-
Thank you BklynBoy8! You've been a great help. Maybe they won't conflict because one won't be offered. I probably could do 10:30 am for bridge lessons, rather than the 9:30 am I keep seeing in 2016 Daily Programmes.
Ooh, line dancing: I'd be much more likely to harm someone dancing than fencing. My legs never seem aware of what the rest of me is doing. Hence, I row crew or attend a spin class, as my feet are tied down and cannot endanger others around me. Yes, bridge sounds perfect for me....Thanks again!
Hi Sphynxie,
I know what you mean about two left feet in a different direction.
We had a few of those on our last cruise and admitted caution around us. But we still had fun. Best to hide out in the G32 Disco at nite when everyone let everything Hang Out. (Also dark mood lighting)..
You should have a lot more activities especially on a TA. A lot more activities on TA since you are continuously Days at Sea. The pages of the Daily Programme are filled.
Ditto about stationary bikes. I liked doing it but I don't seem to get any place but where I am. lol... So I do like when they have Screen displays to distract you. You will enjoy the Fitness Center on the QM2. It has three parts, Fitness, bikes, treadmills etc... So Enjoy those in between meal workouts. Lucky I didn't gain anything this past cruise.
Enjoy!
-
Just wondering if certain activities require daily attendance to make them worthwhile. For example, do fencing &/or bridge lessons start with class #1 the first sea day, then build the skills each subsequent morning throughout the voyage...or can I start mid cruise? I soon will be embarking on a TA and noticed both activities take place roughly the same time; yet I'd love to try my hand at both pursuits. Plus, I don't know if I want to awaken so early every day on vacation. :cool:
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Sphynxie
Hi Sphynxie,
On our recent voyage on July 1st since it was a short one only the Bridge Lessons were offered.
Looking at the Daily Programme the sessions were offered at Days at Sea at 10:30AM and 2PM in the Atlantic Room on Deck 11 Forward Stairway/Elevator A.
Looking in I can say that it was well attended each morning that it was being offered. Fencing was not being offered but Line Dance Lessons were being offered.
Bon Voyage..
-
Thanks. Don't want to stiff or over tip.
You won't be stiffing them.
We personally know ILS (Longshoremen) and they appreciate the extra thought. A little extra makes up for those that do STIFF them, and passengers do. Either being in a rush or intentional. After a cruise, appreciate not having to carry the luggage till you eventually have too!
-
How much do you tip?
We've generally tip the porter 3-4 dollars for each piece of luggage he helped us with.
-
Good luck with that. He's generally not around much. Your best bet is to shake his hand at one of the reception cocktail parties in the Queen's Room.
Not true all the times. Our cruise did not have a Reception Cocktail Party.
We had the pleasure with a cordial invitation to have Captain Wells attend our Cruise Critics Meet & Greet during the July 1st voyage. We were very pleased of his presence with us for about a 40 minute visit.
A true gentleman and really down to earth. We even thanked him for the group picture with him.
One other voyage, Commodore Warner also accepted our invitation warmly.
-
Captain Wells said he hopes to go on vacation mid July. He is such a nice man and I personally hope he continues to sail for many years to come. Katherine
Katherine,
Hi! DId you see the Roll Call with the Group Picture I Posted. If you want file, you can email me.
Enjoyed seeing you
-
Our Solution this last Cruise...Off Amazon...Excellent Choice...Going To Get Another One Next Time...
Belkin 3-Outlet SurgePlus Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports (2.1 AMP / 10 Watt), BST300
-
How soon is "sooner"? Almost everybody wants to be on board in time for lunch and unpacked before the muster drill. Staggered boarding times are given in the hope that 2600 people don't all try to show up at once. The last time I was at Redhook people were arriving way too early - while the ship was still disembarking.
To answer your question nobody is turned away at the terminal if they show up early. You will be checked in but may have to wait in a lounge if your stateroom isn't yet ready. You will also encounter long check-in lines because too many passengers are trying to do exactly what you are trying to do. It's a logistical impossibility for everyone to be on the ship by Noon.
Ditto,
We embarked on 7/1/17 at Redhook and yes got there early due to clear roads but arrived at 10:50...There was a back up in the terminal with those disembarking thru the other entrance and congesting the front of the terminal. WOW, what a back up! Even the security was challenged to handling the traffic.
Slow going thru security and the security frames. We were lucky to be Diamond and easy check in but had quite a wait in the lounge. Lucky we knew someone that help pass the time. But there was congestion at 11:50 when the doors opened to the gangway.
We did get to our cabin to check it out and went to the Kings Court. Well the amount of people the crew had to handle was unbelievable. Not enough tables for all, took time to replace the food especially the hot food. About an hour later the crowds did ease off and all was back to normal.
Yes they do have a system to properly handle everyone and start the cruise off well. Not a good start for many that we noticed.
-
I bought an adaptor on AMAZON that plugged into the single AC outlet produce 3 AC outlets and also had 2 USB ports for charging smartphones, camera batteries and also Fitbits...
The best investment I ever made for future and may even get another one..
-
.
No need to worry about Lunch, Lunch for Britannia Guests is served ( until around 3/4pm ish) in the Lido. (Grill guests in their respective restaurants)
We recently sailed on the QM2 from Brooklyn that should be the same as SO....
There was plenty of room and food in the Kings Court for all till they closed before the Boat Muster Drill half hour before sailing.
With everyone boarding, there was a good turn over of tables for all size groups with maybe a little wait. The chefs in the Kings Court did their very best to replace all the items at all the different food stations. Most of the wait was the hot items.
We even wanted to try the CAFE CARINTHIA but already ate before we saw it. It is also a quiet location off the beaten path.
The least crowd was at the Chef's Gallery and Pizza station in the aft area of the KC....
Enjoy your Voyage and Bon Voyage...
-
Just wondering if she might be late arriving at Southampton on Thursday as I'm doing the 8 nights Norway cruise departing that day. Anyone on board heard if she's back on schedule? Daisy
Doubt she'll be late. You're talking about the QM2....The power behind her Liner Engines will make up the time.
-
Captain Wells announced around 7pm that we were going to speed up to Halifax so someone unwell could go to the hospital. It feels like we are moving a little faster than normal to catch up.
It was a beautiful day yesterday, in the high 60s. We were able to lie out the afternoon at the back of deck 8. I usually only do winter TAs, so it was nice to get outside.
After 2 nights at G32 I"m glad to say there is great band in there with a female lead singer and I haven't heard "red red wine" ONCE! It's the small stuff...:) because the rest has been great!
We were on the sailing before you got on and heard that band in G32. They are the International Band Purple Haze.
Vibz was not on as we heard them in the past.
This band also played on the Sail away from NYC and also Halifax. Also played at the Deck 8 Pool at the Independence Day Celebration Night and also in the Pavilion Pool on Deck 12 during the day. During the Night, WOW they are got the G32 jumping. Many didn't want to sit down and continued to dance. They were a Hit on the Queen...
-
We have friends that sail on the QM2 and stay overnight at the hotel.
They too arrive early on the QM2 and wait till their room is available to occupy.
Happens to be the Ritz Carlton in Lower Manhattan. They take car service across using the Battery Tunnel.
Once they arrive, the front desk stores the luggage till the room becomes available. They now can go touring Manhattan.
Having it arranged with the Hotel, when the room is available the luggage is brought to the room without stopping at the front desk.
They find it very convenient and stay out as long as they wish.They've repeatedly used this system.
Check it out with the Hotel you are arranging.
Boarding time QM2
in Cunard Line
Posted
Agree with you.....Starting a cruise is all about the initial approach....Starting off on the right foot and attitude....I've experienced the wrong approach on the line and no place for bad blood.....We'll all be on the same ship to enjoy each others company...
Bon Voyage.....