Disembarkation in Southampton

[ls340532]

We will be on the QM2 cruise from NY to Southampton, August 19 - 27. We plan to use the self-help disembarkation option. What is the earliest time that is a reasonable expectation for accomplishing this? Are the customs clearance procedures handled on board the ship prior to arrival at Southampton? Thanks to the experienced cruisers who help with questions like this.

[jimmybean]

Immigration is completed while at sea (going east). Very easy. Instructions will be given, after you are on-board. People with surnames starting with specific letters go at an assigned time. Not overly crowded and moves quickly.

 

We have self-disembarked a number of times. You will be given a time to assemble. Seven-fifteen rings a bell with me. We have always been off the ship between 8 a.m. and 8:30. Also, very easy, provided you can handle all your luggage independently.

 

Have a wonderful voyage!

[bluemarble]

For an eastbound crossing we took last summer, the landing arrangements stated that self-help disembarkation usually commences at 7:00am. I think that's typical. If the ship's arrival is not delayed, I think you could reasonably expect to be off the ship and through the arrivals hall by 7:15am if you're ready to go at 7:00am.

 

This is a trivial detail, but the UK immigration inspection for our crossing was done according to deck number. Decks 4 and 5 one day, decks 6, 8 and 11 the next, and decks 9, 10 and 12 the next. But even that isn't set in stone. As the Daily Programme stated, "The above is a suggested schedule, at any time should there be no queue, you are welcome to attend the inspection, even if your deck is not scheduled for that day". To echo what jimmybean has stated, it's all very easy on an eastbound crossing.

 

Regards,

John.

Edited August 13, 2015 by bluemarble

[ls340532]

Thanks, jimmybean and bluemarble. Your responses were quick and helpful!

[milamber]

We disembarked in Southampton just a few days ago (sadly).

 

You have to contact the Purser's office if you want to self disembark and they give you a couple of additional ID cards to present when you leave. The time given to meet was 6.50am with 7.00am the expected earliest time to get off the ship. In practice you can leave pretty much whenever you want and don't have to meet up as instructed, though to avoid the crowds I'd recommend leaving before 8am. We just walked off at 7.45am with no problems at all.

 

We queued for less than 10 minutes for immigration on the ship and it took just a few seconds.

Edited August 14, 2015 by milamber

[ls340532]

Thank you, milamber.

[transatlantic fan]

You asked about customs and that is not done on the ship it is done just before you leave the terminal, Green nothing to declare Red to declare.