QM2 Disembarkation in Brooklyn - FYI

[Smokeyham]

I don't know if this is always the case, but yesterday's disembarkation from a QM2 transatlantic was very disorganized and uncomfortable.

 

Printed materials said that the disembarkation time for our luggage group (Green 4) was 8:00 AM.  We vacated our cabin and went to the Atrium at 8:00 AM to be greeted with a long line.  We were Britannia Club Class, which was supposed to have priority disembarkation, but there were no signs for that and just a long line for everyone.   The public address system was not being used, just staff trying to direct people using their voices.

 

Eventually a public address message was issued saying that there was a delay and to sit in public areas until called.  A limited number of colors/numbers were called and then there was no further direction.   Eventually we were told that the final disembarkation was taking place and that we should leave the ship.   We exited the ship and joined a very long time in the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.  There was no chairs so it was a very long time standing.  It seems the ship could have allowed us to stay on board longer, sitting, in the public lounges.  

We timed it and it took three hours from the 8:00 AM time we were told we should be ready to disembark until we finally cleared Customs and Immigration.

We realize the ship does not have control over the pace of Customs and Immigration processing on shore, but they could have done a better job of communications and could have paced out the departures better from the ship.

[stan01]

 

Cunard really can't extend the time on the ship.  They have to clear the ship of all passengers for US customs (which likely was not delayed) and they have to get the ship ready for the next passengers whose embarkation they would try to keep on schedule.  You might want to write your Congressional delegation about your experience if you are a US citizen.  I think they would agree a 3 hour wait is too long.

 

[NE John]

And also remember that in the US, the ships have to “zero-out” rule and all pax must debark. All adding to delays. 
That zero-out policy should be taken up with our elected representatives.