First Cruise QM2 NY to Southampton

Hi all;

First time cruiser here. Will be departing NY to Southampton Jan 3, 2016.

I have a couple of questions:

1. why the dress code for eating?? hubby and I like wearing our jeans, but I guess if he has to wear slacks and I have to wear a dress in order to eat at the buffet; then I guess so be it..

2. boarding the ship...what time should we aim for?

3.stateroom 5003 on deck 5....anyone stayed on deck 5..we have the outside view..?

4. laundry...I'm OCD and I need to have laundry close to me; are the washing machines and dryers free to use or coin operated?

5.disembarkment, when arriving at southampton...should we take our time getting up and getting ready?how does it work, wake up early, have breakfast then plot yourself near the exit??

6.when paying for things, can I pay by CASH? dollars and sterling pounds? - I don't like using my CC, is DEBIT card an option?

also; still unclear or what things I will be paying for and what is included with our ticket...can someone break down whats free /not free please...

alcohol - we don't drink

7.traveling with kids...how bad can it be or get? 1 year old and 4 year old. we'll be lugging around with large suitcase, 2 car seats, and strollers (would my 4 year old need a stroller)? - can't be that bad right?

any other tips?

Welcome to CruiseCritic. You'll fine a lot of helpful information here.

Here are some answers to the specific questions your raised.

Dressing for dinner and some formal nights during a crossing are part of ocean travel in general and transatlantic crossings in particular. (Think 21st century Titanic.) The evening dress code applies only after 6PM and in the Britannia dining room, theatres, and bars. However the Kings Court buffet has no dress code (other than no shorts after 6PM) nor does the Winter Garden. You can dine there is you don't want to dress. The dress code also does not apply to children.

You will be given a boarding time on you eticket. What kind of cabin did you book? Oceanview has a view of...the ocean. Did you check the deck plan? You're all the way forward.

Check the deck plan for the location of laundry rooms. There are free washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards as well as free laundry soap packets.

The ship will arrive about 6:30 AM. An early full breakfast is available. You will go to a gathering area and you will be called when your luggage is available to claim in the baggage hall. Your luggage is put out the night before (don't pack what you need overnight or to wear the next morning). Where do you go once you get to Southampton? Do you have a bus or van transfer arranged?

All purchases on board are charged to your on board account in US dollars. You can settle your account in cash but you will need to make a deposit on check in and your account must have a positive balance at all times.

I have no children so I can't comment on travel with the kids. There is child care and a night nursery. Baby strollers must be kept in your cabin - not in the hall or out near the elevators.

You'll find a lot of answers at Cunard's Q&A site here:

https://ask.cunard.com/

You are asking a lot of "newbie" questions and I have to ask just how much did you look into a transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2 before you booked? What attracted you then and what caused you to have hesitation toward what you signed on for?

You questioning sounds like this was booked on a whim more than for a specific reason. Since you are already complaining about dressing for dinner I'm concerned that Cunard ships are too formal for your preferred vacation style.

Do you realize that all of you, including the children, will need passports? No passport for any one of you means denial of boarding at the terminal and 100% loss of your fare.

Based on what you've asked so far, this sounds like it might be a huge and expensive mistake for you.

Just a guess, but typically deck 5 disembarks around 10 AM. You're expected to be out of your room by 8:30 at which time you'll go to a designated waiting area such as the Queens Room until your disembarkation group is called. If you book a Cunard transfer to London you will disembark earlier, around 8:45 or 9:00.

(My experience is mostly with New York disembarkation but in my experience the timings are similar.)

I'll echo the concern that if you're not going to be comfortable dressed up in the evenings you'd be missing a lot of what makes Cunard distinct.

Hi all;

 

First time cruiser here. Will be departing NY to Southampton Jan 3, 2016.

I have a couple of questions:

 

1. why the dress code for eating?? hubby and I like wearing our jeans, but I guess if he has to wear slacks and I have to wear a dress in order to eat at the buffet; then I guess so be it..

Jeans are ok for during the day, up until about 6 PM. After 6 the dress code is in place for almost all public areas [exceptions are the buffet & the adjacent Winter Garden]. Dress code questions are a frequent topic - there will be someone with a more detailed answer or recent experience along shortly ;-)

2. boarding the ship...what time should we aim for?

We always arrive early [11 AM] but are prepared to wait for boarding [books & a snack]. Terminal facilities are minimal. Most folks report a shore wait at most

3.stateroom 5003 on deck 5....anyone stayed on deck 5..we have the outside view..?

By the deck plans, this is all the way forward on deck 5 - only cabins above and below.

4. laundry...I'm OCD and I need to have laundry close to me; are the washing machines and dryers free to use or coin operated?

I've never used the self service laundry - the deck plans show it as almost all the way aft.

5.disembarkment, when arriving at southampton...should we take our time getting up and getting ready?how does it work, wake up early, have breakfast then plot yourself near the exit??

Can't help with this [planning out first crossing for next summer].

6.when paying for things, can I pay by CASH? dollars and sterling pounds? - I don't like using my CC, is DEBIT card an option?

About the only thing you would need cash for is tipping room service [a dollar or two], and perhaps the casino [buy chips].

Unless Cunard changes things, you can establish your onboard account with cash. This involves spending time waiting on line. Debit cards will have an account hold which some travelers have found larger than expected.

also; still unclear or what things I will be paying for and what is included with our ticket...can someone break down whats free /not free please...

If the purchase involves your card, there is probably a charge. What is not included [fare + service charge] is a short list:

• Alcohol
  
• Fizzy soda [there is a 'soda card'
  
• The stuff in the in room refrigerator
  
• Specialty coffee [sir Samuel's]
  
• Spa services
  
• Internet connection time
  
• Casino
  
• Shopping
  
• Todd English or the table service portion of Kings Court
  
• There are no shore excursions, but there might be a special class [e.g. fencing]
  
• Tips for the dance host [for dancing lessons]
  

 

alcohol - we don't drink

 

7.traveling with kids...how bad can it be or get? 1 year old and 4 year old. we'll be lugging around with large suitcase, 2 car seats, and strollers (would my 4 year old need a stroller)? - can't be that bad right?

 

any other tips?

Can't help you there, other than to check the archives on this forum, and the 'Family Cruises' section under 'special interest' cruises.

Just wondering if this thread is a windup? :) Would some-one really buy a voyage on Cunard without knowing the answers to some of those questions? :confused:

Assuming this is a legitimate first-timer the OP would have to have booked directly or they should fire their travel agent. According to the deck plans 5003 is a 4-berth Oceanview but the launderette is way back opposite 5216.

Strike one, there's a dress code they don't like. Strike two, laundry is two miles aft. Strike three, they have to keep two baby strollers in their stateroom. (Although age 4 seems to be pretty big to need a stroller, but I wouldn't know from personal experience.)

I hope the OP comes back and explains just why they booked this voyage.

Just wondering if this thread is a windup? :) Would some-one really buy a voyage on Cunard without knowing the answers to some of those questions? :confused:

why would this thread be a windup..and why make it out as if I'm the only one asking legitimate question as a first time cruiser???:confused:

Assuming this is a legitimate first-timer the OP would have to have booked directly or they should fire their travel agent. According to the deck plans 5003 is a 4-berth Oceanview but the launderette is way back opposite 5216.

 

Strike one, there's a dress code they don't like. Strike two, laundry is two miles aft. Strike three, they have to keep two baby strollers in their stateroom. (Although age 4 seems to be pretty big to need a stroller, but I wouldn't know from personal experience.)

 

I hope the OP comes back and explains just why they booked this voyage.

well if you must know, my husband doesn't like flying especially with 2 young ones on hand; and we are relocating from US to UK, so this is our one way journey on the cruise.

There's a launderette forward on Deck 11. It might be faster to run up there from 5003 than to run all the way back to the Deck 5 machines (and rest assured that there is no prohibition on using the launderette on a deck other than your own).

There's a launderette forward on Deck 11. It might be faster to run up there from 5003 than to run all the way back to the Deck 5 machines (and rest assured that there is no prohibition on using the launderette on a deck other than your own).

thanks for that. I guess depending on our load by the day 6, i might use the cruise launderette or might wait till I get to my mums.

Actually the laundry on deck 4 is closer.

The oceanviews seem large because they don't have a balcony and I've often thought when walking past one that it would be good if you have a child for strollers, playing room, etc.

Here is a picture of 4003.

Where do you go once you get to Southampton? Do you have a bus or van transfer arranged?

Yes we will arrange a private transfer to take us to central London

You are asking a lot of "newbie" questions and I have to ask just how much did you look into a transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2 before you booked? What attracted you then and what caused you to have hesitation toward what you signed on for?

no hesitation and I doubt my post comes across that way - you must be reading it wrong or taking it out of context and making it to your own.

No attraction other than wanted to go on a cruise,,just didn't expect to cruise from US to UK for our move in Jan...

You questioning sounds like this was booked on a whim more than for a specific reason. Since you are already complaining about dressing for dinner I'm concerned that Cunard ships are too formal for your preferred vacation style.

I guess so, but who cares???

Do you realize that all of you, including the children, will need passports? No passport for any one of you means denial of boarding at the terminal and 100% loss of your fare.

no! really?!?! lol my husband already has his UK spouse visa attached to his US passport and me and the girls are dual British/U.S citizens with UK and US passports but we'll be using our UK passports to depart.

Based on what you've asked so far, this sounds like it might be a huge and expensive mistake for you.

LOL the move is company paid for, so not really a huge loss for us. But whatever you say.

Actually the laundry on deck 4 is closer.

The oceanviews seem large because they don't have a balcony and I've often thought when walking past one that it would be good if you have a child for strollers, playing room, etc.

Here is a picture of 4003.

yep, I see it right by 4045.

The washers, dryers, and detergent are free on Cunard ships. Use of laundry facilities can be competitive, depending on the needs of your fellow travelers. Consequently, we typically don't wait for the final sea day to wash clothes. …Do pay attention to the timing of machines and be on-time to remove your clothing or someone waiting for a machine will do this for you.

Also, people sometimes check the dryers to see if they are empty and the opening of the dryer's door stops the drying process, then the people checking don't always know to press the "start button" again. So, while it's not necessary to remain in the tiny, stuffy laundry room all the time you are washing and drying, it is a good practice to return periodically and monitor progress.

There is also a small retractable clothes line in the shower. We bring a handful of clothes pins and hand wash exercise clothes, which dry quickly overnight (because there is good air-flow in the shower).

The ship is large, so walking about with your children will give them and you pleasant diversions. I have seen well-behaved small children (who remain quiet) taken to the theater in the evening. The success of this, of course, would depend on a child's temperament.

I believe there have always been a few young parents with young children every time we have been onboard the QM2, seeming to handle the experience of being at-sea without difficulties.

I don't believe I have noticed any infant supplies (like diapers) in any shops on the ship, but I think you will find the diversity of food available will make easy to keep everyone well-fed and happy.

The time change(s) may be a little challenging for the little ones. The five hours compound, even for those of us who understand and try to adjust to the clock. No one is allowed to sleep-in on the morning of arrival. On the day of disembarkation, you must be out of your cabin by 8:30 a.m., I believe. This could feel like 3:30 "home-time" to your children. Fortunately, with comfortable strollers, anytime can be nap-time (such are the benefits of being a child : )

Have a wonderful time!

Don't forget to take the children up to deck 12 which is where the kennels are situated. They won't be allowed to interact with any of the dogs or cats but they may enjoy seeing them.

It's so annoying when people start calling new posters a liar just because their questions are sometimes at cross-purposes - it's a good job I'm not a moderator because their next post would be on Cruisemates.

Bubbe2005 - I'm on the same cruise as you only earlier (November) but I have cruised before, just not transatlantic and not with Cunard, so my advice is limited but I'll try and give you some general "first time advice".

Firstly make sure your passports are all in order, for everyone in your party including children. Although you can take a chance and fly in on the day of the sailing, the prevailing good advice is to arrive a day early and spend a night in a nearby hotel, especially as your cruise is in January so winter weather could be an issue. Don't worry about cash, you will be issued with an onboard charge card, and it's a big plus that you don't drink alcohol as that tends to be where people rack up the big bills. Cunard offers a kids club and you may want to check that out to give you a break during the cruise - plus they tend to be really good with kids from what I have heard (none of my own).

The buffet dining may be more to your liking if you want to avoid the formal scene with all the dress-up, something that tends to define transatlantic cruising.

Good luck with your new life in the UK, and as someone who made the move in the opposite direction always remember that if it doesn't work out the ships go both ways ;)

Enjoy your cruise, and I hope you get the taste for it. :D

I am sure your 4 year old will be extremely happy in the children's zone at the rear of deck 6. I am not sure if you can leave a 1 year old unattended during the day, as I think the minimum age was raised to 2 a few years back You will find the nursery facilities very useful in the evenings.

Do hope you have a very enjoyable crossing, so much better than flying, especially with children.

well if you must know, my husband doesn't like flying especially with 2 young ones on hand; and we are relocating from US to UK, so this is our one way journey on the cruise.

Your post was questioned because it appeared that you didn't know some very basic things - like your view from your stateroom or the location of the laundry and both are important to you. If it came across that you were being called a liar it wasn't intentional. It's common for even first timers to look up what a ship has to offer especially if they are comparing different lines or ships within each line. (There's a cabin selection forum where members can ask the pros and cons before booking.)

However since you said that your sailing is for relocation and it's transatlantic you have only one ship as an option. It's not uncommon for the ship to be used for relocation but the vast majority are vacation travelers.

However since you said that your sailing is for relocation and it's transatlantic you have only one ship as an option. It's not uncommon for the ship to be used for relocation but the vast majority are vacation travelers.

We did a TA on the Victoria last spring from Fort Lauderdale. We met two different couples who spend the winter in Florida and were crossing to the UK to spend the summer there. Both couples were UK citizens.

We did a TA on the Victoria last spring from Fort Lauderdale. We met two different couples who spend the winter in Florida and were crossing to the UK to spend the summer there. Both couples were UK citizens.

Yes, that was the tail end leg of a world cruise rather than a traditional transatlantic. I realise that it crossed the Atlantic but it was rather a one off trip.

Yes, that was the tail end leg of a world cruise rather than a traditional transatlantic. I realise that it crossed the Atlantic but it was rather a one off trip.

Yes, that's right. We stayed on the QV for a cruise to the Canaries and Lisbon, where all three Queens met and sailed to Southampton. We then transferred to the QM2 for the official 10th anniversary celebration, a TA to NYC.

Capn, I think we met at a CC meeting on the Victoria for the Canary Island cruise.

Welcome to CruiseCritic. You'll fine a lot of helpful information here.

 

Here are some answers to the specific questions your raised.

 

Dressing for dinner and some formal nights during a crossing are part of ocean travel in general and transatlantic crossings in particular. (Think 21st century Titanic.) The evening dress code applies only after 6PM and in the Britannia dining room, theatres, and bars. However the Kings Court buffet has no dress code (other than no shorts after 6PM) nor does the Winter Garden. You can dine there is you don't want to dress. The dress code also does not apply to children.

 

You will be given a boarding time on you eticket. What kind of cabin did you book? Oceanview has a view of...the ocean. Did you check the deck plan? You're all the way forward.

 

Check the deck plan for the location of laundry rooms. There are free washers, dryers, irons and ironing boards as well as free laundry soap packets.

 

The ship will arrive about 6:30 AM. An early full breakfast is available. You will go to a gathering area and you will be called when your luggage is available to claim in the baggage hall. Your luggage is put out the night before (don't pack what you need overnight or to wear the next morning). Where do you go once you get to Southampton? Do you have a bus or van transfer arranged?

 

All purchases on board are charged to your on board account in US dollars. You can settle your account in cash but you will need to make a deposit on check in and your account must have a positive balance at all times.

 

I have no children so I can't comment on travel with the kids. There is child care and a night nursery. Baby strollers must be kept in your cabin - not in the hall or out near the elevators.

 

You'll find a lot of answers at Cunard's Q&A site here:

https://ask.cunard.com/

 

You are asking a lot of "newbie" questions and I have to ask just how much did you look into a transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2 before you booked? What attracted you then and what caused you to have hesitation toward what you signed on for?

 

You questioning sounds like this was booked on a whim more than for a specific reason. Since you are already complaining about dressing for dinner I'm concerned that Cunard ships are too formal for your preferred vacation style.

 

Do you realize that all of you, including the children, will need passports? No passport for any one of you means denial of boarding at the terminal and 100% loss of your fare.

 

Based on what you've asked so far, this sounds like it might be a huge and expensive mistake for you.

Wow, what an answer!! Talk about know it all and what others may be like!

I have met a couple who take 2 T/As every year to visit family. They like the QM2 and T/As but not dressing for dinner, so they don't. They have never eaten in the Britannia.

What gives you the idea they haven't got passports?!

I booked my first T/A on a whim. The only other ships I had ever been on were cross channel and Irish ferries. I didn't know about shipboard accounts, what happens when you get off at the end, that there were laundries on board etc. etc. and it did me or my son no harm.

I see there is also some debate going on about not leaving strollers in the corridor, or being too far from the laundry, something the OP hadn't mentioned!

Yes, that's right. We stayed on the QV for a cruise to the Canaries and Lisbon, where all three Queens met and sailed to Southampton. We then transferred to the QM2 for the official 10th anniversary celebration, a TA to NYC.

 

Capn, I think we met at a CC meeting on the Victoria for the Canary Island cruise.

Yes, that was a fun trip

I think we tend to forget that some people use the QM2 strictly as transportation and don't really care to embrace the Cunard shipboard life style. On one of our westbound crossings, we met a very nice European couple who had booked an inside cabin on the QM2 because (at that particular time) it was actually cheaper for them than airfare. However, the husband did bring one dark sports coat/jacket and tie so that they could dine the the MDR.

Bob

Wow, what an answer!! Talk about know it all and what others may be like!..

Please refer to post #18, where I stated that their initial post sounded like they didn't know even newbie basics like the view from their chosen stateroom. If they are working with at TA, that TA should be fired because he/she isn't giving the OP basic information.

Why do I speculate they might not like QM2? The OP started out by asking, "Why the dress code for eating?" A red flag that a passenger prefers a more casual sailing experience.