Happyholidayer

The changes don't bother me enough to change cruise lines, I'll continue to sail.

This one had my vote. I only sailed last November and will again this December.

I found it all great value for money.

Suits me just fine.

Did last November storm between 8 and 10 couple days. Several decks closed. Not really an issue expected! It didn't put us off. As :Dwe are travelling again Dec yippee. :D:D:D:D

:D

I think it might be better to find a close hotel with a view.

http://www.themostperfectview.com/new-york-hotel-views/

I did a search but it's a bit of a mine field. locating where they are from/distance Red Hook.

The Conrad looks the nearest but I do not know the distance or area.

With New York you have to wait until immigration has search the whole ship. We only waited about an hour but people after disembarkation. Who didn't know not to disembark until the last minute if not visiting New York. Waited up to three hours.

I don't know. No other experience.

Queen Mary 2 shops boring, uninteresting and cheaper on the high st. I use Clarins and it's a complete rip off. I had a lot of on board credit to spend and was looking forward to spending it in the shops. How wrong I was. I had great difficulty. I met several others like me just brought things for the sake of it. Some people didn't use all the credit which is criminal. To use up the credit. I will be asking friends and family if there is anything particular. I don,t drink tea, coffee or alcohol. We did try the spa which was a disappointment because of the terrible humming noise. Relaxing no!

Did our first transatlantic Queen Mary 2 last November. Only been on Brilliance of the sea some years ago. Although its a crossing it was very much a cruise for us. When you have a wheelchair uses this is a excellent ship. Spacious elegant welcoming. Plenty of deck space without annoying other travellers. Wined and dine on tap room service entertainment. My husband loves the sea and it's here in ocean loads.

Perfect!

So much so we have booked for longer December to the Caribbean.

Immigration process for people in wheelchairs is annoying. Everyone has to get off unless in the sick bay or confined to cabin. If you don't wont to visit New York you still have to get off. We had to wait right up until leaving the ship with last passengers. If we left before we would have to sit for hours waiting to return to the ship. We were told it's better and more comfortable to sit on the ship Right up until the last minute. There must be a better way. We will have to do this process twice at Christmas.

Thanks for your replies

Sorry, I'm only asking about New York as I know the limitations/procedures on the over ports.

I would have like to visit the Botanical gardens but will be too cold.

We may just take a round trip of the Red Hook ferry and takes some pics.

Do you know if there are any nearby hotels/restaurants with some good views.

Will be on the December M847B. Last time Cunard were quite useless in helping me. It's very cold and my husband needs assistance with his wheelchair. So we only want to travel a short distance. Get in and out as quickly as possible. So looking for somewhere to visit for a couple of hours. It was such a hassle last time we did not bother. I can't rely on Cunard so I must do it. We would have looked at the Intrepid museum but it's quite far and I think will be too cold. Most of it being outside.

Sorry Queen Mary 2

Hi I would like help with the location of a experienced company. That provide accessible transport with a driver. We will be docking in New York in December on the Queens Mary 2. The transport provided by the ship. Is not adequate for the powered wheelchair. We would just like to have a drive by/around the usual tourist spots. Take some pics. Although, we know it will be more busy than ever. Given the time of year. On our last trip we missed out as the ship was so unorganised. We can just visit what is possible on the day.

Any suggestions please.

I needed to change cabins and it took three attempts to get my luggage moved. I asked my cabin steward and she was insistent that the steward of the new cabin would be informed. It never happened and I had to keep requesting it to be moved. In the end a customer service manager did it. In the time it took. I could have done it on my own. I think never assume anything!

When I did the November round trip. I was disappointed I didn't join the choir. The choir sang in the grand lobby and it was quite tremendous. l was very surprised how many people had taken part. Even the on board singers commented how amazing. I will certainly make sure I participate next time.

Did the November round trip crossing - force 10 on several days. Some times all decks close other days only some. As already stated check your TV channel and take a look at the ships web cam.

DW is wheelchair bound ( I'm The engine ) any photos of the handicap cabin and any tips on how to get about the ship, would be very much appreciated.

I have just been in this cabin..Not had time to write a review.

The door is wide - need to negotiate the turn. Unfortunately, there are no power doors on this ship. So carer will need to be on hand. The room size in are opinion was good - may not be for all. There is a raised threshold to the balcony shower door. So the table will need to be moved to provide access to the balcony door. I have photos not sure how to load on here as yet. The shower room is large.

The ship is easy to manoeuvre as is the ample lifts. All venues are accessible and plenty of room. There are designated areas in the Royal Theatre. Upstairs on deck is a better access point.

Beware the stewards cupboard is located across the corridor. The stewards can be hear while working. The mornings we did sometimes find a little irritating.

The pools all have an hoist chair - you be show how to operate and it will be your responsible to use it. Staff are not insured!

The pool at Canyon Ranch has a small but strong wave machine - which sounds strange. So anyone with a physical disability may find hard it to negotiate. Although this is a spa and should be relaxing and quite. It is not.

Tell the maitre before using the restaurant. There is a wheelchair user in your party. They will allocate suitable location/table. There are very accommodating!

I did this voyage a few years ago. There was a special Christmas show in the Royal Court Theater on Christmas Eve. I dislike the song the "12 days of Christmas" but they had an absolutely wonderful arrangement of the song. Also they danced to " The Christmas Waltz" I also remember the cruise director reading "The Night Before Christmas." Also many religious services late at night.......We learned that Santa visits the children at sea on Christmas morning -there were various announcements of seeing him off in the distance and getting closer and finally landing on the ship. Santa and the children then marched thru the ship with a small band - I was positioned in the Kings Court. They made their way down to the ballroom where Santa and helpers gave out nice age appropriate gifts for the kids. I tried to pass as a 12 year old, but failed - Santa just too smart. There were many more children on board than usual, but all were very well behaved. It was also a great New Year's Eve, with the band, balloon drop, champagne at midnight. The whole thing was just great, a marvelous way to celebrate the holidays. I would like to repeat the voyage someday but I am on the lst segment this year , Southampton to NY thanks to a great promotion one weekend with only a 20% single supplement off an already greatly reduced fare and a $267 airfare JFK to Heathrow. Have a wonderful time.................

It will be interesting how the ship dynamics change - I have only done a transatlantic without any children just a couple of babies.

All sounds good fun!

Lots of decorations. I've only ever boarded in Brooklyn for the middle 12 days but I'm sure the decorating is largely done before your embarkation date. One exception is the gingerbread village on deck 3 midships which grows right up until the 25th. Well have the standard Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve entertainments throughout the ship, such as carols, "snow" in the Grand Lobby, a visit from Santa/Father Christmas, Christmas Crackers, hats & noisemakers for New Years (lots of celebrating at midnight Europe time and again at midnight London time), the list goes on.

The nightly entertainment isn't holiday themed for the most part, although a featured guest singer might have a carol or two in her repertoire. I think one or two of the onboard movies have a holiday theme (example: Polar Express).

Thanks for the reply

Are there many families on board.

Thanks for you reply

Is there many families on board as it's going to the Caribbean.

Just ask room service - with some cheese and biscuits and add grapes. Everything I requested on room services was delivery and much appreciated.

Has anyone taken this cruise on previous years. I am guessing the ship will be already decorated. What type of entertainment will be available.

Apologies I'll get the hang this eventually!

Any information would be useful re:noise levels etc.

Thank you

When you say cozy corridor my husband will be using a power wheelchair. Not a scooter. I am concerned about not having cabins above and below.

Yes, please much appreciated!