QM2 Staying On Board While In New York.

[snoozy]

Hello again everyone,

 

We're thinking of staying on board whilst docked in New York on our back to back Transatlantic Southampton-New York-Southampton, July 13th - July 26th.

 

Has anyone got any experience of staying on board?

 

What facilities are open? And what's closed?

 

Can we still have lunch in the Britannia Restuaurant?

 

Can we use the swimming pools?

 

The reason I am asking? - Cunard have shortened the time on shore for their day excursions, only 4 hours including coach transfer time (hardly seems worth it, and we have been to Manhatten many times before anyway). We don't want to do it under our own steam.

 

Many thanks for your time.

 

Denise

 

Only 3 weeks to go!!!! :)

[LouChamp]

Have been on the QM2 several times. During one cruise with my parents, we disembarked but they stayed on. They were given an InTransit pass which allowed them to stay on board but all stores and bars, etc were closed. They were able to dine inn the Kings Court but not sure if the restaurants were open. They did remark that it was quite spooky but memorable. I am sure you will enjoy the few hours of having the ship to yourselves!!!

Smooth sailing.

[heywood]

Denise,

I am thinking about that too when we go later in the year. We will have 2 different days in New York and looking at the excursions on offer, we have already visited those places before-more than once.

My husband thinks we should still go somewhere :confused: but that's as much as he is willing to contribute to the discussion :D

I feel nervous about doing anything independently when I read re the taxi drivers being unwilling etc.

On our first QM2 trip, we disembarked quite late (around 10.30am I think) and we sat out on deck waiting - it was lovely, in the sunshine,just looking at the view! As people begin to board early afternoon, the ship will soon be busy again.

I just have to persuade DH now.

[VirginCruiser II]

You will have hot weather so just relax round the pools and in the hot tubs and enjoy having the ship almost entirely to yourselves!

As 'in transit' passengers you will be able to enjoy a wonderful lunch in the Britannia Restaurant.:)

[Jimsgirl]

Sorry Virgin Cruiser, but the Britannia dining room is closed for lunch on Disembarkatio/embarkation days. The only place for lunch is the Kings Coourt Even the library is locked up tight, and of course shops, theatre, spa,etc are also closed. The ship is a ghost town. No Room service either, and breakfast in the diningroom will cease at approx 7.30a.m

 

Nothing to stop you sitting ut on deck of course, but I beleieve you will have to leave the ship for a short while to go through Immigration in the terminal. On the eastbound NY/Souton/NY the Immigration staff are on board so on that you get it over and done with days before

 

I have said time and time again that Cunard need to do something for the "in transit" passengers, open the library room for sitting, (with access to the paperback books),show onr of the latest films, and also arrange a special "in transit" lunch in the Britannia Balcony section. but nothing happens. It is easier for Cunard to just ignore in transit passengers,

 

Things used to be different but nowadays , disembarking passengers are literally rushed off the ship with no grace or respect, and "in transit" passnegers ignored, even embarking passengers receive little welcome. The brochure may show staff welcoming you ,someone escorting you to your cabin, etc but that is just a publicity photo op.(or it mayhappen in the suites or penthouse ) The only staff that greets you is the annoying photographer wanting to take your picture.

[heywood]

I wasn't expecting much onboard Lynn, from your previous posts. I do think that you make a good point that Cunard neglect those passengers for whom it is difficult to disembark. As you have said before, you have paid for that day and deserve at least some kind of care.

I was quite surprised on our first QM2 voyage when, after the photographer :eek: we were briefly welcomed and directed to the lift.

Our previous Celebrity cruise was a warm greeting, glass of 'champagne' (I know we get the bottle on Cunard :D) and an escort to our room with hand baggage carried.

It made you feel special from the beginning.

[Salacia]

Hello again everyone,

 

We're thinking of staying on board whilst docked in New York on our back to back Transatlantic Southampton-New York-Southampton, July 13th - July 26th.

 

Has anyone got any experience of staying on board?

 

What facilities are open? And what's closed?

 

Can we still have lunch in the Britannia Restuaurant?

 

Can we use the swimming pools?

 

The reason I am asking? - Cunard have shortened the time on shore for their day excursions, only 4 hours including coach transfer time (hardly seems worth it, and we have been to Manhatten many times before anyway). We don't want to do it under our own steam.

 

Many thanks for your time.

 

Denise

 

Only 3 weeks to go!!!! :)

 

Hi Denise. Since you have to disembark to clear US Customs, here is an option you might wish to consider if you don't want to travel into Manhattan: take a cab or car service from the terminal to Brooklyn Heights. It would take about 20 minutes or less. You can sit or stroll on the Brooklyn Heights promenade, do some shopping on Montague Street and have a nice luncheon in your choice of restaurants.

Take the phone number with you of a car service or cab company and give them a call when you're ready to return to the ship just in case you aren't able to hail a cab in the Heights.

BTW, I lived in Brooklyn Heights years ago and still absolutely love the area, so I might be a little predjudice in it's favor :)

 

Here's a link for more info http://nymag.com/listings/attraction/brooklyn_heights_promenade/

 

Bon voyage,

Salacia

[VirginCruiser II]

Sorry Virgin Cruiser, but the Britannia dining room is closed for lunch on Disembarkatio/embarkation days. The only place for lunch is the Kings Coourt Even the library is locked up tight, and of course shops, theatre, spa,etc are also closed. The ship is a ghost town. No Room service either, and breakfast in the diningroom will cease at approx 7.30a.m

 

Nothing to stop you sitting ut on deck of course, but I beleieve you will have to leave the ship for a short while to go through Immigration in the terminal. On the eastbound NY/Souton/NY the Immigration staff are on board so on that you get it over and done with days before

 

I have said time and time again that Cunard need to do something for the "in transit" passengers, open the library room for sitting, (with access to the paperback books),show onr of the latest films, and also arrange a special "in transit" lunch in the Britannia Balcony section. but nothing happens. It is easier for Cunard to just ignore in transit passengers,

 

Things used to be different but nowadays , disembarking passengers are literally rushed off the ship with no grace or respect, and "in transit" passnegers ignored, even embarking passengers receive little welcome. The brochure may show staff welcoming you ,someone escorting you to your cabin, etc but that is just a publicity photo op.(or it mayhappen in the suites or penthouse ) The only staff that greets you is the annoying photographer wanting to take your picture.

 

Sorry Lynn but were you 'in-transit'? Did you not get your 'in-transit' pass? On our last crossing on QM2 we had a wonderful and very memorable lunch with friends in the Britannia Restaurant.

[MsDeva]

Sorry Lynn but were you 'in-transit'? Did you not get your 'in-transit' pass? On our last crossing on QM2 we had a wonderful and very memorable lunch with friends in the Britannia Restaurant.

 

 

Of course Lynn was in transit, she has told us so on more than one occasion if l recall correctly, and has been in transit at other times, experiencing the same disgraceful service.

 

If l also recall correctly, you were not in transit on the particular voyage you are referring to, but had friends on board who were somehow able to arrange lunch in the restaurant on embarkation day for you.

 

Cunard do really need to get their act together here.

[Betsy's Mom]

Lunch is no longer served to "in transit" or any other passengers in the Britannia dinning room while in port. :(

Bonnie

[lannp]

The Britannia is not always open on embarkation day and it's not unusual while in New York that they are hosting a luncheon with invited guests and they dine in Britannia.

[Vic The Parrot]

Things used to be different but nowadays , disembarking passengers are literally rushed off the ship with no grace or respect, and "in transit" passnegers ignored, even embarking passengers receive little welcome. /QUOTE]

 

 

 

You won't find that on HAL. I love disembarkation morning on thier ships.

Much more relaxed, and dignified. (And room service for breakfast is available)

[voyagerdreamer224]

I like HAL. I love sailing with Cunard. But I do agree that there are certain things about disembarkation day that HAL may do better. Really like being able to have Room Service on disembarkation day. Also like that you are encouraged to stay in your room until you are called to leave.

 

On the other hand, for those passengers embarking, HAL never seems to have the rooms ready, and Lido (or restaurant if Mariner) is jammed with people and their "hand" luggage for lunch and quite a while after, until it is announced that they may now find their way to their cabins. Neither line escorts you to your room any more. They just point towards the elevator banks. But at least Cunard lets you go to your room.

 

I hope I will continue to sail on both lines, depending upon destinations and schedules, over the years.

 

Sounds like "in transit" passengers tend to get the short end of it for both lines. They should really try to make some accommodation for those doing BTBs, so very loyal (paying) customers! Especially for meals -- either Room Service or a limited area/portion of the restaurant available just for those "in transit". Just a thought.:rolleyes:

[Ray66]

I But I do agree that there are certain things about disembarkation day that HAL may do better. Really like being able to have Room Service on disembarkation day. Also like that you are encouraged to stay in your room until you are called to leave.

 

On the other hand, for those passengers embarking, HAL never seems to have the rooms ready, and Lido (or restaurant if Mariner) is jammed with people and their "hand" luggage for lunch and quite a while after, until it is announced that they may now find their way to their cabins. Neither line escorts you to your room any more. They just point towards the elevator banks. But at least Cunard lets you go to your room.

 

The reason that HAL don't have your cabin ready until later is because, as you say, the previous occupants are allowed to stay in their cabins until you care called to leave.

 

With Cunard you have to have vacated your cabins by 8.30am so that they are ready for the next occupants at noon.

[Salacia]

The reason that HAL don't have your cabin ready until later is because, as you say, the previous occupants are allowed to stay in their cabins until you care called to leave.

 

With Cunard you have to have vacated your cabins by 8.30am so that they are ready for the next occupants at noon.

 

Ray, with respect: Cunard informs each passenger regarding embarkation time. It is staggered arrival, based on category booked. Not all staterooms need to be readied by noon, and yet that seems to be the goal. Apparently, sparking wine, ice buckets and canapes are delivered before noon. We usually arrive after 2pm for NY departures. By that time, the sparkling wine is warm, the ice has melted ,and the canapes are off as a result of being without refigeration for hours. (Hint: if you aren't in your stateroom by noon, ask how long the canapes have been without refigeration before you eat them.)

 

I haven't sailed with HAL yet, but I can see how HAL might be more adaptive in terms of embarkation.

 

Regards,

Salacia

[Ray66]

Yes I know, but diamond and platinum world club members can board at noon and I wouldn’t have thought the cabin stewards know which cabins are theirs.

 

On our first trips we kept to the boarding times given but last time we arrived an hour early and our cabin was ready for us.

[Jimsgirl]

Yes I was "in transit", I often do B2B, or even B2B2B on Cunard.and it does not matter if it is New York, or Southampton, or even LA. It has always been the same, a "ghost ship" with only the Kings Court or Lido open for lunch, spa is "being cleaned" Library is locked tight. etc. The only difference is that at Southampton the Immigration has already been done on board.

 

There are many reasons a passenger would stay on board, I know it is "tunraround " day, but having a DVD movie shown, opening the library for sitting, paperback browsing , a served lunch in the dining room should still be possible.

 

Any one who was on the 17 day cruise, May/June, had at least two days of being "unappreciated" as passengers "in transit" I did make enquiries re having "in transit" breakfast with room service in my cabin in order not to have to get up so early on the two "turnaround" days at Southampton, to be told very firmly that "There is NO ROOM SERVICE from midnight before until after the new sailiing at 6p.m " . There was also no daily event sheet, on the bed that night until after the "welcome aboard" placed in the cabin for "new arrivals" because of course there were no daily events until after sailing at 6p.m

 

In Feb 20011 my "ghost day" will be on the QV in LA, where I fully expect I will have to get off , go through immigration, and get back on as I am doing 29 days. I am not sure how I will accomplish this as I need wheelchair assist getting on and off the ship.

 

If anyone has done this in LA I would appreciate any information you may be able to give. I will not be able to hire a car or cab or go into LA for shopping or lunch.due to age problems. and travelling solo.

[voyagerdreamer224]

The reason that HAL don't have your cabin ready until later is because, as you say, the previous occupants are allowed to stay in their cabins until you care called to leave.

 

With Cunard you have to have vacated your cabins by 8.30am so that they are ready for the next occupants at noon.

------------------------------------

 

Yes. Actually, that was my point, but I guess I didn't make it clearly enough. Perspective depends upon whether you are embarking or debarking that day. I am quite comfortable with Cunard's policy. I think it is more balanced, and works better overall for both those leaving and coming on to the ship. :cool:

[voyagerdreamer224]

By the way, this most recent time on HAL, the wine/"champagne" did not appear at all the first day and I was faced with a blank stare when I asked about it. It did appear the second day, not chilled, no ice bucket or glasses. It is not as standard on HAL as it is on Cunard, but is often included or sent by TA.

 

Cunard always seems to have my room set up when I arrive, regardless of World Club status (which of course improves over time), or cabin Level. It is true that the canapes are out or arrive soon after I do, and sometimes the ice bucket needs refilling by the time we are ready to crack it open, but these seem fairly high end problems to have. If we are not going to consume the canapes right off, they go into the fridge if there is one in the cabin, to hold them over.

 

Admittedly, I do try to arrive in time to be among the early ones on board, since I like to maximize my time on the ship and eke out every allowable minute if possible. I can well see that if one's travel plans put arrival on the ship later in the day, that there is a strong chance that the canapes may be left out longer than perhaps they should be.

 

If you are concerned, I would contact your room steward(ess), the Purser's Office, and/or the concierge (if appropriate) to ask if they might be refreshed (or perhaps resent on another day, if you prefr) since they had been out too long to be safely consumed. Do you think that would work?

[snoozy]

Many thanks everyone for sharing your valued knowledge.

 

We will make our minds up after we embark, but Salacia, Brooklyn Heights certainly sounds and looks like a viable and interesting option.

 

Only 2 weeks to go :)

[heywood]

Many thanks everyone for sharing your valued knowledge.

 

We will make our minds up after we embark, but Salacia, Brooklyn Heights certainly sounds and looks like a viable and interesting option.

 

Only 2 weeks to go :)

 

Please would you post your experience (whatever you choose) when you return. As a result of your query, we fancy either Brooklyn Heights or just staying on board for the first day anyway. (We have another one later in the trip).

Our documents just show one choice of trip for 4 hrs -sights we have seen before more than once for $59 each. We just don't want to do that.

Enjoy your holiday:)

[snoozy]

Heywood... I will be sure to post the results of our time docked in New York.

 

Brooklyn Heights is looking favourable, as, like you we have been to New York many times before, and it seems pointless to be herded about the main sights yet again.

 

I can see that the 4 hour Cunard option would be a great whistle stop tour for first time visitors on a tight time scale though.

 

I'm still puzzled as to why Cunard have dropped the 7 hour "coach only" option, which left you with nearly 5 hours of freedom in the city.

:confused:

[heywood]

I'm wondering if there'll be more offered on board - seems odd but never mind.

 

We go end of August -same as last year but we spent the Labour Day weekend in NY and then returned. It was really hot and oppressive for part of the time,and as you say, don't want to be herded around. I would prefer to just lounge around on board than that.

 

Enjoy :cool:

[Salacia]

I'm wondering if there'll be more offered on board - seems odd but never mind.

 

We go end of August -same as last year but we spent the Labour Day weekend in NY and then returned. It was really hot and oppressive for part of the time,and as you say, don't want to be herded around. I would prefer to just lounge around on board than that.

 

Enjoy :cool:

 

Heywood, if you have Labor Day weekend in NY, may I suggest a trip to Montauk, Long Island. There is a train (LIRR) that goes from Manhattan to Long Island, past the Hamptons, to the end of the island. When we lived in Manhattan, Montauk Point was our favorite escape from the heat of the City. Here is a link (or google montauk ny)

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-478060-montauk_vacations-i

Hint: After Labor Day weekend, rates go down, kids go back to school, the beaches are tranquil, lobster is plentiful and the weather is blissful.

 

New York is more than Manhattan; I've lived here all my life, and I'm still discovering places to go and things to see. My current exploration is the Hudson River, and this in particular http://www.bannermancastle.org/history.html

 

To those who have an interest in medieval European art and wish to travel less than 45 minutes by car from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, see http://www.metmuseum.org/cloisters/

 

Cheers,

Salacia

[heywood]

Thanks Salacia,

you make it very tempting :) The Cloisters Museum looks wonderful and I almost wish we were staying over in NY now rather than travelling up the coast. Oh time and money would be great :D