Cunard to Leave Manhattan for Brooklyn

[travel-to-go]

Does this mean they'll have a first port inaugural celebration with all the fireboats and hoopla and the "Mayor, Governor or King of Brooklyn" on hand to give some sort of plaque?

Let's see now. I'm not that knowledgeable about Brooklyn. Usually these plaques or whatever are shaped like something. What do you think the shape of the statue or plaque or what-have-you should be for Brooklyn? And should it have bullet holes fashioned in it?

Maybe a big Coney Island Hot dog?

 

Let's get with the plan, folks! We can make this work!

 

Karie,

who lives in a town named after the British town which featured the military prison.

[travel-to-go]

Does this mean they'll have a first port inaugural celebration with all the fireboats and hoopla and the "Mayor, Governor or King of Brooklyn" on hand to give some sort of plaque?

Let's see now. I'm not that knowledgeable about Brooklyn. Usually these plaques or whatever are shaped like something. What do you think the shape of the statue or plaque or what-have-you should be for Brooklyn? And should it have bullet holes fashioned in it?

Maybe a big Coney Island Hot dog?

 

Let's get with the plan, folks! We can make this work!

 

Karie,

who lives in a town named after the British town which featured the military prison.

[guernseyguy]

From another board - a Press Release from Cunard (not yet on the Cunard web site, and why are we not surprised....). There had been some mention of Cunard nervousness at this move - and its in with a lot of other stuff - and at least it avoids the 'people are asleep' we got from Princess:

 

For Discerning Travelers, a Transatlantic Crossing Aboard Queen Mary 2 Ranks Among Life's Most Coveted Experiences

 

New for 2006: A Streamlined Embark/Disembark Process in Brand-New

Brooklyn-Based Terminal and New Transatlantic Itineraries That Include

Hamburg and Ft. Lauderdale

 

VALENCIA, Calif., Nov. 1

The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Mt. Everest -- these are a handful

of sought-after experiences that inspire the world's most sophisticated and adventurous travelers. Crossing the Atlantic aboard Queen Mary 2, the world's grandest ocean liner, is also considered a pinnacle travel event.

 

Since 1840, when Cunard introduced the first regularly scheduled transatlantic liner service, the experience has been reserved for those on

an unrelenting quest for soul-stirring experiences, inspired by the

maritime travels of earlier generations.

 

In the grand Cunard tradition, Queen Mary 2 holds the distinction of being

the only ocean liner providing regularly scheduled transatlantic service

between New York and Southampton, and in 2006 she will traverse the

Atlantic 20 times.

 

According to Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and

sales for Cunard Line, the popularity of transatlantic crossings indicates

a growing trend toward luxury adventure travel and nowhere is it better

reflected than aboard Queen Mary 2. "Traveling aboard QM2 recalls a bygone

era of glamour and sophistication providing the ultimate luxury: time. For

a growing number of travelers, it is for these compelling reasons that they

wish to forgo the speed of air travel in favor of a true adventure on the

open seas," she said.

 

New 2006 Transatlantic Crossings

 

On April 15, 2006, Cunard begins sailing from its brand-new terminal

facility in Brooklyn, a move designed to streamline the embarkation and

disembarkation process, with convenient access and comfortable amenities.

 

Also new for 2006: QM2's four eight-day transatlantic crossings to/from

Hamburg and one seven-day voyage from Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale. On July 8 and August 17, the ship will depart New York and arrive six days later in Southampton. Guests will have the opportunity to take in the local sights before leaving that evening as the ship makes her two-day journey to Hamburg. Westbound Hamburg sailings to New York depart on July 16 and August 25. On November 11, the 2006 transatlantic season concludes with QM2's only seven-day transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Ft. Lauderdale, arriving on November 18. Fares for the New York/Hamburg voyages start from $2,199, and fares for the Southampton/Ft. Lauderdale crossing start from $1,299.

 

On transatlantic voyages, even longtime Cunarders have an opportunity to experience many "firsts" and "largests" at sea. QM2 boasts the world's

first and only floating planetarium, the first Canyon Ranch Spa at sea, the

first Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar at sea, the largest library at sea, the

largest ballroom with the biggest dance floor at sea, the longest jogging

track at sea and the largest and most extensive wine cellar at sea.

 

One of Cunard's signature characteristics that has long set the line apart

is its commitment to providing guests with a broad and academically

unparalleled range of onboard enrichment opportunities. The Oxford

University Discovery Program, for example, touches on a wide range of

thought-provoking subjects, including literature, popular culture, theater,

poetry, modern art, creative writing, architecture and astronomy. Likewise, London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art has an outpost onboard, featuring superlative performances, as well as acting classes for aspiring thespians.

For those captivated by seafaring lore, the Maritime Quest can be viewed

throughout the ship, illustrating Cunard's history via a visually compelling, multi-paneled display.

 

For a truly grand holiday, guests can take advantage of Cunard's

"Connoisseur Collection," a variety of luxurious pre- or post-sailing

adventures in the United Kingdom and Paris including hotel accommodations, one-way economy airfare and transfers. Not-to-be-missed excursions include a tour of the English countryside, concluding with a train ride on the Venice- Simplon Orient Express to London; the enchanting "Glimpses of Ireland" tour, featuring the best of Dublin, the city of poets and playwrights; a "Royal Scotland" visit showcasing eclectic Edinburgh, Scotland's dreamy Lake District and the silver waters of Loch Lomond; and a dazzling four-night Paris/London journey, transporting guests to the most in-demand sites and sounds of these iconic metropolises. Guests wishing to spend more time experiencing New York can take advantage of special rates with selected city hotels.

 

Cunard has an illustrious history of hosting royalty, society luminaries

and famed entertainers with peerless cachet. Earlier Cunard "Queens" have

welcomed such famous personalities as Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth,

Marlene Dietrich, Cary Grant, Bing Crosby, and Clark Gable. Since Queen

Mary 2's launch in January 2004, she has played host to such notable guests

as Barbara Walters, George Lucas, John Cleese, Katie Couric, Rod Stewart,

Donald Trump, and Dame Shirley Bassey, while eminent visitors have included

Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Her Royal

Highness Princess Michael of Kent, Former President George Bush, New York

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Hillary Clinton.

 

Aboard the famous ship, like-minded travelers will enjoy the Cunard

hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(SM), fine dining, sumptuous

surroundings, civilized adventure and the legacy of historic voyages and

transatlantic travel.

 

For more information about Cunard or transatlantic crossings on Queen Mary

2, call your travel professional.

 

Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world since

1840. Cunard vessels have a classic British heritage and include the

legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. Queen Victoria joins the

fleet in 2007.

 

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The

exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America

Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of

Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to

quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and

budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

 

Sorry about the format, I tried to fix it but reading this twaddle was giving me a headache......'eclectic Edinburgh'....metropolises...oh - I get it, its the Glasgow police!

[Job 534 Clydebank]

West side Piers 88, 90 and 92 are no longer a nice place to embark, disembark from, or meet a ship. Ever since Sptember 11, 2001, the Cruise Ship Terminal on 12th Ave has been a hotbed for irrational stupidity, disguised as security consciesness. The rules for where you may stand walk or gaze seem to change regularly, with invisible undefined boundaries, that one has no way of knowing one is crossing them until one of the so called "pier ****s" tells you you have done so.

I know that, as the saying goes: "This is NEW YORK", but when one is coughing up between $200 and $400 a night to go on a holiday, one should be able to expect to be treated civily, by a staff in which the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

In the case of the move from Manhatten to Brooklyn, The evil you DON'T know may be preferrable to the one you DO know.

PARROTHEAD: Care to relate YOUR experience prior to boading QE-2 Transatlantic Eastbound in April 2004?

[Kindlychap]

Well, I for one am glad that I have now experienced the arrival into New York three times on board QE2.

 

It is, in my opinion, one of the great travel experiences and the only way to arrive or depart from New York since the demise of Concorde.

 

If it is to go, at least I have had the opportunity to see it.

[greatam]

West side Piers 88, 90 and 92 are no longer a nice place to embark, disembark from, or meet a ship. Ever since Sptember 11, 2001, the Cruise Ship Terminal on 12th Ave has been a hotbed for irrational stupidity, disguised as security consciesness. The rules for where you may stand walk or gaze seem to change regularly, with invisible undefined boundaries, that one has no way of knowing one is crossing them until one of the so called "pier ****s" tells you you have done so.

I know that, as the saying goes: "This is NEW YORK", but when one is coughing up between $200 and $400 a night to go on a holiday, one should be able to expect to be treated civily, by a staff in which the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.

In the case of the move from Manhatten to Brooklyn, The evil you DON'T know may be preferrable to the one you DO know.

PARROTHEAD: Care to relate YOUR experience prior to boading QE-2 Transatlantic Eastbound in April 2004?

 

Surely, you jest about BROOKLYN. We own a logistics company, with an office in the South Bronx. I have spent a LOT of time at the Brooklyn piers, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and RedHook. There is absolutely NOTHING to do and no place to eat, save a few diners that close when the piers close. On the weekends, there is absolutely nothing or no one around except hookers, pimps, winos and crackheads. I won't even let my driver's park there on the weekend anymore. And it is darn difficult to find someplace to park a 70 ft semi. It is safer at Hunt's Point and that says a LOT.

[travel-to-go]

No what the was the norm back then was traveling back and forth to Europe not Carribean anything. Also it wasn't cruising as we know it. The Carribean cruising was also a creation of the old NCL(norwegian carribean line). The agreement with the city has NCL agreeing to stay and use NY- as opposed to NJ piers. I do think that while re-doing the west side piers takes place all will be using Brooklyn at some time. I don't believe there is any deep water port in CT that can support a cruise ship.

While I have no idea how "deep" the new London port is, I do know that there will be cruise ships in her future. I don't remeember which line, but someone will begin stopping in New London next year. I don't remember it being something small such as a super-yacht, either.

 

New Haven is a port for oil tankers to offload. Now I don't know how much draft they take fully loaded compared to a cruise ship, but I suspect it is fairly deep. Bridgeport hosts the port Jeff Ferry. now that is probably flat bottomed, and low draft, but I'll bet they could dredge that port if someone was convinced there was money and tourism in it.

The thing about the New London Pier is, it is very close to the two largest casinos in the Western Hemisphere. They run high speed ferries out of New London.

 

I'd love to see someone build a world-class cruise port in some city which does not spend most of its time in gridlock, like Fort Lauderdale, Boston, Miami and New York. When we did a re-po cruise out of Boston during the Big Dig, we practically did one of those run and jump across the gap as the ship sails away routines. They literally pulled up the gangplank and shut the doors behind us. Can you say our coming aboard photos were not the best in our colllection? However, a mere half hour or hour later, we were on our balcony hoisting a glass of Moet et Chandon Brut to the fading Boston skyline as the twinkling stars began to come out and dusk faded to twi-night from our Starboard-side Balcony! Had pre-ordered a fruit and cheese plate for sail-away- Brought the champagne with us!

[garycarla]

As we get closer to the pending arrival and departure of QM2 in Brooklyn, it might be time for an update.

 

Does it look like they will be ready in time? Any alternative plans if they are not? Will the Queen navigate enough on the way out to get a good view of Lady Liberty?

[bobby1119]

Having discovered the thrill of ocean liners at the Westside piers as a little boy when my grandmother's brother visited her from Italy in the 60's, arriving and then departing months later on the Saturnia - which is the first ship I set foot on to see him off - I am saddened to see the transfer of the Cunard operation to Red Hook.

 

All my sailings from New York have been thrilling, and nothing beats sailing from Manhattan. I think it was former QE2 Captain John Burton-Hall who answered my question "What is your most exciting departure or arrival port?" by saying "Sailing from New York" and "Sailing into Syndey."

 

Last month I saw the QE2 sail from Pier 90 - the last time she will visit there. I am booked for the full world cruise in 2007 and just cannot imagine the epic journey of my life (and retirement gift to myself!) beginning from Red Hook. It will be a non-event.

 

Then there are the practical matters - for me, the westside piers have always been so convenient. Yes, incommodious and outdated, but easily accessed, familiar and classic - especially when speaking of QE2, the only remaining classic.

 

Long winded Bobby

[Paul NH]

I am booked on the April 15 transatlantic and the travel agent advised as recently as this weekend that the QM2 is to depart from Red Hook.

[seabourndt]

thought it was not ready anbd going from thew old piers. thats a shame as i'm on the 15th april noordam trip to rome. as am booked on the qm2 in july was hoping to be alongside her. have a good trip, maybe we'll see each other

dave

[garycarla]

Assuming the port authority can complete the job and have the QM2 in Red Hook in April, are there hotels in Manhattan that would have a view of the Queen coming into port, or at least be able to see her that morning?

 

Just looked at the map - looks like this might have been a dumb question since the docks are quite a ways south of the tip of Manhattan.

[PatrickS]

Assuming the port authority can complete the job and have the QM2 in Red Hook in April, are there hotels in Manhattan that would have a view of the Queen coming into port, or at least be able to see her that morning?

 

 

Garycarla

 

The Ritz-Carton which is located in Battery Park City on the tip of Manhattan has rooms with harbor views.

 

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/new_york_battery_park/photo_tour/hotel/harbor_view.asp

[Bollinge]

Does this mean they'll have a first port inaugural celebration with all the fireboats and hoopla

 

Given that she is scheduled to be alongside at 6 am, and sunrise is about 5.20 am, I think it unlikely.

 

How about when she leaves at 5pm that day?

[transatlantic fan]

Assuming the port authority can complete the job and have the QM2 in Red Hook in April, are there hotels in Manhattan that would have a view of the Queen coming into port, or at least be able to see her that morning?

 

 

Garycarla

 

The Ritz-Carton which is located in Battery Park City on the tip of Manhattan has rooms with harbor views.

 

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/new_york_battery_park/photo_tour/hotel/harbor_view.asp

They also have a Balcony by the bar so you can have a drink and enjoy her leaving, This is what i will be doing on the 3rd July.

[chaprk]

We are scheduled to arrive at the Red Hook Pass. terminal on April 29 following our WB TA. Any recommendations for a car service? We lived in Manhattan until a few years ago but I can't seem to located the numbers of the services we used at that time. I'm afraid cabs will be very scarce at the Pier and I can't bear to get on a bus to the airport after 6 days on the QM2.

[mariaemp675@hotmail.com]

Hi Chaprk,

There are several car services available. They use regular cars no limos or town cars.

Harbor View car service - 718-680-2500 reservation #718-748-9898

Apple Express Car Service - 718-836-8200 no reservation #

I believe the charge to the airports is approximately $35.00, but I am sure you can get a quote before you order the car.

Good Luck,

Maria Elena

[chaprk]

Thanks for the information. I'll give them a call.

[ESLO]

(This is a copy of a message I left for my fellow CC's on our Roll Call that are on the July 4th QM2 Cruise)

 

Hi All,

 

Just wanted to pass on to all coming on the trip that my wife and I took a trip to see the new terminal being built for the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Redhook Brooklyn.

 

Took abit of finding as it is out of the view of the normal streets but using my homing pigeon instinct found the back area. The area is very much plastered with Security Signs and Camera Signs so I was deeply afraid if I wanted to take photo's what would have happened.

 

The building up to now still looks like alot of work is needed with finishing it. I did figure out after looking it over that the area behind the Brooklyn Battery Terminal is the approach to the Property Area. Like I said, the general area around that part of Redhook is not the most pleasant to greet new passengers to a cruiseship terminal. Remember, this is a waterfront area. But we used it to look over the area to get a good shot of the pier, property and area.

 

Looks like a very large area will be for parking but not sure. If the approach from the city streets are correct, there seems to be a very long airport type runway road from the property entrance to the front of this terminal front. It has a nice front to it and may also have a drive type circle in front of it. The building up to now seems to be a single story typical pier structure. We saw what looked like modules of White Painted Steel & Glass Walls Bridges that maybe used to possibly board the ship. It was interesting to see this and what it looked like in the papers afew months ago when ground was broken.

 

Yes, there is work still needed to be done before the first ship I believe 4/11-12 comes in but they may do the something they did to Bayonne NJ when that terminal was being built. They did enought work to get it up and running and did additional work in the later months while functioning.

 

Not sure how many ships can dock at one time at the pier. Again, not a great view but good enought for now.

 

It will be interesting to see the documentation that is included in the tickets. I also are going to look out for the papers near it's opening.

 

I am concerned about the traffic and approach to this entrance. We traveled down a street called Hamilton Avenue toward the Battery Tunnel and just about to past the Tunnel when a large tracker trailer blocked the street to back in to the business it was at and took about 10 minutes. The traffic backup it created was interesting. But we had patience and waited. I did not see the typical city taxicabs anywhere about the area no less car service vehicles. That's all that the city and port have to work out in the coming months to make it pleasant and accommodating to us.

 

There is again no local stores to go to at this time outside close to the terminal area. Definitely no cultural entertainment or attractions also now.

 

One thing we did like and found a rainbow in all this, "What a lovely view and picture of Lower Manhattan by the Battery!" Sorry to say, the poor Trade Center is missing and would added a touch. I wonder what it would look like from onboard a ship?

 

Just wanted to pass this to all. We will be watching for information related to this terminal and it's progress.

 

(Just Wanted To Share This With All......)

 

Regards,

ESLO

(Bev & Ed)

[garycarla]

thanks for the mini trip report of the new Red Hook terminal. We look forward to anything else you may find out. Looks like it will surely be an adventure for those of us leaving on the FIRST trip in mid April.

[hcat]

Much as leaving & returning to the NYC pier was unpleasant & chaotic, seems this could be very inconvenient. Hope our limo company will agree to go there from LI as it is out of the way. On our return trip, the driver will have alot of down time if disembarkation does not run smoothly. Bet the limo rates will be higher than to Manhattan! Would not subject our dtr to a trip in & out of that area.... Please post when you return--we do not cruise until Sept. so there's alot that can improved by then!

[ESLO]

Much as leaving & returning to the NYC pier was unpleasant & chaotic, seems this could be very inconvenient. Hope our limo company will agree to go there from LI as it is out of the way. On our return trip, the driver will have alot of down time if disembarkation does not run smoothly. Bet the limo rates will be higher than to Manhattan! Would not subject our dtr to a trip in & out of that area.... Please post when you return--we do not cruise until Sept. so there's alot that can improved by then!

 

Hi All & Hcat,

 

I know everyone hopes and prays that the new terminal will be complete and functioning by all our cruises. All Limo, Taxi Cab Co.'s and Chartered Bus Lines should be properly informed of the location and treat it as if it was Manhattan's Docks. I as many living in NY no less Brooklyn will be monitoring the progress of these piers, as we and many others will be potential passengers on ships from this terminal in the future. Also hoping documentation with our tickets and it's website will be complete and the ground transportation industries are well informed.

 

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Website:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=164865

 

 

Regards,

:) ESLO

(Bev & Ed)

[garycarla]

The link submitted by the last poster comes right back to this same message thread.

 

New York Cruise Terminal, with links to the Brooklyn Facility :

http://www.nycruiseterminal.com/index.cfm

 

Link to another blurb about the new terminal (looks more like an advertorial). http://www.brooklyncruiseguide.com/cruise-terminal.html

 

Though I love google maps, the recent beta edition of Windows Live Local offers a new view. This link takes you to a satellite view of Red Hook. BUT - on the left you can click on BIRDS EYE view and you can really zoom in.

 

Of course, there is no indication when these pictures were taken.

[travel-to-go]

 

Link to another blurb about the new terminal (looks more like an advertorial). http://www.brooklyncruiseguide.com/cruise-terminal.html

 

Anyone notice the "official" directions have you making a U-turn? Now I don't profess to know New York, and I don't believe I have ever been to Brooklyin, but I can't imagine that is a good thing, even in east no-wheresville- how many hundreds of cars (and limos and buses)trying to make U-turns.

 

Karie,

who is trying to keep an open mind!

[greatam]

Anyone notice the "official" directions have you making a U-turn? Now I don't profess to know New York, and I don't believe I have ever been to Brooklyin, but I can't imagine that is a good thing, even in east no-wheresville- how many hundreds of cars (and limos and buses)trying to make U-turns.

 

Karie,

who is trying to keep an open mind!

 

Karie,

 

If you are going west on the BQE (which is really more southeast than west in THAT section of highway), you will have to make the u'ey to go west to the piers. And yes, it could be a real traffic mess, although if you stay in the left lane, you won't be crossing other lanes of traffic, so at least no t-bone accidents. But heck, New Yorkers make u'ey's EVERYWHERE.

 

There are other ways in to the piers, which I think are easier, but maybe they want to keep the car traffic away from the truck traffic. Or maybe they will block off the truck routes completely on "cruise days". What a mess that will be for my drivers.