late for dinner

[hampshire]

We will be sailing on the QM2 next week with family from England. We want to be up on deck for the New York departure. How do we manage this and still be ready for dinner by 6pm - can we be a little late arriving on the first evening maybe. What does everyone else do???

[smoothdancer]

I find the first evening runs a tad behind schedule anyway with the passangers finding thier way for the first time to the resturant, being escorted to tables, ect.

 

Maybe in advance you can find the resturant and your table so you do not have to wait to be escorted. Maybe you can even lay out your clothes prior to the sailaway so afterwards you can make a "quick change" and be on your way!! If you have never sailed out of NY, you sure dont want to miss it.

[rrunner]

I find the first evening runs a tad behind schedule anyway with the passangers finding thier way for the first time to the resturant, being escorted to tables, ect.

 

Maybe in advance you can find the resturant and your table so you do not have to wait to be escorted. Maybe you can even lay out your clothes prior to the sailaway so afterwards you can make a "quick change" and be on your way!! If you have never sailed out of NY, you sure dont want to miss it.

We will take your advice. We want our family to still be on deck when we go under the Verrazano Narrows bridge - then we can leave for dinner.

[mufi]

Take your time, then dine in Kings Court on the first night. You will find this much easier than rushing to dinner. You can meet your table companions in more a relaxed atmosphere next evening.

 

David.

[sullaRaffaello]

We will be sailing on the QM2 next week with family from England. We want to be up on deck for the New York departure. How do we manage this and still be ready for dinner by 6pm - can we be a little late arriving on the first evening maybe. What does everyone else do???

 

I'm assuming that you're dining in Britannia's first sitting. I believe that one can put one's order in as late as 6:30 and still be served. Of course, if you're in one of the Grills, it's open seating until 9:00.

[RMVET]

It is just for this reason that we always request second seating. We have a much more relaxed day knowing that we don't have to rush back from sail aways or land tours to dress for dinner. We rest for awhile and leisurely dress for dinner at 8:30. Plus, we enjoy having afternoon tea at 4:30 or so, and don't want to eat dinner right afterwards. Give late seating a thought.

 

We have friends who had a dining room with single seating. They were at a large table and generally were half finished with dinner before any of their table mates appeared. They might as well have been at a table for two.

[LegalSailor]

If you're in one of the Grills, don't worry about it.

If not, then let the staff know that you will be late due to sailing out of NY and wanting to be on the deck. I've done it before when I had a Britannia early seating back in '99.

[Oahucruiser]

The first night is "elegant casual" so wear those clothes out on the deck to watch the sailaway. The ship will clear the Verrazano Bridge by around 6 and then you can dash down for dinner. If the ship is running late, opt for dinner in the King's Court or, when you board, book Todd English for a later hour.

[rrunner]

The first night is "elegant casual" so wear those clothes out on the deck to watch the sailaway. The ship will clear the Verrazano Bridge by around 6 and then you can dash down for dinner. If the ship is running late, opt for dinner in the King's Court or, when you board, book Todd English for a later hour.

Did not realize King's Court was open on the first night??

[Oahucruiser]

The King's Court is open every night. Much more attractive at night than in the day.

[Elroy]

We just got back from the Sep 10-22 Med Medley on QM2, and the King's Court in the evening session was one of the best secrets that should be better known. Two of the four restaurants turn into full fledged white table cloth + waiter service restaurants at night, but you NEED to make reservations for them as they are small and fill up later in the voyage. Unlike the buffet scene in the daytime of the evening buffet scene at the other two King's court restaurants, the two that are serving regular restaurant-style dinners are quite elegant, and many of the tables have ocean views. If you are on a long cruise, I'd recommending trying the variour Kings Court restaurants in the evenings for a change of pace from the Brittania - we only made it to two of them in the evening since we found out about it late and getting reservations for them was tough.

[Mysteryfan]

I took the QM2 to England. We were to sail at 5Pm and it did, plenty of time to see the ship go under the bridge, and still hit your dinner time. it is a casual night for dinner on the 1st night. ENjoy the trip, the ship is great.

[ESLO]

On our last several experiences, you should make it in plenty of time with some to spare.

 

If your ship boards everyone in time (baring any late arrivals, weather, etc...), you should leave on time, 5PM. Since she does not back out and just pulls away from the pier and head straight into the Narrows, you enter the harbor much faster.

 

In our past experience on the Mary, leaving ontime (5PM), you should arrive at the bridge by 5:35 - 5:45PM.

 

On our last cruises, we left right after the bridge and were at the Britianna Restaurant doors at about 6:05PM.

 

Take the Elevator at Staircase C straight to Deck 2 for Britianna Restaurant. I would not personally miss checking in and establishing your Dining Room Table on the first evening. You will have plenty of other evenings to go to the Kings Court. If for some apparent reason you are not pleased with your table or assignment, this is the time to attack it and make any changes necessary.

 

YES!, I don't blame you not wanting to miss departing the pier and harbor out to and pass the VZ Bridge. It is an personal experience not to be missed. Especially with the vast security escort she gets going out and coming back into the harbor on each of her sailings by the NYC Police launches, US Coast Guard Gunships and Multi-Agencies Helicopters.

 

The "cherry" on top of the cake is the passing under the bridge. To see and anticipate and experience that only 12 Foot clearance between the bridge and the ship's tower, it's priceless. Once you have passed under the roadway DON'T FORGET to turn around FAST! Now you will experience to even closer - close call - of the Funnel and the Bridge.

 

When both passings are coming up, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERAS & VIDEO CAMCORDERS CHARGED AND READY TO GO. There are not better pictures taken during a cruise except for the Statue of Liberty.

 

P.S.S.S.... I forget to mention Big Time. When you are ready to depart the Redhook Pier, the First Highlight is the Sounding of the Old Queen Mary Horn when setting sail. This is one of the other experiences that you don't want to miss and also not miss recording the sound. But be forwarned, if you are atop on the Signal Deck, you may jump out of your skin. Remember, this horn does have a distance of 10 miles.

 

One place that we like to head to after the boat drill on embarkation day is to Deck 13, Forward - Sport Deck Area and then to the Observation Deck located Midship in front of the Radar/Satellite Balls, in front of the Funnel. We sort of call it, the unoffical Deck 14. It is a very popular gathering place for those past Cunarder's that know where to return too!

 

It can be accessed by taking Elevator Bank A, Most Forward Staircase, to Deck 13. Then head across the Sunning Deck to the Observation Deck. Also, taking Elevator Bank B, Midship, to Deck 12. Pass thru the Inside Pool Area to either exit onto Deck 12's Promenade. Take the forward staircase to Deck 13. You will see the staircase on the side up to the Observation Deck.

 

Hope it extra information will add that extra special start to your cruising experience.

[historygrad02]

I will be on a cruise this fall and it doesn't depart until 7 pm. It will be dark then, won't that spoil the spectacle of the departure? :(

[Casshew]

No, not at all.. I've seen photos of night departures from NYC and it looks amazing :)

[travel-to-go]

Not in the least. The Bridge is lit up and sparkles like Diamonds. The Lady (Statue of Liberty) is, if anything, even MORE visible, being right across from the Redhook pier. You will see her as you drive into the parking lot!

 

Sorry about the low speed. You can see the top of the mast going under the bridge. I forget when we left. Maybe 8 or 9? Stood out in the freezing air and drizzle waiting for passengers delayed into the airports by the ice storm last January.

 

 

Night can be MUCH more dramatic!

 

Karie,

who has done both. But daytime was foggy, couldn't see much. Also rainy. Maybe it's me!

[ESLO]

I will be on a cruise this fall and it doesn't depart until 7 pm. It will be dark then, won't that spoil the spectacle of the departure? :(

 

Dear historygrad02,

Hi and congratulation and Bon Voyage on your future cruise.

 

Your question is one that I did experienced once. I am not sure what month you are talking about?

 

Well, we once departed on a cruise in the fall (Oct. 14th) about 6:30 to 7PM from the Manhattan Terminal and to see the city sparkling in the twilight into darkness was a beautiful picture in itself. Yes, we were in pure dark approaching and passing under the VZ Bridge but it's something to experience.

 

Departing from Brooklyn, the Terminal area will now be silent and inactive as you pull away. You will see the Statue of Liberty most likely lighting up. Of course, from the rear of the ship, the super skyline of lower Manhattan will have it's own mysterious look. If you leave at sunset, those building will light up with a firey look from the setting autumn sun. If dark already, they will display a special effect with most of the office lights left on inside them.

 

Of course, sailing down the harbor, the shorelines of Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey (heading towards the open sea) will give off a type of Disney effect from the different township on the coast.

 

And of course, now without too much light pollution (hoping for clear skies), the dark sky will give off the brilliant sky of stars and maybe the moon.

 

Morning, Daytime, Evening or Nightime, you will enjoy all the different effects that your will experience at different Ports of Call that they offer.

 

Will this happen around dinner time? Well, in some cases at that time of year but you do have alternative dining available if you wish to remain outside. Be forwarned, you will have to be aware of the possibly clothing will be need to have on. In the fall, in the evening/darkness, the ship can be very breezy or windy on deck. Prepare for that!

[hampshire]

On our last several experiences, you should make it in plenty of time with some to spare.

 

If your ship boards everyone in time (baring any late arrivals, weather, etc...), you should leave on time, 5PM. Since she does not back out and just pulls away from the pier and head straight into the Narrows, you enter the harbor much faster.

 

In our past experience on the Mary, leaving ontime (5PM), you should arrive at the bridge by 5:35 - 5:45PM.

 

On our last cruises, we left right after the bridge and were at the Britianna Restaurant doors at about 6:05PM.

 

Take the Elevator at Staircase C straight to Deck 2 for Britianna Restaurant. I would not personally miss checking in and establishing your Dining Room Table on the first evening. You will have plenty of other evenings to go to the Kings Court. If for some apparent reason you are not pleased with your table or assignment, this is the time to attack it and make any changes necessary.

 

YES!, I don't blame you not wanting to miss departing the pier and harbor out to and pass the VZ Bridge. It is an personal experience not to be missed. Especially with the vast security escort she gets going out and coming back into the harbor on each of her sailings by the NYC Police launches, US Coast Guard Gunships and Multi-Agencies Helicopters.

 

The "cherry" on top of the cake is the passing under the bridge. To see and anticipate and experience that only 12 Foot clearance between the bridge and the ship's tower, it's priceless. Once you have passed under the roadway DON'T FORGET to turn around FAST! Now you will experience to even closer - close call - of the Funnel and the Bridge.

 

When both passings are coming up, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR CAMERAS & VIDEO CAMCORDERS CHARGED AND READY TO GO. There are not better pictures taken during a cruise except for the Statue of Liberty.

 

P.S.S.S.... I forget to mention Big Time. When you are ready to depart the Redhook Pier, the First Highlight is the Sounding of the Old Queen Mary Horn when setting sail. This is one of the other experiences that you don't want to miss and also not miss recording the sound. But be forwarned, if you are atop on the Signal Deck, you may jump out of your skin. Remember, this horn does have a distance of 10 miles.

 

One place that we like to head to after the boat drill on embarkation day is to Deck 13, Forward - Sport Deck Area and then to the Observation Deck located Midship in front of the Radar/Satellite Balls, in front of the Funnel. We sort of call it, the unoffical Deck 14. It is a very popular gathering place for those past Cunarder's that know where to return too!

 

It can be accessed by taking Elevator Bank A, Most Forward Staircase, to Deck 13. Then head across the Sunning Deck to the Observation Deck. Also, taking Elevator Bank B, Midship, to Deck 12. Pass thru the Inside Pool Area to either exit onto Deck 12's Promenade. Take the forward staircase to Deck 13. You will see the staircase on the side up to the Observation Deck.

 

Hope it extra information will add that extra special start to your cruising experience.

You have been a great help. We really want to eat dinner in the Brittannia Restaurant on the first night - save the Kings Court for another evening. It is nice to know that we will be able to watch the departure and still be on time for dinner.

[Wadadli1]

Everything about NYC and it's surrounding attractions are most beautiful at night! The bridges especially so (I suspect someone planned it that way). You can always dress ahead of time if you think you might want to be out and about for a while.

 

Enjoy!