Transatlantic Tom
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Posts posted by Transatlantic Tom
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42 minutes ago, frankp01 said:
Just to be a bit more precise, I believe anyone with a non-UK mobile phone will get their results from the attendants who monitor and announce passenger's names as the results arrive.
In December I was given a tiny slip of paper stating "negative". I've kept that, as it was all that stood between me and boarding the QM2!
Yes, you're right about those with a non-UK phone: you're shunted to an area of the terminal where - in lieu of a text message - you're told verbally. At least this was the method on Sunday March 20...
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9 hours ago, bluemarble said:
Perhaps because some of the procedures @Transatlantic Tom mentioned are in the CDC guidelines which pertain to ships calling at US ports. Here's the part of the CDC guidelines I think would have pertained to close contacts of those who test positive on a QM2 crossing to New York. This would not have applied to QE's Northern Lights cruise which did not call at any US ports. Keep in mind most cruise lines, including Cunard, have chosen to continue participating in the CDC program for cruise ships operating in US waters even though it is no longer mandatory.
"What to expect if you are were exposed to COVID-19 while on board:
You may be tested for COVID-19 and need to quarantine. If you are on a ship participating in CDC’s COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, you will quarantine based on your vaccination status.
- If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, at the cruise ship operator’s discretion, you will be required to:
- Quarantine for 10 days after last exposure; or
- Quarantine for 5 days after your last exposure followed by 5 days of daily viral testing.
- If you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, at the cruise ship operator’s discretion, you will be required to:
- Quarantine for 5 days after last exposure; or
- Be tested daily for COVID-19 for 5 days after your last exposure instead of a 5-day quarantine.
- Regardless of your vaccination status, during the 10 days after your last exposure, you will need to follow additional public health measures including dining inside your cabin and properly wearing a well-fitting mask at all times when you are outside your cabin (indoors and outdoors)."
This fits seamlessly with what we experienced and what was in effect during the crossing.
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6 hours ago, ace2542 said:
What if they didn't know the people? Would they be shown pictures of passengers?
Those would be questions for the medical staff, and Cunard/Canival UK to answer; as you might imagine, not too much was shared with passengers.
All I can say (from personal experience & knowledge) is that IF someone in your party - for example, table companions and/or people with whom you had drinks - tests positive for COVID your name will come up, you will be tested, and even if you're negative you will be asked to dine in your cabin ONLY, via room service.
Theoretically, if someone fails to name you then you're off the hook....
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8 hours ago, vettprincess said:
Thank you for sharing your trip. A very good review of your crossing. From another MN Cunard fan. I envy the lectures you had. I have some of Bill Miller's books.
Maybe we should form a Cunard-Minnesota club ?? For those of us far, far away from the sea !!!😀
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7 hours ago, Cruzinram said:
We are US citizens that will be returning to the US on QM2. A cell phone number is being asked for and we only have a US cell phone. Does anyone know if we can get a hard copy of the results rather than text. Test will be performed at the terminal bt Cunard prior to boarding.
The way it went on 20 March at Southampton for our WB transatlantic to NY: (a) you get tested in a tent across the street from the terminal, (b) you will be given a green wristband if you're American [whereas the British get a blue - IIRC - wristband], (c) you cross over into the terminal, (d) based on your wristband color you are directed to the appropriate waiting area, (e) if you're American your waiting area will be near a table staffed by 2 women with laptops - they will notify you anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes about your results, (f) if you've tested negative you will THEN be directed to check-in for the voyage.
I believe the British receive their results via mobile/cell phone, whereas Americans don't (per my explanation above)
Of course, procedures could certainly change...
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12 hours ago, Host Hattie said:
Thanks for your report
My pleasure !
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11 hours ago, ace2542 said:
No charge for the tests? And that is not blood draw is it?
How did they establish who had been where on the T/A? And by "many" what do you mean? dozens? hundreds?
No, there was no charge for the tests, and no it was NOT a blood draw, merely a nasal swab.
It appears as if a person tested positive they would be interviewed to determine with whom they'd dined, had drinks with, socialized, etc.
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Some impressions of my first QM2 voyage since October 2019, and first transatlantic crossing since December 2018...
* The pre-embarkation process - COVID test, waiting for results and check in at Mayflower Terminal in Southampton - took approximately 90 minutes
* There were two onboard Antigen tests for all passengers, Day 3 and Day 6
* Face masks were still required in all public spaces except while dining or drinking (or on deck)
* Everyone pleasantly & cooperatively restricted themselves to "4-only" in the lifts
* Reliable sources indicated that the passenger compliment was approximately 1,475.
* The interior of the ship looked very good
* The service from service staff - rooms steward, dining room waiters, Kings Court stewards, lounge/bar stewards - was EXCELLENT !!
* The entertainment, i.e. 3 recitals, by pianist Anthony Hewitt was absolutely magnificent. He was incredible. Everything from Bach & Debussy to an all-Chopin recital to Gershwin. A real treat !
* Some interesting lectures: Bill Miller (ocean liner history), retired British Airways captain John Hutchinson (Concorde and BA history)
* Afternoon tea in Queens Room was as wonderful (and normal) as always - great service, a very good harpist and delicious sandwiches, scones & tea
* Many calm overcast days with temperatures of 55F/12-13C; one day wet & drizzly; one day rough with Force 9 on the Beaufort scale; one day cold (41F/5C)
* Regrettably, I found the Britannia Restaurant menu somewhat uninspiring and disappointing; something I've never seen in 41 years of sailing with Cunard.
- My theory is that after a devastating 2-year hiatus and an absence of revenues they are "economizing" somewhat on the menus, not spending the money they would normally. My hope is that (a) this is temporary, and (b) as things progress there will be a return to some of the offerings one usually finds
- Having said this, to my eye (or stomach) the desserts every night were as good as always - Lemon Souffle, Baked Alaska, Crepes Suzette, Chocolate Fondant, et al
- Additionally, the 2nd of two formal nights featured an excellent assortment of traditional dishes: Escargot, Lobster Bisque, Beef Wellington, Baked Alaska !!
* Some of the offerings in the Kings Court were very good too: i.e. Rack of Lamb one evening
Finally -
* There was an outbreak of positive COVID infections during the crossing: an unknown number of passengers tested positive and were moved out of their cabins to a quarantine zone on Decks 4, 5, & 6 between "A" & "B" stairwells, port and starboard. Access doors to these areas - at lift/elevator lobbies and in passageways (fore & aft, port & starboard) - were closed and locked !
* Many who had been in the presence of passengers who tested positive were themselves restricted from pubic dining and drinking for the remainder of the crossing; additionally, these passengers were required to get a DAILY antigen test.
It was great to be aboard QM2 once again. All in all a good experience.
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Under the current COVID protocols, what are the opening times - Early & Second - for Britannia Restaurant on QM2 ??
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Its sounds as if the issue is with your family; according to you, they picked Cunard; you wouldn't have - poor you.
Unless you bail out, you are stuck.
Cunard is formal, just like a few remaining restaurants in New York, San Francisco (London has MANY)...they will not seat you unless you make some minimal effort.
I think previous posters have given you some good, practical suggestions/solutions.
BTW: Posters on CruiseCritic DO have a right to challenge you with regard to your "I don't want to hear" list, whether you like it or not...when you post something you're opening up Pandora's Box.
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ah030 - Congratulations !!!
Assuming you still have 2 days in Southampton, there are many things to do to enjoy yourself...
* Take the little foot ferry from Town Quay over to Hythe (basically just across "the harbor", i.e. the River Test); fun little town...nice little cafe, "BeBe's"
* Take the National Express coach (people can direct you to the coach station, near the West Quay Shopping Mall) to Winchester - amazing cathedral, of course, and a truly charming city !!
* Tour the Maritime Museum in Southampton (an excellent museum for ship lovers)
* "The Duke of Wellington" pub on Bugle Street is excellent
* "Oxford Brasserie" Restaurant, on Oxford Street is very good; next door is the "White Star", which is quite good too. "La Lupa" on High Street is great, too !
* Even just taking the Red Funnel Line ferry over to and back from East Cowes, Isle of Wight is a pleasant journey
Now that you're booked for the QE, relax & enjoy yourself !!!
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Well, Tom, I have to agree with you. It is sad, but what do you expect from the marketing department when they have to appeal to geographically challenged people? After all the president just seemed to learn that Puerto Rico is an island surrounded by big water and salt water at that!
You're spot on, Frank !!!
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Outrage ?? Hardly...
Apparently, the humor intended was missed. Oh well...
On a serious level, it is silly (I'll stick with that) for these marketing people to play games with geography or language - Southampton is not London, Le Havre is not Paris, etc. That's all.
Some potential traveller, not knowing British geography, could easily think they will be sailing to/from London.
It just seems dishonest or deceptive...and certainly inaccurate...to me.
Thanks for the replies all !!
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As if being called a "guest" wasn't bad enough....
...NOW Cunard marketing emails are offering "transatlantic crossings from NY to LONDON" (or vice versa); cruises to/from London TOO !!
Unless QM2, QV & QE have secretly begun sailings to/from Tilbury, the Isle of Dogs or The Embankment - I wish that Cunard would stop this silliness. :D
Southampton, Southampton, Southampton !!!
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Easy mistake, but...you are presumably talking about QE (Queen Elizabeth): QE2 is sadly retired in Dubai.
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Hi Tom,
Originally Chuck and I were going to be on the QE crossing that you are on. I booked it last January, and we were to be in a Princess Grill room. At that time the price was astronomical, and I knew that I would cancel if the price didn't come down. I waited as long as I could and the price never lowered. I cancelled. Well, the price finally did come down, and during October what Cunard wanted last January for a P-2 would have put us in a Queens Grill penthouse with plenty of change left over! Too late for me though as I, and my friend Cheryl, were booked by that time in Queens Grill on the QM2's January crossing at a fraction of the original QE price.
Now to your question! Customs and immigration will be cleared the day that you arrive. Be ready for long lines. Everyone needs to leave the ship and stay off the ship until everyone has cleared. So if you want to go into town for a bit, you might want to go through the formalities early and head into town for several hours before you come back to the ship. If you plan on getting right back on to the ship, do hold off and be one of the last to clear customs.
The next morning it's your choice what to do. It's really quite like departing the ship after any other cruise, but you have already cleared immigration. Now mind you this could all change at the fiat of Homeland Security, but that's how it was done the last time I was on the QE and we stayed at Pier 88 overnight.
As far as plenty of taxis being available...forget it! The lines for departing passengers were long and slow waiting for a taxi to come by. People were schlepping their luggage off of the pier and across the highway to the taxi stand, and waiting in the brutal cold till their turn to get a cab. It wasn't pretty!
With that all being said, Bon Voyage, and one of these days Chuck and I will catch up with you and Jan!
Thanks for the info, Frank. It's reassuring to get it from you, in particular !!
We're gonna ship one big bag home via White Star, then shoot for Self-Help disembarkation the next day.
BTW, Jan & I will do everything we can to hold you & Chuck to that promise - and that'll be catching up on the high seas !!!
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Thanks, Diane !
We're veterans of many Manhattan and Red Hook arrivals & disembarkations...always the same day.
The overnight angle is the part that's different this time.
Customs & Immigration should be on the Sunday when we arrive (allowing everyone to go ashore, etc.); it seems to me the process should be a little streamlined on Monday morning considering (a) the ship is already there and (b) the formalities have [one hopes] been handled the day before.
I think you're right - self help is the way to go !!
Thank you, also, for your kind wishes !!!
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We'll be arriving at Manhattan aboard QUEEN ELIZABETH on Sunday January 15, early afternoon....overnighting at the West Side piers....disembarking the next morning, Monday January 16.
I'm trying to plan for a limo pickup time for Monday morning.
Usually, the ship arrives, there is that slow methodical disembarkion process, then customs & immigration, etc. I know how to plan for that, time wise for a limo pickup..
Has anyone gone through the version we'll run into in January ??
Specifically, do you (can you) disembark early because of the overnight ??
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Thanks again for the helpful suggestions and advice !!
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Thank you !
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One of many reasons (but certainly not the only) people are drawn to Cunard is the more formal attire, particularly on transatlantic crossings...
For those who see it as such, it is fun, festive, lovely.
The vast majority of passengers adhere to the dress code, and it's a great thing to be a part of. The ladies dress in various gowns, various colors; the men in tuxedos or dark suits.
If one is lucky enough, you also see military dress uniforms, kilts with all the regalia, saris, kimonos.
I have seen all of the above and it is wonderful !
The spirit and sentiment, I feel, is to be different, do something out of the ordinary...where else can you experience something like this this days ??
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Does anyone have a limo service in Hamburg that (a) they have used, and (b) would recommend ???
Thank you.
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a dark suit with tie is appropriate on formal nites
here we are on a formal nite, west crossing June last year
'informal' on QM2 means a sport coat with tie optional
or eat outside of the main dining rooms . . .
Very nicely done, Capt. BJ - dark suit, tux, lovely dress, evening gown...whatever the form, for a lot of us it's the spirit of the occasion. Something to celebrate.
Bravo !!
PS Thank you for your service with the USCG. I'd love to hear your stories !!
WB QM2 Transatlantic Crossing (20 March - 27 March) UK-USA
in Cunard Line
Posted
If you look on the lefthand side of my postings you'll see I'm on the St. Paul side !! We know a couple from the Stillwater area who have made a couple of QM2 crossings, and some people one block over have also made a crossing aboard her !!
We have been on that early July cruise - Halifax, Boston, and 2 seas days going around Cape Cod. A nice trip !!