yoj13

I too read up a lot on requirements for the QM2 Christmas/New Year cruise 2017/2018. I wanted to adhere to the rules as much as possible. However, I have to say I was really disappointed in the dress code rules and a large percentage of passengers just did whatever they felt like.

The after 6 jacket rule for men is a joke. The first formal night a gentleman on the adjacent table had on a grey polo shirt and no sign of ANY jacket at all. People really were wearing anything and I personally saw no-one refused entry. The theatre was exactly the same with one lady in the ship's bath robe. Nothing appeared to be said.

So just go with whatever you and your wife are comfortable with, certainly don't worry, I'm sure you will look just fab.

Don't whatever you decide to do get into one of those 'black' cars. We were unfamiliar with Port Liberty having never sailed from there and just wanted a ride up to 34th Street light railway station I think it is called where we were meeting our friends. A little over 2 miles later the driver asked for $35 so do be careful.

There is no need for you to do anything. It's automatic. Your 'perks' will be waiting for you on your welcome letter in your stateroom. They will be slightly different to Diamond plus.

Although we are seasoned cruisers( currently up to no 52) we very recently took our very first cruise on Cunard, the week before Christmas, returning to her to return home on the 3rd Jan 2018.

I read lots of reviews regarding one thing or another just so that we 'got it right' so to speak.

I am not interested in what other passengers do, what they wear or how they conduct themselves, but I was so disappointed to see a gentleman in the dining room on the first formal night in a grey polo shirt, with no jacket or tie to be seen.

The number of passengers that were walking around in shorts and trainers after 6 was simply astonishing. So just when are Cunard's rules applied. Passengers on the next table to us (Cunarders through and through) said they too were amazed at how many passengers were being allowed into the dining room in the incorrect attire and of course the same passengers showed up in the theatre, one lady in the ship's bath robe!!!!

We'll never say never again, but it was a big disappointment for us.

Why don't Royal Caribbean take a leaf out of Cunard's book? I am sure it could only improve the situation as regards ESA's. I am not talking 'service animals' here.

If you want to take your ESA dog on board Cunard, there are strict guidelines to follow.

The first one is, there is a charge, circa $800 - $1000 per 7 day cruise. The animals are kept on Deck 12 in purpose built kennels, away from cabins. Visiting hours are set in black and white. They are not allowed inside the vessel and certainly never, ever in the restaurants on-board. At our recent embarkation in Southampton, there was probably about 12 very excited dogs who even have their own check-in desk. There is some very strict criteria to go through before boarding which appeared to go smoothly. Finally, they were led away by their owners and the dog wardens from Cunard. There were no 'accidents' inside the vessel, or animals in dining rooms, simply because it is not allowed.

On our last trip on Freedom last year, a gentleman carried his small dog around for the full 2 week trip. There was no indication whatsoever that it was an ESA. I never saw it walk ever. We love the promenade deck on ships and every day Fido and said owner arrived at the relief station. After 'performing' it was immediately picked up into his arms and we followed said owner and dog to the windjammer whereby the owner walked past the purell machine and refused the purell from the staff member. We were speechless. He found a table, got food (yes Fido was at the food counters ) and Fido had his own chair and the owner was feeding the dog from his plate. Gross! I made very specific comments on the cruise survey but.........

Last year, that shuttle bus charged E2.50 just to get to Columbus monument per person and it didn't commence until 8am. I have no idea of the cost of the train ticket but supposing it is around E2.50 as well, that's E40 for the 8 passengers. For a very small amount extra, you can all travel in style and from the cruise terminal. It's a no brainer really to use a taxi

To get the most of Capri and Pompeii, in my experience it would be impossible to do both in 1 day.

The terminal for the ferry/hovercraft to the Isle of Capri is literally minutes from where your ship will be docked. Tickets are bookable on-line and you will be across to Capri in no time. It is a lovely trip.

Pompeii is the other way although it is also very doable on your own. Once you get to the railway station, it is a short train ride away. Pay the entrance fee and wander to your hearts content.

Both are very interesting places to visit in very different ways

Hi,

We are transferring to Manhatten by the DIY method when returning from our cruise on the Anthem at the end of December. We realise that we need to take a taxi to the 34th Street Light Railway Station. Could someone who has done this recently give an indication of how much the taxi fare is likely to be please?

We now have an Visa application office in the centre of Newcastle. Since our last application some 3 years ago, they appear to have opened a multitude of 'branch' offices. It says in the small print for the offices that come under the Birmingham durisdiction (of which Newcastle is listed) that applicants over the age of 65 have the opportunity of just walking in without an appointment between the hours of 10.30-11.30am Monday - to Friday. So a big difference from when we applied previously. The cost of the special delivery alone was outrageous. They have quoted £39 as the application price. Anyone who has done it recently care to confirm this is correct?

The Holiday Inn starts it's total room re-furbishment in November 2017. Don't know the time it will take, but there will without doubt, be disruptions, so may be better to check before booking.

Read this blog,posted by a single female traveller who travels the world. It is well written and full of information regarding the visa. I hope it helps a Brit out.

http://www.global-gallivanting.com/how-to-apply-for-an-indian-visa-for-uk-citizens/

We have friends currently on Reflection and today she writes in her email that the entertainment is dire.

They love music of any sort, but 2 party bands and no ensemble of any kind has really disheartened them. They are on a back to back as well so a month of poor entertainment isn't looking good. Come on Celebrity, surely you can do better than this!

Friends of ours will be disembarking in Miami next month and will need to get to Miami airport for their flight home. They've asked for my assistance on this, but as it's a little over a year since we did this trip ourselves wondered if there is anyone who can indicate what the correct fare should be now. From memory I think we paid approx $30 (plus tip) but due to rising gas prices its possible that this has changed. Thank you

Thank you Bob for the info on the Diamond Lounge. Much appreciated.

Is there a diamond lounge (similar to the one on Freedom) whereby access is via your room key card. Although the diamond lounge on Freedom is not that large, the seating is comfy and of course there are the coffee machines.

Hi,

As I read your itinerary, it looks as though everything is covered except for the ride to the cruise terminal on the morning of embarkation. Although I have looked at the Hotel's web site I can see no mention of a shuttle bus to the cruise terminal. Having said that, sometimes the hotel has an outside contractor providing this service. (We used the Sheraton airport hotel recently and it was $8 per person which is slightly cheaper than a taxi if there are 2 of you but more expensive than a taxi if there were 4 of you travelling).

You will be picked up by the Hotel's airport shuttle service which is very frequent once you have cleared Miami immigration. Take the telephone number of the hotel with you as this should be on the door of the shuttle. I only suggest this because you may see the Embassy suite shuttle from Fort Lauderdale circling the airport and I am sure you wouldn't want to get on the wrong shuttle although the drivers can be pretty efficient in checking paperwork. It is a short hop from the airport to the Hotel (approx 1.8 miles) . Please note the Hotel is undergoing a major re-furbishment programme from May until December 2017. Reviews suggest that it bothers some people, but doesn't both others. We have never been disturbed by air traffic when stayling in the Miami Airport Hotels. Free cooked breakfast and complimentary drinks at happy hour should be included in your package.

Oh, I was reading this from the perspective of a QM2 person going to a first time RCCL. You are the other way ......

 

If I may can I still warn of culture shock from the other side vs what I expected?

 

If not already aware QM2 is SERIOUS about the dress code. If you don't meet the standard you will not be allowed into the main dining room. I saw folks invited to leave a lounge because they did not meet the dress code. Formal for a man means tux or dark suit .... informal STILL requires a jacket.

 

You can dress 'less' but after 6pm will be restricted as to where you can go on the ship - not the main dining room, casino, main lounges etc. Pretty much restricted to the buffet area .....

 

You mentioned the price ..... yep, a wise traveler can cross by QM2 with a balcony for less than 'economy plus - aka middle class' flying. But ya need time flexibility ... days versus hours ...

Hi,

Thanks for the info regarding tux, dark suit etc., One of the main draws of this cruise, was the fact it negated air travel across the pond and back, its just got to be better than eco on BA or Virgin (Sorry). So we will decide whether or not to miss the delights of formal dining on Cunard and go minus the tux/evening wear or take the whole dammed lot and enjoy what Cunard have to offer! It's a big birthday event for me and that occurs on Anthem so hopefully the sky will be blue and the sun will shine. Really looking forward to it.

We have been to Le Havre lots of times. It is an OK town if you just want to wander aimlessly and look at the shops, market etc., Of course, there are better places to visit i.e. Hornfleur or even Paris if you fancy a lengthy ride on the bus or train.

You can definitely walk into Le Havre although it is a decent walk and not for the fainthearted!!!!

On one of our visits (Celebrity Century) there was no shuttle bus provided at all, lots of people walked and some people took a taxi, but they were in short supply. Princess and MSC were in port at the same time and I can tell you that Princess were charging $10 to take you right into the centre of town as were MSC. I have also been on RCI to Le Havre and although we walked, it was $15 for the return fare

Honestly, I can't tell you all, how very grateful I am for your advice and suggestions.

Now I realise, why the TA didn't mention transfers, but we were excited at the time of booking and more important issues, can and do fly out of the window - or should that read brain.

A big thank you to everyone.

when I arrived at Red Hook (Brook')

 

there was a line of taxi

 

and a line of 'hire cars' ... black SUV types that quoted a flat rate price for our destination. Pretty much the same thing another post recommend you pre-book.

 

I chose one of the black cars ....

 

We were headed to LaGuardia airport and the trip was fast, efficient, clean and comfortable and exactly the price we were quoted. I did add a tip. (remember that in the US, we tend to tip A LOT)

 

I'm not saying this was the least expensive option but it WAS 'flat rate' and there was no waiting for an UBER to show up (there was a long line of vehicles trying to get IN to the port area at RH as we drove out) and the car was MUCH nicer than a taxi. After the fact research says the price was lil more than a taxi .... maybe less. In a taxi you are on the meter .....

 

I went this route as our flight was a lil earlier than I would prefer under normal circumstances and have NO regrets.

 

There were BIG SIGNS in the terminal offering this service .....

 

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you'll want US$ to pay for this altho almost EVERYTHING in the US can accept a credit card today!

 

For the average cruse ship turn around you should have PLENTY of time. ANTHEM will probably be boarding until 3pm and I'm confident you'll be off QM2 by 11 giving you 4 hours for the trip. You could be in MIAMI in 4 hours!

 

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editorial comment:

 

You're gonna go from QM2 to ANTHEM OTS ....... prepare for culture shock!!!!!

The culture shock oh yes!. We are seasoned cruisers, but surprisingly have never tried Cunard even though it sails from Southampton, so is a train ride away rather than a plane ride for embarkation. Cunard always seemed to be top price so when the opportunity arose at a reasonable price we grabbed it with both hands. However, we have been on lots of RC ships so definitely know what to expect. The trip is Southampton to New York on Cunard for 7 nights. 7 nights on Anthem, 4 nights in New York (including NYE) then Cunard back to Southampton for another 7 nights.

Anthem has always sailed from Cape Liberty, never Brooklyn. Someone gave you bad info.

Yes. it's not the only mis-information the TA gave us either but that's another story for another day.

I am most grateful to everyone for the helpful comments and I am very sorry my question caused Homosassa's head to spin! I am coming in from the UK on the QM2 and when we initially booked the cruise, both ships were leaving from Brooklyn so no problem. However, things have changed and the Anthem now leaves from Cape Liberty, we have never sailed from Brooklyn or Cape Liberty, hence my request for assistance. Thanks again folks - very much appreciated.

Could anyone who is familiar with cruise terminals in New York/Jersey give any idea on the best method in transferring from Brooklyn CT to Cape Liberty. As it is 3 days before Xmas, I realise that things may well be described as hectic in this part of the World, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

The man who permanently carried his dog around on Freedom last week. I happened to be walking along Deck 4 doing my morning walk when the dog was being toileted. He picked it up in his arms and I followed him to the Windjammer, whereby he walked straight past the 5 Purell dispensers, picked up a plate and used the tongs to get food, at the same time stroking the dogs chest. Absolutely disgraceful. Heard a man speaking to the Diamond Concierge about the dog who had gone on the Galley Tour, apparently sniffed a batch of bread which had to be thrown away. In my opinion, dogs should not be allowed in the restaurants full stop.