BklynBoy8

Yes, I suggested that everyone make there way up to the Library on the QM2 to add their remarks and greetings to all.

It's like leaving part of your experience on this Historical Vessel.

We do make our experience remarks and comments of the voyage we were on.

Also those Roll Call Leader are encouraged to borrow the book and bring it to the Roll Call and invite those gathered to sign the book.

Of course to make it available to all, return it the Librarian in the Library.

They store it in file cabinet.

Looking forward to enter into it on next years cruise...

Allison,

Cunard has always had a dedicated following of repeat passengers that look for the unique sailing experience - Dress Code.

They are quite strict in asking all to follow the dress code that is set that starts at 6PM.

Yes their are challenges at the door of the restaurant but not by tableside.

But to keep the experience, seeing the restaurant abiding to the code really sets the tone.

On those evenings that Tuxedos or Dark Suits are announced, you will see those if at not wearing their jackets stands out like a sore thumb. Same as would be noticed on Informal evenings.

I do have to state that the ship does a good job keeping the temperature uniform. Even the woman will find at times to bring a crawl with them to the Dining and even Royal Court Theater.

If there is a problem following the dress code, their are other dining choices on the ship...

We personally have sailed on the Queens for the last 30 years and look forward to Dressing on evenings.....

Never had a problem and saw Brooklyn to be the best location to board from the sidewalk to the Grand Lobby... We are Diamond Level last several cruises.

Luggage out of the car to the handler instantly by the sidewalk..

Directed into the lobby with tickets and passport escorted to security.

Once thru security headed for Diamond Level Line (no one practically there) right to Cunard Rep.

Once thru the Check In right on the ship. If there is a delay or too early, the Priority Lounge for waiting instead with the masses. TV's and even a courtesy bar of soft drinks, water, coffee and Danish.

We are blessed we are now at that level and Brooklyn has such great service.

Think leaving Manhatten at 1545 would be far too late and risk, if they get a taxi, being stuck in traffic.

Cunard Bus Transfers are always safe. Even the cruise company tour brochures assure you that the ship always waits till all transfers and tour buses arrive back to the ship. Not too wise to go independent for short periods of time except venturing close to the terminal in the Brooklyn Height area.

Your relations not being familiar with the city and it's delays needs to be aware of the pitfalls New Yorkers are accustom too.

You should leave at least 1 hour grace period to the time the ship informs you need to be back to the pier. And this also depends on your location in Manhattan you will be returning from.

Not knowing how many bags you have I would suggest arranging either the bus transfer or a Van from a local car service company.

It maybe a tight squeeze and NYC taxis are too small.

Also arranging type of limo - stretch from a car service may also help for your transportation.

You do not want to run into problems in the airport on your last leg of your trip heading to the hotel/ship...

Taxis do have also various rates for transports from airports.

Welcome to NYC....

Those that are not disembarking from the ship will be advised when they would be able to leave the ship. This also applies to those taking arranged tours of NYC thru the Tour Office onboard.

Yes they do want to get back to the ship in time before the gangways are closed. To tour they will need to allow time to transit to the other boros.

I would guess from past experience that they may be off the ship by 9AM.

The first off the ship typical are those that have arranged for Express Disembarkation.

Remember, if they wish to tour and see the sights in NYC they will have to make their way into Manhattan from the Boro of Brooklyn where the ship docks.

One of the most popular and close locations thru the Battery Tunnel or Brooklyn Bridge would be Lower Manhattan. You have the famous Stock Exchange and Finance Capital of the World (Wall Street).

Also located in Lower Manhattan is the sight of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. A distance from there north would be Soho of the Village. Further north in the 30's is the Shopping Section example Macy's and down the street the Empire State Building. In the 40's is the theater district and more Shopping along 5th Avenue. Higher 40's would be Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral. And North would be Central Park and Lincoln Center..

Why I mentioned all these are the distance they are North and away from the ship to see. You have to research your interests and who long it will take and the distance you will have to backtrack to Brooklyn and the Ship.

Your also have to take in account the traffic you face at the different times of the day in the various sections of the City.

Hope this helps you...

Enjoy!

We have been to Newport several times and love walking the street and spending time in the shops.

Our favorite lunch off the ship is at a restaurant called the Red Parrott in the middle of the town.

Hope the colors are coming out there for you to enjoy.

Enjoy Newport and your way up north..

Welcome to Cunard and the experience of sailing on One of the Queens.

We have quite a number of sailings under our belt on the Queens and always look forward to returning.

You will see it a different style of sailing and dress onboard.

Features we love sailing with evening dress, set dining times and always the traditional and historical style.

Enjoy!

You can arrive as early as you wish but may have problems with the crowd that are getting off. Very crowded.

They do not let you on till Noon Time.....Those in the Grills and Club Cabins....

The Baggage area will be very busy and not sure where onboarding baggage is stored. Never did that.....Always went onboard......

We have had friends boarding at 3PM get onboard as early as Noon.

Just A Thought...

So sorry to see that the Mary is stilling experiencing speed problems on the Internet.

Have not been on for 7 years but hoped that this would have been improved.

I always found terrible speed after breakfast but great near Midnight when everyone is at the bars, casino and dancing.

Considering sailing next year and would like better service...

Hope so....

On one of our Caribbean Cruises we had the opportunity to experience a commentary lunch in the Todd English Restaurant due to our World Club Level.

The Todd English Restaurant is located on Deck 8 Aft with a small pool area.

Well we selected lunch time to dine. Since it was an immaculate day, many people stayed outside. The waiter was nice to accommodate us with a window table where others were sitting also.

The one good thing with this restaurant was the windows were one sided viewing outwards not to disturb your dining.

Well to our amazement the views were very interesting and a bit shocking. Yes, there were people of all ages, sexes, colors and yes shapes and sizes.

WOW what a sight! Men of considerable weight yes wearing Speedos, Women of various sizes wearing bathing wear (one/two pieces) that may have been needed several years ago and not realized if fitted for this cruise.

Yes, we were able to eat and didn't move our table. But what a sight, what a view..

I voted for the use of your private balcony or very way out of the way area which I wouldn't even be able to suggest where.

Granted use of a private balcony can not assure privacy if people are looking overboard at other sights and view the location.

Maybe this should be left for area of beaches where the ship lands for this type of bathing..

To All My CC Fathers.......

Wishing All My Cruise Critics Fathers, Grandfathers and Godfathers Sailing On Cunard Ships, A Happy and Healthy Fathers Day at Sea!

Wishing you all Smooth Sailing.....

Kudos to the Brits...

But a cruise ship, oceanliner or dance hall should offer dances that everyone feels comfortable.

If this is a major change to offer European style dances during Ball Room time,

then others will be sideline observers and not participate.

Sounds like classes or lessons are not offered which may encourage participation.

On the other hand, this is QM2 we're discussing. Short of following a hurricane we don't generally feel much ship movement. DW packs all her remedies but generally by the third day realizes she doesn't need them. We're in a forward stateroom as a rule and did a TA on 11.

Thank you Underwatr... I was speaking of my experience on the QM2 with the forward cabin...Also depends on the route and time of year she is cruising too.

From past experience... You can eat on a cruise close to ???? times.

Just mentioning...Early Coffee, Breakfast, Late Breakfast, Mid Morning Snack on Deck, Lunch Buffet, Lunch in Dining Room, Tea Time, Dinner, and Late Night Meal/Midnight Snack.

WOW... a lot of times to past by food opportunities...

I use to make room with considerable dieting before the cruise time.

Morning walks before or after or both are really the in thing you will see onboard. A lot of company before breakfast walks or jogs.

Use the stairways instead of the elevators will also help. I even find walking to and from the cabins a lot helps.

But caution on Grazing through the day is important.

Some of the suggestions are great. Carbs are important to maintain.

Yes, we have always been happy with the portions that we have be given at all the meals. You can ask for seconds or a plate that you can share to experience that particular dish.

We have always requested on booking, a early seating so we can enjoy the rest of the evening's events ex. shows, etc...

We have know some passengers we have met in the past that preferred to dine in the 2nd seating. They wished to have more relaxed dinner experience and also did not prefer to go to the shows.

Maybe it is the dining style they are use to at home.

Though we are not Avid Fans of those lines, we do know people that sailed on those lines and like Dining At Will......Not Set Time....When they wish..

This I believe does set the tone of the ship for the evenings at Sea.

Yes, you do not really want to go back to the cabin after visiting the islands and get dressed up for dinner. But that is the fun on a Cunard Ship.

We are not avid fans of those lines like I said, but were attracted from the start of cruising to experience the sort of Titanicish style of cruising. That is..eating a set times and attend those events afterwards in the lounges and showplace.

Dressing in the evening as said, really sets the tone of the evening and creates a special experience joining others with the same dress code.

Even if once, trying a Cunard Cruise is an experience to try..

Sorry, never heard of Sequence Dancing.

Must be something old style.

Use to the regular dances seen and experienced on the Cunard ships.

We did in the past selection a not too forward cabin on 11 Deck for a past cruise.

Though we did enjoy that it was clear of any overhang and had beautiful view and sunshine, one part of that cruise was rough and I had to visit the Front Deck and obtain Seasickness pills.

It was not a pleasant evening even with pills. Did wake up ok.

Back to midship we went the next time.

We started in our cruise history midship 4 deck on the QE2 but wanted to venture to balconies.

Though it is high but midship. we started to enjoy AA Club Balcony on Deck 12. Honestly, we did not feel any effects but did have a overhang from the Sport Deck above.

Would consider personal health and feels over the location for Sunny and Fun.

But if you have concerns about being close to the water and wave, something also to consider...Just mentioning...

Our sympathy for the family of the passenger who passed following the accident. They could not have been on a better ship to offer medical assistance. But circumstances could not allow medical efforts in time.

I know we all go on cruises for rest and relaxation but it's a job too to use caution during the cruise. Watching safety on land and at sea.

We too have experienced during our decades of cruising the tender operations can be smooth and can be challenging especially with multiple vessels coming and going nearby the ship's tender stations.

It is so important to watch and listen to the Crews instructions on boarding and also walking up and down the ladder and floating platform.

Our Sympathy and Sleep in Peace.....

Traditionallyhe Embarkation and Disembarkation of the Queen Mary 2 would be at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal located in Redhook, Brooklyn.

Location of that part of the Port is behind the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.

On the local street level near the Gowanus / Brooklyn Queens Expressway you will find signs that are located on street poles - Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (White & Blue).

We have always boarded the Queen from that location. I know that in some cases when there was a conflict with a Princess Ship Schedule, the

Queen had been directed to dock at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on West Street in the West 50's Streets.

I think unless otherwise directed, you should consider the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to be the boarding site.

We have found departing from the Redhook Terminal those many times in the past to be the best experience out of all our cruising. It is clean, organized and swift moving.