On board QM2 now.

We’ve been across the Atlantic, missed Hurricane Helene, had a passenger evacuation to Newfoundland, a dodgy gas turbine, a late arrival in NYC, Donald Trump’s visit causing road closures, and customs staff going to lunch as everyone left the ship.

Apart from that, Mrs Lincoln, how was the play?

From our point of view, it’s been great. Lots of people had a really awful day in New York, both arriving and leaving the ship, and Cunard could have been better at communicating with everyone ashore and on board. We got off fairly easily and had an interesting afternoon in Red Hook. Up and coming area, lots of small artisan businesses, and amazing views. And all five minutes walk away!

The Veranda is still a steakhouse, the wine is still extortionate, the staff in the Commodore are still snotty if you don’t have a cocktail, but all is pretty good.

And we are in Rockland Maine today, for the QM2’s maiden visit. It’s delightful, lovely old style Main Street and great clam chowder. Bring on Quebec!

Have a great time.

Thanks for posting, enjoy the rest of your trip.

Do you have the "new" menus ?

Glad you managed to have a good day on a drizzly Sunday with problems with debark/embark in Red Hook. It appears you got off before they stopped debarkation because the Coast Guard hadn't fully cleared the ship. ...As did we - really dodged a couple of bullets and made our flight home!

(I heard from s friend who works there, that boarding didn't begin until 6 PM and things got really tense in the departure lounge)

Have a great trip and enjoy Canada.

Oh, and my guess about the reason they had to shut down the gas turbines "for a few hours overnight" was actually related to the last-minute water cutoff from 1-5 the night before because they still had to do more work on the water supply (as had been happening over the past week or so) in advance of Sunday's Coast Guard inspection. (While I'm certain that they don't use potable water for cooling, I can imagine that the shutdown could have also affected the feed necessary for the engines)

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If you arrive in New York (Red Hook) and are continuing on the next cruise, does everyone have to get off for the ship to be cleared?

I remember doing a double crossing from New York and we did not have to get off in Southampton. Have rules changed?

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Thanks for the update. I was watching NY Harbor Cam and was wondering why the QM2 hadn't left port yet.

Hope the rest of your voyage is enjoyable!

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If you arrive in New York (Red Hook) and are continuing on the next cruise, does everyone have to get off for the ship to be cleared?

 

I remember doing a double crossing from New York and we did not have to get off in Southampton. Have rules changed?

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Yes, all passengers must disembark in New York including those continuing on the next cruise. Quoting from the daily programme for a westbound crossing.

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US immigration and customs formalities.

On the morning of our arrival at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, US Customs and Border Protection will be inspecting all Queen Mary 2 guests regardless of nationality (this includes our disembarking guests and those who are continuing their voyage with us). The inspection will be carried out in the terminal building. Guest are kindly requested to follow the disembarkation instructions that will be delivered to your stateroom.

Guests who are continuing their voyage with us:

All guests continuing their voyage with us are required to attend the Immigration and Customs inspection. Please be advised that you will not be allowed to return to the ship until all guests have disembarked. However, if you are not intending to go ashore for the day, please proceed to the Terminal when the final announcement is made, which is expected to be at 10:30am. Once you have cleared the inspection, you may proceed to the Embarkation Hall where there is seating available. You will be advised when you are allowed to re-board Queen Mary 2. There is no need to check-in again.

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The procedure is different in Southampton after an eastbound crossing since the UK immigration inspection is conducted onboard QM2 during the crossing from New York to Southampton.

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Thanks Bluemarble

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