Embarking and disembarking with a dog?

Hi - I am sailing with my dog on the Queen Mary II. Has anyone done this before, sailing from NY? If so, what would be the least busy time to arrive to check in? I am scheduled to check in at 3pm, but Cunard has told me that if I were to come earlier, I could check in. I'd like to arrive and go through the check in at the least busy time as I'm a bit worried about how the dog will react to all the people in the waiting area. If I went at noon or a bit before, would I be able to bring him through more quickly than if I came at 3pm? If I went at that time (noonish) there is also the added benefit of having a bit of cushion in case there is a problem with the dog's documents and I have to make an unexpected trip to the vet...

Also, does anyone know approximately what time one would expect to disembark with a dog in Southampton? The last few times I sailed, I chose self-disembarkation, so I was off the ship by 8am or so (in NY). But I did not have a dog last time, so maybe it takes longer to disembark with a dog?

Thank you for any insight!

It won't really matter when you show up because it's a different embarkation process. Once you get there the kennel staff are called and come to meet you. All paperwork is meticulously checked prior to boarding.

Now is where your experience may differ- we've had one time where they take the dog and we board separately. They said the dog wasn't allowed in public areas of the ship. Another time we were escorted with the dog to the kennel by the staff. Both times though we were basically given expedited embarkation so that was a plus. I would get there earlier rather than later.

There is some information in this thread

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2531421

3 PM is the least busy time, actually.

3 PM is the least busy time, actually.

I agree but it doesn't matter- you get swept right to the front of the priority line with a pet even if you aren't in grills. So busy is sort of a moot point.

I have done this several times (in each direction) with my dogs.

They start boarding the dogs just after 12pm. So plan on arriving at the terminal in Brooklyn at around 12pm no matter what boarding time Cunard gives you. You will pass through the normal formalities first: they check your passport and then security. The dogs themselves don’t pass through the metal detectors. There will be someone who directs you to the far end of the terminal. You don’t join any check in lines. There will be a member of the ship’s staff who will check your papers. They are very diligent(and this can be nerve racking so make sure you have a good vet who understands the paperwork).

The Kennel Masters are around and will say hello and introduce themselves. Once all the dog’s paperwork has been checked they will bring you to the front of the priority check-in. Next the Kennel Masters will bring you aboard. Usually they wait until there is a group of dogs ready to go. Then they will escort you aboard and up to the kennels with your dogs. Once there you will get a quick tour and your will put your dog in it’s actually kennel. After that you are free to go to your cabin. You can then visit your dogs at 5pm. It works very well.

Now there is nothing stopping you from arriving at 3pm. The reason they start boarding dogs at noon is due to the fact it does take a bit of time from the point of arrival at the terminal to the time you get to the kennels and it is easier to bring the dogs up in smaller groups. There is a lot of hustle and bustle but not to worry-the dogs are very well behaved.

All in all the whole process is very very well done. Two of my dogs have travelled on the QM2 eight times and honestly I can’t not speak highly enough of how well they take care of the dogs.

As for disembarkation in Southampton they usually try to get you off the ship between 7:30 and 8:00 am. It can be delayed slightly if DEFRA arrives to check the dog paperwork. If they come it is always quick and easy. In my experience DEFRA shows up 50 percent of the time. It has always been the same DEFRA officer for me and she is great. Once that is done there is a “dog parade” and everyone leaves together. Of course there is pauses along the way because not everyone can fit in the same elevator. Everyone waits in the Grand Lobby and then all together you bypass the line and down the gang plank you go. You will get special luggage tags as all the dog owner luggage is in the same area in the terminal.

Excuse any typos etc (been a long week and I am on an iPhone). All I can say is that the whole experience is super. My three dogs love the QM2 and the Kennel Master. Unfortunately I just lost one of my dogs but he loved his ocean travels!!!l

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Dear tag1000,

First so sorry for your loss and the crossing of the eternal bridge. What breed was the Ocean Crosser? A Ch?

Yes dogs can and do walk on the water..

I have done this several times (in each direction) with my dogs.

 

They start boarding the dogs just after 12pm. So plan on arriving at the terminal in Brooklyn at around 12pm no matter what boarding time Cunard gives you. You will pass through the normal formalities first: they check your passport and then security. The dogs themselves don’t pass through the metal detectors. There will be someone who directs you to the far end of the terminal. You don’t join any check in lines. There will be a member of the ship’s staff who will check your papers. They are very diligent(and this can be nerve racking so make sure you have a good vet who understands the paperwork).

 

The Kennel Masters are around and will say hello and introduce themselves. Once all the dog’s paperwork has been checked they will bring you to the front of the priority check-in. Next the Kennel Masters will bring you aboard. Usually they wait until there is a group of dogs ready to go. Then they will escort you aboard and up to the kennels with your dogs. Once there you will get a quick tour and your will put your dog in it’s actually kennel. After that you are free to go to your cabin. You can then visit your dogs at 5pm. It works very well.

 

Now there is nothing stopping you from arriving at 3pm. The reason they start boarding dogs at noon is due to the fact it does take a bit of time from the point of arrival at the terminal to the time you get to the kennels and it is easier to bring the dogs up in smaller groups. There is a lot of hustle and bustle but not to worry-the dogs are very well behaved.

 

All in all the whole process is very very well done. Two of my dogs have travelled on the QM2 eight times and honestly I can’t not speak highly enough of how well they take care of the dogs.

 

As for disembarkation in Southampton they usually try to get you off the ship between 7:30 and 8:00 am. It can be delayed slightly if DEFRA arrives to check the dog paperwork. If they come it is always quick and easy. In my experience DEFRA shows up 50 percent of the time. It has always been the same DEFRA officer for me and she is great. Once that is done there is a “dog parade” and everyone leaves together. Of course there is pauses along the way because not everyone can fit in the same elevator. Everyone waits in the Grand Lobby and then all together you bypass the line and down the gang plank you go. You will get special luggage tags as all the dog owner luggage is in the same area in the terminal.

 

Excuse any typos etc (been a long week and I am on an iPhone). All I can say is that the whole experience is super. My three dogs love the QM2 and the Kennel Master. Unfortunately I just lost one of my dogs but he loved his ocean travels!!!l

 

 

Thanks for your message. My dog was a Bichon Frise and he did walk on water. He-like most of us-never stopped smiling when sailing on the QM2!

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