First time on Cunard

[marty's mom]

After 20+ cruises including Azamara and the old Renaissance we are sailing the QM2 to New England.

 

A few questions:

staggered check in: they give a 15 minute window! We usually get to the pier around noon, will that be an issue? our time is 3pm

 

black and white ball etc. There are several themed nights. What do people do on each of these? dress, mask, etc, can't recall the 3rd

 

Are there fridges in the cabins?

 

thank you

[keithm]

After 20+ cruises including Azamara and the old Renaissance we are sailing the QM2 to New England.

 

A few questions:

staggered check in: they give a 15 minute window! We usually get to the pier around noon' date=' will that be an issue? our time is 3pm

 

black and white ball etc. There are several themed nights. What do people do on each of these? dress, mask, etc, can't recall the 3rd

 

Are there fridges in the cabins?

 

thank you[/quote']

1)You should be able to get in line pretty quick.Noon is fairly early,so the lines should be small.If you're in the Grills you're wait time should be very short.

2)As to the balls..Black & white you usually wear a tux or gown.(not mandatory, but at least wear a nice suit)Costume ball..just a mask with tux or suit. Do bring a mask from home,as the ones on board are expensive.Pirate/Buccaneer Ball. No tux, obviously! if you have something tat would work, then pack it, otherwise just watch what others wear(this is what we did)

3)yes, there are fridges in the room. The bottle of sparkling wine is free, the bottle of mineral water is NOT.(it's about $5)Have a great time.

[Sauer-kraut]

Yes to the fridges.

 

Many will dress up for the balls....but it is not requisite to follow the scheme if you choose not to. Just know that formal means formal and is expected for the entire evening. Masks optional, they will be in the shop for sale if you don't bring your own.

 

Staggered boarding...not sure on this one, I think they will check you in as you arrive, but things might have changed since I last boarded.

[Classiccruiser777]

If you are boarding in NY when you arrive at the terminal you will be assigned a number and you board when your number is called. The sooner you are there the sooner you board.

 

May I suggest you bring an extension cord as the cabins only have two outlets.

[Salacia]

PARTIAL QUOTE

If you are boarding in NY when you arrive at the terminal you will be assigned a number and you board when your number is called. The sooner you are there the sooner you board.

 

...

 

I didn't know about the assigned number, but no doubt that's because we've never arrived at the Red Hook Terminal before 1pm (except once when we did a back to back).

We usually arrive between 1pm and 2pm and just proceed through the check in process. Much smoother than check in at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Of course, we appreciate the perk given to Platinum members for priority boarding, but usually the lines at the terminal move equally swift after the noon crush clears. Cheers, -S.

[marty's mom]

thank you all for your replies.

Black and White is easy, not so sure abou the others!

weird re the sparkling water!

We've sailed out of Red Hook before. Getting there is interesting (even with gps) but parking etc is easy

looking forward to this trip. having been to all the ports before except Halifax need to think of some different things to do

[marty's mom]

now on to thinking what to pack, early I know!

are there hair dryers? shower gel?

We received our cabin assignment, Same as guarantee status, deluxe balcony, no upgrader. In over 20 cruises, both guarantees and selected cabins, never an upgrade!

 

Thanks again

[MCC retired]

On current sailings Deluxe Balcony categories are A4, A3,A2, A1.

OP probabley booked an A4 Guarantee .

Depending on the category OP received , they could indeed have received

an upgrade after all?

[Sauer-kraut]

now on to thinking what to pack' date=' early I know!

are there hair dryers? shower gel?

 

Thanks again[/quote']

 

Yes, hair dryers are provided. Soap or Gel is provided (I don't recall which though).

[lannp]

Yes, there is a hairdryer in the desk, although I've been told they aren't good for long, thick hair. There will be shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Yes, hair dryers are provided. Soap or Gel is provided (I don't recall which though).

 

I think there was a bar of hand soap for the sink. I know there was gel for the shower, plus shampoo and conditioner. They use Gilchrist & Soames products, very nice.

[marty's mom]

Thank you

 

We booked an A4 guarantee which was all that was available other than suites.

we received an obstructed view deluxe on deck 8 which i believe is an A4

It's fine, at least we're on the ship!