Arriving at Southampton on QM2

[tonyd285]

We will be sailing from NY to Southampton on the QM2.  Curious as to when we can disembark and how long it takes to get through immigration and customs.  We have reserved transportation via National Express at 9:50AM and want to be sure we will have ample time to get a taxi to the bus terminal for that departure.  Anyone with experience traveling this way?

 

 

[Host Hattie]

There are some answers here which might help

Disembarkation is by grade and then deck unless you self disembark. 9.50 seems a little early for a relaxing experience. What time is the next coach ?

 

[david,Mississauga]

7 hours ago, tonyd285 said:

We will be sailing from NY to Southampton on the QM2.  Curious as to when we can disembark and how long it takes to get through immigration and customs.

...

 

 

 

Unless the situation has changed since the pandemic, the UK immigration inspection takes place over several days during the crossing. The customs inspection, if necessary, is done on the pier. Most travellers take the green channel as they have nothing to declare. There could be a spot check, but it has been about 15 arrivals in Southampton since we were pulled over. After three questions we were sent on our way. I wish arrivals in the USA were as civilised.

[majortom10]

12 hours ago, tonyd285 said:

We will be sailing from NY to Southampton on the QM2.  Curious as to when we can disembark and how long it takes to get through immigration and customs.  We have reserved transportation via National Express at 9:50AM and want to be sure we will have ample time to get a taxi to the bus terminal for that departure.  Anyone with experience traveling this way?

 

 

Personally think the time taken to disembark and then the risk of getting a taxi without waiting is a bit ambitious to catch a bus at 9-50am. Your only other option is if you can carry your own luggage is to self disembark.

[Lanky Lad]

On 7/28/2022 at 9:48 AM, majortom10 said:

Personally think the time taken to disembark and then the risk of getting a taxi without waiting is a bit ambitious to catch a bus at 9-50am. Your only other option is if you can carry your own luggage is to self disembark.

The down side with self disembarkation is that it's usually about 7.30 so you would be at the coach station very early.

[majortom10]

1 hour ago, Lanky Lad said:

The down side with self disembarkation is that it's usually about 7.30 so you would be at the coach station very early.

Better than missing the coach.

[Lanky Lad]

7 minutes ago, majortom10 said:

Better than missing the coach.

Very true. 

[david,Mississauga]

2 hours ago, Lanky Lad said:

The down side with self disembarkation is that it's usually about 7.30 so you would be at the coach station very early.

 

The few times we have used the self-help we were told we didn't have to leave when it was called. We could disembark at any time. 

 

On our recent Alaska cruise on the QE there was a delay in calling the luggage tag colours and numbers, but it was announced several times that those with "Fast track" (I believe they called it) could leave at any time.

Edited July 30, 2022 by david,Mississauga

[High C's]

Quick question - do we remain in our cabins until our level is called?  Or do we have to vacate the cabin and meet in an appointed common area to wait for our disembarkation time?