Favorite things to do on embarkation day on QM2 crossing

[steve4031]

I’m getting excited about this crossing.  It’s 33 days away.  Just curious if there’s something unique to QM2 on embarkation day.  

[BklynBoy8]

12 minutes ago, steve4031 said:

I’m getting excited about this crossing.  It’s 33 days away.  Just curious if there’s something unique to QM2 on embarkation day.  

 

 

Toast the Crossing with Good Cheers!

[Thaxted]

By all means, toast the crossing. Then cheer as the ship passes under the Verrazano Bridge. It's an unforgettable moment.

[Lakesregion]

2 hours ago, steve4031 said:

I’m getting excited about this crossing.  It’s 33 days away.  Just curious if there’s something unique to QM2 on embarkation day.  

Since it well may be warm by then in NYC, hit the outdoor sailaway party. They should have a band to liven things up. If you are single, it is a good place and time to take an inventory of passengers that seem interesting. Most everyone will be in party mood and an offer to buy a beverage can move the week in the right direction.

[steve4031]

I’m with my gf.  But we may make our way to the party anyway.   

[safarigal]

Have lunch in the Golden Lion is it's open. The King's Court is often a bit chaotic. Also we try to make our reservations for the Specialty Kings Court restaurants and the Verandah as soon as possible, then we can sit back and enjoy the crossing. Don't forget to drink your bottle of sparkling wine as you unpack 🙂

[NE John]

Seeing the majestic size of QM2 up close again. 

Edited June 4, 2023 by NE John

[tv24]

Take a walk around the ship to tour the beautiful public rooms and decide which one is your favorite.  Have a drink in the Chart Room.

[MCC retired]

Purchase your Spa Pass , make your reservations for the Verandah and the pop-up Speciality dining 

in Kings Court. Check out your Dining Room table location.

[2Oldpeopleinlove]

Lunch in the pub  (as we have had trouble getting a table there any other day) and just BREATHING in the ambiance of a true vacation (vs. travel, which can be exhausting).

[BklynBoy8]

3 hours ago, NE John said:

Seeing the majestic size of QM2 up close again. 

 

Just approaching the Pier and seeing her size. Also from some neighbor blocks you can see her over the buildings roof tops.

 

[Jack E Dawson]

For me, stepping from the gangway into the hull of the QM2 is definitely a high point of the day. All of the stress, anxiousness and worries of getting to this point suddenly disappear. A weight is lifted from my shoulders in an instant only to be replaced, just as instantly, with a feeling of excitement, adventure and anticipation of what is to come. I've only spent 21 nights on the QM2 but there is this feeling that "we're home". 

Another high point is when we pop the cork on the bottle of Pol Acker and toast the QM2 and all the people who make it so great. How fortunate am I to have, obviously, an unsophisticated palate the lets me thourghlhy enjoy this this wonderful sparkling wine and enhance the moment. 

Jack

[exlondoner]

Don’t forget to visit the library.

[majortom10]

Think the outside view of QM2 will be very disappointing for many. Just returned from roundtrip TA and the outside is in very poor condition. The aft of the ship where the tiers are the white paint is covered in rust and so was our balcony so should imagine the rest would be in same condition. Desperately in need of refit and some TLC on her when she goes into drydock later in the year.

[Underwatr]

- Lunch in the Golden Lion (they close at 2:30 so you need to have an early enough embarkation and/or the embarkation team not enforce a later time)

- Run to Britannia with the table assignment and check out the location. Saves time trying to find it or waiting to be escorted there later.

- Anyone notice that QM2 has a characteristic smell? It hits me on the gangway. Feels relaxing.

 

[fourmile.ranch]

2 hours ago, Underwatr said:

- Anyone notice that QM2 has a characteristic smell?

 

This!

[steve4031]

I noticed a smell on Amtrak trains when they are starting off fresh at the beginning of a trip.  It gives me a sense of anticipation.  I am sure QM2 will be much better. 

[BklynBoy8]

I always tell people we feel at home when we climb the gangway towards the hull entrance and smell that particular scent. Once thru the entrance and past security check in desk we smell again another odor either on Deck 2 or 3 and know we ARE home once again on board the Queen Mary 2...

 

Only 25 days till we share that experience with a friend accompanying us for the first time sailing  on her.

[Host Hattie]

Check the Dinner menu and pre-order wine. Sommeliers can be a bit stretched on the first night so it can be good to get a head start.

 

[steve4031]

Definitely getting excited.  Thank you for all of the great tips.  

[neeuqdrazil]

My embarkation day must-dos: 

 

- Lunch in the Golden Lion (if I'm onboard early enough)

- Unpacking fully once my cases are delivered - getting those fancy dresses hung up and getting settled into my cabin

- Walking the decks, watching the luggage and food being loaded

- Having a drink in the Commodore Club (usually my only alcoholic drink of the cruise) 

- Wandering the ship to scope out 'my spots' for the week - usually the Carinthia Lounge, but I always forget about the comfy chairs & tables in Sir Samuels

[T5LHR]

I always like to unpack properly (if cases are there, which they have never not been...) and get myself settled and sorted in my stateroom. My friends I am travelling with this time, I know, prefer to start drinking straight away, but I will take my time to make sure all is hung properly, away in the drawers and cases away out of sight under the bed. I can't stand a messy stateroom... I like it to be sharp as a pin. 

 

Then, if I haven't ordered flowers before hand, I will go and see if there is a flower order desk/table somewhere off of the grand lobby selling arrangements and order one or two for the stateroom. 

 

Then a walk around the deck and a tipple to start the departure across the Atlantic off properly. 

[Se1lad]

Lunch in the pub if travelling Britannia/Club or in the restaurant if in PG/QG.  After the stress of boarding it finally feels like the holiday has started!

[Host Hattie]

On 6/5/2023 at 2:43 PM, Host Hattie said:

Check the Dinner menu and pre-order wine. Sommeliers can be a bit stretched on the first night so it can be good to get a head start.

 

This was a fail for me yesterday, there's no Wine line number advertised now

 

 

[FritzG]

We breathe a sigh of relief that we're finally boarding the ship, and I take a quick peek at the floral display in the atrium. Then we put our valuables in the safe and head for lunch in PG.