Queen Mary 2 Embarkation at New York Brooklyn Cruise Terminal 

Thank you so much! We are doing this sailing next year and I am glad we have been warned about (what I find to be) a maddening boarding process. Honestly I am slightly considering just getting the deposit refunded!

Coincidence! Looks like we boarded this same cruise about an hour after you did. It took us about 2.5 hours total to finally get on board by 2:30 PM. The extra COVID requirements made check in slow, and a lot of folks did not have the required forms with them, or filled out. I only realized that this was our cruise when I spotted the Greatest Generation vets at the embarkation party. I hung out with them during the cruise (similar background and story). I remember that the first few days at sea were glassy and then the waves kicked up during the later days. However, we could hardly feel the rough seas, and I didn't see anyone getting sick. The Queen is a true ocean liner, and can well handle rough seas...unlike a lot of other cruise ships that we have sailed on. Thanks for the look back!

A very informative video. I have always wanted to do this crossing, but seeing the crowds and number of lines I am having second thoughts. Most QM2 videos just show the glamorous side of cruising; you showed what it is REALLY like. Thanks!

On a more positive note UK document checks are done onboard on days 3 - 4 which means when you arrive in Southampton you can disembark with less fuss.

We've done four transatlantic trips from Brooklyn on the QM2 and one from Southhampton (all on balcony cabins - no suites). For all of the Brooklyn departures we always flew into NYC the day before (from SFO) and stayed in a Manhattan hotel for the night. We then had an early lunch with friends who live in lower Manhattan. Then a taxi or uber to the ship. So we never got there earlier than about 2 or 2:30PM. Typically was on board within an hour or less. Of course we missed the lunch on board. We have heard that the Kings Court is pretty busy on embarkation day and that the pub or maybe the Britannia restaurant is a better choice if you want to get their early. Of course, the early birds get an extra meal that we don't get. Quite amazing how quickly they turn around all the rooms, since rooms are vacated around 8AM and new passengers can go to their rooms within a few hours. Luggage takes a while longer to get to your room.

Nice report...having sailed many times on QM2 I must assume this long process is due to COVID paper work..I have never gone thru this level of inspection..this was July 22 so all this checking will be a over with soon as April23 QM2 /Cunard will remove all the test and mandates..I am booked on a crossing this July and online check in with your picture uploaded should end all of this repeated checking outside of the passport check before security.. as it always had been.

Oh, I'm booked on this later in the year, and am really excited to vlog it also. She looks like an absolutely stunning ship!

I get so many pointers from you guys. Thank you for all the info. It is very helpful, especially if you don't sail often.

Very interesting - I was on a ship many decades ago, and this one is so much nicer - of course ! A really helpful vido for anyone not familiar with all the boarding business !

This is good to know if I ever take this line! Thanks for sharing!

WHY doesn't the Cunard Line go back to Pier 90 in MANHATTAN???? I DON'T GO TO BROOKLYN!!

Your videos are so well done!

Thanks for the helpful video!

Wow, those lines! I'm taking the world cruise on the QM2 in 2026 and I'm hoping it is a smaller crowd. I will definitely take your advice about waiting a bit before showing up.

Ok that looked like torture lol. This line then that line etc and showing your passport several times. What I learnt from your video bring your dog even if you have to borrow one from someone lol. Thanks and take care.

nice video...thx

Seems much more involved than it was 6 or 7 years ago. I was uneasy over the seeming lack of security surrounding baggage check-in which doesn't seem to have changed, a matter of dumping off everything at the kerbside and hoping for the best. Once in the terminal we also encountered Disneyesque queues but once form filling was complete I recall only the one main check-in counter at which point they issued that all important plastic key card. It was a protracted process nonetheless and I am impressed and thankful when looking back that my bladder was still up to the task! When boarding that is always going to be the first order of business, something cruise vloggers omit to tell!

Thank you for that look at boarding QM2 in New York. we are doing this crossing in 5 weeks and this is the best insight in what to expect on the day.

That was a lot! But they were cautious in all of the sections to make sure you guys get a safe cruise. Yes, it was tiresome, but it was necessary. Thank you for the heads up on this cruise ship. Enjoy. Amen

I’d be a very unhappy camper (cruiser?) with all that waiting and apparent redundancy. However, I think once finally getting aboard my grouchiness would quickly dissipate. We were on a Holland America Trans Atlantic last year, staying overnight in NYC. The Manhattan terminal seemed slightly better run than the Brooklyn one you experienced. The embarkation buffet looked delish. I look forward to seeing your excellent food videos that you two do so well. One observation: This Sail Away Party seemed a thousand-fold more tame and upscale than, well, “other” cruise lines. Many of the men were wearing actual jackets! And I saw champagne, and not Bud Light. Probably canapés instead of a can of peas, too. Finally, David, I want to compliment you. Your narration continues sounding more comfortable and natural. Keep up the great work. Hope to see you guys on a cruise someday. Our next one isn’t until December though. Be well and be safe.

Great video. You have more patience than we do ... I wish that Carnival brands in general would develop "best practices" that would streamline the boarding process corporate wide.

I've never had to wait more than about 30 minutes at the Mayflower Terminal in Southampton. When boarding at Brooklyn, do you not get allocated an arrival time? If my allocated time is 2 pm and I show up at 12, sure I'll be left kicking my heels for a few hours, but that's down to me not reading the instructions!

Really great video. We are doing this same crossing next year and the video was really helpful in knowing what to expect. Did you have to pay for the glass of champagne on the sailaway party or do Cunard gift you that one glass?!

We’ve been waiting to see a good video of the Brooklyn Terminal. Thanks for that. A question about VIP/fast-track boarding. This will be our first time leaving from the Brooklyn Terminal and our first time in Queens Grill Suite. (Don’t hate us- it’s probably our only time too. We’ll be back to balcony next trip). They advertise priority boarding for Queens and Princess suites so did you see any signs for that? When leaving Southampton we always noticed separate signs and a separate line for Queens Grill or Diamond members. TIA.

I'm curious to find out how the check in and long waits in line are handled for handicapped people? Myself and a few others in our family are handicapped and can't stand for long or sit for long. Does anyone know the process for this? It's one of the main reasons we haven't ever been on a cruise.

I've done 9 crossings, and I never enjoy the check-in!

Are masks mandatory in the terminal? (I am not criticizing either way, I think people should wear them if they want, or not). Just curious!

Best website for QM2 booking?

I know it looks like a real pain here but there's a good reason for printing the boarding passes. The terminals are not equipped for charging devices (which Cunard has no control over) and during embarkation day pre-covid there was an absolute DISASTER of people's devices running out of power during the process, holding up lines, and necessitating having to quickly set up a printing station. I distinctly remember being shoved out of the way by a group of 20+ people because just one of their phones died and they all had to go deal with the issue lest one of their party be left state-side. That was the worst. In terms of the redundancy, it makes sense when you understand that if they get to port on the other side with someone that won't pass customs they now have a straggler unable to enter into the UK. Plus, at this time things are much easier without the vaccination/covid test requirements.

At least you dont have to remove your shoes and get body scanned.

All those checks are not needed. If you have to show the same papers to multiple people/stations that is there problem not yours. I would be irritated to say the least.

Ocean liners are endangered

Very droll - 9 hours stuck in Dubai two years ago in a sweltering hanger with no refreshments while the hob nobs got fast tracked - shameful…

Cunard is so inefficient.

Embarkations is so third world especially for this cruise line…

why would anyone pay $5000 for that kind of disgusting and shameful customer service

STOP COMPLAINING!!!!

All those masks! Some day , will we see what a joke they really were ! Look up the Spa ish Flu! Lol 😂 thx for your video !❤

No way would I go on a cruise ship,waste of cash and with Putin eyeing up targets a cruise ship is high on his list.