Cruise With Your Cat Or Dog Using Queen Mary 2 Kennels
Transatlantic crossings are the only time you can reserve a Queen Mary 2 kennel.
You can cruise with your pet on either an eastbound or westbound transatlantic cruise between New York City and Southampton, England.
Cunard doesnt allow back-to-back cruises. However, you could disembark in Southampton, stay a few days or weeks and then return to New York.
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With many customers needing our help, we are prioritising those customers due to travel before 31 December 2020. Log in to Manage my booking where you can message us about your options or you can give us a call. Bear in mind you may have to wait longer than expected. We continue to review this and working to open up these options to more customers. In the meantime check out our FAQs to see if this can help answer any immediate questions.
New York To London In Pictures
Which cabin to choose?
There are a bewildering range of staterooms on the Queen Mary 2 at varying prices, but they basically fall into these categories, in ascending order of cost:
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Britannia Balcony : The cheapest cabin type to have its own balcony, allocated to the Britannia restaurant. These are all on Deck 8 above the promenade deck, but with their view heavily obstructed by the ship’s lifeboats. They have a double or twin beds for 2 people, and a few cabins have a 3rd berth in the form of a pull-out sofa bed.
I’d definitely pay a little more for an sheltered balcony, without any obstruction.
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Britannia Sheltered Balcony: The next cheapest cabin type to have its own balcony, allocated to the Britannia restaurant, also with a double or twin beds for 2 people, a few cabins have a pull-out sofa bed as well. Sheltered balcony cabins are on decks 4, 5 & 6 below the promenade deck with a small balcony cut into the hull. Typically 269 sq ft, including balcony.
This is my own first choice , arguably a better choice for a transatlantic crossing than a more expensive cabin with a more windswept balcony in the ship’s superstructure. See the photos below.
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Qm2 Disembarkation In New York
A note explaining QM2 disembarkation procedures appears outside your stateroom a day or two before arrival, and each deck is allocated a disembarkation time. Disembarkation takes place between 08:00 & 11:00. The upper decks with the more expensive cabins disembark first , other decks such as 4, 5 or 6 later.
Labels for your bags appear outside your stateroom the day before arrival. You put a label on each of your bags and place them in the corridor outside your stateroom between 20:00 & midnight before arrival. Your bags will disappear and will be waiting for you in the terminal hall next morning, in an area marked with the same colour as your labels.
It’s then just a matter of going through the U.S. immigration check, a slowish process but no worse than any airport. They you walk out of the terminal.
Express disembarkation: If you want to get off sooner and are happy managing all your own bags, you can register for Express disembarkation at the purser’s desk on deck 2 the day before arrival. You are given an express disembarkation card. Express disembarkation passengers gather in the Queens Room from 06:45 onwards with all their luggage, and at around 07:00 when the gangway opens you simply walk off the ship with your bags, straight into the terminal. With a Deck 4 cabin we were allocated an 11:00 disembarkation time, which would have meant half a day in New York wasted, so I’d go for express disembarkation every time!
My Experience With Saga
I was lucky enough to spend a few days on board the Spirit of Discovery prior to her naming ceremony in Dover, UK. I was blown away by the ship and I stayed in a solo cabin which was HUGE and so beautiful.
It felt as though everything onboard had been really well thought out and the ship felt very luxurious. Im not too sure what I expected from a Saga cruise but it definitely wasnt anything as gorgeous as the ship actually was.
I visited the ship as part of a press cruise so the ship was busy late into the night and we had things like parties by the pool and drag queens in the theater! That isnt to be expected on a usual Saga cruise which would be much more relaxed.
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Expedition Team British Isles
Your British Isles Expedition Team will help you get the most out of your expedition cruise. Knowledgeable and passionate, theyll share history, wildlife facts, and cultural insights as you travel. These active explorers will also guide you on landings and expedition boat cruising and take you off the beaten track to see the wild beauty of these islands.
How Do Cunard Cruises Compare To American Cruise Lines
The atmosphere on board a Cunard cruise is much more relaxed than that which youd expect on most American cruise lines. The atmosphere is pretty quiet even within British cruise lines.
It isnt uncommon for there to be gaps in the daily schedule and most events onboard are pretty relaxed.
You wont find things like silent discos, flowriders or gameshow onboard that is for sure. Youre more likely to find lectures in the theatre, afternoon tea in the ballroom, and a quiz in the pub.
The decor onboard is very traditional and the ships are designed to be very elegant. Below are a few photos from my Cunard cruise onboard the Queen Victoria.
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A Selection Of Usa Cruises
Las Vegas & The Mexican Riviera Princess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdIncludes 4 Night Las Vegas Stay!Luxury California Coast from Los AngelesPrincess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdLas Vegas, LA & Luxury Mexican RivieraPrincess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdIncludes 4 Night Las Vegas Stay!Las Vegas, LA & Luxury Mexican RivieraIncludes Los Angeles hotel stayPrincess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdIncludes 3 Night Las Vegas StayAlternative Dates AvailableLuxury Classic California Coast With Las Vegas Stay Princess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdIncludes 3 Night Las Vegas StayBright Lights Of Vegas with Luxury California CoastPrincess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdIncludes 4 Night Hotel Stay In Las VegasOrlando with Luxury Spanish PassagePrincess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdWhy Not Add A Barcelona City StayIncludes FREE 3 Night Orlando Hotel StayMexican Riviera from Los Angeles with 4Nights Vegas StayPrincess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdIncludes 4 Night Las Vegas Stay!Taste Of Texas with Luxury Caribbean & MexicoPrincess Plus – Add Drinks, Unlimited WiFi, Gratuities & More for £50pppdOption To Extend Your Hotel StaysIncludes 3 Night Hotel Stay In Dallas,Texas!Amazing Low Price!
Who Would Like A Fred Olsen Cruises Cruise
A Fred Olsen cruise would suit a passenger who wanted a relaxing traditional cruise on small cruise ships. The typical passengers on a Fred Olsen cruise do tend to be older than some other lines.
Fred Olsen cruises would suit guests who are interested in visiting unique ports and are destination-focused.
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Why Queen Mary 2 Kennels Are So Special
Remember, Cunards Queen Mary 2 is the only ship in the world that permits pets to cruise with their owners between the two countries.
The only option to cruise with your dog on other cruise lines would be if it is a bona fide service animal.
All you need to do is to book your personal Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing. Then if space is available, book the kennel for your pet. Theres paperwork to complete, too.
Out for a stroll at sunset.
Take The Train From London Waterloo
Fast air-conditioned trains run from London Waterloo to Southampton Central every 30 minutes taking around 1h17. No reservation is necessary, just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on the next train.
The fare is £46.10 adult one-way , children under 16 half price, children under 5 free. First class costs £78.30 .
Check train times & fares from London Waterloo or anywhere in Britain to Southampton atwww.raileurope.comorwww.nationalrail.co.uk. Direct trains run from Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford, Reading, Bristol & Cardiff to Southampton, so you won’t have to cross London. See a beginner’s guide to UK train travel.
For train connections from Paris or any other European city to London, see here. I’d recommend a night in London before taking the train to Southampton on sailing day.
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If You Live In The Usa Or Canada
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US & Canadian residents can book online at www.cruisedirect.com. Hover over CRUISE LINES at the top and select CUNARD LINE. Then look for SELECT DESTINATION at lower left and tick Transatlantic. You can also book withwww.cunard.com, but agents such as www.cruisedirect.com often have cheaper prices than Cunard themselves.
How To Cruise With Your Dog Aboard Queen Mary 2
Cunar\What if your employer wants you to relocate to London. Or youre lucky enough to spend a summer vacation in the pastoral English countryside.
An apartment in Paris with your poodle? It would be wonderful to visit your relatives in England or America without the need to board your pet at home.
Theres only one cruise ship in the world that has dog and cat kennels. Cunard Lines Queen Mary 2 has been transporting dogs and cats pampered in style across the Atlantic for decades.
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Facilities In All Cabins
Even the cheapest QM2 cabin features comfortable beds, a private bathroom with shower, sink & toilet, a dressing table, flatscreen TV, a small coffee table & chair, 240v UK & 110v US style power sockets, pay-per-minute , soap, shower gel, shampoo & conditioner, bathrobes, hairdryer, plenty of wardrobe space, menu and a solid electronic safe for your valuables that’s large enough for a 14″ laptop. A bedtime chocolate is delivered to your stateroom when the steward turns down your bed.
Where cabins can be configured with either twin beds or a double, you can select your preference in advance using the online voyage personaliser at the same online system where you download and print your luggage labels and e-ticket. You log on with your Cunard booking reference and personal details.
Luxury Cruises From The Us To England
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to discover the best of England and its many marvels, look no further than a transatlantic voyage with Celebrity Cruises. Cruises to England from the USA bring you via fabulous ports like Cork in Ireland to Southampton and Portland on Englands picturesque southern coast. Visit historic dockyards, explore sleepy villages and traditional pubs, and visit the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge.
Youll spend many wonderful days at sea as you cross the Atlantic, with endless opportunities for fun, relaxation, and comfort. Sip cocktails by the pool, or enjoy world-class dining, Broadway-style shows, and award-winning service. Days blend blissfully together as you relax on one of the most iconic maritime passages.
Itineraries
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What Are Cunard Cruise Line Passengers Like
Cunard does tend to attract an older market. That said, if you are younger you wont feel out of place on a Cunard cruise. Ive cruised with Cunard in my 20s and enjoyed it very much.
It is usually the older market that enjoys the traditional dress codes and set dining times of Cunard.
The atmosphere onboard is quite quiet and youll find things like draughts and knitting on the daily schedule.
Is There Visitation Time During The Cruise
Of course! Guest staterooms or public areas are off-limits to pets. Service dogs are the only exception.
Owners may visit their pets at the kennels during the scheduled times every day of the voyage.
In addition to the outdoor, off-leash doggie area, there is also an indoor play space where the dogs can romp around off-leash, too, should inclement weather prevail.
Visiting hours have changed since the pandemic. They now are:
- 8:00am to 12:00pm
- *Guests should check onboard for specific hours
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Qm2 Disembarkation In Southampton
A note explaining QM2 disembarkation procedures appears outside your stateroom a day or two before arrival, and each deck is allocated a disembarkation time. Disembarkation takes place between 08:00 & 11:00. The upper decks with the more expensive cabins disembark first , other decks such as 4, 5 or 6 later.
Labels for your bags appear outside your stateroom the day before arrival. You put a label on each of your bags and place them in the corridor outside your stateroom between 20:00 & midnight before arrival. Your bags will disappear and will be waiting for you in the terminal hall next morning, in an area marked with the same colour as your labels.
It’s then just a matter of going through the UK immigration check. They you walk out of the terminal.
Express disembarkation: If you want to get off sooner and are happy managing all your own bags, you can register for Express disembarkation at the purser’s desk on deck 2 the day before arrival. You are given an express disembarkation card. Express disembarkation passengers gather in the Queens Room from 06:45 onwards with all their luggage, and at around 07:00 when the gangway opens you simply walk off the ship with your bags, straight into the terminal.
Why Go To England
Pros:
Known for its lively nightlife, the city also has a dynamic art scene, plus stunning beaches within a short drive
Cons:
Wrap up warm. Even in summer the north of England can feel on the brisk side
Bottom Line:
A vibrant city characterized by friendly locals, the River Tyne and its famous football club, Newcastle United
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Internet & Mobile Phone Access
Internet access is available for a fee throughout the QM2, both in your cabin and in all the public areas including bars but excluding the theatres & restaurants. It generally works well with good download speeds. You pre-pay for a bundle of minutes and this is added to your normal on-board account.
2019 prices: $15 for 30 minutes , $45 for 120 minutes or $80 for 240 minutes .
You can spend these minutes individually, so for example you can buy 120 minutes and spend them over the course of the whole voyage, logging on to download emails, logging off again to compose replies offline, then logging on again to send, and so only using a few minutes at a time.
The Best Small Ship Cruises From Uk Ports In 2023 And 2024
Many of us would like to avoid the hassle of airports and stressthat can come with compllicated travel arrangements. The perfectsolution is a relaxed UK departure, allowing you to drive to theport for an easy embarkation, and hey presto, you are already onholiday!
In our opinion, nothing could be nicer than to take a small shipcruise from the UK, although of course ‘small’ is a relative term.Whether you want to avoid the crowds and queues of the megashipswhile still enjoying excellent facilities and entertainment on aresort-style ship, or you prefer the intimacy of a tiny butspacious vessel such as the 50-guest Hebridean Princess, there isgoing to be an appealing voyage for you.
Options include longer cruises and itineraries visiting theBaltic, Norway, Iceland and even Greenland, or southwards to Franceand Spain. For many, a British Isles cruise will have a magic allof its own. Here is our pick of the best small ships cruising fromUK ports:
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In Los Angeles: Hotel Queen Mary Long Beach
If you get as far as Los Angeles after your transatlantic crossing, it has to be theHotel Queen Mary, doesn’t it? She makes a good base to explore the Los Angeles – Hollywood – Disneyland area. The original Queen Mary of 1936 has been permanently moored at Long Beach in California since the late 1960s, some 25 miles from Los Angeles Union Station , and it’s undoubtedly the most fascinating place to stay in LA. The hotel consists of most of the Queen Mary’s original first class cabins, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars available on board, too. Hotel guests can more or less wander the ship at will, and even sign up for ghost hunts at night on board . Wood panelled art deco interiors have been preserved, although a few modern items have been installed such as televisions, and in some cases two of the Queen Mary’s original cabins have been knocked into one hotel suite by turning one of the en suite bathrooms into a connecting corridor. She is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever stayed.
My Favourite Hotel Search Site: Wwwbookingcom
www.booking.comis my favourite hotel booking site and I generally prefer booking my hotels all in one place here. You can usually book with free cancellation – this allows you to confirm your accommodation at no risk before train booking opens. It also means you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary, and alter your plans as they evolve – a feature I use all the time when putting a trip together. I never book hotels non-refundably. I have also come to trust their review scores – you won’t be disappointed with anything over 8.0.
Tip: It can pay to compare prices across multiple hotel sites: HotelsCombined.com is a price comparison site which compares hotel prices on Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Accor, Agoda and many others. Though if there’s not much in it, I prefer keeping all my bookings together in one place atwww.booking.com.
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