GreyGhost007, Aug 2024
QM2 departure process in Brooklyn, NYC
Our voyage on the QM2 was very nice, our most recent of several Atlantic crossings. That said, the dis-embarkment process is definitely a complicated, hectic undertaking. For anyone not familiar with NYC or not a native English speaker, it is a daunting process. A few comments may be useful to others.First, for some reason, Cunard provides very little, if any, information prior to leaving the ship. Last year, there was an extraordinary weather event which caused local flooding but absolutely non of this information was provided to the departing passengers. I think Cunard could do much more to make people aware of the environment after Immigration and Customs control.Upon departure, there are taxies and various buses, but it is not clear what is what. The official taxies outside the departure area are yellow and I green. These are metered by the city. There are limitation by the city on how these taxis operate, so be aware that if a Brooklyn taxi picks you up and you are going to Manhattan, they are prevented from picking up a passenger in Manhattan after you leave. Understanding this, the cost premium makes more sense, these folks have to make a living as well.Beware of many other "independent" taxies offering rides, these are not official and caution is suggested. One that approached me had an immediate car, but when I asked if they took credit, his response was that he only took Zelle, which is a banking app that transfers money directly from your bank account. There have been many articles related to abuses with the system, and essentially this is like giving someone access to your bank account. So go with an official taxi. There is no way I would consider this offer.You can use Uber, but the process is very confusing. First check the cost and see how it compares with a normal taxi. There does not seem to be an official area where an Uber is to pick up passengers, so you will likely have to text the driver to connect. Just be aware.The easiest approach may be to arrange transfer to the city or airport with Cunard directly prior to departure. The is certainly the easiest, the difference may be in the cost. Check the cost, but if it is per person, which I'm quite sure it is, the cost could be double the taxi. Certainty and ease may be worth the added expense.In our case, we paid $80 plus $20 tip to go to Penn Station, Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan. Pricy, but this is NYC and at a peak demand time. One can use this as a bench mark and decide what is appropriate.I hope this helps. Good traveling.
