Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 (QM2) sails regularly between New York and Southampton, and while stepping aboard the Queen Mary 2 is magical, getting through Brooklyn Cruise Terminal has a few quirks worth knowing.
I boarded on 5 May 2025 for my 8 day transatlantic crossing (it’s not a cruise, you know!!), and here’s exactly what happened (and the facts I think you should know).
1. Stay Nearby the Night Before
I flew in from Dublin the day before embarkation and stayed near the cruise terminal in downtown Brooklyn (the Hampton Inn had good value at the time). That felt like a smart move when I found lots of fellow Cunard passengers checking out at 12 noon (the same time as me!).
If you’re looking for more hotel options, I have a full guide to the best hotels near Brooklyn Cruise Terminal for Cunard sailings. Being nearby made me feel a lot less stressed on embarkation day.
2. Use Uber to get to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
In its official guidelines, Cunard suggests using public transport to get to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Frankly, I’d ignore that: it’s not worth the hassle if you’re carrying luggage (and let’s face it, you’re carrying luggage!).
An Uber cost me $22 including tip from the hotel in downtown Brooklyn and took around 10-15 minutes. When you reach the terminal, there’s a dedicated drop-off area, and terminal staff will wave your car to the right location.
3. Use the Luggage Drop-Off
As you get out of the car, the luggage handlers will be there to take your larger suitcases. It’s a good idea to have some smaller notes on hand for tips.
I know I’m a rare bird in the world of cruising, but I usually travel with hand luggage only (yes, including black tie!) so I decided to take my bags on board myself.
4. Print Your Boarding Barcode
Before you can even join the security line, you’ll need a printed barcode. This has not been my experience with any other cruise line.
Don’t panic if you didn’t know or simply forget. There’s a small desk inside the entrance that will print it for you. This added under 5 minutes to my process but be aware that could be longer at peak times.
5. Security Takes Time
The security line was long and the process from arrival to being onboard took over an hour. I know that mightn’t be too bad compared to some lines (let’s not mention the 1h40m it took with Margaritaville!).
The security staff were friendly, but at one point, the line was completely stopped for 15 minutes because teh check-in staff were struggling with capacity. Best to be prepared for a bit of a bottleneck.
6. Priority Check-In Isn’t Always Faster
I hate to say it, but priority check-in didn’t appear to be any faster during my boarding. Once you pass through security, passengers are split into Priority and Regular check-in queues, based on their room type (e.g., Grills passengers have priority).
However, the regular line had many more check-in staff (as there were more people) and seemed to process people much faster. One of those things, I suppose! Don’t count on your room class saving you time here.
7. Don’t Expect a Warm Welcome
Check-in was efficient but not especially warm. My passport was checked, a quick photo taken, and I noticed US passengers were being asked for a UK ETA visa. Make sure yours is sorted before you travel.
Note: don’t expect to collect your room key at check-in. Your key will be at your stateroom door tucked behind the room number.
8. Be Ready for a Bit of a Walk to Board
After check-in, there are two holding areas. Grill-class passengers seemed to enter via one route, the rest of us are directed elsewhere.
Either way, you’ll walk through a long glass tunnel, and it can take a little while to actually step aboard.
9. Enjoy the Musical Welcome on Deck 3
Everyone boarded on Deck 3, greeted by the sound of a live piano being played in the Grand Lobby (positioned one level down on Deck 2). It’s an elegant, theatrical entrance and sets the tone for the voyage ahead in the best possible way!
10. Expect Queues for Lifts
Once on board, and depending on the time, most people will head to the buffet or directly to their staterooms. My cabin was on Deck 4 and I noticed that the lift queue was particularly long.
I walked up the stairs from “entry level” (Deck 3) instead, which is not ideal even with just hand luggage, but manageable.
11. Overall: Be Early, Be Prepared, Stay Calm
While boarding the QM2 from Brooklyn seemed a reasonably smooth process, be prepared for waiting, some human inefficiencies (including your own), and a bit of walking. I might have been a bit spoiled by the speed and friendliness of Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line!
If you’re early, organised and pack light, it’s really not that bad, and the reward is stepping into the dramatic Grand Lobby on one of the most legendary ships afloat.
Plan Your Trip Better
Best Hotels for Cunard Cruises in Brooklyn – A full guide for pre-cruise stays Cruise Essentials: Amazon List – What I pack, and why