travelbounty
Junior Member
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2010
- Posts
- 18
It was a last minute booking when my husband and I decided to take a transatlantic journey from Southampton, UK, to New York City, USA, aboard the grand Cunard liner, the Queen Mary 2. A last minute decision that we will never regret!
Both in our early 30’s we were unsure of what we would find aboard. We had cruised once before through the Mediterranean and absolutely loved our trip but that cruise was about the destinations, this trip was definitely about the journey.
From the moment you step aboard, the grandeur of this liner strikes you with an amazing entrance lobby and as we made our way to our stateroom we were definitely impressed by the spacious room complete with Queen bed, sofa, ensuite and balcony – just like any other five star hotel room, only difference this one floats!
The transatlantic cruise is one that allowed us to either do absolutely nothing – relax and rejuvenate from our busy lifestyle – or absolutely everything. From pub trivia, line dancing, whale and dolphin spotting, afternoon high tea, basketball, yahtzee in the games room, planetarium and Broadway shows – there was so much entertainment with a huge variety every day, there was no chance of getting bored whilst out at sea.
As with all cruises, the food plays an important role. Buffets were available nearly all day long, room service 24/7, pub dining and fine dining.
A special highlight was dressing for dinner in the formal dining room and enjoying a lobster tail! However just as good was the sushi rolls available from the buffet and the pizza available for late night snacking! coughtails at sunset and the high tea served from white gloved wait staff were also daily rituals we really enjoyed.
Whilst a high percentage of passengers were in the over 45 age group, there was a good mix and plenty of other couples in our age bracket. Dress during the day was casual with an opportunity to dress after five for formal coughtails, dining and clubbing – something that quite surprised me as I thought I may need to dress my best for the five day journey. But rest assured, tracksuits were aplenty during the day and passengers dressed comfortably for their buffet lunches!
Whilst the journey was the purpose of this trip, sailing into New York City was spectacular. We arrived early and watched the sun rise over the high rises of Manhattan as the liner squeezed under the bridges of the Hudson. As we sailed passed the majestic Statue of Liberty it didn’t seem to matter that it was a bitterly cold November morning.
When we disembarked in NY our only glitch of the trip came when we realised we had six hours to enjoy the city before flying back to London however nowhere to leave our luggage! Not wanting to waste our time in the city by simply heading to the airport, we were lucky enough to befriend a couple who allowed us to leave our bags at their hotel as they were staying on for a few days.
Overall, the QM2 transatlantic trip is one that I would highly recommend to people of all ages and one that I will never forget.
Both in our early 30’s we were unsure of what we would find aboard. We had cruised once before through the Mediterranean and absolutely loved our trip but that cruise was about the destinations, this trip was definitely about the journey.
From the moment you step aboard, the grandeur of this liner strikes you with an amazing entrance lobby and as we made our way to our stateroom we were definitely impressed by the spacious room complete with Queen bed, sofa, ensuite and balcony – just like any other five star hotel room, only difference this one floats!
The transatlantic cruise is one that allowed us to either do absolutely nothing – relax and rejuvenate from our busy lifestyle – or absolutely everything. From pub trivia, line dancing, whale and dolphin spotting, afternoon high tea, basketball, yahtzee in the games room, planetarium and Broadway shows – there was so much entertainment with a huge variety every day, there was no chance of getting bored whilst out at sea.
As with all cruises, the food plays an important role. Buffets were available nearly all day long, room service 24/7, pub dining and fine dining.
A special highlight was dressing for dinner in the formal dining room and enjoying a lobster tail! However just as good was the sushi rolls available from the buffet and the pizza available for late night snacking! coughtails at sunset and the high tea served from white gloved wait staff were also daily rituals we really enjoyed.
Whilst a high percentage of passengers were in the over 45 age group, there was a good mix and plenty of other couples in our age bracket. Dress during the day was casual with an opportunity to dress after five for formal coughtails, dining and clubbing – something that quite surprised me as I thought I may need to dress my best for the five day journey. But rest assured, tracksuits were aplenty during the day and passengers dressed comfortably for their buffet lunches!
Whilst the journey was the purpose of this trip, sailing into New York City was spectacular. We arrived early and watched the sun rise over the high rises of Manhattan as the liner squeezed under the bridges of the Hudson. As we sailed passed the majestic Statue of Liberty it didn’t seem to matter that it was a bitterly cold November morning.
When we disembarked in NY our only glitch of the trip came when we realised we had six hours to enjoy the city before flying back to London however nowhere to leave our luggage! Not wanting to waste our time in the city by simply heading to the airport, we were lucky enough to befriend a couple who allowed us to leave our bags at their hotel as they were staying on for a few days.
Overall, the QM2 transatlantic trip is one that I would highly recommend to people of all ages and one that I will never forget.
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