How A trans-Atlantic Crossing QM2 Became Our Families’ Favorite Cruise Travel Experience
The majority of individuals do not consider a trans-Atlantic Crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 when they are considering what would be the best cruise vacation for their family. After all, private islands typically do not have activities such as water slides, zip lines, or even beach breaks.
However, now that Heather and her family have crossed an ocean more than once, they find that sailing on the QM2 is their ideal way to spend time together on vacation.
I was intrigued by their stories and the obvious pleasure they took in all things Cunard, so I decided to do some additional research.
Today I’m going to tell you all about their cruise vacation, and I know that there are going to be a lot of families who are inspired by it and who will think about making it a part of their vacation plans in the future. After all, travelling has many positive effects and imparts important lessons.
My favourite Cunarder
Let me begin by introducing you to a close buddy of mine who is an avid Cunarder. In addition to her experiences with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival, Heather has sailed five times on the illustrious Cunard Line.
When we went on a very enjoyable and brief cruise to Bermuda together in 2009, it was so much fun that I’ll take full responsibility for getting her and her husband hooked on cruising! We laugh because they were friends of ours who decided cruising was not for them for whatever reason (I think we all have pals like this, right?). They cruise now at the same frequency that I do, and sometimes even more.
Let’s begin with some of Heather’s responses before we get on to the interview itself. When I asked her to explain what comes to mind when she thinks of a crossing on Cunard’s QM2, she provided the following:
Tell me about your initial encounter with Cunard and the QM2: what was it like?
When our eldest son was 12 years old, my father took him on a trip to Europe. During that trip, they travelled on Cunard, which was our family’s first experience with the cruise line. Both of them had never been on a cruise before, but we knew that booking one would be the ideal way to round off their vacation, given who they are as people and the things that they are passionate about.
They both had a strong interest in history, which is how they ended up on this trip, which took them to both London and Vimy in France. They were going to retrace a portion of our family history, specifically the life of a great uncle who had been killed in action during the first World War, here.
After doing some sight-seeing and travelling, they set sail across the Atlantic Ocean on a voyage that brought back fond memories for my father.
When he was just 12 years old, he and his family moved from London to North America. They settled in New York City. This was a memory that everyone in the family held dear. To be able to relive it with his own grandson gave it added significance.
1. Tell me about your first trip across the Atlantic Ocean, which was aboard the Queen Mary 2.
As a result of the trip that my kid and father went on, my family and I realised that we wanted to go on this trip together as a larger group. My father, my husband, and I, along with our three children who were 13, 15, and 17 years old at the time, would make a total of six people.
I always pictured the history as being people (family) from Southampton migrating to the Americas. I suppose a part of me wanted to recreate the feeling of yesteryear with my very own family.
It was emotionally draining to visit the Statue of Liberty after learning what it means to the American people. experiencing in some way again what other individuals were feeling
As our ship passed through the Verrazano Bridge and we grew closer to New York City, we all got up quite early to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the harbour. It can’t be compared to anything else.
2. Can you tell me about your experience aboard the Queen Mary 2?
This is the best that can be hoped for. The atmosphere, the gorgeous settings, the delicious cuisine, the attentive staff, and the ample room.
That would be the room. Can you ever fathom that a ship as large as the Norwegian Breakaway only accommodates 2,600 passengers at capacity (in comparison to a typical ship holding approximately 4,000)? The ratio of workers to passengers is two to one. The experience is rather unique in comparison to that of a conventional cruise.
3. In comparison to other types of cruise vacations, how is a voyage aboard the QM2 unique?
For the next seven days, it will be as if you are participating in an entirely new existence. It is an escape, but not from reality; rather, it is more of an escape from the rhythms of daily life. On board, we maintain a level of courtesy and calmness that, in the outside world, I don’t believe any of us are ever able to achieve.
Keep in mind that you will not be under any kind of pressure or time crunch when you are crossing. It’s not like a cruise through the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, where you make multiple stops along the way.
You are free to unwind, get dressed, and start making preparations for dinner. You have to do it every day.
4. You’ve sailed with other cruise lines that advertise themselves as “family-friendly.” What aspects of the Cunard Crossing did you find particularly satisfying in your role as a mother?
As a mother, the seven days at sea provide me with much-needed time to unwind and rest. I’m not checking Facebook or my email, and I haven’t been keeping up with the news either. I am able to go for a walk and stare at the water while being content in the knowledge that everyone else is pursuing their own interests.
Even young children are able to grasp the “specialness” of being on a HUGE ship while it travels across the ocean.
5. People will wonder what you can do during a transatlantic journey that lasts for seven days while you are at sea.
You mean at the times when I am not eating? (You’re going on a cruise, right?)
There are a plethora of destinations to choose from. Where do you enjoy best?
During the day, everyone goes about their day doing something different, but we may all relax.
My favourite thing to do is lounge in the Carinthia, which is located in the Carinthia Lounge. It is quite lovely and cheerful, and there is always some kind of musical entertainment taking on. This was an adjustment that was made during the most recent mastering session. Large windows allow you a view of the outside both during the day and at night, and there is also food available at varying intervals.
Cunard Insights and Lectures – Cunard On average, there are around four a day. Speakers, authors, and celebrities who are well-known and interesting frequently take the stage.
Movies — The planetarium features a theater-like atmosphere where films can be viewed throughout the daytime hours.
The Commodore Club is an elegant bar located in the front of the ship. It features good, comfortable chairs in tones of blue and grey that are both subdued and rich. People come here to drink in peace and carry on conversation with one another.
Games – There are a variety of games, including puzzles, and people can be seen having a good time together at all times.
The library is the most magnificent library on the ship; it is located at the front of the ship and has enormous windows. You are welcome to peruse the publications and books that are available here at your leisure. There is even a librarian available to you.
Planetarium: There are actually shows that you may go see if you go to the planetarium. Both my spouse and my son get a kick out of this.
There are three swimming pools, as well as various spa baths, at this property. One of them can be considered “indoor,” as it has a glass covering that can be taken off when the weather is nice.
Walking on deck is a significant accomplishment for a good number of passengers. Some people stroll while others sprint. People come with appropriate attire for the expected weather conditions.
This is one of my favourite things to do, and I can easily wander about the ship for an hour or more without getting bored. Being in the middle of the ocean is an amazing experience. It’s more of an adventure than a typical vacation, which is nice. It’s impossible to put into words the feeling of being completely alone at the same time.
6. The majority of ships are equipped with a “hidden treasure” location. Have you been able to locate it on the Queen Mary 2?
There’s a tucked-away nook that nobody ever goes to, but it’s absolutely ideal for putting together puzzles and playing board games. Along the path that leads to the planetarium, there will be a number of comfortable seats and tables situated in front of nice big windows and offering a breathtaking view of the ocean. It is highly recommended that you look into it.
7. Are you able to provide a description of the service on Cunard?
The service is discreet and attentive at the same time. Although they are never in anyone’s way, the employees are around at all times. Even in the King’s Court buffet, for example, the waiter will buy you coffee or a drink and deliver it to you, but they will never bring you a bug. Even if you’re not ordering anything to drink at the bar or lounge where you’re seated, you’ll still receive excellent service there.
8. Can you describe the more formal dining experience that was offered on the QM2?
There is no such thing as “anytime dining” on Cunard; guests must choose between an early or a late dinner session. However, part of the sailing experience, and even the excitement is – Who are my dinner mate’s going to be? It’s kind of like going back to school for the first time.
Every time we do it we meet fantastic folks. We share about our days, discuss a variety of issues, and listen to everyone’s points of view. Given that you’ll be spending the next week with the same people, there’s a good chance that you’ll get friendly with them. Of course you can always change tables, but we’ve never had to.
Consider the late sitting, as recommended by Heather.
The last time we did this, we had a great time. You don’t lose out on anything, and as a result, the day isn’t shortened. You can take your time getting ready for dinner without feeling like you need to rush, and the day just felt like it went on for much longer than it did before.
9. The dining rooms on the Cunard ships are notorious for having a stringent dress requirement. What are your thoughts on getting dressed up for the dinner?
I absolutely adore playing dress up! Because of the laid-back culture in which we live, I absolutely adore the fact that on the QM2 there is no such thing as being overdressed. My children have a lot of fun picking out costumes that are exactly right for the Queen Mary 2. Even though there was some concern about it before we went on our first cruise, both my son and my husband like it.
During a 7-day journey, there are three formal nights in which passengers are expected to wear a dark suit or tuxedo. On the other evenings, you are expected to wear a collared shirt and a sport jacket.
10. What are the guidelines for appropriate attire during the daytime hours on Cunard ships?
During the day, you are free to be as relaxed and informal as you like with your attire. It is fairly common to see people in public wearing both shorts and yoga pants.
11. A cruise vacation can be summed up with the phrase “it’s all about the cuisine.” So, what information can you share with us regarding the cuisine and dining options available aboard the QM2?
The meal is really out of this world. It comes down to the quality. It’s possible that on other ships, it’s the number, but on Cunard, it’s the attention to detail that sets them apart. You’ll never be bored.
Main dining room – There is never any repetition in the main dining room, and there is always a selection of food available for each and every guest. The quantities are tasty, but they aren’t very big. The service is impeccable, and they are always looking out for the guests’ satisfaction.
Lunch will be served both at the King’s Court (a buffet) and in Carinthia (food will be spread out there). There is even an area designated as the chef’s galley, which is designed to prevent cross-contamination and has options that are suitable for vegans and those avoiding gluten.
Buffet at King’s Court: Just because it’s a buffet doesn’t mean the quality of the cuisine is compromised in any way. Even on the nights that you eat in the kitchen instead of the dining room, you’ll still have access to all of the restaurant’s signature entrees and side dishes (not on formal night). In the meat section, customers may choose from a variety of cuts, including rack of lamb, fillet mignon, and duck. In addition, there is a sizable cheese department stocked with any and all kind of cheese that one might desire.
Sweets: The high quality of the available desserts is deserving of special note. When the pastry chefs at Cunard prepare a sweet dish, they only use the finest ingredients. For instance, the sugar glaze that was on the donut I ate wasn’t the only component of its preparation. Rich and unadulterated white chocolate was drizzled over the top.
12. Which unique amenities can you look forward to finding on the Queen Mary 2?
Although I haven’t been there personally, both my son and my spouse say that the planetarium is really intriguing and enjoyable to visit.
The ballroom is really stunning in its elegance. Every evening there is a presentation put on by the dancers, and there is even a masquerade ball.
The kennel: The QM2 is an ocean liner, and as such, a great number of passengers utilise it to go to and from Europe, particularly for the purpose of migrating. As a consequence of this, there are some people who bring their dogs, and there is actually a kennel as well as a place where the dogs may go for walks. It’s not at all what I expected. You are also able to go up to the top deck and observe the dogs there.
The Midnight Buffet is a feature that the vast majority of cruise ships have eliminated in recent years. Every night at twelve o’clock, our family makes a trip to the King’s Court buffet, which features a wide selection of delicious hot dishes, as well as ice cream, dessert, and fruit. Even a chocolate buffet can be found here! In point of fact, the food in the buffet is constantly being replenished. After being open until approximately 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon, it will then close until approximately 5:30 in the morning.
Travel Advice for a Cunard Crossing of the Atlantic Aboard a Cruise Ship
Even though there is a bridge that goes from New York to Southampton, the western route that goes from Southampton to New York is the one that we recommend. As people who live in North America, we enjoy a few distinct benefits.
1. To begin, think about travelling to London a few days before your trip and spending some time there. Because there are so many different locations to explore, this is a wonderful trip addition to the crossing. It is also possible to travel into Paris first and then continue on to London. Depending on your interests and the length of time you have before embarking on your cruise, there is a wide variety of things you may see and do in Europe before setting sail.
An important fact to keep in mind is that if your cruise departs from Southampton, a visit to the Isle of Wight may be reached in a matter of minutes by ferry. You are welcome to tour the grounds and the building that served as Queen Victoria’s summer residence. Stunning landscapes, including beaches, villages, and churches.
2. Because you will be travelling from Southampton to New York, you will be need to adjust to the new time zone. Every day while travelling on the QM2, passengers are given the instruction to advance their watches by one hour in order to accommodate the time shift. In essence, you gain an extra hour on 5 days of your vacation. Coming back from a trip to Europe feeling refreshed and unaffected by jet lag is such a valuable perk.
Ilana’s words are as follows:
I would like to thank you, Heather, for elaborating in such great length not just on the reasons you and your family enjoy sailing with Cunard but also on the specific benefits of embarking on a Trans-Atlantic Crossing. This is going to be a new “cruise” experience for me, and I can’t wait to try it out!
To review, here are the top 12 reasons why you should take your family on a crossing on the QM2.
The voyage over the ocean aboard the QM2, which is an ocean liner, is the most luxurious method to travel between Europe and the United States. Everyone who enjoys cruising should, at the very least once in their lives, go on a trip that has been done by a lot of other people in the past; doing so will provide a sentimental and significant travel experience.
Have you given any thought to travelling across the ocean on the Queen Mary 2? Are you interested in taking a trip of this kind? I’m really interested in hearing your thoughts on this. I would appreciate it if you could let me know in the comments below.
