A Transatlantic Crossing – Queen Mary 2 From New York
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Cruises Editor
Cruise Ships
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Few travel experiences match the glamour, heritage and thrill of a seven-night transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York (or vice versa). This isn’t a cruise, it’s a crossing with a proud tradition. Legendary shipping line Cunard, who recently celebrated their 175th anniversary, have been providing a transatlantic service since 1840. Book a passage on their flagship Queen Mary 2 (QM2), the world’s largest ocean liner purpose-built for transatlantic crossings. That’s one for the bucket list.
At embarkation, white-gloved attendants in perky Cunard-red jackets and pillboxes guide passengers past founder Samuel Cunard’s portrait, into the six-deck high atrium with its enormous floral arrangement and sweeping red-carpeted staircase. A string quartet sets the tone. Meanwhile on the aft decks, a sail-away party is in full swing, bubbles are flowing and a band plays on as QM2 sails out of Southampton, New York bound.
Passengers soon get the hang of seamless sea days (there are no ports), the ritual social whirl, formal nights (formal dress optional), and the spectacle of big seas and big skies. Little deters veterans from pounding the promenade deck while others snuggle under blankets on steamer chairs. The North Atlantic doesn’t always deliver smooth sailing but its multiple moods contribute to the mystique.
Indoor retreats are the fabulous Canyon Ranch spa, an amazing library, the only planetarium at sea, the Royal Court Theatre and Queen’s Room, a lovely ballroom and venue for exquisitely served afternoon teas. The space also doubles as an actors’ studio where passengers can workshop alongside RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) graduates.
With 12 passenger decks, 14 lounges bars and clubs, and 10 restaurants serving 2600 passengers a day, QM2’s scale might intimidate. It doesn’t. The ambience is genuinely welcoming. Classy bars favoured by the sophisticated set are the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, Commodore Club and Chart Room while others may prefer the Golden Lion pub. Passengers with deep pockets usually choose Queens’ or Princess Grill accommodation which have their own dining salons. The majority elect Britannia accommodation and dine in the Britannia Restaurant. A major refurbishment in 2016, will see 15 new single staterooms and 30 Britannia Club balcony staterooms added. Pooch and puss can travel, too, but only in dedicated kennels on transatlantic crossings.
Early in your journey, follow The Maritime Quest, an exhibition of black-and-white photographs spread over several decks. It traces transatlantic travel on fabulous Cunarders and the galaxy of movie stars, divas, and dukes who sailed on them – a far cry from that first Atlantic crossing between Halifax and Liverpool on Sam Cunard’s paddlewheeler Britannia. She carried 115 first-class passengers, 89 crew, 600 tons of coal, the Atlantic mail, chickens, a cow and three cats.
Rug up for arrival in New York. It will be cold at 4.45am when everyone lines the rails to watch the QM2 sail under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, bow to lady Liberty, then turn to face the prickling lights of Manhattan before easing into her berth at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. There isn’t a dry eye on deck.
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