What is it like to take a transatlantic cruise from New York City to England on the Queen Mary 2? Is it day after boring day staring at the sea on this formal ship? Hardly. Although I loved this cruise, it might not be for everyone.
Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 is in a class by herself. Literally. She is the only transatlantic liner in regular service between Southampton, England and New York City. Because of this, I wanted to try it. However, the thought of 7 days in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, with no getting off the ship was a bit daunting. What if I got bored???
Is There Enough To Do?
Well, not to worry. Queen Mary 2 had more than enough things to keep me and the other passengers busy. She is a very elegant ship and her passengers are on the older side with activities geared to that age group. Also, this is the only cruise ship that still has a ballroom with a live orchestra for nightly dancing.
Is Queen Mary Just for Old People?
The average age aboard Queen Mary 2 isn’t anywhere near 80. In fact, it recently dropped from 59 to 55, and there are plenty of twenty- and thirty-somethings balancing the demographic on each voyage. These young people can often be found in G32 which is the duel-level nightclub hidden behind the ballroom.
Mary, Elizabeth and Victoria
Launched in 2004, Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of the Cunard Line. Her sister ships, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are similar, however, only the Queen Mary 2 is intended for regularly scheduled crossings of the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition, as of 2017, she is the only purpose-built passenger ship designed as an ocean cruise liner as opposed to a cruise ship.
The Cunard Line
The Cunard Line, founded in 1840, is a British cruise line, owned by Carnival and based in Southampton, England. Throughout the years, it has maintained the traditions and class distinctions of bygone years. Other ships sail the transatlantic route but none like Queen Mary 2. Think An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr on a transatlantic cruise on the original Queen Mary.
Elegance Rather Than Adventure
Today, you can still experience that elegance and tradition on Queen Mary 2, however, if you prefer a more casual, adventurous atmosphere, this might not be the cruise line for you.
Let me tell you just some of the things that will keep you busy. These are the things I did, but I assure you there are many more.
Insights and Enrichment Program
Discover new ways to learn and grow with the remarkable guest speakers and classes and hosts on board.
During your voyage, you may be joined by some famous faces with fascinating stories to share – perhaps a famous writer, actor or musician or possibly an eminent scientist, explorer or politician. These talks entertain and inform through thought-provoking stories. You can even improve your iPad and computer skills with the i-Study Enrichment Program.
Dance Classes
Classes are led by coupled instructors and include ballroom as well as Latin and line dance. If you thought that no one wants to learn ballroom dancing today, you would be wrong. Our classes were so full that we gave up after the first class since we already knew how to dance and the instructions were very basic.
Dinners and Dances
Cunard has a strict dress code. You should pack plenty of outfits
From captain’s cocktails to dinners, ballroom dancing to Formal Nights, you’re going to want a few clothing options. If in doubt, go glamorous.
You can practice the dance steps you learned in the afternoon dance classes in the ballroom at night.
Your Dog Can Come Along Too
Queen Mary 2 is the only ship in the world to offer dedicated kennels at sea. There are now 22 luxury kennels in total, as well as a play area and dedicated walking route. Not to mention a traditional British lamppost and New York fire hydrant to ensure furry guests want for nothing during their aquatic “walks”).
I loved visiting the kennel area and watching the owners play with their dogs on a sectioned-off wooden deck.
Shopping on Queen Mary
Chanel, Hermes and Dunhill. Need I say more? Only the best. If you can’t afford the merchandise, window shopping is always fun.
Library
Many ships have eliminated the library. Not Queen Mary 2. It contains about 10,000 volumes making it the largest library at sea. Lush carpeting, leather sofas and armchairs complement the rich, lighted, wood-and-glass shelves. The floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy chairs make it an unforgettable experience for book lovers.
The Deck and Chairs
Queen Mary 2 has one of the few remaining uninterrupted wrap-around promenade decks. In earlier times, a stroll around the deck in the evening was one of the pleasures of cruising. However, modern amenities such as climbing walls and basketball courts have taken up valuable real estate on modern ships causing the wrap-around promenade deck to become the victim of these updates.
I loved doing my daily walks on the Promenade Deck. Afterward, the classic padded wooden chairs invite you to sit and enjoy the sea breezes.
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Every day at 3:30 pm passengers line up at the elegant Queen’s Room for Afternoon Tea. White-gloved waiters serve tea from silver pots. Following that they serve trays of scones, finger sandwiches, marmalade and herbed butter while musicians play classical music in the background.
There is no additional charge for afternoon tea although upgrades are available such as the one we enjoyed in the Champagne Bar. This was a gift from our travel agent.
Acting Classes
I attended a 3-day acting workshop in the Queen’s Room taught by graduates of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. They taught basic concepts followed by students working in small groups. It culminated with a presentation of our skit and the issuance of a certificate of attendance.
Casino
Queen Mary 2 offers Roulette, Blackjack, Three card poker, and Heads up Texas Hold’em – a house-banked casino game played against the dealer – as well as about 100 slot machines. If this is something you enjoy, it will keep you busy for most of the night.
Music
Live music continues into the evening, with jazz, a string band, a harpist and a pianist alternating between the Chart Room, Golden Lion Pub, Carinthia Lounge and Commodore Club. For something extra special, classical musicians perform concerts in Illuminations.
Evening Entertainment
The 1,105 seat Royal Court Theatre provides nightly musicals and stage entertainment.
A Planetarium on a Ship?
Are you an astronomy buff? Visit the Illuminations Planetarium for a show. Settle into your comfortable seat in the largest planetarium at sea. More than this, Illuminations is a luxury 3D cinema and a classical music venue. The planetarium dome can send you on an epic voyage across the solar system, teach you to navigate by the stars or show other science and natural history films, with up to four screenings on each sea day. With the dome retracted, Illuminations hosts 3D films and stunning concerts and recitals.
And Finally…
Think the Queen Mary is too formal for your tastes but you would love to cruise the Atlantic. No problem. All the ships that cruise in the Mediterranian have to come back to the USA in the winter so that they can cruise to the Caribbean and Mexico. Then is the spring they have to sail back to the Mediterranean Sea.
These cruises are called “repositioning” cruises and often offer bargain fare rates. I once took a transatlantic cruise on the Norwegian Cruise Line and it was the ultimate in casual cruising!
