Cunard is a traditional, old-world luxury cruise line and has the world’s only ocean liner, the flagship RMS Queen Mary 2 (QM2). My first transatlantic on the QM2 from Southampton to New York was one of my favourite experiences. I jumped at the opportunity to cross the Atlantic Ocean again in the other direction from New York to Southampton (Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing) with Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra onboard for two performances.
RMS stands for “Royal Mail Ship” and is used for vessels that carry mail for the British Royal Mail. The designation began in 1840.
I enjoyed the down time, blogged, read A LOT, ate A LOT and slept A LOT!
The First Time ~ Westbound Transatlantic Crossing ~ Southampton to New York
Queen Mary 2 ~ Sailing Across The Atlantic Ocean
QM2 Embarkation & Leaving New York Harbour
What an experience!
Sailing under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge!
Stateroom 6274
Stateroom 6274 is a Balcony (Sheltered) Stateroom.
Caviar via room service was a treat!
The Drink Package
This time I purchased the Beers, Wines & Spirits Option ~ it included:
- Unlimited hand-crafted non-alcoholic cocktails, premium canned or bottled soft drinks and fruit juices, as well as draught soft drinks and small bottles of mineral waters
- Unlimited speciality coffees, Tea Forté infusions and hot chocolates
- Beer, spirits, liqueurs, cocktails, and wines by the glass
I’m not sure I drank enough beverages each day to justify it? The Cunard beer I brought home with me was included ~ the Cunard Red, Gold and Black below. Champagne was not included but Proseco was. I also got the gin gift set below called The Four Queens after the Cunard ships.
Newfoundland
The province of my birth and my parents moved back when they retired. We sailed SO CLOSE to Newfoundland!
The Champagne Bar
I have developed a craving for caviar ~ I blame Emirates.
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Nobody does afternoon tea like the English! A signature Cunard experience of Twinings fine leaf teas, finger sandwiches, pastries and scones was served daily in the Queens Room. I went twice!
Afternoon Tea was started by Anna Maria, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in 1840 to provide a light break between luncheon and dinner.
Food
I didn’t get pictures of EVERYTHING I ate … here’s what I did get and it was all delicious!
Behind The Scenes Tour
I signed up for the Behind the Scenes tour and we toured the Theatre, the Bridge, looked at the ropes & anchors, Engineering Operations, Medical, Fire & Safety and the Galley. At the end of the tour, we had drinks, a mini afternoon tea and got to keep the lanyards. Pictures were not allowed on the tour and we couldn’t bring our phones.
Around The QM2
So many fabulous areas on the ship!
Arriving in Southampton & QM2 Debarkation
After saying goodbye to the Queen Mary 2, I ordered an Uber and was on my way to the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London.
Happy Transatlantic Crossings!
A Journey Off The Beaten Path
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 102 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!