Southampton – New York aboard the last ocean liner: the Queen Mary 2
In the 60s, I had two childhood dreams: to fly on the Concorde and to make the transatlantic crossing on the France.
I fulfilled the first in the late 90s: connecting Paris to New York in 3 hours and 30 minutes, before the supersonic jet permanently stopped flying.
My second dream became impossible when the France was withdrawn from service in 1974. It was only in June 2025, with the Queen Mary 2, the last ocean liner, that I was finally able to make the Crossing!
Two extraordinary travel experiences, but today, I’m taking you on “the beautiful English lady”.
Getting to the Queen Mary 2 from Paris via Le Havre and Portsmouth by train and overnight ferry
Like travelers from the golden age of ocean liners, we begin our journey by train from Paris to Le Havre. Then we take an overnight ferry to Portsmouth. We spend two days there before joining the Queen Mary 2 at its home port, Southampton, which is about 30 kilometers, a little further west.
A “slow travel,” like in the old days!
I recount the first part of our journey in the article: “From Paris to Portsmouth via Le Havre, as a prelude to our transatlantic crossing“.
To make you relive our own travel experience aboard the Queen Mary 2
Throughout this article, I try to share our crossing with you, balancing a day-by-day chronology with the atmosphere of life on board. Time flows slowly; the days are similar without ever being quite the same, depending on the sea, the weather, and the onboard activities. It is this gentle monotony, sometimes disturbed by the unexpected, that gives a transatlantic crossing its unique character.
You are about to read my vision of the Queen Mary 2. Perhaps if one day you decide to embark on it, your travel experience will be totally different. That’s what makes this transatlantic liner unique!
- Departure from Southampton: the home port of the Queen Mary 2
- Discovering the Queen Mary 2: refinement and elegance
- Dining aboard the Queen Mary 2: stylish like in the golden age of ocean liners
- Seven days aboard the Queen Mary 2: no time to get bored!
- Shhh! Our Secret Spots Aboard the Queen Mary 2
- Onboard Encounters with the History of Transatlantic Crossings
- Dressing Up for Evenings Aboard the Queen Mary 2
- Arrival in New York: Legendary!
I conclude this article with some practical tips to help you make the most of the Queen Mary 2.
Please note: we paid for our trip and this article is not sponsored!
Departure from Southampton: the home port of the Queen Mary 2
Having left Portsmouth by taxi, we arrive at the port of Southampton, at the Mayflower terminal, used by Cunard, the ship’s owning company.
It takes a good effort of imagination to picture ourselves as passengers of yesteryear embarking for the New World. The terminal, located amidst container and car parks, is purely functional and lacks much interest.
Efficient boarding, if not romantic
Like Leonardo DiCaprio, we imagined ourselves running on a gangway to reach the Titanic at the last minute, just as the departure siren sounded!
The reality is a little less romantic. We drop our luggage on the sidewalk before passing through the various check-in filters, then immigration, and finally security. This doesn’t differ much from airport procedures. Even boarding the ship is done via a telescopic gangway, like for an airplane. But, fortunately, the formalities are quick, and as soon as we enter the Queen Mary 2, we quickly forget these minor inconveniences.
We are greeted by a team of stewards and hostesses who show us how to get to our cabin. Like most passengers, we are discovering the ship for the first time. We feel a little lost, as the Queen Mary seems immense to us at first glance.
Our cabin immediately charms us, and we are delighted at the thought of it being our home for the next seven days. But, for now, we especially want to witness the departure. It’s the only day, along with the arrival in New York, when we will see land. So, we want to make the most of it by going straight to the upper deck.
Casting off!
We arrive just in time to witness the casting off of the moorings. It’s fascinating to see that our ship, a colossus 345 meters long, taller than the Eiffel Tower, is held to the dock by only a few ropes. The technique has hardly evolved over the centuries!
The bow thrusters gently push us into the middle of the mouth of the River Test, where we were moored.
The Queen Mary 2 then glides towards the Isle of Wight, which we round on its eastern side. It’s a renowned holiday destination for the English, who often come there for vacations.
After leaving it a few hours earlier, Portsmouth’s immense Spinnaker Tower stands out before us on the horizon. From a distance, it looks like a lighthouse.
Then we pass by the old fortifications that protected the access to the natural harbors of Southampton and Portsmouth, especially against French invasion attempts!
An hour after departure, a small boat comes to pick up the pilot who assisted the captain with the port exit.
Little by little, the land recedes, and we find ourselves entirely surrounded by the sea. This will be our only landscape for the seven days of our crossing!
Our Cabin: The Britannia Balcony Stateroom
Once at sea, it’s time for us to go back and discover our cabin and unpack our luggage. We had chosen the Britannia Balcony Stateroom, a double cabin with a private balcony. By booking more than a year in advance, we were able to select it based on several criteria: located in the middle of the ship for more stability, port side, thus facing south to benefit from the sun throughout our east-west crossing. Furthermore, it is located in a quiet area, with no nightclub above us.
We are delighted with our choice. The cabin is cozy and spacious enough to store our wardrobe, which is necessarily substantial during a transatlantic crossing, and to make us feel comfortable. Khristian, a Filipino, is our cabin steward. Throughout the crossing, we will be increasingly won over by his kindness and the quality of his service, worthy of a five-star hotel.
Discovering the Queen Mary 2: refinement and elegance
It takes us several days to discover this gigantic ship. Throughout our stay, we walk an average of 8 kilometers a day exploring its different decks! However, it is well designed, as at no point do we feel crowded, and the various spaces are neither too big nor too small.
The Only Existing Transatlantic Ocean Liner
The Queen Mary 2 was built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, which makes the ship a little French! Like the Concorde, it’s a fine example of Franco-British cooperation.
The Queen Mary 2, at 345 meters long, is no longer the largest ocean liner, but it is undoubtedly the most prestigious of our time. It is the only ocean liner specifically designed to cross the ocean, even during the worst storms. Its hull is taller and more streamlined than those of cruise ships. It is the worthy successor to old liners like the Olympic, the Titanic, the Normandie, the Queen Elizabeth or the France, which I dreamed so much about in my childhood. It possesses an elegance not found on the latest giants of the seas, such as the Allure of the Seas.
Top: Queen Mary 2 by Robert G. Lloyd. Bottom left: the Normandie. Bottom right: the France
Decks 2 and 3: the heart of the Queen Mary 2
Decks 2 and 3 form the heart of the ship. It’s where everyone gathers in the evening for dinner and shows. In the middle is the grand lobby, which takes the form of a rotunda open towards Deck 3.
On either side of the lobby, a huge corridor leads aft to the Britannia restaurant and the Queens Room, and forward to the Royal Court Theatre and the Illuminations show lounge. We will discuss this further later. The corridor is decorated with immense bas-reliefs, each illustrating one of the continents.
Decor worthy of prestigious transatlantic predecessors
The interior decoration of the Queen Mary 2 is inspired by the prestigious transatlantic liners of the early 20th century, in an Art Deco style. The materials are noble, creating a subdued, refined atmosphere. It’s far from the glitz of today’s cruise ships, which aim to impress, nouveau riche style!
Strolling through the ship is a feast for the eyes. Numerous works of art, paintings or sculptures, are scattered everywhere, including in the stairwells—nothing ostentatious, but elegance and great attention to detail. We really liked it.
Dining aboard the Queen Mary 2: stylish like in the golden age of ocean liners
Let’s begin the presentation of our transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 with meals, because they structure our days, culminating in the famous dinner at the Britannia!
As is customary in the world of cruises, meals are included in the ticket price, and the choice is extensive. We tested the different ways to dine on board, at various times of the day, and I present to you the option we preferred.
There are a few specialty restaurants, but we did not try them because the quality and variety of the meals in the all-inclusive package largely satisfied us and made us feel no need to look elsewhere.
Breakfast in our cabin.
It is entirely possible to have breakfast in your cabin. It’s even complimentary until 10 AM. After trying breakfast at the main restaurant, the Britannia (service too slow), and at the Kings Court buffet (too crowded), this is the option we preferred.
Every morning, savoring our hearty breakfast, dressed in the soft bathrobes provided by Cunard, with the window open on our balcony to hear the sound of the sea, is simply royal!
Lunch at the Golden Lion Pub followed by coffee at Sir Samuel’s
Traveling aboard the Queen Mary 2 is a dive into the aristocratic and bourgeois world of the United Kingdom. At noon, it’s at the Golden Lion Pub, located on Deck 2, where we most often like to have lunch for its “so British” atmosphere. It’s there that we eat the best fish and chips on the ship!
Afterward, we quickly got into the habit of going to Sir Samuel’s, a bar located on Deck 3, to enjoy an excellent pastry accompanied by a perfectly prepared Italian-style espresso.
Kings Court Buffet if we’re in a hurry
On days when we were in a hurry to attend a conference or a show in the afternoon, we had an alternative: the Kings Court, on Deck 7. It’s a huge self-service restaurant with an extensive buffet of dishes.
Even though the food quality there is very good, the more modern and functional decor of the Kings Court gives it a slightly out-of-place atmosphere compared to the rest of the ship.
“Tea time” at Queens Court: so British!
The “Tea time” is a daily highlight of the trip that absolutely shouldn’t be missed! As early as 4:30 PM, passengers rush to find a table not too far from the orchestra, which greets us with lively jazz or Charleston tunes, in the tradition of the Titanic.
Then, at precisely 5 PM, the waiters and waitresses enter the immense Queens Court hall, teapots in hand, following a well-rehearsed choreography. They return right after with the traditional sandwiches and scones, just as Queen Elizabeth II was fond of them.
The show also takes place in the hall, with dandies or old English ladies savoring this very English moment, and couples dancing a waltz!
One just has to be careful not to succumb too much to the sweets presented, to still be hungry at dinner time.
Dinner at the Britannia Restaurant, like in the golden age of ocean liners
If there’s one restaurant that truly symbolizes the Queen Mary 2, it’s the Britannia. On its own, it embodies the golden age of transatlantic crossings.
The entrance is through an immense double-height hall, with mezzanines on either side connected by two majestic staircases. The decoration, with a large tapestry depicting the ship, wood paneling, an Art Nouveau-style glass roof, and thick carpeting, is both warm and elegant.
It is possible to have all meals there, but our preference quickly shifted to dinner. It’s the time when everyone dresses elegantly, and one can take their time at the table. For breakfast and lunch, we found the service to be too long and ceremonial.
According to the long tradition of sea crossings, passengers are assigned to the same table, for two to ten people, either for the first seating (6:30 PM) or the second (8:30 PM). We prefer the “open dining” option, which allows us to come when we please. Thus, we were able to dine at different locations in the hall and adapt the schedule to our daily desires. This is a point not to be overlooked, because with successive time zone changes, hunger is felt differently during the cruise.
The cuisine is of good quality, but British and international in inspiration. It is sometimes a little disappointing for French people because of its lack of creativity.
Apart from a few rare, somewhat boorish Americans, the vast majority of passengers respect the dress code, which requires elegant attire in the evening.
Seven days aboard the Queen Mary 2: no time to get bored!
Our biggest fear before leaving was whether seven days at sea would feel too long. In fact, that wasn’t the case at all. The first two days are dedicated to exploring the Queen Mary 2 and finding our bearings. Given the ship’s magnificence, wandering around its decks becomes a pleasure, not a chore.
We naturally found our rhythm. Every morning when we wake up, during breakfast, we start by checking the daily program to choose the lectures and shows we want to attend.
Morning Sports Activities on Deck 7
Then, after breakfast, while one of us heads to the gym on Deck 7, the other goes for a jog on the promenade on the same level. In just two laps, the distance covered is already 1.1 kilometers. Many passengers gather there to walk, get some fresh air, and chat with their fellow travelers. It’s the morning passeggiata, transatlantic style!
We then both meet on the aft deck for a few (short) laps in the pool and to enjoy the jacuzzi. Since, in the middle of the Atlantic, even in June, the temperature is quite cool, we are usually alone enjoying it, with only a few brave souls.
At Noon: The Captain’s Navigation Update
Precisely at noon each day, the authoritative voice of Captain Aseem A. Hasmi resonates throughout the Queen Mary 2, providing an update on navigation and weather, which all passengers listen to religiously.
It is during this briefing that we learn from the captain that there are 2,420 passengers on board for this crossing, including 1,200 Americans, 660 British, 120 Canadians, 110 French, and 60 Germans. The other 270 passengers come from 32 different countries!
After lunch, we relax on our cabin balcony, weather permitting. In the afternoon, everyone goes their own way to enjoy some personal time. Although relatively expensive internet packages are offered, we chose to disconnect from the network for the duration of the crossing. We greatly appreciated this digital detox.
Daytime: Numerous Slightly Retro Onboard Activities
Every day, several lectures are offered on a wide variety of topics. During our cruise, for example, these included life in prisons, mobile phone security, Vikings, and major inventions by women. Depending on the speaker’s talent, they are more or less engaging, but always interesting. They are held both in the morning and in the afternoon, either at the Royal Court Theatre or the Illuminations show lounge.
Many activities are also organized, such as bridge lessons, ballroom dancing, or fitness classes. A passenger choir was even formed for the duration of the crossing and performed publicly the day before arriving in New York.
For most of these activities, we felt a bit too young to want to participate. But I enjoyed watching people do them. What struck me was their diligence and their desire to do well, as if they were children again.
In a discreet corridor, the crew had set up tables with puzzles. Any passenger who wishes can come and complete them for as long as they like. A collective work from yesteryear, but one that is reminiscent of the spirit of some games shared on social media today.
The Must-Do: Simply Enjoying the Infinite Ocean View
For my part, in the afternoon, my favorite activity is to go out on the open decks to simply observe the movements of the sea, with music in my ears.
A contemplative moment that is different every time, due to the changing weather throughout the crossing. We experienced wind, fog, calm or rough seas, rain, and also sunshine. Temperatures ranged from very cool to moderately warm the day before arrival. But we avoided storms, which are more common in autumn or winter. However, not being seasick, I would have loved to see one!
Bonus: 25-Hour Days
Ultimately, “Tea time” and the evening arrive faster than we’d like. However, due to the time difference, we get five out of seven 25-hour days. Clocks are set back one hour in the middle of the night.
It’s an advantage to do the crossing in this direction, because from New York to Southampton, the days only last 23 hours! Enough to feel frustrated every day.
Shhh! Our Secret Spots Aboard the Queen Mary 2
While wandering around the Queen Mary 2, we discovered some spots that aren’t always easy to find and that many passengers, a little less curious than we are, have never known.
The Largest Library on a Ship
Thus, on Deck 8 at the front of the ship is the library. It is very well stocked, with thousands of books and even a small selection in French. The atmosphere is very calm and studious. You’d think you were in the library of an elite London club. It’s where I love to read a book in plush armchairs, with a magnificent view towards the bow of the Queen Mary 2.
Two Privileged Outdoor Observation Spots
At the front of the ship are two glass-enclosed outdoor elevators, which offer a spectacular view of the ship. You have to spot them carefully, because to use them, you have to go to the end of long, inconspicuous corridors.
On Deck 11, right next to the outdoor elevators, is the forward observation platform. Since it is only accessible from a deck composed solely of cabins, it is not well-known. Yet, it is the best place to observe the ship’s bow. We go there often, as we were lucky enough to be accommodated on this deck.
Where to Observe the Command Bridge?
On Deck 12, forward, on the port side, we accidentally discovered a small door leading to a corridor with a glass partition offering a view of the command bridge. Cunard does not advertise it because few passengers can stand there at the same time, and access is prohibited in bad weather or during port maneuvers. Photography is not permitted.
An Art Gallery Like in London
In a completely different style, on Deck 3, along the show lounges, there is a beautiful art gallery managed by Clarendon Fine Art, which is primarily based in the United Kingdom.
We almost gave in and bought a magnificent bronze statue by Duncan MacGregor depicting a sailboat, “Call of the Sea.” But the price stopped us!
The gallery owner organized several lectures on the art market. Although interesting, we found it a bit of a shame that they focused more on art as an investment than as a source of artistic emotion.
The Unknown Deck Number 1!
There is a deck that passengers, in principle, never have access to and that you won’t find on any map: Deck Number 1. These are the ship’s backstage areas where the staff have their own quarters. We only saw the entrance to the corridor. Gone is the meticulous decoration of the Queen Mary 2: you find yourself in an almost industrial atmosphere.
In fact, the only reason for passengers to go to Deck 1 is to visit the small, ultra-well-equipped onboard hospital… We are thrilled that we didn’t need to use this service.
VIP Service for Our Canine Friends
Finally, at the very top, on Deck 13, forward, there is a kennel. It is undoubtedly one of the very few ships currently offering such a service for our four-legged friends. Butlers, or “Kennel Masters,” take care of their guests.
An outdoor deck is even dedicated to them, complete with a New York fire hydrant and a London lamppost, so that English and American dogs can relieve themselves without feeling out of place. During our cruise, 14 dogs were on board.
Onboard Encounters with the History of Transatlantic Crossings
Cunard was founded in 1838. Suffice it to say, its history is rich, and the company allowed us to experience it aboard the Queen Mary 2.
Cunard and the Golden Age of Transatlantic Liners
In the corridors around the Illuminations show lounge, Cunard organized a historical exhibit featuring photographs, historical posters, documents, and objects related to the history of Cunard’s transatlantic lines. There are also photos of celebrities who have traveled aboard.
Traveling aboard the Queen Mary 2 is a dive into the history of the golden age of transatlantic crossings, when prestigious shipping companies competed to offer the most luxurious and fastest voyages to win the famous Blue Riband. In 1952, the United States was the last ship to break the record for the fastest crossing, in just three days and twelve hours! In 2025, we take six days and twenty hours.
We also attended a show titled “Cunard Street” about the company’s history. Much like silent films of yesteryear, it consists of a slideshow accompanied live by musicians and commentary from the onboard entertainment team. 
It’s an opportunity to learn more about transatlantic crossings, with their glamorous side, but also their more poignant dimension with European emigration to the New World, and their tragic aspect with troop transport and shipwrecks.
Day 6: Passing by the Titanic!
In the late afternoon of our sixth day at sea, the Queen Mary 2 passes a few miles from the Titanic’s wreck site. A poignant moment where we try to imagine what the passengers of the famous ship must have felt when it sank on a freezing April night in 1912.
Even in our time, the danger of icebergs remains, despite radars and other detection methods that didn’t exist back then. That day, during his briefing, the captain explained that we had taken a more southerly route than the most direct one to avoid icebergs, which can still drift in June.
At the Captain’s cocktail party, organized for new Cunard guests, ironically, we met one of the Queen Mary 2‘s officers, who extolled the ship’s exceptional construction, now the only transatlantic-class vessel and unsinkable in all weather conditions. It seemed to us that these were precisely the words spoken by the White Star Line, owner of the Titanic!
Dressing Up for Evenings Aboard the Queen Mary 2
The highlight moments of a transatlantic crossing, of course, happen in the evening! The question everyone asks upon boarding is what to wear.
Evening Wear: Tuxedo or Not?
To avoid scaring off its guests, Cunard is very vague in its recommendations. Everyone interprets them in their own way, but the vast majority of passengers play along by dressing up, especially on the two gala evenings. However, tuxedos and long gowns are no longer mandatory, as they once were.
We chose to wear a dark business suit with a tie or bow tie for gala evenings, and an open-collared shirt on other nights. For the “masquerade ball” theme night, we had carefully chosen our masks before leaving, and judging by the looks we received, we made quite an impression!
Cocktails at the Commodore Club followed by Dinner at the Britannia
It’s at the Commodore Club that we usually start the evening with a cocktail. It’s located on Deck 9 and offers a superb view towards the ship’s bow. A pianist provides musical ambiance.
Cunard also organizes gatherings there for passengers with similar interests. This includes, for example, solo travelers or LGBT passengers. For a bit of history, a few years ago, when being openly gay was still a bit complicated, these gatherings were held under the discreet name of “Dorothy’s Friends”!
Today, only the “Friends of Bill W.” meetings retain a code: these are members of Alcoholics Anonymous, who gather to share their experiences amidst the many temptations on board.
Then, we continue the evening at the Britannia restaurant. While tables for six or eight passengers are offered, we always opted for a table for two. They are close enough to allow for exchanges with other travelers from all walks of life, while preserving our privacy when we wish.
Attending the Grand Evening Show, Like in London’s West End
After dinner, every evening around 10 PM, we move on to the grand evening show at the Royal Court Theatre!
We were treated to shows inspired by West End musicals, London’s Broadway, as well as high-quality artistic talents.
Among them, we saw Joe Stilgoe, a jazz pianist and singer whose dynamism captivated us; Nicola Loud, a violinist whose virtuosity made us feel like we were at a pop concert; and a group of four young boys who recreated a Beatles concert, right down to the hairstyles and gestures. Needless to say, they received a standing ovation from the septuagenarian audience, largely represented aboard the Queen Mary 2, nostalgic for their twenties during the original band’s era. Stephanie Weber, a former winner of the British competition “The Voice,” delivered a very dynamic show.
Only comedian Micky Zany left us cold. It must be said that his humor was truly understood only by his compatriots. Americans, despite having the same native language, told us they didn’t connect with his show.
We were a bit surprised that Cunard exclusively featured British artists, especially since, on our cruise, more than two-thirds of the clientele were non-British, with a significant number of non-English speakers.
On the Queen Mary 2, We End the Evening Dancing or Singing!
After the main show, the evening isn’t over yet. We dance the waltz or swing in the grand Queens Room, to a live orchestra.
Or, in a more modern way, at the G32 nightclub, to hits from the 80s to the 2000s.
But most often, we prefer to go see the Blackthorn Irish Duo perform either at the Carinthia Lounge or the Golden Lion. Their Celtic ballads and folk tunes are very catchy. We can easily imagine ourselves in a pub in Dublin or Belfast.
Arrival in New York: Legendary!
Time flew by, and even though we expected it, the captain’s announcement during Thursday’s midday briefing about our arrival in New York the next day still surprised us. To make the most of it, he invited us to wake up very early on Friday, at 4:00 AM. Fortunately, the successive time zone changes hadn’t been fully assimilated yet, which made this early wake-up call less painful.
The navigation tracking map displayed on our television showed us that we had indeed left the vastness of the ocean to enter navigation lanes parallel to Long Island, which were heavily trafficked by many ships.
On deck from 4:00 AM
It was still dark when we went to the observation deck on Deck 11, just in time to see the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn. It is world-renowned for its spectacular images of the start of the New York City Marathon.
As a side note, the Queen Mary 2 has a dimension from keel to funnel of 72 m, including a 10 m draft. The bridge deck is 69.5 m above mean water level. Engineers took this into account during the construction of the Queen Mary 2 by flattening the funnel to allow the ship to just barely pass under the famous bridge, with only four or five meters to spare.
Statue of Liberty in sight!
Then we finally saw the famous Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to young America, which immigrants eagerly awaited, both excited and anxious about their new lives ahead.
The illuminated towers of the financial district stood out in the distance. Staten Island ferries glided very close to us, carrying their early morning commuters ready to reach their workplaces. ‘Legendary’ is an often overused expression, but this arrival is so deeply ingrained in our imagination that it can be described as such without exaggeration!
Ellis Island: Hopes and Fears of Immigrants
Behind the Statue of Liberty, we briefly glimpsed Ellis Island.
It was there that third-class passengers were transferred to Ellis Island. After an uncomfortable journey, this is where immigrants gathered to be examined, before knowing whether they would be accepted into the United States.
Nowadays, it’s a museum that you absolutely must visit to truly understand that a transatlantic crossing is not just any cruise. Ellis Island is a place filled with strong emotions.
In the golden age of transatlantic liners, as soon as the ship docked in Manhattan, first-class passengers quickly cleared immigration.
Docking in Brooklyn
A slight disappointment: the Queen Mary 2 no longer docks in Manhattan on the West Side, as old liners like the France or the Queen Elizabeth once did. We veered towards Governor’s Island to dock at 6:00 AM at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
Despite the very early arrival time, we could take our time before disembarking. We calmly went to the Britannia restaurant for our last breakfast, not without a pang of sadness, knowing that the crossing was already over.
Our luggage had already been prepared the day before and placed in the corridor. Upon disembarking, we found them at the port terminal just before immigration control.
The tension was somewhat palpable among the crew, who, in just a few hours, had to prepare the liner and welcome over 2,000 new passengers for a return trip to Southampton that same day. In the era of the France, unions had ensured the ship remained docked overnight to avoid this stress.
We still made it to Manhattan by boat!
A little tip we follow: it’s still entirely possible to arrive in Manhattan by boat, by taking a city ferry that provides regular connections from the Queen Mary 2 terminal to Wall Street, and even continuing to the very chic Upper East Side neighborhood, in the north of the island. This makes for a romantic arrival in New York! The ferry departure is barely 100 meters from the terminal, and what’s more, they gave us free tickets!
The Queen Mary 2 is the worthy heir to the liners of yesteryear
The success of our crossing is first and foremost due to the liner itself: it is magnificent! It’s already 25 years old, but that gives it character, and it is very well maintained.
Furthermore, the service and the staff’s attention are remarkable. What we experienced matched what we had imagined for our travel experience. The little child I once was, who dreamed of the France, was utterly delighted!
As I expected, the audience is rather elderly, but more diverse than I thought, with a significant number of people in their forties and fifties.
The Queen Mary 2 is British down to the smallest detail. This is part of the liner’s charm, but I do regret that Cunard isn’t more attentive to the fact that its guests also come from other cultures or speak languages other than English.
Please note that I haven’t told you about everything you can do on board. For instance, I haven’t mentioned the shops, casino, or spa, which might interest you more than us.
So don’t hesitate! A transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary 2, even if you’re not a cruise fan, is something to experience at least once in your life.
Practical Tips for Your Transatlantic Crossing Aboard the Queen Mary 2
The Essential Website to Consult
Cunard’s website is very rich in information, but it’s a bit cluttered, and it takes some time to get to grips with it, and it’s only in English:
Where and when to book your transatlantic crossing?
Whether it’s airline, rail, or maritime companies, as a rule, I always avoid intermediaries and book directly on the carrier’s website.
In Europe, Cunard only sells its voyages directly in the United Kingdom and Germany.
In France, Compagnie Internationale de Croisière is Cunard’s official distributor. If you’re not comfortable with the English language, I advise you to book through them.
To book your cabin, you either need to do it very far in advance (one or two years before departure) to have a choice and good rates, or at the last minute to get an unsold cabin at a discounted rate.
How much does it cost?
For a double Britannia cabin with a balcony, mid-ship, we paid 3398 GBP for full board when booking 18 months in advance.
Prices vary greatly depending on the season and occupancy. Don’t hesitate to check several offers on Cunard’s website.
How to get to Southampton?
My advice is to arrive near the embarkation port the day before departure. The Queen Mary 2 doesn’t wait, and it would be a shame to miss your crossing due to a transport mishap (strike or weather, etc.).
From France, the easiest way is to take an Eurostar to London, then either a train to Southampton or Cunard’s chartered bus.
The most fun way, and in the spirit of transatlantic crossings of yesteryear, is to take the overnight ferry from Le Havre to Portsmouth. To find out more, refer to my article: “From Paris to Portsmouth via Le Havre, as a prelude to our transatlantic crossing“.
Which cabin category to choose?
Officially, Cunard offers six cabin categories. In reality, there are only two main categories:
- Britannia cabins, which provide access to the restaurant of the same name and the same onboard services. The cabins differ only by their opening (interior, oceanview with porthole, enclosed or open balcony) and their location (mid-ship, forward, aft, and deck level). The supposedly more exclusive Britannia Club category doesn’t offer much more.
- Princess and Queen Grill suites (the latter being more spacious), which have exclusive restaurants. At the stern of the ship, a small outdoor deck is reserved for them. The service is renowned for being VIP level.
My advice is to choose a Britannia cabin with a balcony. I think it offers the best value for money.
There are a few cabins for solo travelers, but they sell out very quickly.
When to make the crossing?
We chose June for its longest days and most stable weather conditions.
In autumn and winter, the risk of encountering a storm is higher, but in return, prices can be lower.
Which port to depart from?
The first question to ask is which direction to cross. Personally, I recommend the eastbound-westbound direction to benefit from 25-hour days rather than 23-hour days, given the time difference. What’s more, the arrival in New York is truly legendary!
Next, the majority of departures in Europe are from Southampton. However, there are also some departures from Le Havre, Cherbourg, and Hamburg.
Check the weather forecast!
Few websites provide weather forecasts for the oceans. Every day at noon, the captain gives a weather update during the cruise.
Otherwise, before departure, or during the crossing if you have subscribed to the internet package, the Windy website is the most comprehensive.
Have a good trip!
Bon voyage!
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