Cruise the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2

Cruise ship heading to the skyline of New York in the distance

Credit Shutterstock.com/Belikova Oksana

Last updated: 13 November, 2024

Crossing the Atlantic on Cunard’s grand ocean liner is an adventure that evokes the thrill and glamour of the golden age of travel.

You’ll have seven days to contemplate the majesty of 3,565 miles of open ocean, stepping up the gangway in either New York or Southampton into a refined world of elegant lounges, sweeping staircases and hatted bellboys in scarlet uniforms.

During the crossing, there’s all-day entertainment from drama classes to yoga, spinning and wine tasting. Or you could just lounge by the pool, try out the spa or stroll around the deck, taking in the sea air.

At night, the ship buzzes with everything from glittering black tie balls to big-name performers in the theatre and riotous quizzes and karaoke in the Golden Lion pub.

Logistics

Price from: £Varies

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 18+

When: All year around

Duration: 7 days one way

Getting there & doing it

Transatlantic crossings start in Southampton or New York and take seven nights. Look for packages that include the one-way flight and if you’re sailing eastbound, a night in a hotel in New York before embarkation.

Check for special themed voyages, too, which range from literature to fashion and classical music. With Cunard, the cabin grade you book dictates where you dine. Queens Grill and Princess Grill both have their own very smart restaurants. Britannia class guests dine in the vast, elegant Britannia Restaurant, with allocated sittings and tables.

Those in the know book Britannia Club grade; occupants of these balcony cabins get their own, open-seating section of the Britannia Restaurant.

When to do it

Queen May 2 sails eastbound and westbound crossings between May and January. Summer is best for weather and smooth seas, although many enjoy the thrill of the big winter swells.