Transatlantic on Cunard's Queen Mary 2

Anyone who travels has likely encountered this situation: you get on board and a bit later the captain announces that there are some technical difficulties so departure will be delayed. Normally, this induces groans and worries about connections and schedules. But when you board the Queen Mary 2 for a seven-day Atlantic crossing, you simply go to the aft terrace for a glass of champaign, proceed to the restaurant for a three-course dinner, and then settle into your stateroom for a comfortable night's sleep. A five-hour departure delay is no trouble at all.

The rest of the crossing also offers magnificent amenities. There are interesting and well-presented lectures, regular classical music performances and movies every day. Those are just the start of a list of programs that will fill your day. Or you can choose simply to relax in the library, or one of the comfortable lounges. And walking the promenade deck, a 1/3-mile circuit, is a great pleasure with the ever-changing ocean along with the occasional rainbow and dolphin.

The Queen Mary 2 is advertised as the last true ocean liner, designed specifically for the open oceans as opposed to the modern cruise ship. It is elegant and sublime. There are gala evenings for those who like to put on their tuxedos, but it is no difficulty to eat more casually if one prefers not to dress up. Food, service and stateroom comfort are all top-notch on board.

One of the great joys of sailing across the ocean is arriving in London with no jet lag. You can arrive in London, and head to a concert or the theater on the day you arrive and be fully awake for the entire performance!

Some Logistics:

If you are leaving from New York, hotels in the Wall Street area are very convenient. And allow you to simply hop on the New York City Water Taxi from the Wall Street Pier and be at the cruise port in only 15 minutes. In England, London is about an hour away from the dock in Southampton, so where to stay depends on what you want to do in London and beyond.

The guests on the transatlantic voyages are typically older, but there are facilities and activities for children on board. Entertainment leans more toward the classical and educational, with fewer of the broadway-type shows of other voyages.

The main dining room is available to all passengers. There are separate dining rooms for passengers in the Queens and Princess Suites. An excellent buffet is available for all meals. And a magnificent afternoon tea is available every day. There are a small number of specialty restaurants that can be reserved at extra cost, but fish and chips in the Golden Lion pub is included. As is typical with most cruises, various drink packages are available for purchase and internet access can be purchased.

The weather on the North Atlantic is never predictable. So bring a jacket and warm hat to enjoy a walk on the deck if it is a bit chilly.

If you have seven or eight days available on your schedule, there is simply no better way to make your way across the ocean. Elegance, comfort and service (as well as no jet lag) are all part of the voyage.

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