Sailing the Atlantic Ocean on the Queen Mary 2
Cruise Review of a Transatlantic Cunard Queen
Nov 24, 2008
Gone are the days of steamer trunks and passage by sea. Nautical voyage used to serve as the main form of transportation from immigrants to millionaires, but, while waterways have been replaced with air travel, the legacy of luxury cruising has remained.
Heritage and History
Cunard is among the shipping companies which still operate such cruises, and as its famed ocean-liner QE2 makes its final voyage after almost forty years of active service, we wave farewell to a ship, whose popularity assisted in proving the population’s desire to preserve aspects of antique aquatic ancestry.
Although the Queen Elizabeth 2 retires, her fellow ocean-liner, Queen Mary 2, which in its interior appearance harkens back to the era of art deco and elegant opulence, continues to perpetuate a piece of liquid legend – The Transatlantic Crossing between Southampton and New York.
Experience the Transatlantic Crossing
All at once, both step back in time and enjoy the present, as you board the relaxing surrounding of a floating city. For about a week passengers are pampered with attentive service, irresistible food, wide-ranging entertainments, and views of the calming sea.
Usually sailing in the months of spring or summer, there is a serenity to the sea and sunshine, which simultaneously stuns and soothes.
Queen Mary 2
Numerous restaurants accommodate all forms of dining, and if the weary traveler desires, one can also be served meals in ones own cabin.
A rotation of entertainments from casual pub quiz to formal dancing in the ballroom can easily keep passengers occupied. When not walking the decks, or strolling by the sea, the voyager can also enjoy lounging with a book from the ship’s library, or browse through the selection of Mayfair shops.
The planetarium doubles as a cinema, with a daily changing schedule. On selected voyages, RADA offers workshops, and stages evening shows in the theater.
Canyon Ranch Spa
In addition to the swimming pools of the ship, the Canyon Ranch Spa is incomparable in its aquatic allure. The water of its swimming pool varies in texture, resembling the movement of natural bodies of water. A waterfall at the back edge of the pool serves to massage the mussels, and to further relax, one can enjoy time in the sauna, steam room, or the soothing aromatic steam room. At the beginning and end of your visit, wash away all cares in one of the spa showers. Select which shower jets should spray various levels of water stream from traditional to tropical rain.
Connection to the Outside World
Although part of the appeal of the transatlantic crossing is being able to switch off all thoughts of life on shore, internet connection to the outside world is available.
Sailing into New York
The ship slowly floats under the Verrazzano Bridge, along the Narrows of New York Bay. As the QM2 reaches where it will dock in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan’s famed skyline becomes visible as the sun rises.
Other Ports of Call
Alternatively voyage from New York to the shores of Southampton, or Cunard is increasingly running transatlantic crossings between other locations. Ports include: Boston, Cherbourg, and Hamburg.
Rejuvenation
This leisurely crossing of the Atlantic Ocean may take six days as opposed to six hours, but after spending days relaxing in the solitude of the sea, you will feel more relaxed than thought possible. Who would have thought that relaxation could be so rejuvenating?
