Why I Love to Cross the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2

When I tell people I’ve crossed the Atlantic fourteen times aboard Queen Mary 2, the first reaction is usually the same. “Why would you spend seven days getting to Europe when you could fly there in seven hours?”

I understand the question. I just don’t agree with the logic. Aside from the fact that I don’t fly, of course.

That question was answered in 2005 on my first Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing.

An experience of crossing on Queen Mary 2 makes the idea of flying across the Atlantic feel like missing the best segment of the trip. The way I see it, a transatlantic crossing isn’t about getting somewhere as fast as possible. It’s about the “getting there”. The journey begins when I step aboard, not when I reach the destination.

Just to clarify, it’s not a cruise. Aboard Queen Mary 2, it’s called a “crossing”. That distinction matters. On other ships, yes, it’s a cruise, complete with port stops along the way. And despite being a Cunard ship, this one certainly is not stuffy or snooty.

Here’s Why I Prefer Queen Mary 2 to Cross the Atlantic

This was my second time crossing the Atlantic and my first for this ship. After that voyage, I decided that whenever the ship’s schedule matched mine, Queen Mary 2 was my ship of choice. The more familiar I became with this ship, I nicknamed her my Lux Bus to cross the ocean. Transportation in style, comfort and ease. And fun.

Seven uninterrupted days, not 14 days on a repositioning cruise with port stops as on other ships. No rushing or alarms or jet lag . Just time to settle into a slower pace that feels almost forgotten these days.

Some passengers cross once just to experience this marvelous ship and say “that was interesting.” Many of us cross again and again. I’ve met people aboard Queen Mary 2 who book back-to-back crossings simply because they love the routine, the calm, and 14 sea days on that ship.

My First Queen Mary 2 Crossing

Queen Mary 2 was less than a year old when I boarded her for my first westbound crossing from Southampton to New York. I knew this ship was different, but I didn’t yet understand how different.

I had crossed the Atlantic the year before on a cruise ship for a repositioning voyage. It was fine, but there was a noticeable roll in mid-Atlantic and a sense that the ship was doing something it wasn’t really designed to do.

Queen Mary 2 is an oceanliner. She was built specifically for the North Atlantic. Long, sleek, and powerful, she handles rough seas with a confidence that’s felt rather than feared.

The ship is massive without feeling overwhelming. Even with 2,600+ passengers onboard (a small amount these days), the ship never feels crowded. The design and layout makes sense, and with four elevator banks, getting around is easy.

Embarkation in Southampton is straightforward and efficient. Security is more like boarding a plane than boarding a ship, but once onboard, everything slows down in the best possible way.

Life Onboard During a Crossing

People sometimes worry about being “stuck at sea” for seven days. There’s so much to do that by the first evening, I have trouble deciding what to do the next day.

Queen Mary 2 was designed to take on winter North Atlantic crossings, and she does it gracefully. Her hull is reinforced, her stabilizers are substantial, and key public spaces are positioned midship and low for comfort in all weather.

Even on rougher days, life onboard goes on as usual.

The promenade deck is high above the water, so even when the sea is rough, walking outside feels exhilarating rather than unsettling. Dining rooms remain calm and comfortable. The ship feels steady, purposeful, and safe.

What About Jet Lag and Time Changes?

This is one of the greatest gifts of crossing by ship.

On an eastbound crossing from New York to Southampton, the clocks move ahead by one hour on 5 of the 7 days, usually overnight, sometimes at noon. It all depends on the Captain’s preference. It’s almost a natural time change adjustment. Arrive in Europe well-rested and ready to go.

Westbound crossings are even gentler. The clocks move back, creating long, luxurious days that somehow still don’t feel long enough. Just that one extra hour makes a difference.

Either direction, there’s no jet lag. No foggy first days. No recovery period. Although sometimes on eastbound crossings, I find myself wandering around the ship at 2 A.M because my body clock is still on New York time!

How I Spend My Days at Sea

My days on board Queen Mary 2 find their own rhythm. I rarely plan much in advance, and that’s part of what I enjoy about a crossing. Some mornings I wander into trivia at the Golden Lion Pub. Other days I sign up for a class simply because it catches my attention.

Enrichment programs are presented by noted historians, authors, actors, and musicians. I’ve been to events with John Cleese, Richard Dreyfus, Angela Basset, James Taylor and Roger McGuinn. These aren’t splashy events or showbiz moments. These are really well-attended so I usually arrive a little early to get a good seat.

I’ll try a creative or learning workshop or slip into an hour-long activity that fits my routine. Maybe a dance class. This ship has the largest library at sea with plenty of book to borrow for the voyage. And there’s a Planetarium featuring sky and star shows and first-run movies.

A visit to the Canyon Ranch Spa is usually on my radar. I look forward to an hour or two in the thermal suite followed by a dip in the thalassotherapy pool. Or a haircut!

Over multiple crossings, I’ve learned where to find quiet spaces onboard. Places where I can read, think, or sit quietly and reflect while gazing out the window at nothing but the sea. Maybe dolphin or whale spotting, depending on the season.

Bored? Not hardly.

Some afternoons there are wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, or special behind-the-scenes tours for an additional charge. Other times I sit in the atrium, listen to live music, and watch passengers strolling past. Maybe I’ll go shopping for souvenirs.

One of my favorite moments requires no schedule at all. The wrap-around deck has throwback cushioned teak deck chairs where I sit and either read or do nothing.

The room attendant places the next day’s programing schedule my cabin when the bed is turned down. I still pack a highlighter pen to note what I’d like to do the next day. Even after all these crossings, there’s always more I want to circle than time allows.

Why I Choose Queen Mary 2 Whenever Possible

When my schedule allows, what keeps me coming back to Queen Mary 2 is a feeling that never changes, no matter how many crossings I take. I feel settled onboard. She’s like my home on the water.

On brisk sea days, including winter crossings with snow, sleet, and heavy seas, the ship feels steady and composed. Queen Mary 2 is designed for the North Atlantic, and that confidence is noticeable almost immediately.

The wrap-around Promenade Deck sits high above the water and people are always out and about doing laps. When weather requires the promenade doors to be closed, life onboard continues without drama.

I never feel tossed around or left at the mercy of the ocean. I feel safe and well protected, regardless of what the weather is doing outside. The North Atlantic can get pretty rough…or be a mill pond. You never know.

Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 always enhances my trip. And that, more than any single feature, is why I choose her whenever I can over a longer transatlantic cruise.

Choosing a Stateroom

Over the years, I’ve stayed in nearly every type of accommodation aboard Queen Mary 2, with the exception of Grills Class. On my last crossing, I was once again reminded why, budget permitting, the sheltered balcony remains my favorite.

On the North Atlantic, especially in cold or cooler months, the protection of the sheltered balcony is wonderful.

I put on my coat and hat and it’s perfectly usable for fresh air. Definitely better than an open balcony. Even an inside stateroom works perfectly well when I’m traveling more economically, but any balcony adds another dimension to your stateroom.

Dining and Evenings at Sea

I have some of my meals in the Britannia Restaurant, where the atmosphere feels properly connected to the tradition of ocean travel. Guests in the Grills class have their own private dining rooms, but Britannia is for the rest of us.

For breakfast and lunch in Britannia, the maître d’ will seat guests. Dinner is table assignments or as I do, ask for a particular seating arrangement.

I usually request a table with other solo travelers. And if I don’t like or want to sit with them again, I’ll change tables the next night. At first I thought this would be awkward, but now changing tables is fine with me.

Three evenings are formal nights, and great for people-watching. Some folks really get decked out for the occasion. I don’t dress up too fancy but I always bring along something nice. If I don’t feel like getting all dressed up or feeling chatty, I’ll head to the King’s Court buffet and dine solo.

On non-formal evenings, the dress code leaned toward country club casual. Comfortable, somewhat polished, and easy.

The mix of passengers was part of what makes the crossing interesting. The majority of passengers are British, followed by Americans, with Canadians well represented. On certain sailings, when Le Havre or Hamburg are on the itinerary, there’s also a contingent of French or German guests.

Traveling With Pets

One of the most quietly remarkable features of Queen Mary 2 is the onboard kennel program. It’s the only ship that allows pets on transatlantic crossings.

There’s a dedicated Kennel Master, and the process is handled with care and precision. Additional kennels were added during the ship’s remastering, bringing the total to twenty-four.

The paperwork and vaccinations are completed in advance, and there’s no quarantine on arrival in England. Once the ship docks, passengers and pets continue on their way.

I haven’t brought my dog, Poppy, on a trip yet, but it’s in my plans.

How My Crossings Begin and End

Aboard Queen Mary 2, I have some rituals that never change.

After a brief appearance at the sailaway party, I go to the Commodore’s Club on Deck 8 for a gin martini. I watch the coastline fade as the ship set out to sea and for me, that’s the true beginning of the crossing.

Midway through the voyage, I always opt for a traditional British fish and chips with mushy peas and a pint of Guinness at the Golden Lion Pub. I’ve learned to arrive an hour before lunch service begins as this venue has become quite popular. It used to be an unknown treat when Queen Mary 2 first started her transatlantic crossings back in 2004.

As always, on the final evening, I raise a farewell glass of champagne at the Veuve Clicquot Bar. Eastbound or westbound, that last toast always feels like the right way to say goodbye to Queen Mary 2 and a wonderful seven days at sea.