Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic – Land Ahoy!

So here we are, the last part of my Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic sailing, if you haven’t already, you can read the other blogs by clicking on the links Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

Day 7 and we have finally reached the first port of call – Halifax, Nova Scotia the actual birth town of Sir Samuel Cunard. The sun was shining and it was a day to explore. Cunard had arranged for us to have a private excursion to the famous Peggy’s Cove. We were leaving the ship at 1pm for the excursion, some took advantage of a few hours in Halifax town and some of us stayed on board to soak up a bit of sun.

The journey to Peggy’s Cove took around about an hour but we was delayed due to road works in Halifax, this was a shame as it meant that we only got to have approx an hour in Peggy’s Cove due to the issue of traffic on the return. However, this wasn’t really an issue as there isn’t actually much at Peggy’s Cove but the guide was very knowledgeable and gave us so much information regarding the area. It is really all about the scenery and I have to stay it was stunningly beautiful. With a small community of houses and gift shops along with the famous light house, cameras was clicking all over. It was very windy but warm too and the drive back to the ship was also just as scenic. I would recommend to go and visit but really only if it was part of an all day excursion with other places to see.

A strange felling from us all was, that we really couldn’t wait to get back on board, so once we returned to Halifax and a quick mooch around the gifts shops at the port it was back on board. Cunard did another sail-away here at Halifax and it was 10 times better than the one we had in Southampton. Maybe because of the weather, but they had a live band and flags and it really was a party atmosphere. Then it was back to the cabin for shower, change and then onto dinner. I think quite a few of us was tired from the day, so it was an early night for me.

Day 8 – Prize winners day and I was the lucky winner of two prizes from our hosts for activities that we had completed on board, one being the treasure hunt we did on the 2nd day and the other for a video blog that myself and Laura put together.

After a breakfast in Britannia, myself and Laura made our way to the Spa to enjoy a spa day using the hydro pools, jacuzzi, saunas and steam rooms. We spent a few hours in here and felt completely relaxed after, especially when sitting on the lounge beds in the relaxation lounge drinking a herbal infused tea before we left.

After the Spa I headed back to the room to finally get a chance to try the room service (everyone kept raving about it and I hadn’t tried anything yet), so I ordered my lunch whilst packing ready to disembark the following morning. I have to say lunch was superb but it was time to now go , you may recall from my earlier blogs, that I went to watch the rehearsals for this new show, well the time was here for the ‘rough cut’ to be shown in the Royal Theater.  It was enjoyable, but I am sure once polished and the set has been added it will be a great play/musical.

Now was time for my 2nd winning treat – Champagne Afternoon tea at the Champagne bar. Along with 6 others we indulged in specialty teas, glasses of pink champagne and the most scrumptious cakes. It was amazing and if it wasn’t a prize, it would be something I would happily pay for.

Last night cocktails and then to the Britannia restaurant for our final evening together. We was all feeling a little sad that our amazing journey was coming to an end and reflecting on the great week and new friends we had made. But after dinner it was again an early night because the main event was happening at 4.30am!!!

The majority of us met on deck 13 in slippers and robes at 4.30am to sail in to New York. It was worth getting up so early and even though it was a little rainy, it was one million percent a fantastic experience. It took approx 2 hours to dock to Red Hook Port in Brooklyn and the sun had risen by the time we came in to dock.

So after a breakfast with my new friends in Britannia, it was time to leave and say our goodbyes, some had arranged to stay in NYC for a night or 2 and others like myself, had a flight back that evening. Disembarkation was fine and not too long a wait at the port immigration.

I love New York and hadn’t been for a few years so was excited to see some of this amazing city before heading to JFK for my flight home. Cunard offer a range of transfers and some include a pre city tour before the airport. The cost is $99 per person and can only be booked on board, well worth the money so you are not hanging around all day as most flights are evening departures. This was the tour myself and a couple others had been confirmed for and as well as the sights we did get a couple of hours in Mid Town Manhatten, it worked a dream with only having a couple of hours to wait before my flight departed at  JFK.

This was a bucket list experience for me and one I am so grateful that I was asked to do, so a massive thank you to my wonderful manager Vicki and the team at Cunard for making it a fantastic trip. I loved it so much I am going to plan to do this trip again, but this time leave from New York.

If you want to know more or are interested in booking a cruise with Cunard, call me on 0330 303 8155.

Dawn x