You wouldn’t get me on a transatlantic cruise

This was me a few years ago until I was given the opportunity to sail across the Atlantic on a seven night cruise and I absolutely loved it .

10401171_29709552903_5056_n

I did the traditional crossing on the Queen Mary 2 ,I flew to New York and boarded the ship  to sail back to Southampton and believe me I really didn’t know how I would find it.The questions that I  tend to get asked are is there enough to do ? , Is it to  posh and formal  ?

Well the answer is yes there is enough to do and yes they have formalities but so do a lot of companies so let me give you an insight .

What is their to do whilst on board 

The first thing I did every morning was have breakfast on my balcony whilst I perused the daily programme and planned my day .

There is a entertainment programme which is called Connexions  which offers an educational and entertainment programme of activities all day every day including watercolour to computer lessons, wine tasting to ballroom dancing as well as bridge and board games.

During the day there is plenty of activities from guest speakers which can include  explorers, academics, former ambassadors and politicians, historians and scientists, novelists, biographers and award winning actors and film makers.

I went to a few interesting talks on making the most of your make up  and the  correct way to blow dry your  hair but there was something to suit all tastes.

The RADA  workshops  where the actors offer guests the chance to share some of the training they received during their 3 years at this famous drama school. Each workshop lasts 45 minutes, and is creative, informative  can be lots of fun !!

Before I went I did say there is no way I will be doing any kind of dance lesson as I knew there were dance hosts onboard and this was an activity a lot of people participate in, however I did find myself in The Queens room having a different lesson a day which we put into practise most evenings and then indulging with a white gloved service of afternoon tea.

Queen Mary 2’s has a full-scale Planetarium and the only Planetarium at sea.  Each day sees a new show to tantalise your imagination. Take a virtual ride into outer space, view the stars and other visual spectacles or take a course on celestial navigation in Illuminations,enjoy a first-run feature movie here each afternoon and evening. You’ll also find a selection of movies throughout the day on your stateroom television.

The spa onboard is called Canyon Ranch where you can receive the ultimate in pampering.  Indulge in a signature massage, treatments or a  facial. Or try the gym or fitness classes.There is also a sports court onboard and you can expect to find the usual shuffleboard and deck quoits.

There is an english pub on board called the Golden Lion where you would usually find me late afternoon doing the pub quizz and listening to the band or even a spot of Karaoke.

10401171_29709557903_5938_n

Onto the evenings this is where it  sets the Queen Mary 2 experience apart from other ships. They propose different themed nights  such as a Black and White Ball, Royal Ascot Ball or Buccaneer Ball .You can take in the very talented dancers and singers onboard in the Royal Theatre or put your dance skills into practise yourself  in the stunning setting of the  Queens Room the largest ballroom at sea. If you want more low key evenings  why not find a bar and grab  yourself a drink whilst listening to the pianist or string quartet.Or for those people who want to try their luck in the onboard Casino Empire and then carry on danicng into the early hours at the  G32 nightclub.

196904_1051153354835_46_n

There is really something for everyone including a childrens club and area. I also met some really interesting guests on board , a business man who cannot fly and takes the transatlantic voyage a couple of times a year to do business in London and Paris , multi generation families celebrating a special occasion .

10401171_29709567903_6880_n

 

I get goosebumps now thinking about my voyage it is a ‘must do ‘ travel experience ,on the most famous crossing in history on the most amazing ocean liner and it really is a unforgettable experience which I will never forget.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


About Me

Hi my name is Erica although most people know me as Betsy which is my work name, welcome to my cruise page. I  have been in the travel industry for coming up to 30 years. I started my career in a small independent travel agent, where I went on work experience and…

Read more
Thank you for subscribing!