Tag: The North Atlantic

The number of activities and places to go on the QM2 is staggering.  Each evening we would get a copy of the Daily Program which highlighted what was happening the next day.  Additionally, there was a theme during the cruise – Film Festival at Sea in partnership with BFI (British Film Institute).  There were lots of activities in support of this special event including workshops, special screenings, discussions and lots more.  Additionally, there were classic movies on the stateroom television, so lots of movie entertainment available.  

Of course, there were lounges to relax, various board games set up, entertainment (piano in the bar lounge, nightly shows in the main show room) and lots of other activities to keep you busy.  If you ever got hungry, there were 5 different restaurants and food and beverage in 6 different lounge areas. We took advantage of the excellent Spa services for a manicure and pedicure. Shopping?  Did I mention there were a number of high-end shops on the ship?  And, of course, a casino.  Fortunately, we weren’t into shopping or losing our money so we didn’t spend a lot of time in those areas. 

Janeen had an opportunity to get to know the Medical Clinic staff – and they were all wonderful and very caring group of people.  Much thanks for all of their care and attention during her visit.

On the whole, it was a very relaxed crossing the seas were relatively gentle: there were a couple of nights of rock and roll but even that wasn’t significant really.  Would I do it again?  Absolutely!  It was a very relaxing way to come across the Atlantic.

Once we arrived in NYC on QM2, we took a train from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Williamsburg.  A train ride of 7 hours and multiple stops, but we didn’t have to change at any point which was wonderful.

As mentioned in the previous blog, we had been in Europe for the better part of almost 6 months.  During that time, we visited 14 countries (France, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Egypt, Belgium and the United Kingdom).  During this time, we took 13 different flights, travelled on planes, ships, river boats, buses, cars and trains and covered a lot of miles as a result.

In looking back, over the last year, in addition to the 14 countries visited on this time in Europe we also visited 7 countries last year (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, The Caribbean, Saint Vincent, Barbados and Antigua) when we were in South America!  It seems we like to travel as we have been away from our home in Williamsburg over 60% over the last 12 months.  What does the future hold you might ask?  Well, we have a trip on Oceania from Boston to Montreal and going to Los Angeles after this cruise in October, a Jazz Cruise in the Caribbeanin in January and a round trip cruise from Los Angeles to Australia planned for Mid-March to the first part of April next year.  There is always the possibility of additional travel opportunities for sure.  

Stay tuned, leave a comment, let us know what your travel plans are maybe we can connect somewhere in the wonderful world.

For the better part of 6 months, we have been traveling in Europe.  It’s now time to figure out how to get home and rather than fly we have booked passage on The RMS Queen Mary 2 (RMS means Royal Mail Ship).  The QM2 has served as the flagship of the Cunard Line since April 2004, and as of 2025, is the only active, purpose-built ocean liner still in service. Queen Mary 2 sails regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York City, in addition to short cruises and an annual world voyage.  

The original RMS Queen Mary had been active doing the same route from 1936 to 1967 when she was retired and eventually found her was to Long Beach California where she is a floating hotel, museum, and convention space.  We had been on board this ship a couple of times over the years so it was fun to schedule our passage on the QM2.

Ryan coordinated our passage via ferry from Caen France to Portsmouth UK where we took a taxi to our hotel the night before sailing.  The Ferry was easy – large ocean-going ship with lots of lounge space and various restaurants.  The lower decks carried cars, semi-trucks and other vehicles while the upper decks were all for passengers.  Our seats were in the forward lounge with large seating overlooking the bow.  Fortunately, the two or three school groups that boarded with us were all in separate areas.  There were also several duty-free shops on the ship offering various products including a fairly nice selection of wines.  The entire trip took about 5 hours but we had smooth sailing throughout the trip.

Our first look at the QM2 was from our hotel room – looking out across the harbor in Southampton.  

Once through the check in process, which went surprisingly quickly, we started to explore the common areas of the ship and found a place for a bite to eat.  

At the time of her construction, QM2 was the longest, at 1,131.99 ft, and largest passenger ship ever built.  Queen Mary 2 has a maximum speed of just over 30 knots (35 mph) and a cruising speed of 26 knots (30 mph). Instead of the common diesel-electric configuration, Queen Mary 2 uses integrated electric propulsion to achieve her top speed. Diesel engines, augmented by gas turbines, are used to generate electricity for electric motors for propulsion and for on-board use.  The ship can take as many as 2,695 passengers supported by 1,253 crew – about a 2 to 1 ration (smaller than the crew ration on Oceania…)

Our cabin was on the top deck – 13 – all the way forward.  It’s a nice cabin with generally good amenities.  Being at the top of the ship has some disadvantages, however, as we get more motion as a result.  

Our first day was focused on getting situated into our cabin and getting a general ‘feel’ for the ship.  There are clearly a lot of areas to explore!  Queen Mary 2’s facilities include fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theatre, and the first planetarium at sea.  Of course, there is the shopping area with some very expensive shops ready to take our cash any time!

A large library with lots of books, computer stations and a nice space to just sit and read

Each afternoon there is a High Tea.  A wonderful experience with lots of tea and finger food.  

Way to much to report in only one blog…more to come!