Cruise
A Transatlantic Crossing Reminiscent of a Bygone Era Southampton to New York — onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
by Cherie DeLory
It’s been 13 years since I sailed on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, but it’s made a lasting impression. During the last two years while the world has turned upside down amidst the pandemic, I’ve had time to daydream about my travelling adventures. My maiden seafaring Cunard voyage has been impossible to forget. My memories aren’t as vivid as I’d like them to be, but the more I’ve had time to reflect on my journey, the more anxious I am to relive my experience on another Cunard sailing.
There really is something to be said for the expression, save the best for last. If you begin with the best, nothing will ever measure up to its superiority. This is how I feel about my transatlantic crossing from Southampton, England to New York on board the luxury RMS Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner in service. Before there were cruise ships, there were ocean liners. I’d never been on either. I remember feeling the excitement of travelling on a ship that reminded me of the iconic Titanic; even the route was the same as the one I’d be sailing. I had been fascinated by the story of the Titanic ever since watching the film, A Night To Remember, at the age of 10 on Saturday Night at the Movies with Elwy Yost.
Truth be told, I had some pangs of doubt about the ship and I. Would I feel claustrophobic? Would I get bored? What on earth would I do for seven days at sea with no ports of call? But the allure of the ship and the adventure at sea beckoned. All one needs to do is brush up on the 182-year pedigree of the Cunard Line to appreciate its maritime heritage. Cunard began as the first transatlantic mail delivery service before ushering the rich and famous on their holiday excursions. The Queen Mary 2 is a replica of the iconic Queen Mary luxury liner that is now permanently moored in Long Beach California, open for tours and overnight accommodation.
In its heyday, The Queen Mary was the fastest, sleekest and grandest mode of transatlantic travel, entertaining the who’s who of Hollywood and discerning passengers from its launch in 1934, to its final sailing on October 31st, 1967. Air travel had taken over as the quicker and cheaper mode of travel and the shipping industry couldn’t compete. It’s funny how the tide has turned today, as travel on the high seas has regained its popularity, hosting travellers who find pleasure in what the journey has to offer, providing the ultimate in the slow travel trend. Time is a luxury, and there’s plenty of it onboard the Queen Mary 2.
Prior to my voyage I spent two days introducing my mother to my favourite city of London, England. Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Harrods and the charming north London neighbourhood of Hampstead Heath and the Kenwood Estate topped our itinerary. Then it was a quick 80 minute train ride to the Port of Southampton to board the Queen Mary 2.
Portal to Another World
As I stepped off the gangway through the entrance to the ship it was as though I had walked through a portal to another world. It was the lavish Art Deco era of the early 20th century. I was overwhelmed by the spaciousness and elegance of the six-storey foyer atrium, and it was an adventure from that moment on exploring the ship from stem to stern. I was staying in a Princess Grill suite, 5-star accommodation with a private open balcony and personal butler service. It means I can dine in the elegant Princess Grill restaurant should I need a change of scenery from the myriad dining options, such as the Golden Lion traditional English pub, fine dining at Todd English, 24-hour access to the Kings Court buffet, or afternoon tea in the ballroom.
The cuisine was delectable, but if I was going to eat without guilt I had to find the Canyon Ranch Spa. I discovered The Aqua Therapy Centre and gave The Aroma Steam Room, Herbal Steam Room, and hydrotherapy pool a whirl all in the same visit. Warning to travellers: Make sure to drink lots of fluids before experiencing the steam room, and limit your visit to no more than 15 minutes to avoid dehydration. What I thought was a bout of Atlantic Ocean sea nausea turned out to be dehydration. Some electrolytes and a nap in my comfortable suite, and I was feeling like a seasoned ocean voyager.
I love that the ship has quiet hideaways like the library on deck 8, the art gallery, the planetarium and movie theatre, and a corridor showcasing Cunard history panels with photos of the celebrities who travelled Cunard Line during the “golden age of transatlantic travel”. This is a ship where you can dress casually, or unpack your Downton Abbey threads for a black-tie dinner and ballroom dancing. I always looked forward to getting dressed up for dinner and theatre at the Royal Court Theatre to take in a musical or concert, and my mom and I enjoyed the RADA acting workshops offered by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. After theatre it was fun to explore and find a cozy lounge to listen to live jazz, or a pianist or string quartet. There was always something going on.
I like to keep active, and there was plenty to do to keep me moving. Exploring the ship’s 13 passenger-accessible decks, for starters. Most of the time I would walk the grand staircases instead of taking the elevator, and the promenade deck 7 is for running or walking laps outdoors around the ship. Three laps is one mile. Half the fun was exploring and discovering new spaces, like the casino, kennels for cats and dogs (only ship in the world with a kennel), and mini golf. I even have memories of the sound of the ship; the chimes before the captain’s noon-hour announcements, and the proud blast of the ship’s baritone foghorn a few times a day and as we sailed into the New York Harbour, staring at the Statue of Liberty in the pre-dawn distance.
Much has happened to add to the legacy of Cunard since my voyage; in 2016 the Queen Mary 2 received a $132 million remastering, which included 35 new cabins, and an additional 15 for solo travellers. Its anticipated new ship, the Queen Anne, will sail in 2024. It’s no surprise that its inaugural sailing from Southampton to Lisbon sold out on the first day.
