Hi everyone, just a note… I did make a mistake in this video and identified our dining room as the Britannia Club. In reality, it was just the Britannia restaurant. Apologies!
It's alright...you misgendered the Dining room lol. It looks like using the verb "to identify" is really mandatory in any sentence nowadays, together with the words resilience or sustainable 😂
THANK YOU very much for your wonderful video!!! I will be doing a double Transatlantic in two days (Southampton-NYC-Southampton on - Oct 17 ALSO in a Sheltered Balcony stateroom mid ships. ANY advice you can give me would be wonderful!!!!
@@merseywhogirl3430 sounds amazing! Relax and enjoy! Take advantage of free room service breakfast! Check out the chart room and the Carinthia lounge, great places to spend the day. Bring a book, check out activities, check out the shows!
2 месяца назад+1
@@merseywhogirl3430 I dream and plan to do the same thing with my wife (She don't know yet). We are from Montreal and the courage to cross the Atlantic ocean on a ship is the real reason North America exist. I would love to have feedbacks of your adventure. I am curious about the evening in Southampton where maybe I can find a real British pub. I am also curious about drinks package like hot drinks.
@@mehitabel6564 Yes, and in two days I'm doing a double transatlantic embarking in Southampton on this beautiful ocean liner in a mid ship balcony stateroom!! OMG I am SO excited!!!
After working for a few years in America, retirement came along, and we were back home to Yorkshire in the UK. We sailed out of New York on the QE2. My wife and I wondered whether eight days at sea might be boring. We could not have been more wrong. It was like a four-star hotel with endless entertainment.
Love Yorkshire! I lived just outside of Knaresborough on an old country estate in the Gamekeeper’s Cottage. Loved every minute & every mile of Yorkshire.
This is the kind of trip I wanted to take with my Mom, but she passed in 2015. So to see you with your family, gave me a warm feeling inside! Mom would have loved that afternoon tea, and room service breakfast! Thankyou for sharing!
I am so sorry for your loss! So glad the video gave you a warm feeling. And yes, so grateful I got to take my mom on such a special trip. She adored the afternoon tea!
@@SheSailsAway I was so lucky to be able to take my 88-year-old mother on the QE2 round trip from NYC in 2002. I think it was her trip of a lifetime, although she’d been on many with me. The refined formality on board was so much more her style than mine, but we both totally enjoyed both crossings.
My sister and I went from NY to England as she discovered she could take her dog and it would not have to go into quarantine on arrival. The Kennel area was great and the staff so friendly both to dogs and their humans. One could visit and walk their dogs. Single Cat Ladies may bring their cats! We all loved it! 🥰🐈
I don't fly so I'll be taking the QM2 to Europe for a 2.5 month stay, where I will travel to London, Paris, Belgium, Monaco, and a Mediterranean cruise. Then I'll sail home on her!
Guys, don't forget this is the last LINER in te world, made for fast transatlantic crossings, with a pointed hull instead of a flat hull like all cruise ships. The other liner that went out of commission was the Norway which used to be the SS France. Luckily I was on both ships, as as kid when my parents worked on the SS France in 1976 and as an adult when I worked on the QM2 in 2012-13. Fantastic ship, timeless with it's art deco styling.
Yeah, NCL did keep the SS France going as the Norway. They made some questionable changes to it and some OK updates but the thing is, it's soul is as a liner and it sailed like one. I agree, the QM2 is timeless. I hope there will always be a Queen, a real liner doing trans-Atlantics, sailing for Cunard.
Thank you ever so much for the memories. QM2 was our first cruise in 2007 when my daughter was aged 4. Very quaint very British Tradition ship. Cruise bug gets to you and now on 20th
After 30 years of teaching in a public school, I feel like I deserve a trip like this! The hell with saving for the future, I’m gonna have a splurge on the QM2! See you there, very soon!
We also have taken the QM2 six times across the Atlantic, 4 times from NYC to Southampton and twice the other way. For us, the sheltered balcony rooms have been the best for us (we haven't been in either the suites or inside or oceanview cabins. The sheltered balcony is more protected than the more expensive open balcony, still with a very good view. This is great when the weather isn't so good which is pretty common crossing the Atlantic, even in late spring and summer. We like it much more than the not much cheaper obstructed view balcony rooms, where you get a good view of the giant lifeboats. We haven't been on a regular cruise ship in this century, with our first Princess cruise (to Alaska) next year), so our only experience has been on the QM2. We switched from flying to London to avoid jet lag, and the QM2 is about 30% cheaper than flying business class back and forth, something that was a very pleasant surprise to us.
Wow that sounds amazing to have sailed that many times with her. What wonderful memories you must have. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you enjoy your Alaska cruise as well!
My cousin has crossed the Atlantic on the QM2 8 times and loves it. I've watched a lot of RUclips videos in anticipation. Your video is the best to give me a sense of what a week in the QM2 would be like. Thank you!
Hi Kelly/ Kellie . I just wanted to say what a great video have done. I’ve never been on the Queen Mary 2, but I really want to do transatlantic crossing on her. The QM 2 has such elegance. I’m pleased it’s not all modern inside. I like classic vintage style look, which I know does suit an older generation who would appreciate that. I’m so pleased that your mum and your aunt travelled too. You say they have significant health problems, but hopefully they enjoyed the choosing. I hope both your mum and aunt will feel better very soon if possible.
I'm from New York City. Glad you go to spend a day and enjoy a Broadway Show. You do really well detailed and strong videos and I get a good sense of what you favor in cruising. But I also sense you were with others and adjusted some to this particular sailing. I sailed the first cruise of my life with my Dad and a late one as well and I appreciate your personal message at the end of the video. It was heartwarming. I cruised early in life but not often, only once on a Holland AmericasShip, the what really is "iconic" and not in the current sense of the word, but old sense of the word, Rotterdam V. I joined a historical ship society to board ships when they're in NYC and spent several hours on a few Cunard ships. the Queen Mary 2 was the newest one I spent time aboard. I also was aboard the QE2 from the 1960s and that was incredible as well. Cunarders are different than many other present day cruisers. They're much more into history of sailing and want certain aspects of their traditional ships to stay that way. Yes, the Queen Mary is an oceanliner meant to battle the conditions of the Northern Atlantic on a consistent basis, so there are protected balconies and the lifeboats are placed much higher than they are on traditional ships. It also has decks with public access to the tiers below unlike most modern ships. And teak decks, real teak. And yes, you have early and late seating, not an offshoot of anytime dining that has become the norm on many cruise lines. It has a library that's disappearing from cruise ships. Business types say they aren't important. People that care about the quality and not just the profits of a business say that they are a staple and will be used on some sailings. So, they're gone from Celebrity and Princess new ships because business types think the new generation doesn't need them. That they can just see what's on their screens. But they are an atmosphere all their own and a quiet space. that's their appeal. Ship decor is more than furnishings. It's more creating a sense of a space that sets a mood, evokes or recalls a previous style in with modern touches, or is a modern space that is looking forward (opposed to trendy that's on NCL Prima, Sun Princess, Celebrity Edge, etc). This is one that has those traditional ship touches yet is still reasonably modern overall. Queen Mary did this well. There's a lot of ballroom dancing in the Queens Room and that room, that also has high tea (shown in the video), is a ballroom space. You can dance in a lobby or atrium, or in the Queens Room. It's the same dancing yet the setting just changes how it feels. It becomes more intimate and romantic in a ballroom. The ship has so many nice and elegant lounges and that's something, again, modern ships are moving away from. HAL and Cunard are still doing them but Princess and Celebrity are getting away from them. I think they are a staple of cruising and there should be more, not less, of them on ships and if there are less of anything, specialty restaurants IMO. I love dancing in the form of ballroom, swing and salsa especially. So if there are more venues for different styles of music and dance possibilities in the evening, that makes for a better experience. I don't even need to do it myself. Just have it around me. The ship has restaurant classes but doesn't seem to restrict passengers to many areas of the ship. So I don't mind the classes so much as what's going on with the NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club and the like. I'm glad you found some of the magic, well felt it, in your cruise. Food and entertainment are part of all cruises and so are spas and pool activities. But some ships have a setting that stands out and lets you feel some of the better parts of previous eras. I don't romanticize previous eras. I lived through some of them and for me, this is the best era. But there were highlights that would be great to maintain in the cruise product. I wish Celebrity and Princess would get back to maintaining them in their post Edge and post Sphere class of ships. But I'm not holding my breath. Try Holland America. It's a wonderful line as well. Princess Royal class ships are wonderful and Celebrity Solstice, when maintained well, also have some modern traditional aspects that are wonderful.
Thank you! Very good points. I do need to give Holland America a try, they look wonderful. Very much enjoyed my time on the royal princess as well. Thank you so much for watching the videos and sharing your thoughts, very informative and very interesting!
Thank you for drawing a distinction between an ocean liner and a cruise ship. I really enjoyed your video. Can't wait until I do this transatlantic crossing! Omg, so wonderful for you to do this as a family. So glad you got to experience this.
We did the New York to Southampton crossing in September 2017; this was something I had always wanted to do. The QM2 is an amazing liner. We were very fortunate with the weather, the Atlantic being like a "mill-pond" for most of the crossing, so much so that there was almost no feeling of movement. After breakfast I would head for the library and sit in the armchair's over looking the bow, a wonderful way to mentally prepare for the strenuous day ahead (- this is a joke! LOL). Having the opportunity to dress formal was good and something that we don't do in our every day lives. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the QM2 an an Atlantic crossing to anyone who was genuinely looking for a unique travel experience.
I always watch 'till the end. Touched my heart, you did. I love gala nights. I can do the kilt in a sleeveless ghillie and sandals right through to black tie and brogues.
My sister and I cruised in July of 2023. She has early onset dementia and it was one of the vacations that we thought might be manageable. It was perfect she had a lot of autonomy walking around the ship on her own. There was plenty for us to do and in fact we loved it so much that we spent a couple of hours in Southampton and got right back on and cruise back to New York. It is Affordable and wonderful
11:44 On the positive side, they have a dress code. I'm up to here with traveling with people dressed like total slobs. Baseball caps, cargo shorts, graphic Tees, sandals with socks, Fanny packs, bed hair, greasy ponytails. This lack of tasteful clothing and poor grooming has made travel a negative experience for me. Granted, I'm a 75 year old man who is a fashion forward gentleman so perhaps I have outlived a time when dressing your best meant improving your life experience in all things, especially travel. Such a pity it's' become a Greyhound Bus ride. Thankfully there are rare exceptions.
Dressing for an occasion is nice, if that’s your cup of tea. Others enjoy being casual & being active. Fancy pants, shirt, shoes, bow tie & bowler hat if you must. Many enjoy casual wear, but not grotesque. Sit back, enjoy the ride.
I think " casual" has backslid over the years. Men's casual used to be dress slacks,some lightweight in the Summer months with a crisp dress shirt with a collar. A Panama or similar straw hat for sun protection...Seasonal appropriate dress shoes to finish the look. Woman really miss out too. Summer dresses, sandals, canvas or open dress shoes. Cotton blouses and the old favorite " clam digger" slacks.
This is one of the best ship trip reviews I've seen. It gave me a great feeling for the ship and for the first time EVER, I think I"d like to go to England via the QMII. I hate flying and the whole airport experience---I have zero tolerance for it and it's made me not want to travel. I also don't think the cruise ship vibe would suit me (Zip lines? Pool slides?) But THIS! Mama Mia!
We've lost count of the number of transatlantic cruises we've taken, we thrive on the "boredom". We've never been on Cunard, much less on the QM2, but that will be changing on March 8. Queen Mary 2, Southampton to Brooklyn. Beautiful video, you've given me much to look forward to.
Excellent video, thanks so much! I was on the voyage that left on July 27, which may have been the same one you describe. I enjoyed it very much. Per the dress code, I was ejected from dinner on the first gala night for not wearing a jacket. Not a problem, there are plenty of places to eat on the QM2, but men should be aware that a jacket is required in the Britannia room on gala nights. But you won't go hungry, you'll just dine in the King's Court which is also excellent. Thanks again.
Thanks for this. I booked last night to sail out of my hometown Southampton to New York for Christmas 26. I've done several P and O before but am really excited to try Cunard and experience a proper ocean liner
I've been on the Queen Mary 2 a couple of times but they were Caribbean cruises & not a crossing. Got lucky to be upgraded to the Queens grill on the 1st one. Yours was the best review of this ship I've seen. I wish you the best of luck on your channel!
Did the same trip in 2014, loved it, peaceful, great food, it was classy. I did the watercolor classes. Sailed with family so just nice to be with them! Can’t wait to do again! Thanks!
Just wanted to note - the Britannia 'Club' section has its entrance and seating area at the rear of Britannia - deck 2, off the 'D' staircase lobby area. Folks in those cabins pay a premium price to have the same table waiting for them at Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. On six crossings so far [number 7 and 8 planned for this October] we have always selected a 'sheltered balcony' room similar to yours - but opt for the late seating to allow time between afternoon tea and dinner ;-) One nice thing on a QM2 crossing is that the passports are checked during the eastbound crossing, so when you arrive in Southampton as an 'in transit' passenger you can just walk off and come back whenever you want.
Fantastic tour of this wonderful ship! I participate in a biennial vintage-themed crossing that takes place on the QM2, and she is perfect for the experience; classic style and impeccable service. I can’t wait to do the crossing again next year!
Thanks for mentioning you went with family members with health problems-I have some & your mention means the trip would probably doable for me!!!❤ Loved your clothes discussion & prep for all weather-I love being outside even in bad weather!
What a beautifully done video. You come across so warm and genuine. We're definitely going to take your advice at some point and go across to Europe onboard this elegant liner. I feel like we were born for this.
I am so glad that You addressed the Dress Code, that's why I watched. I have the dress sense of a ground hog on speed and have never fit in no where ... but I know My Wife would just love this and I just don' wanna let her down.. Living out on The Edge is a wondrous thing :-) x
Very nice video. Your narration was calm, yet entertaining. Been on this trip once and the ship a couple times. Great job. Looking forward Queen Victoria in the spring.
Thanks for the memories! I took this Transatlantic from Southampton to NYC in 6 days in June. It was a spectacular cruise liner and enjoyed every day, exploring, relaxing, meeting new people. It was so special to sail into NYC , see the Statue of Liberty etc. A bucket list trip for me also.
My niece just booked a Alaskan cruise for the end August 2025 on NCL. I will be sending your video on NCL so she can be fully informed. Thank you for this information.
I did westbound on the original Queen Mary in 1961. The 2 looks beautiful. You mentioned the beautiful sunsets but your heading east into the sun but it is a beautiful sunrise 😂
Very nice video! I love to cruise, but I still haven't sailed on the QM2. A dear friend sailed on its inaugural get to know the ship cruise twenty some years ago and loved it! A great alternative to flying!
THANK YOU! so much for this video. Very much enjoyed, and like you, meaningful to me. My paternal grandparents and father immigrated aboard the original Queen Mary in 1962. And later, in the early 90s, I was a tour guide aboard the Queen Mary. Later still, between military stints, I served aboard all 3 of the US's flagged vessels, Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii, and Pride of Aloha. My wife and I want VERY much to sail aboard the QM2. Enjoying your video really added oxygen to that burning coal and thank you for it!
Wow, that's amazing! What a rich history there… Thank you so much for sharing. I can just imagine how meaningful she is to you. And thank you for your service! And thank you so much for the compliments on the video. 😊
Myself and my granddaughter were on for the roundtrip from Southampton from the 16th August We had mostly excellent weather She enjoyed her time in N Y she went with Barbara one of the lovely people waiting on us We enjoyed dressing up,the food was amazing,everyone looked after us so well This was my 4th crossing 2 included the Caribbean Look forward to finding your aspects on Norway we go on the 25th August 2026 Keep up the good work Thank you
@@SheSailsAway we are thinking of booking next summer with my 13 year old daughter. Were there many children travelling? Is there enough for children to do?
They were hardly any children on our transatlantic Crossing. There are some children's activities on board but I don't know anything about them, as I did not look into them. There's not a whole lot there for kids to do in general, but if the weather is nice there is swimming And some things to do on the sports deck
Thank you for an enjoyable and accurate video about QM2. You did research, knew what to expect, and appreciated what this unique ship offers. Very tiring to see videos from supposedly “knowledgeable” vloggers who have done no research or have not watched the literally dozens of QM2 videos. We love this ship. Clearly has a distinct “target audience” which is why Carnival bought Cunard. We love the myriad spaces where you can be alone if you want, or others where you can be in the middle of everything. Nice job.
Kelly, We have been on 4 QM2 Crossings and your video ABSOLUTELY NAILED IT. Well done. It is a special experience and your video does a great job conveying that experience. Our first Crossing was a "once in a lifetime" trip to celebrate our 40th anniversary. It's addictive. Just one question, I noticed that your closing narrative was posted as a mirror image so that your Brooklyn shirt appeared backwards.
Thank you so much! 😊 And how wonderful to have crossed on the QM2 that many times! I think your question is, why is my shirt-writing mirrored/backwards? If so, it's because I filmed that part with my phone, and whenever I film myself with my phone it's a mirrored capture. (If there's a fix for that, I don't know what it is 😁) Thank you for your kind words; I am so glad that you enjoyed the video!
My wife and I were also on that cruise, and we did a back-to-back from the U.K. It was the first time that we've done an eight-day crossing, it's usually seven there and seven back. However, the first time we did a trans-Atlantic was on the QE2 and then it was a five-day crossing and every sea was formal. I enjoyed your documentary and I'm glad that you had an enjoyable time onboard.
We were on the same trip, had a great time as well. Only thing we missed - the planetarium was closed...something I had really looked forward to. Super service across the board. Highly recommend. Nice job.
Thanks for your video. The east-bound trip is not a cruise in the traditional sense, as the Southampton destination is the only port you'll visit after leaving NY. One consequence of this is the activities and entertainment are important!
Thank you for this video, it was very informative. Doing an Atlantic crossing on an ocean liner is on my bucket list. I have done many cruises, Holland America has an outside elevator as well, but a crossing like this would be special. Thanks again.
I will be on QM2 this October for a double Transatlantic crossing from Southampton-NYC!! SO excited. I was on the Queen Victoriathis past January to Hamburg (4 nt cruise) and it was awesome!!!! ENJOY your voyage!!!
Wife and I did a cross Atlantic cruise on the QMII from Southampton to N.Y. a couple of years ago. It was magnificent. A bucket list item. Worth every penny and not expensive as we anticipated. Will do again ASAP. By the way, we met a retired English couple that has does many round trip sailings. Fantastic!
I did a round-trip (Southampton to New York and return) on this beautiful ship and enjoyed everything about it. Did not the miss land at all with, as you say, lots to see and do. Loved the themed nights dressing up and the food. However, did you miss mentioning the Planatarium, which is not to be missed but has to be booked. I would suggest this is booked as soon as you get on board as it is fully booked every day. There is also tea and coffee in your cabin, brilliant cabin crew, and a feeling of elegance and pampering. Jusr my sort of holiday. Since my holiday, my husband has very sadly died, but I will have no hesitation in booking again as a single traveller.
Thank you so much for sharing. I am so sorry about your husband. I'm glad you're enjoying solo travel, I find it's a terrific way to get out and see the world. Yes, sadly I did not mention the planetarium as it was broken during our crossing. I hope to experience it someday.
Thank you so much. Cunard n QE 2 are on my bucket list. I had 1 booked but it ultimately really didn't fit in my other plans. I've had the same questions like dress. I also love the idea of the Norway addn. The dance lessons are my favorite and I love sea days. I'm going to do it! Thanks!
Lovely review .. I have a trip booked for 2026 'Westbound' Southampton to New York, with 4 nights in NY after the voyage, so your review was very helpful I have booked 'Club Balcony' .. not sure it will be worth the extra but we'll see.
Hi everyone, just a note… I did make a mistake in this video and identified our dining room as the Britannia Club. In reality, it was just the Britannia restaurant. Apologies!
It's alright...you misgendered the Dining room lol. It looks like using the verb "to identify" is really mandatory in any sentence nowadays, together with the words resilience or sustainable 😂
THANK YOU very much for your wonderful video!!! I will be doing a double Transatlantic in two days (Southampton-NYC-Southampton on - Oct 17 ALSO in a Sheltered Balcony stateroom mid ships. ANY advice you can give me would be wonderful!!!!
@@merseywhogirl3430 sounds amazing! Relax and enjoy! Take advantage of free room service breakfast! Check out the chart room and the Carinthia lounge, great places to spend the day. Bring a book, check out activities, check out the shows!
@@merseywhogirl3430 I dream and plan to do the same thing with my wife (She don't know yet). We are from Montreal and the courage to cross the Atlantic ocean on a ship is the real reason North America exist. I would love to have feedbacks of your adventure. I am curious about the evening in Southampton where maybe I can find a real British pub. I am also curious about drinks package like hot drinks.
@@SheSailsAway, I saw Homer Simpson 😂
The fact that there is a library says it all.
Which as a bibliophile, is great!
@@mehitabel6564 Yes, and in two days I'm doing a double transatlantic embarking in Southampton on this beautiful ocean liner in a mid ship balcony stateroom!! OMG I am SO excited!!!
@merseywhogirl3430 that sounds wonderful! Happy travels!
There is one on even the newest Cunard ship, Queen Anne. They are on Holland America's newest ships as well.
It really does👍
After working for a few years in America, retirement came along, and we were back home to Yorkshire in the UK. We sailed out of New York on the QE2. My wife and I wondered whether eight days at sea might be boring. We could not have been more wrong. It was like a four-star hotel with endless entertainment.
@@tomarmstrong1281 a great description! 😀
Love Yorkshire! I lived just outside of Knaresborough on an old country estate in the Gamekeeper’s Cottage. Loved every minute & every mile of Yorkshire.
@@markb8954 God's own county!
This is the kind of trip I wanted to take with my Mom, but she passed in 2015. So to see you with your family, gave me a warm feeling inside! Mom would have loved that afternoon tea, and room service breakfast! Thankyou for sharing!
I am so sorry for your loss! So glad the video gave you a warm feeling. And yes, so grateful I got to take my mom on such a special trip. She adored the afternoon tea!
@@SheSailsAway Thankyou! Also subscribed!
@@SheSailsAway I was so lucky to be able to take my 88-year-old mother on the QE2 round trip from NYC in 2002. I think it was her trip of a lifetime, although she’d been on many with me. The refined formality on board was so much more her style than mine, but we both totally enjoyed both crossings.
@susanpierres2441 sounds like wonderful, special memories. We have ours now, too. Thank you for sharing 😊
My Mom passed last month at 85. Unfortunately after my father died she was never interested in travel.
My sister and I went from NY to England as she discovered she could take her dog and it would not have to go into quarantine on arrival. The Kennel area was great and the staff so friendly both to dogs and their humans. One could visit and walk their dogs. Single Cat Ladies may bring their cats! We all loved it! 🥰🐈
@@mariellouise1 super!
Would you mind sharing the cost and if they help with the paperwork to the UK?
I don't fly so I'll be taking the QM2 to Europe for a 2.5 month stay, where I will travel to London, Paris, Belgium, Monaco, and a Mediterranean cruise. Then I'll sail home on her!
@@Cruise_227 that sounds amazing!
@@SheSailsAway Yes I can't wait. A good friend of mine is coming as well. The price of things in Europe is a really great value!
Very,very nice !! 👌 👏👏2.5 months !? WOW !! 😮😍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶🛳💕💞
Sounds wonderful! I have done 3 crossings, the first 2 on the QE2 and the last in 2006 on the QM2. Such fun and wonderful memories.
@@spark_6710 Yeah I want to see a few cities in western Europe, this will include a stay in a cottage on the english country side too!
Guys, don't forget this is the last LINER in te world, made for fast transatlantic crossings, with a pointed hull instead of a flat hull like all cruise ships. The other liner that went out of commission was the Norway which used to be the SS France. Luckily I was on both ships, as as kid when my parents worked on the SS France in 1976 and as an adult when I worked on the QM2 in 2012-13. Fantastic ship, timeless with it's art deco styling.
Amazing! Great information, too. Thank you so much for sharing!
Yeah, NCL did keep the SS France going as the Norway. They made some questionable changes to it and some OK updates but the thing is, it's soul is as a liner and it sailed like one. I agree, the QM2 is timeless. I hope there will always be a Queen, a real liner doing trans-Atlantics, sailing for Cunard.
That was one of the best reviews I have a seen of a cruise ship it was comprehensive and your voice is nice and soft … well done 👍
@@neilsbaker9790 thank you 😊
Yes Neil I agree about her voice, lovely !
The pictures of you with your relatives made this feel so much more personal and wholesome. Glad you guys had a good time.
@@silasmoser301 thank you 😊
This is definitely 💯 on my bucket list.😊😊😊
Thank you. I will be doing this next spring. You fueled my anticipation. Well done.
@@robertshaver1612 thank you! 😊
Thank you ever so much for the memories. QM2 was our first cruise in 2007 when my daughter was aged 4. Very quaint very British Tradition ship. Cruise bug gets to you and now on 20th
Thank you! 😊 agree about the Cruise Bug!
After 30 years of teaching in a public school, I feel like I deserve a trip like this! The hell with saving for the future, I’m gonna have a splurge on the QM2! See you there, very soon!
Good on you, sir!
Tomorrow is promised to no one. Save up and go on that cruise! 😄
Yes agreed. Next October to NY. She looks regal.
Stellar production. I enjoyed this so much.
Thank you!
We also have taken the QM2 six times across the Atlantic, 4 times from NYC to Southampton and twice the other way. For us, the sheltered balcony rooms have been the best for us (we haven't been in either the suites or inside or oceanview cabins. The sheltered balcony is more protected than the more expensive open balcony, still with a very good view. This is great when the weather isn't so good which is pretty common crossing the Atlantic, even in late spring and summer. We like it much more than the not much cheaper obstructed view balcony rooms, where you get a good view of the giant lifeboats. We haven't been on a regular cruise ship in this century, with our first Princess cruise (to Alaska) next year), so our only experience has been on the QM2. We switched from flying to London to avoid jet lag, and the QM2 is about 30% cheaper than flying business class back and forth, something that was a very pleasant surprise to us.
Wow that sounds amazing to have sailed that many times with her. What wonderful memories you must have. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you enjoy your Alaska cruise as well!
Six times !!
My cousin has crossed the Atlantic on the QM2 8 times and loves it. I've watched a lot of RUclips videos in anticipation. Your video is the best to give me a sense of what a week in the QM2 would be like. Thank you!
@@jeremiahreilly9739 thank you so much! Enjoy your voyage!
Hi Kelly/ Kellie . I just wanted to say what a great video have done. I’ve never been on the Queen Mary 2, but I really want to do transatlantic crossing on her. The QM 2 has such elegance. I’m pleased it’s not all modern inside. I like classic vintage style look, which I know does suit an older generation who would appreciate that. I’m so pleased that your mum and your aunt travelled too. You say they have significant health problems, but hopefully they enjoyed the choosing. I hope both your mum and aunt will feel better very soon if possible.
Thank you so much! And yes, they loved the voyage very much. We have so many happy memories! Thank you again!
I'm from New York City. Glad you go to spend a day and enjoy a Broadway Show. You do really well detailed and strong videos and I get a good sense of what you favor in cruising. But I also sense you were with others and adjusted some to this particular sailing. I sailed the first cruise of my life with my Dad and a late one as well and I appreciate your personal message at the end of the video. It was heartwarming.
I cruised early in life but not often, only once on a Holland AmericasShip, the what really is "iconic" and not in the current sense of the word, but old sense of the word, Rotterdam V. I joined a historical ship society to board ships when they're in NYC and spent several hours on a few Cunard ships. the Queen Mary 2 was the newest one I spent time aboard. I also was aboard the QE2 from the 1960s and that was incredible as well.
Cunarders are different than many other present day cruisers. They're much more into history of sailing and want certain aspects of their traditional ships to stay that way. Yes, the Queen Mary is an oceanliner meant to battle the conditions of the Northern Atlantic on a consistent basis, so there are protected balconies and the lifeboats are placed much higher than they are on traditional ships. It also has decks with public access to the tiers below unlike most modern ships. And teak decks, real teak. And yes, you have early and late seating, not an offshoot of anytime dining that has become the norm on many cruise lines. It has a library that's disappearing from cruise ships. Business types say they aren't important. People that care about the quality and not just the profits of a business say that they are a staple and will be used on some sailings. So, they're gone from Celebrity and Princess new ships because business types think the new generation doesn't need them. That they can just see what's on their screens. But they are an atmosphere all their own and a quiet space. that's their appeal.
Ship decor is more than furnishings. It's more creating a sense of a space that sets a mood, evokes or recalls a previous style in with modern touches, or is a modern space that is looking forward (opposed to trendy that's on NCL Prima, Sun Princess, Celebrity Edge, etc). This is one that has those traditional ship touches yet is still reasonably modern overall. Queen Mary did this well. There's a lot of ballroom dancing in the Queens Room and that room, that also has high tea (shown in the video), is a ballroom space. You can dance in a lobby or atrium, or in the Queens Room. It's the same dancing yet the setting just changes how it feels. It becomes more intimate and romantic in a ballroom. The ship has so many nice and elegant lounges and that's something, again, modern ships are moving away from. HAL and Cunard are still doing them but Princess and Celebrity are getting away from them. I think they are a staple of cruising and there should be more, not less, of them on ships and if there are less of anything, specialty restaurants IMO. I love dancing in the form of ballroom, swing and salsa especially. So if there are more venues for different styles of music and dance possibilities in the evening, that makes for a better experience. I don't even need to do it myself. Just have it around me.
The ship has restaurant classes but doesn't seem to restrict passengers to many areas of the ship. So I don't mind the classes so much as what's going on with the NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club and the like.
I'm glad you found some of the magic, well felt it, in your cruise. Food and entertainment are part of all cruises and so are spas and pool activities. But some ships have a setting that stands out and lets you feel some of the better parts of previous eras. I don't romanticize previous eras. I lived through some of them and for me, this is the best era. But there were highlights that would be great to maintain in the cruise product. I wish Celebrity and Princess would get back to maintaining them in their post Edge and post Sphere class of ships. But I'm not holding my breath.
Try Holland America. It's a wonderful line as well. Princess Royal class ships are wonderful and Celebrity Solstice, when maintained well, also have some modern traditional aspects that are wonderful.
Thank you! Very good points. I do need to give Holland America a try, they look wonderful. Very much enjoyed my time on the royal princess as well. Thank you so much for watching the videos and sharing your thoughts, very informative and very interesting!
Thank you! I go in less than 6 weeks. I loved the music and the ending to your video very much. Best regards.
@@GlobalAdventurer thank you so much! I hope you enjoy your trip!
What an absolute delightful video. Brightened up my whole week. Thank you ❤
You are welcome! Thank you!
This is a wonderfully delivered review. Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you for drawing a distinction between an ocean liner and a cruise ship. I really enjoyed your video. Can't wait until I do this transatlantic crossing! Omg, so wonderful for you to do this as a family. So glad you got to experience this.
Thank you so much! I am, too 😊
Thank you for the video. I am glad that you had a nice trip with your family.
@@laurenh894 thank you! 😊
We did the New York to Southampton crossing in September 2017; this was something I had always wanted to do. The QM2 is an amazing liner. We were very fortunate with the weather, the Atlantic being like a "mill-pond" for most of the crossing, so much so that there was almost no feeling of movement. After breakfast I would head for the library and sit in the armchair's over looking the bow, a wonderful way to mentally prepare for the strenuous day ahead (- this is a joke! LOL). Having the opportunity to dress formal was good and something that we don't do in our every day lives. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the QM2 an an Atlantic crossing to anyone who was genuinely looking for a unique travel experience.
That's wonderful information, thank you so much for sharing. We also had wonderfully smooth seas. Those chairs in the library are beautiful!
I always watch 'till the end. Touched my heart, you did. I love gala nights. I can do the kilt in a sleeveless ghillie and sandals right through to black tie and brogues.
Sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing. ☺️
My sister and I cruised in July of 2023. She has early onset dementia and it was one of the vacations that we thought might be manageable. It was perfect she had a lot of autonomy walking around the ship on her own. There was plenty for us to do and in fact we loved it so much that we spent a couple of hours in Southampton and got right back on and cruise back to New York. It is Affordable and wonderful
@@JoAnnHassler that sounds amazing and it sounds like a very special time together, thank you so much for sharing
11:44 On the positive side, they have a dress code. I'm up to here with traveling with people dressed like total slobs. Baseball caps, cargo shorts, graphic Tees, sandals with socks, Fanny packs, bed hair, greasy ponytails. This lack of tasteful clothing and poor grooming has made travel a negative experience for me. Granted, I'm a 75 year old man who is a fashion forward gentleman so perhaps I have outlived a time when dressing your best meant improving your life experience in all things, especially travel. Such a pity it's' become a Greyhound Bus ride. Thankfully there are rare exceptions.
Dressing for an occasion is nice, if that’s your cup of tea. Others enjoy being casual & being active. Fancy pants, shirt, shoes, bow tie & bowler hat if you must. Many enjoy casual wear, but not grotesque. Sit back, enjoy the ride.
I think " casual" has backslid over the years. Men's casual used to be dress slacks,some lightweight in the Summer months with a crisp dress shirt with a collar. A Panama or similar straw hat for sun protection...Seasonal appropriate dress shoes to finish the look. Woman really miss out too. Summer dresses, sandals, canvas or open dress shoes. Cotton blouses and the old favorite " clam digger" slacks.
Agree with you, Sir.
Tks verry nice video your eye are wooww...im tinking to book a trip...😊
This is one of the best ship trip reviews I've seen. It gave me a great feeling for the ship and for the first time EVER, I think I"d like to go to England via the QMII. I hate flying and the whole airport experience---I have zero tolerance for it and it's made me not want to travel. I also don't think the cruise ship vibe would suit me (Zip lines? Pool slides?) But THIS! Mama Mia!
Thank you so much!
Wow! This hadn’t even been on my radar. Added to the bucket list! 😀
That was my same experience! So glad I went and it was wonderful. Happy travels to you!
We've lost count of the number of transatlantic cruises we've taken, we thrive on the "boredom". We've never been on Cunard, much less on the QM2, but that will be changing on March 8. Queen Mary 2, Southampton to Brooklyn. Beautiful video, you've given me much to look forward to.
Thank you so much, and enjoy your voyage! It sounds amazing
You did an amazing job of reviewing and describing this cruise. Wow! The Queen Mart II is beautiful. Great video!
@@rosegallant192 thank you so much! 😊
Excellent video, thanks so much! I was on the voyage that left on July 27, which may have been the same one you describe. I enjoyed it very much. Per the dress code, I was ejected from dinner on the first gala night for not wearing a jacket. Not a problem, there are plenty of places to eat on the QM2, but men should be aware that a jacket is required in the Britannia room on gala nights. But you won't go hungry, you'll just dine in the King's Court which is also excellent. Thanks again.
@@BillDyszel thank you so much. Good information to share!
How sweet of you! Thank you
Lovely video, thank you for sharing. I have sailed transatlantic on Q2 6 times now and never tire of the ship. I can't wait to set foot onboard again.
Wonderful! Thank you
What a great video. VERY HELPFUL & REALISTIC. THANK YOU.
@@brigidnoone3262 you're welcome and thank you so very much!
Thanks for this. I booked last night to sail out of my hometown Southampton to New York for Christmas 26. I've done several P and O before but am really excited to try Cunard and experience a proper ocean liner
That sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing! Hope you have a great experience!
One of my greatest vacations was on QM2 in 2016. It was without hesitation the BEST! The service ,Food and staff was everything I expected and More.
Sounds like we had a similar experience! Can't wait to get back on the QM2 😊
I've been on the Queen Mary 2 a couple of times but they were Caribbean cruises & not a crossing. Got lucky to be upgraded to the Queens grill on the 1st one. Yours was the best review of this ship I've seen. I wish you the best of luck on your channel!
@@stevenwolff6866 thank you so much!
Did the same trip in 2014, loved it, peaceful, great food, it was classy. I did the watercolor classes. Sailed with family so just nice to be with them! Can’t wait to do again! Thanks!
Thank you! Sounds like a wonderful experience!
great presentation! thank you Kelly!
You are welcome!
I kept waiting for huge waves, but you had a nice, calm crossing. Great video, thank you!
@@candiceangotti4729 thank you!
We will be crossing Oct 4th and returning in Nov. Spending a month in Sicily in-between. Looking forward it. Thanks for the info.
You are welcome! Sounds like a fabulous trip!
Just wanted to note - the Britannia 'Club' section has its entrance and seating area at the rear of Britannia - deck 2, off the 'D' staircase lobby area. Folks in those cabins pay a premium price to have the same table waiting for them at Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. On six crossings so far [number 7 and 8 planned for this October] we have always selected a 'sheltered balcony' room similar to yours - but opt for the late seating to allow time between afternoon tea and dinner ;-)
One nice thing on a QM2 crossing is that the passports are checked during the eastbound crossing, so when you arrive in Southampton as an 'in transit' passenger you can just walk off and come back whenever you want.
@@dl11950 that's true!
I have fixed the video but it's going to be a few days of re-uploading and reprocessing to get the fix on the channel. Thank you for catching that!
Fantastic tour of this wonderful ship! I participate in a biennial vintage-themed crossing that takes place on the QM2, and she is perfect for the experience; classic style and impeccable service. I can’t wait to do the crossing again next year!
Sounds wonderful! Thank you 😊
Thanks for covering the topic on dress code!
@@seebunlim you are welcome!
Great Video! Thank you. Great cruise attire advice for the Queen Mary 2 and Cunard cruising. 🛳️
Thank you very much!
Thanks for mentioning you went with family members with health problems-I have some & your mention means the trip would probably doable for me!!!❤ Loved your clothes discussion & prep for all weather-I love being outside even in bad weather!
Sounds like you would enjoy it! Thank you so much 😊
Thank you for sharing the highlights of your adventure.
Thank you!
What a beautifully done video. You come across so warm and genuine. We're definitely going to take your advice at some point and go across to Europe onboard this elegant liner. I feel like we were born for this.
Thank you so much! Yes, this is a must do. Happy travels!
Well constructed video; the views, the music and the information. Well done! I wish I was there.
Thank you so much!
Beautifully presented!
@@LeeMills-o9h thank you!
This cruise is on my bucket list. I plan on it in two years. Thank you for your informative video.
You are welcome-enjoy your trip!
I am so glad that You addressed the Dress Code, that's why I watched. I have the dress sense of a ground hog on speed and have never fit in no where ... but I know My Wife would just love this and I just don' wanna let her down.. Living out on The Edge is a wondrous thing :-) x
Sounds like a well deserved & brilliant trip, as i get older i'm looking for more experiences like this. Great content Thank You. 👌
Thank you!
Very nice video. Your narration was calm, yet entertaining. Been on this trip once and the ship a couple times. Great job. Looking forward Queen Victoria in the spring.
Thank you!
Thanks for the memories! I took this Transatlantic from Southampton to NYC in 6 days in June. It was a spectacular cruise liner and enjoyed every day, exploring, relaxing, meeting new people. It was so special to sail into NYC , see the Statue of Liberty etc. A bucket list trip for me also.
Sounds amazing! Thank you so much 😊
Love your take on everything. Bravo!!
Thank you!
My niece just booked a Alaskan cruise for the end August 2025 on NCL. I will be sending your video on NCL so she can be fully informed. Thank you for this information.
Thank you, Mike! Alaska sounds amazing!
I did westbound on the original Queen Mary in 1961. The 2 looks beautiful. You mentioned the beautiful sunsets but your heading east into the sun but it is a beautiful sunrise 😂
? You still are going to see a sunset no matter where you are on the earth or which way you’re going unless you’re at the very north or south poles.
I had my first cruise on this beautiful ship last week and didn't find everything - so I'm going again!
Great idea!
Very nice video! I love to cruise, but I still haven't sailed on the QM2. A dear friend sailed on its inaugural get to know the ship cruise twenty some years ago and loved it! A great alternative to flying!
@@rtroyer8963 sounds wonderful! Thank you so much! I hope you get to travel aboard her soon. 😊
So nice they have memorialized the Cunard (pron. K you nard) historical ships. My parents emigrated on the Carinthia in 1957
THANK YOU! so much for this video. Very much enjoyed, and like you, meaningful to me.
My paternal grandparents and father immigrated aboard the original Queen Mary in 1962. And later, in the early 90s, I was a tour guide aboard the Queen Mary. Later still, between military stints, I served aboard all 3 of the US's flagged vessels, Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii, and Pride of Aloha. My wife and I want VERY much to sail aboard the QM2. Enjoying your video really added oxygen to that burning coal and thank you for it!
Wow, that's amazing! What a rich history there… Thank you so much for sharing. I can just imagine how meaningful she is to you. And thank you for your service! And thank you so much for the compliments on the video. 😊
Loved the video! You put such wonderful videos up it’s like being there, and your descriptions are top notch.❤
@@josite2 thank you!😊
Myself and my granddaughter were on for the roundtrip from Southampton from the 16th August
We had mostly excellent weather
She enjoyed her time in N Y she went with Barbara one of the lovely people waiting on us
We enjoyed dressing up,the food was amazing,everyone looked after us so well
This was my 4th crossing
2 included the Caribbean
Look forward to finding your aspects on Norway we go on the 25th August 2026
Keep up the good work
Thank you
Thank you 😊
Lovey video. Thanks for taking the time to show all the aspects of the trip.
@@michaelglover971 you're welcome! Thank you!
@@SheSailsAway we are thinking of booking next summer with my 13 year old daughter. Were there many children travelling? Is there enough for children to do?
They were hardly any children on our transatlantic Crossing. There are some children's activities on board but I don't know anything about them, as I did not look into them. There's not a whole lot there for kids to do in general, but if the weather is nice there is swimming And some things to do on the sports deck
@@SheSailsAway thanks a lot
Glad you had a great time,I really enjoyed seeing everything on this beautiful liner😊
Thank you so much! 😊
Thank you for an enjoyable and accurate video about QM2. You did research, knew what to expect, and appreciated what this unique ship offers. Very tiring to see videos from supposedly “knowledgeable” vloggers who have done no research or have not watched the literally dozens of QM2 videos. We love this ship. Clearly has a distinct “target audience” which is why Carnival bought Cunard. We love the myriad spaces where you can be alone if you want, or others where you can be in the middle of everything. Nice job.
Thank you! 😊
Very well done. We've taken her to the Caribbean twice. A wonderful experience.
@@rlevow9581 thank you
What a charming review ~ thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you! 😊
Kelly,
We have been on 4 QM2 Crossings and your video ABSOLUTELY NAILED IT. Well done. It is a special experience and your video does a great job conveying that experience. Our first Crossing was a "once in a lifetime" trip to celebrate our 40th anniversary. It's addictive.
Just one question, I noticed that your closing narrative was posted as a mirror image so that your Brooklyn shirt appeared backwards.
Thank you so much! 😊 And how wonderful to have crossed on the QM2 that many times!
I think your question is, why is my shirt-writing mirrored/backwards? If so, it's because I filmed that part with my phone, and whenever I film myself with my phone it's a mirrored capture. (If there's a fix for that, I don't know what it is 😁) Thank you for your kind words; I am
so glad that you enjoyed the video!
My wife and I were also on that cruise, and we did a back-to-back from the U.K. It was the first time that we've done an eight-day crossing, it's usually seven there and seven back. However, the first time we did a trans-Atlantic was on the QE2 and then it was a five-day crossing and every sea was formal.
I enjoyed your documentary and I'm glad that you had an enjoyable time onboard.
Thank you so much! 😊
Thank you for sharing your experience, very nice video.
Thank you!
Enjoyed this video. Thank you.
We're on board next March going to Portugal and Spain.
That sounds wonderful! Thank you so much
Good video, thanks
Thank you!
Great video! We have seen other channels about QE2 - yours is best!! Very well done
Thank you so much!
We were on the same trip, had a great time as well. Only thing we missed - the planetarium was closed...something I had really looked forward to. Super service across the board. Highly recommend. Nice job.
Thank you! We hope to see the planetarium next time
Loved the video. Felt like I was there. I hope to cross the Atlantic via a cruise liner one day.
@@smurray2006 it is a unique experience!
Thanks, that was very informative. I’m going on my first cruise in 40 years in a couple of weeks and I’m very excited.
Sounds terrific! Enjoy!
A well put together video of your trip, very professional. Glad you enjoyed it.
@@stopcrueltyagainstanimals2578 thank you!
Nice down-to earth video thanks
I crossed the Atlantic many times and in many directions...on a cargo ship 🙂. Well done lady!
Thank you! 😊
Very informative, thanks!
We are doing a transatlantic leaving 27/4/25. Celebrating my 70 th onboard. These video’s are so helpful!!! Cheers ❤
Thank you so much! Happy travels!
Lovely presentation.. Thank you 😊
Thank you!
Thanks for your video. The east-bound trip is not a cruise in the traditional sense, as the Southampton destination is the only port you'll visit after leaving NY. One consequence of this is the activities and entertainment are important!
@@kjh789az definitely!
You did such a beautiful job explaining everything. Thank you for this video and by the way you have a very sweet soothing voice.
@@lynnegirard980 thank you!
Thank you for this video, it was very informative. Doing an Atlantic crossing on an ocean liner is on my bucket list. I have done many cruises, Holland America has an outside elevator as well, but a crossing like this would be special. Thanks again.
Thank you and you're welcome!
Another great video, thanks!
Thank you! 😊
A professional presentation.
@@gerardosullivan1642 thank you!
I think this will now be how I go to England next time I go.
@@Ivehadenuff sounds wonderful!
Thanks for sharing. We will be on QM2 in December.
I will be on QM2 this October for a double Transatlantic crossing from Southampton-NYC!! SO excited. I was on the Queen Victoriathis past January to Hamburg (4 nt cruise) and it was awesome!!!! ENJOY your voyage!!!
Wife and I did a cross Atlantic cruise on the QMII from Southampton to N.Y. a couple of years ago. It was magnificent. A bucket list item. Worth every penny and not expensive as we anticipated. Will do again ASAP. By the way, we met a retired English couple that has does many round trip sailings. Fantastic!
Sounds wonderful!
Lovey video. Thanks for taking the time to
Thank you!
I did a round-trip (Southampton to New York and return) on this beautiful ship and enjoyed everything about it. Did not the miss land at all with, as you say, lots to see and do. Loved the themed nights dressing up and the food. However, did you miss mentioning the Planatarium, which is not to be missed but has to be booked. I would suggest this is booked as soon as you get on board as it is fully booked every day. There is also tea and coffee in your cabin, brilliant cabin crew, and a feeling of elegance and pampering. Jusr my sort of holiday. Since my holiday, my husband has very sadly died, but I will have no hesitation in booking again as a single traveller.
Thank you so much for sharing. I am so sorry about your husband. I'm glad you're enjoying solo travel, I find it's a terrific way to get out and see the world. Yes, sadly I did not mention the planetarium as it was broken during our crossing. I hope to experience it someday.
Thank you so much. Cunard n QE 2 are on my bucket list. I had 1 booked but it ultimately really didn't fit in my other plans. I've had the same questions like dress. I also love the idea of the Norway addn. The dance lessons are my favorite and I love sea days. I'm going to do it! Thanks!
@@thefrugalwanderlustinglinguist wonderful! Enjoy!
Lovely review .. I have a trip booked for 2026 'Westbound' Southampton to New York, with 4 nights in NY after the voyage, so your review was very helpful
I have booked 'Club Balcony' .. not sure it will be worth the extra but we'll see.
Sounds wonderful! Happy travels!
Great review ❤
Thank you!
Great job on the video!! We are hoping to do the QM2 someday.
Thank you!