25 Unforgettable Things to Do on a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing
There's travel, and then there's arriving. A Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 turns the journey between New York and Europe into the highlight of your trip. Queen Mary 2 is the world's only true ocean liner, built specifically to glide across the Atlantic, and seven glorious days at sea give you the rare luxury of time with nowhere to be but on board.
If you're wondering what you'll do with all those sea days, here are some of my favorite ways to spend them.
Set Sail in Style
1. Enjoy a grand welcome. Your voyage begins with Cunard's signature White Star Service, as bellhops greet you on board while a string trio plays.
2. Toast to the adventure ahead. Join fellow guests at the embarkation celebration and raise a glass to the days ahead.
3. Sail past the Statue of Liberty. Head out on deck as you sail into or out of New York. Gliding past Lady Liberty and under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a moment you'll never forget.
4. Dress up for Gala Evenings. Black tie nights are part of the magic of a crossing. Put on your finest, meet the Captain, and pose for a portrait at one of the many professional photo spots.
5. Celebrate something special. Milestone birthday or anniversary? Your White Star servers will bring out a cake and sing to you. You can even renew your vows at sea in a ceremony led by the Captain!
Feed Your Mind
6. Hear from fascinating experts. The Cunard Insights enrichment program features talks on everything from space exploration and technology to economics, journalism, and sports.
7. Visit the first planetarium at sea. Settle into your seat at Illuminations for a virtual ride through space, or catch a first-run 3D film.
8. Get lost in the largest library at sea. With more than 8,000 books on the shelves, you'll finally have time to read the titles you've been meaning to get to.
9. Stargaze with an expert. Join an astronomer from the Royal Astronomical Society for a stargazing session on deck.
10. Try something new. Take a fencing class, learn watercolor painting, or brush up on your Bridge game in the Atlantic Room.
Evenings of Entertainment
11. Catch a show in the Royal Court Theatre. Enjoy dazzling musical productions, plus Boundless as the Sea, created exclusively for Queen Mary 2 in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
12. Dance the night away. Take cha cha or Latin dance lessons, then put your new moves to use at Big Band Night in the Queens Room, the Roaring 20s Gala Evening, or the Masquerade Ball.
13. Enjoy live music everywhere. From jazz ensembles to live piano in the Commodore Club and Chart Room, there's always a soundtrack to your evening.
14. Sing your heart out. Grab your friends for karaoke night in the Golden Lion Pub.
A Thoroughly British Experience
15. Take Afternoon Tea. Scones and finger sandwiches served by white-gloved waiters in the Queens Room is a crossing tradition you shouldn't miss.
16. Pull up a stool at the pub. The Golden Lion Pub serves up darts, a pint, and pub favorites like fish and chips and steak and ale pie.
17. Send a postcard from the middle of the ocean. The traditional red Royal Mail postbox outside the Golden Lion honors Cunard's history as the first mail service between England and America. Your postcards get a special "Posted Onboard" stamp!
Savor Every Bite
18. Indulge at the Steakhouse at The Verandah. Prime New York strip steak and Alaskan king crab make this a guest favorite (and save room for the brownie sundae).
19. Enjoy breakfast in bed. Room service is available 24 hours a day, so a lazy morning is just a phone call away.
20. Sip something special. Discover signature cocktails in the Commodore Club honoring past Commodores, or join the sommelier for a wine or whiskey tasting.
Relax, Recharge, and Play
21. Treat yourself at the spa. Unwind in the Aqua Therapy Centre or book a massage at Mareel Wellness & Beauty.
22. Walk the Promenade Deck. Three laps equals a mile, with endless ocean views the whole way.
23. Stay active your way. Swim in the domed Pavilion Pool, play a round at Pebble Beach on the golf simulator, or join a yoga class on deck.
24. Bring the whole family, even the dog! Kids have a blast in the Play Zone, and Queen Mary 2 is one of the only ways your four-legged best friend can cross the Atlantic. The ship's kennels even feature a Liverpool lamppost and a New York fire hydrant.
25. Simply watch the sea. Wrap up in a cozy blanket in a deck chair, sip a cup of tea, and watch the Atlantic roll by. Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all.
Plan Your 2027 Crossing
Queen Mary 2 sails regular crossings between New York and London, plus select voyages to and from Hamburg and roundtrip options if you'd like to sail both ways. A few 2027 sailings worth a special look:
October 1, 2027 (New York to London): Features Anthony Inglis and the UK National Symphony Orchestra.
December 2, 2027 (New York to London): Features the Literature Festival at Sea, sailing with celebrated authors and journalists.
Roundtrip New York voyages: 14 to 19 nights for the ultimate getaway, including departures in June, July, October, and December.
Ready to experience the voyage of a lifetime? CLICK HERE and I'll help you find the perfect crossing, stateroom, and current Cunard offers for your trip.