awomir

I'm going to be in Europe from late December 2010 till early January 2011.

I was thinking of returning home via a transatlantic cruise.

Queen Victoria has a voyage from Southhampton to New York commencing 5 January 2011.

Any thoughts on a transatlantic cruise that time of year?

And I'd be a solo traveler. Any thoughts about that?

I'm in my mid-forties as well.

And if I do decide to go, is a starboard or port side cabin the best to travel?

I'd appreciate any information you may have.

Thanks so much!

doug_stallings

I expect you could see winter storms and have a rough crossing, but I'm hardly an expert on that; thankfully, the Queen Victoria is an ocean liner and built to withstand rough seas, so you'll have the smoothest ride possible at that time of the year. I don't see that it matters much which side of the ship you are on since the ship really is out to sea during virtually the entire cruise. When you do see land, it will be more likely on the starboard side, however.

BudgetQueen

Well, it's a darn cold sailing. And it certainly doesn't matter what side you get on the ship.

If your priority to do a transAtlantic, then this fits your itinerary.

ParrotMom

We crossed the beginning of December and never again...sorry...high winds and seas and this was to NYC

Eschew

On the transatlantic, you will see nothing but water on both side so port or starboard makes no differnce. You may see land more often on the starbaord side on the west bound. Keyword: "may"

It will be cold, so be prepared. Single traveller on a transatlantic, let's hope you can make freinds easily, plus you will pay a premium to travel single. There is nothing worst than showing up to a single mixer on board and you are the only one who shows up.

I would say it is the wrong time of year to do a transatlantic. On the other hand, the ship is nice and the price is cheaper as it is off peak.

vickiebypass

Out of 38 voyages as a solo traveller, I've done six or more trans-atlantic crossings on the QM2 and the other posters make good points about the cabin location and weather. (I've crossed in late November and had rough seas but that was expected.) There will still be an intrepid group that bundles up and walks the deck each day - nippy and damp, but invigorating!

The January QV crossing is the pre-amble to her 2011 world cruise. There are actually plenty of single travellers (male & female) on crossings, of all ages & nationalities. Typically, the majority do NOT go to the single mixers but it's your preference. It is very easy to meet people if you want to - I join the dance classes and trivia quizzes; not to mention having a drink in one of the lounges and chatting about that day's lectures, activities, shows, etc. I meet other singles, couples, families, etc and spend time with them. None of the solo female travellers I've met have ever had a problem with feeling unwanted, unsafe or ostracized. (Unless of course, they came on board with that mindset.)

For meals, you will be assigned to a table in one of the dining rooms; I usually request a table for 6-8 people, to maximize the variety. Sometimes they're great tables and we have a blast together, other times they're OK and once in a rare while, they're dismal and so I opt to eat in the specialty or buffet restaurants one or two nights.

I'd say, go for the crossing! It will be an experience and an unusual way to end a European trip. Afterwards, you may be hooked on cruises or you may decide once was enough but at least it will be your decision, based on your experience!

nicelady

Awomir,Be prepared for high seas( a good time for a savings on Inside cabin)grey skies. This is a Brit ship with a Brit feel. All of above posts are correct.

DebbieMG

My husband and I love the transatlantic crossings. There is so much to do on the QM2, and it's so easy to meet people if you want to, or you can be anonymous. In November we are taking our second round-trip to Europe and back to New York.Last year we did it in November and loved it so much that we're doing it again. Our captain said last year that it was the roughest weather that the ship had ever sailed through-70knot winds and 3 meter waves. The bottles in the Commodore Bar fell off the shelves. My husband loved it and made me walk the deck except for the days when it was closed. I take a half over-the-counter seasick pill before I go to bed and never miss a meal. You will love it,too.