Old-school transatlantic crossing?
 

Looking for something different going to Europe .... We have the time, is an old school transatlantic crossing on, say Cunard, a pleasant adventure? Please refer me to a previous thread if necessary I have seen some reviews and comments, but... We are 72 years old, experienced travelers, carry-ons. Looking for passage, then travel about England and fly home. No cruise, looking to go NY to S'hampton quickly as possible realizing we have 7 days at sea. Is Cunard basically the only option? I assume all-inclusive? What level of cabin choices provides the best experience without breaking the bank? We don't mind old school ..is the ship fairly up to date, we're no snobs. We were just knocking around some different ideas and wondered if this would be an interesting option but we want to be up to speed and really know what we are getting into. Many thanks ...

A while back I did a crossing, Southampton to NY, on the QM2. And like you, not a cruiser, I thought it might be an interesting experience. It was, I enjoyed myself, yes, a pleasant adventure, & though I don’t feel the need to do it again, I’m very glad I did it.

Regarding which category of cabin to book, I first chose the least expensive, an inside one. Then, as the time got closer, Cunard began offering quite good discounts on more expensive options. I ended up with a balcony cabin for, if I recall correctly, slightly less than the one I’d booked originally. I was very pleased with how that worked out.

Everything was pretty much as I’d imagined it would be. As a single I was seated with the same group for dinner which I liked. I spent time exploring the ship, in the library, on my balcony & one day saw a whale that seemed pretty excited to see us, too. All in all I found it a really nice alternative to just another flight home. I recommend it.

When I was in Italy in June, I talked to three people, a couple and then a woman traveling alone, who came over on the Queen Mary. They all loved it and were taking it again on the way home.

SusanP I am glad you responded!

My parents took the old QE2 in the 1950s and although my mom was seasick all the way, I always wanted to do this trip one-way.

Partner is put off due to dress regulations.

Do men have to wear tie and jacket for dinners? (I told him we could go to Goodwill and buy him a jacket and he could use an old tie).....

Would this be ok in winter? I do not get seasick and would love to be in some kind of premium cabin..

My wife and I (69 and 70 yrs. old) sailed from Southampton to New York on the QM2 two years ago and would do it again in a heartbeat. We originally signed up for a "sheltered balcony" which puts one on the lower decks (4 and 5) but were upgraded to a balcony cabin on deck 8, forward. I had concerns that a high, forward cabin might result in queasiness, but the ship is remarkably stable due to it being built as an ocean liner rather than a cruise ship. The fare was all inclusive of entertainment and meals. We opted for the drink package which includes alcohol and specialty drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. There were two seatings for dinner. We asked for and were seated at a table for two for all our meals. The afternoon tea was spectacular. We did not partake of the floor show, movie theater or planetarium, choosing instead to go dancing every night.

Poking around the ship, we assessed the various cabins in case we take the QM2 again. To us, the inside cabins seemed claustrophobic. The oceanview cabins have only a porthole. Sheltered balconies seemed okay, but we were so glad to have the regular balcony cabin. We spent a lot of time in the deck chairs looking out to sea and watching the occasional pod of dolphins. BTW the obstructed view balcony cabins provide little more than a great view of the lifeboats hanging in front of them. We did not inspect the princess or queen cabins which I'm sure are luxurious. We didn't see that the price provided that much more value. I guess it all depends on how much time you plan to spend in your cabin vs being out and about on the ship.

ek, I think the dress requirements have changed/relaxed somewhat on a lot of ships, but you would need to check on the requirements for the specific ship. (I took the Empress of Britain across in 1960 for a concert tour!:))

ekscrunchy--shorts and polos are fine for daywear. In the evening guests are expected to "dress up." Diners in the Brittania Room, Princess Grill, Queen's Grill and Veranda Restaurant tended to dress smartly. I always wore jacket and tie. IIRC one night was formal with dinner jacket/bow tie for gentlemen and evening gown for ladies. All of this can be avoided if one wishes to eat in the Kings Buffet where no formal dress code is enforced. I think they give several examples on the Cunard website.

Disney has a cruise that crosses the Atlantic.

Would a large, red rubber nose and huge floppy clown shoes be required for dinner??

Sounds like a fate worse than death, let me count the ways.

My sister has done this crossing at least three times, both ways, because her husband won't fly. (He was traumatized in Vietnam.) I don't know what kind of cabin she chose.

The first time, she brought formal wear, and dragged it on the train all the way across Europe to visit me in Italy. She left the garment bag, a backpack and a large purse at my house. I think she crumpled the formal wear into a ball and stuffed it into a suitcase; she didn't leave it here.

On that first transatlantic crossing, there was a group of Old-order Amish people, who wore their traditional garb to every meal. Maybe that's why my sister ditched the cocktail dress. On later trips, her husband brings a tie and she brings a long wrinkle-free lightweight skirt

I believe formal wear is only "advised" for one dinner, and you can eat in the café that night if you would feel our-of-place in your blue jeans.

We once took a cruise where formal attire was strongly recommended for the captain's dinner. My husband absolutely refused to pack anything formal. He said, "I'm not going to let any two-bit cruise director tell me what to wear." (It's more colourful in Italian.) I suggested that he at least pack a tie to wear with a nice sweater, but he also vetoed the tie. Given the situation, I decided also to dress informally for the captain's dinner. We were by no means the only couple who marched to a different drum.
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My wife and I crossed to Southampton on the QM2 some years ago. The trip was very enjoyable and quite different from leisure cruises inasmuch as there were no port calls. There were performances by RADA students on board, lectures by Oxford and Cambridge faculty, afternoon teas and lots of time to marvel at the endless horizons.

I'd also mention that when you consider the fare includes a comfortable hotel room, entertainment and all meals as well as transportation, it's quite a bargain compared to airfare, hotel and restaurant comparables.

Of course, being Cunard and British, one is made aware of class distinctions right away - where you dine, etc. Which is smile-provoking for the most part. ;)

Well we pulled the trigger, booked the QM2 Oct. 25 arriving Southampton Nov. 1. Brushing off my dark suit, a very different trip for us! Although the seven-day ocean trip is the main attraction, we can catch a cheaper flight back to the US from Dublin...thinking of arriving S'hmton early Dec. 1, fly to Dublin (seems cheap), five nights there, fly home from Dublin.

I guess I'm looking for some affirmation, or suggestions. Flying to Dublin a good plan? Reserved a room at former Hard Rock hotel...now renamed. Seeking fish and chips every possible meal...a day trip by train to somewhere cool? We're not into city sites or cathedrals...small towns with character. We need to dump our fancy clothes and ship a folding bag home from the dock, if possible...don't want to haul it around. This is kind of an impulse buy. Sound like a decent plan? Thanks!

I think it's a fine plan. The QM2 is a splendid ship. There's plenty to do, or not do, depending on your mood and you certainly won't go hungry. You can start your fish and chips routine aboard at the Lion Pub. You didn't mention your airline to Dublin. Depending on the carrier, it may be cheaper and easier to just keep the folding bag and check it. Dublin is very walkable. Almost all rail routes emanate from Dublin, so you'll have plenty of choices for day trips.

Thanks! Can take Ryanair (cheap) or Aer Lingus from Southampton...Have not heard much good about Ryanair...I usually take only a duffle bag but more formal wear requires a fold over. I can carry it with my other stuff, might be easier. We are in Dublin 5 nights so won't have to haul it far.

I’ve had to dress ‘formal’ on several trips. One Alaska cruise, and several posh events in London or Edinburgh. And I always manage with just carry on. One glitzy top and either a long skirt or ‘formal-ish’ pants. One event even so far as long white gloves… in the presence of the Queen dontcha know ;) …

so no need to over pack, even on the QEII

I've flown with Ryanair a number of times, and I've had no major complaints. They do nickel and dime you, but so do other budget airlines.

Might I reactivate this post to get one bit of advice...we are trying the QM2 transatlantic voyage Oct. 25...Cunard reps do not really recommend a dress code for afternoon teas but we have no idea what is most appropriate. Could anyone offer some broad suggestions so we don't look ridiculous, on either end of the dress spectrum? Thanks.

I'd go to the source. This photo is of an actual QMII afternoon tea. Gives you a very good idea . . .


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