Today, we’re embarking on a unique adventure: seven days at sea, crossing the Atlantic without a single sight of land. If you’ve been on a cruise before, I guarantee you’ve never experienced anything quite like this. Our vessel of choice? The majestic Queen Mary II, a throwback to the opulent ocean liners of the mid-19th century. At 149,000 gross tons, she’s a magnificent blend of history and modernity, longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall and 250 feet longer than the Titanic. Ready to discover what it’s really like to spend a week at sea?
Departure from the Iconic Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
There’s no cooler place to start this journey than the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. The excitement is palpable as we gather on the aft deck, taking in the breathtaking views of lower Manhattan. The crystal-clear blue skies of late May make for perfect photo opportunities. We sail past the iconic Statue of Liberty, mirroring the journey of countless immigrants who once arrived in America this way.
Setting Sail
As we navigate New York Harbor, we get our last glimpses of land. The Staten Island Ferry trails us, with New Jersey, Manhattan, and Brooklyn providing a stunning backdrop. Just before we pass under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, a few housekeeping notes: This isn’t a commercial. We’re not sponsored by the cruise line. Jeremy has made this crossing 5 times!!! He does so as a volunteer with a veterans’ charity that brings World War II and Vietnam veterans aboard to share their stories.
The Queen Mary II: A Marvel of Maritime Engineering
Passing beneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is a tight fit—at high tide, there’s only about 13 feet of clearance. As we leave New York behind, it’s just us and the vast Atlantic for the next seven days. The Queen Mary II, launched in 2004, was the largest passenger ship ever built at the time. She boasts a max speed of about 33 miles per hour, sits 200 feet above the waterline, and has 18 decks (13 accessible to passengers). Unique to this ship is a kennel for 24 pets, a nod to the 12 dogs that were aboard the Titanic.
Life Onboard the Queen Mary II
The Queen Mary II is an ocean liner, not a typical cruise ship. Built to withstand the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic, she has 40% more steel in her structure and a tapered bow to cut through waves. And while you can go out on the deck for a leisurely stroll, just as travelers did a hundred years ago, you’re probably not going to be doing that in a bikini. This ain’t the Caribbean. The North Atlantic can be unpredictable. If you take the voyage, you’ll understand why. We have experienced crossings that didn’t lend themselves to going outside, but others with nothing but clear skies and calm seas. So prepare yourself for either to happen.
Inside, the ship is a tribute to Cunard’s rich history, from its role in World War II to the celebrities who have traveled aboard on our crossing. Veterans like Steve Melnikoff, a 103-year-old D-Day survivor, share their stories, making this journey even more special. These events were a special experience for both the passengers and veterans themselves.
There really is so much to do onboard, it would be hard to go through it all in words. Right below here, Jeremy takse you through a deck by deck tour of the ship. You can see the beautiful rooms, to the restaurants, to the lounges, to all the special amenities onboard.
Dining and Entertainment
Life onboard is a delightful throwback to simpler times. The Kings Court Buffet offers a wide variety of meals, including traditional English breakfasts. For more formal dining, the Britannia Restaurant recreates the elegance of first-class dining from the golden age of ocean travel. There are lounges, a fancy steakhouse, and a spa. You will not run out of places to eat and drink, that’s for sure. The onboard library, with thousands of books, is perfect for losing yourself at sea.
Nightlife includes ballroom dancing in the opulent Queen’s Room and late-night fun at the G32 nightclub, where even our veteran guests join in the fun. The silent disco is a highlight, with everyone dancing to their own beat under the stars. This place is open late for those who relish the nightlife and is a great time. Or you can catch some sleep to make sure you’re up for a hearty breakfast and one of the many morning entertainment options on the ship.
The Adventure Continues
As we cross the Atlantic, the days fly by. Each day, we set our clocks forward an hour, making the journey seem shorter. By the end of the week, we arrive in Southampton, England, early in the morning, ready to witness the quick turnaround as the ship prepares to make the journey back to New York. And while the ship leaves, you can enjoy your stay in jolly ol’ England, or wherever your sense of adventure takes you.
Final Thoughts on the Queen Mary II
Spending a week at sea on the Queen Mary II isn’t for everyone. You’re on a giant ship without seeing land for a week. But for those seeking a unique adventure and a nostalgic throwback to the Titanic era (with a much better outcome), it’s a journey worth taking. So, if you’re up for an unforgettable experience, consider crossing the Atlantic on the world’s only remaining ocean liner.