Romelle

I've done several transatlantic trips. Loved each one of them. The ships definitely put on more activities when there are lots of "at sea" days. Topics vary, but one of my favorites was a series by a university professor on "plate tectonics". The 1-hour sessions were the highlights of my day.

There usually is a nice little library on board.

There usually is a fairly well equipped gym for a daily work-out.

I knit, read, and sometimes just climb as high on the ship as I can and just watch the ocean. Sometimes I just watch and study some aspect of the ship.

Sometimes one manages to meet very interesting people.

Usually there is a daily little newspaper listing all the events and activities for the day. It was not unusual to have several choices for the same time, and have to make a tough decision.

It really is a matter of what kind of person you are. I've been told I"m "easily amused". Happy to just quietly spend time on my own. Happy to explore something new.

You are wise though to carefully consider the choice, as once the ship pulls away from land there isn't any practical way to change your mind.

GeezerCouple

Here is some additional discussion of non-traditional cruising, which includes freighters.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/foru...cruise-travel/

There are some fun reviews of Aranui.

Enjoy!

GC

LondonElite

Exactly. And mostly a different crowd of people. OP: All transatlantic crossings are sold primarily as one-ways.

knownothing

crossing the pond on the queen is one of life's great experiences

xooz

Resurrecting this thread as I am researching maybe taking the Queen Mary 2 NYC-Southampton. Any advice on whether to bother with a travel agency or Amex/Chase etc? Or just book straight with Cunard? For flights, I would normally book direct, but didn't know if there was some other benefit booking via a 3rd party.

sfvoyage

Most TAs give discounted fares and/or onboard credit. I never book directly with the cruise lines.

gretchendz

Lovely choice, I love sailing TA on the QM2. In fact we have a princess grill suite booked in October for HAM to NYC.
It can often be less expensive than flying Business or First with a whole week entertainment and food. and accommodation.

I agree with sfvoyage

Find the sailing and cabin you want. Find a TA who will book at that price and offer you something extra (usually some on board credit unless you express a wish for something else). Most TAs will.

As to flights, I suggest finding the flights you want independently, but before you book, you can check against the Cunard flight program. Not always, but often you can book it through Cunard for the same price or less.
https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cun...rd-completeair

mahasamatman

For Cunard cruises, I recommend https://www.cruisecompete.com/.

The only problem with the Queen Mary 2 is that it sails to New York. I wish they used a more friendly port.

gretchendz

I do love sailing in past the Statue of Liberty and under the bridge!

tatia

Brooklyn to be precise

mahasamatman

Last time I looked, Brooklyn was part of New York City.

hedoman

Huge difference between Brooklyn and NYC......which I think of as Manhattan for purposes of this thread title.

mahasamatman

Not as far as the attitude of the people.

Where is New York mentioned in the thread title? Transatlantics can go to/from Florida, the Bahamas, Boston, Québec, etc, all of which are preferable to New York in my mind.

hedoman

My error.......should have typed forum title. To be more specific as the topic thread is transatlantic, I think of two different ports in NYC. Very different.

mahasamatman

The forum title also does not mention New York in any way.

Some would say there are three.