by Janet Quinn
QM2 Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing NYC-Southampton
Certain trips never leave your heart, and for me, one of those was my transatlantic crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. In 2009, my late husband David and I embarked on what would become one of the best memories of my lifetime.
My late husband David and I in the Britannia Restaurant
From the moment we stepped on board, I felt as though I had been transported back into the 1940s, brushing shoulders with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Richard Burton, Bob Hope, and so many others. Their photographs still line the walls of the QM2, reminding you that these icons once made the same journey across the Atlantic—only then aboard the original Queen Mary. The ship itself feels like stepping into a movie fairytale, with elegance in every detail and service that is truly impeccable.
The Captain’s Cocktail Party
One of the highlights of our voyage was being invited to the Captain’s Party, where David and I mingled with fascinating people from around the world. I’ll never forget meeting a woman in her late 80s, a retired ballerina who had sailed both the Queen Mary and the Queen Mary 2. She spoke fondly of the ballroom dancing that was once such a highlight of the crossings, and of course, still is today. Her stories painted such a vivid picture of the glamour and grace of days gone by.
David especially loved the Golden Lion Pub. Being British, it became his favorite spot on board, complete with authentic fish and chips and a proper pint of beer. We laughed, we made friends from all over the globe, and we vowed to do it again someday.
Nice Welcome Back Touch
Sadly, David passed away before we could make that return voyage together. But in honoring his wish, my daughter Janel and I set out on the Queen Mary 2 once more. This time, the journey brought its own share of adventure. A snowstorm swept across the Atlantic, and even the captain remarked that it was one of the roughest seas he had ever experienced. But that’s the beauty of sailing on an ocean liner; the QM2 was built for these crossings. While the waves rolled and the wind howled, we were steady, safe, and making memories. In fact, it’s not every day you get to say you built a snowman on the deck of a ship!
Snow on the QM2
When we finally arrived in Southampton, I felt a sense of peace knowing we had carried David back to his homeland. And though the journey was different, I felt him with us every step of the way.
The Queen Mary 2 is more than a ship; it’s a piece of history, a floating work of art, and an experience like no other. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling back to an era of glamour and elegance, of sipping champagne while crossing the Atlantic, of being part of a tradition that has carried generations before us, then Cunard is the line to take you there.
Britannia Restaurant QM2
I would be delighted to help you plan your own crossing on the Queen Mary 2 or any of Cunard’s extraordinary itineraries. Truthfully, Cunard remains one of my absolute favorite cruise lines, and I’d love for you to experience the magic for yourself.