5 Things We Wish We Knew Before Our Crossing On The Queen Mary 2

We had an INCREDIBLE time during our transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2! Just like with any adventure, we learned a few things along the way, so here are five things we wish we'd have known before boarding the QM2 for the first time!

Vlog 143 | Filmed 07 October 2022

#QueenMary2 #QM2 #Travel

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Thanks to Tyler Brown Williams and Musicbed for the awesome intro music in this video!

Other music in this vlog:
Who We Are by Chad Lawson

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Together for 10 years and then married in March 2020, we've had some amazing adventures in the past: a month-long journey from England back to the States, 4 weeks in Ireland, 6 weeks in Scotland, and then another 2 weeks in Ireland. We're in the process of documenting all of those trips, day by day, on our blog. After the joy of sharing those trips with friends and family, we've decided to take you along for all of our future trips! Here's to more #travel​​​​​​​​​​​​​ in the years to come!
Cheers,
Lydia and Billy

[GillianRoulston]

We live in Canada and my wife is British, so we travel back and forth regularily to visit family and friends. A few years ago, we decided to try coming back on QM2 instead on flying. Now, we just do not fly anymore! On top of everything else, you get off the ship well rested and no jet lag. As we get older, that becomes more and more important, Our friends always ask how we can afford it. My answer, how can you not! I look at it as spending a week in a luxury resort, and Cunard throws the transportation in for free! One evening, we were enjoying our dinner in the Britannia, in the middle of a force 9 gale, all laughing at the fact that you could hardly feel a thing. Incredible ship! Incredeible experience! Next trip in spring 2024. Cannot wait!

[JonBogdanove]

We had a spectacular crossing in 2022 out of Southampton. We got a lower deck (5?) balcony room for less than the price of airfare!
Our best day was the day we sat at the viewing ports in the hallway on Deck 2 and watched as massive North Atlantic storm swells intermittently swallowed our windows, engulfing us in an icy, emerald underwater vista beneath the glittering roof of each wave. As we crashed out from each swell, we glimpsed the spectacular sight from the backside of each crest, gazing down into the yawning trough between waves. Then, down we'd plunge off the alpine back of the mountain of water, into the valley below, only to smash through its surface and find ourselves in the underwaterverse again. It was worth the whole trip to see this!
Now, before you go losing your lunch, please take note—The QM2 has astounding technology for stabilizing the ship in rough waters, so we felt almost nothing of the insane motion of that rambunctious sea!
To avoid the bulk of the storm, the captain detoured up into the Arctic Sea, well North of even the Titanic's path. The light at the top of the planet was breathtakingly eerie. To stroll the deck in that atmosphere was hypnotic and supernatural. Walking laps for cardio before dawn every morning, while the crew swabbed everything clean and fresh, we were treated to the most incredible polar sunrises. Easy to see why Santa likes it up there!
The swimming pool was an icy, sloshing wave pool most of the time—which made you feel in kinship with the thallasic vasts below. The hot tub afterwards more than compensated for the invigorating briskness of the dip, though.
Arctic sunsets were as otherworldly as arctic sunrises. The light at all times of day felt strange and wonderful. When you are gazing through it, across that eternity of sea, you can’t help but feel it's siren call. It lured us on deck at all hours, and compelled us to explore every accessible extent of the historic ship.
The service, food, comfort and amenities were all great. We felt like characters in an old movie—a sensation augmented by a large contingent of costumed reenactors depicting the Golden Age of transAtlantic voyages, who make this crossing together frequently, as a group. At meals, we always seemed to get seated next to sundry characters from an Agatha Christie or Somerset Maugham novel. Just delightful. .
The shows and entertainment are about what you’d expect on a cruise, but palpably elevated and more stately than what you’d find on those loud, partyboat cruise lines. The QM2 tries to cater to a more PBS crowd. The planetarium show was especially good, as was the costume ball some of the costumed reenacts invited us to. Also, don’t miss high tea in the ballroom. It’s a Cunard classic, and justifiably so.
Literally every crewmember and employee we engaged with were superbly kind and helpful. They were also expertly unobtrusive—striking a perfect balance of hospitality that easily put to rest any class-warrior discomfort I might have had about being treated like a British toff. The efficiency of operation was inspiring, from the bridge to the galley. BTW: Visiting the bridge is an interesting and reassuring experience.
As long as the QM2’s fares remain comparable to air travel, we will look for every opportunity to be repeat passengers. Six days of peace and luxury at sea beats 6-12 uncertain hours of hell and airports any day!

[barryhaley]

The thing I love about the Transatlantic on QM 2 is the stepping back in time to the days where ocean liners were the normal way to travel between the continents. To the days where elegance was the norm. Except in steerage of course. The 30s/40s feel. The formal nights, the big band music, the ballroom dancing! We expected Humphrey Bogart to step into the bar at any moment!

[BoninBrighton]

Turndown service happens when you put the indicator card in your door lock to let the staff know that you want it….the other side asks for privacy.

[Jenpen]

So very pleased you enjoyed your time on QM2. She is very special x

[tesswood]

It was good that you pointed out you are not sponsored, this means you were completely honest about your reviews and it's more credible IMHO. Good points made. Loved your beautiful long black dress for the gala night (in the previous video), wow that was so so beautiful and your hair was also very pretty x

[rashidaparker]

In 2016 my friend Youmna and I flew from South Africa to Singapore and boarded Queen Mary 2. We sailed from Singapore to Dubai with day-stops in Kuala Lampur, Langkawi, Sri Lanka andCochin (India). The whole journey and experiences were absolutely amazing. I'll do it again anytime by the click of two fingers.
The crew/staff and amenities were superb. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet people from across the globe in a super-friendly and amicable environment. I have a whole new communication list now😂❤️💞⭐️ 😂😂😂
💯

[suecox]

I'm so glad you enjoyed your voyage so much--I absolutely love the QM2 and hope to go again before too long.

[keithwelch]

Thank you for the series. We've booked a first cruise on Queen Victoria in October as a "taster" ahead of a possible transatlantic trip next year. Plenty of useful insights of what's to come, presented by two really great folk!

[mikeverdi]

Loved your video, glad I found you. Sailing on QM2 (this will be 4th time on QM2) 35 days NY Norway Mediterranean NY

[samanthasegar]

Great video, you guys are the first i have seen who mention the Godiva chocolate tatsting! Sounds heavenly! Thanks again x

[patriciaskea]

You two are so cute, and you sound just like my husband and me! We LOVED it, and we’ve everyone to go to “Downton Abbey on the water”

[rodneykitchen]

I served on the old Queens (Mary and Elizabeth ) over a few years it was hard work and I always
thought it would be great to travel as a passenger, but looks like I'm never going to do it now. I have family in the US-including grand children so I usually fly 
but I did enjoy your video Thank you... Rodney Kitchen former Merchant Seaman Cunard Line

[Andrew-epkw]

We've been on the QM2 for two crossings and the launderettes are a greatly appreciated feature, and necessary if you're on her for an extended time such as a world cruise. There are 6 total on the ship, each with 3 washers and dryers. The busy times are usually just before and after port days, and if one is busy, try another. I've had multiple instances where one was packed and the next closest one was empty. In fact, there are two launderettes that are close to each other on decks 10 and 11 forward. It's basically a short walk down the hall, up or down one flight of stairs, and another short walk. Finally, set a timer on your phone so you are reminded to collect your laundry when it's done, that way other passengers won't be annoyed and dump your clothes on the ironing board (though they generally are civilized enough to not dump them on the floor)

[BritsAbroadTravelCruise]

Really useful, insightful, valuable details that isn't found find in typical 'vlogs'. Nice work guys.

[FriedrichLadegast]

I love the QM2, and will do my 9th or 10th crossing in August! I'm glad you liked it so much, and agree with just about everything you said. I've never done the Spa, assuming it would be pricey,
and I guess I was right! And indeed, High Tea in the Queen's Room gets very crowded. 😁

[QueenNoTeetha]

You made some really good points! Even when you have been on it a few times there are new little things to learn. I think you guys did great to find so much!

[Byron-gl]

We were so pleased to listen to your advice that we subscribed to your Chanel...thx a TON!!

[michaelseibold]

We did the crossing in 2016 on the QM2 and it hooked us on transatlantic crossings. We are doing our next early next month but not on Cunard. You arrive rested and with a lot of the jet lag dealt with.

[jn]

Good useful observations, especially being early for events such as art classes, choir, games etc. Like really early and you won’t be turned away or have nowhere to sit.