Queen Mary2 and New York
The trip was booked only a few weeks beforehand, so no big build up or anticipation. Before I knew it I was on the coach down to Southampton. Very new experience booking in at the terminal, needed a bit more navigating to make sure I was in the right line, but straightforward after that.
What a ship the QM is. I had a basic inside cabin but there was plenty of room, with a king-size bed and plenty of storage space. Even a bottle of bubbly on arrival. If you like a cuppa first thing in the morning, take a kettle; yes you can get room service but it's not for me waiting around for the steward to come and then having to look presentable....
There was always something to do on board so I didn't get bored - even with just always seeing an expanse of ocean! And the service and food was excellent.
The real highlight of the trip was sailing into New York early in the morning; seeing the Statue of Liberty and the lights of the Manhattan skyline twinkling is a memory never to be forgotten. I'm really glad I made my first trip to New York this way, rather than flying.
What to say about New York? I only had two days, so the only advice I can give is just don't think you can do/see more than a snippet and decide what's most important for you to see. For me it was Central Park (and Strawberry Fields), the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art. And if you can, walk as much as you can, you'll see things that would pass you by on a tour.
.
Rate this review:
Comments
Thank you. I flew to New York
Thank you.
I flew to New York with my then fiance in February 2003. it was over Valentine's and there was Snow everywhere, it was extremeley cold.
We almost didn't get to fly home as the snow came so suddenly taxi drivers didn't want to take us to airport and get stranded there themselves. I think I will steer clear of February... although visiting New York at this time was quite romantic - all the shops really went to town with cupid and you couldn't help but get wrapped up in the moments... (especially when with your finace!)..
I agree that by walking as much as you can you do get to see more than you would if you took the subway or taxi etc. It's just nice to stroll and although it looks quite big, it's actually quite small! Well we thought so anyway.
:-)
I think that when one thinks
I think that when one thinks of New York, without realizing it one's thinking of Manhattan. Certainly I was! I though the other well known areas, eg, Greenwich Village were totally different areas, rather than still being part of Manhattan. Really, I should have done more research. Before the start of my trip to orientate myself (which I have done when traveling to less well known places), but this time, lulled into a false sense ofknowledge, I thought Ihadsomeideaofthegeography of NY. Seemingly not so! So I agree with you,I think the actual area that everyone concentrates on is quite small. Having said that though, it would still take several days to get round everywhere.
(Please excuse all the typing errors, by the way, I'm using my son's iPad, for the first time; he's not around attune moment, so I don't know how to correct the mistakes I've made.
Gill :)
I think that when one thinks
I think that when one thinks of New York, without realizing it one's thinking of Manhattan. Certainly I was! I though the other well known areas, eg, Greenwich Village were totally different areas, rather than still being part of Manhattan. Really, I should have done more research. Before the start of my trip to orientate myself (which I have done when traveling to less well known places), but this time, lulled into a false sense ofknowledge, I thought Ihadsomeideaofthegeography of NY. Seemingly not so! So I agree with you,I think the actual area that everyone concentrates on is quite small. Having said that though, it would still take several days to get round everywhere.
(Please excuse all the typing errors, by the way, I'm using my son's iPad, for the first time; he's not around attune moment, so I don't know how to correct the mistakes I've made.
Gill :)
I think how you travel is
I think how you travel is very much a state of mind. I did travel solo on this trip and have done several times; I greatly enjoy travelling solo, never feel lonely. I've never doneo, w a "solo's" holiday, much preferring the variety of people you come across on a "regular' holiday. I went to Buenos Aires on my own in June, booking everything independently over the internet, flights and accommodation. And whilst there got around either on foot or by metrithout knowing hardly a word of Spanish.
I suppose the only downside of travelling alone is that I wouldn't want to stay out late in the evening, but after a full day exploring it's nice to find a quiet little restaurant, eat and return to the hotel for about 9, when I'd usually be shattered anyway.
So back to my QM2 trip, I found it all very friendly and and enjoyed mixing with solo travellers and couples alike.
I feel you should go with your innermost feelings and not let the views of others sway you.
Gill
I'm doing this trip but the
I'm doing this trip but the other way around... Flying to New York for a few days and then returning to Southampton on the Queen Mary... I'm going with my mum and dad... hopefully next year... not sure what time of year is the best to go though. Any suggestions?
Hi CharChar, sorry, wrote a
Hi CharChar, sorry, wrote a reply on the forum before I noticed the reply button....
It wouldn't be the same on a
It wouldn't be the same on a huge ocean going cruise ship with thousands of passengers, all shapes and sizes, ages and nationalities.
My late husband was in the cabin a lot and I was alone great chunks of time and never felt it was all couples, because it wasn't. I did all the ships tours alone too. It was fabulous.
You can even ask to sit with other singles in the dining rooms or go to the buffet, where there are lots of people alone.
We were on the Norwegian Jade on the Med.
If the right cruise comes up and I can't find anyone, I won't hestitate to go alone.
Hope this helps. jacqueline.
Hi Gardengal - I did the
Hi Gardengal - I did the Norway Hurtigruten cruise in early summer this year and even though I've had several solo holidays I definitely found the cruise a lonely experience - must more so than a land holiday. The trip itself was great and enjoyed it, but everyone on board was a couple ann really felt out of it on occasions. I've no problem with solo holidays but wont do a solo cruise again. that's my opinion anyway!
rgds
Geraldine
Did you go on the cruise by
Did you go on the cruise by yourself? I really, really want to go on a Mediterranean cruise but my friends are discouraging me because I don't have a travel companion and they said it would be better to start off on a land tour - cruising alone would be lonely according to them. What was your experience?
Sorry, Gardengal, wrote a
Sorry, Gardengal, wrote a reply on the forum before I noticed the reply button....
Off to New York next month on the Queen Mary2. Booked on the spur of the moment yesterday....
11/09/2021 - 17:04
Hi CharChar, can't answer this one I'm afraid: I went in the middle of October, the crossing (apart from round the Bay of Biscay) was very calm, sky blue and the sun bright and when I got to New York the temperature was in the late 60's. However, by the end of that week, if you recall from the news, the temperature had suddenly plummeted and there was snow. And New York itself will be fast paced and frenetic, I would imagine, whatever time of the year you went. But whatever time of the year you go, I'm sure you'll have a fabulous experience. :)