Essential Insights for Transatlantic Crossings on the Queen Mary 2: Don’t Overlook a Watch

Embarking on a voyage from New York to Southampton, UK, the Queen Mary 2 distinguishes itself not as a cruise ship, but as a robust ocean liner designed for transoceanic voyages. In January 2024, the Queen Mary 2 set sail for Southampton, showcasing its prowess in traversing open oceans for extended periods. Here are five unique aspects that set this transatlantic crossing apart from conventional cruises.

1. Digital Detox Challenges:
   • The Queen Mary 2 offers a rare opportunity for an eight-day digital detox with no phone or internet access unless opted for at an additional cost. Despite a good onboard service, the internet packages are priced at $18 a day for essential access and $24 a day for premium access during the entire voyage.
   • A challenge for passengers accustomed to constant connectivity, the absence of phone and internet services highlights dependencies on digital devices for various aspects of daily life, from tracking sleep to checking sports scores.
2. Importance of a Real Watch:
   • With a significant portion of travelers relying on smartwatches or phones for timekeeping, adjusting to the ship’s clock changes becomes a noteworthy aspect. The ship’s time underwent adjustments on four separate days to align with the five-hour time difference between Eastern time in New York and Greenwich Mean Time in London.
   • Borrowing or bringing a real watch becomes essential, considering the regular clock adjustments and the dependence on electronic devices for time updates.
3. North Atlantic Challenges:
   • The North Atlantic in winter poses formidable challenges with rough seas, heavy weather, and “complex weather events.” While the ship offers amenities like deck chairs and outdoor pools, the inclement weather often limits their use.
   • The North Atlantic crossing is a demanding journey, with waves reaching heights of 30 feet and strong, icy winds. The potential for sea sickness is addressed with the availability of sea sickness pills, emphasizing the physical demands of the voyage.
4. Cold Weather Preparations:
   • Traveling in winter necessitates preparation for cold temperatures, requiring passengers to bring sweaters and possibly long underwear. Outside temperatures during the crossing hovered between 36° and 42° most days, with dining rooms and ship rooms heated but not necessarily warm.
   • The winter crossing experienced snowfall, and passengers were advised to dress for an English winter, with those prepared for the cold faring better than those dressed for warmer climates.
5. Formal Dress Code Adherence:
   • In contrast to cruise lines embracing casual dress codes, the Queen Mary 2 maintains a serious approach to attire, especially during the evenings. Passengers adhere to a more formal dress code, with men often wearing suits and ties, and women donning elegant dresses or pants suits.
   • The commitment to “Smart Attire” extends to daytime wear, where passengers opt for slacks and sweaters over shorts and T-shirts. The overall atmosphere emphasizes a refined and sophisticated ambiance throughout the journey.

Sailing on the Queen Mary 2 transcends the typical cruise experience, offering a blend of elegance, challenges, and a departure from the digital norms of modern travel. As passengers adapt to the nuances of this transatlantic crossing, they find themselves immersed in a distinctive maritime journey that harks back to the golden age of ocean liners.