A Christmas like no other

The magic of sailing with Cunard

Sailing from Southampton to New York on Queen Mary 2 feels like stepping into a more glamorous era of travel. Instead of airports and jet lag, you settle into life at sea, with time to unwind, dress up and enjoy Cunard’s famous sense of occasion.  Queen Mary 2, Cunard's flagship is the only true ocean liner regularly sailing the transatlantic route.

She offers:

*A real feeling of space and elegance, from wide sweeping decks to beautiful lounges.  Grand staircases to intimate bars.

*Attentive, thoughtful service that makes every day feel special.  The crew take the time to learn your preferences, from how your like your coffee in the morning to your favourite pre-dinner drink.  There is a real sense of ceremony to each day on board, but without feeling stuffy.

*Gala evenings, live entertainment and dancing plus “Opera Up Close”, which brings world‑class performances into an intimate setting.  This is chance to dress up and feel fabulous as your experience that special Cunard sparkle.

*Dining is a highlight, with elegant main restaurants, relaxed options when you fancy something informal and traditional afternoon tea served by white‑gloved waiters.  There is speciality options as well as room service that allows you to tailor your cruise to your pace.

With seven nights at sea, there is time to do as much or as little as you wish.  Enjoy lectures, shows, the spa or simply relax with a book watching the ocean pass by. You will arrive in New York rested, rather than recovering from the overnight flight and ready to celebrate.

Arriving in New York for Christmas

Gliding into New York just before Christmas is a moment to remember. The skyline appears on the horizon, the city is twinkling with lights and you step ashore straight into the festive atmosphere.

Spending five nights at the Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel is a great base for couples who want to fit plenty in but still enjoy some quiet time.  I recommend this hotel as it sits in downtown Brooklyn, close to local cafés, restaurants and shops, and just a short walk from key subway line.  Which means, easy access into Manhattan for tours, shows, shopping and sightseeing and simple journeys back after busy days and late‑nights.

With five nights in the city, you can enjoy a mix of iconic sights and more personal moments.  Here's what I would suggest for some must do's:

New York Must Do's

*Seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and exploring a festive market on a guided walking tour.

*Ticking off a true bucket‑list experience with a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

*Joining a Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour to see some of the most extravagant house displays in the city.

*Ice‑skating at either the Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park Winter Village or a quieter local rink.

*Strolling along Fifth Avenue to see the famous Christmas window displays and light shows.

*Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will always feel special in this city, perhaps a cosy dinner at a classic New York restaurant on Christmas Eve, then a special festive lunch or dinner on Christmas Day, either in Manhattan with skyline views or closer to “home” in Brooklyn.

Why plan this with me

A trip like this has a lot of moving parts, from the Cunard crossing and New York hotel to festive tours, game tickets and flights home. As your Travel Counsellor, I bring everything together into one seamless, hassle‑free journey so you can just make the memories.

Depending on you and your preferences, I can add in any combination of activities and experiences, to create a trip that feels uniquely yours.

I will tailor your trip to what you love, your type of cabin, your type of hotel and the way you like to spend your days.

If this sounds like your kind of trip, I would love to help you plan the details.  I'm here to chat.