Christmas in New York in Style: Queen Mary 2 & a Festive NYC Itinerary
If you are dreaming of Christmas in New York but the idea of starting your trip in a crowded airport sounds too stressful, there is another way to do it.
Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2 sails from Southampton to New York on a classic transatlantic crossing, and when you pair that with a festive city stay, you have the makings of a very special Christmas trip: relaxed, elegant travel on the way out, and all the bright lights and big city sparkle once you arrive. Here is how this itinerary works and what you can expect along the way.
Sailing from Southampton: Easing into Holiday Mode
Instead of queues at security and a long overnight flight, your journey begins at Southampton cruise terminal. Once you are on board Queen Mary 2 and settled into your Britannia Club balcony stateroom, the pace instantly shifts. Your holiday has already started, and New York is still an ocean away.
Life on board can be as relaxed or as busy as you want it to be. Typical sea days might include:
- A leisurely breakfast followed by a wander around the promenade deck
- Time in the spa or by the pool with a good book
- Lectures, live music or a quiet corner of the library if you prefer something low key
In the evenings, there is as much or as little occasion as you would like. Some guests really enjoy the gala nights and getting properly dressed up, while others keep things simpler and dip in and out of the entertainment at their own pace. You might choose a relaxed drink while listening to live music, a film in the cinema, or a quiet corner of the lounge with a nightcap. The nice thing about Queen Mary 2 is that you can lean into the sense of occasion when it suits you, but you will always find more easy‑going options too.
On this particular Westbound Transatlantic Crossing, you can also look forward to Cunard’s much‑loved gala evenings, special guest talks, planetarium shows and the ritual of afternoon tea. It is this blend of little touches and thoughtful details that makes Queen Mary 2 feel like a true ocean‑liner experience rather than a standard cruise.
What makes a Cunard crossing special?
Queen Mary 2 is one of the few true ocean liners still sailing, designed specifically for the North Atlantic, and that gives the whole voyage a different feel to a typical fly‑cruise. Days naturally fall into a relaxing rhythm: a walk on the promenade deck, time in the spa or the library, maybe a talk or a show if something catches your eye. In the evenings you can choose whether to lean into the more glamorous side of the ship or keep things low key, perhaps with a casual dinner and a quiet bar. It is this mix of tradition and flexibility that makes a Cunard crossing work just as well for those who love dressing up as it does for those who prefer a more laid‑back style of holiday.
Seven Nights at Sea: Why Slow Travel Suits a Christmas Trip
Taking a full week to cross the Atlantic is the opposite of “fly in, fly out”. You have time to switch off properly, adjust to the time difference gradually and ease into the time difference gradually rather than arriving after an overnight flight. You don't lose a day travelling. The travel is part of the holiday.
There is also a wonderful sense of anticipation. Each day, the ship edges a little further west, and you know that at the end of all that sea there is a skyline, Christmas trees and a very different pace of life waiting for you.
A Cunard Christmas: the ship’s grand atrium transformed with a towering tree, twinkling lights and elegant festive garlands.
Arriving in New York: A Classic Entrance
One of the real highlights of this itinerary is the arrival. Rather than stepping off a plane into a terminal, you sail into New York by water, noticing the bridges and skyscrapers appear on the horizon.
After disembarking, it is a straightforward transfer into Manhattan. A central option for this style of trip is the Riu Plaza New York Times Square, which puts you within easy walking distance of Broadway theatres, Fifth Avenue and, of course, Times Square itself. For a Christmas stay, being able to step straight out into the lights and atmosphere makes all the difference.
New York at Christmas: Five Nights of Festive Highlights
New York really leans into the festive season, and this itinerary builds in some of the most magical experiences so you can make the most of your five night stay.
If you're wondering about Christmas dinner itself, you have a couple of lovely options in New York. Many of the big hotels and classic Midtown restaurants offer special festive menus, so you could choose to dress up and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, complete with table decorations and twinkling lights. Or, if you prefer something more low key, you might opt for a cosy neighbourhood spot or even a festive brunch instead, then spend the rest of the day strolling past the window displays and Christmas trees, soaking up the atmosphere.
The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City
An evening at Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes is a true New York tradition. Think big band music, high energy choreography and classic festive scenes on one of the most famous stages in the city. It is the sort of show that appeals even if you do not usually think of yourself as a “theatre person”.
Classic Sights: Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Tree & Christmas Village
To bring the best known festive spots together, an NYC Christmas tour can be a great option. Typically, you will take in:
- Fifth Avenue’s famous department store windows
- The soaring Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- A Christmas market or village, complete with wooden stalls, fairy lights and seasonal treats
With a guide leading the way, you can simply enjoy the atmosphere and photo opportunities without worrying about missing anything.
Rockefeller Center in full festive sparkle, with New York’s most famous Christmas tree lighting up the plaza.
Dyker Heights: New York’s Most Over-the-Top Lights
For something a little different, a Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour takes you out to a Brooklyn neighbourhood where the residents turn decorating into a competitive sport. Whole streets are transformed with giant Santas, nutcrackers and more lights than you would think possible on one house. It is joyful, a bit bonkers and very memorable.
Heading Home
After five festive nights in the city, a private transfer from your hotel to JFK keeps things simple for your journey home. It's a nice, calm way to round off what is often a busy few days of sightseeing, shopping and soaking up the atmosphere.
Who This Trip Works Well For
This type of itinerary tends to suit:
- Couples or friends looking for a Christmas trip that feels like a real “occasion”
- Travellers who enjoy a touch of old school glamour alongside a big city stay
- Anyone who would rather glide across the Atlantic than start their break with a long haul flight
You get the best of both worlds: the calm, unhurried luxury of a Cunard crossing, and the full festive energy of New York at its most magical, with key experiences already built into your stay.
Fancy waking up on Christmas morning in New York? I can arrange the complete journey — from your Queen Mary 2 crossing and cabin to your Manhattan hotel, festive experiences, private transfers and flights home. Get in touch and I'll create an itinerary around you.
Why use a Travel Counsellor?
- One point of contact for the whole journey
- Cunard cruise + hotel + transfers + experiences arranged together
- Advice on the best cabin and hotel for your budget
- Support before and during your trip
