Luxurious Transatlantic Crossing on the Queen Mary 2 Christmas 2027
A Christmas cruise from Southampton to New York with Cunard
Check out this amazing Christmas cruise.
Stepping aboard Queen Mary 2: A very special way to start Christmas in New York
There is something wonderfully old‑world and indulgent about crossing the Atlantic by ship rather than plane, and nobody does it quite like Cunard. This westbound sailing on Queen Mary 2 combines all the glamour of an ocean liner with the excitement of arriving into New York just before Christmas, before a five-night stay in the city itself. It is a journey that is as much about the getting there as it is about the destination.
The Cunard experience on this sailing
Your journey begins in Southampton on 14th December, when you step aboard Queen Mary 2 in time for a late‑afternoon departure. From the moment you walk up the gangway you feel the difference with Cunard. This is a true ocean liner, purpose‑built for the North Atlantic, with a gracious sense of space, sweeping staircases and elegant lounges. Service is formal yet warm, and there is a clear sense of occasion to even the simplest moments of the day.
On this itinerary you have seven nights to settle into life at sea. There are no port calls, so the ship becomes your floating resort, and the rhythm of each day is soothingly unhurried. You wake without an alarm, step out onto deck to breathe in the Atlantic air, perhaps linger over a leisurely breakfast, then decide how much or how little you want to do.
Why this crossing is special.
Cunard’s transatlantic crossings are their signature voyage, and this sailing showcases some of their key strengths:
A ship built for the Atlantic; Queen Mary 2 has been designed with deep hull, powerful engines and excellent stabilisers to handle the open ocean with ease. Cabins are well insulated and wonderfully quiet, so you can sleep soundly even when the sea reminds you that you are far from land.
White Star Service: The Crew quickly learn your preferences, from how you take your morning coffee to your favourite pre‑dinner drink. Dinner is an occasion rather than a refuelling stop: crisp linens, attentive service and multi‑course menus that still feel relaxed and unhurried. Over seven nights you build a rapport with the same waiting staff and fellow guests, which is part of the charm of a crossing compared to a traditional fly‑cruise.
Traditional ocean‑liner rituals; Formal nights, afternoon tea served by white‑gloved staff in the Queens Room, live orchestras for ballroom dancing and daily dress codes all contribute to that sense of timeless glamour. On a December sailing, public spaces are tastefully decorated for Christmas too, with trees twinkling in the grand lobby and seasonal touches on the menus and entertainment programme.
Space and serenity; Even at a greater occupancy, Queen Mary 2 never feels crowded. Wide open decks, a proper wraparound promenade for brisk morning walks, quiet corners in the library and card rooms, and spacious bars mean you can always find a spot that suits your mood: sociable or secluded.
Enrichment rather than just entertainment; Days at sea are filled with lectures, planetarium shows, classical recitals, art talks, quizzes and more. For many, the appeal of this sailing lies in having the time and space to slow down in the run‑up to Christmas, easing away from everyday routines and into holiday mode before the bright lights of New York.
Life on board during your crossing
From 15th to 20th December your days unfold entirely at your pace. The ship’s daily programme offers plenty of choice:
Start with a sunrise stroll on deck (3 full laps is approximately one mile!), then linger over breakfast in the main restaurant or buffet.
Join a guest lecture in the theatre, perhaps on maritime history, astronomy or the arts.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by time in the spa, a dip in one of the pools or simply a good book in a comfy lounge chair as the Atlantic slips by outside.
In the afternoon, indulge in traditional white‑glove afternoon tea with warm scones and live music.
Evenings begin with pre‑dinner cocktails, a multi‑course dinner and then your choice of show, live music, dancing or simply star‑gazing out on deck.
By the time the New York skyline appears on the horizon on 21st December, you will feel properly rested, recharged and ready to immerse yourself in the energy of the city at Christmas.
Arriving into New York and your post‑cruise stay
Your final morning aboard brings one of those goosebump moments that only a transatlantic crossing can create: sailing up towards New York in the early light, passing under the Verrazzano‑Narrows Bridge and gliding towards Brooklyn with the Manhattan skyline ahead. It is a far more romantic way to arrive than a long‑haul flight and sets the scene beautifully for your stay.
Once you have disembarked and cleared formalities in Brooklyn, a private car will be waiting to whisk you directly to your hotel, allowing you to simply relax and watch New York unfold outside the window.
Staying at The Belvedere Hotel
For the next five nights you are based at The Belvedere Hotel, set on West 48th Street. This is an excellent location for a festive break. You are within an easy stroll of Times Square and Broadway, and only a short walk from iconic spots like Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and Central Park.
For a Christmas trip, this gives you a cosy base to return to, away from the hustle and bustle, but close to the action. The hotel’s position means you can step out in the evening and simply wander, letting the city dictate your plans: perhaps a pre‑theatre drink and a Broadway show one night, then a gentle walk to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree and window displays on another.
Experiences to choose from in Festive New York
With five nights at your disposal from 21st to 26th December, you have time to blend classic Christmas moments with lesser‑known treats.
Iconic Christmas sights
Rockefeller Center tree and ice rink; No Christmas visit is complete without seeing the giant tree at Rockefeller Center, its lights reflected in the surrounding Art Deco buildings. Your hotel is close enough that you can visit in quieter morning moments or return later to soak up the evening atmosphere. Skating on the rink beneath the tree is a bucket‑list experience for many.
Fifth Avenue window displays; Department stores and luxury boutiques along Fifth Avenue go all‑out for the festive season. From whimsical moving displays to high fashion tableaux, simply strolling and window‑shopping feels like walking through a film set.
Bryant Park Winter Village: Behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park transforms into a European‑style winter market with stalls, festive snacks and another picturesque ice rink. It is a lovely place to warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled drink between shopping and sightseeing.
Festive performances and culture
The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center; For many New Yorkers, seeing a performance of The Nutcracker is an annual tradition. The combination of Tchaikovsky’s music and classic choreography creates a magical evening, especially close to Christmas Day.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular: With the famous Rockettes, this fast‑paced festive show is packed with dancing, music and seasonal sparkle.
Christmas concerts and services; If you enjoy the more reflective side of the season, there are beautiful choral concerts and services at venues like St Patrick’s Cathedral and churches throughout the city, many of which welcome visitors.
Winter walks and neighbourhoods
Central Park in winter; A crisp walk through Central Park is a must, whether that means circling the reservoir, wandering the tree‑lined paths or seeking out viewpoints over the skyline dusted (if you are lucky) with snow. You can also skate at Wollman Rink, framed by Manhattan’s towers.
Downtown lights and views; Head south to the High Line and the new developments around Hudson Yards or take an evening cruise from the piers for night‑time views of the Statue of Liberty and the illuminated skyline. Seeing the city from the water can be a romantic bookend to your earlier arrival by ship.
Festive neighbourhoods: Areas like Greenwich Village, SoHo and the West Village are charming for pre‑Christmas browsing, independent shops and cosy bars. For those who want to go further afield, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for houses lavishly decked out in Christmas lights.
Shopping and seasonal treats
Explore classic stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue for holiday sales and special festive departments.
Seek out smaller boutiques in neighbourhoods like Nolita or the East Village for unique gifts.
Indulge in seasonal flavours: pumpkin‑spiced everything earlier in the month, then eggnog lattes, festive cocktails and decadent desserts as Christmas approaches.
Bringing it all together
This itinerary works so well because it turns the journey itself into part of the holiday story. Rather than braving crowded airports and arriving into New York tired, you glide across the Atlantic in style on Queen Mary 2, with seven full days to unwind, dress up, and be looked after. By the time the Manhattan skyline appears, you are rested enough to really enjoy the city.
Then comes the second act: five nights in the heart of New York, with the freedom to choose from world‑class festive experiences. You can make the trip as relaxed or as packed as you like, from gentle winter walks and leisurely shopping to Broadway shows, iconic ice skating and big‑ticket Christmas performances.
Example package price
From only £2,900 per person
(plus £90 mandatory resort fees payable locally at the hotel)
Your example package includes:
- 7‑night Transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2 from Southampton on 14 December 2027, in an Oceanview stateroom, on an all‑inclusive basis, based on 2 adults sharing
- 5 nights at The Belvedere Hotel New York Times Square, room only
- Direct flight from New York JFK to London Heathrow on 26th December, including 23 kg checked luggage.
- Private transfers in NYC, from QM2 to hotel and from hotel to airport
Alternative stateroom categories (indulge yourself and upgrade to a Grill suite!), hotels, and return flight options are available on request, so this New York Christmas cruise and stay can be tailored to suit your preferences and budget.
If you are looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season, combining Cunard’s classic transatlantic crossing with Christmas in New York offers the best of both worlds: traditional elegance at sea and big‑city sparkle ashore, all carefully coordinated so they can simply enjoy every moment. Get in touch and let us start making your dream trip.
