Christmas 2027: What If Next Year You Did Something Completely Different?

The voyage: Southampton to New York

On 14 December 2027, step aboard Queen Mary 2 in Southampton for a westbound transatlantic crossing. With six full days at sea before your scheduled arrival in Brooklyn on 21 December, the journey itself becomes part of the celebration. There is no airport rush, just the wonderful anticipation of approaching New York by sea.

Queen Mary 2 is no ordinary cruise ship. She is a purpose-built ocean liner, designed for the North Atlantic, with a deeper hull, expansive public rooms and the unmistakable sense of occasion that makes an ocean crossing feel special. Her sweeping decks, grand staircases, beautiful lounges and elegant dining rooms evoke the golden age of travel.

Six days to slow down and savour

Wake to an unhurried breakfast overlooking the ocean. Spend the morning with a book from the ship’s impressive library, attend a fascinating guest lecture or take a brisk walk on deck. In the afternoon, enjoy Cunard’s famous white-gloved afternoon tea, browse the shops, or treat yourself to some spa time.

One of Queen Mary 2’s most unusual features is her planetarium, where immersive presentations bring the night sky to life. She also has dedicated kennels on selected transatlantic voyages, a rarity at sea, subject to advance booking and availability.

After dark, dress up for a gala evening, enjoy live music or ballroom dancing in the Queens Room, see a performance in the Royal Court Theatre, or settle into a quieter lounge for a nightcap. Whether you enjoy a glamorous evening or a relaxed one, there is room for both.

Dining, White Star Service and festive touches

Cunard’s celebrated White Star Service is part of the pleasure: polished, attentive hospitality without feeling overly formal. Your days can include relaxed meals, elegant multi-course dining, casual options and traditional afternoon tea. Speciality dining, drinks and certain spa experiences may cost extra.

At this time of year, Queen Mary 2 traditionally embraces the festive season with Christmas trees, garlands, seasonal menus, music and themed entertainment. The precise programme for this particular sailing will be confirmed nearer departure, but the atmosphere promises to be wonderfully celebratory.

Your ocean-view retreat

For this proposed Christmas voyage, the selected accommodation is an Oceanview stateroom (BC Grade), cabin 8111 on Deck 8. Its picture window brings natural light and ever-changing Atlantic views, while the comfortable bed, private shower room, seating area, storage and in-room amenities make it a welcoming retreat between activities. It is an appealing balance of comfort and value: a proper view of the sea without stepping up to a balcony category. Cabin allocation and exact fittings should be reconfirmed at booking.

21 December: New York by sea

Few arrivals compare with the excitement of seeing the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline emerge as Queen Mary 2 approaches New York. After disembarking in Brooklyn, make your way to Midtown, where five nights of Christmas magic await. New York is one of my personal favourite places, and at Christmas the city feels like stepping straight into a film.

Five nights at the Royalton New York

For your stay from 21 to 26 December, I have selected the Royalton New York at 44 West 44th Street: a characterful boutique hotel in a superb Midtown location. Bryant Park, Times Square, Broadway, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center are all within easy reach, which is particularly valuable on cold December evenings.

Your City View Alcove Suite, with one king bed, is an indulgent step above an ordinary city room. The hotel describes a separate living area with seating, a fireplace, a distinctive soaking tub, rainfall shower and luxurious bedding. Interiors by Roman and Williams give the property a sophisticated, design-led personality.

The Royalton is not the cheapest four-star option, and I would not suggest that its star rating alone justifies a premium. The appeal is the combination of its sought-after location, boutique character and upgraded suite, especially at Christmas when central Manhattan is in high demand. It is an excellent base for a couple who want to explore on foot, then return somewhere stylish and comfortable. The stay is room only, leaving you free to try New York’s wonderful cafés and restaurants. Specific hotel Christmas events are not confirmed.

The New York Christmas moments worth travelling for

Rockefeller Center

Stand beneath the enormous illuminated Christmas tree, admire the famous ice rink and golden Prometheus statue, and soak up the festive atmosphere. For another unforgettable perspective, consider visiting Top of the Rock.

The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

The Christmas Spectacular is a New York institution, combining the Rockettes’ extraordinary precision dancing and signature high kicks with dazzling costumes, music and theatrical Christmas scenes. It makes a wonderful special-occasion evening.

Central Park, The Plaza and movie magic

Skate at Wollman Rink with the Manhattan skyline behind you, or simply watch from the sidelines with a hot chocolate. Nearby, The Plaza Hotel is instantly recognisable from Home Alone 2. A guided film-location walk can bring scenes from Elf, Home Alone 2 and When Harry Met Sally to life. A horse-drawn carriage ride is another romantic possibility, subject to operating conditions and personal preference.

Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park

Stroll past the elaborate seasonal shop windows of Fifth Avenue, including Bergdorf Goodman and Saks, then wander through Bryant Park’s Winter Village for seasonal stalls, an ice rink and festive treats. Window displays and individual events can vary each year.

The tastes of Christmas in New York

Begin with a fresh New York bagel and coffee, warm up with a rich hot chocolate, share a slice of New York cheesecake or try a classic pastrami sandwich. Look out for pretzels and roasted chestnuts from street vendors. For a memorable treat, reserve festive afternoon tea at The Plaza or a special Christmas Day meal at a restaurant taking holiday bookings.

Christmas Day without the usual routine

Imagine waking up in Manhattan on Christmas morning, heading out for a peaceful stroll in Central Park and enjoying a special lunch or dinner with no cooking, clearing up or rushing between commitments. Some attractions and restaurants close or reduce their hours on Christmas Day, so advance planning is important. But that is part of the pleasure of having everything thoughtfully arranged.

Home for the rest of the Christmas break

On Boxing Day, 26 December, you will leave New York on a direct overnight flight to London Heathrow, arriving on 27 December, subject to the confirmed airline schedule. Transfers from the Brooklyn cruise terminal to the Royalton, and from the hotel to the airport, can be arranged for a smooth experience.

You will be home in time to enjoy the rest of the festive break with family and friends, bringing back photographs, stories and memories of a Christmas that was completely different from all the others.

Because the best Christmas presents are not always wrapped

Perhaps your children will be making their own plans next Christmas, or perhaps you have a retirement, anniversary or milestone birthday to mark. Rather than another gift to unwrap, why not give yourselves a journey you will always remember? Planning now, in November 2026, means time to explore the options and shape Christmas 2027 around what matters to you.

One iconic ocean liner. Six unhurried days at sea. Five nights in New York at its sparkling best. A very different way to spend Christmas together.

If Christmas 2027 is the year you want to do something different, get in touch and I would love to help you plan it.