Christmas - a real fairtale in New York
Cross the Atlantic the way it was meant to be done: with Cunard
There are plenty of ways to get to New York. Very few of them begin with a ship’s horn, a glass of something chilled on your own balcony, and the English coastline slipping away behind you. This package combines three things: a classic Cunard westbound crossing, six nights in the middle of Times Square, and a business class flight home with British Airways.
Seven Nights at Sea
Cunard has been crossing the Atlantic since 1840, and the tradition shows. Sailing westbound from Southampton to New York, you’ll have 7 nights to slow down. You can read on deck, take afternoon tea, catch a show in the evening, or do nothing at all. What's more, with it being festive season, celebrate in Cunard style, where cherished traditions, elegant surroundings, and festive touches create a warm and joyful atmosphere. Savour exceptional festive dining, enjoy live entertainment, and share special moments together throughout your voyage.
You’ll be staying in a balcony stateroom , so you have a private outdoor space. Pull a chair up, wrap yourself in a blanket and watch the horizon. It’s a good spot for morning coffee, and just as good for a nightcap.
There's no rush on a Transatlantic Crossing - Cunard gives you seven nights to unwind onboard, the only ocean liner built solely for this route, so you can spend them exactly as you please. Whether it is a morning stroll on the Promenade Deck, with the sea air on your face, Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room, with a scone in one hand and a perfectly poured brew in the other; a show at the Royal Theatre in the evening and or a pint / nightcap in the Golden Lion before retiring to your room where you get your own slice of privacy to watch the Atlantic go by with nothing but the horizon for company.
Travelling across the ocean on a purpose built liner with Cunard is an event in its own righ: think white-gloved service, gala evenings and timeless glamour. The Queen Mary 2 is designed around art deco and ocean liner influences of this century old tradition of taking a liner across the Atlantic - the sweeping staircases, the grand lounges, the wood panelling and live music spaces. With old-school attentiveness, you will have a polished style of hospitality.
And then there's the arrival: As the Queen Mary 2 glides into New York with the skyline rising ahead of you, you get that city view that no airline can offer you!
You may be in the City that never sleeps - but lets make sure you do, comfortably!
Once you’ve found your land legs, you’ll check in to the Riu Plaza New York Times Square. You’ll arrive on 21 December, so the city is in full festive swing. Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park are all within easy reach, and most can be explored on foot. Six nights gives you room to do it your way with some example options below:
- A Broadway show is a must given you’re in the Theatre District or maybe even the famous Rockettes show at Radio City Hall?
- Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court at the famous Plaza Hotel (or maybe even your Christmas Day dinner?)
- Skating, shopping and the lights along Fifth Avenue
- A slow morning in Central Park, followed by lunch somewhere you stumbled upon
- A gallery afternoon at the Met or MoMA
- A walk along the Brooklyn Bridge
- A sunset or evening cruise of the Hudson River
The famous Radio City Musical Hall - home to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular (courtesy of Kayle Kaupanger)
The gorgeous Christmas Tree at the Rockerfeller Centre (courtesy of Ibrahim Boran)
And when it is time to go home, let's go in style
Acknowledging that you may have done 'a little' shopping and will no doubt have walked plenty of steps, you're going to need a little comfort and that extra luggage allowance on the way home. So, when it is time to head home, you'll fly British Airways in business class. A lie-flat seat, a glass of something cold before take off, a lovely meal, a proper sleep and a morning arrival that will offer a departing hug from your New York experience.
A British Airways flight touching down at JFK with the New York skyline in the background (courtesy of Shui Miles)
What's included:
- A 7-night westbound Transatlantic Crossing aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2, departing Southampton on 14 December 2027 in a balcony stateroom for 2 adults. This includes a premium drinks package and $150 onboard credit;
- 6 nights at the Riu Plaza New York Times Square hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis in a Deluxe Superior Room with King Bed
- British Airways business class flight from New York (Newark) to London Heathrow for 2
- Private business car transfers from port to hotel and hotel to Newark
- 90 minute Manhattan Skyline and Statue Evening Cruise for 2
- New York CityPASS for 2 which provides access to 5 attractions to include the Top of the Rock at the Rockerfeller Center, Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for you to choose from
From £12,915.84 based on two adults sharing - subject to availability and T&Cs. Note that a $199.80 New York Facility Fee is payable locally (approximately £154.26 based on $1 = £0.77) .
All elements in bold / italics are customisable and can be changed; in the case of the excursions these are entirely optional.
Please note that the flights and associated costs reflected in this blog are based on a guide price only as live fares are not yet published for these dates.
Ready to book?
Christmas in New York is a bucket list trip for many to has a way of filling up early. Get in touch with me today on 01789 548574 or 07861 054886 to turn that dream into a reality.
