From Southampton to Skyscrapers: A Cunard Christmas in New York

Why a December Transatlantic Crossing?

December is a wonderful time to cross the Atlantic. The focus is on cosiness and atmosphere rather than sunbathing on deck:

• Settle into your chosen stateroom, unpack once and let the ship carry you across the ocean.
• Enjoy lectures, live music, daily activities and traditional afternoon tea.
• Dress up for gala evenings, cocktails and fine dining, then perhaps a dance in the ballroom.
• Gain an hour as you sail west, arriving in New York with far less jet lag than you would by flying.

Given the season, an ocean view cabin works beautifully, since you will spend more time enjoying the ship’s lounges, dining and entertainment rather than your balcony.

For this particular departure, guideline prices including your flight home from JFK are:

• Inside cabin with economy flight from £6,728
• Ocean view cabin with premium economy flight from £9,369
• Balcony cabin with business‑class‑style Club cabin flight from £11,172
• Princess Grill suite with business class flight from £17,408

All prices are per couple and are a guide only, but they give a sense of how you can match your on‑board comfort with your preferred flight style home.

Arriving in New York on 21 December 2027

There are few travel moments as special as sailing into New York. As you glide into port on 21 December, the skyline rises ahead, the Statue of Liberty stands to one side and the city is wrapped in its festive finery.

Instead of being funnelled through a crowded airport, you step off your ship and are transferred into Manhattan to begin your five‑night stay at the Hilton New York Fashion District, in the Greenwich Village / Chelsea area. This location puts you within easy reach of both Midtown’s big‑name sights and downtown’s characterful neighbourhoods.

Five Festive Nights in New York

Here is how you might spend your five nights, with plenty of flexibility to make it your own.

Rockefeller Skating & Fifth Avenue Lights

No Christmas trip to New York is complete without visiting Rockefeller Center. Here you can:

• Skate beneath the world‑famous Christmas tree at the Rockefeller ice rink.
• Wander along Fifth Avenue, taking in the spectacular festive window displays and twinkling lights.

It is the perfect way to ease yourself into the city after your crossing, especially as dusk falls and the lights flicker on.

Top of the Rock: A Better View than the Empire State

If you only do one observation deck, make it Top of the Rock. Many people consider it better than the Empire State Building for one simple reason: from Top of the Rock you actually see the Empire State itself as part of the skyline, along with Central Park stretching out to the north.

Book a late‑afternoon or early‑evening slot to watch the city shift from golden hour to glittering night.

Central Park in the Snow

If you are lucky enough to catch a snowfall, Central Park becomes a winter wonderland. Even without snow, it is a beautiful place for a crisp winter walk:

• Wander past Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and the lake.
• Warm up in a café or with a hot chocolate on the Upper West Side.

There is something very special about seeing this famous park in its winter coat before returning to the buzz of Midtown or the cosier, village‑like streets of Greenwich Village and Chelsea.

Day Trips by Train: Connecticut, Philadelphia or Washington

With five nights in New York you also have time to dip your toe into somewhere new. From Manhattan you can board an Amtrak or regional train and be in a different state in just a couple of hours:

• Connecticut: Head north for charming coastal towns, pretty New England scenery and a slower pace.
• Philadelphia: Packed with history, from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell, plus a great food scene.
• Washington DC: Monument‑lined avenues, the Smithsonian museums and the White House all within easy reach.

These make excellent day trips for those who want to add another layer of discovery to their New York stay.

Your New York Base: Hilton New York Fashion District

You will be staying at the Hilton New York Fashion District, in the Greenwich Village / Chelsea area. This is an ideal base for:

• Easy access to both downtown neighbourhoods and Midtown icons.
• Great local restaurants, bars and cafés that feel more “local New Yorker” than tourist trail.
• Simple subway connections to reach the whole city, from Central Park to Brooklyn.

After full days of festive exploring, you have a comfortable, well‑located base to return to each evening.

Matching the Journey to Your Style

One of the joys of this itinerary is how easily it can be tailored:

• Choose from inside, ocean view, balcony or Princess Grill on the crossing.
• Pair your cabin with the level of comfort you prefer on your flight home: economy, premium, Club‑style cabin or full business class.
• Shape your New York days around what you love most: shopping, shows, museums, food, or festive lights.
• Add day trips to places like Connecticut, Philadelphia or Washington if you want to see beyond the city.

As your personal Travel Counsellor, I can refine every detail: from the best‑value dates and cabin category for you, to timed tickets for skating, Top of the Rock and Broadway shows, plus rail arrangements for any side trips you would like to include.

If you like the idea of sailing into New York just before Christmas and spending five unforgettable nights in the city, contact me and I will put together your own bespoke version of this very special 2027 journey.