Has anyone done the transatlantic on QM2

[StiffyByngsDogBartholomew]

when DH and I retire We plan on having a two year "gap year" travelling. Mostly camper van etc, cheap apartment rentals etc. many pleasant hours are whiled away fantasising about these travels. however there are two bucket list items, being flying 1st class which we will do from europe to Sydney probably on Emirates as the way to get the best out of a first class ticket (long flight, chauffeur transfer to airport, stopover in Dubai for lounge experience)

and I want to do the eastbound TA crossing to come home at the end of our travels. Has anyone travelled on QM2 ? If we do it I want to do it in style and was wondering whether the queens grill are really worth the eye watering price . I've got visions of it being all First Class on the Titanic. Also when's the best time ? I've also got romantic ideas of being in New York for several weeks in December then coming home on the last crossing before Christmas...

My dad & stepmum did this, maybe 5x.
To avoid jetlag.
I think there's a range of activity & budgets, but mostly

very old people
generally well off
mountains of sumptuous food
very dressed up for dinner
Lots of card games!

totally get a cabin with balcony if you can afford it, at very least some windows.

Getting off at Southampton they always found a challenge, maybe with timings?

My folks usually arrived in September,can't help you with December option.

Dressy, overfed, old people playing cards sounds just our cup of tea ! At least we stand a chance of being some of the youngest 😂

we generally just go with the cheapest room wherever we go as we generally just sleep in it but I dunno. Maybe I'd rather spend the money on a flashy hotel elsewhere or in the bar !

It’s better going the other way. Sailing past the Statue of Liberty into New York is quite an emotional experience.

We've already been to New York and kind of planned the cruise to be the final leg of our travels, it's the only cruise that appeals to me other than a dive boat or the Antarctic so we have pretty much got our heart set on eastbound although I do take your point about it being a fab way to enter NYC

im hoping we can afford a month there, I'd love to get a taste of what it must be like to live there

I'm a pretty avid cruiser and was a bit disappointed with my one and only time on Cunard. While the ship (not QM2) was gorgeous, the food, entertainment and service was hit and miss. Certainly no better than most of the mass market lines I've sailed with.

The majority of passengers weren't just old, they were ancient, and the main topics of conversation were bragging about cruising and complaining about cruising.

We still had a great time, but it wasn't quite the special experience I hoped for.

I'd almost always recommend a balcony cabin for cruising but really don't think you'd get any use out of one crossing the Atlantic in December. A window would be nice though, my other trick if I can only afford an inside room is to look at deck plans and carefully choose one that's just a few steps from an outside deck.

We boarded the QM2 in New York and sailed to the Caribbean where we visited several islands over Christmas and New Year. The passengers are mainly older, you get shushed by Brits if you talk in the library room, and you may not get scintillating conversation from fellow passengers at your table. The entertainment and talks were good and you will need evening wear.
There's lots of shopping on board and even an art gallery.

We had a cabin with a seated tv viewing area, a balcony and welcome floral arrangement with a bottle of champagne on arrival. TBH, it was okay but a bit stuffy.

My parents have done this a few times, mainly to avoid jet lag as per PP. they’ve enjoyed it but it’s quite old school as others have said. Probably worth it as a one off. The only thing is that it can get quite rough in the winter. They went over the other way in November once and there was one day where most of the entertainment etc was cancelled as waves so big so effectively in your room for a day. My parents are pretty good sailors and don’t get sea sick but something to bear in mind re a December sailing.

P.s. hope you enjoy your retirement gap year(s). Sounds fabulous!

My folks played Bridge for days. They love Bridge so very happy with that. Dad also gambles (poker). A card-playing cruise is his idea of Heaven.

My friend hates flying and so does this. They get cheaper last minute tickets

Many ships come over in spring, I’d be tempted to do it on a different line then instead, mainly because I don’t like the dressing up on Cunard. I would prefer to sail the Atlantic on Regent, Silversea, Seabourn or similar. Maybe one of Oceania’s bigger ships. Or even suite class on Celebrity.