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Our two week family cruise, booked by Nikki from NC Travel, departed from Southampton which meant we didn’t have to fly. So unpacking only happened once which is such a plus on any holiday.
We chose to travel in autumn which meant the crossing was a bit chilly and damp, but the facilities on board this magnificent ship more than compensated for the bracing sea air on deck!
We have cruised before but this one proved to be our favourite. What’s not to like with our adjoining sea view cabins both with lounge areas, bathrooms/ shower and plenty of storage and cosmetics provided for all. Even the balcony was a bonus for those brave enough to venture out.
Queen Mary II, which is the flagship of the Cunard fleet, offers complete luxury at every turn. A two week cruise sails by when you have such facilities as cafes, bars, dining areas, buffets, restaurants, theatres, hair salons, gym space, large library, shops, lounges, on board workshops for dance, art, talks and so much more.
On QMII you can eat for 24 hours a day in a wide variety of locations, be it informal or formal, there is something for everyone and you never tire of trying something different.
Our personal favourite was dressing up for the formal evenings and sampling food from all over the world at the renowned buffet that stretches for miles (nautical ones of course!)
We also indulged in the famous afternoon teas known as ‘a prized daily ritual’ accompanied by an orchestra. Such decadence.
Obviously the destination of the round trip was New York and even though we arrived at 3:00am, we rose early and from the deck of this famous ship we watched the horizon transform from darkness to millions of lights and then into the iconic NY skyline with the early morning sun glinting between the skyscrapers that reached for the heavens.
We were only in New York for a day so we booked a guided tour which was perfect for us as we saw all the famous sights in a few hours. Perhaps one day we will re-visit in a more leisurely manner.
Nikki is very helpful, dedicated and extremely knowledgeable and is always there when forms need filling out. For us, she is our very own personal travel agent and we cannot fault her service to our family.
Janet, Roger, Adel & Karina Wilson
