Slow Down. Disconnect. Then reconnect with the people you love.

When you get this newsletter, John and I will be somewhere off the coast of Newfoundland, aboard the Queen Mary II doing the transatlantic crossing from NYC to Southampton.

The Queen Mary II is an exact replica of the original ocean liner that carried dignitaries and famous people like Churchill, Queen Elizabeth and Phillip, Lady Diana and Charles, Marilyn Monroe, John and Jackie Kennedy, Fred Astaire, and Elizabeth Taylor and her poodles. This grand ship was used heavily during WWII- it carried over 800,000 allied troops to England; so many that Hitler offered a $250,000 bounty to anyone who could sink her! In July 1943, the Queen Mary carried 16,683 people on a single voyage. This remains the world record for the most people ever transported on a single vessel.

After the war, the ship became a joyful nursery- filled with US GI’s war brides and their babies.

So who would enjoy a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary? The Queen Mary II is the only true ocean liner in the world today. She is not a cruise ship- she is an ocean liner. She has 4 stabilizers (not the usual 2) enabling her to give passengers a much smoother ride- especially in places like the North Sea. The ship has been exquisitely detailed and maintained with that old world, luxury ocean liner ambiance.

People who love all things British: If you love afternoon tea- you will be blown away at the afternoon tea service done with great flair and elegance in the Queen's Ballroom each afternoon. It is truly the finest tea service we have ever enjoyed (outside of High Tea served at the Ritz in London, of course). If you enjoy English pubs- the food, the beer, the ambiance, you will find your home at The Golden Lion Pub. If you love Downton Abbey, The Crown or anything on Brit Box, you will love being aboard the QM2.

People who love history- There is an entire long hallway dedicated to pictures and letters from the famous (like the Kennedys) and the regular folks (soldiers and war brides) that enjoyed the Queen Mary’s transatlantic crossing. I have spent many a happy hour enjoying the pictures and the stories in that historic hallway.

People who have time- The transatlantic crossing takes about 7 days. The great news is- you arrive in the UK refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of your trip. We have a number of clients who enjoy the slower pace of travel afforded by a transatlantic crossing.

People who love to dance- On a seven-night cruise, there are two Gala Evenings aboard ship. The ship is transformed into a giant elegant party focused on one of these themes: Black and White Ball, Masquerade Ball, The Roaring twenties, Red and Gold (Cunard’s signature colors). The 17-piece orchestra plays ballroom dancing music in the Queen Ballroom and everyone is dressed to the nines. We love to dance and I love to see John dressed up in his tuxedo. If you are a solo traveler, no worries They have gentleman and lady dance escorts at each gala and they make great dance partners. (Note: if attending a Gala is not your thing, no worries. You can eat at one of the casual restaurants and find plenty of other fun things to do.)

People who are lifelong learners- For those who think 7 days on a ship would be boring, let me set you straight! Each day, they offer about 80 different activities, and the vast majority are complimentary- classes, lectures, plays, games, movies, sporting events, etc. We love to take all of the dance classes- all the various ballroom dances and line dancing. They offer a variety of exercise classes, art classes (I am planning to take a watercolor class this time), computer skills classes, fencing (yes- if they offer fencing on our voyage- I am definitely going to take fencing!). They offer fascinating lectures. We were on the QM2 NYC to Quebec City 2 years ago, and we listened to fascinating lectures by an MD who was also an astronaut. He told us about training to become an astronaut and about life aboard the ISS.

Those who want to bring their dog- Yes, the QM2 has a lovely kennel and your pooch will be treated like royalty.

People who love the idea of having a Planetarium at sea: Yes! The QM2 is the only ship in the world that has a planetarium on the ship. We listened so some fascinating lectures and watched some amazing programs about the universe during our previous QM2 cruises.

People who like to keep an eye on their travel budget- as with all ships, you can choose the accommodations that match your budget- from an inside stateroom to a Grand Duplex, a 2-story suite of rooms measuring 2,249 square feet and comes, of course, with your own private butler. We opted for a balcony suite- because I love to sit out in the fresh air with my bible and cup of coffee to start my day.

Like the idea of sailing on the QM2 but no time for a transatlantic crossing? No worries. The Queen Mary 2 sails all over the world. You may prefer to cruise NYC to Quebec City or around the UK or up to the Fjords in Norway.

Oh goodness! It’s time for afternoon tea in the Queens Ballroom so I must be off!

Until next time, remember- your adventure awaits!