In Sept 2006 I was lucky enough to be ' sent' to America for a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic crossing. I did it the 'proper' way I flew to New York and sailed home! Arriving in New York was an eye opener, I loved it. My only sadness was that I wasnt going to be spending any time in the city. I, if I was lucky enough to do it again, would fly a couple of days earlier and explore the city as I feel I missed out there.
My only gripe about Cunard was the transfer, the first coach didnt arrive. The second broke down and the next replacement came with a driver who like us, was new to America and didnt know where he was going!! At one point he even asked us for directions!! He took us to an old paddle steamer and said " here you are the Queen Mary2". I howled with laughter and someone at the front kindly told him no it wasnt! He was adamant it was, and happily argued for a while before he agreed maybe this old paddle boat wasnt the grand ocean liner we were to stay on.
My only gripe about Cunard was the transfer, the first coach didnt arrive. The second broke down and the next replacement came with a driver who like us, was new to America and didnt know where he was going!! At one point he even asked us for directions!! He took us to an old paddle steamer and said " here you are the Queen Mary2". I howled with laughter and someone at the front kindly told him no it wasnt! He was adamant it was, and happily argued for a while before he agreed maybe this old paddle boat wasnt the grand ocean liner we were to stay on.
I loved this trip and could talk for hours about all there was to do and eat and drink.
My very favourite thing was in the morning and late afternoon sitting on my balcony with a drink and looking out to sea and seeing nothing but water. It was peaceful, no mobiles, as they cant get any signal , no hustle and bustle of daily life. You have no choice but to mentally unwind as the quiet and peace envelopes you. The stars at night are just llike seeing a light show, and to sit there and watch them and hear nothing but the rush of the water is amazing.
When we arrived back home and we saw the port lights it makes you want to shout land ahoy".
Leaving the Ship was as easy and pleasant an experience as embarking. The best bit of disembarking for me was that my family were there, smiling and waving hello..... I later found out they had lived on take aways and wanted a home cooked meal. If I had have known this Iwould have turned around and sailed happily back to America.
Maybe one day I can do it again.The only difference being I would stay in New york for a few days and get myself to the ship via yellow cab .Other than that I wouldn't change a thing. 
