New to Transatlantic

Hi all,

I'm coming under increasing pressure to do a TA, which I'm not entirely unhappy about. If I'm going to do I want to do it in style, hence me posting on this forum.

My (first?) question relates to the days at sea. We have always booked cruises based on their itinerary, and if there are more than a couple of consecutive days at sea between stops I go a little stir crazy. I'm happy sitting by the pool or in a comfy lounge reading, but I'm concerned that on a TA there wont be enough to occupy us. We're not into the usual trivia, bingo, art 'auctions' that can go on on sea days, and I'm wondering what Cunard put on, and how people occupy themselves for a week being confined to the ship. I understand that set activities can last an hour or so at a time, but even doing, say, a ballroom dance class every day we're going to be struggling to find things to fill our days with.

Any information would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Martin,

If you have a look in the sticky here, there are examples of Daily Programmes from crossings and also a spreadsheet put together by one of our posters showing activities across the 7 days of his crossing.

Thanks Hattie :)

Cunard excels at keeping passengers entertained on sea days because 1) that's all you get on a TA and 2) the outside weather is often inhospitable to outdoor recreation.

Here's a list of the Insights speakers for 2017 voyages:

http://www.cunard.com/Documents/Enrichment/QM2insights_2017.pdf

If you take an EB, your days will be short by one hour. To adjust for 5 time zones the clocks are advanced one hour at Noon on five days. So you'll have a short afternoon! There's the regular Noon operational update and the next thing you know it's 1:08.

Thanks for that posting Blue Riband. It looks like the former head of MI6 is going to be on my crossing. I think I will enjoy that very much. Owlhelm, You will find that there are many activities on board. In addition to the speakers, there will be musical soloists and groups around the ship several times per day. QM2 has an excellent Library, and the only planetarium at sea. They also screen recent movies on the big screen as well. And you will find a lovely pub for a pint or fish and chips. And then there are the shows in the Theatre twice every evening. And there is the casino, bingo and other activities. You will need a nap every now and then, just to catch up.

Don't forget there are also art classes which I find very relaxing.

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I always loved the old line about crossings: "5 days at sea with nothing to do and not enough time to do it all". Of course now it is 7 days but you get the point. I have never ever felt bored on a crossing. The days simply fill up.

During my one and only TA, I found myself unable to fit in all of the lectures, classes, and other activities that interested me because I used the fitness room every morning (very well equipped) and spent some time in the Canyon Ranch spa every day either having a treatment, using the thermal pool and saunas, or both. I also don't participate in bingo or trivia games, but I was very busy with:

Dance and Fencing classes

Lectures

High Tea one afternoon

Outdoor sports on decent days (table tennis, shuffleboard, walking the promenade)

Swimming in the pool with the retractable roof, regardless of weather

Casino

Evening shows

Musical events

Finding Homer Simpson on the bronze bas relief

Food, food everywhere

Cocktails and wine seminars

Computer and art classes

Primping and preening to prepare for evening dress up.

Believe me, you will only be bored if you want to be bored.

 

Believe me, you will only be bored if you want to be bored.

My sentiments, exactly! And don't forget your daily promenade walk (conditions allowing).

Go and enjoy it!

Fencing classes

Fencing classes? Oh yes!

Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!

Ok, you've all convinced me. Time to give the boss the go-ahead.

Cheers.

M.

Hi all,

 

I'm coming under increasing pressure to do a TA, which I'm not entirely unhappy about. If I'm going to do I want to do it in style, hence me posting on this forum.

 

My (first?) question relates to the days at sea. We have always booked cruises based on their itinerary, and if there are more than a couple of consecutive days at sea between stops I go a little stir crazy. I'm happy sitting by the pool or in a comfy lounge reading, but I'm concerned that on a TA there wont be enough to occupy us. We're not into the usual trivia, bingo, art 'auctions' that can go on on sea days, and I'm wondering what Cunard put on, and how people occupy themselves for a week being confined to the ship. I understand that set activities can last an hour or so at a time, but even doing, say, a ballroom dance class every day we're going to be struggling to find things to fill our days with.

 

Any information would be gratefully received.

 

Thanks

 

Martin,

Good afternoon Martin.

I can offer this review of mine that generally covers most points of a 7 Day crossing...

https://solentrichardscruiseblog.com/2017/01/02/queen-mary-2-remastered-trans-atlantic/

The last thing that should concern you is being occupied during the day. My problems always revolve around trying to fit everything in.

I also add that there is a good fitness center on board, so if you are motivated, you can spend some time everyday working off those calories from all the food and drink!

Martin, I understand! I love port intensive cruises. Then I ended up doing a BACK TO BACK TA. It was like 16 days. We got off for a few hours in Southampton and got back on the ship to return to Brooklyn! (There was a reason for this- I was recovering from a broken hip, my home was being renovated and I could be driven to the port.)

There were a few times that I felt a bit stir crazy, but it quickly passed. Everybody seems to get in a rythym. There are the walkers, the crafters, trivia people, spa people, etc. You will find your own groove! My daughter and I didn't do many of the activities and none of the shows and had a grand time. If you can, try and travel in the Grills. It was a fabulous experience!

Then, I shall see you at fencing class, Martin. Unless, of course, you see me first! :o