Destinations Transatlantic Queen Mary 2

What to do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing: activities, tips, and must‑dos

Art classes. Theatre shows. Afternoon Tea. With so much to do on Queen Mary 2, you may find yourself wishing the Atlantic were even wider. Here’s how your Transatlantic Crossing could unfold, one unforgettable day at a time.

3 min 13 May 2026

Cristina Azorin

Cunard writer

Day 1 – Southampton to celebration

Day 2 – Finding your rhythm

Day 3 – Curiosity takes the lead

Day 4 – The fine art of doing very little

Day 5 – A taste of tradition

Day 6 – The Atlantic, all to yourself

Day 7 – Disembark Queen Mary 2 in New York

Top three experiences to try on a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing

Ready to experience life on the Atlantic waves?

Day 1 – Southampton to celebration

Your Transatlantic Crossing begins as every Cunard cruise does, with a warm welcome from our crew as you step on board for the very first time.

In your stateroom, complimentary sparkling wine turns unpacking into a pleasure – not least if you’re staying in a Queens Grill Suite, where your butler will happily take care of it for you.

As Queen Mary 2 eases from shore, the Sailaway Party begins. Glass in hand, music in the air, and the coastline drifting by, it’s the perfect way to toast to adventures ahead.

After a quick change, it’s on to dinner in your main dining room. Meals here are included in your voyage fare, and the menu changes daily, making each evening a delicious discovery.

After dinner, many guests like to indulge in a zodiac‑themed cocktail in the Chart Room. Another popular activity on Queen Mary 2 is her G32 nightclub. Open when the rest of the ship is sleeping, it’s perfect for night owls looking to dance into the early hours.

Day 2 – finding your rhythm

Your first full day at sea is all about discovering your pace. Some Queen Mary 2 guests like to start the day with breakfast in bed, a morning stretch at the gym, or a watercolour art class. If you’re a fan of French patisserie, Carinthia Lounge’s pastries are also dangerously delicious…

In the afternoon, you might choose to browse Queen Mary 2’s boutiques, perhaps treating yourself to a pair of sunglasses or a designer fragrance. The Cunard shop, home to branded bears and tote bags, is another excellent place to find a holiday keepsake.

Tonight is likely to be your first Gala Evening, and a salon blow-dry or manicure at Mareel Wellness & Beauty is the perfect way to prepare. Once dressed, be sure to stop by the Grand Lobby for a portrait taken by our ship’s photographer.

After dinner, the Royal Court Theatre beckons. Catching a show here is one of the most popular things to do on a Transatlantic Crossing. As is customary on our Queens, performances change daily with West End‑style plays, musical productions, and guest bands among the highlights.

It’s a similar story in the Queens Room, where our resident band’s set list could see you dancing to Motown hits one night and big‑band classics the next.

Day 3 – curiosity takes the lead

Today is for learning, tasting, and trying something new. After a buffet-style breakfast in Kings Court, you could find yourself tempted by an on board activity. You’ll find plenty to choose from. Foil fencing classes (yes, fencing – en garde!). A blackjack lesson in the casino. Or maybe just practising your swing in the golf nets.

Another popular activity on a Transatlantic Crossing is a Cunard Insights talk. Queen Mary 2 attracts guest speakers from all corners of the world, and their stories have a way of staying with you. Many guests on board also enjoy the Behind the Scenes tour, where you’ll glimpse areas of the ship usually reserved for crew eyes only.

When hunger sets in, a Lunch & Learn session offers the perfect blend of indulgence and insight. Think beautifully crafted dishes paired with stories from culinary experts. You could even follow it up with another guest favourite – a cocktail masterclass, where we reveal the secrets to some of our signature creations (tasting included, naturally).

Dinner this evening might take you to Steakhouse at The Verandah, where steaks and seafood are elevated to an art form. You’ll even choose your preferred steak knife – one of many thoughtful details that make dining here a must.

You can find out about classes and guest speakers on board by reading the Daily Programme, which is delivered to your stateroom every evening. As for alternative dining, you can browse and book our restaurants and culinary events before you sail on My Cunard, or once on board.

Day 4 – the fine art of doing very little

After two activity-filled days, today is your invitation to slow things down. The sun loungers beckon, as does the library – where you’ll find over 6000 titles to dip into.

Lunch at the poolside grill is a relaxed delight. Fast, flavourful, and served with a side of sea breeze, it’s perfect for a casual bite following a swim.

If you’re feeling playful, a game of deck quoits or table tennis is a charming way to pass an hour. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a four‑legged guest on your travels. Queen Mary 2’s kennels welcome cats and dogs on Transatlantic Crossings, and their daily walks are a heart-warming sight.

As evening approaches, a martini in the Commodore Club is a popular pre‑dinner treat. Many guests like to time their arrival for sunset to catch the golden hour light. Another must-visit venue on Queen Mary 2 is the Laurent‑Perrier Champagne Bar. The only one of its kind at sea, it’s the perfect place to indulge in a crisp glass of fizz during your crossing.

Dinner this evening could see you venture to Kings Court, where – for a supplement – you may find yourself feasting on Asian flavours at Bamboo or Mediterranean favourites at La Piazza.

Day 5 – a taste of tradition

This morning, you might opt for an à la carte breakfast in your main dining room before a dance class in the Queens Room. The chance to showcase your moves in one of the largest ballrooms at sea is, for many guests, a highlight of sailing on Queen Mary 2.

A pub quiz in the Golden Lion, followed by a hearty lunch, is another popular pastime on Transatlantic Crossings. For a supplement, you can enjoy dishes crafted by Michelin‑starred chef, Michel Roux, served in a setting that feels like your favourite local.

Afternoons at sea offer you the chance to indulge in a beloved Cunard ritual: Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. Accompanied by the gentle caress of music, it’s a timeless experience and one of the most popular things to try on a Cunard voyage.

If you’re staying in one of our Grill Suites, you may prefer the exclusive Grill Suites Afternoon Tea, served with ocean views in the elevated ambience of the Princess Grill Restaurant.

If you're still content come suppertime, you might find yourself tempted to dine a little later this evening. You may even skip a traditional meal in favour of room service, perhaps ending the night with warm cocoa and a cookie from the late‑night buffet.

Day 6 – the Atlantic, all to yourself

Many guests use the penultimate day of their Transatlantic Crossing to celebrate everything they’ve come to love about life on the open ocean.

You could start the day with a sunrise walk around the deck, followed by a leisurely breakfast in your main dining room. The remainder of the morning could be spent enjoying another art class, a final spa treatment, or just a quiet hour watching the waves drift by your balcony.

For a light lunch, the charcuterie and small plates at the Carinthia Lounge hit the spot perfectly. Then it’s just a question of how to fill your final afternoon on board. A dance lesson. Some light lifting in the gym. A last look around the art gallery. As ever, the choice is yours.

Tonight, you might return to a favourite restaurant or indulge in a dining experience you’ve been saving. Afterwards, you may find yourself in the theatre, the ballroom, or beneath the stars on deck – each a perfect ending to your Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing in its own way.

Day 7 – disembark Queen Mary 2 in New York

As dawn breaks, many guests like to catch the sight of Manhattan’s skyline emerging from the morning mist. It’s an experience that never fails to stir something deep within. Sailing into New York is pure theatre, and arriving on Queen Mary 2 gives you the best seat in the house.

Your Transatlantic Crossing may be complete, but you disembark already adjusted to local time – with an iconic travel experience ticked off your list and a lifetime of memories to treasure.

And when the ocean calls you back – as it inevitably does – our Queens will be waiting.

Top three experiences to try on a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing

Each day of your Transatlantic Crossing offers a chance to try something completely new or indulge in your favourite Cunard pastimes. While you’ll find each day’s activities in your Daily Programme, here are our top three recommendations of the best things to do on board if you’re sailing on this iconic Queen Mary 2 voyage for the very first time.

1. Indulge in Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room

Included in your voyage fare, Afternoon Tea is a must-try experience on a Transatlantic Crossing. We won’t reveal too much about why this daily event on our Queens is so special, but it’s become a legendary rite of passage among Cunard fans for good reason.

2. Savour a cocktail at sunset at the Commodore Club

There’s something extra magical about ocean sunsets, and nowhere on board frames them better than the Commodore Club. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to secure one of the highly coveted window tables - the views from here are the best in the house.

3. Be inspired by a Cunard Insights talk in the Royal Court Theatre

There’s no better way to enrich a Transatlantic Crossing than with a Cunard Insights talk. It’s an experience many guests count among the most memorable parts of their voyage, bringing thought‑provoking stories to life on the Royal Court Theatre stage.