US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I received an e-mail today from Cunard.

They have a special sale on to sail on the Queen Mary 2 between New York & Southampton (and vice versa). Passengers get a free double upgrade eg. from an inside cabin (D8) to a Premium Balcony (B5). There is also a $150 shipboard credit.

Fares are as low as $895 NY-Soton Jan 2013. There are numerous other dates between now and Jan 2013 with various discounted prices.

Must book by 7th June and deposits are non-refundable.

All info on http://www.cunard.com

Don't forget......you can take as much luggage as you want as long as it will fit inside your cabin (state room) and all food is included.....much cheaper than flying across the pond and a mini-holiday on the journey too!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Thanks for posting this. We are considering doing this in July. Do you if it is really formal on board, I don't know if I want to put posh frocks on every night. Not that I have many.:)

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I told Dh we are going home that way. I compared the cheaper cabins with flights, for three of us, and then added the flight to NY and the train from Southampton and it came out just about even and we'd get a holiday to boot. So now we'll see if I can get us one after we sell the house. I really wish this was next years sale!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I was reading on the cunard site you can go formal each night if you like, so many, 2 or 3, nights are formal, and if you don't want to do that, you can eat in one of the other places they have instead of the dining rooms and it said you could opt for room service too.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I would love to do this!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Look for posts in the MBTTUK forum from Calle (there is a hyphen above the 'e', as in cafe but I don't know how to type it!) She sailed to the UK with her spouse, children and pets in a quad cabin:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341555 (she made more than one post in this thread)

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=344267

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310324

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I think its a fantastic experience to make the journey by sea if you're able to. When my family went to Canada in 1966 we did just that, leaving Southampton and arriving in Halifax, NS a week later...46 years ago yesterday as a matter of fact. It's a very memorable holiday. The sentimental part of me would have loved to have sailed back into Southampton last year when I returned home to live but it just wasn't practical. I had to settle for a 4am arrival in Gatwick when I came back but at the end of the day it was still great to be home.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Another site for bookings is www.vacationstogo.com.
It has some very cheap fares for last minute bookings.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

So excited!!!!

Have just booked our voyage home for the August 3rd sailing! I would never have thought of going via sea until I read about it here - gotta love BE!!!! :thumbup: Thank you Englishmum for posting.

We got 2 sheltered balcony staterooms for $4470 including taxes and fees. One way airfares from CA this summer are in that ballpark :eek:

7 days relaxing with all meals and entertainment included, and no jetlag, vs. 11 hours in cattle class and then having to contend with Heathrow = no brainer.

We'll fly to NY and spend a couple of days there before setting sail. It will be a wonderful end to our time in the US. And we will avoid the madness of Heathrow during the Olympics! Win win!! :thumbsup:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Pombat, that is fantastic news. What a great trip that will be. I have been looking at the dates available, but the July date is too early and the Aug date is a bit late for us. Our house closes on 19th July, so we would have to rent for a couple of weeks. Having said that, I may go to visit a friend in Ontario for a bit, on our way back, so that would eat up some time.

Wouldn't that be coincidence if we went home of the same trip as you. I'll let you if we decide to go on 3 Aug trip.:)

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Excellent :thumbsup:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Don't wait too long - the sale ends tomorrow.......

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Did you buy your tickets through MITF's link, directly with Cunard?

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Yes, I looked for other sites and promo codes but the Diamond Jubilee sale prices were the lowest anywhere.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

oooh, I've always wanted to go on a cruise and this has got me thinking - are there cruises that go from Australia via US back to Southampton and is it possible to book a one way trip??:thumbsup:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

OMG!!! We have just booked our trip home on the QM2 on 3 Aug. Thank you to Englishmum for the original post and to Pombat for reminding me that the sale ends tomorrow, otherwise I would have missed the sale & the sail!

Pombat, I owe you a cocktail for that. Or a cuppa if you prefer.:)

I am so excited, I can't believe we are going to sail to the UK. My great aunt sailed from the UK to New York in the early nineteen twenties. She settled in Florida, but always wanted to go back to Scotland to live. She never did. Now I feel like I am completing her journey and it feels very poignant that I am going by ship just like she did all those years ago.:starsmile:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

That's fantastic, well done! We'll see you on board!!!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Well, well, well! I'm so glad I started this thread and posted the link. I can hardly believe that two of the posters on MBTTUK are actually now going 'home' to the UK on the QM2! How cool is that?! :thumbsup:

What an exciting way to cross the pond - I'm jealous....can you smuggle me onboard in your luggage lol? :lol: Those fares are amazing, especially when you consider the cost of flying in peak season and all those airline taxes.

I might have to come and say 'au revoir' if I'm still in New Jersey in early August, I only live 40 minutes from Manhatten.

There are some reviews of the QM2 here (and forums) if you want to look up the reports from the passengers who did the transatlantic crossings on the ship:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/...cfm?ShipID=294

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberre...hip&ShipID=294

I did like the sound of the 'Golden Lion Pub'...bangers and mash, mmmm ;)

ENJOY! :thumbsup::thumbup:


PS: I don't know if your flights have been booked yet or which airports you will be flying out of to get to New York. However, check out Virgin America. I've heard that it's a really nice airline and not miserable surly staff unlike the US legacy carriers:

http://virginamerica.com/

http://virginamerica.com/travel/flight-routes.html

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I hope you all have a really lovely time!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Congratulations to all sailing home!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Going back on QM2 in July 2013 already booked! :thumbsup:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Congratulations! I think us BE'rs should get a group discount. Pombat and I will report back on our voyage. Would you like us to include a calorie count?:lol:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

:lol: no way that would be far too scary! :lol:

I have been on a couple of cruises so I already know I eat far too much on them and put on weight. I always have such high hopes of using the ship gym, but it never happens in reality! :lol:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I think the calorie count is classified information!!!! :eek:

My kids are beyond excited looking at all the onboard activities. With a bit of luck (in the nicest possible way) we won't see them all week, except to eat and sleep :)

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Pombat, you can always hope! I`ve done the journey three times and love it!
Must be something about being waited on hand and foot!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I showed my youngest the on board activities that she could do and she's practically packing her bag already :lol:. So I'm really thinking this might be our way home too. Doing the happy dance it's so exciting, sailing spring of 13 if I am lucky.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Jemima,

do you have tips to share? what time of the year have you travelled? I have no idea what pack as it could be very warm and cool.:)

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

I`ve sailed in May, June and late August.
On the really formal nights its dinner jackets and evening dresses, but people wear a variety of posh stuff. Be aware, though, some women really dress up.
(I was going to say "go overboard" or "push the boat out":rofl:)
Less formal nights it could be nice separates. Dinner in the dining room seems to be a chance to show off your gladrags.
You dont actually have to eat there every night as there are alternative dining places, less formal, but I got used to being waited on hand and foot, marvellous!.
Even in high summer it can be windy, rather than cold, so a fleece or jacket and a shawl for the evening is a good idea.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

thanks Jemima. LOL on "going overboard" and "pushing the boat out". If I am reading your post correctly, then I should just leave my collection of shell suits behind?:lol:

I wish I could learn to copy just part of a post.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Thanks Jemima, that's really helpful. What about kids for the formal nights? My daughter will be delighted to dress up but I'm not so sure about my 13yr old son.....how formal do the kids need to be? He has a suit, will that do?

lf1, when you are quoting, if you start with the entire post to copy, you can just delete the bits you don't want and preview it before you submit your reply.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Pombat, I`d recommend a nice shirt and trousers for your son. I dont really remember the kids getting very dressed up, especially boys!
This is a new departure for me, advising on style matters!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Thanks, Jemima!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Yesterday, we had our garage sale and made over $900. Do you think that will cover our bar bill on the journey home?:lol:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

:lol: it will certainly help :thumbsup:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

You could always increase that in the casino.. ;)

We travelled back to the UK on the QM2 in July 2010 and had an amazing time - really enjoyed it - would certainly recommend the experience.

Before we travelled, I had been reading on a cruise forum and there were all these hints and tips about how to enjoy a cruise and not actually spend any money - things like only drinking the provided tea/coffee, no wine, no cocktails, no casino, not buying any photos etc. When it came time to check out, I noticed that the people ahead of me in the line had only 3 or 4 lines on their bill in their hand - mine stretched onto a 2nd page :thumbsup: We had a goooood time!

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Now there's a thought, the casino. I have just come up with another plan - I'll try using Pombat's cabin number!:lol:

That's what I'm worried about, having a good time and then receiving a bill that is the same thickness as a telephone directory. Maybe I need to have another garage sale.

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Maybe I could send my hat around to fellow posters and we could raise some beer money for me and Pombat.:lol:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

That works for me as long as we can use yours - there are 4 of us!!! :thumbup:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

Touche!! :rofl:

Re: US Retunees: CUNARD - Queen's Diamond Jubilee Sale 1st-7th June
 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-C9iTipeDeA

Here is a You Tube link to the QM2 and her sister ships contribution to the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations