Having said that, it's rough when I'm exhausted and my baby won't sleep! It happens to all of us and it makes me want to go on a journey of the relaxing kind. So, with Emerson's quote in mind, I present for your consideration:
Wishful Vacation #5
Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2
Why I imagine I would go:
On a short trip to Long Beach, CA, my husband and I checked out the old Queen Mary ship. This huge ship was famous for making extremely fast Atlantic crossings, back when that was the only option. Now it is permanently moored in Long Beach and acts as a hotel and tourist destination. My husband and I stayed on board for the night. It was quiet and a little eery. The deco style of the bars and shops and the sense of history I felt there was extraordinary.
The original Queen Mary - photo from here.
Once air travel made ocean crossings nearly irrelevant, there was no longer a competition for fastest passenger ship. Today, the Cunard line ship Queen Mary 2 can make the trip in a week, sailing from New York, NY to Southampton, England (the port nearest London).
I would love to take a transatlantic voyage on Queen Mary 2 because it would give me time to relax and rejuvenate. The trip would also give me a better idea about the width of the Atlantic ocean. I love imagining how things were "back in the day," and this trip would show me how the wealthy used to be able to make the trip across the ocean in style.
Where I imagine I might stay:
The Queen Mary 2's most luxurious accommodations are called Queens Grill suites. Each level of accommodation is connected to a specific restaurant, and these fancy rooms all come with the chance to dine in the Queens Grill restaurant. Booking a Queens Grill suite also allows for early check-in and a snack of champagne and strawberries on arrival to the room. Yes, please!
The picture below shows a Princess Grill suite, but it gives you an idea of how the rooms are furnished. It looks very comfortable and pretty.
Although it's not the largest suite, I like the look of the penthouse suite. It has a nice big balcony for lounging the day away. It looks like the perfect sized room!
What I imagine I would eat:
The Queens Grill restaurant would have a table for two reserved for my husband and me at our designated time in the evening. They have a sample dinner menu on their website. I love reading menus! For my appetizer I would choose Symphony of Salmon Tartar, Shrimp Ceviche on Trumpet Mushroom & Green Asparagus. Sounds pretty fancy. Symphony of some seafood? I'll take it! My salad would be Endive Salad with Asparagus, Honey Ginger Dressing. Endive is one of my faves. My entree selection would be Lobster Américaine Flambé with Cognac, Truffle, Wild Mushroom Risotto and for dessert?? I guess I would have the Chocolate and Raspberry Crêpe Soufflé with Oranges, Vanilla Sauce. Are you hungry yet? I am!
I'm sad to say, I can't find pictures of any of this luscious-sounding food. I guess my imagination will have to do for now.
In addition to the Queens Grill, I could also eat at the Todd English restaurant, or the Golden Lion, which is a British pub-styled restaurant. I'm a fan of Todd English and fish and chips, so I think I would have to try both of those.
There is a tea room for traditional afternoon tea. Love that. My husband and I once enjoyed high tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC. The food is so adorable and it's fun feeling fancy, too.
What I imagine I would do as a fun activity:
Cunard created a cheat sheet of things to do while traveling across the ocean. I don't think I would have a problem keeping myself entertained on the ship. They have a guided tour of the trip, which would be a good way to start the journey. I definitely would want to have a massage or two at the Canyon Ranch spa.
I would love to take a cooking class at the Chef's Galley and to enjoy a 12-course tasting menu of Asian food at Lotus restaurant.
I think the best idea of all (and I'd have some work to do convincing my husband of this) is to get dressed up and participate in the Black and White Ball! I rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to wear a ball gown and to "feel like royalty" as they say. I think this would be my chance! How fun would that be? (Maybe my husband can spend some time playing virtual golf at Pebble Beach in the golf simulator as a fair trade for me getting to go to the ball!)
Have you taken a cruise? This would be my first. Where else should my imagination take me?
Happy travels!
xoxo - Erika
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