Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2: A sail on sale
Cruising can be a bargain, and one of the classic journeys is a transatlantic crossing. It’s not a trip for everyone, though. You’re at sea the whole week, and the North Atlantic can be stormy. (Dramamine, anyone?). But for Anglophiles who crave afternoon tea, formal dancing in the Queens Room and top-flight lecture programs, a crossing on Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 can be just the ticket — and very affordable, thanks to this offer.
The deal: Cunard’s “Feel Famous Sale” advertises savings up to $1,600 per stateroom for transatlantic crossings and European voyages. Among the lowest crossing fares is $995 a person (cruise-only, double occupancy) for a voyage from Southampton, England, to New York during Thanksgiving week. You’ll save $300 a person over early booking fares for this seven-day voyage.
When: Nov. 20 departure only. You must book by Wednesday, Feb. 29.
Tested: From the sale section on Cunard’s website, I called up details Thursday on the Nov. 20 crossing, which showed the $995 fare available for a Standard Inside, D7, Britannia-class cabin. Fares shown for other Standard Inside cabins (D2-6) varied from $1,015 to $1,115. The total per person for the D7 cabin, including $35.24 in fees and $69.55 for “CunardCare Guest Protection,” came to $1,099.79, or $2,199.58 for two.
Although you can opt out of CunardCare Guest Protection by removing the check in the box, you might consider buying it. The cost is about 7% of the fare, and it seems to provide useful protections for situations such as cancellation, trip interruption and emergency evacuation. Be sure to read the fine print.
Details: Besides your cabin, the fare includes all onboard meals (although you’ll pay a surcharge for “alternative dining” venues); 24-hour room service; tea, coffee and water; activities; and shows. It excludes airfare; a hotel-and-dining charge of $11 a person ($13 for the upper-end Grill cabin classes); and some other services.
Info: Cunard Line, (800) 728-6273. You can also book through a travel agent.
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