The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre- or post cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
New York
DAY 8
There are simply too many places to mention when it comes to the Big Apple but highlights have to be: the Statue of liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, the Natural History Museum and the Met art museum- not to mention all the cool sights of downtown Brooklyn, swanky Manhattan and the classic skyline from Rhode Island. New York is a bucket-list destination that just cannot be missed.
Things to do in New York:
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an essential part of any trip to New York, providing fascinating insights into the history of this vibrant city. Given to the US from France in 1886, Lady Liberty is situated on Liberty Island, a short and scenic ferry ride from Battery Park, New York.
Central Park
Located in Manhattan, New York, Central Park is a classic part of the city’s history after first being approved in 1853. There’s no shortage of sightseeing and events to do all the family will love, from Central Park Zoo to the Alice in Wonderland sculpture.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center has a plethora of attractions and events to discover that will suit all ages. Explore NBC Studios where entertainment and news come together and soak up the fantastic performances of The Music Hall featuring The Radio City Rockettes.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
As the third most visited art museum in the world, the Met is a must for lovers of art, history and culture. Featuring works from early Europe, ancient Egypt and modern art, this museum also contains vast collections of clothing and weaponry.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a quintessential landmark of New York City and provides an immersive insight into the history of this stunning building. Visitors can marvel at the views from the observation deck, before enjoying exhibits, shopping and dining.
Times Square
Renovated in 2016, what began as a small square in the 1880s has flourished into an iconic tourist destination filled with fantastic eateries, dazzling musical theatre and designer shopping, not to mention the famous advertising board.
Brooklyn Bridge
As the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge is a fantastic feat of the hard-work carried out in the late 1880s. A walk along this bridge takes approximately 25 minutes and is particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
After first opening its doors in 1879, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral sees over five million visitors each year. The classic Gothic architecture is truly magnificent and features an organ with 9,000 pipes, over 4,000 stained-glass panels and beautiful sculptures.
Fifth Avenue
Located in Manhattan, Fifth Avenue boasts Museum Mile where visitors find the African Art Museum, Guggenheim Museum, the Met and more, while other landmarks include the Empire State building, the Rockefeller Observation Deck and Flatiron Building.
National September 11 Memorial and Museum
Located at the World Trade Centre site, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum commemorates the lives lost during the terrorist attacks in 1993 and 2001. The memorial consists of two reflecting pools, while the museum offers tours, exhibitions and multimedia displays.
New York Public Library
With nearly 6 million items (including books, e-books, audiobooks, music and films), the New York Public Library has no shortage of fascinating materials to discover. The main branch itself in Manhattan is a stunning New York landmark and a perfect photo opportunity.
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are an area of tranquil natural beauty famous for its vineyards and being the home of prestigious Cornell University. The eleven lakes which bear this region’s name present fantastic hiking locations in pleasant weather regularly throughout the year.
Fly to the UK
DAY 8
Customer reviews for Queen Mary 2
4.5
Based on 256 reviews
Cabin
4.5
Service
4.6
Excursions
4.4
Dining
4.5
Activities
4.5
Value for money
4.5
Entertainment
4.5
Was a Great cruise at short notice, very good value for money. One thing that was a bit of a surprise, is that we didn't know about the tipping on top (which worked out at $72 on top). But food and service was excellent.
couple
10+ cruisesBalcony (Sheltered)
14 May 2023
An amazing last minute cruise on Queen Mary 2 to celebrate the Coronation. Incredible food and entertainment including a Street Party and a Country Fayre. Cunard excelled themselves.
couple
10+ cruisesBalcony (Sheltered)
13 May 2023
Absolutely fantastic cruise, the best deal of the century!
couple
10+ cruisesBalcony (Sheltered)
12 May 2023
I had a wonderful time onboard the Queen Mary 2 to celebrate the Kings Coronation, the events arranged onboard were outstanding including a street party and Country fayre. The visit to Liverpool was very special with Coronation and Eurovision events already in progress, and a wonderful Firework Display for our leaving of Liverpool. This was a once in a lifetime occasion. Thank you Cunard and thank you Iglu.
user
10+ cruisesBalcony (Sheltered)
10 May 2023
Queen Mary 2 Gallery
Alternative Cruises on [[Celebrity Millennium]]
Terms and Conditions
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.