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.
Halifax
DAY 402 Jul 2023
As Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax has a great balance between trendy, urban city adventures and a plethora of water-sports, hiking and mountain-biking. Visitors can easily explore the highlights of the city on foot, admiring the Halifax waterfront and tasting a range of craft beers at multiple breweries before enjoying the exhilarating atmosphere of live ice-hockey. Many free performances are frequently held on the harbour, such as acrobatics, dancers and magicians.
Things to do in Halifax:
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Sitting atop Citadel Hill overlooking the town, the four forts of St George have dominated the landscape around Halifax since 1749. Built to secure Great Britains’ foothold on the region, the modern museum is a gateway to British Colonialism’s mark on the town and wider region.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Located in lively downtown Halifax, this museum dedicated to all things seagoing is a fascinating journey into the town’s relationship with the ocean, boasting 30,000 pieces on display including no less than 70 vessels, such as the famous SS Acadia steamship.
Halifax Public Gardens
In 1867, the year of Canadian Confederation, the Halifax Public Gardens were created. They are public gardens from the Victorian era and are situated across from Victoria Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia, next to Spring Garden Road, a well-known retail area. Full of beautiful plants, including fragrant flowers, it's a lovely place to wander around when stopping off in Halifax.
Boston - Overnight onboard
DAY 6-704 Jul 2023
Among the oldest established cities in the US, Boston has a long history from the days of independence up to modern times as the home of the world famous Boston Red Sox. A trip to Boston has to include catching a game of baseball and a walk along the Freedom Trail, with stop-offs at renowned sites telling the story of the American Revolution. Visitors can also find authentic, classic Boston cuisine at many different Boston Food Trucks across the city.
Things to do in Boston - Overnight onboard:
Fenway Park
Boston’s legendary baseball ground and home of the world-famous Boston Red Sox since 1912, making it the oldest stadium in US baseball. If you’re a sports fan, a tour of the proud history at the stadium is a must, or even catch a game and soak up the legendary atmosphere.
Freedom Trail
Freedom trail is the best way to learn about how the start of the American war of independence and the revolution affected the history and outlook of Boston and wider America. With sixteen historical sites and over two and a half miles of scenic walking, this is a must-visit for all ages.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
The city’s historic market place boasting interior and exterior stalls and stores, with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, as well as three old market buildings ideal for a flavour and feel of Boston life.
Museum of Fine Arts
Established in 1870, Boston’s art museum boasts being the fifth largest in overall size in the USA and one of the most extensive collections of artworks with around 450,000 individual pieces to view, from ancient Egypt to French impressionist and Dutch golden age exhibitions.
Newport
DAY 806 Jul 2023
Situated in Rhode Island, this coastal city is a beautiful stop off whilst on a North American Cruise. From its yacht-filled harbour to the Gilded Age mansions, there are plenty of attractions in the city to explore during your stop off at the port.
Things to do in Newport:
The Breakers
Once home to the Vanderbilts, this extraordinary and palatial Gilded Age mansion features beautiful architecture, ornate artwork, lush gardens and more. A guided tour is a must around this picturesque building when visiting the vibrant city of Newport.
Park
The stunning Fort Adams State Park is one of the most popular attractions to visit whilst in Newport. Situated on the site of a 19th century fort, it not only offers picturesque scenery, but the opportunity to sail and swim. Throughout the year, it’s also host to an array of festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival.
Easton's Beach
Alternatively, you can head to the breathtaking Easton’s Beach. With dark blue water, and huge mansions aligning its shore, this local beach is not only wonderful to relax on, but also features cabanas, a carousel and other facilities.
New York
DAY 907 Jul 2023
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.
Southampton
DAY 1614 Jul 2023
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.
Customer reviews for Queen Mary 2
4.5
Based on 267 reviews
Cabin
4.5
Service
4.6
Excursions
4.4
Dining
4.6
Activities
4.5
Value for money
4.5
Entertainment
4.5
New York and back on QM2. Great ship. Super service. A bit expensive by the time one adds gratuities, Wi-Fi and drinks, but thoroughly enjoyable. Great crew. Super Captain. Elegant surroundings everywhere. Good food, entertainment and enrichment talks. Nice bars. Smooth crossing. What more could we ask for?!
couple
6-10 cruisesBalcony (Sheltered)
20 Sep 2023
The QM2 is a lovely ship with lots of lounges and bars with great entertainment. Staff were great and service in the Dining Room was excellent. Really enjoyed the performances by Ben Mills, Philip Melbourne but the icing on the cake was Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra who were amazing. Also enjoyed the Captain’s involvement with the performances, very funny.
Only problem was the App didn’t work most of the time so unable to book dining or Planetarium, but got Purser’s desk to book Planetarium and just turned up at the dining room and got a table immediately.
Had a problem one day with toilet not flushing in cabin and had to report it twice. It was subsequently fixed and on our return to the cabin, found a bottle of sparkling wine on the table, nice gesture.
Great cruise.
Couldn’t submit this without rating Excursions! Put 1 star as there were no excursions during the cruise itself, just at the ports of embarkation and disembarkation which we didn’t do.
couple
10+ cruisesBalcony (Sheltered)
20 Sep 2023
Amazing trip with exceptional food. Made better with fantastic weather. Lovely to be able to board early and think the new changes to disembarking is a real improvement and make leaving a lovely experience.
group
10+ cruisesBalcony (Obstructed View)
7 Sep 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable first cruise with Cunard. Very hard to fault.
family
1 cruiseBalcony (Sheltered)
7 Sep 2023
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.