Stately Atlantic Crossing: The QE2, My Dog & Me

Baked Alaska parade aboard the QE2

I sailed from New York to Southampton on the QE2, settling into the ship’s routine as soon as we passed the Statue of Liberty and cleared the harbor. I had my mini Schnauzer, Valentine, with me, although she had to remain in the upper-decks with the kennels. That's OK; she was surrounded by other canine-crossing buddies to socialize with. After checking her in with the kennel master, I began organizing my days around the ship’s schedule and the steady pace of life at sea. 

First, each morning, I went up to visit "Vallie." She always greeted me with her usual bright, alert expression and rapid tail wagging. Then, after a few turns around the deck with her, accompanied by a big bone, I left her on her bed with her favorite toy and headed down to an Eggs Benedict breakfast. The meals on board are incredible. I often shared a table with other passengers, and our conversations usually revolved around the weather, the sea state, and the day’s planned activities. 

Late mornings filled themselves with lectures and deck time. The QE2 offered a full program of talks by historians, naturalists, and retired officers. They spoke clearly about maritime history, navigation, and European affairs, keeping the material informative without dramatizing it. Between sessions, I walked the promenade deck, watching the Atlantic move in long, even swells as the ship maintained her course amazed at the seagulls who continue to follow us day after day. Afternoons unfolded at a quieter pace. I spent time in the library reading or writing, taking advantage of the calm atmosphere. Some days I browsed the art gallery or sat in on a bridge lesson.

A daily ritual included attending the amazing, white-gloved, clotted-cream infused afternoon tea in the Queens Room. The setting was elegant, orderly, with light music and a steady flow of scones, sandwiches, pastries, and tea. Afterward, I returned to the kennels. Valentine seemed quite adapted to the routine, the other dogs, and the attention from the staff. 

Evenings followed a consistent pattern. I dressed for dinner and made my way to the Britannia Grill restaurant. The menus offered a bountiful  selection of soups, fish, roasts, and desserts. After dinner, another trip up top for a visit and stroll with pooch and then I sometimes attended a film screening or a musical performance in the theatre. Other nights, I stopped by the Golden Lion Pub for a quiet Guinness and conversation with fellow travelers. 

As the days passed, I settled into the ship’s rhythm: meals at regular hours, lectures spaced throughout the day, walks on deck, and regular visits to the kennels. The QE2 handled the Atlantic surprisingly well, and the routine made the crossing feel quite stress free. On the final morning, the ship approached Southampton under low clouds and the ever-present cloud of seagulls. I collected Valentine, signed the necessary paperwork, and disembarked for the train to London. The voyage had been steady, elegant and structured, offering a balance of activity, rest, and a restful, jet-lag free experience of traveling by sea.