We are a family of four; two boys aged 8 and 10, plus mum and dad in their late forties. We had a great experience last summer on the Norwegian Jewel in the Western Med, which was our first cruise as a family. Therefore when we were looking to visit relatives on the East coast of America this summer I was drawn to an advert with promotional deals on the QM2. The prices displayed for the crossing and return flight looked great in comparison to the cost of return flights to Philadelphia from Glasgow and we started making enquiries. To be really cost effective the option was an inside cabin for 4, this did not appeal! However we were then offered two balcony cabins on deck 5 with an interconnecting door which was a lot more appealing despite the kids then having to pay the adult fare.
We booked the cabins, and direct return flights from Newark to Glasgow as a package, allowing us 10 days in America. The documentation arrived in impressive folders, and we looked forward to the trip with great excitement.
The Flybe flight to Southampton went without hitch, and we arrived early at embarkation which went very smoothly. Our bags were whisked away from the taxi, and there was no wait to check in. We spent 40 minutes in the embarkation lounge before being invited aboard. The greeting from a line up of staff set the scene for the rest of the trip, and we made our way to our cabin helped by a crew member at every turn.