I managed to secure a VERY good deal on this Transatlantic Trip; the initial plan was to go to New York City, and on investigating travel options, I was able to include a seven night full board stay on the Cunard Queen Victoria ship, as well as three nights at The New Yorker Hotel on arrival in NYC. On board, we had a balcony suite cabin, and champagne on arrival. I packed my formalwear dresses, as it is a requirement to dress for dinner, and there are several formal evenings during the crossing (strictly black tie for gentlemen). This journey was a fantastic opportunity, allowing me to travel in the footsteps of my great-grandfather, who made the journey to New York on The Cedric in 1910, where he settled. Travelling to New York from Southampton by ship affords you the ability to arrive at the destination 'fresh' and 'ready to go', a luxury that is amiss when taking this journey by aeroplane. The Queen Victoria ship is a marvellous machine; brute force and beauty in one massive metal package. I was in awe at the size of the ship as we drove into Southampton, and on embarkation (a much more civilised affair than the airport process) I was equally impressed by the interior; a luxurious and opulent environment, which I would happily call home for the next week or so. Dining was a pleasure, the entertainment of high quality and the cabin was spacious and clean. This holiday is forever etched on my mind as one of life's great experiences; not a cruise, but a journey. On the second day we enjoyed sunshine as we headed south towards the Canary Islands, days later, we were rounding a hurricane, and I witnessed enormous waves (I mean HUGE) crashing down, from the safety of my comfortable cabin; all passengers were confined to quarters, but we enjoyed room service with nature's amazing show. As we headed into the mid-Atlantic, I saw one side of the sky in total darkness, while the other had the tinge of sun-rise; amazing. They adjust the ship's clock by one hour, every day of the journey to allow for the time difference. I could write pages more about this incredible experience, but instead, I will simply recommend that you take a Transatlantic Trip; and if you do, you take it on a Cunard ship.