Sailing the Queen Mary 2 with Kids: Our Honest Review of the Transatlantic Adventure
In May 2022, our family embarked on our very first leg of full-time travel aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2. With three young daughters in tow, I set sail from New York to Southampton—here's what you need to know about cruising this iconic ship with children.
Setting Sail: The Beginning of Our Adventure
May 15, 2022, marked a monumental day for our family. We were beginning our journey as full-time travelers, and what better way to start than with a transatlantic crossing on the world's most famous ocean liner? As we boarded the Queen Mary 2 in Brooklyn with our three girls—Lily, Cora, and Harper—we had no idea what to expect from seven days and nights at sea.
The boarding process was... eventful. Let's just say Harper and Cora were having their moments when we arrived, but the staff whisked us through check-in quickly, understanding that traveling with young children can be challenging.
First Impressions: The Grandeur of Queen Mary 2
Walking aboard the Queen Mary 2 felt like stepping back in time. The ship's elegant décor and classic ocean liner design immediately impressed us. The girls were fascinated by everything, especially when they spotted the Statue of Liberty during our departure—a magical moment that set the tone for our journey.
One of the coolest features we discovered was the three replacement propellers on the bow, affectionately called "the Commodore's cufflinks." These massive pieces of maritime engineering gave us a real appreciation for the ship's impressive scale.
The Reality of Family Life at Sea
Kids' Activities: Limited but Manageable
We knew going in that the Queen Mary 2 is more adult-focused than typical family cruise ships, and our experience confirmed this. There were only five children total on the entire ship during our crossing—our three girls plus two others.
The kids' club was available for our older daughters, but Harper (our youngest) couldn't participate independently, which meant she became our constant companion throughout the trip. While this wasn't ideal, it forced us to find family activities together.
Daily Routine That Worked
Our days fell into a comfortable rhythm:
- Morning breakfast together
- Drop older girls at kids' club
- Family time with Harper
- Lunch pickup for all three girls
- Afternoon activities (weather permitting)
- Dinner at the restaurant
- Evening entertainment at the Golden Lion Pub
The Food: "It's Okay"
If there was a theme to our dining experience, it was definitely "hmm, it's okay." The food selections were pretty weak overall, and we found ourselves saying those exact words repeatedly. The restaurant served meals in completely un-kid-friendly glassware (seriously, who gives toddlers actual glass cups?), which added stress to every meal.
Room service became our salvation on the final day when we ordered desserts—a homemade warm salted caramel and chocolate brownie with white chocolate chip ice cream that was definitely better than "okay."
Memorable Moments at Sea
The Golden Lion Pub
Every evening, we made our way to the Golden Lion Pub, where a father-and-son duo played traditional Irish folk music. This became our favorite family tradition, and even the girls enjoyed the atmosphere. Plus, after purchasing the drink package, Linds and I could finally relax with some beverages while the girls played nearby.
Swimming in the North Atlantic
One day, the weather broke long enough for us to actually use the pool. The water was absolutely freezing, but the kids didn't mind jumping in. I'll admit I complained about the temperature, but watching the girls brave the cold water was worth getting in with them. Linds wisely stayed dry and just watched us from the sidelines.
Lunar Eclipse Magic
One of the most unexpected highlights was witnessing a lunar eclipse from the ship's deck. There's something magical about experiencing celestial events while floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Weather Reality
Let's be honest—North Atlantic weather in May isn't exactly tropical. Most days were cloudy and cool, limiting outdoor activities. But this gave us plenty of time to explore the ship's indoor offerings and appreciate the classic ocean liner experience.
What Worked Well for Our Family
People and Staff
The staff was genuinely nice, and the ship was impeccably clean. Hundreds of passengers approached us throughout the week to chat about our girls, our travel plans, and life in general. People were incredibly friendly and interested in our full-time travel adventure.
Unique Experience
Despite the limitations, there's something undeniably special about crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2. It's a piece of maritime history, and our girls experienced something most children never will.
Family Bonding
With limited entertainment options, we spent quality time together as a family. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from simply being present with each other.
The Challenges We Faced
Limited Kid-Friendly Activities
The Queen Mary 2 simply isn't designed as a family cruise ship. While there were some activities for children, options were limited compared to mainstream cruise lines.
Boring Moments
We'll be honest—there were times when we were bored. With restricted outdoor time due to weather and limited onboard entertainment for kids, we had to get creative with keeping everyone occupied.
Sleep Disruptions
Our final night was particularly challenging. We had to pack all luggage and place it outside our room by 11 PM, then disembark at 9:30 AM. Between packing stress and excitement, none of us slept well, making our arrival in Southampton extra challenging.
Would We Recommend It for Families?
The Queen Mary 2 with kids is definitely a unique experience, but it comes with caveats:
Perfect for:
- Families who appreciate maritime history
- Parents seeking a more refined cruise experience
- Children who are good at entertaining themselves
- Families starting a longer European adventure
Not ideal for:
- Families seeking high-energy kids' activities
- Parents wanting extensive childcare options
- Travelers prioritizing diverse dining options
- First-time cruisers expecting a typical cruise experience
Practical Tips for Families Considering the Crossing
- Pack entertainment: Bring books, games, and activities for slower moments
- Embrace the experience: Focus on the unique aspects rather than comparing to family cruise ships
- Expect variable weather: Pack layers and indoor activity options
- Connect with other families: The few families aboard often become fast friends
- Enjoy the pub: The Golden Lion Pub is genuinely family-friendly in the evenings
The Bottom Line
Our Queen Mary 2 experience was the perfect introduction to our full-time travel adventure. While it wasn't the most kid-friendly cruise we've ever taken, it provided our family with a unique, memorable experience that we still talk about today.
The combination of maritime history, elegant surroundings, and the sheer adventure of crossing the Atlantic made up for the limited activities and "okay" food. Sometimes the best family travel experiences aren't about perfect amenities—they're about sharing something extraordinary together.
If you're considering the Queen Mary 2 with children, go into it with realistic expectations. You're not booking a Disney cruise; you're booking a piece of history. And sometimes, that's exactly what your family needs.
Want to see our full experience? Check out our complete vlog of the Queen Mary 2 journey on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx6KGMcMGOI
Ready to plan your own family adventure? Contact Lindsay at lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel—She'd love to help you find the perfect cruise or travel experience for your family's unique needs and travel style.
Travel Planning Tip: Transatlantic crossings can be an excellent way to avoid jet lag when traveling to Europe with children, as you gradually adjust time zones during the journey.
