How to move across the Atlantic (Cunard Crossing on Queen Victoria)

Our embarkation photo with my giraffe table in hand

In 2015, my husband asked if I’d be willing to relocate from NYC to London. Always up for an adventure, I eagerly agreed. I had the perfect solution to the logistical challenges of relocating to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean: a cruise, of course!

He was incredulous too but hear me out. The cruise fare for a Trans-Atlantic crossing isn’t much more expensive than a one-way air ticket but it includes a week of meals and relaxing activities (which you def need after organizing a such a big transition). Plus, you can bring as much luggage as you want without extra charge. There are no size or weight restrictions either.

Usually, people ship their stuff via a container ship but sea freight isn't cheap and takes months for delivery; so you must do without your belongings for an extended period. I showed up at the Manhattan Cruise Teminal Pier 90 with 2 carloads of boxes and suitcases feeling like Elizabeth Taylor. We even had a big TV wrapped in bubble wrap and a blanket, and a giraffe end table of sentimental value. The NY porters were not surprised. We had our valuables and cruise clothes delivered to the stateroom, while the rest was stored in the hull of the ship.

We had 30 pieces of luggage in all

Traditionally, a Trans-Atlantic cruise was regarded as the most civilized way to travel and folks arrived with heaps of steamer trunks and hat boxes for their months-long journey abroad. If you plan to spend several months on the other side of the Atlantic, this is the perfect way to bring your essentials. If you're permanently relocating, you can ship your furniture and car by container ship while bringing all the things you can't live without on the ship.
FYI- Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 even has a kennel so you can bring your dog.

Photo from Cunardia, the on-board museum filled with Cunard memorabilia

There are many seasonal re-positioning cruise options connecting US and Europe and they're often very good value. In late-Spring, Eastbound cruises depart from the East Coast of US (mostly from Florida ports) as the Caribbean cruise season ends and the Europe cruise season begins. In the Fall, Westbound cruises depart from all over Europe heading back to US for the winter Caribbean season. Cunard's Trans-Atlantic crossings are legendary and operate year-round between NYC and London (Southampton). This unique experience has long been on my Bucket List - I've been dreaming of my Rita Hayworth moment ever since I first toured Cunard's Queen Victoria (see blog post).

We embarked on Cunard Line's Queen Victoria on April 25, 2015 and arrived in Southampton on May 3. The 8-night voyage was wonderful, such a needed break (my husband blogged the whole trip, and here are My Photos from our voyage). We enjoyed wonderful meals, especially the afternoon tea service. During the day, we slept in, read books from the ship's extensive library, attended lectures and even took a fencing class.  There was a wide variety of entertainment each evening, including a big band playing for dancers in the ballroom (gentleman hosts are available as partners). There were three Gala Evenings on our crossing, including a Black & White Ball, and a Masquerade Ball. We had our whole wardrobe with us, including hats, shoes and jewelry, so it was a pleasure to break out the ball gown and Venetian mask.

The Masquerade Ball was one of three Gala Evenings on Queen Victoria

All our luggage arrived safely in the UK. The removers met our ship in Southampton and unloaded the vans contents at our new flat in London. Best of all, we were relaxed and recharged for our next chapter as digital nomads.

I have inspected all Cunard's fleet:

• Queen Victoria (My Photos)
  
• Queen Mary 2 (My Photos)
  
• Queen Elizabeth - (post pending)