Phil50

Thanks all. And yes I'd heard that 50 is the new 30 too.....not sure my body did though!

Oh, a question, finally - we are travelling normal (?) class in a Balcony Cabin. Are drinks (non-alcoholic) included with each meal?

Evening all,

This is my first post to this excellent forum. My wife and I have never cruised but I love ships (and most forms of transport to be fair!), so when she asked me what I wanted to do for my 50th I said a cruise. I started looking around but have always loved the idea of a Transatlantic crossing, so when I looked at the QM2 schedules and saw that this October it arrives in NYC on the 25th, there was no question as that's my 50th. I can't think of a better way of celebrating it than sailing into NYC on this amazing ship!! (I know it's amazing, as although we haven't sailed on her, we did the "ship visit" last November and were truly blown away by it's splendour. We just can't wait).

We booked this trip almost 2 years in advance, so now I'm getting into serious planning mode as it's now less than 6 months away. (Yes I know that means I'm going to be 50 but it's just a number isn't it?) :D

I'm really just saying hello at the moment, but as the weeks pass I'll probably be asking a few questions.

Something we didn't realise or know about when we booked is that the National Symphony Orchestra are on this trip, so that's a nice bonus! (I'm not exactly into classical music but appreciate it and having seen the Last Night of the Proms on TV I'm quite looking forward to that. Also, although I'm a jeans and t-shirt type of chap, I'm actually looking forward to dressing up and have already bought my dinner suit and a few other bits and pieces more appropriate to my (upcoming) age!!

My BIL and his wife are joining us too - I mentioned it to him when we booked it as I know he is interested in the Titanic and stuff like that, so he jumped at the chance to do this. Our two teenage boys are flying out to meet us in NYC when we arrive (they didn't fancy 7 days at sea/limited internet/gaming!), we'll then spend a few days in NYC and Washington together before (sadly) flying home.

Oh and I'm already planning another cruise next year as I'm convinced my wife will love this trip, and I KNOW I will, so looking at a 7 day Fjords cruise around May/June next year. After the ship visit, I'd love to try the other Queens too.

Anyway, sorry for such a long "hello" post, and thank you all for the brilliant information on here :)

Phil & Vicky