July 4th on the Queen Mary 2

July 4th conjures up images of picnics and fireworks. But my husband and I gladly traded those traditions for five-star luxury and Old-World ambience aboard the Queen Mary 2, one of the world’s most iconic ocean liners and the largest of Cunard’s fleet. Not only would we celebrate July 4th in Boston on this five-night cruise, we’d look forward to enjoying her $132-million refurbishment that was completed in June 2016.

As first-timers on Cunard, the ship’s make-over impressed us as did the company’s 175-year legacy.  Cunard was the first line to establish transatlantic crossings and the first to install electric lightbulbs and en-suite bathrooms at sea. Today, Cunard emphasizes innovation but with service and style reminiscent of another era. New and noteworthy to Cunard are 15, single-person staterooms for solo travelers or those traveling with a group who want more privacy.

The world’s only cruise liner with dedicated kennels for both dogs and cats, this renovation doubled the number of kennels to 24. A deck reserved exclusively for dog walking sports a century-old lamppost from Liverpool and fire hydrant from New York, so that dogs from either side of the pond feel equally at home.

Completely refreshed, the Kings Court buffet served international and American fare, and offered specialty evening dining with table service. The chic blue and white Carinthia Lounge provided light breakfast and lunch options, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. My personal favorite, sir Samuel’s Godiva Chocolate Café served yummy dark chocolate or vanilla soft ice cream sundaes topped with fudge and raspberry sauce, easily enough for two, plus chocolate ganache fondues, Godiva pastries, hot chocolate and coffees.

Unquestionably, the new Verandah restaurant favoring French regional cuisine was the most impressive culinary experience. Its gold and white decor was inspired by the Verandah Grill aboard the original Queen Mary. Historically, Verandah Grills were for First Class guests and considered the most exclusive dining rooms at sea, on par with the esteemed private clubs in London, New York and Paris.

Exceptional service included three-courses along with extra touches: salted and smoked butters, intermezzi between courses, an elaborate cheese cart and hand-dipped chocolates that accompanied after dessert aperitifs. The upcharge was well worth the experience.

 

Round Trip from The Big Apple

This cruise embarked from the Brooklyn Harbor at Red Hook, so our stay at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge gave us a chance to stroll the bridge at night with the spectacular New York skyline as a backdrop. Iconic Junior’s Restaurant was close by, famous for their cheesecake.

Ports of call included Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston. As the largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax’s waterfront metropolis comingled with a thriving seaport. Local Tasting Tours Halifax took us on a walking tour through the Harbourwalk and downtown areas sampling dishes at some of the city’s top eateries along the way. We also visited the Citadel, a star-shaped fort built by the British that overlooks the city where the changing of the guard happens on the hour with sentries dressed in 78th Highlanders’ tartans. Other must-sees are the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Fairview Lawn Cemetery, resting place of 121 Titanic passengers. (The 2018 sailing includes a stop at St. John’s, New Brunswick.)

Boston bustled with activity on July 4th. Following in the footsteps of the American Revolution, our Walk the Freedom Trail tour visited the Old North Church, where a George Washington reenactor read the Declaration of Independence; the Paul Revere House, occupied by Revere’s family when he made his famous night ride to Lexington in 1775; Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market’s food vendors. Back onboard after dinner, we joined fellow passengers on the top deck and watched the fireworks in the distance.

Sea Days

Between ports, two days at sea gave us plenty of time to lounge and indulge in the line’s many amenities. Impressive Canyon Ranch Spa offered a full menu of treatments and fitness classes. I whiled away one full day with a massage and time at the Aqua Therapy Centre, rotating between the aqua therapy pool, eucalyptus steam room, Finnish and herbal saunas and ice fountain. Each evening at the Britannia restaurant and at the Queens Grill and Princess Grill, the menu offered a Canyon Ranch appetizer, entree and dessert as a healthy, lower-calorie alternative, which became our go-to menu options.

Afternoon tea, with white tablecloths and live music, took place in the Queens Room. White-gloved servers poured a Twinings tea, specially blended for Cunard, and served finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam from Essex. Quintessentially British to the core, it’s part of the experience that distinguishes a Cunard cruise from all the rest.

NYC Post Cruise

Extra time in New York City included a stay at The Frederick Hotel in lower Manhattan’s Tribeca, which offered a complimentary walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood. A bonus was its convenient location next to a subway stop—extremely helpful in Manhattan considering the city’s exorbitant taxi fares. And before heading home, we bookended our holiday celebration with a half-day Statue Cruise to get an up-close look at Lady Liberty and Ellis Island.