SEATTLE, Wash. — If you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, a trip aboard the Queen Mary 2 may be the perfect opportunity -- and it will have you feeling like you're going back in time.
First setting sail in 1936 from Southampton to New York, the original Queen Mary retired in 1967 after years at sea. It still stands as a hotel in Long Beach, California. The Queen Mary 2 was born in 2004 as the world's only true ocean liner.
AAA Washington Travel Expert Lisa Anciaux could only describe the voyager in 3 words: "It's legendary. It's historic. It's elegance."
Although the Queen Mary 2 has been re-imagined for a more modern time, glimpses of the original ship remain.
"The new ship has all these wonderful photos of all the famous people who sailed on Queen Mary [...] They have pictures of the war brides coming over. And that brings back memories," Anciaux explained.
Passengers will also notice wood and brass details, deep golds, navy blues, stained glass and bellmen in traditional red uniforms based on the ship's elegant past.
As the flagship of Cunard Line's royal fleet, the Queen Mary 2 goes out for several cruises throughout the year. The most iconic are her transatlantic cruises, which range from 7-9 nights and take passengers from New York to Europe or vice versa.
"This ship is definitely for someone who doesn't mind sea days when all you're going to see is the sea," said Anciaux. Most cruises only have one port stop in Southampton in the United Kingdom. However, there are an abundance of activities on board.
During the day, passengers can enjoy British high tea, relax at a spa, watch a play, visit the planetarium, and take lessons -- from dance to fencing. Guests might also visit the library stocked with over 8,000 books or go for a swim at the pool. At night, guests can watch and listen to a nine-piece live orchestra band.
Keeping up with the theme of elegance, the ship hosts formal nights where passengers dress up in ball gowns and tuxedos, dine in the elegant main dining hall and enjoy a champagne bar. If they're not up to getting fancy, guests can opt to keep it casual and instead dine at the buffet-style King's Court.
Cunard Line hosts two ships in addition to the Queen Mary 2: Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. A brand new ship is set to debut in 2022, with a name that has yet to be announced.
To book a trip aboard the Queen Mary 2, or for help with any other type of vacation, visit AAA Washington or call 855-361-7667.
Sponsored by AAA Washington. Segment Producer Heidi Eng. Watch New Day Northwest 11 AM weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.