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Queen Mary 2 on the transatlantic crossing: how rough does it get?

Queen Mary 2 keeps a scheduled liner service rather than a cruise rotation: roughly one 7-night crossing a month in each direction between Southampton and New York's Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, concentrated from April to December, departing around 17:00 and arriving seven mornings later at 06:30.

Key facts

  • Queen Mary 2 measures 148,528 gross tons and carries a moderate motion rating, with stabilizers fitted.
  • On this route it sails from Southampton, UK and New York (Brooklyn Cruise Terminal).
  • A typical in-season Transatlantic crossing sailing sits in the high motion band for the region as a whole.

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When Queen Mary 2 actually sails here

Highlighted months are when Queen Mary 2 is scheduled on this route, per the sources below. For how the region itself behaves month by month, see the region guide.

Crossings concentrate from April through December, about monthly each way, with the occasional midwinter date such as the January 11, 2026 sailing. The autumn schedule alone lists westbound departures on September 6 and 20, October 23, November 10 and December 13, so late season dates, the rough half of the Atlantic year, are a routine part of the timetable.

Where this route starts

  • Southampton, UK
  • New York (Brooklyn Cruise Terminal)

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The cabin pick for this route

Midship on the lower passenger decks, 6 to 8, is worth real money here. There is no port day to reset mid crossing, so pick the cabin for the worst forecast day of seven, not the average one.

Frequently asked questions

How rough is a Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing?

It varies with the month more than anything. Summer crossings on Queen Mary 2 are often gentle; from October the North Atlantic storm track makes multi day swell normal. The ship was built as an ocean liner for exactly this run, which raises the comfort threshold without making the sea flat.

When is the Queen Mary 2 transatlantic schedule calmest?

June and July crossings sit in the statistically quietest Atlantic window. April, May and August are usually moderate. The November and December crossings on the schedule are the ones to prepare for seriously.

How long is the Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing?

Seven nights on the standard schedule, Southampton to New York or the reverse, with occasional 6, 8 or 9 night variants. That means seven consecutive days on open ocean with no sheltered legs at all.

Keep reading

Your next question, probably

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Sources

Deployment details describe published schedules as of September 2026 and change season to season; always confirm the itinerary on the operator page before booking. Ship and route names are trademarks of their respective owners; Dizzout is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Seasickness sensitivity varies from person to person; this page is informational and not medical advice.