CRUISE OR CROSSING
This concert season I had the opportunity to perform on two tours of Queen Mary 2, a transatlantic crossing and a cruise.
The two experiences were quite different, more so than I expected. The crossing went from New York to Southampton. The cruise departed also in New York but made stops in Boston, Maine, and Nova Scotia before returning to New York.
I performed three solo recitals on both tours, and I discovered that the audiences were different: The audience during the transatlantic crossing seemed relaxed, there to stay, and ready to enjoy the concerts in style. The audience during the cruise felt more on a schedule, yet very engaged and focused.
The Royal Court Theater from the performer’s viewpoint
A transatlantic crossing offers no harbor stops and passes through remote waters. The guests get to focus on dining opportunities, entertainment offerings, and the exploration of the ship.
Reviewing my three recitals was of course the focal point of each day on the crossing, but there was still a good amount of time to get to know the magnificent ocean liner.
There is so much to see. Take the library for example. QM2 features an extensive and well-maintained library with lovely ocean view reading nooks and seating areas. What a wonderful place to get lost in a book for an afternoon.
Then there are the photo murals of superstars from bygone times like Liz Taylor or Marlene Dietrich crossing the Atlantic on QM2 in style. I love strolling through the hallways of deck 3 and learning about Cunard’s longstanding tradition of posh travel.
A crossing is all about the journey over the pond, a slow-paced voyage filled with culinary, cultural, and artistic experiences.
My cruise experience was just five weeks later.
The tour featured three harbor stops in the picturesque locations of Boston, Bar Harbor, and Halifax.
Entering a harbor on Queen Mary 2 is in itself a breathtaking experience. Disembarking is easy and fun. I explored the harbor cities on foot, and I loved seeing QM2 occasionally from afar.
The view of Queen Mary 2 from a tender boat in Maine
Reviewing three recitals takes some hours, but it all worked out well because I could get my practice done in the morning, and disembark in the afternoon to enjoy each harbor stop.
Both experiences on Queen Mary 2 were magnificent, one peaceful and relaxed, the other quite exciting. I can’t wait for my next cruise or crossing on one of Cunard’s queens!