What’s it really like to sail solo on Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2? Recently, Jack set off on a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise to find out for himself. Travelling alone for the first time, FINISH
From Gala Nights and afternoon tea to scenic sail-ins and quiet moments watching the world drift by from his balcony, the voyage quickly became about far more than simply visiting new destinations. Along the way, Jack explored Stavanger during Norway’s National Day celebrations, cruised through dramatic fjord landscapes and discovered just how much there is to experience onboard Queen Mary 2.
In this day-by-day cruise diary, he shares the highlights of his Cunard adventure, including life onboard, dining experiences, entertainment and what surprised him most about travelling solo at sea.
Day 1: Southampton, UK
Today began with a train journey down to Southampton and a growing sense of excitement as embarkation day finally arrived. As this was my first solo trip, I’ll admit there were a few nerves along the way. Stepping into something new on your own can feel daunting, but any apprehension disappeared surprisingly quickly thanks to the warmth of the crew, who made the whole process feel effortless from the moment I arrived.
After muster, I headed to my balcony cabin on Deck 4, eager to see where I’d be spending the next week. First impressions didn’t disappoint. The décor had a refined, classic feel, elegant without being overdone, and the little details immediately stood out.
Lunch called for a visit to the Golden Lion, a Cunard staple that felt instantly familiar. Dark wood, cosy corners and fish and chips that genuinely felt like a little taste of home.
Dinner that evening was at Britannia Restaurant, a beautiful space spanning two levels with sweeping sea views. The service throughout the trip deserves a mention, too. Cunard’s White Star Service isn’t just a phrase; the staff somehow always seemed to appear at exactly the right moment.
I rounded off the evening in the Chart Room with a cocktail chosen from the Zodiac menu and live piano music before heading back to my cabin. One thing I quickly came to appreciate was the nightly turndown service, where you’d return each evening to find the room prepared for the night, complete with a chocolate waiting on the pillow.
Day 2: At sea
Sea days have a rhythm of their own. With nowhere particular to be, the morning started slowly with breakfast delivered by room service while watching the ocean from the balcony.
Later, I joined a scavenger hunt, which turned out to be one of the best ways to properly explore Queen Mary 2. It led me into corners of the ship I might never have found otherwise and highlighted something I noticed throughout the week: despite the number of guests onboard, it never felt crowded. There was always somewhere to sit, somewhere quieter to escape to, while still having enough atmosphere that the ship always felt lively.
The afternoon brought one of Cunard’s best-known traditions: afternoon tea in the Queen’s Room. Watching white-gloved waiters move effortlessly around the room made the whole thing feel like an occasion. A top tip for you: arrive half an hour early if you want a good table. It’s a very popular tradition on board, so it attracts a lot of people on board.
Gala Night brought a different atmosphere altogether, with everyone dressed up before Rhythm of the Night and karaoke in the Golden Lion rounded off the evening. By this point, I was already settling into life onboard, and tomorrow would bring our first port of call: Stavanger.
Day 3: Stavanger, Norway
I started the day with a walk around the promenade deck as we sailed into Stavanger. Arrival mornings quickly became one of my favourite parts of the trip, watching scenery gradually appear on the horizon while the ship quietly makes its approach is a moment worth slowing down for.
Heading ashore, we realised we’d arrived at exactly the right time. It happened to be Norway’s National Day, and Stavanger was full of celebrations, with parades, flags and people lining the streets. The whole city had such a lively atmosphere, and there was a real sense of excitement everywhere you looked.
Back onboard, the sunshine called for a slower afternoon spent around the Terrace Pool and Bar before departure.
At 5 pm, we sailed away from Stavanger and settled back into life at sea. Dinner at Britannia Restaurant was followed by a visit to G32 for a silent disco, which proved very popular. Watching people dance enthusiastically to completely different songs was funny enough on its own, but joining in made it even better.
Day 4: Skjolden, Norway
Breakfast at Sir Samuel’s and a pastry felt like the perfect way to begin the day before arriving in Skjolden, fuelling me for exploration. Stepping ashore, it didn’t take long to understand why this stop is so memorable. Towering fjords surrounded us in every direction, and every view seemed worth stopping for.
Back onboard, I decided to try the Titanic VR walkthrough, which felt like one of those activities you don’t necessarily expect to find onboard a Cunard ship. It was surprisingly immersive and something a little different from the usual onboard programme.
Dinner that evening was at Steakhouse at The Verandah and, by the end of the meal, I was fairly certain I’d found my favourite dining experience of the trip. Spoiler alert: nothing managed to top it.
Day 5: Olden, Norway
Today’s visit to Olden was all about scenery. I joined a ship excursion to the Loen Skylift, where the views somehow became more impressive the higher we climbed.
I set off on a hike afterwards to make the most of being surrounded by mountains and fjords. I did discover my limits fairly quickly, though, after stepping into snow that promptly reached knee height. That felt like a clear sign to turn back and enjoy the views from a slightly safer distance.
Back onboard, dinner at Chef’s Galley felt exactly right after an active day ashore. During the evening, the venue transforms, serving made-to-order pizzas instead of the daytime burgers.
Later, I headed to the Commodore Club for a quiet drink while a pianist played familiar songs in the background. After a long day exploring, it was exactly where I wanted to be.
Day 6: Scenic cruising through Hardangerfjord, Norway
Today proved that you don’t always need to leave the ship for the scenery to steal the show.
As we cruised through Hardangerfjord, every deck seemed to offer another incredible view. I spent the morning slowing the pace down with some time in Mareel Spa before lunch in the Carinthia Lounge.
One of the highlights came when Queen Mary 2 made a full 360-degree turn in the fjords so everyone on board could enjoy the scenery from every angle. Watching the ship slowly rotate while surrounded by towering landscapes was one of those moments that is uniquely cruise-related.
Another Gala Night brought a familiar buzz around the ship before Juke Box Bingo, karaoke and eventually G32 kept the evening going.
I spoke to some guests who really enjoyed the guest speakers in the Royal Court Theatre, which reminded me just how much there is to do onboard beyond the usual cruise activities.
Day 7: At sea
The final day arrived much sooner than expected.
Breakfast at Kings Court was followed by a sing-along/choir experience in G32 and later a game of Scrabble with sea views, probably one of the few places where board games come with scenery like that.
Later in the afternoon, I met up with some of the friends I’d made along the way for drinks in Sir Samuel’s. Travelling solo had felt like a big step at the beginning of the trip, but one of the biggest surprises was just how easy it was to meet people, and it solidified that I’d definitely do it again.
Dinner and a show, No Town like Motown, brought the evening to a close, although it was difficult not to feel significantly reluctant knowing the trip was coming to an end.
Somewhere between leaving Southampton and arriving back home, Queen Mary 2 had started to feel less like a ship and more like a routine. What began with nerves had turned into a week of fjords, Gala Nights, unexpected highlights and plenty of memories. I wasn’t quite ready to leave.
