First Cruise Experience Itinerary: Southampton to Hamburg on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
A luxury transatlantic taster, VIP hotel stays, and a first step into the world of cruising
For those who’ve followed my travels on ThePrivateTraveller.com or social media, you may have noticed a distinct gap: cruises. My only real brush with life at sea was more than 20 years ago — a journey from Corfu to Venice aboard The World / Residensea (more on that in a future post). While I’ve always had a fascination with transport — particularly the scale and engineering of ships and ocean liners — cruising never featured in our travel plans, mainly due to ‘Mrs’ The Private Traveller’s firm stance: “absolutely not.”
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 — the world’s only true ocean liner
But times change. As I’ve become more deeply involved in luxury travel advisory and booking, it felt only right to gain first-hand experience. After completing my Cunard Commodore training, I booked a short yet iconic cruise — a two-night sailing from Southampton to Hamburg aboard the Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s legendary ocean liner. And with that, my personal cruise chapter has officially begun.
I’ve also booked an inaugural sailing on Celebrity Xcel (launching November), but for now, here's the first in what will become a growing Cruise section on The Private Traveller.
Golden hour at the iconic Wasserschloss in Hamburg’s historic Speicherstadt
Featured Hotels in this Itinerary
Harbour Hotel, Southampton – a chic pre-cruise base right on the marina
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg – Hamburg’s most luxurious lakeside hotel
Conrad Hamburg – due to open soon; I’ll be previewing it for fellow travellers and Fora advisors
Serene scenes on the Alster Lake, with Hamburg’s skyline beyond
In This Itinerary, Discover:
🚢 What it’s like to take a first-time luxury cruise aboard Queen Mary 2
🛳 Insights into the Cunard experience and why this ocean liner stands apart
🏨 Where to stay in Southampton and Hamburg for the perfect cruise pairing
🎁 How to unlock VIP perks on hotels and cruises when booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
✨ What to expect next from the growing Cruise Collection at ThePrivateTraveller.com
Flight Recommendations
Start in style with a seamless journey with British Airways
While the main purpose of this trip was to experience Cunard’s legendary Queen Mary 2, I also needed efficient connections to reach Southampton for embarkation and to return home from Hamburg.
I was able to book the full itinerary through British Airways — with the Edinburgh to Southampton leg operated by Loganair under a BA codeshare flight number. It’s a short and convenient route that allows for easy pre-cruise travel without needing to transit through London.
For the return, I flew Hamburg to Edinburgh via London Heathrow, again with British Airways, which offered a smooth connection and the benefit of staying within the Oneworld network for tier points and lounge access.
British Airways Boeing 777 cruising at altitude
Summary of Flights:
Outbound: Edinburgh (EDI) → Southampton (SOU)
Operated by Loganair, marketed by British AirwaysInbound: Hamburg (HAM) → London Heathrow (LHR) → Edinburgh (EDI)
Operated by British Airways
These flights made for a smooth and streamlined itinerary, allowing me to arrive rested and ready for embarkation — and return home with minimal fuss after a few luxurious days in Hamburg.
Why I Chose Harbour Hotel Southampton for My Pre-Cruise Stay
I chose the Harbour Hotel Southampton primarily for its unbeatable location — set directly on the waterfront at Ocean Village Marina, just minutes from the Cunard cruise terminal. It made the perfect pre-cruise stop, allowing for a relaxed arrival the night before boarding the Queen Mary 2. The sleek yacht-inspired design and marina views added to the sense of setting sail, even before departure. With stylish rooms, a spa, and dining overlooking the water, it’s an ideal base for any future cruise from Southampton.
Harbour Hotel Southampton — a striking modern retreat at Ocean Village Marina
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Harbour Hotel Southampton |
| Address | 5 Maritime Walk, Ocean Village, Southampton SO14 3QT, United Kingdom |
| Nearest Cruise Terminal | City Cruise Terminal – approx. 5–10 mins by car |
| Nearest Airport | Southampton Airport (SOU) – approx. 20 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | Over 100 rooms and suites, many with marina views and balconies |
| Dining & Bar Options | The Jetty restaurant, HarBAR on 6th rooftop bar, room service |
| Spa & Wellness | HarSPA with indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and treatments |
| @harbourhotels | |
| Website | harbourhotels.co.uk/southampton |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #6 of 28 hotels in Southampton (as of August 2025) |
| Visiting | August 2025 |
Cruise Recommendations
Set sail in style – and start your journey with seamless business or first class travel
Now that I’ve launched the new Cruise section on The Private Traveller, I’ll be publishing detailed reports on each of the major luxury cruise lines. One of the first features will be on Cunard – the iconic British cruise line renowned for its refined elegance and timeless ocean travel.
Cunard currently operates four ships, affectionately known as the Four Queens:
Queen Mary 2
Launched: 2004 | Last Refurbished: 2016
The only true ocean liner still in service, Queen Mary 2 is purpose-built for transatlantic crossings. Her grand design evokes the golden age of travel, with luxurious suites, formal dining, and a planetarium onboard.Queen Victoria
Launched: 2007 | Last Refurbished: 2017
Blending modern luxury with traditional style, Queen Victoria offers an elegant cruising experience with a rich programme of performances, fine dining, and British traditions such as afternoon tea.Queen Elizabeth
Launched: 2010 | Last Refurbished: 2018
Inspired by the art deco era, Queen Elizabeth is known for her warm service and expansive decks. A popular choice for world voyages and scenic explorations across Asia, Australia, and Alaska.Queen Anne
Launched: 2024 | Brand New
The newest ship in the fleet, Queen Anne marks a bold evolution of Cunard’s signature style. Expect contemporary design blended with heritage flourishes, and elevated wellness, dining, and entertainment options.
Stay tuned for my upcoming Cunard review – and as ever, I can assist with exclusive perks and upgrades when booking through The Private Traveller.
The Grand Atrium aboard Queen Mary 2 — timeless elegance at the heart of the ship
Onboard Accommodation & Dining – The Four Tiers of Cunard Elegance
Each of Cunard’s “Queens” features four accommodation categories, each tied to a dedicated main dining room. Your cabin choice determines your restaurant—and your level of exclusivity.
Britannia
Accommodation: Classic staterooms (Inside, Oceanview, Balcony)
Dining: Britannia Restaurant — a grand dining hall with set-time seating options (Early, Late, or Open Dining) and formal service with daily-changing menus.Britannia Club
Accommodation: Enhanced balcony staterooms with added amenities
Dining: Britannia Club Restaurant — in a dedicated, intimate space with a reserved table for the voyage, flexible evening dining, and both the standard Britannia menu and daily Club-special selections.Princess Grill
Accommodation: Elegant suite-level comfort
Dining: Princess Grill Restaurant — refined à la carte dining with a reserved table all voyage long and elevated menus prepared with premium ingredients.Queens Grill
Accommodation: Ultimate luxury with spacious suite living and dedicated amenities
Dining: Queens Grill Restaurant — the most exclusive onboard restaurant, with white-glove service, a set table throughout your cruise, bespoke culinary options, and an atmosphere of true sophistication.
Inside a Queens Grill Suite on Queen Mary 2 — spacious, serene, and beautifully appointed
Why I Chose Queens Grill
For my inaugural voyage, I opted for the Queens Grill experience—and I hope it delivers on every promise:
A beautifully appointed suite with full butler service and priority embarkation
Full access to the Queens Grill Restaurant—your own reserved table, flexible dining schedule, attentive service, and bespoke menu options tailored to your tastes
A truly elevated sense of privacy, refinement, and indulgence that aligns perfectly with Cunard’s legendary “White Star Service”
Luxury Accommodation Highlights
Where to Stay in Hamburg - Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
A true Hamburg icon on the banks of the Binnenalster, this grand lakeside property combines timeless elegance with impeccable service. I chose it for its central location, world-class spa, and history of hosting discerning travellers. It’s part of the prestigious Fairmont collection, under the Accor umbrella, and participates in leading VIP perks programmes for added value.
The Hamburg skyline from the Binnenalster — flanked by historic church towers and modern façades
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten |
| Address | Neuer Jungfernstieg 9–14, 20354 Hamburg, Germany |
| Nearest Airport | Hamburg Airport (HAM) – 11 km / approx. 20–30 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | 156 rooms and suites |
| Dining & Bar Options | Haerlin (2 Michelin stars), Jahreszeiten Grill, Nikkei Nine, Café Condi, Jahreszeiten Bar |
| Spa & Wellness | Vier Jahreszeiten Spa & Fitness – sauna, treatments, rooftop terrace, gym |
| @fairmont_hvj | |
| Website | fairmont.com |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #1 of 349 hotels in Hamburg (as of July 2025) |
| Visiting | August 2025 |
VIP Booking Benefits with The Private Traveller
When booking through The Private Traveller as a Fora Travel Advisor, guests enjoy access to exclusive VIP programmes — including Virtuoso and Accor’s HERA — depending on the property’s affiliations.
Typical perks for stays at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten include:
✅ Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
✅ Daily breakfast for two, served either in the restaurant or via in-room dining
✅ $100 USD equivalent hotel credit (can be used during the stay for dining, spa, etc.; not applicable to room rate)
✅ Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)
✅ Complimentary Wi-Fi
✅ Additional $100 hotel credit for stays of 6+ nights (2025 onwards)
Which Programme Applies?
Virtuoso
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is a Virtuoso member, meaning The Private Traveller can offer Virtuoso benefits to clients when booked through Fora Travel. This luxury consortia programme includes:
Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Daily full breakfast for two
$100 USD hotel credit
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
VIP status recognition and tailored welcome amenities
Accor HERA (Hotel Elite Recognition & Amenities)
HERA is Accor’s exclusive invitation-only benefits programme, designed for top-tier luxury travel advisors. Properties like Fairmont, Sofitel Legend, Raffles, and others in the Accor Luxe portfolio may offer HERA perks, which often include:
Enhanced room upgrades
Personalised amenities and VIP welcome
Priority for early check-in / late check-out
A stronger relationship between hotel and advisor team for bespoke requests
Things to Do in Hamburg
A few favourite spots and experiences in the city
Elbphilharmonie – Hamburg’s iconic concert hall with world-class acoustics and panoramic views from the Plaza
Miniatur Wunderland – The world’s largest model railway museum; far more fascinating than it sounds
Alster Lake Walks – Stroll or cycle along the Inner and Outer Alster lakes for peaceful urban scenery
Planten un Blomen – A beautifully landscaped park with water features, Japanese gardens, and summer light shows
Hamburg Kunsthalle – A major art museum with an impressive collection from Old Masters to modern art
St. Michael’s Church (Michel) – Climb the tower for sweeping views across the harbour and old town
Speicherstadt & HafenCity – Explore the UNESCO-listed warehouse district, canals, and the evolving modern harbourfront
Alsterhaus & Neuer Wall – Upscale shopping destinations for fashion, gourmet goods, and luxury finds
Fish Market (Sundays only) – A lively local tradition by the Elbe with food stalls, music, and quirky charm
Canal Boat Tour – See the city from the water via a traditional barge or luxury charter
Golden autumn light over Hamburg’s Alster Lake
Additional Accommodation Options - Conrad Hamburg
Where to Stay in Hamburg
Set to open soon in a prime location near the Alster, Conrad Hamburg promises a fresh, modern luxury experience with a strong design focus and signature Hilton service under the Conrad brand. While the hotel is not yet open, I’ll be among the first to visit once it launches — offering a full preview and honest insights for fellow travellers and Fora advisors alike.
Expect a detailed trip report on The Private Traveller once I’ve experienced it firsthand.
Chic bar setting at the upcoming Conrad Hamburg – where design meets atmosphere
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Conrad Hamburg |
| Address | Coming soon – near Binnenalster, central Hamburg |
| Nearest Airport | Hamburg Airport (HAM) – approx. 11 km / 20–30 mins by car |
| Rooms & Suites | Expected to offer 200+ contemporary rooms and suites |
| Dining & Bar Options | Restaurants and bars TBA – likely to feature local and international cuisine |
| Spa & Wellness | Wellness centre expected with fitness, spa, and relaxation zones |
|
@conrad_hotels @conradhamburg | |
| Website | hilton.com/conrad |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | To be listed after official opening |
| Visiting | Planned for Autumn 2025 (Pre-opening Preview) |
Full Travel Itinerary: Hamburg via Queen Mary 2
Day 1: Edinburgh to Southampton
Direct flight with Loganair
Overnight stay at the Harbour Hotel Southampton – a stylish waterfront hotel ideal for pre-cruise stays
Day 2–3: Queen Mary 2 – Southampton to Hamburg
Embark on Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2
Enjoy two nights on board this iconic ocean liner with fine dining, white-glove service, and elegant staterooms
Full day at sea en route to Germany
Day 4: Arrive Hamburg
Early morning arrival into Hamburg
Full day to explore the city
Overnight stay at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg’s most legendary lakeside address
Day 5: Discover More & Return Home
Morning and early afternoon to continue exploring Hamburg
Evening flight back to Edinburgh via London Heathrow with British Airways
Where to Eat & Drink in Hamburg
Curated dining suggestions — from elegant fine dining to cosy local favourites
Dining at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten
Haerlin (3 Michelin stars)
A pinnacle of fine dining in Hamburg, Haerlin serves seasonal tasting menus crafted by Chef Christoph Rüffer, with one of the most celebrated wine cellars in Europe.
GRILL by the Inner Alster Lake
An elegant, wood-panelled restaurant offering grilled seafood and premium cuts of meat. Expect a refined yet inviting setting with views of the Inner Alster Lake.
NIKKEI NINE
A vibrant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in a modern, moody space. Signature dishes include robata-grilled black cod, wagyu tartare, and ceviche — with a live DJ on select evenings.
Café Condi & The Wohnhalle
Classic Viennese-style café by day and refined lounge by afternoon. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a traditional Afternoon Tea in an elegant lakeside setting.
Hamburg Dining Suggestions
Old Commercial Room
A historic gastropub near St. Michael’s Church, serving hearty northern German specialities like Labskaus and Aalsuppe in a traditional wood-panelled setting.
Bullerei
Modern German bistro by chef Tim Mälzer, located in a converted meatpacking hall in the Schanzenviertel. Known for its creative menu and relaxed, contemporary vibe.
Erika’s Eck
A down-to-earth local favourite serving generous portions of schnitzel and traditional German fare. Simple, hearty, and full of character.
Bars & Lounges
NIKKEI NINE Bar – Stylish and lively, this cocktail bar is known for inventive drinks and a smart-casual crowd.
Wohnhalle Lounge – An atmospheric space with a fireplace, perfect for afternoon tea or a quiet evening drink in timeless surroundings.
Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
When you book with The Private Traveller in partnership with Fora Travel, you unlock access to exclusive VIP perks across the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines — all at no additional cost to you.
Enjoy elevated benefits such as:
🌟 VIP welcome amenities
🍳 Complimentary daily breakfast
💳 $100 USD resort or hotel credit (or more on extended stays)
🛌 Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
⏰ Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
📶 Complimentary Wi-Fi
Cruise guests can also receive:
🚢 Extra onboard credits (often $100–300+ per cabin)
🍾 Welcome champagne or speciality dining
🧖♀️ Spa or excursion credits
🚤 Priority embarkation and shore excursion access (select lines)
Whether you're planning a city break, wellness retreat, ocean voyage, or round-the-world adventure, I’ll help you build a bespoke itinerary, tailored to your tastes — and packed with extra value at every turn.
Let’s make your next journey effortless and extraordinary.
Stay Connected & Start Planning Your Journey
For luxury travel inspiration, detailed hotel reviews, cruise reports, and curated itineraries, follow The Private Traveller across platforms — and don’t forget to visit the website to plan and book your next adventure:
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💬 Planning a trip? Drop me a message or head to theprivatetraveller.com to get started with a bespoke itinerary — complete with VIP perks and insider access.
