When I gave them tickets for the transatlantic crossing on the way back, my parents were completely against the idea. But, I told them that was the only way they could get back. C’est la vie.
My Parents Loved It
After resigning themselves to do it, I began working out the details. The transatlantic crossing included upgraded airfare on the way over, plus two night hotel stay in London before leaving on the Queen Mary 2 back to New York from Southampton. So, when planning the London, my parents said they wanted to see the Victoria & Albert Museum. My friend Sharon insisted on, and sprang for, a car tour of London with Susie Worthy. My parents called to tell me their guide was a driving encyclopedia with easy to understand, yet over-the-top, history, little known facts and access to anywhere. Without Susie Worthy, they could not have had such a memorable experience in London.
What made the whole transatlantic crossing really great, and super easy, was that I worked with an American Express travel agent who worked out all the details with Cunard. Then, he booked a package that gave my parents lots of amenities:
- upgraded airfare to Paris
- two nights in London
- two nights in New York
- all the transfers from the train station in London to the hotel
- back to the dock to the Queen Mary 2
- from the dock in New York to the hotel in New York
- transport back to the airport
- airfare home from New York to Shreveport, Louisiana
Plus, they received shipboard credit and they used it to have their laundry done on the ship. Total bonus!
New York Harbor
After spending several days on the ocean, my parents said the ship came alive as early as 3:00 a.m. on the morning of arrival in New York. That is when people ran up and down the halls, full of excitement, talking amongst themselves and to anyone who would listen. All in anticipation of arrival in the New York Harbor. When Manhattan was finally in sight, every passenger was on deck waiting and watching as the Statue of Liberty greeted everyone coming to America.
Hearing my parents describe arriving in New York was worth every penny of that anniversary gift. They enjoyed the elegant dinners, watching the ocean pass them by, the civilized adjustment to the time change, flowers in the room. Every single part of the transatlantic crossing made them happy, and me happy.
