Crossing the Atlantic in Style: Our Group Voyage on the Queen Mary 2

Crossing the Atlantic in Style: Our Group Voyage on the Queen Mary 2
By Sean Hornbeck, The Connected Traveler

This July, Scott and I had the absolute pleasure of leading a group of amazing travelers on a transatlantic Virtuoso Voyage aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2. Our adventure began in vibrant New York City and took us across the Atlantic to Southampton, England, followed by post-cruise explorations in London and Istanbul. It was a trip filled with glamour, history, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments that only happen when you travel with a great group of people.

July 7 – Flying to New York and Pre-Cruise Fun

Scott and I didn’t arrive in New York until around 2:30 pm, but several of our group members had arrived earlier in the day. Each traveler was met at LaGuardia by a private car service and driven straight to The Beekman Hotel to begin their New York stay in comfort and style.

Tiffany and Karl opted for a private tour of Ground Zero. They were escorted to St. Paul’s Chapel,  an important landmark of resilience after 9/11, where they met their guide.  They then made their way through the memorial grounds, the reflecting pools, and the museum. The experience included a moving look at the exhibits that tell the story of that day and its aftermath, making it an unforgettable and emotional start to their New York visit. 

Felicia arrived later, and opted to use some of the perks our Virtuoso-affiliated agency provides for those staying at the Beekman–early check in.  She then settled into her beautiful room while waiting for the rest of us to get back to the hotel.

Booking through me meant my travelers enjoyed exclusive Virtuoso and Connected Traveler benefits at The Beekman. These perks included room upgrades, early check in, late check out, a $100 food and beverage credit per room, and a $35 per person daily breakfast credit. Each traveler was also greeted with a special welcome gift in their room—some guests received chocolate chip cookies and macarons, while others enjoyed a beautiful fresh fruit arrangement. It’s such a wonderful way to start a trip, and just one of the advantages of booking your travel through The Connected Traveler and Virtuoso.

Many of you know that The Beekman Hotel is one of our favorite New York City Hotels.  The Beekman Hotel, with its stunning nine-story atrium and rich history is one of New York’s architectural gems and was the perfect starting point for our journey. Originally built in 1881, it blends historic charm with modern luxury, making it an unforgettable pre-cruise stay.  

The Beekman also boasts a Library, so it was the perfect start to our literary themed trip!  The Library at The Beekman in New York City is a warm and sophisticated gathering space that perfectly blends history with modern elegance. Nestled between the hotel’s two fine dining restaurants, the space features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with classic works curated by the Strand Bookstore, plush velvet seating, and rich wood accents that evoke the charm of a private club. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails, afternoon tea, or a quiet moment with a book in hand while surrounded by the Beekman’s distinctive Gilded Age architecture. With its intimate atmosphere and refined design, The Library serves as both a social hub and a tranquil retreat in the heart of Lower Manhattan.

We had planned to meet the group for dinner that evening, but just before we were set to leave, our chosen restaurant called to say they had to close early due to an AC outage, which actually covered most of the New York area. I spoke to the concierge—someone I’ve worked with several times at The Beekman and who is always amazing. He paused, smiled, and said, “I have a guy.” Moments later, we were whisked away in The Beekman’s complimentary car to Il Cortile in Little Italy, where we enjoyed a fabulous Italian dinner while buzzing with excitement about the voyage ahead.

July 8 – Boarding Day and a Bit of Chaos

We started the morning with breakfast together, sharing our excitement for the adventure ahead. Afterward, everyone gathered in the lobby where our private car service awaited to take us to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in comfort and style.

The big day had finally arrived—boarding Cunard’s Queen Mary 2! However, the process wasn’t as smooth as we hoped. Cunard had not communicated that we needed proof of our UK ETA visa application approval, which caused some last-minute scrambling. After some stress and one very helpful crew member, we finally made it onboard (we won’t discuss the three non-helpful crew members–the important thing is that a supervisor was there and intervened).

Once settled, I stopped by the Purser’s Office to confirm the 58 Virtuoso guest details for our group, including their room numbers and their additional virtuoso benefits with the Purser’s Desk. We then personally called every room to invite them to our exclusive Virtuoso cocktail party, a Virtuoso benefit they enjoy the following day from 5–6 pm at Sir Samuel’s Wine Bar.

After finishing calls, we met up with some of our travelers at the Lion’s Pub for light bites, a pint,  and some classic fish and chips—a Cunard staple. Later, we returned to our stateroom to unpack before heading to the lively Sail Away Party. As the Queen Mary 2 sailed out of New York Harbor, we marveled at the breathtaking sight of the Statue of Liberty off the side of the ship and the thrill of gliding under the Brooklyn Bridge with just 10 feet of clearance. It was truly a moment to remember. Karl and Tiffany got the best pictures!!!

Afterward, Scott and I made our way to the LGBTQ meet-up, but it had been canceled due to the sail away festivities. Not to worry though as Cunard had nightly LGBTQ meet ups!  We enjoyed a cocktail and then headed to meet everyone for dinner at the Britannia Grill.

Dinner at the Britannia Grill began with a brief hiccup when our reservation wasn’t in the system, but it was quickly resolved and never happened again. Once seated, the sommelier came by to take our drink orders while our attentive server encouraged us to order as much as we liked—there was no limit to how many appetizers, entrees, or desserts we could enjoy. The meal was delightful and set the tone for the days ahead. We ended the night with live music in the elegant Queens Room, followed by dancing at G32 (a little bit of hidden disco). 

Unfortunately, when we got back to our room that night, the AC still wasn’t working, even after more than five calls to guest services during the day. Maintenance kept working on the issue until about 2:30 am, when it was finally fixed.  Cunard sincerely apologized for the inconvenience. Things like this can happen on a cruise ship—it truly is like a floating hotel, and the crew did everything they could to make it right. 

As we were staying in the Princess Grill, we had a welcome bottle of champagne that was waiting for us.  However, it was now 2:30 am, so we decided to leave it for another day and opted to get some much-needed rest after a very long evening.

July 9 – First Day at Sea

I ordered breakfast that morning and found it was the perfect way to wake up, do some work, and get oriented as I watched the morning Cunard talk show on television.  After a couple of hours of work, Scott and I headed to the Princess Grill for lunch. We were initially seated at an awkwardly large table for just the two of us, but the maître d’ quickly fixed the issue. From that day forward, we enjoyed our own table by the window—a perfect spot to watch the ocean while dining.

Several of us then went to Illuminations for an in-depth talk about Cunard’s fascinating history, entitled Cunard Street. The speakers shared how the line began and explored its legacy in great detail. This is absolutely one talk I would encourage any future sailor to attend—it was outstanding and packed full of history.

That evening, we hosted our Virtuoso Voyages Private Reception at Sir Samuel’s. The staff served champagne, wine, and cocktails, as they passed canapés, making it a warm and elegant gathering. It was wonderful to meet so many of the 58 guests who were part of our Virtuoso Voyage and to connect with fellow travelers over drinks and conversation.

Dinner at Britannia was exceptional that night. One of the great touches on Cunard is that you’re seated at the same table each evening, allowing you to get to know your sommelier, server, and assistant server throughout the voyage. It creates a personal connection and makes each dinner feel special.

We capped off the night with the Royal Court Theatre’s Be Our Guest show, a dazzling musical celebration of Cunard’s storied past. The performance featured everything from wartime songs to modern hits, perfectly capturing the line’s rich heritage in an unforgettable way.

July 10 – Afternoon Tea, Dancing, and Broadway Magic

Several of us decided to head to King’s Court for breakfast that morning—Cunard’s buffet venue with a variety of international options. We actually really enjoyed it. After breakfast, Scott and I went to try our hand at learning the waltz in one of the dance classes. There are so many activities on the Queen Mary 2 throughout the day—watercolor painting, trivia, dance classes, lectures, and more—so there’s always something to do.  Scott decided that organized dancing was not his thing, but Sean was determined to get him to class.  Let’s just say we decided we needed a slower class.

During our voyage, we encountered a medical emergency onboard. The ship altered course and moved closer to Newfoundland so the coast guard could board and provide assistance. This caused about a three-hour delay, but our thoughts and prayers remain with the guest and their family during this difficult time.  This happens on cruises and is one of the reasons we recommend not only travel insurance, but travel protection programs that encompass emergency evacuation.

In the afternoon, we attended High Tea in the Queens Room. This event feels truly regal, with servers in white gloves entering to applause and music. They served tea along with scones, finger sandwiches, and an ever-changing selection of desserts. You can even see a video of this special tradition on our YouTube channel High Tea.

Later, we went to the LGBTQ+ get-together, which was packed with about 30 to 40 attendees. This event happens nightly and it is packed every night.  Scott had met a lovely lady earlier in the dance class who brought her trans child (they/them).  She shared a bit about their experience onboard so far, and we encouraged them to say hello whenever they saw us—we always want everyone to feel included and welcome.

Dinner at the Britannia Grill that evening was wonderful, and afterward, we enjoyed a phenomenal performance by Alton Fitzgerald White—best known for his iconic role as Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway and West End for over 4,000 shows. Seeing such a talented performer at sea was an unforgettable highlight of the voyage.

July 11 – Dance Lessons and More Group Fun

Scott and I opted for another dance class this morning—this time, it was the rumba. Scott struggled to get the steps right, and after several tries, he finally laughed and gave up when his feet just wouldn’t do what he said his mind was telling them! Others in our group chose to attend various talks, art classes, and other onboard activities. Another thing to note is that you really need to bring a jacket and long pants, as it can get quite chilly on deck during the day on a transatlantic crossing—today’s high was only 52°F. One unique aspect of the voyage was that we changed time zones at noon each day, so at 12:00 pm, the clock jumped to 1:00 pm—losing an hour as we sailed east.  I hated losing that hour. I kept thinking I would accomplish more than I did.  The transatlantic westbound gets 25 hour days as every day they add an hour while they sleep.  

We opted for lunch at the Princess Grill, but High Tea was once again a favorite ritual, and that was almost immediately thereafter. Servers in white gloves moved gracefully through the Queens Room, offering a rotating selection of scones, finger sandwiches, and desserts—truly a daily treat.

Dinner that evening at Britannia Grill was excellent, as always, with the comfort of familiar servers and sommeliers who quickly learned our preferences.

After dinner, we explored the ship’s lively music scene. There are so many venues for entertainment on the Queen Mary 2—live bands, DJs, duos, and more. We decided on the Lion’s Pub for Old Fashioneds and a relaxing evening with others from our group, listening to a talented duo perform. The camaraderie and casual fun made it another perfect night at sea.

July 12 – Saturday at Sea

The day began with Scott sleeping in while I met some of our group for breakfast. Later, Scott joined us as several in the group decided to head back to the Lion’s Pub for another round of their famous fish and chips—clearly a fan favorite on this voyage! In the afternoon, many of us attended a fascinating 45‑minute planetarium show, which was an incredible experience unique to the Queen Mary 2.

After the show, Scott and I stopped at Sir Samuel’s for tea and a pastry before attending Cunard’s Welcome Reception for new passengers. The reception was lively, with around 250 to 300 guests in attendance. That evening, we enjoyed yet another fantastic dinner at Britannia Grill, followed by cocktails and live music back at the Lion’s Pub, where we relaxed with others from our group.

The following sea days were filled with more beloved traditions—planetarium shows, daily High Tea, and relaxing moments with friends. One highlight was the Captain’s Welcome Reception, a glamorous affair where guests mingled in their finest attire. Evenings were spent enjoying themed dance parties, including a roaring 20s night and an 80s music show at the Royal Court Theatre.

July 13 – Sunday at Sea

We got up early to try breakfast at Princess Grill, which was a wonderful way to start the day with ocean views and attentive service. In the afternoon, we headed to the Queens Room for the daily High Tea—we had to keep the tradition alive. 

Later, we attended a live planetarium program presented by the Royal Astronomical Association. The 45‑minute show explored the possibility of life on other planets, as well as the constellations and night sky, making for a fascinating and educational experience you won’t find on most cruise ships.

That evening, we had another delicious dinner at Britannia Grill before heading to the lively Roaring 20s Dance Party. The event was full of fabulous music and flapper‑style dancing, with everyone dressed for the occasion. Afterward, we continued the night at G32, where a DJ and live band alternated sets, keeping the energy high well into the evening. It was a night full of dancing, laughter, and incredible memories with our group.  We know you are surprised, but we tended to be the ones shutting down a venue.  

July 14 – Final Sea Day Before England

This morning, I went to breakfast while Scott stayed behind to pack for our arrival in England.  I then did some work in the library, organizing tours for folks via WhatsApp.  Suddenly, it was lunch time. I met Scott at King’s Court, the ship’s buffet, which offered everything from pizza and burgers to carved ham, Asian dishes, and creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for a casual midday bite together.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the Queens Room for one last High Tea at sea. As always, white‑gloved servers presented scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and an array of desserts that changed daily. It was such a treat to enjoy this tradition one final time before disembarkation.

Dinner at Britannia Grill that evening was, once again, exceptional, with our familiar servers and sommelier who had been taking care of us all voyage. After dinner, we attended the 80s Live show in the Royal Court Theatre—a high‑energy performance filled with classic hits from the decade, dancing, and lots of audience participation. It was the perfect way to wrap up our final night at sea.

We went back to our room and put our luggage out in the hallway for the crew to collect, ready for disembarkation the next morning as we prepared for our arrival in England.

July 15 – Southampton, Stonehenge & Windsor Castle

After a brief delay due to a medical emergency earlier in the voyage, we arrived in Southampton and prepared to disembark. Our TCT group opted for a Cunard shore excursion that included a visit to Stonehenge before being dropped off at London Heathrow Airport.

Five of us were staying overnight at the Sofitel London Heathrow to make our flights easier the following morning. Our excursion began with a stop at Stonehenge, and wow—what an incredible, awe‑inspiring experience to see this ancient site in person. Afterward, our guide surprised us with a detour to Windsor, giving us the chance to see the magnificent Windsor Castle from the outside.

Once we were dropped off at Heathrow, we checked into the Sofitel, which is conveniently connected to the airport. With an early flight ahead, we chose to enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel before calling it an early night.  We were all exhausted and had a very early am flight on Turkish Airlines the next morning.

July 16 – Arrival in Istanbul and Dinner Cruise

We arrived at London Heathrow at 3:00 am, expecting Turkish Airlines to be open as they typically open four hours prior to a flight—but Heathrow was different.  This was complete unorganized chaos.  They do things completely differently at Heathrow than they do in New York, Atlanta, Istanbul, or any other place where we have flown Turkish.  In Heathrow, Wheelchair assistance is essentially self-service and is provided by the airport, not the airline. We were sent to go to get wheelchair assistance and quickly discovered that Heathrow did not keep the airlines informed of their various departments operating hours.  Finally, an employee of Turkish Airlines came to the rescue.  She helped us liberate wheelchairs so we could take our guests through the airport.  After making our way through the airport, we reached our gate and boarded our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we saw they had posted a sign with our names.  As soon as we approached it, we were met by a guide who assisted us in getting our private transport for our small group to the Mamara Pera Hotel, our home for the next several nights.

Once everyone was checked in, Scott and I found that our room wasn’t quite ready yet. Fortunately, our guests all had their rooms ready.  We decided to relax at the hotel restaurant, splitting a sandwich and enjoying a Coke Zero. After finally getting our room and freshening up, we prepared for the highlight of the evening—a dinner cruise along the Bosphorus. The meal was first class, with delicious Turkish dishes, and the show included whirling dervishes, belly dancers, and traditional Turkish performers.  As we sailed, we got to see the amazing city, witnessing both its European and its Asian side (Istanbul is literally located in two continents).  Seeing the two continents and the city lights on both sides was an unforgettable experience.

July 17 – Exploring Istanbul

Tiffany and Karl spent the day on a guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic sights, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, and the Basilica Cistern. They also visited the Grand Bazaar, where they purchased, among other things, lamps, spices and souvenirs to bring home.  

Felicia opted to rest and enjoy the amazing views from her room so she could be ready for the evening—a reminder that it’s your vacation, and you should always do what feels best for you.

Scott and I later met up with Tiffany and Karl for drinks and snacks at a rooftop bar in Old Town Istanbul, taking in the incredible views of the city, Deraliye Terrace-Sultanahmet Rooftop Restaurant. That evening, we decided on a casual dinner near the hotel, where Scott made a new friend—a black and white cat that came up and sat right beside him. Istanbul is known for its friendly street cats, and this one seemed to enjoy our company just as much as we enjoyed theirs. While Scott made a friend, Tiff and Sean went to find Tiff a new suitcase for all the extra goodies they found in Istanbul.  Another great purchase!  We finished the night back at the Mamara Pera with dessert and drinks to end a perfect day in the city.

July 18 – A Day of Elegance and Fine Dining

Scott, Tiffany, Karl, and I started the morning with a delicious breakfast at the Mamara Pera—the spread there is fantastic with a mix of local Turkish dishes and international favorites. After breakfast, I walked Tiffany and Karl across the street to the historic Pera Palace so they could see the famous Room 101, which is now a museum. The Pera Palace is steeped in history, known for hosting Agatha Christie and countless dignitaries, writers, and world figures. Room 101 is particularly notable for its ties to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, who stayed there on several occasions.  You can read more about the Pera Palace and its role in Turkey’s history here, Pera Palace

One of the most fascinating and unexpected highlights of a visit to Room 101 at the Pera Palace Hotel—now preserved as a museum in honor of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—are a pair of framed rugs unlike any others. One of them has an air of mystery about it. It is especially captivating as it’s crafted from silk rumored to have been from special butterfly chrysalides, a delicate and unusual medium in itself. But what truly gives visitors goosebumps is the small clock woven into the design, which eerily points to the exact hour of Atatürk’s death. 

The rug was gifted prior to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s death—in 1929, nearly nine years before he died on November 10, 1938.  This timing is part of what makes the rug so intriguing: it was presented to him by an Indian Maharaja well in advance of his passing, yet it features highly symbolic imagery—including a clock showing the time of Atatürk’s death.  Adding to the mystique is the fact that some claim the Maharaja commissioned the work through a mystic or astrologer. 

Whether the clock’s depiction was coincidence, artistic flourish, or a mystical forecast as some speculate, the rug has become one of the most mysterious and talked-about pieces in Room 101 at the Pera Palace Hotel, where it is now preserved as part of the Atatürk Museum. It’s both beautiful and haunting—a tiny time capsule in a room filled with powerful symbolism.

After their visit, Tiffany and Karl returned to the hotel to gather their belongings and head to the airport as their amazing trip was coming to an end. Felicia came downstairs shortly after, and we all met with Burcu, our wonderful Turkish local representative, amazing singer, and personal friend. She took us to a renowned Turkish carpet store in Old Town, where they closed the shop just for us. We learned about the incredible artistry and dedication behind Turkish carpet‑making—some rugs take several months to many years to complete! We actually observed someone making a rug by hand and were completely floored by the experience. Felicia may have even left with a few stunning rugs as souvenirs.

Next, we visited the Egyptian Bazaar for a private spice tasting, sampling rich spices and traditional Turkish delight. We all may have picked up some treats to bring home before we returned to the hotel to pack up for our departure.

That evening, we dined at Mika, the Mamara Pera’s Michelin‑rated rooftop restaurant. The spectacular tasting menu featured an array of gourmet dishes, and the sweeping views of Istanbul at night created the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the incredible journey we’d all shared.  This tasting menu was truly amazing!!!  One of the best meals we have ever had.

July 19 – Returning to New York

After a hearty breakfast at the Marmara Pera, Felicia, Scott, and I took a private car service to the Istanbul Airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to JFK. Upon arrival in New York, another private car service met us and whisked us away to the iconic Algonquin Hotel. 

Stepping into the Algonquin Hotel is like slipping through a hidden door into New York’s literary soul. Nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, just steps from the Theater District and Bryant Park, the Algonquin isn’t just a hotel—it’s a living chapter of American cultural history. Its wood-paneled lobby whispers stories of the legendary Round Table, where Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and other literary giants traded witticisms over martinis and changed the voice of American humor. The hotel's elegance is understated yet rich with character—ornate moldings, soft amber lighting, and portraits of its most iconic guests line the walls like curated footnotes from a different era. Every room carries echoes of conversations that once shaped The New Yorker and Broadway’s golden age. But this isn't a museum—it’s a hotel with warmth, soul, and a surprising sense of intimacy amid the city’s constant motion. Staying at the Algonquin feels like being invited into an exclusive club where every doorman is a storyteller and every velvet armchair has held history. It’s an experience that blends the thrill of old New York with the comforts of a world-class boutique stay—utterly timeless, and completely unforgettable.

Even better, The Connected Traveler secured special benefits for our Connected Traveler family. Upon check-in, when you get to your room, in recognition of the hotel’s literary importance, our travelers received newly released books that they could take home, as well as an Algonquin Hotel bookmark.  Not only that, the hotel waived the typical resort fee, and then provided everyone a complimentary breakfast!  They even provided us a late check out. The Algonquin Hotel room.

The Algonquin truly is just an amazing NY residence and the newly renovated rooms are phenomenal.  Our only complaint:  Hamlet was on vacation!!!!! 

Hamlet is the hotel’s famous house cat. Part mascot, part royalty, Hamlet is the latest in a long line of feline ambassadors dating back to the 1930s, when a stray wandered in and never left—clearly recognizing the value of prime Manhattan real estate. Male cats are always named Hamlet, while females take the name Matilda, in a tradition as beloved as it is quirky. Hamlet roams the lobby with the cool detachment of a seasoned editor, occasionally pausing to greet guests who seem sufficiently interesting—or treat-equipped. He even has his own Instagram fan base and annual charity fashion show. Sharing a hotel with a literary feline feels perfectly fitting in a place where stories are woven into the walls, and Hamlet is both the purring punctuation mark and the unofficial concierge of this iconic New York institution. 

After settling in our rooms, we decided to keep things simple and walked next door to the Red Flame Diner for a casual dinner—an NYC classic that hit the spot after a long travel day.  It was a true classic diner with all the options:  amazing salads, greek food, roast turkey dinner, a club sandwich, carrot cake, cheesecake, and those giant New York cookies.  It truly was a spectacular day.

July 20 – A Perfect New York Day

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the lively Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a New York City icon where the servers are all aspiring Broadway performers. Between delivering pancakes and coffee, they belt out show tunes with incredible talent—it’s like dinner theater at breakfast time! The energy was infectious, and it felt like the perfect way to kick off a day in the city.

Plus the food is amazing!  We all highly recommend the milkshakes. Even better, Felicia got to try her first Chocolate Egg Cream!!!

Later in the day, there was a surprise in store for Felicia.  We had all decided to go to a show that night.  We narrowed down the choices and then Felicia said to surprise her.  Well, she was surprised.  We went to see The Book of Mormon on Broadway.  We spent an extra approximate $10 per ticket to get priority entry, and by booking tickets through our travel affiliation, we were able to score front row tickets for less than the price of balcony seats online!  Not only that, they provided a bottle of champagne for us to enjoy while we were waiting for the show to begin.  Felicia said she didn’t need a glass. 

The show was hilarious, irreverent, and absolutely brilliant, keeping us laughing from beginning to end. Broadway truly is magical, and there’s nothing like seeing a show in the heart of New York’s theater district.

After the show, we headed to Chinatown for authentic dim sum. The bustling atmosphere, the dumplings and buns, and the incredible flavors made it a memorable final evening in the city before heading home.

July 21 – Farewell to the City

On our final morning in New York, we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast at the Algonquin before preparing to depart. It was the perfect way to end an extraordinary journey full of incredible memories. We were sad we had to leave NY.  We all got in our private transfer to the New York airport, we vowed we would be back.

Reflections on an Incredible Group Journey

Looking back on this voyage, I’m reminded of everything I love about travel—the timeless elegance of a transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary 2, the chance to stand in awe at Stonehenge, the vibrant history and flavors of Istanbul, and the energy of New York City.  Even more so was the fact that our voyage evolved around a central element: literary traditions and inspriations.  The literary theme, from the library at the Beekman Hotel in NY, the library on the Queen Mary 2, a quick visit to Stonehenge—long a source of poetic and mythical inspiration from Thomas Hardy to William Blake—, the literary connections of Istanbul and the Pera Palace through Agatha Christie and others, and then our incredible stay at the Algonquin Hotel, New York's literary soul.  How fun it was to spin our story!

Moreover, our voyage was not an ordinary voyage–it was a virtuoso voyage. Hosting a Virtuoso Voyage always feels special because of the extra touches—our private cocktail reception, personalized service, and insider perks that make every moment feel elevated. These experiences aren’t just about the destinations we visit, but about the connections and stories we create along the way.

Travel is so much more than moving from one place to another—it’s about the friendships formed, the laughs shared, and the memories that last a lifetime. And, this trip was a trip of a lifetime! This journey gave us all of that and more. I can’t wait to set sail again soon, and I’d love for you to join us on the next incredible group adventure with The Connected Traveler!

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