On April 15, we will remember the centennial of the sinking of the Titanic. Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line, has written a touching story about how Cunard will remember the day. I recommend you read Guided by a greater hand…

The centennial comes just weeks before Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 sets sail on her eighth Transatlantic cruise season beginning May 2012. This year she will sail 19 classic seven-day crossings between New York and Southampton, and six nine-day extended voyages between New York and Hamburg. For a schedule, contact us.

The only liner to provide regularly scheduled Transatlantic service, Queen Mary 2 is one of my favorite vessels, and a Transatlantic cruise, which I have done three times now, ranks among my favorite experiences.

I enjoy Transatlantic cruises for a variety of reasons:

• No jetlag, at least in one direction, assuming you’re flying back home. Of course, you could go both ways on the ship. My preference: West to East where you gain an hour each day.
• Rich in classic British traditions, including my favorites, fish & chips and pints of ale.
• Relaxed pace of onboard life. With no ports, except for the departure and arrival seven days later, you don’t have to plan your days ashore.
• Admiring the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s beautiful out there in the middle of the sea.
• Sailing into New York.

Have you crossed the Atlantic by ship? If so, please share your stories on our Facebook page.