Hey all, I need some help with my plans for a cruise on the Queen Mary II. I’ve booked a sailing from NYC to Southampton in December 2026. My stateroom is on Deck 6, midship, and I’m wondering if the Atlantic will be rougher during that time. Do I need to consider a room closer to the center of gravity? Or is December generally calm enough?
I booked over the phone with one of their agents who suggested that a midship room on a higher deck would likely be better for avoiding motion sickness compared to lower deck rooms at the front or back of the ship. This makes sense to me, but I’ve only been on one cruise before and I’m definitely not an expert. Does the fact that the QMII is an ocean liner help with the rocking?
For context, I was once on a Carnival cruise, and though I don’t usually suffer from motion sickness, I did get food poisoning on that trip. The rocking didn’t help, but being lower on the ship made things feel much better compared to the higher decks. My travel companion on this trip has never cruised before and I’m worried they might be more sensitive to the motion.
Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Here’s the original post for reference. u/HospitalPatient5025
Hey, I’m planning a cruise on the Queen Mary II in December 2026. My room’s on Deck 6, midship. Wondering if the Atlantic will be rough, and if I should be looking for a cabin closer to the center of gravity. Is December bad weather-wise? I’ve only been on one cruise before, so I’m not sure how it works. My agent said midship on a higher deck would help with motion sickness, but I’m open to any advice.
Also, I was once on a Carnival ship and didn’t get seasick, but I did get food poisoning and the rocking didn’t help. I’m concerned my friend, who has never cruised before, might be more sensitive to the movement.
The sheltered balconies on QM2 are pretty good. Opinions on how much the ship moves vary. Before my first trip (also Deck 6), I was told it barely moves, but I could definitely feel the rolling. I suggest you try not to think too much about it and just enjoy the trip!
The North Atlantic can definitely be rougher in winter, but by December, hurricane season should be over, so that’s not a concern. Lower decks tend to have less motion and are also further from the foghorns if you run into fog (though that’s also less likely). I found the sheltered balcony cabin great in September, especially since the weather gets colder and you don’t spend as much time outside.
@Zeke
Thanks, I hadn’t thought about the foghorn being louder on higher decks! I wish I could have afforded a balcony, but I had to budget for a kennel for my dog instead. Haha.
Morgan said: @Zeke
Thanks, I hadn’t thought about the foghorn being louder on higher decks! I wish I could have afforded a balcony, but I had to budget for a kennel for my dog instead. Haha.
You’re welcome! I hope you have a great crossing, and how awesome that you’re bringing your dog along. That’s such a thoughtful thing to do!
@Zeke
I’m so glad Cunard offers that option. I was worried about the experience of flying my dog in cargo. Plus, who wouldn’t want to experience a trip like this? It’s like a Titanic experience for me!
Deck 6 is a solid choice for motion. You’ll feel the movement, but the ship is designed to make the ride as smooth as possible, even in bad weather. Just keep in mind, depending on the cabin you have, there may not be cabins above you. If you have a sheltered balcony, you might hear people walking on the decks. If it’s an inside cabin, you might hear the buffet or galley, though it’s not too bad.
@Vesper
Thanks, that’s really helpful! The agent did mention we’re below the buffet, but I’m hoping it won’t be too noisy since it’s an ocean-view room, not under a walkway.