From Pointe-à-Pitre to the Queen Mary 2:
A Childhood Dream Set Sail
Saturday, July 26, 2025Where It All Began
As a child growing up in the Caribbean, I didn’t dream of beaches. I lived 20 minutes from them. What fascinated me instead were the things that moved: planes overhead, ships in the harbour, people going places.
On Wednesday afternoons, I’d make my way to the port of Pointe-à-Pitre. Why? Because on Wednesdays, there would be one or two cruise liners bringing hundreds of American tourists to Pointe-à-Pitre. My uncle worked nearby as a customs officer, and if I was lucky, I could sit in his office and watch the world pass through. Back then, the ships looked impossibly grand, floating cities with polished decks and passengers who walked with purpose.
Image: Cruising Solo or Not. My Childhood Dream Sailing on Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to Hamburg
The Childhood Promise: Concorde and Cunard
Sometimes my uncle would give me a pass and let me onboard as part of a member of group of Gwo-Ka dancers, I would pretend to be a backup singer or try to be useful. That little trick worked more than once. I’d catch a glimpse of the ship’s lobby, breathe in the mix of sea air and perfume, and let my imagination do the rest.
That’s where it started: the dream. For the rich and famous, there was Concorde and Cunard. Once a week, Concorde would land in Guadeloupe, or would pass overhead with the "sonic boom." I was always there waiting for it. For me, just watching them felt like touching another world. Planes in the sky, cruise liners at sea; sky and ocean. I promised myself that one day, I’d do both. I’d fly Concorde and do a Cunard cruise.
I didn’t make it aboard in time. But I did end up in the travel industry. And over the years, I’ve travelled far, work trips, sites, and cruise ship visits, more boarding passes than I can count ( as an airline staff there is one thing I regretted the most is that we were once allowed to fly to New York on Concord, but I said I have time, will do next time). Of course, life happened. Concorde retired. But the dream of Cunard stayed tucked away, quietly waiting.
And then, finally, it happened.
We booked a short Cunard sailing, Southampton to Hamburg. Two nights. A small window, but enough. I travelled with my husband, but as soon as we stepped on board Queen Mary 2, I realised: this is the kind of cruise a solo traveller could thrive on.
Check-in at Southampton was smoother than any airport lounge I’ve ever seen. No stress, no queues, just a quiet efficiency that set the tone. The ship itself felt exactly as I’d imagined one to be all those years ago; timeless, elegant, soaked in history. Photographs of icons lined the walls: movie stars, musicians, royalty. People who had stood in the very same spot I was now standing. And there I was, finally, part of it.
Life at Sea: Slowing Down in Style.
We spent the sea day doing exactly what cruising should be: unwinding. Long breakfast. Time to read. A glass of wine at lunch. A walk on the deck in the early evening, coat zipped, sea air sharp and perfect. The entertainment was there if we wanted it: theatre shows, live music, dancing, but the real joy was in the pace. The ship gives you space to just be. No rush. No noise. Just quiet luxury.
And Hamburg? A welcome finale. You wake up in a new city, fresh coffee in hand, and disembark ready to explore. We extended the trip by a couple of nights, but even without that, it would’ve been a satisfying end.
Why This Cruise Works for Solo Travellers.
What struck me most, though, was how doable this all felt for a solo traveller. The short itinerary means no time to feel out of place. Cunard’s solo staterooms are smartly done, not afterthoughts, but proper cabins that respect the guest. The atmosphere is calm, adult, and intentional. It doesn’t feel strange to sit alone. It feels like a choice.
Image: Cunard Cruise Southampton to Hamburg
Image: Queen Mary 2 Cruise ship
Was the Dream Worth it?
Yes, that’s why I’m writing this. Yes, I did this cruise with my husband. But the whole time, I kept thinking: this would be perfect on my own. If you’re a solo traveller, especially a mature one, and you’ve wondered whether cruising is “for you”, this is your way in.
I boarded Queen Mary 2 with decades of travel behind me, but part of me was still that kid at the port, peeking in, wondering what it would be like to travel on board a cruise ship.
Now I know.
And I’ll be back.
Tags : Queen Mary 2, Solo Cruising, Mature Travel, Luxury Travel, Caribbean Travel Roots