Join a virtual crossing on QM2

Back at work this week with loads to do before you can think about your next holiday? Or stuck at home as the gales howl and the rain pours down, while your neighbours are packing for a world cruise?
Don’t panic. You can experience your own virtual cruise thanks to Cunard, who will be providing regular updates and pictures from Queen Mary 2, which leaves New York this evening for a leisurely Transatlantic crossing which reaches Southampton next Tuesday.
You’ll need to log onto Facebook to follow the action, and you can post your own questions if there’s anything you are curious about. So far the Cunard reporter has had a busy time seeing the sights of Manhattan, skating at Central Park (above) shopping at Macy’s, and starting a photo album.
Now they are on board, ready for a spectacular sailaway past the Statue of Liberty and out under the Verrazano Narrows bridge. Hope the weather is kind for the next few days.
►Cunard have been building up the excitement for their contribution to the Queen’s Diamond Jubliee celebrations by having all three of their ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – together in Southampton. Occasions like this are rare, and there were huge celebrations last January when the same three ships were together for the first time in New York. In his recent blog post looking forward to 2012. president and managing director Peter Shanks promised some special celebrations which will “light up the sky” as the trio set out on June 5.
Don’t be too downhearted, however if you miss out on this big day – the three ships will gather in Southampton again just a few weeks later on July 13. Cunard have not made any sort of fuss about this date though, so anyone planning to take advantage of the second photo-opportunity should probably not be banking on a repeat firework display.