BOOKS IN PLACES · 29 NOVEMBER – 9 DECEMBER 2027
New York &
Literature Festival at Sea
Two unforgettable books. Three nights in Manhattan. Seven nights crossing the Atlantic aboard Queen Mary 2.
Explore New York through The Great Gatsby, then sail home with Virginia Woolf's The Voyage Out and a whole week of literary events. All with a friendly Books in Places group.
Single occupancy throughout · No room or cabin sharing
A DIFFERENT KIND OF BOOK CLUB
Two books. Two settings.
One rather special holiday.
There is something wonderful about reading a book in the place that inspired it. This time, we get to enjoy two very different literary experiences in one trip.
We begin in New York, with time to explore a city that still carries echoes of Fitzgerald's Jazz Age. Then we board Queen Mary 2, put our feet up, and cross the Atlantic surrounded by authors, books and fellow readers.
You'll have your own room and your own cabin, along with a welcoming group to share the adventure. Come along to the group get-togethers when you fancy company, and enjoy time to yourself whenever you like.
THE BOOKS WE'LL READ
New York on the page. A voyage on the ocean.
Each book has its own place in our journey, giving us two very different conversations to look forward to.
PART ONE · NEW YORK
The Great Gatsby
Glamour, longing and the American Dream: Fitzgerald's unforgettable novel takes us into the glittering world of 1920s New York and Long Island, where Jay Gatsby's lavish parties disguise a much more complicated story.
While our Manhattan stay isn't a guided Gatsby tour, we'll be exploring a city with so much of that same energy, from its famous skyline to its lively neighbourhoods. We'll also have the chance to talk about the novel together while we're in New York.
PART TWO · AT SEA
The Voyage Out
Woolf's first novel follows young Rachel Vinrace on a sea journey towards South America. Away from her familiar world, she begins to see life, love and society in a different way.
It's not set on our particular Atlantic route, but its ideas of travel, discovery and changing perspectives feel wonderfully appropriate to a week at sea. We'll have our own Books in Places discussion of The Voyage Out as we sail home.
29 NOVEMBER – 2 DECEMBER · MANHATTAN
Three nights in New York
We'll fly direct from London Heathrow to JFK on 29 November and travel together to the Hilton New York Fashion District for three nights.
Our Manhattan base puts us in a great position for exploring the city. The hotel completed a renovation of its guest rooms and public spaces in 2025 and has a rooftop bar with skyline views.
The hotel is room only, giving you the freedom to choose where to have breakfast, lunch and dinner and to discover some of New York's cafés and restaurants.
INCLUDED · TWO-DAY NEW YORK ATTRACTION PASS
Discover the city your way
On 30 November and 1 December, you'll have an attraction pass to help you make the most of your stay. Choose the experiences that interest you, rather than following a packed group itinerary.
Options include:
- Top of the Rock or Edge for spectacular city views
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum and MoMA
- Selected sightseeing buses and neighbourhood walking tours
The range of attractions may change. Some experiences require advance booking, and admission is subject to each attraction's terms and availability.
2 – 9 DECEMBER · NEW YORK TO SOUTHAMPTON
A week of books aboard Queen Mary 2
On 2 December we'll transfer as a group to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and board Cunard's Queen Mary 2 for our seven-night crossing home.
The Literature Festival at Sea is curated by the programming team of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival. Expect conversations with writers and journalists, panels, Q&As, book signings and a ship full of people who love books.
And when you want a break from the programme, you can find a quiet corner to read, explore the ship or simply watch the Atlantic drift by.
See what's included and reserve your placeTHE LITERARY CROSSING
7 nights aboard Queen Mary 2 Full board in an inside stateroom for sole use Time for reading and our own Books in Places discussionYOUR JOURNEY
From Manhattan to the Atlantic
Plenty to discover in New York, followed by an unhurried week of literary events at sea.
Fly to New York
Direct flight from London Heathrow to JFK, group transfer and check-in at Hilton New York Fashion District.
Explore Manhattan
Two days to use your included New York attraction pass, enjoy the city and talk about The Great Gatsby with fellow readers.
Board Queen Mary 2
Group transfer to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and embarkation for the Literature Festival at Sea.
Six full days at sea
Enjoy author events, panels, reading time and our Books in Places discussion of The Voyage Out.
Arrive in Southampton
Disembark Queen Mary 2 in Southampton at the end of our transatlantic adventure.
YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE
What's included
The price is based on having your own hotel room in New York and your own inside stateroom on Queen Mary 2. You won't need to find someone to share with.
- Direct flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK
- Group transfers from JFK to the hotel and from the hotel to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
- Three nights at Hilton New York Fashion District, room only, for sole occupancy
- Two-day New York attraction pass
- Seven nights on Queen Mary 2 in an inside stateroom for sole occupancy
- Full board while on the cruise
- Access to the Literature Festival at Sea programme, subject to Cunard's arrangements
- Books in Places company and our own book discussions
Good to know: Meals in New York are not included as the hotel is room only. Travel insurance, any required US entry authorisation, personal spending and optional upgrades are additional. Cabin upgrades can be requested, subject to availability and price.
THE BOOKS IN PLACES DIFFERENCE
Come on your own. Travel with friends you've yet to meet.
Many people join Books in Places trips on their own. That's why we make the group part of the experience, without expecting you to spend every moment together.
You'll have other readers to share New York discoveries with, meet up for conversations on board and discuss the books together. There is also plenty of freedom to do your own thing. It's your holiday, after all.
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN
Join us in New York and aboard Queen Mary 2
Ten nights, two books, a great group of readers and a journey we'll be talking about for a long time afterwards.
Please complete the booking form below to reserve your place. Our travel partner will confirm the booking details and payment arrangements.