CRAFT & PUBLISHING

VOYAGE

1. Register and pay your Event Fee here.

2. Within 24 hours, our travel advisors, Karen Ballard and Dave Williams at Travel Mate Pros will contact you. Or, reach out on Facebook, via email, or phone 813-486-1575. Note: This contact information will also come with your registration confirmation. Please register for the event first.

3. Karen & Dave will help you choose inside, oceanview or sheltered balcony staterooms and your location on the ship. ($1582-$2247 per person, based on double occupancy, includes port charges & taxes). 

They can also arrange your hotel before or after the voyage, additional add-ons affiliated with Cunard or independently, and book flights on the airline of your choice with Cunard’s discount or guide you for the best options to book yourself.

4. Karen and Dave will take your cruise fare deposit and schedule your payment(s) to Cunard.

5. Final Event Fee payments are due to Rebirth Your Book by June 1st, 2026; Cunard may sell out of cabins sooner. We recommend reserving with a deposit by February 1, 2026.

A non-writing travel partner (friend, spouse, partner, parent, child 15+) can take part in our opening and closing parties, join us at group meals, and receive our group discount on cabin fare.

To share a cabin with another writer, please register separately—there will be a place in the registration to give your roommate’s name.

Yes! Single cabin fares range from $2455-$3452.

Need a roommate? Let Allison know and she’ll help you share your bedtime/morning/interaction preferences and make a new writing friend.

No, definitely do not make this mistake!

In order to participate in our private writing events and special events you must book directly through Karen & Dave at Travel Mate Pros. You get the advantage of a special group booking rate for passage on the ship as well as our expert teachers for the week.

Yes! You can use the Contact Form below, or Email us to let us know your interest, and we’ll be in touch.

Unlike a typical “cruise,” the Queen Mary 2 makes a direct passage from Britain to America. There are no stops or ports, recalling bygone days before air travel took over.

While yes, you can find bingo, karaoke and a casino if you enjoy them, Cunard focuses on special guest lectures, dancing, live music, trivia quizzes, shipwide scavenger hunts, the Planetarium, and a relaxed, upscale vibe.

Sorry, no wet t-shirt contest.

The ship carries up to 2,620 passengers so most people on the ship will be regular passengers, not part of our group. We’ll have nametags and introductions, so you’ll be able to find your fellow writers onboard.

We’ll have about 5 hours of classes, panels and events, throughout the day, optional lunch networking tables and reserved dinner seating. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the ship’s amenities, restaurants, activities, and entertainment with newfound writing friends—and of course, plenty of time to write.

A detailed schedule will be provided about six weeks before the trip.

One of our most popular activities, projecting pages on the screen as we discuss them gives writers a chance to see their work edited in real time. You’ll better understand the purpose and experience of editing, and become more able to identify issues in your own writing.

Daily Office Hours (rotating instructors) are included for your questions. You can also add a 30-minute one-on-one meeting to discuss your writing or writing career with any of the instructors. Costs start from $135 and a limited number are available. You’ll see this option when you register for the event.

ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation, is a new digital registration scheme for travelers who don’t need a visa to enter the UK.

Who needs an ETA?

Anyone who doesn’t need a visa to travel to the UK will soon need an ETA — an “electronic travel authorization” which pre-clears you for entry to the country before travel. This is the UK equivalent of the United States’ ESTA — a mandatory, paid-for authorization to travel, with security clearance done in advance.

The scheme is for “short” visits to the UK of less than six months for tourism and business.

How do I get one?

The cost is a non-refundable £16 (just under $22), and you can apply through the official app listed on the UK government website, or directly online.

The apps — for iPhone and Android — boast of being quicker, with 10-minute processing times. Be sure to apply through official channels, rather than through third-party websites, which may charge extra fees, and are less likely to handle your data securely.

You will need to upload a photo of your passport, scan and photograph yourself as you apply, upload the photo, and answer various questions about your plans. Applying online takes around 20 minutes and you must complete the process in one go — there is no chance to save as you go.

A decision will normally be given within three days, though the government warns it could take longer. You are allowed to travel to the UK while waiting for your decision, if you need to visit urgently; however you must have made the application before you travel.

Note that having an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry to the UK. You must still go through passport control and Border Force officials still have the final say over whether you can enter the country.

How long will it be valid?

Validity lasts for two years and multiple entries — so you can visit as often as you please. However, note that it will be digitally linked to your passport — so if you get a new passport during those two years, it will no longer be valid and you must apply for a new one.

We strongly, strongly recommend you plan to arrive in the UK the day before your cruise, to allow for any flight delays, lost luggage, etc. You may also wish to explore London—you can book your own hotel, or book through Karen and Dave at TravelMate Pros when you book your cabin.

You can fly out of New York on Disembarkation Day. Don’t book a flight before 1PM. Allow yourself at least 4 hours to disembark and travel to JFK/LGA/Newark. Disembarkation can be as early as 7AM if you carry your own luggage; otherwise you’ll disembark between 9-11AM.

Transfers to and from the ship can be booked at additional cost.

Participants who add on Literary London or Literary New York will have a ship transfer included.

If you prefer to take the train, book a bus ticket, or use Uber or a private car in the UK or New York, those are all pretty easy options! Ask Allison if you have questions about a particular type of transfer—she’s done them all.

Please check your passport expiration date. Your Passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your departure date for the last country you visit—so at least until mid-January 2025. If it’s sooner than that, start the renewal process now!

Yes! Travel Mate Pros can help you use the Cunard discount on most airlines. Whether you book through them or on your own, you can fly from home to London Heathrow or London Gatwick, then from New York JFK, LaGuardia (LGA) or Newark (EWR) to home.

Cunard prioritizes safety. Unlike hotels and regular public spaces, cruise ships have had anti-viral cleaning procedures in place for many years.

All guests and crew are required to follow enhanced health and well-being measures developed with guidance from global medical and public health experts and scientists and in close coordination with UK and US government agencies.

Safety protocols include:

• Every area of the ship is rigorously and regularly cleaned and disinfected
• Hand-sanitizing stations in all public spaces
• Enhanced on-board ventilation systems provide improved filtration and increased fresh air on board
• Everyone on board must follow the latest guidance regarding the use of face-coverings and social distancing (and if that guidance changes mid-trip, masks are provided)
• Cunard uses pre-booking and boarding health screening, and approved standards for the service of food and drink, entertainment and experiences on board and on shore.

We strongly recommend travel insurance, which can be booked through our travel advisers. If Cunard deems it unsafe to travel, all cruise dates will be rescheduled and we will be in touch with you to coordinate the new date. Cunard generally offers a choice of a full refund or a Future Cruise Credit. The Future Cruise Credit may range from 100% to 125% of the value paid. The choice will be up to you.

The Queen Mary 2 is specifically designed to handle the rigors of the North Atlantic, but there can be some rolling. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication to ensure a comfortable voyage (Dramamine, etc). If you forget to bring it and are feeling unwell, medication is available at the Purser’s desk in the main lobby.

We are strongly committed to accessible retreats, which is why we’re on a ship! Elevators, smooth floors, accessible rooms, and space and entertainment for your partner or caregiver are all present. Staff are available to carry baggage and serve from the buffet if needed. If you have mobility concerns, let us know.

Our instructors have worked with writers who are d/Deaf, hearing-impaired, blind, visually-impaired, neuro-atypical and with physical disabilities and mobility aids. We want to work with you—let’s discuss how to make it an excellent experience!

Cunard will joyfully accommodate your dietary needs. Every menu includes vegan and vegetarian options; food ingredients like pork and shellfish are clearly labeled. The buffet has a separate gluten-free section. For strict dietary needs, staff will show you the next day’s menu at dinner, to ensure your selections are available. Please let Karen and Dave know when you book your cabin.

Our 2026 voyage includes the period of Rosh Hashanah. Kosher meals may be pre-booked, and Cunard’s rabbi will be onboard for community connection and formal holiday services.

If you do have any disability or medical requirements, please advise Dave and Karen at the time of booking.

Cunard asks that you complete and submit their online questionnaire at MyCunard as soon as possible and ideally, no later than 14 days before departure; this is to ensure there is sufficient time to be able to contact you should they need to discuss any of the information that has been provided.

There is a small range of over the counter medications available from the shops on board such as Paracetamol and sea-sickness tablets. Should you require more specific medication there is a medical center located on board.

You are welcome to utilize the in-cabin refrigeration unit in order to store your medication if you should wish to do so.

Check out Cunard’s “what to pack” guide.

After seven voyages and five crossings, Allison has found she’s comfortable in casual clothing during the day (stylish jeans, easy linen pants, nice t-shirts or sweaters) and “smart dress” for dinner (dressy pants and top, cocktail dress, collared shirt with dress pants.) There will be passengers in shorts during the day and passengers in fancier dresses and suits at dinner. Cunard advises no ripped jeans, and no jeans/khakis/t-shirts at dinner.

During our Transatlantic crossing, there two Gala nights for the entire ship. The first is a Black and White Ball and the second will be a Masquerade or a 1920s theme. We’ll let you know well in advance! Evening dress on those nights ranges from cocktail dresses and suit and tie all the way to ballgowns with gloves and black or white tie. Men must wear collared shirts, ties and jackets on formal nights. Find the level of formality that’s fun for YOU, and enjoy checking out your fellow passengers’ finery!

Staterooms have outlets for UK and US plugs.

You can bring a curling iron/flatiron. Your stateroom will have a blowdryer. Other heat-generating appliances are not recommended as they may overload and break.

There are limited public outlets for laptops in lounges, classrooms and the library.

Complimentary launderettes (soap included!) are on several passenger decks; those have a professional iron and ironing board.

Your stateroom has a retractable clothesline in the shower, so you can steam your clothes with the hot shower water.

Onboard laundry and drycleaning services are available for an extra charge.

The internet can be slower than on land, but you’ll be able to send and receive email, check social media, even watch YouTube.

The mild inconvenience of ship-speed internet is just enough to remind us we’d rather be writing! Cunard’s internet package prices are here. If you’re sharing a room, you can both use the same package, just not at the same time unless you pay to add another device.

We strongly recommend checking with your carrier; some US phone services offer cruise data. Otherwise, put your phone in Airplane mode when we sail away from Southampton–reception through marine satellites is expensive!

Communicate onboard is conducted through announcements at our morning sessions and via WhatsApp.

You”ll receive a detailed itinerary with all scheduled events before boarding.

Announcements are made each morning at the panel session.

We strongly recommend you download WhatsApp (a secure messaging app) and purchase the basic internet package to communicate throughout the day and find other writers.We’ll add you to a group chat for any updates, too.

If you are on the Literary London or Literary New York tour, WhatsApp is how we communicate any updates.

INCLUDED

• Craft & Publishing panels
• Small-group breakout sessions/classes with each teacher
• Opening cocktail/mocktail party
• Reading nights
• Additional writing events and networking tables
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, room service
• Gym and some fitness classes
• Laundry facilities
• Port charges & taxes

NOT INCLUDED

• Alcohol/drinks packages
• Specialty restaurants
• Spa services
• Dry-cleaning and laundry services other than self-serve
• Cunard standard gratuities ($119)
• Airport transfers
• Airfare from your home to the UK and New York to your home.

If you’re new to cruising, you will be delighted to learn that all of the meals in the main dining room (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as well as the buffet and room service at breakfast and late-night snacks are completely included in your booking. Cunard’s afternoon tea, lectures, shows, and many other activities are also included.

On the ship, you will also have the opportunity to visit the specialty restaurants, spas, casino, and other activities and services, which will be clearly noted if they have an extra charge. You are under no obligation to spend any additional money beyond your booking.

Cunard charges a per-person, per-day gratuities fee that is divided among the crew. If you wish to reward exemplary service from your cabin steward or waiters feel free to tip them in cash.

Travel Mate Pros can also arrange your transfer to the ship, and additional hotel nights before or after the voyage.

Please note that your primary booking does not include tours or events before or after the crossing unless you add on Literary London or Literary New York.

Rebirth Your Book accepts Venmo, Zelle, Canadian e-transfers, US cheques, PayPal and credit cards via PayPal. Paying your event fee reserves your place.

Travel Mate Pros accept credit cards. The charge will show as Cunard on your statement. You’ll pay a deposit upon booking and they will familiarize you with Cunard’s payment schedule.

Rebirth Your Book/Rebirth Your Writing does not offer scholarships. We’re happy to accommodate a longer payment plan, or write supporting documentation for a grant application in your home region. 

Our affiliate link program will give you cash back when you share the program with your writing friends. Ask us through the contact form to learn more!

Dinty and Allison love teaching, and we do quite a bit of it throughout the year. As we collaborate, we engage with even more potential students. Very often, students ask to be added to the waitlist for the next retreat, sometimes regardless of location! When a new retreat is announced, we tell the waitlist first, and retreats often sell out before they’re publicly announced. We can’t guarantee you a place, but if you sign up for The A-List, you will get first notice of waitlists and open registrations for upcoming retreats.

Your best bet is to be on the mailing list for when we announce future retreats. We often start a waitlist before the dates are set, and you’ll be able to join that in advance (and then decide whether or not the retreat is for you). Join The A-List here

For your ship fare, a passenger cancellation, or a single name change, can be made outside of the penalty period. Once the penalty period comes into effect, there are penalties for cancelations and name changes. The cancellation schedule will be provided before you make your deposit. Travel Cancellation/Medical insurance can be purchased to cover such fees to protect the passenger from monetary loss—ask Travel Mate Pros when you book.

If we can fill your place from the waiting list, your event fee can be transferred to another Rebirth Your Book retreat or event, after a $350 administrative fee.