After a whirlwind of packing, planning, and farewells, the day finally came to say goodbye to Knoxville. Our last few evenings were spent just as they should be — sharing wonderful dinners with family and friends, filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of lingering hugs that say what words can’t.
We travelled up to New York to spend a day there before boarding the Queen Mary 2. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate for our New York adventure; it rained the entire time, so many of our planned walks and sightseeing ideas were washed away. But sometimes detours lead to unexpected treasures — we spent a full, fascinating day at the Brooklyn Museum, exploring its incredible exhibits, including the unforgettable Dinner Party by Judy Chicago. It was powerful, thought-provoking, and a highlight of our brief (and soggy) stay.
Then, on Friday, October 31st, the moment we’d been dreaming of arrived. We boarded the Queen Mary 2 for our transatlantic voyage — our final journey across the ocean to begin our new life in the UK.
The ship was everything we imagined and more — a truly magnificent ocean liner, blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. The décor was stunning, the service exceptional, and the atmosphere unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. The food was absolutely outstanding — three five-course meals a day if you wished (and we usually did!). Each dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour; I’m quite sure I gained ten pounds in seven days, and it was worth every bite.
Entertainment aboard was just as impressive. There was a show every evening and two grand Gala Nights — the first themed Red and Gold, the second a sparkling Roaring Twenties celebration. We dressed up for both, joining hundreds of fellow passengers in elegant gowns, tuxedos, and glittering smiles.
This particular voyage carried an extra touch of glamour, as it was the Transatlantic Fashion Week, featuring celebrated American designer Christian Siriano. He showcased his stunning, whimsical creations in a dazzling onboard runway show and later held a fascinating Q&A about his career and inspirations. It was such a unique experience — a perfect blend of old-world ocean travel and modern creativity.
As the days passed, we found a lovely rhythm aboard: leisurely breakfasts in bed overlooking the sea, (we got upgraded to a balcony cabin!) afternoons spent exploring the ship or attending one of many lectures, we particularly enjoyed the art lectures on street art, and evenings filled with music, laughter, and conversation. Watching the endless expanse of the Atlantic stretch before us, it was impossible not to reflect on how far we’d come — not just in miles, but in life.
We arrived in Southampton on the morning of November 7th, docking at 8 a.m. after a smooth and elegant crossing. There was something almost surreal about stepping off the Queen Mary 2 — one moment surrounded by chandeliers and fine dining, and the next, navigating luggage trolleys and rental counters. We picked up our hire car, or rather, a people carrier, which would become our trusty companion for the next few days as we zigzagged around Hastings and nearby towns.
Those few days were a blur of collecting the odds and ends we’d left with friends and family — trunks, chairs, the composting toilet, and far too many suitcases. It was lovely to reconnect with everyone briefly, though by the time we loaded the last item, the car was packed to bursting.
There were a few anxious moments too — being locked out of my American bank account, discovering the heating in the flat wasn’t working, and just the general busyness of trying to get everything sorted before heading north didn’t help either. But by Monday, November 10th, we were ready to set off north to find Narrowboat (NB) – ‘And Away…’
The weather was dreadful — pouring rain and heavy traffic all the way up. To make matters worse, neither the marina nor the boatyard were answering our calls, so we weren’t even sure if the boat had actually arrived. Still, we pressed on, hopeful (and slightly nervous).
When we finally pulled into Oakwood Marina at 1 p.m., there she was — our boat! Seeing NB – ‘And Away…’ for the first time in person was a huge relief. Despite the relentless rain, we managed to move about half of our belongings on board before exhaustion set in.
What a sight — boxes everywhere, bags piled high, nothing where it should be. I think I’d imagined something far more romantic: a cosy, tidy little home waiting to welcome us aboard. Instead, it was chaos — wet, cluttered, and completely overwhelming. We were tired, hungry, and I couldn’t help but wonder, What on earth have we done?
Still, we opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate the milestone and toasted to new beginnings before collapsing into bed.
The next morning brought a fresh start — and a very loud water pump that woke us at dawn. But with tea in hand and a little more optimism, we started sorting and tidying. By mid-morning, the kitchen was at least workable, which felt like a small but important victory.
Then it was off to IKEA, of course! Armed with multiple shopping lists, we began planning our next steps: rebuilding the bed, removing a bulky wardrobe, installing a washing machine, rearranging the kitchen, buying a new sofa, rugs, and storage, and sorting out the shower tray that refuses to drain. So much to do, but it felt good to start making the space our own.
We’re still living out of suitcases and boxes, and everything feels a bit makeshift — but it’s only day two. The rain is still coming down, the Wi-Fi isn’t connected, and the phone signal is patchy at best, but despite it all, there’s a quiet sense of excitement.
Bit by bit, it will come together. Every home starts as a bit of a mess — and this one just happens to float.
As we sit here in a coffee shop using their wifi, to bring you this blog, I can already feel the beginnings of something special. It may not look like much yet — more chaos than calm — but it’s ours. NB – “And Away…” might not have greeted us quite as I imagined, yet each day she feels a little more like home. Soon enough, the boxes will be gone, the shelves will be filled, and we’ll be ready to cast off for our first true adventure on the waterways. For now, we’re taking it one soggy, satisfying step at a time.
And Away... 
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