NOTES: -I'm not saying that a new ocean liner industry will rise and be popular, I'm just saying that maybe in 10 year's time, we'll see 3 or 4 ocean liners plowing the seas of the world. They'll offer an alternative to flying for people like me and countless others who are willing to spend more money and time to get to their destination. I'm not saying ocean liners will ever "compete" with air travel. -The newer Cunard ships: MS Queen Elizabeth, MS Queen Victoria, and MS Queen Anne are all cruise ships, and are not built to the strength and ocean liner standards as RMS Queen Mary 2. -Why didn't I mention seasickness or the rolling of the ship? -Because the Queen Mary 2 is the most stable ocean liner ever built. The ship has never experienced violent rolling in the 20 years she's been in service. In this very comment section, are some folks who sailed on QM2 as she plowed through hurricane Sandy in 2012, and they were surprised how smooth the voyage was. She's so steady that many folks who claim to get seasick on most voyages, often report that they didn't feel that way on QM2 even when they sailed through a storm. -Yes, while currently Queen Mary 2 takes a week to get across the ocean, she was built to cross the ocean in 4.5 days. They slowed her down only in recent years, because passengers want to enjoy their crossing, and the current clientele is not in a rush to cross the Atlantic. BUT SHE CAN DO IT FASTER than a week.
All my life, I have loved both the ocean and aviation. I have always said my heart belongs to the ocean. Never traveled on an ocean liner nor cruise ship but my love for the ocean wants me to do it. I grew up in San Pedro California you’ve been to the Queen Mary so maybe you’ve been there. if you haven’t, I highly recommend you go and when you do, you should especially look forward to going to the Maritime Museum. Whether or not oceanliners do come back, I will continue to love the ocean and flight And will always look forward to traveling by way of both. The only thing stopping me from traveling on a cruise ship or an ocean liner is the pricing.
Having been aboard all three current Queens, including QM2 twice, I assure you, she is extremely stable. Why? Chief Architect and Designer of QM2, Stephen Payne, was onboard a voyage on MV Queen Elizabeth in September 2021 and addressed my query. Ocean liners before QM2 were “over-engineered,” with more steel and rivets to keep them in place at a time when ship design was all done manually. Thanks to computer technology, this has resulted in better design and weight distribution to improve stability and metacentric height. In addition, stabiliser technology is far better. The Denny Brown stabilisers affixed to the original RMS Queen Mary in 1958 were gravity gyroscope operated, which meant the ship was already starting to roll before the stabilisers responded. Seeing British Pathe footage of RMS Queen Mary after they were installed, she was still rolling 10-15 degrees to either side, in moderate weather, which would be totally unacceptable today. However, RMS Queen Mary 2 has computer gyroscope stabilisers which not only respond faster, but they actually predict the roll and can predict the wave patterns, allowing the ship to stop the roll before it even starts. During a Category 8 gale mid-Atlantic, I could finally feel her move and, for those who life in seismically active areas, it feels like the initial movement of a very mild earthquake. Instead of leaning from one side to the other, you feel like the whole floor is moving gently, ever so slightly, sideways. While the rolling can be controlled with the stabilisers, the pitching cannot. Instead, it is mitigated by the ship’s ingenious hull design. Her flared bow, similar to the cutting edge (no pun intended) prow of the legendary SS Normandie, and her novel stern help reduce this movement too. QM2 is a legend in her own right and was the perfect place to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. Thank you for this wonderful video lobbying for a return of ocean liner travel. In the words of the late John Maxtone-Graham, it really is “the only way to cross.”
I don’t necessarily think if the ocean liner made a comeback, they would have to be as large or fancy as the QM2. Heck, even a ship with just practical, comfortable interiors, good internet, decent affordable food and a good service speed would be far better than any airliner.
I agree. Decades back, I took the 2 night crossing from Portsmouth in the UK to Bilbao in northern Spain aboard the P&O 'Pride of Bilbao' large car ferry. It was a most enjoyable trip. The cabin was fine, the ship wasn't ostentatious but it was clean, modern and spacious, with good facilities,and the food was excellent. I could quite happily travel on a ship like that for a week or so, which would get me across the Atlantic or even as far, say, as South Africa or the Caribbean.
The larger the ship the safer it is in rough sea. So if they build a new one, it will be something equally if not more massive. The level of luxury, however, is likely to be reduced. Even rich people today don't care much for lavish decor during a utilitarian 3-days journey and would prefer simple but well-designed comfort. So, basically, it has to be a complete analogue of a train to be profitable. In Russia 7-9 days long trains across the country don't lack passangers even in platzkarts ('3rd class' cars with a common bunk bed dormitory in each) despite the tickets costing almost as plane ones. However, the maintainance of a train is much cheaper than that of an ocean liner...
YES! If i had to choose between a cramp metal tube with crying babies and ear popping, or a basic cabin with a bed and wifi, I'll take the letter almost every time! The only exceptions would be if I needed to be on the other side of the ocean in a day or less.
Alex, you have confirmed what I have always believe. Ocean Liners will never cease to exist. There will be another Ocean Liner. I just know. I hate planes myself. My last flight was a total disaster. Ocean Liners all the way!
Hey look man I’m gonna be a little honest with you. My favorite ocean liner is always been the SS United States that I like it and I love it. I do not mind a SS United States to like the Titanic two I mean there could be a titanic two, but who knows
They nearly have finished. Just one left are you saying somebody is going to build another one? If so you are living in fantasy land and so is this blogger. Can you really see somebody paying the extra money for a liner against a cruise ship?
@dlgregory35 an ocean liner is an actual method of transportation unlike a cruise ship, and alot of people most likely would pay more to use a ocean liners, a flight isn't cheap to begin with and some people can't fly due to medical conditions and not everyone wants to be on a cramped plane with strangers.
It wouldn't shock me if Cunard did two identical but smaller ocean liners (QE2 sized) in the next 10-15 years. Like you said, the demand is there. And it would give them a lot more flexibility over having a single ocean liner in the fleet (once QM2 is retired).
I wouldn’t get on a cruise ship if you paid me; however, an ocean liner is a different story. I’ve been a student of maritime history for decades and know a few things. My one regret is not taking advantage of an offer that I saw in the paper in Atlanta about 25+ years ago. I saw an ad which listed passage to Europe on the Concord with a return trip to NY on the QE2 for 5K. I was too young for such extravagance. I should have sold my soul at the time and taken the opportunity.
@@dlgregory35 Ocean liners are better able to take what the oceans throw at them. Not to say that they can't sink due to bad weather and such - they certainly can - but an ocean liner can plow right through severe weather and rough seas, whereas a cruise ship will have to take shelter and wait it out. A cruise ship that gets hit by a rogue wave could easily be sunk by it. An ocean liner is capable of taking the hit and carrying right on, damage but still afloat. And finally, a cruise ship has a shallow draught and a lot of height above the water line, which will make them top heavy in rough seas. An ocean liner has a much deeper draught to compensate.
@@shimesu443 Hi, I am well aware of that. They were built as liners with reinforced hulls specifically for the Atlantic and being narrower than cruise ships able to plow through big waves far more easily. That was wht whole idea of liners..
I always hated cruise ships and everything they stand for, they are such a waste of resources, you can literally do everything a cruise ship offers at a resort and everytime one docks at islands or whatever the locals hate it especially since it drives up everything at restaurants etc.
I feel you man. Us here in the railfan community see it the same way. Planes only get you there fast, but at the expense of comfort, experience, being able to get to know your vehicle, and to also enjoy the journey to the destination. Too much instant gratification.
Greetings and much love to the railfans, fellow lovers of civilized conveyances! I just remarked the other day to a friend that the world was a better place when people travelled by train and ship. They gave me a blank look, but we know what they're missing!
Not sure where you're from, but here in Japan trains are often faster point to point, and runs more frequently than planes, though to be fair comfort is not much better than coach class on planes. Maglev promised to connect Tokyo and Osaka at little as 65 minutes, practically at the same ballpark as planes.
I sincerely believe that the return to using civilized conveyances, meaning ships and trains, would raise the level of collective joy in the world considerably. Thank you again, Alex, for another excellent and uplifting video. It's always a good day when we see a new one from you!
I’m praying what you’ve said will come true someday, I’d love to see ocean liners make a triumphant comeback from near extinction. It would also be a huge weight off many ocean liner fanatics shoulders who have to correct someone who calls the Titanic “a cruise ship” because it would spread more awareness of the MASSIVE DIFFERENCE between the two.
I think this is a very real possibility as much as I know. Safe and reliable ocean liners can keep up with the changing times. Travel needs of the world and allow people to slow down a little bit and enjoy the trip, which is a good excuse in and of itself. It's probably worth it for all the reasons here. "Getting There is Half the Fun"-- That line makes more sense now than ever or will be if it's done right, especially as Cunard is owned by fun-loving Carnival. And agree that higher speed rail is another land-based solution to the airliner clogs and chaos.
I love the concept of flying and fly world wide, but I'd love to take extra time off from work and sail on an actual ocean liner to reach my destination.
I crossed in February 1959 on the Queen Elizabeth,we were battened down in a storm that made it into the newspapers, but we still got across in five days.
Ocean liners are also better for the environment, and with the increased focus on environmental issues in recent days I think Cunard is well positioned to capitalize on it with their luxurious yet reliable liner service. I sure hope they put more ships in service - it would mean I can finally visit Europe!
Ships are NOT better for the environment, not by a long shot. Do the math on fuel consumption of a ship like QM2 verses a Boeing 787 or Airbus A350. The airplane moves each person with far less emissions. It’s all that drag, mostly under the water, that makes a ship not a particularly efficient way to travel. Plus the time spent at sea and the number of crew required to attend to the passenger’s needs, make ocean liners not economically or environmentally friendly.
Well keep in mind, that you're talking about QM2 a ship designed for luxurious comfort. A serious industry would design economic options for a wider variety of travelers. In other words, slightly smaller cabins to fit more passengers per square meter on the ship. And it would slim down the crew to what is needed.
@@singleproppilot idk, I think that might have more to do with the fact that we have yet to employ "green shipping", but I suspect that it would be easier to power a ship with renewables than an aircraft, especially since they were once powered by renewables!
Would rather take an airplane than a ship. Don't get me wrong ships are better in environmental protection, but I was sold on the plane as I still like watching them takeoff, land, and the services they have. Regardless of how bad it gets.
I've always said that it would be neat if a cruise company or some other Maritime company came out with a new ocean liner that had the classic lines and profile of elegant liners from the 50s and 60s but still had all the modern amenities that today's ocean going passenger would expect with some vintage stuff added for history nerds xD
A few months shy of a year ago, I took a cruise to Alaska. My 1st cruise ship. I flew from Phoenix to Seattle and the ship was the best part. A few weeks ago I flew to Maui from Phoenix. I wished I was on a cruise ship.
It would be nice for a return to Ocean Liners. Where they lack in travel time (which even then, is only a few days for the fastest ships) the ability to have privacy, space, comfort, room to move about. I had a similar hope with airships, which granted, are far from likely like ocean liners, due boosts many of the same advantages. More comfortable, privacy, still relatively quick, and arguably superior compared to passenger liners. Looking at Ocean Liners though, I due hope they take inspiration from the style and ideas of the past, including SS United States, Normandy, France, Queen Mary, etc.
Once in a while I travel from the US to Spain, and on my most recent trip I took a cruise ship repositioning from Florida to the Mediterranean for the summer. I’ll be doing this again this year. Granted most people won’t have this kind of time flexibility, but it proves to me there is a niche market demand for this kind of travel. For me, there’s not much better than getting there slowly and relaxing on the high seas as we inch closer to the destination day after day. Of course I have to book a one way flight back to the states and they charge out the wa-zoo for those, but what can you do…
I think the argument to be made is the modeshare of ocean liners is currently virtually zero, so even a tiny increase in modeshare will be a hufe increase in absolute numbers.
I agree with everything you said! I'll be going to Europe on the QM2 for the 8th or 9th time in May. I love the ship, and despise flying, so I'm happy to pay the extra cost. Then I take trains everywhere! 😁
One thing I like about dystopian could-bes like The Hunger Games, specifically the most recent prequel, is that it shows not everything will progress how we expect. I read a blog series last year that talked about how they CAN’T fly because of a medical condition, I believe. And they talked to others aboard who said they prefer this mode of travel because of many of the reasons you mentioned about air travel. I’ve heard the question of would you rather travel above the storm rather than through it. But I’ve also considered the chances of survival in the two different scenarios. Trains are becoming more popular and I’m seeing UA-camrs highlight the experience more and more and more and more. But I never thought that ocean liners could become somewhat normalized again for a similar, post-pandemic reason. And you know. With communication becoming easier and more rapid, work more remote and less static in a lot of instances, I can see other life factors becoming less important, like how fast to get somewhere. It’s exciting to think that ocean liners might see a resurgence.
I do believe that the Seabourn Pursuit and Venture (new ships from 2022 and last year) from the Seabourn Cruise Line have some kind of ocean liner design in them or they were simply inspired by the Queen Mary 2. You should do a video about that ships. Really lovely liners!!
After flying to Europe several times and to Hawaii, the dreaded part of the vacation is the flight. Anything but first class is very unpleasant. However for competitive prices compared to a first class flight, you can take the Queen Mary 2 and cross the Atlantic with good food and entertainment and no jet lag. We sailed in rough seas but the Queen Mary was smoother than big cruise ships in wind from the sides and much more stable than the cruise ships in rough Seas, and I do love the big cruise ship total experience. Going west I would be happy with a repositioning Cruise for One Direction; the Queen Mary is my Top Choice forgetting to Europe and back.
As a staunch aviation enthusiast, I don't believe oceanliners are going to ever compete on price and convenience. However, I do believe their renaissance is going to happen more on the 'experience' side of things for those that have the time to sail on them. I think the Millennial and Gen Z digital nomads is a market oceanliners can tap into if they haven't already. I would gladly take an oceanliner knowing I have ample space to both work (with good Internet access) and relax whilst going to my next destination.
There is a very good possibility that millennials and gen z won't have the financial means to travel like the boomers did. The boomers are spending every nickel before they kick off. To spite the fact the younger generations are not married and are not having children, are better educated, they cannot afford to own a house. 2024 will be a year to remember
There are many people that hate flying and would happily take liner. And about time, what's the rush. Back in the day before the jets, people just took their time to sail across the Atlantic.
@@botalm1878 it all boils down to 'time' at the end of the day. Some that hate flying haven't got the extra 7 days spare doing a Transatlantic crossing by oceanliner when it can be done in 7 hours by plane. This is especially those from countries where vacation/holiday days away from work are on the low side.
I know everyone has their own opinion on the subject of the return of the Oceanliners and that's nothing bad, I think it would certainly be possible to bring back the Oceanliner in a similar style to Clive Palmer's Titanic II, which was never built, only as cruise ships, of course it's harder that way enforce a concept, many people only want balcony cabins and probably don't like this old-fashioned grandma style and then also the new safety rules Solas where on some ships you can't avoid installing something like a safety deck. But the advantage would be, in my opinion, since many cruise ships these days are more the destination and not the ports and people who live there. Instead of using the Oceanliners more as cruise ships, one could bring these things back to the foreground instead of the ship itself, it would be clear It's definitely not bad to have at least a few modern rooms with the help of a safety deck like on the Titanic II so that the passengers don't get completely bored. And you could definitely use areas like 3rd class as a museum to give people more understanding of what it was like in these classes back then and to show a little something about immigration to other countries thanks to these ships.
Another thoughtful and enjoyable insight, thank you Alex. I personally have an interest in the past travel option of voyaging on a cargo liner, not on the north Atlantic route but to the Orient maybe. I understand that the experience and accommodation on these vessels was both relaxing and comfortable. In addition there was the opportunity of seeing exotic ports enroute to your ultimate destination (bland container terminals excepted). I don't know if such a thing still exists in the modern world (perhaps you do), but I cannot think of a more pleasant prospect given one has the time to devote to it.
A lot of people enjoy the ride, providing you have the extra time on your vacation. Voyage is well worth the time! The amenities are sensational ! You will never have so much fun, in such a short amount of time!
Tbh hearing about the que alone for the crossing, just hearing about that makes me think they really need another one, or hell even three, would really help work through that que and make the wait shorter and such
Based off of the numbers the Ocean Liner insustry can make a pretty good comeback with more modern technology and faster ships, Ocean Star Line has already started planning the first ocean liner to be bulit in over 20 years.
you are right in my country india, majority of people likes travel long distance by train rather than flight within country. railways are improving and safety is improving. the problem is the country regulations and track gauge are headache if you travel internationally.
You are so right about the air travel. As pathetic as it gets, there's simply no alternative to it with it's speed and capabilities. Air Lines can see it as a monopoly as ... time is money. Hence, luxury cravers like us have no option. With airplanes here to stay for eternity, I awe to be a pilot but not suffer as passenger. I am glad to know that ocean liners are in demand and would feel grateful if QM2 gets a running mate. That being said, this was another fantastic video with top notch voice over. Keep up the great work!
I was just saying, I'd rather take a boat to get overseas than a plane. The problem nowadays is it takes 7+ days just one way because transatlantic voyages really are for cruising instead of transport. If they introduced express liners again that took less time, I'd be up for it!
Great your documenting more modern ships. Like I have said I visited Queen Mary Long Beach throughout the 1980s. I was at New York for the 2004 arrival of Queen Mary 2. I crossed the Atlantic on QE2 in 1997. I am very happy for your future QM2 trip. It is interesting that it is doing so well. I have sailed several times on QM2 and crew years ago more than once told me it was nearly empty on Atlantic crossings and they viewed it as a mistake. I have also sailed many times on the Princess Ship you display and it very is a very competent Atlantic Crosser. I am sure QM2 will show you a great time. However should the ship encounter an Atlantic Storm you may well be terrified with trauma. Bon Voyage!
We have stayed in Europe 5 months at a time in the summer months since retired three years ago (my main destination is Greece). We fly there in May and for the past two years, and returned by cruise ship that is on a relocation cruise back to Fort Lauderdale. My wife and I absolutely love it. It is a great way to relax, even though is much more expensive, we plan to do this for the foreseeable future. We have not been on the QM2 yet but I would like to try her out one of these years. Another huge plus traveling this way, you meet so many great people.
You’re absolutely right on my life. I would love you cross the ocean in an ocean liner, but it does get pricey, and I would love to spend more time at my other destination when I get there instead of turning around and come back but travel in the ocean and make a round trip back thinking about it would be quite fun and experience of a lifetime would never forget
I love your premise and support it, i believe ocean liners should now still exist, there was something of a luxury and new experienxe with ocean liners which cruise ships cannot offer.
Hey Alex, I'm not sure you'll see this comment. No UA-camrs really do see my comments but I just wanted to say this, and I know this sounds ridiculous coming from some random teenager in a UA-cam comment section lol. For a while now I've been planning to make an attempt at oceanliner industry revival for almost 6 months now. I've already got a company name, Genesis Line, and even a concept for the first ship, the Dawn. Every time I tell people this they always say it's impossible. They say oceanliners will NEVER be back, and that I'll never be able to achieve my goal. I'm glad I found your video, finally, someone who has the same points I do. Again, you probably won't be seeing this, but the video you made has really inspired me to keep going, and not give up. Thank you.
Another con for airliners for anyone in the creative industry is the sever luggage restrictions. I'm just getting started in photography & blogging and dread to think how I'm going to travel internationally with all the necessary kit. I'd quite happily take a liner to get around.
Another thing that should happen for an ocean liner return is for them to also be a bit like a ferry too so people can bring their cars along (definitely can see it as an option between Australia and New Zealand)
No good idea for a transatlantic ship. Big void in the middle of the ship which could easily be filled with water if there is the slightest hole somewhere. Look what happened to MS Estonia 1994 in a Baltic storm. The front gate went bust on a big wave and then the ship ate water like a whale. Sank like a stone. Over 900 dead.All the Baltic Sea ferries still load trucks and cars, but they have also new regulations for storms. The Baltic is not as deep as the Atlantic, but it only take 50 meter to cover a ferry. In the southern Baltic between Sweden and Germany its only 26 meters deep and the ferries there can never sink fully. But if you are stuck in a cabin you will still drown. I sound pessimistic, but I love cruising and have travelled with the various Baltic ferries hundreds of times for pleasure and business. Still, I don't think I would sail with a car carrying ship across the Atlantic in wintertime.
Hi Alex, First??? Great watch to enjoy before work. Still trying to make it to the RMS Queen Mary for a tour but something always comes up.... Would comment more but have to hit the road.... mike
I also hate flying. Not so much the flying, I rarely go more than an couple of hours, but the airports. They're miserable places indeed. I do actually think we may end up seeing a comeback of sorts, and I think long term nuclear powered ocean liners may be the future. Nuclear reactors on ships are nothing new, even _a few_ civilian ships have used them. Here's why: with fuel oil getting more and more expensive, and many people wanting to be more environmentally friendly, I think it makes sense to have a zero emission means of transport, even from just a marketing strategy. The issues are that a) nuclear power has really bad PR. Modern breeder reactors are nothing like the old soviet ones in Chernobyl, but people are squeamish. b) red tape, which is partly related to my first point. I can see lots of ports refusing them initially c) safety concerns, because accidents can happen and there are sadly nefarious people in the world and d) money. Lots and lots of money. Cruise ships can easily cost $1bn, a nuclear aircraft carrier of similar size (if not comfort) is upwards of $13bn. Granted there's a lot of expensive naval hardware in that price, and I doubt an ocean liner is going to need that many Aegis missiles. But even so, expensive. But I can easily see such a ship doing 35-40 knots, if not more. It'd be clean, fast, cheap to run, quiet, and it's range would only be limited by the amount of supplies it can carry.
An Ocean liner may be a better choice for around the world cruises than a cruise ship. The really long stretches can be shortened by the ships speed, and people joining for part of the trip can expect more reliable port dates. The North Atlantic run is likely to remain a favorite route for scheduled service, especially if Iceland's Volcanoes act up again.
The current owners of the QE2 that are using the QE2 as a floating hotel, have promised to Cunard/Carnival Corp. that they would never put the QE2 back into service
Even if it doesn't apply to Cunard's current naming policy, I think if Cunard builds a new ocean liner in 2040 to celebrate their 200 anniversary they should name it Britannia 2 as a reference to the first ship they ever had. But I honestly don't see that happening. :'(
Super Video. I booked first for my trip to New York one way Ticket on QM2…after relooking my vacation plans, as I was previsouly in New York, I booked the return (roundtrip) to Hamburg, to avoid the 6-7 hours in a Metal Tube called plane. I welcome directly a New Ocean Liner with a regulary schedule with QM2 on weekly base. Than you can spend a few days in New York or the States and come back with the liner. Long live the Golden Âge of Travel 🎉….Hoping it comes soon.
I’m also putting this out there, but a once a week packed voyage is more profitable than a once a day flight, because airlines especially of late, are suffering and massively unprofitable. In an ocean liner on the scale of QM2, you can put thousands across the sea in a matter of days, in absolute luxury and comfort, and not only is that just lovely, but planes really can only be so big compared to the fuel costs. You can pack in about a hundred on a flight, and honestly that’s on a good time, but your fuel use is always uneconomic. Ships are increasingly economical, especially mid size and smaller ships. You don’t even need a mega liner, you could have a could triads of thousand passenger count liners making crossings every few days.
I can see Ocean liners being made as Anchor ships for a cruise fleet. Ships that are 100% guaranteed will be on time and ready to sail on schedule every time all the time. QM2 has just been that reliable and to ignore QM2's track record is insanity at its' finest. I think the problem has mainly been for the money to have a really nice Ocean liner you could have an Oasis of the Seas, and the Military reason of sponsoring the construction of an Ocean Liner so that in full war scenarios to be made into troop ships(like how the SS United States was contracted to be built) has been made mute by the Air forces' and Navies' ability to transport metric tons of supplies and troops when need be. However I think what you've pointed out with QM2 maybe why even Cunard maybe thinking of getting a few more Ocean liners. As you pointed out the reliability to always be on time and the fact a dedicated fan base has developed for QM2 I could see maybe Carnival (Cunard's parent company now) maybe making a few more that would be top of the line and be as I mentioned Anchor ships of the cruise fleet.
I would love to take an ocean liner some day 😀 By the way, I have a suggestion for some research you may be interested in. I saw a YT video about the steam ships that used to transport passengers on the Great Lakes U.S. My dad told me that after he graduated from college (1940s) he worked on one of these ships before marrying my mom and moving to CA. Sounds interesting!
My wife and I are going on our honeymoon aboard the QM2 for a transatlantic voyage in October! We are far from wealthy, that's why its a 3 year gap between the wedding and honeymoon lol
The biggest factor that makes me think ocean liners may make a comeback is possible flexibility using alternative energy sources. Long distance airlines are very dependent on fossil fuels, but were there enough demand even nuclear power remains an option on a large ocean liner.
Agreed -- in their quest for higher profits, they airlines continue to raise ticket prices as they lower amenities. Crammed in like sardines in a can, with a little less Only a few routes worldwide cater to this passenger type, and most luxury cruise passengers are elderly. Do a cost-benefit analysis of, say, one of the queens from New York to London and back. See of a combo is available, sailing one leg and flying the other, and you'll get the best of both worlds. But there's another item that needs to be included in the flying option: Free Floating Anxiety. Like many, I am flying-averse. It's not that I fear crashing, but the zeitgeist of the flying experience has been degraded wherever possible by the airlines seeking budget travelers. After years of cuts to services, and how those cuts add up changed the bottom line, when tallied into the bottom line, in order to represent the TRUE cost of flying. And what of the flying destinations? As recently as a few years ago, port cities welcomed tourists from both aircraft and ships. That policy is at this moment undergoing a big change. A stateroom on a luxury liner with all the amenities may not cost the traveler much more than a cheap seat on an airliner, as long as the passenger is willing to put up with a cramped environment for getting to and from their seat on the plane. The ANTICIPATION of an anxiety or panic attack, what the psychs refer to as "free-floating anxiety," has led to an increase in the true cost of flying that could just be enough to tilt the scales to exclude air costs, included even when perked or budgeted. The fear factor triggered by including these costs results in a bottom line that for many travelers just doesn't add up. Those living in destination cities, bucket-list must-sees for the economy-minded traveler, are falling out of favor in the cities that just a few years before, were competing to includedp them, is a reality that needs to have a presence on a price tag. Many destination cities are beginning to turn cruise ships away. They too are caught in a dilemma: to create a list of ways to realistically calculate whether these floating hotels are making money for the city overall. This is not as straightforward as it might seem. Consider that the passenger will not be staying in a hotel that charges a per-day fee in the form of a room tax, and that another primary source of revenue for the destination city, the indulgence of dining in a first class restaurant, chops off another important source of revenue for the destination. Do not forget to include these hidden costs in your travel budget, because when factored in as a travel cost, these charges can put your bucket list into the red. Take into account these overlooked expenses, and come up with a number you can live with when you get home.
Next week I'm flying from Western Canada to New York to go on the Queen Mary to to Southampton. And then I'm flying back to Western Canada from London.
I hope there is a Transpacific crossing available someday. Pretty much the only place I ever fly is Japan (every 5 to 10 years) but I hate the flight SO much I just gets worse every time to the point that last time I was so miserable on the flight home I spent the next year thinking I might never go back :/ (and first class flights are such a waste of money that if I'm going to pay that much I'd much rather get a cruise out of it). I also LOVE the train, of course.
I've done the transatlantic 3 times, 2 westbound, 1 east. I'm booked for a round trip next spring. Flying out of JFK is a nightmare. An inside cabin costs about as much as a business class flight, but food (Cunard is above reproach!) room service, shows, entertainment is all included. And yes, you MUST plan ahead. Every sailing I was on was a full ship.
I think also that with environmental concerns, increasing using liners would become more popular over time because it's easier to have a lower carbon ship (due to weight/ fuel capacity) than a plane. Likewise with airships, but they would presumably have a lower passenger capacity than a liner, of course. Obviously, the ships would have to move away from diesel, but that doesn't seem like it would be that difficult. Maybe a hydrogen or even nuclear powered liner could be possible. I don't imagine planes being totally replaced, but for long haul destinations, being able to travel in some comfort would still be appealing
I was always infatuated with Ocean Liners, especially the dedication of their crew and the sophisticated designs of the vessels themselves to ensure the safety of their passengers to cross the sea. Cruise Ships, Ocean Liners, etc. are more safer in my opinion. If a ship was sinking, it would still take time to completely plunge in the sea depending on the damage, and with modernized and efficient lifeboat procedures, you would have more than enough time to board a lifeboat and get to safety. Furthermore, if you didn't manage to board a lifeboat but manage to survive the sinking of the ship, you still have a chance to be rescued by a nearby lifeboat before you are claimed by the freezing cold water. While in a plane, if it was falling out of the sky, you are basically trapped in the cramped spaces of the airplane with little to no options to improve your chances of survival, leaving you no choice but to wait and pray out of fear of your highly-likely demise.
I think climate change and rising fuel costs could also boost demand for dedicated ocean liners since they are a more economical and environmentally efficient means of transportation than airplanes. They are also more compatible with zero carbon power systems since ships aren't constrained by the size and weight of batteries or nuclear reactors. Personally I'd also prefer traveling long distance by ship or high speed rail instead of planes.
I do agree with you we need a few more ocean liners out there to create some competition I don't want to see konard build another ocean liner unless it's to replace the Queen Mary too. But she doesn't need replacement for another 20 years who i'd like to see the build a ocean liner to compete with Conard Royal Caribbean and make it a fun ship that is family friand I guarantee you'll see the canard tickets come down in price. Haven't excellent day
If Titanic II is ever completed I can sure see a boom in the whole Ocean crossing industry And yeah, plane service today is a far cry from their 1960s counterpart which had some high quality food and leg room space, no wonder ocean liners might get a comeback
Cunard should do a new liner with their design reminiscent of the Mauretania (1906) or Aquitania. At least on Liners I know I’m safe. I know I wont fall out of the sky
I do enjoy travel by ship. I live in California and have sailed numerous times on cruise ships to Hawaii and back and rarely enjoy the experience. I have also sailed on a sailboat to and from Hawaii, to Alaska and as far south as Panama. I would rather travel by boat than fly, much more relaxing. As they say it’s not the destination but the journey. Thanks for the insights. I have always wanted to sail on the US United States, what a great ship!!!
Thanks Alex.@@AlextheHistorian As soon as you see the ships exterior and the differences as stated, what makes an ocean liner, it stands out only as cruise ship.
Hi Alex, I too hope that soon oceanliners will make a comeback but I wonder if their current unnecessarily 'slow' crossing is also related to fuel, at least the part used to 'move the ship,' being a fixed cost in a crossing which might be made more profitable by 'forcing' people to spend longer on board. If the crossing was as fast as it could be people would spend less time and money (accommodation, bars, spas, a la carte restaurants, shopping) on board. Obviously that wouldn't be a problem in the framework of the crossing being the holiday itself, but would impact the vision of it becoming a commercially sustainable alternative to flying. But then again, a ship uses fuel even when standing still to power the whole thing so perhaps the costs for the actual 'moving' would be negligible in comparison? What do you think? Nonetheless, I would love to see oceanliners return and, personally, I would be more than happy to spend more days at sea. I wasn't particularly thrilled by the new direction Cunard is taking with Queen Anne but I guess they might just be trying to diversify their offer. What I see with concern is an ongoing 'casualisation' of life on board: relaxing dresscodes, reducing gala nights etc. I know they're trying to make it more family & young people friendly, but hopefully Cunard won't forget that the reasons many people choose to sail with them, often paying more than other lines, is the relatively more 'classy' experience they offer compared to other commercial or theme-parks-at-sea lines. Stepping too far towards casualisation would end up alienating its customer base in my opinion.
Completely agree with you mate love your videos, and happy to say I’ll be doing two trips on the QM2 this year after 20 years of dreaming I’m saving for it, transatlantic voyage at the end of June and Norwegian cruise in November hope you manage to do it one day soon as well.
I tend to agree with you. I can see that there are people who still want to travel on ocean liners (you and me included). That being said, it's quite likely that in the next 15 years we' could see a few new ocean liners. The only thing I'm sad about is that they won't be as in the 1890s-1920s- their golden years, but that's normal, given the circumstances.
Nice video. Although I love ocean liners (inc. The QM2) Alex, I still see it as a niche. However, there is something in between fast planes and slow ships. How about a transatlantic fast ferry. How about the return of airships? The latter is faster than all ships.
Airships are more dangerous than planes and liners combined. I must reiterate what I said in the video, I'm not talking about a grand return of liners, I'm only saying that in 10 years we might see 4 of them on the oceans of the world. Niche yes, but still more than what we have today.
@AlextheHistorian Hi Alex, modern airships are not supposed to be dangerous, as they do not use inflamable gas. Carnival (owners of Cunard) obviously do not think the global market can sustain more than one QM2. There are no plans for new any liners at present, unless "Titanic II" actually happens. However, it would be nice to see some more.
@WaterWorld1 I'm not saying airships are dangerous because of flammable gas, they are dangerous for many other reasons. As for my opinions about another Cunard ocean liner, in my video I said that we can expect a second ship on 10 years, not right now. The demand for QM2 is still going up, and in 10 years it will be high enough that they will have a second ship either under construction or entering service. That is my prediction and I'm sticking with it.
With modern alternate fuels (heck maybe even a thorium-msr) these are a viable and much cleaner alternative to flying, the QM2 only uses 3% per passenger of a jet AND can transport 10x the people.. speed needs to go faster but also remember that we can work from home much more. I would take a liner over a jet any day! They would need 3 or 4 to make a twice a week crossing possible but they would be popular. Maybe not do seperate classes but basic to luxury accommodations and additional fees for more luxury dining options and you have a winner.
There is nothing special about thorium reactors, the thorium undergoes conversion that ends with fissionable uranium 233, and virtually any current reactor can be converted to thorium reactor, albeit at bit reduced capacity as the breeding of fuel takes some energy. So taking already existing reactor design from some military ship could do the job. But the main issue is that some countries are not that keen on nuclear power and amount of ports such ship would be able to go would be limited. For example I can't imagine some hypothetical RMS Ernst Rutherford to be allowed into port of Hamburg. As well I can't imagine such ship being allowed into Baltic and Mediterranean sea. But for sure ocean liners are more flexible regarding fuels than aeroplanes, for example they can be fitted with biomass burning boilers, with modern designs such ship would most likely be able to use up to 40 % of energy contained in fuel.
@@MrToradragon I agree, the thing I find more appealing about the MST vs a conventional reactor is the molten salt vs high pressure nuclear water, And the non-weapongrade uranium is a big plus to. Thorium also loses its radioactive waste status after 150 years vs 10.000 on uranium. (Altrough it is more challenging to store) especially if they would use several smaller reactors vs one (or two) big ones they could be activated or deactivated to ensure power on demand to cross the ocean and keep its schedule/ speed in any type of weather.
We tried Nuclear Ships in the 60s and uhh, they weren't great. Nuclear isn't the best for propulsion regardless, I think Wind Generators for boosters would be a start.
@@Dexter037S4tell that to the US Navy who have been sailing nuclear since the 1960’s in both aircraft carriers and submarines ( and Russia to) They have a bad rep, not really warranted but imagine the losses for the oil industry if all ships were nuclear (4-10.000 tons of oul per ship per hour)
When you visit Britain I HIGHLY recommend visiting one or two heritage railways ESPECIALY the Swanage railway, on the isle of Purbeck in Dorset, if you do take a trip on the Swanage railway there is a good chance the engine will be 34070 ''Manston'' and if so you will hear the greatest sounds you will ever hear in your life, the experience of riding behind a Bulleid pacific is something that is unrivalled, 31806 also makes a good noise, and the views along the Swanage railway are just absolutely spectacular.
I have said for several years: the airline industry has seen its zenith. From here, the price will only go up, and the service will only get worse. Hence trains and ocean liners.
Anything over a plane, ANYTHING. Planes are giant sardine cans where you have to sit for 8 hours or more in a single space with people you don't want to be sitting with, meanwhile on a ship, you can just go somewhere else, like your cabin, or just anywhere else.
Flying submarines!! With galleys, vacuum was and all. I just wait until they introduce hanging bunks. Well, that Irish airline talks about cheap standing seats!
It's reassuring to know that the demand to book a crossing on Queen Mary 2 is high. It'll be hard to book a crossing for now as long as my child is school-aged. Hopefully one day I myself can book a crossing :D In the meantime it's airline travel for me 🤷♀
Ive recently come up with the idea of a very special type of Ocean Liner. I dont wanna say it on a public forum but ill just say NS Savannah was ahead of its time. And perhaps its time is now. The only problem is, as Freddy Mercury said "I'm just a poor boy"
as much as I enjoy flying and recognize how safe planes generally are, if your plane goes down you'll very very likely die. if your boat starts going down, you almost always have some time to evacuate first. just saying. anyway i would love to see a return of ocean liners
You like me obviously enjoy the journey as much if not more than the destination. Not a lot of people understand this. What's the point of being able to enjoy the affluence of the 30s and 40s if the experience is no longer available. no longer available? I regularly travel to the Scottish Islands by rail and ferry and on the journey I slowly make the transition from modern city life to older rural life at a different pace with different values. It's not an instant process making the journey itself an experience and an adventure. Going by plane is as boring as walking through a door. May I suggest after arriving in Britain, you try one of our many railway steam preservation railways such as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and immerse yourself in the scenery, the journey and the past. It's like drugs without the danger.
I want to travel to the UK from the US soon too. Something to keep in mind is that ever since travel as an industry started almost 200 years ago, there were first, second, and third class tickets. Third class has always been bad, but when you're on a plane at least it's over in a few hours instead of a few days or weeks, unless you want to spring for a much more expensive higher class ticket. When you say an ocean liner ticket is "just a little more expensive than a plane ticket," are you referring to first class? People are also increasingly aware of environmental costs: while planes are really bad, ocean liners en masse would probably be even worse from the look of all that smoke. Maybe they could put on sails and use some wind power to cut back on emissions.
When travelers feel that "getting there is half the fun," oceans liners and trains fill that need. One meets interesting people, with the possibility of a friendship developing. One can experience different foods, depending on one's sense of adventure. One factor that seems to be a deterrent is the typical "formal" night or nights, whereby one is expected to dress up. Viable alternatives need to be available. Notwithstanding what was said, dress codes have to be maintained. There is no need to be subjected to torn/ripped clothes, beach/pool/gym wear in dining venues or other generally public places, clothing or the lack thereof that are suggestive in nature. It was good news hearing that the QM2 is booked that far out. I hope that a companion vessel will become available. [Similarly, to AMTRAK's long-distance trains--any kind of non-coach accommodation (roomettes or bedrooms) are booked many months in advance.]
You don't have to attend those gala nights on QM2 if you don't want. Still I agree with you on the clothing subject, but I think that would be sorted out naturally liner if though going faster. That "loose" clientele are going on Caribbean vacation. Let them have fun. Just not in the dining room.
Oh man, yes - a thousand times yes. Given the the choice between crossing types, I would always pick an ocean liner. Even if you pay top dollar to fly first class, you still experience most of those "cons", and you still have to go through all the ridiculous modern delays and security of an airport. Instead of dreading the transit portion of a trip, one could look forward to the experience there and back. One of the most costly barriers to future ocean liner development, however, is fuel - if they could find a more efficient way to propel them, it would make a lot more economical sense.
It is never easy to recreate the past. I can remember the days when people travelled by sea rather than by air simply because it was so much less expensive. I had two six week voyages on the Achille Lauro in 1967. My parents chose to travel by sea because the same journey by air would have cost twice as much. Sea voyages in those days were not luxury holidays. Meals were simple and basic and many cabins had no en suite facilities. However, there was a swimming pool and deck sports (clay pigeon shooting was very popular) and there was a very good cinema and library. I don’t think that those days could ever be recreated.
This video isn't about recreating the past. Haven't you heard of the Queen Mary 2? It's a modern day ocean liner. It takes people back and forth across the Atlantic and has all the modern luxuries that people expect.
@@AlextheHistorian Right, it's about making a future with more liners and built for our times and the near future. More and more people are getting tired of air travel. Us travelers won't get more vacation time in he near future, but here are many Europeans with 5-6 weeks of paid vacation.and then there are the retired on both sides of the Atlantic. If hey build the ships, people will come. And the more the ships and less fancy the fares welcome down and even more people will be attracted.
NOTES:
-I'm not saying that a new ocean liner industry will rise and be popular, I'm just saying that maybe in 10 year's time, we'll see 3 or 4 ocean liners plowing the seas of the world. They'll offer an alternative to flying for people like me and countless others who are willing to spend more money and time to get to their destination. I'm not saying ocean liners will ever "compete" with air travel.
-The newer Cunard ships: MS Queen Elizabeth, MS Queen Victoria, and MS Queen Anne are all cruise ships, and are not built to the strength and ocean liner standards as RMS Queen Mary 2.
-Why didn't I mention seasickness or the rolling of the ship? -Because the Queen Mary 2 is the most stable ocean liner ever built. The ship has never experienced violent rolling in the 20 years she's been in service. In this very comment section, are some folks who sailed on QM2 as she plowed through hurricane Sandy in 2012, and they were surprised how smooth the voyage was. She's so steady that many folks who claim to get seasick on most voyages, often report that they didn't feel that way on QM2 even when they sailed through a storm.
-Yes, while currently Queen Mary 2 takes a week to get across the ocean, she was built to cross the ocean in 4.5 days. They slowed her down only in recent years, because passengers want to enjoy their crossing, and the current clientele is not in a rush to cross the Atlantic. BUT SHE CAN DO IT FASTER than a week.
@AlextheHistorian At the mo QM2 N QUEEN VICTORIA is on a 108 night World Cruise live on @Solent Ships wen they both left
Also she came back from a Refit
I think the Wright brothers would be highly offended by this video. Lol :)
All my life, I have loved both the ocean and aviation. I have always said my heart belongs to the ocean. Never traveled on an ocean liner nor cruise ship but my love for the ocean wants me to do it. I grew up in San Pedro California you’ve been to the Queen Mary so maybe you’ve been there. if you haven’t, I highly recommend you go and when you do, you should especially look forward to going to the Maritime Museum. Whether or not oceanliners do come back, I will continue to love the ocean and flight And will always look forward to traveling by way of both. The only thing stopping me from traveling on a cruise ship or an ocean liner is the pricing.
Having been aboard all three current Queens, including QM2 twice, I assure you, she is extremely stable. Why? Chief Architect and Designer of QM2, Stephen Payne, was onboard a voyage on MV Queen Elizabeth in September 2021 and addressed my query. Ocean liners before QM2 were “over-engineered,” with more steel and rivets to keep them in place at a time when ship design was all done manually. Thanks to computer technology, this has resulted in better design and weight distribution to improve stability and metacentric height. In addition, stabiliser technology is far better. The Denny Brown stabilisers affixed to the original RMS Queen Mary in 1958 were gravity gyroscope operated, which meant the ship was already starting to roll before the stabilisers responded. Seeing British Pathe footage of RMS Queen Mary after they were installed, she was still rolling 10-15 degrees to either side, in moderate weather, which would be totally unacceptable today. However, RMS Queen Mary 2 has computer gyroscope stabilisers which not only respond faster, but they actually predict the roll and can predict the wave patterns, allowing the ship to stop the roll before it even starts. During a Category 8 gale mid-Atlantic, I could finally feel her move and, for those who life in seismically active areas, it feels like the initial movement of a very mild earthquake. Instead of leaning from one side to the other, you feel like the whole floor is moving gently, ever so slightly, sideways. While the rolling can be controlled with the stabilisers, the pitching cannot. Instead, it is mitigated by the ship’s ingenious hull design. Her flared bow, similar to the cutting edge (no pun intended) prow of the legendary SS Normandie, and her novel stern help reduce this movement too. QM2 is a legend in her own right and was the perfect place to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. Thank you for this wonderful video lobbying for a return of ocean liner travel. In the words of the late John Maxtone-Graham, it really is “the only way to cross.”
I don’t necessarily think if the ocean liner made a comeback, they would have to be as large or fancy as the QM2. Heck, even a ship with just practical, comfortable interiors, good internet, decent affordable food and a good service speed would be far better than any airliner.
I agree. Decades back, I took the 2 night crossing from Portsmouth in the UK to Bilbao in northern Spain aboard the P&O 'Pride of Bilbao' large car ferry. It was a most enjoyable trip. The cabin was fine, the ship wasn't ostentatious but it was clean, modern and spacious, with good facilities,and the food was excellent. I could quite happily travel on a ship like that for a week or so, which would get me across the Atlantic or even as far, say, as South Africa or the Caribbean.
Just don't name them after sunken ships. That's bad luck.
The larger the ship the safer it is in rough sea. So if they build a new one, it will be something equally if not more massive. The level of luxury, however, is likely to be reduced. Even rich people today don't care much for lavish decor during a utilitarian 3-days journey and would prefer simple but well-designed comfort.
So, basically, it has to be a complete analogue of a train to be profitable. In Russia 7-9 days long trains across the country don't lack passangers even in platzkarts ('3rd class' cars with a common bunk bed dormitory in each) despite the tickets costing almost as plane ones. However, the maintainance of a train is much cheaper than that of an ocean liner...
No
YES! If i had to choose between a cramp metal tube with crying babies and ear popping, or a basic cabin with a bed and wifi, I'll take the letter almost every time!
The only exceptions would be if I needed to be on the other side of the ocean in a day or less.
Alex, you have confirmed what I have always believe. Ocean Liners will never cease to exist. There will be another Ocean Liner. I just know. I hate planes myself. My last flight was a total disaster. Ocean Liners all the way!
Hey look man I’m gonna be a little honest with you. My favorite ocean liner is always been the SS United States that I like it and I love it. I do not mind a SS United States to like the Titanic two I mean there could be a titanic two, but who knows
I love planes don’t hate them
They nearly have finished. Just one left are you saying somebody is going to build another one? If so you are living in fantasy land and so is this blogger. Can you really see somebody paying the extra money for a liner against a cruise ship?
Yes, Alex and I can. As long as people want to experience traveling on an Ocean Liner and are not keen on flying, there will always be an Ocean Liner.
@dlgregory35 an ocean liner is an actual method of transportation unlike a cruise ship, and alot of people most likely would pay more to use a ocean liners, a flight isn't cheap to begin with and some people can't fly due to medical conditions and not everyone wants to be on a cramped plane with strangers.
It wouldn't shock me if Cunard did two identical but smaller ocean liners (QE2 sized) in the next 10-15 years. Like you said, the demand is there. And it would give them a lot more flexibility over having a single ocean liner in the fleet (once QM2 is retired).
They even now have two new names to use in the drawer. Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales (to be renamed at the relevant time).
@@richardpiper4828I hope they return to their old naming practice, I hope in our lifetime we will see a Aquitania or a caronia sailing the seas
*cunard white star lines
@@daleyseaton9426yeah hope they make a aquatina 2 just like the mauretania 2
@@WhySpeedBird113 *They dropped the White Star part of the name in 1949.
I wouldn’t get on a cruise ship if you paid me; however, an ocean liner is a different story. I’ve been a student of maritime history for decades and know a few things. My one regret is not taking advantage of an offer that I saw in the paper in Atlanta about 25+ years ago. I saw an ad which listed passage to Europe on the Concord with a return trip to NY on the QE2 for 5K. I was too young for such extravagance. I should have sold my soul at the time and taken the opportunity.
Maybe selling your soul would be a too high a Price, but i get what you mean 🙂🌻
Why is getting on a ocean line a different story (there is only one ocean liner)
@@dlgregory35 Ocean liners are better able to take what the oceans throw at them. Not to say that they can't sink due to bad weather and such - they certainly can - but an ocean liner can plow right through severe weather and rough seas, whereas a cruise ship will have to take shelter and wait it out. A cruise ship that gets hit by a rogue wave could easily be sunk by it. An ocean liner is capable of taking the hit and carrying right on, damage but still afloat.
And finally, a cruise ship has a shallow draught and a lot of height above the water line, which will make them top heavy in rough seas. An ocean liner has a much deeper draught to compensate.
@@shimesu443
Hi, I am well aware of that. They were built as liners with reinforced hulls specifically for the Atlantic and being narrower than cruise ships able to plow through big waves far more easily. That was wht whole idea of liners..
I always hated cruise ships and everything they stand for, they are such a waste of resources, you can literally do everything a cruise ship offers at a resort and everytime one docks at islands or whatever the locals hate it especially since it drives up everything at restaurants etc.
I feel you man. Us here in the railfan community see it the same way. Planes only get you there fast, but at the expense of comfort, experience, being able to get to know your vehicle, and to also enjoy the journey to the destination. Too much instant gratification.
Greetings and much love to the railfans, fellow lovers of civilized conveyances!
I just remarked the other day to a friend that the world was a better place when people travelled by train and ship. They gave me a blank look, but we know what they're missing!
Not sure where you're from, but here in Japan trains are often faster point to point, and runs more frequently than planes, though to be fair comfort is not much better than coach class on planes. Maglev promised to connect Tokyo and Osaka at little as 65 minutes, practically at the same ballpark as planes.
You could have both speed and comfort if you opted to fly first class.
I sincerely believe that the return to using civilized conveyances, meaning ships and trains, would raise the level of collective joy in the world considerably.
Thank you again, Alex, for another excellent and uplifting video. It's always a good day when we see a new one from you!
I’m praying what you’ve said will come true someday, I’d love to see ocean liners make a triumphant comeback from near extinction. It would also be a huge weight off many ocean liner fanatics shoulders who have to correct someone who calls the Titanic “a cruise ship” because it would spread more awareness of the MASSIVE DIFFERENCE between the two.
I think this is a very real possibility as much as I know. Safe and reliable ocean liners can keep up with the changing times. Travel needs of the world and allow people to slow down a little bit and enjoy the trip, which is a good excuse in and of itself. It's probably worth it for all the reasons here. "Getting There is Half the Fun"-- That line makes more sense now than ever or will be if it's done right, especially as Cunard is owned by fun-loving Carnival. And agree that higher speed rail is another land-based solution to the airliner clogs and chaos.
I don't think so. I prefer to have all the fun in the destination. So I cut out the journey's fun.
I love the concept of flying and fly world wide, but I'd love to take extra time off from work and sail on an actual ocean liner to reach my destination.
I crossed in February 1959 on the Queen Elizabeth,we were battened down in a storm that made it into the newspapers, but we still got across in five days.
Ocean liners are also better for the environment, and with the increased focus on environmental issues in recent days I think Cunard is well positioned to capitalize on it with their luxurious yet reliable liner service. I sure hope they put more ships in service - it would mean I can finally visit Europe!
Ships are NOT better for the environment, not by a long shot. Do the math on fuel consumption of a ship like QM2 verses a Boeing 787 or Airbus A350. The airplane moves each person with far less emissions. It’s all that drag, mostly under the water, that makes a ship not a particularly efficient way to travel. Plus the time spent at sea and the number of crew required to attend to the passenger’s needs, make ocean liners not economically or environmentally friendly.
Well keep in mind, that you're talking about QM2 a ship designed for luxurious comfort. A serious industry would design economic options for a wider variety of travelers. In other words, slightly smaller cabins to fit more passengers per square meter on the ship. And it would slim down the crew to what is needed.
@@singleproppilot idk, I think that might have more to do with the fact that we have yet to employ "green shipping", but I suspect that it would be easier to power a ship with renewables than an aircraft, especially since they were once powered by renewables!
Would rather take an airplane than a ship. Don't get me wrong ships are better in environmental protection, but I was sold on the plane as I still like watching them takeoff, land, and the services they have. Regardless of how bad it gets.
I've always said that it would be neat if a cruise company or some other Maritime company came out with a new ocean liner that had the classic lines and profile of elegant liners from the 50s and 60s but still had all the modern amenities that today's ocean going passenger would expect with some vintage stuff added for history nerds xD
A few months shy of a year ago, I took a cruise to Alaska. My 1st cruise ship. I flew from Phoenix to Seattle and the ship was the best part. A few weeks ago I flew to Maui from Phoenix. I wished I was on a cruise ship.
It would be nice for a return to Ocean Liners. Where they lack in travel time (which even then, is only a few days for the fastest ships) the ability to have privacy, space, comfort, room to move about. I had a similar hope with airships, which granted, are far from likely like ocean liners, due boosts many of the same advantages. More comfortable, privacy, still relatively quick, and arguably superior compared to passenger liners. Looking at Ocean Liners though, I due hope they take inspiration from the style and ideas of the past, including SS United States, Normandy, France, Queen Mary, etc.
This is a nice comforting thing to know that Cunard will most likely make a successor to The Queen Mary 2
Once in a while I travel from the US to Spain, and on my most recent trip I took a cruise ship repositioning from Florida to the Mediterranean for the summer. I’ll be doing this again this year. Granted most people won’t have this kind of time flexibility, but it proves to me there is a niche market demand for this kind of travel. For me, there’s not much better than getting there slowly and relaxing on the high seas as we inch closer to the destination day after day.
Of course I have to book a one way flight back to the states and they charge out the wa-zoo for those, but what can you do…
I think the argument to be made is the modeshare of ocean liners is currently virtually zero, so even a tiny increase in modeshare will be a hufe increase in absolute numbers.
I agree with everything you said! I'll be going to Europe on the QM2 for the 8th or 9th time in May.
I love the ship, and despise flying, so I'm happy to pay the extra cost. Then I take trains everywhere! 😁
Fantastic video!!! Yes it would be awesome if ocean liners returned!!
One thing I like about dystopian could-bes like The Hunger Games, specifically the most recent prequel, is that it shows not everything will progress how we expect.
I read a blog series last year that talked about how they CAN’T fly because of a medical condition, I believe. And they talked to others aboard who said they prefer this mode of travel because of many of the reasons you mentioned about air travel. I’ve heard the question of would you rather travel above the storm rather than through it. But I’ve also considered the chances of survival in the two different scenarios.
Trains are becoming more popular and I’m seeing UA-camrs highlight the experience more and more and more and more. But I never thought that ocean liners could become somewhat normalized again for a similar, post-pandemic reason.
And you know. With communication becoming easier and more rapid, work more remote and less static in a lot of instances, I can see other life factors becoming less important, like how fast to get somewhere.
It’s exciting to think that ocean liners might see a resurgence.
I do believe that the Seabourn Pursuit and Venture (new ships from 2022 and last year) from the Seabourn Cruise Line have some kind of ocean liner design in them or they were simply inspired by the Queen Mary 2. You should do a video about that ships. Really lovely liners!!
After flying to Europe several times and to Hawaii, the dreaded part of the vacation is the flight. Anything but first class is very unpleasant. However for competitive prices compared to a first class flight, you can take the Queen Mary 2 and cross the Atlantic with good food and entertainment and no jet lag. We sailed in rough seas but the Queen Mary was smoother than big cruise ships in wind from the sides and much more stable than the cruise ships in rough Seas, and I do love the big cruise ship total experience. Going west I would be happy with a repositioning Cruise for One Direction; the Queen Mary is my Top Choice forgetting to Europe and back.
As a staunch aviation enthusiast, I don't believe oceanliners are going to ever compete on price and convenience. However, I do believe their renaissance is going to happen more on the 'experience' side of things for those that have the time to sail on them. I think the Millennial and Gen Z digital nomads is a market oceanliners can tap into if they haven't already. I would gladly take an oceanliner knowing I have ample space to both work (with good Internet access) and relax whilst going to my next destination.
There is a very good possibility that millennials and gen z won't have the financial means to travel like the boomers did. The boomers are spending every nickel before they kick off. To spite the fact the younger generations are not married and are not having children, are better educated, they cannot afford to own a house. 2024 will be a year to remember
There are many people that hate flying and would happily take liner. And about time, what's the rush. Back in the day before the jets, people just took their time to sail across the Atlantic.
@@botalm1878 it all boils down to 'time' at the end of the day. Some that hate flying haven't got the extra 7 days spare doing a Transatlantic crossing by oceanliner when it can be done in 7 hours by plane. This is especially those from countries where vacation/holiday days away from work are on the low side.
I know everyone has their own opinion on the subject of the return of the Oceanliners and that's nothing bad, I think it would certainly be possible to bring back the Oceanliner in a similar style to Clive Palmer's Titanic II, which was never built, only as cruise ships, of course it's harder that way enforce a concept, many people only want balcony cabins and probably don't like this old-fashioned grandma style and then also the new safety rules Solas where on some ships you can't avoid installing something like a safety deck. But the advantage would be, in my opinion, since many cruise ships these days are more the destination and not the ports and people who live there. Instead of using the Oceanliners more as cruise ships, one could bring these things back to the foreground instead of the ship itself, it would be clear It's definitely not bad to have at least a few modern rooms with the help of a safety deck like on the Titanic II so that the passengers don't get completely bored. And you could definitely use areas like 3rd class as a museum to give people more understanding of what it was like in these classes back then and to show a little something about immigration to other countries thanks to these ships.
Another thoughtful and enjoyable insight, thank you Alex. I personally have an interest in the past travel option of voyaging on a cargo liner, not on the north Atlantic route but to the Orient maybe. I understand that the experience and accommodation on these vessels was both relaxing and comfortable. In addition there was the opportunity of seeing exotic ports enroute to your ultimate destination (bland container terminals excepted). I don't know if such a thing still exists in the modern world (perhaps you do), but I cannot think of a more pleasant prospect given one has the time to devote to it.
People still travel by Cargo ship, once in a while you hear stories from travel vloggers.
A lot of people enjoy the ride, providing you have the extra time on your vacation. Voyage is well worth the time! The amenities are sensational ! You will never have so much fun, in such a short amount of time!
Europeans have 5-6 weeks vacation. Paid! Lot of time for a sail.
Tbh hearing about the que alone for the crossing, just hearing about that makes me think they really need another one, or hell even three, would really help work through that que and make the wait shorter and such
Based off of the numbers the Ocean Liner insustry can make a pretty good comeback with more modern technology and faster ships, Ocean Star Line has already started planning the first ocean liner to be bulit in over 20 years.
I've heard a few people mention this new ocean liner, but I still can't find anything about it anywhere online.
@@AlextheHistorian Only thing we can reveal about this ship that it is the largest ever bulit in history (1,741 feet long).
Is this any more real than the 'blue star line' titanic 2 proposal?
Yes its very real, the Oceanic Class is a planned oceanliner in every way, we are going to put out more info in the following weeks.@@dl11950
Yes this is very real, more about these ships can be revealed in the comming weeks.@@dl11950
you are right in my country india, majority of people likes travel long distance by train rather than flight within country. railways are improving and safety is improving. the problem is the country regulations and track gauge are headache if you travel internationally.
You are so right about the air travel. As pathetic as it gets, there's simply no alternative to it with it's speed and capabilities. Air Lines can see it as a monopoly as ... time is money. Hence, luxury cravers like us have no option. With airplanes here to stay for eternity, I awe to be a pilot but not suffer as passenger. I am glad to know that ocean liners are in demand and would feel grateful if QM2 gets a running mate. That being said, this was another fantastic video with top notch voice over. Keep up the great work!
Thank you!
Amazing video as always, and very interesting!!! 💯🛳
I was just saying, I'd rather take a boat to get overseas than a plane. The problem nowadays is it takes 7+ days just one way because transatlantic voyages really are for cruising instead of transport. If they introduced express liners again that took less time, I'd be up for it!
Great your documenting more modern ships. Like I have said I visited Queen Mary Long Beach throughout the 1980s. I was at New York for the 2004 arrival of Queen Mary 2. I crossed the Atlantic on QE2 in 1997. I am very happy for your future QM2 trip. It is interesting that it is doing so well. I have sailed several times on QM2 and crew years ago more than once told me it was nearly empty on Atlantic crossings and they viewed it as a mistake. I have also sailed many times on the Princess Ship you display and it very is a very competent Atlantic Crosser. I am sure QM2 will show you a great time. However should the ship encounter an Atlantic Storm you may well be terrified with trauma. Bon Voyage!
We have stayed in Europe 5 months at a time in the summer months since retired three years ago (my main destination is Greece). We fly there in May and for the past two years, and returned by cruise ship that is on a relocation cruise back to Fort Lauderdale. My wife and I absolutely love it. It is a great way to relax, even though is much more expensive, we plan to do this for the foreseeable future. We have not been on the QM2 yet but I would like to try her out one of these years. Another huge plus traveling this way, you meet so many great people.
The QM2 is actually cheaper than an airline ticket here in Canada with any remote bit of comfort, which is insane to me.
You’re absolutely right on my life. I would love you cross the ocean in an ocean liner, but it does get pricey, and I would love to spend more time at my other destination when I get there instead of turning around and come back but travel in the ocean and make a round trip back thinking about it would be quite fun and experience of a lifetime would never forget
They CAN sail faster and they don't need to be fancy. They CAN also have different classes again, just like airlines!
I love your premise and support it, i believe ocean liners should now still exist, there was something of a luxury and new experienxe with ocean liners which cruise ships cannot offer.
Ocean liners need to return, I need this in my life, I hate flying!
You're not the only one hating airline travel & I love passengers ships also
I literally made a community post 2 days ago asking whether the Queen Mary 2 is truly the last ocean liner. Time to watch the video now.
Hey Alex, I'm not sure you'll see this comment. No UA-camrs really do see my comments but I just wanted to say this, and I know this sounds ridiculous coming from some random teenager in a UA-cam comment section lol. For a while now I've been planning to make an attempt at oceanliner industry revival for almost 6 months now. I've already got a company name, Genesis Line, and even a concept for the first ship, the Dawn. Every time I tell people this they always say it's impossible. They say oceanliners will NEVER be back, and that I'll never be able to achieve my goal. I'm glad I found your video, finally, someone who has the same points I do. Again, you probably won't be seeing this, but the video you made has really inspired me to keep going, and not give up. Thank you.
Don't give up.
"Your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney
Thanks a lot Alex, I really appreciate this. :)
Another con for airliners for anyone in the creative industry is the sever luggage restrictions. I'm just getting started in photography & blogging and dread to think how I'm going to travel internationally with all the necessary kit. I'd quite happily take a liner to get around.
Another thing that should happen for an ocean liner return is for them to also be a bit like a ferry too so people can bring their cars along (definitely can see it as an option between Australia and New Zealand)
No good idea for a transatlantic ship. Big void in the middle of the ship which could easily be filled with water if there is the slightest hole somewhere. Look what happened to MS Estonia 1994 in a Baltic storm. The front gate went bust on a big wave and then the ship ate water like a whale. Sank like a stone. Over 900 dead.All the Baltic Sea ferries still load trucks and cars, but they have also new regulations for storms. The Baltic is not as deep as the Atlantic, but it only take 50 meter to cover a ferry. In the southern Baltic between Sweden and Germany its only 26 meters deep and the ferries there can never sink fully. But if you are stuck in a cabin you will still drown. I sound pessimistic, but I love cruising and have travelled with the various Baltic ferries hundreds of times for pleasure and business. Still, I don't think I would sail with a car carrying ship across the Atlantic in wintertime.
Hi Alex, First???
Great watch to enjoy before work. Still trying to make it to the RMS Queen Mary for a tour but something always comes up.... Would comment more but have to hit the road....
mike
I also hate flying. Not so much the flying, I rarely go more than an couple of hours, but the airports. They're miserable places indeed. I do actually think we may end up seeing a comeback of sorts, and I think long term nuclear powered ocean liners may be the future. Nuclear reactors on ships are nothing new, even _a few_ civilian ships have used them. Here's why: with fuel oil getting more and more expensive, and many people wanting to be more environmentally friendly, I think it makes sense to have a zero emission means of transport, even from just a marketing strategy. The issues are that a) nuclear power has really bad PR. Modern breeder reactors are nothing like the old soviet ones in Chernobyl, but people are squeamish. b) red tape, which is partly related to my first point. I can see lots of ports refusing them initially c) safety concerns, because accidents can happen and there are sadly nefarious people in the world and d) money. Lots and lots of money. Cruise ships can easily cost $1bn, a nuclear aircraft carrier of similar size (if not comfort) is upwards of $13bn. Granted there's a lot of expensive naval hardware in that price, and I doubt an ocean liner is going to need that many Aegis missiles. But even so, expensive. But I can easily see such a ship doing 35-40 knots, if not more. It'd be clean, fast, cheap to run, quiet, and it's range would only be limited by the amount of supplies it can carry.
Our school went down to see the QE2 being launched, it was great! 1967 I think.
An Ocean liner may be a better choice for around the world cruises than a cruise ship. The really long stretches can be shortened by the ships speed, and people joining for part of the trip can expect more reliable port dates.
The North Atlantic run is likely to remain a favorite route for scheduled service, especially if Iceland's Volcanoes act up again.
The QE2 is the ideal size and the ultimate in ocean liner design. She is still around too!
The current owners of the QE2 that are using the QE2 as a floating hotel, have promised to Cunard/Carnival Corp. that they would never put the QE2 back into service
SS United States is still around too, but rusting away in Philadelphia.
Even if it doesn't apply to Cunard's current naming policy, I think if Cunard builds a new ocean liner in 2040 to celebrate their 200 anniversary they should name it Britannia 2 as a reference to the first ship they ever had. But I honestly don't see that happening. :'(
Super Video. I booked first for my trip to New York one way Ticket on QM2…after relooking my vacation plans, as I was previsouly in New York, I booked the return (roundtrip) to Hamburg, to avoid the 6-7 hours in a Metal Tube called plane. I welcome directly a New Ocean Liner with a regulary schedule with QM2 on weekly base. Than you can spend a few days in New York or the States and come back with the liner. Long live the Golden Âge of Travel 🎉….Hoping it comes soon.
I’m also putting this out there, but a once a week packed voyage is more profitable than a once a day flight, because airlines especially of late, are suffering and massively unprofitable. In an ocean liner on the scale of QM2, you can put thousands across the sea in a matter of days, in absolute luxury and comfort, and not only is that just lovely, but planes really can only be so big compared to the fuel costs. You can pack in about a hundred on a flight, and honestly that’s on a good time, but your fuel use is always uneconomic. Ships are increasingly economical, especially mid size and smaller ships. You don’t even need a mega liner, you could have a could triads of thousand passenger count liners making crossings every few days.
I can see Ocean liners being made as Anchor ships for a cruise fleet. Ships that are 100% guaranteed will be on time and ready to sail on schedule every time all the time. QM2 has just been that reliable and to ignore QM2's track record is insanity at its' finest. I think the problem has mainly been for the money to have a really nice Ocean liner you could have an Oasis of the Seas, and the Military reason of sponsoring the construction of an Ocean Liner so that in full war scenarios to be made into troop ships(like how the SS United States was contracted to be built) has been made mute by the Air forces' and Navies' ability to transport metric tons of supplies and troops when need be. However I think what you've pointed out with QM2 maybe why even Cunard maybe thinking of getting a few more Ocean liners. As you pointed out the reliability to always be on time and the fact a dedicated fan base has developed for QM2 I could see maybe Carnival (Cunard's parent company now) maybe making a few more that would be top of the line and be as I mentioned Anchor ships of the cruise fleet.
QM 2 doesn't sails at the capacity speed so it's easy to be on time, just put in some more coals when late.
@@botalm1878 Which is part of why she's so reliable.
I hope to see a new golden age of ocean liner within my lifetime. Traveling the world onboard a floating palace with my own private room or suite.
Has someone that hates flying and modern cruise ships are just a horizontal skyscrapers ..THE WORLD NEEDS ANOTHER AND MORE OCEAN LINERS.
I would love to take an ocean liner some day 😀 By the way, I have a suggestion for some research you may be interested in. I saw a YT video about the steam ships that used to transport passengers on the Great Lakes U.S. My dad told me that after he graduated from college (1940s) he worked on one of these ships before marrying my mom and moving to CA. Sounds interesting!
My wife and I are going on our honeymoon aboard the QM2 for a transatlantic voyage in October! We are far from wealthy, that's why its a 3 year gap between the wedding and honeymoon lol
The biggest factor that makes me think ocean liners may make a comeback is possible flexibility using alternative energy sources. Long distance airlines are very dependent on fossil fuels, but were there enough demand even nuclear power remains an option on a large ocean liner.
I would love love love to go to Europe, Africa, and South America on ocean liners! Flying has become nothing but a stressful ordeal!
Agreed -- in their quest for higher profits, they airlines continue to raise ticket prices as they lower amenities. Crammed in like sardines in a can, with a little less Only a few routes worldwide cater to this passenger type, and most luxury cruise passengers are elderly. Do a cost-benefit analysis of, say, one of the queens from New York to London and back. See of a combo is available, sailing one leg and flying the other, and you'll get the best of both worlds.
But there's another item that needs to be included in the flying option: Free Floating Anxiety. Like many, I am flying-averse. It's not that I fear crashing, but the zeitgeist of the flying experience has been degraded wherever possible by the airlines seeking budget travelers. After years of cuts to services, and how those cuts add up changed the bottom line, when tallied into the bottom line, in order to represent the TRUE cost of flying.
And what of the flying destinations? As recently as a few years ago, port cities welcomed tourists from both aircraft and ships. That policy is at this moment undergoing a big change. A stateroom on a luxury liner with all the amenities may not cost the traveler much more than a cheap seat on an airliner, as long as the passenger is willing to put up with a cramped environment for getting to and from their seat on the plane. The ANTICIPATION of an anxiety or panic attack, what the psychs refer to as "free-floating anxiety," has led to an increase in the true cost of flying that could just be enough to tilt the scales to exclude air costs, included even when perked or budgeted. The fear factor triggered by including these costs results in a bottom line that for many travelers just doesn't add up.
Those living in destination cities, bucket-list must-sees for the economy-minded traveler, are falling out of favor in the cities that just a few years before, were competing to includedp them, is a reality that needs to have a presence on a price tag. Many destination cities are beginning to turn cruise ships away. They too are caught in a dilemma: to create a list of ways to realistically calculate whether these floating hotels are making money for the city overall. This is not as straightforward as it might seem. Consider that the passenger will not be staying in a hotel that charges a per-day fee in the form of a room tax, and that another primary source of revenue for the destination city, the indulgence of dining in a first class restaurant, chops off another important source of revenue for the destination.
Do not forget to include these hidden costs in your travel budget, because when factored in as a travel cost, these charges can put your bucket list into the red. Take into account these overlooked expenses, and come up with a number you can live with when you get home.
Next week I'm flying from Western Canada to New York to go on the Queen Mary to to Southampton. And then I'm flying back to Western Canada from London.
Woahh
Went to Junior Year abroad in Amsterdam in 1970 on the Statendam, returned on the France, still the best experience of travel I've ever had...
Good video my man, l love either do this travel in those beautiful oceans lines than stressed air lines.😅
I hope there is a Transpacific crossing available someday. Pretty much the only place I ever fly is Japan (every 5 to 10 years) but I hate the flight SO much I just gets worse every time to the point that last time I was so miserable on the flight home I spent the next year thinking I might never go back :/ (and first class flights are such a waste of money that if I'm going to pay that much I'd much rather get a cruise out of it). I also LOVE the train, of course.
I've done the transatlantic 3 times, 2 westbound, 1 east. I'm booked for a round trip next spring. Flying out of JFK is a nightmare. An inside cabin costs about as much as a business class flight, but food (Cunard is above reproach!) room service, shows, entertainment is all included. And yes, you MUST plan ahead. Every sailing I was on was a full ship.
I completely agree that Ocean Liners could be another means of transportation within a decade or so, when the flight experience gets worse.
I love the idea of crossing the Atlantic in an ocean liner. Would give time to adjust for the time change imo. Plus it would be so relaxing.
I believe many of these ideas, and feel like they could actually come back, at least I hope
I think also that with environmental concerns, increasing using liners would become more popular over time because it's easier to have a lower carbon ship (due to weight/ fuel capacity) than a plane. Likewise with airships, but they would presumably have a lower passenger capacity than a liner, of course. Obviously, the ships would have to move away from diesel, but that doesn't seem like it would be that difficult. Maybe a hydrogen or even nuclear powered liner could be possible. I don't imagine planes being totally replaced, but for long haul destinations, being able to travel in some comfort would still be appealing
i also believe there will be more ocean liners.
I was always infatuated with Ocean Liners, especially the dedication of their crew and the sophisticated designs of the vessels themselves to ensure the safety of their passengers to cross the sea.
Cruise Ships, Ocean Liners, etc. are more safer in my opinion. If a ship was sinking, it would still take time to completely plunge in the sea depending on the damage, and with modernized and efficient lifeboat procedures, you would have more than enough time to board a lifeboat and get to safety. Furthermore, if you didn't manage to board a lifeboat but manage to survive the sinking of the ship, you still have a chance to be rescued by a nearby lifeboat before you are claimed by the freezing cold water. While in a plane, if it was falling out of the sky, you are basically trapped in the cramped spaces of the airplane with little to no options to improve your chances of survival, leaving you no choice but to wait and pray out of fear of your highly-likely demise.
L I wholeheartedly agree. I’d like to see ships sailing along the c of the Pacific.👍
Well done Alex! With you 100%!
I think climate change and rising fuel costs could also boost demand for dedicated ocean liners since they are a more economical and environmentally efficient means of transportation than airplanes. They are also more compatible with zero carbon power systems since ships aren't constrained by the size and weight of batteries or nuclear reactors. Personally I'd also prefer traveling long distance by ship or high speed rail instead of planes.
I do agree with you we need a few more ocean liners out there to create some competition I don't want to see konard build another ocean liner unless it's to replace the Queen Mary too. But she doesn't need replacement for another 20 years who i'd like to see the build a ocean liner to compete with Conard Royal Caribbean and make it a fun ship that is family friand I guarantee you'll see the canard tickets come down in price. Haven't excellent day
If Titanic II is ever completed I can sure see a boom in the whole Ocean crossing industry
And yeah, plane service today is a far cry from their 1960s counterpart which had some high quality food and leg room space, no wonder ocean liners might get a comeback
Cunard should do a new liner with their design reminiscent of the Mauretania (1906) or Aquitania. At least on Liners I know I’m safe. I know I wont fall out of the sky
I love travelling by ship and hate flying.
I do enjoy travel by ship. I live in California and have sailed numerous times on cruise ships to Hawaii and back and rarely enjoy the experience. I have also sailed on a sailboat to and from Hawaii, to Alaska and as far south as Panama. I would rather travel by boat than fly, much more relaxing. As they say it’s not the destination but the journey. Thanks for the insights. I have always wanted to sail on the US United States, what a great ship!!!
Always torn between being terrified of being that far from shore and also hating planes.
Cunard is owned by Carnaval. Is the queen Ann a real oceanliner or a cruise ship?
Queen Anne will be a cruise ship
Thanks Alex.@@AlextheHistorian As soon as you see the ships exterior and the differences as stated, what makes an ocean liner, it stands out only as cruise ship.
Hi Alex, I too hope that soon oceanliners will make a comeback but I wonder if their current unnecessarily 'slow' crossing is also related to fuel, at least the part used to 'move the ship,' being a fixed cost in a crossing which might be made more profitable by 'forcing' people to spend longer on board. If the crossing was as fast as it could be people would spend less time and money (accommodation, bars, spas, a la carte restaurants, shopping) on board. Obviously that wouldn't be a problem in the framework of the crossing being the holiday itself, but would impact the vision of it becoming a commercially sustainable alternative to flying. But then again, a ship uses fuel even when standing still to power the whole thing so perhaps the costs for the actual 'moving' would be negligible in comparison? What do you think?
Nonetheless, I would love to see oceanliners return and, personally, I would be more than happy to spend more days at sea. I wasn't particularly thrilled by the new direction Cunard is taking with Queen Anne but I guess they might just be trying to diversify their offer. What I see with concern is an ongoing 'casualisation' of life on board: relaxing dresscodes, reducing gala nights etc. I know they're trying to make it more family & young people friendly, but hopefully Cunard won't forget that the reasons many people choose to sail with them, often paying more than other lines, is the relatively more 'classy' experience they offer compared to other commercial or theme-parks-at-sea lines. Stepping too far towards casualisation would end up alienating its customer base in my opinion.
Completely agree with you mate love your videos, and happy to say I’ll be doing two trips on the QM2 this year after 20 years of dreaming I’m saving for it, transatlantic voyage at the end of June and Norwegian cruise in November hope you manage to do it one day soon as well.
Which way are you headed? I am on the June 15 sailing, eastbound. If you're aboard, maybe I will join you for a pint in the Golden Lion!
@@chrisbutler7883 thank you for the unite but ill be going bound the nyc on the 23rd june :)
I tend to agree with you. I can see that there are people who still want to travel on ocean liners (you and me included). That being said, it's quite likely that in the next 15 years we' could see a few new ocean liners. The only thing I'm sad about is that they won't be as in the 1890s-1920s- their golden years, but that's normal, given the circumstances.
Nice video. Although I love ocean liners (inc. The QM2) Alex, I still see it as a niche. However, there is something in between fast planes and slow ships. How about a transatlantic fast ferry. How about the return of airships? The latter is faster than all ships.
Airships are more dangerous than planes and liners combined. I must reiterate what I said in the video, I'm not talking about a grand return of liners, I'm only saying that in 10 years we might see 4 of them on the oceans of the world. Niche yes, but still more than what we have today.
@AlextheHistorian Hi Alex, modern airships are not supposed to be dangerous, as they do not use inflamable gas. Carnival (owners of Cunard) obviously do not think the global market can sustain more than one QM2. There are no plans for new any liners at present, unless "Titanic II" actually happens. However, it would be nice to see some more.
@WaterWorld1 I'm not saying airships are dangerous because of flammable gas, they are dangerous for many other reasons.
As for my opinions about another Cunard ocean liner, in my video I said that we can expect a second ship on 10 years, not right now. The demand for QM2 is still going up, and in 10 years it will be high enough that they will have a second ship either under construction or entering service. That is my prediction and I'm sticking with it.
With modern alternate fuels (heck maybe even a thorium-msr) these are a viable and much cleaner alternative to flying, the QM2 only uses 3% per passenger of a jet AND can transport 10x the people.. speed needs to go faster but also remember that we can work from home much more.
I would take a liner over a jet any day!
They would need 3 or 4 to make a twice a week crossing possible but they would be popular.
Maybe not do seperate classes but basic to luxury accommodations and additional fees for more luxury dining options and you have a winner.
There is nothing special about thorium reactors, the thorium undergoes conversion that ends with fissionable uranium 233, and virtually any current reactor can be converted to thorium reactor, albeit at bit reduced capacity as the breeding of fuel takes some energy. So taking already existing reactor design from some military ship could do the job. But the main issue is that some countries are not that keen on nuclear power and amount of ports such ship would be able to go would be limited. For example I can't imagine some hypothetical RMS Ernst Rutherford to be allowed into port of Hamburg. As well I can't imagine such ship being allowed into Baltic and Mediterranean sea.
But for sure ocean liners are more flexible regarding fuels than aeroplanes, for example they can be fitted with biomass burning boilers, with modern designs such ship would most likely be able to use up to 40 % of energy contained in fuel.
@@MrToradragon
I agree, the thing I find more appealing about the MST vs a conventional reactor is the molten salt vs high pressure nuclear water,
And the non-weapongrade uranium is a big plus to.
Thorium also loses its radioactive waste status after 150 years vs 10.000 on uranium. (Altrough it is more challenging to store)
especially if they would use several smaller reactors vs one (or two) big ones they could be activated or deactivated to ensure power on demand to cross the ocean and keep its schedule/ speed in any type of weather.
We tried Nuclear Ships in the 60s and uhh, they weren't great.
Nuclear isn't the best for propulsion regardless, I think Wind Generators for boosters would be a start.
@@Dexter037S4tell that to the US Navy who have been sailing nuclear since the 1960’s in both aircraft carriers and submarines ( and Russia to)
They have a bad rep, not really warranted but imagine the losses for the oil industry if all ships were nuclear (4-10.000 tons of oul per ship per hour)
@@erwinsimsFor the navy it works, but not for the cruise industry, since you'd have to sacrifice capacity for shielding.
A Cunard transatlantic cruise is on my bucket list.
When you visit Britain I HIGHLY recommend visiting one or two heritage railways ESPECIALY the Swanage railway, on the isle of Purbeck in Dorset, if you do take a trip on the Swanage railway there is a good chance the engine will be 34070 ''Manston'' and if so you will hear the greatest sounds you will ever hear in your life, the experience of riding behind a Bulleid pacific is something that is unrivalled, 31806 also makes a good noise, and the views along the Swanage railway are just absolutely spectacular.
We are talking about ships here, not railways!
I have said for several years: the airline industry has seen its zenith. From here, the price will only go up, and the service will only get worse.
Hence trains and ocean liners.
Anything over a plane, ANYTHING. Planes are giant sardine cans where you have to sit for 8 hours or more in a single space with people you don't want to be sitting with, meanwhile on a ship, you can just go somewhere else, like your cabin, or just anywhere else.
Flying submarines!! With galleys, vacuum was and all. I just wait until they introduce hanging bunks. Well, that Irish airline talks about cheap standing seats!
Cruise ships are the destinations.
It's reassuring to know that the demand to book a crossing on Queen Mary 2 is high. It'll be hard to book a crossing for now as long as my child is school-aged. Hopefully one day I myself can book a crossing :D In the meantime it's airline travel for me 🤷♀
I definitely want to go to America on the QM2 sometime
Ive recently come up with the idea of a very special type of Ocean Liner. I dont wanna say it on a public forum but ill just say NS Savannah was ahead of its time. And perhaps its time is now. The only problem is, as Freddy Mercury said "I'm just a poor boy"
I hope to see ocean liners come back. Maybe for short distances not long transatlantic voyages.
as much as I enjoy flying and recognize how safe planes generally are, if your plane goes down you'll very very likely die. if your boat starts going down, you almost always have some time to evacuate first. just saying. anyway i would love to see a return of ocean liners
You like me obviously enjoy the journey as much if not more than the destination. Not a lot of people understand this. What's the point of being able to enjoy the affluence of the 30s and 40s if the experience is no longer available. no longer available? I regularly travel to the Scottish Islands by rail and ferry and on the journey I slowly make the transition from modern city life to older rural life at a different pace with different values. It's not an instant process making the journey itself an experience and an adventure. Going by plane is as boring as walking through a door. May I suggest after arriving in Britain, you try one of our many railway steam preservation railways such as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and immerse yourself in the scenery, the journey and the past. It's like drugs without the danger.
I definitely plan to ride one or two heritage railroads!
I want to travel to the UK from the US soon too. Something to keep in mind is that ever since travel as an industry started almost 200 years ago, there were first, second, and third class tickets. Third class has always been bad, but when you're on a plane at least it's over in a few hours instead of a few days or weeks, unless you want to spring for a much more expensive higher class ticket. When you say an ocean liner ticket is "just a little more expensive than a plane ticket," are you referring to first class?
People are also increasingly aware of environmental costs: while planes are really bad, ocean liners en masse would probably be even worse from the look of all that smoke. Maybe they could put on sails and use some wind power to cut back on emissions.
When travelers feel that "getting there is half the fun," oceans liners and trains fill that need. One meets interesting people, with the possibility of a friendship developing. One can experience different foods, depending on one's sense of adventure. One factor that seems to be a deterrent is the typical "formal" night or nights, whereby one is expected to dress up. Viable alternatives need to be available. Notwithstanding what was said, dress codes have to be maintained. There is no need to be subjected to torn/ripped clothes, beach/pool/gym wear in dining venues or other generally public places, clothing or the lack thereof that are suggestive in nature.
It was good news hearing that the QM2 is booked that far out. I hope that a companion vessel will become available. [Similarly, to AMTRAK's long-distance trains--any kind of non-coach accommodation (roomettes or bedrooms) are booked many months in advance.]
You don't have to attend those gala nights on QM2 if you don't want. Still I agree with you on the clothing subject, but I think that would be sorted out naturally liner if though going faster. That "loose" clientele are going on Caribbean vacation. Let them have fun. Just not in the dining room.
Oh man, yes - a thousand times yes. Given the the choice between crossing types, I would always pick an ocean liner. Even if you pay top dollar to fly first class, you still experience most of those "cons", and you still have to go through all the ridiculous modern delays and security of an airport. Instead of dreading the transit portion of a trip, one could look forward to the experience there and back. One of the most costly barriers to future ocean liner development, however, is fuel - if they could find a more efficient way to propel them, it would make a lot more economical sense.
It is never easy to recreate the past. I can remember the days when people travelled by sea rather than by air simply because it was so much less expensive. I had two six week voyages on the Achille Lauro in 1967. My parents chose to travel by sea because the same journey by air would have cost twice as much. Sea voyages in those days were not luxury holidays. Meals were simple and basic and many cabins had no en suite facilities. However, there was a swimming pool and deck sports (clay pigeon shooting was very popular) and there was a very good cinema and library. I don’t think that those days could ever be recreated.
This video isn't about recreating the past. Haven't you heard of the Queen Mary 2? It's a modern day ocean liner. It takes people back and forth across the Atlantic and has all the modern luxuries that people expect.
@@AlextheHistorian Right, it's about making a future with more liners and built for our times and the near future. More and more people are getting tired of air travel. Us travelers won't get more vacation time in he near future, but here are many Europeans with 5-6 weeks of paid vacation.and then there are the retired on both sides of the Atlantic. If hey build the ships, people will come. And the more the ships and less fancy the fares welcome down and even more people will be attracted.
...and if they slap a couple of turbofan engines on her, she'll go even faster than 28 knots.
😁