Is Crossing The Atlantic By Ship Expensive? A Queen Mary 2 Review
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- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- #QueenMary2 #Cunard #cruiseship
• What is a Transatlantic cruise like on the Queen Mary 2?
• How long does a Transatlantic crossing take on a cruise liner?
• Is a Transatlantic crossing by ship cheaper than flying?
Settle back, dear viewer, for I shall take you on a journey which will answer all of these frequently-asked questions, as well as giving you an insight into what it's like to be a passenger on the magnificent Queen Mary 2.
Quote:
"There are all sorts of reasons why people might not want to cross the Atlantic in a floating first-class hotel, most notably if they have a fixed amount of holiday time and want to spend it all at the destination. I understand that - you just want get the journey over with.
"But as I sit here in a lounge bar, with piano music playing and a beer to hand, sea travel really does seem to make a lot of sense for anyone who can add seven days to their holiday. Even in the twenty-first century."
Away from this UA-cam channel, you might also want to read some of my travel diaries at chrisrand.com/travels/
My Scottish Stepmother immigrated here from Great Britain on the QE2 back in the later 1950s. My Swedish Grandmother immigrated to America on the Lusitania. My other Grandparents (from Sedwen and Sicily) came to America on different ships, all around 1905, and all of them passing thru Ellis Island. My generation is the first one to speak English as our first language.
This video caught my eye because a good friend of mine is about to make the crossing to the UK aboard the Queen Mary 2. She and her husband are relocating to England. They chose the ship because it's more romantic than a plane ride, and because they're brining their dog over, and they wanted to spare him the ordeal of flying in a cargo hold.
After 17 years in the USA we returned back to England on the QM2 May last year, and it was a fantastic voyage.
Many people don't see the value for money. They just look at the overall price and deem it to expensive. When we booked, the price for an inside stateroom was the same as a non stop return flight to England. Cancellation after cancellation we ended up with a sheltered balcony.
From now on we will strongly consider Cunard or others over flying.
The one way prices are fairly close, but when I compared round trip the difference is significant. Often a round trip airline ticket is only a relatively small amount more than one way. I agree that an ocean liner is a far more civilized way to travel if you have the time and the cost difference isn’t that great compared to the airlines for a one way journey. For a round trip, I found Cunard about 80% higher than Delta.
@@LTVoyager maybe I hadn't researched airline prices as much as I should have, but all the non-stop New York to London Heathrow prices I looked at were based on "supply and demand" i.e. because one way flights are rare, they cost twice as much as returns, and yes I did check out one way flights, and none of them were half the price of returns, all were close to double. Whether I checked out Delta, I really don't remember.
When I flew to the US to emigrate in 2005 I had bought a return and didn't use the return half, but this practice now has the risk of fines.
How to say your oblivious to the fact that some people don’t have vast stores of unlimited disposable income without actually saying so.
@@LTVoyager ...I too prefer to travel by sea, but I think the big problem is that if you travel by sea, you have only one possible date per month eastbound and westbound... the QM2 could do 2 round trips per month, I don't know why she doesn't... maybe not enough passengers? But better is to have 2 ships, so, 1 departure/week, and, best, to have other companies competing with Cunard...
@@rodrigobonzanini8235 I agree that time is the big issue when traveling by sea. If time doesn’t matter, then I prefer to travel by any means other than airlines today. When I first started flying back in the 70s, flying was enjoyable. There was no security hassle at airports, flights were plentiful and not over crowded, there was actually enough space in and between the seats to hold an average human, etc. That has all changed due mainly to airline deregulation in the US, first, and then later 9/11. Now, I find airline travel a major PITA and avoid it whenever possible. Thankfully, I am retired now and no longer need to travel for business where time is often more important than money. I now only fly if I need to travel more than 1,000 miles and have some time constraints. Otherwise, I drive.
I did this voyage as part of a package deal with a company called Jetline cruises. Flew to San Francisco, stayed 4 nights in a hotel there. Then we got the Amtrak train to New York, did 4 nights there and home on the QM2. It was fantastic value for money and I couldn't recommend it enough!!! A holiday I'll never forget!
One huge advantage, to me, is arriving without the inevitable jet lag that comes with flying. You adjust to the time zones gradually as you cross. IF I have the time (big IF always), it's well worth it to avoid 2-3 days of bad sleep at the other end. Plus I love going by ship.
This should be a big health concern. Jet lag can trigger heart attacks and stroke. ❤❤❤
I wonder how this plays out -- do you have longer days as you travel east? Fascinating bc I'm a nerd.
It would just shift the dawn and dusk a little each day.
You would indeed gain BOTH daylight and time as you traveled East. The increase in daylight is easy to comprehend those struggling with understanding how one would also gain time that would be due to crossing time zones.
@@brazos.capital Shorter days as you travel east. Longer as you travel west. 5 out of the 7 days travelling east are 23 hours rather than 24, with the time changing at noon each day.
One of the best things about my voyage on the QM2 last year was the miracles I saw on board, yes, miracles. The number of young millennials and GenZ I saw not glued to their smartphones was amazing. This is of course due to the lack of wifi on board, which I personally thought made the voyage that much more pleasant, oh, and no screaming kids.
Thank you for this, much appreciated. I had no idea this was still an available option and for us retired folks, spending an enjoyable week in comfort at sea instead of the hectic and uncomfortable experience air travel is today is a bonus. Rather than fighting your way through an airport, then cramped surroundings, poor food and jet lag. You get a relaxing week in History with First Class accommodations and service, and at a bargain price. All Win imho.
2:41 Actually as a passenger you will tell the difference between the Queen Mary 2 going through bad weather on the Atlantic and on a cruise ship. The Queen Mary 2 is built to handle bad weather better.
Only crossed once, and we hit a storm mid-Atlantic. At the time the supposedly best stabilizers were on the SS France - it was still a rather unpleasant day. Hopefully things have improved. I do know that the QM2 is also a bit longer (by 95 feet) and a lot heavier..
@@LJB103 -- Despite what *some* people might claim, SIZE MATTERS... ;) 8 ft seas on a large ship (even without stabilizers) is nothing... 8 ft seas on a 100-ft dive boat (converted oil rig crew boat) after you've had some greasy BBQ and a lot of beer while head out on a multi-day dive trip can result in you rethinking your choices in life...
My children bought me the trip from NY to Southampton for an Xmas present. It was a trip I had always wanted to make and I was not disappointed. From the time I came on the ship until we docked in Southampton it was delightful. The room was comfy, the food excellent and a peace and tranquility to every day, A pleasant break from our present day low life, self centered culture, ill manners and noise. I enjoyed being properly dressed every day and the passengers were friendly and gentile. I plan on going again next year.
Great video, Chris!
Thanks!
QM2 each and every time. I have done it as part of a longer trip to the far wast using air miles from the US, so had to get there somehow and thought "why not!"... I have also done it several times "just because", and am indeed doing that in just over 4 weeks time, back to back Southampton-New York-Southampton which is a delayed 40th birthday trip from 2020. I love being at sea. Relaxing. Reading. Strolling round the deck. And, having no internet or phone access is the most important thing to me. Peace and quiet.
I admire your ability to switch off!
Enjoyed this. I'm not a cruiser but this crossing is on my bucket-list.
Fantastic description of transatlantic by sea. Inside cabins are fine, the point of being on a liner is to mix. I’ve never taken to the private balcony’s. Unnecessary. I worked a contract on Holland America and had the great experience of crossing crossing both ways several times. You can not beat the ambiance of being at sea. Harp or piano music while you sip a champagne and the gentle hardly noticeable sway. I’ve experienced rough weather too, exciting. Just do it at least once.
I’ve flown between Houston and Europe a lot. Flying business class has really gotten expensive. Flying and the airports have become so stressful and aggravating; what with all the long cues to check-in, go through security and passport control. And baggage restrictions and fees are ridiculous now. (Keep your fingers crossed whether you see your checked bags again)
Wife and I sailed from Galveston to Barcelona on a repositioning cruise. There were several interesting stops along the way to Barcelona. Arrived totally refreshed and relaxed. The cruise was a super bargain, the food was great, there was entertainment and things to see and do every day. The days at sea were the most relaxed traveling ever. No regrets.
Very fair review!
I love the ship, and despise flying, so I'll be doing my 9th or 10th eastbound crossing in a few weeks. I travel alone, and always do an inside cabin. This will be the beginning of a one-month trip to the U.K. and Italy, and it's wonderful to arrive without jet-lag. I justify the cost easily, as it's actually less than a business-class ticket on British Airways!
Exactly how we book - business class one way, holiday, then cruise back!
@@gregwhates5948 Because I don't fly, we'd have to cruise there and back, but we'd still spend a few weeks on the British Isles to sightsee! Expensive but as mentioned in this video it's a "bucket list" trip !!
I do not like flying also , but I found The Q M 2 , was a real let down . I crossed on The Q M 2 , 3 times, then on Norwegian , the winner Norwegian , hands down .
@@Jay-vr9ir in what way?
@@gregwhates5948 Norwegian , nicer ship with many restaurants and clubs , better food ,a nicer crew and so many more activities.I wish Norwegian and RC , would do regular Atlantic crossings .
I am not a person who enjoys being on cruise ships or liners, but I pay for my mother's addiction with Cunard and have done two trips with Cunard once on the new Elizabeth where I wanted to get off after a day and was persuaded to go on the QM2 last year for the crossings with the carribean cruise.
I have to agree with your comments about the crossings. They were enjoyable as you had time just to chill. The library is extensive if you want reading material, people are sociable if you want to be and I couldnt fault it.
My mother always takes an inside cabin as she never spends any time in it. She may be 87 but she will be up and about before 7am and usually wont sleep until after 1am. This is particularly the case when they have ballroom dancing as their hosts are high grade and she used to be a professional ballroom dancer.
The attention to detail with their cleaning and service generally has also been first rate. The relationships I formed with our room steward Nancy, and our waiters Raini and Peter actually made the trip for me.
It should be done at least once, but be warned many get addicted and go back again and again.
As much as I love the ocean and sailing, getting stuck on a ship with 4000 or even more passengers for a week or two would be a nightmare for me. I even avoid very touristy seaside locations.
@@francinesicard464 I couldnt agree more with you.
The only benefit of the QM2 is that she is a massive ship with around 2500 passengers so there is a lot of space. I frequently could find places where I could be alone. The staff even helped out in allowing me to stay in spaces which the public couldnt go into at the time.
I would say that the crossing part of my trip was the best because it wasnt a touristy cruise. The passengers were generally quieter, more restrained, more polite and respectful.
Once it hit the holiday period of Christmas/New Year then many of the passengers were like the party going tourists who were often self centred, loud and inconsiderate.
Cruising is definitely not for me, but I would certainly do another crossing.
I worked 2 contracts for Cunard on loan from Princess cruises. You can book an inside for less than $1,000 USD and at that time it was less than $800. Many people with the time would choose the ship versus flying. The plane is fast, that's its only advantage.
You're right! I've been on the QEII in 2003 & still get literature from Cunard, advertising
off-season crossings for as little as $799.00!
My wife and I travelled from America to the UK on the QE2 when our stint in America ended. We paid additional for a balcony. However, if the cost was a significant consideration, I feel sure a cheaper inside cabin is a good option, as there is only an ocean to gaze at. And if you can spare the week it takes, then dollar for dollar, it is a no-brainer. How much would you expect to pay for seven nights in a high-class five-star hotel with first-class food, superb facilities and entertainment included? Plus, transport across the Atlantic.
If I could get the internet squared-away, we could just work a week while we traveled with the kids, then begin the vacation when we arrive. Perhaps, partial work-days or something.
It's on our bucket list to go from America to England and back ! 🛳😄
My Mum and i did that crossing in 2015 both ways whilst visiting my brother and his family who were living in Rhode Island at that time. Its a wonderful ship and we have lovely memories of that time.
I took a passenger berth on a container ship from Liverpool to Philadelphia. 11 days with nothing to do but read and explore the ship. Definitely not the same as cruising but worth trying once in your life
I was on the Queen Mary 2 after it's return and refurbishing from the Falkland war! I was in my mid 20's and my girlfriend won a trip that included sailing across the Atlantic. We were so lucky! Beautiful ship.
I expect that you meant the QE2 as the Queen Mary 2 was launched in 2003. My mum was a huge fan of the QE2 and a transatlantic crossing for her 60th birthday was the start of a huge relationship with Cunard which has lasted 27 years to date and will continue as long as she does.
@@nibzee Omg! Yes, you're right! My memory is definitely not as keen as it once was!
Still with the girlfriend?
She was a friend. Unfortunately she passed away.
@@bullet-catcherhohoho250
I love the QM2--the trans-Atlantic crossing may be my favorite vacation ever. It's luxurious, low-key, and the dressy dinners are actually rather fun, adding a little variation to the evenings. It's a little old-fashioned in some of its entertainment choices, but that's actually pleasant, too, as a change from the 24/7 frenzy we all live in . If you want to take ballroom dancing or watercolor lessons, there's plenty of time to enjoy them. I would happily do this every year if I could.
about every 2 or so years they do a trip around the world, that trip can cost anywhere between $16,500 per person to over $72,000 per person depending on your cabin and package (the room at $72,000 is HUGE and for 123 days at sea, you can't beat that price for that sort of luxury).
I will be taking the QM2 to England soon. On a plane, I get absolutely clobbered by jet lag. I cannot sleep on a plane, and once on land I recover very slowly. We looked into going in stages (flying a segment, staying overnight, flying another segment) and found it was so expensive that we will save money by taking the ship. We have done several river cruises and are sure we will enjoy the ocean trip.
As a dual U.S. and Italian citizen living in the United States, there is appeal to retracing my ancestors' experience in crossing the atlantic to emmigrate. I could envision a one way trip back to the continent of my origins, rather than the long-haul flights I've taken so many times on visits.
Ahhh but my grandfather traveled in steerage sold to Canada by England at age 10 to be a farm worker ( but promised schooling, family, and wages, nope). So I'd enjoy QM2 but not locked below away from the "fancy folk". 😮
I have the time and hate flying, especially now that things seem a bit out of hand on airplanes. So I’ll be sailing the ocean blue. I came from Austria as a 10 month old from Europe to Montreal. When I was 8 mom, brother and I went back to Austria for a visit. Montreal to Rotterdam on a freighter, then trains to Austria. On the way back a few months later we were on an ocean liner. Man what a trip that was for a 9 and 10 year old. We went everywhere on both ships. Marvelous experience. Now flying is a hassle so when I go back next time it will be by ship.
I did the QEII in 2001 with my family when I was 15. Can't remember how much it cost. There were loads of teenagers and people younger than me on board, so I didn't feel _that_ out of place. Although I'd probably such an experience much more now as a 36 year old.
Six nights in a fairly basic hotel room-esque cabin did get a bit old, though. After you left Southampton there was absolutely nothing until you were about 18 hours out from New York when we started seeing tankers and cargo ships, or leaves floating on the water. Before that it was just total isolation and it felt like the ship was the whole world. But being up at 4am to see the coastal United States for the very first time was magic, even more so when we finally reached New York itself.
Something I still don't understand changed inside of me circa 2005 and I'm now longer comfortable flying. So if I ever went back to the US, this would be it.
I'm just like you. No longer 'comfortable' flying. It'll be by ship if I ever travel to Europe again. I'm also kind of interested in some of those Viking River Cruises, too.
Thanks for sharing that Chris, it answered a question I've had for a long time. Really useful commentary from you as well - you answered a lot of what most of us would want to know. Thumbs up.
My pleasure!
Well put together video, loved your editing, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the QM2 and recommend it instead of flying for sure.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I traveled from NY to Liverpool in 1962. I was 9. It took 7 days. Food was amazing and entertainment was great. I remember a little seasickness. There was no pool, but they had a movie theater.
Great video Chris, also good to ‘bump’ into you in New York!. Enjoy the rest of your travels, Rachel and Dean
The trip was awesome, thank you!
We found in 2011, that QE2 Southampton to NYC, was cheaper than flying.
I had no idea that this was even possible still. Thanks for sharing this.
I’ve never considered. Thank you for the video.
What an excellent review, many thanks.
My pleasure!
Great video. Thank you. You answered many questions.
You're welcome!
QM2 is lovely. Did the TA last year on deck 11 that has it's own awning on the balconies. 🏴☠
Sailed across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary in 2019 to live in Europe, looking forward to another trip! Highly recommend!
We made the trip on the QM2 a few years back, will definitely be going again. Lots of great memories.
Very well done report! Honest and to the point. I appreciate that. Yes, QM2 is on my Bucket List. Getting there is half the fun. Sometimes at least. 😊 Thans ever so much. 🎉🎉🎉
My pleasure.
Thanks! I've always wondered about a surface crossing. We're soon to be retired. Time isn't a problem.
Well done and concise. thanks for info.
No problem!
Awesome work. Love you narration style!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for this. A real eye opener.
Glad it was helpful!
Wonderful review! Thank you.
My pleasure.
Very well done. The pacing and editing is great.
Thanks!
It looks like a really beautiful way to travel! Thank you for sharing.
It really is! Thanks.
I loved every minute of the review. Amazing! Well, .......some day.........
I can honestly say that if I was going to cross the Atlantic I would use the QM2 or her replacement without hesitation. This is due to 2 health conditions that make the sea journey worthwhile, I developed asthma as an adult, being on an airplane for 4+ hours with all those other people with smell good stuff on them would be 4+ hours of constant asthma attacks. I also have COPD which doesn't play nice with air conditioning or changes in air pressure, flying is out of the question in a pressurized airplane.
Smoker?
@@fat_basturd5345 among other causes, yup.
chemical cleaning solution fumes, asbestos dust being chief among the other causes.
edit to add:
being honest shows how much smoking can affect your life, which might help people stop before they wind up in my position, or even help convince them to not start.
It's their lives and choice but knowing the probable consequences might benefit.
Excellent and inspiring video. Subscribed!
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks! Very informative!
You're welcome!
Thanks, Chris, for an excellent introduction to Queen Mary. I've made several westbound crossings (solo) on the old QE2, and I always booked for the last crossing of the year, in November--purely for the excitement of rough weather (I've been a steady Atlantic/Caribbean sailor since my early teens aboard tramp freighters). Frankly, it's thrilling. But if calm is what you want, book in summer, when the ocean tends to be pool-table flat (that's when I sailed with my wife). Whenever you cross I promise a more rewarding experience if you prepare by reading John Maxtone-Graham's splendid book on the great days of oceans liners. It's called "The Only Way to Cross," and it's informative and delightful, full of facts and gossip.
It sounds great. Thanks for the tip.
My wife and I did 35 days on the QM2 leaving 5-26-23. Sailed R/T from Brooklyn to UK, Norway, and Med. I've cruised since 1975 on numerous lines, mainly Holland America. This was my 1st and probably last cruise on Cunard. The balcony cabin and steward were great as were the lectures and smooth crossings. The food was poor and the Brooklyn terminal worce. Cunard is living on past glory. The ship is 20 years old so a little rust is ok, poor food is not.
I'll sail with HAL.
Very well presented Sir , thank you .
You are most welcome!
What a lovely video!
You are so kind
Great video Chris, we are two expats living in the Canadian Rockies and will not be going on an airplane any time some.
We do have family still in UK so this would be an excellent way to go across the pond to do a visitation with the family and old friends.
I love the QE2, I've done two one-way transatlantics and a NYC/Canadian roundtrip sailings. I just wish they'd give us single saliors a break. I'm, booked for a transatlantic round trip next October and cant wait. Helpful hint for inside cabin folks. Turn on the bridge cam on your TV. As the sun comes up, it brightens up your cabin so you can see it's daylight outside, but pitch black at night. It even has music if you like, or you can mute if you need silence. I did a balcony my first sailing, and, TBH, the inside is just fine.
Did you mean the QMII & not the QEII?( When I went on the QEII in 2003, it was a 31 day
double transatlantic, including a 14 day Med. cruise! We just did that part!)
@@rongendron8705 Ooooopps, yes... I meant QMll... QEll musta got stuck in my head from where it said QMll replaced her...
Great vid …, cheers… thinking that’s how to do it..👍🙏
I just wanted to congratulate you on a video well made in every aspect
Thanks!
Very nice!
After I flew to Gatwick for UK vacation. It was painfully long & cramped. i promised myself if I ever did that trip again I would take a ship. I would definitely take this trip. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you can!
My wife and I did our honeymoon in Europe in 2001, starting with the QE2. Wonderful. Later on down the road, did a crossing alone on a container ship. Also spectacular, though very different. Entertainment v. meditation/contemplation.
Did it in 2010. Semi-obstructed balcony Suite. Hamburg-Southampton-NYC, 8 days.
It is one of my fondest memories.
There is another demographic: Medical tourists. I will be taking a trip soon right after a hip replacement (needed since I have to find a particular specialist who works in Belgium). So a frequent situation is right after surgery, you must wait up to 2 weeks before flying safely thanks to the danger of deep vein thrombosis. So the calculation is a 7 - 10 days in a hotel, plus air fare, meals, taxis and any entertainment. There is also a small hospital that will do things like administer daily shots and such and that means a trip to the doctor is a quick phone call then hopping on the elevator rather than finding a taxi and sitting in the waiting room. Add to that mobility issues are completely non-existent since no matter where you go you can just plop down on a bench or get a snack, etc. As long as you don't drop a fortune on a suite of rooms, it turns out the QM2 is a very cheap option and simply wonderful. I have done this a couple times already and there is always a small contingent of medical tourists to be found.
I admit that this is a small group, but just wanted to give a counterpoint.
Am curious, please, as to how you located your surgeon in Belgium? This is very interesting and with Western medicine as it is ... your choice was very smart, as well. Thanks.
@@okiejammer2736 I am a long-time athlete. Many athletes go there for this surgery (a hip resurfacing) since it allows a return to sport and has far fewer restrictions. In typical fashion in the US, there are a few places that do it, but none of them are covered by my insurance, so my only option is to pay for it myself. On the other hand, in the US this costs $120k bu in Belgium it is a fraction of that, roughly $20k.
Wow! If they don't pay you, they should. That was the most effective sales pitch. I'm dying to go! Liked and subscribed.
It'd be nice if they did pay me! I always like to report back on good experiences though.
We travelled also in an inside cabin and experienced A marvellous trtanatlantic crossing . We met many shiplovers and had interesting exchanges with them, Long live QM 2
This brings back memories as an 8 year old sailing from Southampton to Melbourne in 1973 on the assisted passage scheme on SS Australisn ( ss America) the ship that finished up wrecked off the canaries in more recent times. Would love to do that NY trip!
Very interesting. I would never have considered the QM2 just as a means to cross the Atlantic. I couldn't think of a better way. Thanks
what a great video!
You are so kind.
If you have the time, it’s massively cheaper than a business class flight but with a lot more benefits. I have done it several times and I love it
Hmm the time is the issue. Esp. There and back. I thought they used to be able to do this crossing in 4 days back in the 50s?
@@Benjamin.Jamin. yes that is true but back in the 50’s and earlier the purpose of the trip was more about getting from A to B than leisure. The major purpose now is leisure so the ships take it easier in order to burn less fuel
My grandmother came to the US on an ocean liner, and I've always wanted to travel back to France the same way. Thanks for showing what that experience might entail!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Highly appreciated info. I would never have touched that idea as I do not live the formal style. I could need one with (unlimited) motorbike luggage to other continents. I leave an abo.
Great content, mate! It's a shame more consideration isn't been given to bring this golden age of travel back....I'd prefer this over fliight any day. Next time we go back to UK from the US where I now live, this is how I'll be getting there! Cheers again, great upload!
Garry H
South Carolina
RAF Retired
🇬🇧🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇸
We did this back in December 2019. I had a bunch of Avios miles that I wanted to use up (done with BA) and it turned out that heading from Southampton to New York in a balcony cabin was half the price of the UK APD.... Sort of a no brainer really, we had the time and it was on our bucket list, so why not.
Thank you for these videos! I look forward to seeing your journey to Canada. Have you considered traveling up the western coast of Canada to Alaska?
Maybe one day!
I once knew a retired gentleman who crossed the Atlantic on the QE2 as a dancer for Ladies of a certain age. He loved it as one would and travelled for free.
In 1967 my friend and I bought a round trip ticket(s) from Regina Saskatchewan to England and back for $500 dollars each, which included food and accommodation on the train and the Cunard liners Carinthia and Sylvania. Drinks in the bar were so cheap. I think it was 17 cents for a Bacardi and coke (Cuba Libre). I loved the boats I didn't want to get off when we got to England.
Very appealing, answering questions, smooth jabs at air travel. This wonderfully slow mode apparently has nothing in common with the floating shopping malls of cruise ships. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I've made two trips to Europe and one to Hawaii by aircraft. If my wife and I ever go to Europe again, it'll be by ship. I think it's probably the safest way to travel. When a passenger jet has a "problem" everybody usually dies. When a ship has a problem or is sinking, usually everybody lives. In a commercial flight, you're shoehorned in and trapped for about 8-10 hours. You get crap-style airline food that is slightly worse than the airport food. Everything's rush, rush, rush, then stand in line for hours. On a ship, you're vacation's already started. Good food, stuff to do and a LOT of time to relax, unwind, and get to know people and make new friends if you're so inclined.
No jet lag👍🏼👍🏼
As a erstwhile NWA flight attendant, I love the classic elegance.
A nice narrator’s voice and pacing. Well done! I’ll be back. 🎉
Thanks!
I like you're very interesting and informative video.
Few things may have made it even better.
1 the frequency of the voyages.
2 the joining location and experience, the time window for joining comma is there a boat train
3 departing location and experience
4 the onboard extras
Thanks for the tips! I hope to address some of these in future videos, but for this one, I just wanted to address the concept of whether the trip was financially sensible.
I've wanted to visit England since I was a boy. And I have always wanted to do it on one of the Queens. So, that's it, I'm sold.
Now to convince the wife, who say's she would never go out onto the ocean.
Best of luck!
Looks great, I might have to book!
I'd love to hear what you thought if you do!
You just sold me a transatlantic cruise.
Also I must add this is the ship for transatlantic crossing by Cunard, BUT this is not the only ship you can go on for a transatlantic cruise.
It's the only regular one, but other cruise liners offer the journey at different times. if those work for you, that's great!
Thank you for reviewing travel crossing the Atlantic on the QE2. The price is more accessible than I'd believed! I think it is good to put the experience in context with where is might hit in the cruise ship experience, which you prepare people for is about mid market, good, but not over-the-top as the huge cruise ships offer. People can expect a good well run ocean liner experience.
I was surprised that it was mentioned several times needing 7-days to make the Atlantic journey when just over four days has been Atlantic Ocean liner standard. I looked it up and 7-days is listed as possible travel time. With only a few consecutive vacation days available that does detract from using the OE2 in a vacation schedule where a four day crossing is much more easy to fit. That longer schedule detracts from the QE2's ocean liner status and experience. The accessible price for travel on the QE2 now makes me consider it where I would not have before along with possibly other trans ocean ship trips. I'm wouldn't call myself a huge ocean liner fan, but I appreciate their abilities and from time to time have thought it might be fun to experience it, but the thought the cost likely exorbitant and not worth it. It's significantly cheaper than traveling 7-days in an Amtrak roomette!
Well, the QE2 isn't going anywhere these days ;-) The QM2 can do a 5 day crossing, like the great liners from the age of steam. Those same liners would have a close to 48 hour in port turn around at either end of the crossing. QM2 typically docks by 0700 and has an 'all aboard' time of 1700 or so, for a 10 hour turnaround. I am happy with the 7 day crossing, but I would like more formal nights - if not the older three tier dress code.
@@dl11950 Even if other people don't do it I might. What was the older three tier dress code?
@@douglasengle2704 On our first few 'voyages' [as Cunard calls cruises] there were casual for embarkation day and the night before disembarkation [Jacket required, but not tie], Semi Formal [jacket and tie] and formal [black tie]. Semi formal was suggested for nights of port visits. The current 'smart attire' night is less formal than the old 'casual' night.
Transatlantic v flying is the very best way. Limiting jetlag and stresses of airports. The big negative is....we shouldn't tell too many people. Will spoil it for us lot.
Lol😂😂😂😂
Great vlog! Thank you ❤️
I what a wonderful way to cross the Atlantic or any where else. One day I’ll try it.
Interesting video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Never thought of the fact this is still an option. As a major Titanic fan, I will definitely consider your feedback :)
Another option if your time is flexible is the last minute repositioning cruises... You can often get a pretty good deal on one of them, but if it is departing from a port where you need to fly to, the last minute airfare will probably ruin the deal...
And the inside staterooms are good if you are prone to seasickness... The closer you are to the centerline and center of the ship, the less motion you will experience... My wife gets seasick, so I try to always book an inside cabin near the center of the ship...
All in all though, I don't like cruise ships because you don't get to spend much time in the various ports that they hit... Seldom do they spend more than the day in a port and as such, you don't really have any options for whatever night activities might be in that port... The food and sleeping accommodations are definitely better than we had back in the Navy, but it was more fun to hit port back then than on a cruise ship... Part of that is probably because we here hitting sleazier ports... ;) Then again, we weren't paid much back then, so we didn't have that much money to spend when we did finally hit port for a few days... Like with everything else in life, everything is a trade-off... :(
The only time I crossed the Atlantic by ship was on the RMS Queen Mary in 1959. 16 of us boy choristers and eight adult males and five staff were undertaking a 4-week tour of Eastern US and Ontario. The one-way ticket for the group of 29 of us came to under £3000. Our flight back from Toronto cost over twice as much!
I would love to do this one day.
Another feature to bear in mind is no jet lag.
This is always worse going east so if you can only afford one way maybe fly to NY and return on the QM2.
Strikes me as a nice way to round off a holiday, arriving home refreshed and in synch. Beats the red eye.
I'm almost tempted.
If it's worse going EAST, they why would you fly to NY and then return on the QM2, going EAST? Didn't you mean it's worse going WEST?
@@Causemoi No, I meant what I wrote.
Travelling from NY to Southampton on QM2 avoids the jet lag going east.
The price doesn't seem that bad actually. I think it would be interesting to travel the way people did so across the Atlantic in the past. Being able to see the continent approaching as you near your destination.
The QM2 is a beautifull ship. timeless, artdeco. great service, fantastic food . it';s one of a kind, the only Cruise Liner left
after the Norwegian/SS France went out of commision . I love Cunard, First Class, I have been on Th Queen Vic and The Queen Elisabeth.
Jet Lag - “A New England Journal of Medicine study showed that there's up to a 24% increase in risk of heart attack on the Monday after the spring time change.Mar 6, 2023”. This is only a one hour change. A flight across the Atlantic is many times worse. ❤❤❤
Although I’m more of a plane person! Though I’d love to cross the Atlantic onboard the QM2 just to get the experience what its like to experience being at sea for a week also would be ok with an Oceanview Stateroom with window, although a balcony would be preferred. I’ve been fascinated by the QM2 when it was still brand new and I’ve personal seen the QM2 dock in Singapore during its world cruise back in 2016.
I happened to be in Sydney when 'Queen Elizabeth 2' was in port for two days during her world cruise. Yet, in my travels over the past 20 years, the 'QM2' and I have never crossed paths. I saw 'Queen Victoria' sail out of Lisbon one foggy evening; again, by pure coincidence. And I've visited 'Queen Mary' in Long Beach. But, 'Mary 2' eludes me. I'll get to her one day.
It's the best way to go if you're retired even if you want to do it mid summer. Seven full days of accommodations, food, entertainment- and I don't mean the kind of entertainment you're subjected to by fellow flight passengers. No fights, no brawls, no one jumping off the ship in alcohol induced delirium. Have tux, will travel. Miss the kids having the greatest adventure of their lives though.
I'd love to do it if I had the money. I'd like to do the Orient Express too. I'm subscribing.
In 1970 our class of art students who went to Junior year Abroad at the Rietveldt Academe, Amsterdam or Sloan in London. Over on the Statendam a Holland American Line and back 9 months later the France..I shared a cabin wirth my friend. Each way.. total expense Rt $370 student fare, those where the days.. breakfast, lunch and diner included 50 cent beer.