Daniel_Williams

I did a TA crossing on the QM2 back in 2009 NYC-Southampton and back. I saw stellar theater performed by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, took drama classes mentored by these talented actors and actresses, the food was excellent, dressing up created a playful cheery anachronistic ambience; my dining table mates were a delightful mix of British and North American.

Every day was magic. I can only dream of the next time I'm able to do such a thing... count me in as a fan! Daniel

Sassafrass

Daniel, I had been wondering about that crossing as a way of getting to/coming from Europe before/after touring. The one we did had about 7-8 sea days followed by several ports, ending in Rome and was super inexpensive, but yours sounds really fantastic. Ours was great, but left us less time in Europe once we were there.

Daniel_Williams

Sassafrass, The year I took the QM2 the scheduling and price were just right ($950 pp based on double-occupancy); 6-night crossings, 12 days in England (I was also fortunate to have a cousin living in London, who was away when we were there and was happy to have a house-sitter). Prices have gone up considerably though, all crossings now are 7-nights in summer and sadly the schedule hasn't worked for me the past several years.

If the schedule and idea ever appeals, I'd recommend giving the QM2 a shot.

Doh

I remember seeing an article somewhere where the head of the cruise line said that doing longer crossings was a significant factor in their profitability as it allowed them to use less fuel and charge more money.

Sassafrass

Since they are chugging along day and night, I don't see how fuel could be less, but they aren't paying any fees for docking in ports, port pilots, tug boats, pier charges, etc. Also, with passengers on board having no access to other food, they might use the fancy restaurants more and buy more drinks, also probably likely to gamble more and that can be a big money maker at sea. Price per day for our TA was super cheap though, much less than for other cruises.

Cathinjoetown

We loved our 8-day crossing on the Cunard Queen Victoria this past March, New York to Southampton. Plan to do it again as part of a repositioning/Med cruise next spring.

I posted a longer reply on the 6-day transatlantic crossing thread.

Doh

Just like your car is more fuel efficient at 50 mph than 80 mph, a ship uses less fuel to cover the same distance at a slower speed. I went back and found the article--

"When we lengthened (the crossings) from six to seven days, the fuel savings was high enough that we didn't need any additional revenue to make the profitability increase. And in fact, we did get some additional revenue," Carnival Corp. Chairman and CEO Micky Arison told the analysts. "So it was the correct decision, and we're actually studying lengthening it again to reduce the speed again. I mean, we have a huge focus on reducing (fuel) consumption."

http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/p...ssing/666214/1

Sassafrass

Doh, Never though about that - slower speed and fuel efficiency. It makes perfect sense though. They could actually cross in less time, but it would cost more. I love knowing stuff like that! Thanks for taking time to share it.

Cathinjoetown

Sass,

The Queen Victoria captain held an interesting Qand A where she addresses that point. She said going flat out they could cross in 4 days, 5 being more reasonable. They chose thevdueveast route to save fuel and secondarily (my word), a smoother crossing in March, which it was.

Cathinjoetown

ewwww, sorry about all the typos.

ahotpoet

I feel that way.

Last year I went on the Celebrity Constellation from FLL ending in AMS. It was a 14 day crossing. I loved it so much I put a future cruise deposit never thinking I would be cruising TA so soon but this year I took the Solstice from FLL to Barcelona. That $100 deposit got me $300 in OBC.
I thought at first I would do lots of relaxing and reading. Never happened. I hit the ground running every day. Both cruises really were a blast and I would do another in a snap. Maybe I should try going East to West!