Transatlantic Crossings – All you’ll ever need to know

I’ve been writing about Cunard a lot recently, not surprising really as I’ve just come back from trips aboard the QE and the QM2, but it’s got me thinking about the one cruise that all you cruise fans should do at least once, the transatlantic crossing.
This has to be one of the most historic cruises you can undertake, its origins go right back to the start of cruising and Cunard have been offering them from the get go. With that in mind I’ve put together this little guide on everything you can expect from a transatlantic crossing.

So, who’s most likely to enjoy a transatlantic crossing?
The average age of someone booked aboard such a crossing is around 55-70 years old; however don’t let that put you off it’s only an average and you’ll find a fairly good cross section of ages booked onboard. So who else would it suit? People who are looking for something different, who fancy something a bit more special than the average cruise line can offer, or people who are looking to celebrate a special occasion.

But what makes a transatlantic crossing so special?
As I’ve already said, it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-live the golden age of cruising onboard the magnificent QM2. You get 6 or 7 nights of total relaxation and sophistication where you can choose to do as much, or as little as you like.

Well why are transatlantic’s so famous?
As already said these crossings are very historic, attracting celebrities both past and present. The ship herself was named by the Queen and you get to partake in the glamorous black tie balls of an evening.

So what’s so relaxing about it then?
Well to start with you get 6 or 7 uninterrupted days at sea, no ports of call to worry about, just plenty of time to chill out and relax. With a transatlantic it really can feel as though you have ‘dropped off the grid’, you’re away from all the day to day problems associated with life on shore, and whilst you can keep up with what’s happening back home via the TV and internet you don’t have to, you can just tune out and enjoy the sailing.

It sounds interesting, but what do I get included in my fare?
You get, amongst other things, 6 or 7 nights of pure luxury aboard the world famous QM2; you get to experience Cunards internationally renowned Whit Star Service; all your meals onboard are included, breakfast lunch and dinner with the option of a midnight snack if you’re still hungry; free use of the onboard leisure facilities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tub whirlpools and deck sports; free access to the theatre and planetarium and a one way ticket either to or from New York depending on whether you book an east or west bound crossing, (or you could splash out and sail there and back, 14 days of chilling out!)

Ok, so Cunard run these cruises, what makes them so special?
Their White Star Service which includes white gloved afternoon tea; the opportunity to book yourself into a Princess or Queens grill, (what was first and second class); luxurious cabins, from the top Queens suite right down to an inside cabin; small intimate restaurants and exclusive benefits like free carparking or onboard credit on selected sailings.

I know all that, I’ve sailed with Cunard before; what makes the QM2 so special?
That’s a good question, lets see, she has the first Planetarium at sea ever; the first Canyon Ranch Spa club at sea; the largest ballroom dance floor of any ocean going liner; the largest library of any ocean going liner; the largest wine collection of any ocean going liner and only the QM2 offers a regular transatlantic crossing!

Hmmmm, sounds tempting, what are the advantages to booking a westbound crossing?
Boarding in Southampton you will sail to New York where a transfer to a New York airport will be waiting for you to catch an overnight flight home. Doing it this way around means your holiday starts as soon as you hit Southampton; because of the time zone difference your days will be 25 hours long, (yes really, click here for more details); you will get to see New York without having to worry about jet lag and you get to sail into NY harbour, a sight that shouldn’t ever be missed!

Are the benefits to an eastbound crossing different then?
On an eastbound crossing you will fly from London into NY City, transfer to the QM2 and then sail home to Southampton. Doing it this way around means you’re jetting straight into the heart of NY where you can enjoy the US exchange rate to do some shopping before dragging your purchases onboard as there aren’t any luggage limits coming home. You get to bid Manhattan goodbye by sunset whilst standing on the upper decks of the QM2 and then arrive home several days later free of jetlag.

Phew, I think that just about covers it, are you still with me? Have you got any more questions you’d like answered or have you done a transatlantic and feel I’ve missed something? Please post your comments below.
And as always....

Happy Cruising