What is it like to do a TA in Winter?

I am looking to book my first TA and am interested in a winter voyage for the possible savings and perhaps less of a crowd.

How cold is it during the November and December sailings? The better question is, would a balcony serve any purpose other than a large picture window for the trip?

I know what cold weather is like on land. I've lived in New York City, Boston & Pittsburgh. I'm not adverse to wearing sweaters/layers but will I be able to enjoy the ocean breeze from the deck (with a jacket) on nicer days at sea?

Are there any "gosh I should have thought of that" items that come to mind for winter travel?

Thannks :)

Not sure if I will be much help as I have only been on the QM2 sailing in May of this year but we did have a obstructed balcony on deck 8. Loved the cabin, obstruction didn't bother us as we really are not into balconies. Yes the balcony window was great as we were between lifeboats. I did notice that our balcony always seemed to be wet. With that in mind we did go out on occasion for some fresh air but was not a place we were able to sit. We did have some rough weather and was always cool. I'm sure other Cunard folks will have much better information for you then I but thought I would share. :)

Hi Greyt Mom,

Here's some photos of two winter transatlantics on QM2 to give you some idea of what to expect (but the weather on every crossing can be different from the next), both left Southampton on Dec 15th, a year apart:

I'll try to answer some of your questions and post again shortly.

Hope these photos help.

Best wishes,

Hi Greyt Mom,

 

Here's some photos of two winter transatlantics on QM2 to give you some idea of what to expect (but the weather on every crossing can be different from the next), both left Southampton on Dec 15th, a year apart:

 

 

 

I'll try to answer some of your questions and post again shortly.

 

Hope these photos help.

 

Best wishes,

Thanks Pepper...the photos are great...thanks for sharing. Looks like fun is very much possible!

Both my partner and I have just returned from a EastB Transatlantic. (AUG)

Sunny weather Weather aside I prefer Winter crossings for several reasons.

*Very few Children onboard - my opinion and I realise it may not be popular but Cunard ships aren't designed for children and having just crossed the Atlantic to find groups of teenagers hanging around the gym and public spaces it became quite annoying.

*Cunard reg often choose winter TA (There was a winter crossing club for QE2 regulars)

*I find the dress code is adhered to more on Winter crossings as opposed to Summer TA when sports wear is still visible after 6pm on deck and in public spaces

*QM2 is designed to really ride the North Atlantic in Winter and there is always a spectacular view from the library or commodore club when the conditions worsen.

My view - go for a winter TA, enjoy the North Atlantic and the amazing scenery

This is a picture of me disembarking at Southampton after a rough Winter crossing. Just kidding, the rough crossings are most enjoyable and QM2 makes it look easy.:D

We did Southampton to New York last November.We couldn't really use the balcony a lot and apart from a couple of walks around the decks didn't go outside as it was far too windy with force 12 winds on one day.Saying that, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.The power of the North Atlantic ocean is amazing and the QM2 is such a stable ship,and this is from a lousy sailor.I can't wait to do it again and certainly in winter.Have fun

On January crossings, there's often a couple of days where the wind is so strong that you are not allowed outside for a least part of the day.

Recommend taking a good wind / waterproof jacket and a secure hat for mid-voyage jaunts around the deck. Outside games are subject to being moved inside (quoits etc) when weather is too inclement.

We're normally too busy to be sitting around on balconies, so can't really comment there.

Definitely recommend taking the trip !

Sounds like an Ocean view with typical winter layers + rain gear is the way to go. I love watching storms come in from the horizon on land so this should be a treat. Not being one to lounge by the pool or wear sleeveless, strapless or shorts this suits me much better.

Thank you very much. And safe journeys to you all!

On January crossings, there's often a couple of days where the wind is so strong that you are not allowed outside for a least part of the day.

 

Recommend taking a good wind / waterproof jacket and a secure hat for mid-voyage jaunts around the deck. Outside games are subject to being moved inside (quoits etc) when weather is too inclement.

 

We're normally too busy to be sitting around on balconies, so can't really comment there.

 

Definitely recommend taking the trip !

Whilst agreeing in part I have always had some nice sunny days when taking the January crossings and it is always pleasant to have your balcony - for me it is always worth it. Just remember the "POSH" system when booking your cabin, so that you get the best of the sunshine.

Anyone that says November to January crossings are nothing but cold and grey has only made one crossing at that time or none at all! I've been on winter crossings and enjoyed the sun and rather balmy temps and also snow and ice falling. That was all during the same January crossing on the QUEEN ELIZABETH several years back! Honestly, you can not predict these things.

To answer the OP's question, I think a balcony is nice to have for any crossing. And as said earlier Port Out Starboard Home (to England).

We've done two January crossings and enjoyed them both. We've had a couple of days of rough weather on both but QM2 handles it with no problem. We've also had a fair bit of sun on both crossings....it's not all grey. And we've enjoyed some very mild days on winter crossings. The Gulf Stream ensures that the water temperature in the North Atlantic can stay as high as 20 Celsius into November so the air temperature is not much less. We had one day on a January crossing where the temperature crept up to 19 for hours one afternoon. We are now looking at a November crossing in 2017 because all crossings on QM2 are a great experience and the weather will likely be an interesting mixture.

Winter crossings are GREAT! Why-because the variety of weather is wonderful.

I persuaded a friend to cross in January a few years back-she was nervous about winter crossings, I assured her that a winter crossing on QM2 was a walk in the park; she summoned the courage and we sailed. I oversold it-the Atlantic was flat calm for the whole trip!

On an August crossing the ship rocked and rolled with a vengeance - my advice -you never know what the Atlantic will do-but whatever it is , do it on QM2 and have a blast. :D

We've done a late November crossing and for a couple of days mid-Atlantic we were able to sit outside for a few hours, albeit wearing jumpers :D Only once had a balcony, courtesy of an upgrade (again please Cunard if you are reading this :D:D) and we were able to sit out for a little while. It was lovely to be able to wake up, open the curtains and see the sea in all its majesty.

(Again, am I selling this enough to warrant an upgrade in December please Cunard)

We enjoy the winter crossings enough to have booked crossings numbers 4 and 5 over December and January and can't wait.

One of the best places to watch the waves is the long corridor which leads to the Planetarium.

Enjoy

We have always wanted to do a TA to New York on QM2 and have finally booked our crossing from Southampton on 19/11/16, staying 4 nights in New York and then flying back home to the UK. We have booked a guaranteed sheltered balcony and really looking forward to the trip. Can't wait - hope the crossing is not toooooooo..... bad.:D:D

One of the best places to watch the waves is the long corridor which leads to the Planetarium.

Totally agree. We did the WB crossing last year and had a wonderful time. Just you, this ship, and that vast gray ocean...

We had some rough weather, which we actually enjoyed since it reminded us we were truly at sea. I can't wait to do it again.

I did a TA right at the end of November/early December and quite honestly I wouldn't even want to go across in the summer. The weather on the US side was bright sunshine and clear nights, the sea turned grey and the skies clouded over mid-Atlantic and suddenly it felt a lot more like winter which to be honest was part of the experience for me. Walking outside into a cold wind and some fog and then coming back inside for hot tea and cakes was perfect.

I think I watched the movie "Juggernaut" one too many times :)

Good place to sit and watch the waves is down on either deck 2 towards the entry to the planetarium......

Good place to sit and watch the waves is down on either deck 2 towards the entry to the planetarium......

Last year, our westbound winter crossing had waves splashing up to those windows for the first couple of days. Afterwards, it calmed considerably and we sat on the balcony as we approached the New World.

The North Atlantic is never the same on any two crossings.

We did a WB crossing, departing Soton on 15 Dec '14. On the 19th, I was comfortably ensconced, in shorts and short sleeved shirt, on my balcony. It was brilliant sunshine, warm air, and a perfect time for a nap. Always keep in mind, it is the North Atlantic, and it doesn't really care what the calendar says.

Book the winter TA and enjoy!

We booked a w/b TA on QM2 15th Dec '15.

The seas were rough 10mt swells force 9 gales. (The storm that hit the UK just days before Christmas; we sailed through that!!)

There were days when the doors to open decks were roped off but I think we saw hardy souls out on deck when the decks were closed.

We did venture out when we could, one side was quite pleasant as the wind was in your back, until you got to the other side and it was in your face. It was funny/scary stood aft and looking forward you could see just how much the ship was pitching as the horizon was high up then the next moment hidden by bow of ship.

There was some pretty rough times though I never saw anything fallen over. I was not affected and never missed a meal although I think some did.

One morning at breakfast I witnessed waves crashing against the Britannia Windows!

We had originally booked 2x inside atrium view cabins (we completely dislike insides with no windows. We find them far too dark & find it difficult to wake up) we didn't think an outside or balcony cabin was worth the cost at time of booking.

However when onboard we got two sheltered balconies on Deck 4 for £150/cabin so we took it.

We liked the balcony as we could, at times, open the balcony doors & get some nice sea air. We sat out a couple of times for short periods.

The temperature in December was freezing, the storm force winds made it feel really cold and we had some one morning towards the end of the cruise.

Once we were in Manhattan the temperature was very warm. In fact Christmas Eve night we took a carriage ride round Central Park in just t-shirts. Christmas Day was the hottest on record.

I would definitely sail QM2 again. I loved the 3x 25hr days. However I'd probably sail eastbound as it's easier with no weight allowance to worry about.

DH isn't too keen but I hope to get him to try an e/b in better weather.

We booked a w/b TA on QM2 15th Dec '15.

We were on the same TA! Very exciting. I tried a walk around the promenade deck on the first sunny day, but the winds were so strong I gave up and went inside. I was actually afraid I'd be blown overboard. We did have some breakage in the cabin but nothing major.

A northern TA in Winter?

I've only done 2 in December but the 3rd was in April ( early Spring). Force 10-12 for a few days. I'll admit that QM2 handles it better than QE2, but both were fun rides! What incredible ships.

These are not cruises for those who think Oasis class will never rock and roll in these conditions! :rolleyes:

Ocean liner territory only. :cool:

Great pictures Pepper! We will be on the crossing Dec. 15 this year, and now my excitement level has been raised. My DH will anxiously await the high seas and high drama. I will shelter myself listening to music in the Chart Room and playing blackjack in the casino. It's all good. This will be a great crossing! Thanks for making making my evening full of lovely anticipation!

Great pictures Pepper! We will be on the crossing Dec. 15 this year, and now my excitement level has been raised. My DH will anxiously await the high seas and high drama. I will shelter myself listening to music in the Chart Room and playing blackjack in the casino. It's all good. This will be a great crossing! Thanks for making making my evening full of lovely anticipation!

On the first winter crossing (2012) I had a mid-ships sheltered balcony and noted the curtains in the cabin, and the shower curtain, doing a little rythmic swaying dance during the roughest weather. Otherwise however, I hardly felt the cabin move.

It was on that crossing that I noted, very early one morning, after one particularly stormy night, that the shops had lots of goods scattered across the floors, and xmas trees fallen over.

On the second winter crossing (2013) I had an inside cabin, far forward, almost directly under the "Commodore's Cufflinks" and spent a week trying to sleep, trying to shave, shower and dress... in a rapidly moving lift/elevator! :eek:

I could almost hear the announcements with each move; "fifth floor" "first floor" "seventh floor" "basement" such fun! :D

Have a wonderful crossing, I'm on board a couple of weeks before you, I promise to leave the ship in good condition (and may try to stow away in a lifeboat at the end of the cruise ;) ).

Sincere best wishes to you.