New 7 Day Crossings in 2010

[MollyBrown]

I only recently found out that as of 2010 transatlantic crossings will take 7 days instead of 6. I was wondering how other passengers feel about that.

 

Also, when are the formal nights now? Will there be 4 as there were on QE2?

 

The 7 days might be a bit harder on the furrier passengers up on 12 deck.

 

I suppose if you're having a wonderful time it might be nice to have that extra day; unless you're drinking too much---then it will take that much longer to recover. On the other hand, if the weather is very rough, one might not want the sailing to be that long.

[wripro]

If anyone is that worried about the North Atlantic weather he/she should not be on a crossing to begin with, whether six days or seven. I remember this same conversation when the QE2 went from five days to six. Those, like me, who love being aboard the ships, think the longer the better.

[Host Sharon]

Personally the longer the better for me, but I don't think every crossing is 7 days. I thought there was a choice or 6 or 7 day crossings.

[Jim Avery]

There are 8 day crossings starting in Hamburg with a call at Southampton. Do you know if you can embark in Southampton for the 6 day crossing?

[MollyBrown]

First of all, I know about the stops in Hamburg and Cherbourg; I did one to Cherbourg once. This is different. The Cunard agent told me that from Southampton to New York it will now be extended to 7 days, beginning next year. That has nothing to do with the occasional stops in Hamburg or Cherbourg. I made hotel reserveations for arrival on a particular day, and now I find out QM2 is arriving a day later. ...Actually, I just checked the website and for some reason SOME of the Southampton to NYC crossings are 7 days and some are not. The agent was slightly misinformed. Maybe they're trying it out.

 

I don't personally have a problem with rough weather or seasickness, nor do I mind the longer crossing at all. I was curious and asking about others' reactions to this. I love the North Atlantic weather, and I've experienced it many times, in all kinds of weather, from smooth as glass to quite extreme storms.

 

I did not know QE2 used to go across in 5 days.

[Jim Avery]

First of all, I know about the stops in Hamburg and Cherbourg; I did one to Cherbourg once. This is different. The Cunard agent told me that from Southampton to New York it will now be extended to 7 days, beginning next year. That has nothing to do with the occasional stops in Hamburg or Cherbourg. I made hotel reserveations for arrival on a particular day, and now I find out QM2 is arriving a day later. ...Actually, I just checked the website and for some reason SOME of the Southampton to NYC crossings are 7 days and some are not. The agent was slightly misinformed. Maybe they're trying it out.

 

I don't personally have a problem with rough weather or seasickness, nor do I mind the longer crossing at all. I was curious and asking about others' reactions to this. I love the North Atlantic weather, and I've experienced it many times, in all kinds of weather, from smooth as glass to quite extreme storms.

 

I did not know QE2 used to go across in 5 days.

 

Yes, 5 days was the norm. Often necessitated 30 knot bursts to make up time. Average speed for the crossing was 28.5 knots. What a thrill. The QM2 Hamburg voyage I was referring to starts in Hamburg and then stops in Southampton. From there, the itinerary shows 6 days to NYC. I am wondering if one could embark in Southampton for this 6 day trip?

[Ray66]

I remember this being discussed on here back in May

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=977919&highlight=seven

[Twickenham]

I just checked the website and for some reason SOME of the Southampton to NYC crossings are 7 days and some are not. The agent was slightly misinformed. Maybe they're trying it out.

 

Been looking at crossings for 2010. It seems that most NY-Southampton crossings are 7 days, Southampton-NY crossings are at 6 days. I would say the reason is most certainly economic - because of time zones, a 6-day Eastbound crossing is shorter than a 6-day Westbound one, thus using more fuel. A 7-day crossing not only would be more fuel-efficient, they can charge more for the extra day on board (I remember this was the same reason the QE2 went from 5-day to 6-day crossings)

 

The QM2 Hamburg voyage I was referring to starts in Hamburg and then stops in Southampton. From there, the itinerary shows 6 days to NYC. I am wondering if one could embark in Southampton for this 6 day trip?

 

I believe these are also sold as 6-day trips from Southampton, so yes, you could reserve just that portion.

[Jim Avery]

Been looking at crossings for 2010. It seems that most NY-Southampton crossings are 7 days, Southampton-NY crossings are at 6 days. I would say the reason is most certainly economic - because of time zones, a 6-day Eastbound crossing is shorter than a 6-day Westbound one, thus using more fuel. A 7-day crossing not only would be more fuel-efficient, they can charge more for the extra day on board (I remember this was the same reason the QE2 went from 5-day to 6-day crossings)

 

 

 

I believe these are also sold as 6-day trips from Southampton, so yes, you could reserve just that portion.

 

To quote Indiana Jones: "Its not the years, its the mileage". Whether eastbound or westbound, the mileage from Bishop's Rock to Ambrose Light is the same, thus the fuel burn, given the same track and weather conditons, would be the same regardless of the clock time. But yes, going slower burns less fuel. As stated before, though, the extra food and consumables used on board by the passengers and crew would offset that by some amount. Possibly it is to save the poor overworked pods.

[mezza]

When in 2010 are you talking about?? I have checked our aug crossing and it is still 6N - I would love it if they added another day!!

[leoandhugh]

Does anyone know whether or not they are going to charge more for the 7day crossing vs the 6day for the same accomodation? It would seem a reasonable cause for increasing the price because Cunard would otherwise be losing 2days revenue for each TA round trip. And I just wonder how potential passengers would feel about a fare increase based on extra day:)

[wripro]

Of course they'll charge more. Micky Aronson is not about to give away a free day. This way they get to charge more and save on the fuel too.

[Ray66]

When in 2010 are you talking about?? I have checked our aug crossing and it is still 6N - I would love it if they added another day!!

Take a look at next year's calendar. All the eastbound crossings are 7 days and just one westbound.

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/CruiseCalendar.asp?shipID=QM2&Region=7&CruiseDate=&Duration=&submit=+++Search+++&Mode=Submit&LeftNav=Planner&DestRegion=&Active=&Sub=

[flag fan]

To quote Indiana Jones: "Its not the years, its the mileage". Whether eastbound or westbound, the mileage from Bishop's Rock to Ambrose Light is the same, thus the fuel burn, given the same track and weather conditons, would be the same regardless of the clock time. But yes, going slower burns less fuel. As stated before, though, the extra food and consumables used on board by the passengers and crew would offset that by some amount. Possibly it is to save the poor overworked pods.

 

I think it is economic and that the more days passengers are on board, the more money the cruise line makes: spa treatments, the casino, drinks, extra-cost meals, Bingo, the shops. I would be very surprised if, even on a transatlantic, the costs of an extra day at sea would be more than the income received from the passengers, regardless of fuel costs.

[Oahucruiser]

For Jim Avery who hasn't had his question answered. Yes, you can board in Southampton even though the voyage starts in Hamburg. I did it this past summer along with many many others.

[mezza]

You're right Ray66, the one before ours is 7N but ours is still the same because it continues to Hamburg. Hmm, I would have loved the extra day regardless of price :rolleyes:

[david,Mississauga]

Take a look at next year's calendar. All the eastbound crossings are 7 days and just one westbound.

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/CruiseCalendar.asp?shipID=QM2&Region=7&CruiseDate=&Duration=&submit=+++Search+++&Mode=Submit&LeftNav=Planner&DestRegion=&Active=&Sub=

 

There is one exception to the eastbound crossings: the 8th August departure is six nights.

[Bengant]

Take a look at next year's calendar. All the eastbound crossings are 7 days and just one westbound.

 

http://www.cunard.co.uk/CruiseCalendar.asp?shipID=QM2&Region=7&CruiseDate=&Duration=&submit=+++Search+++&Mode=Submit&LeftNav=Planner&DestRegion=&Active=&Sub=

 

 

I'm on the eastbound crossing starting the evening of the 4th Jan until the morning of the 11th. This means it is a 6 days and 7 nights cruise given it leaves NYC at 5pm on the 4th and arrives around 7am on the 11th. ;)

[Cruising Ken]

Crossing in 7 days would also give them the opportunity to avoid bad weather should they wish. I've crossed in 7 days from Southampton on other cruise ships which have taken a more southerly route down to the Azores before heading west to New York