WindowSeat123

Probably an old topic, but since I'm relatively new to the whole cruise thing, I'll like to ask some questions on Cunard transatlantic service.

My wife is thinking about going on a transatlantic cruise from NY to Southampton on the QM2 since she always was interested in it. Myself however, is rather less keen. I've been on about two cruises, but they were relatively short trips, one to the Bahamas and the other to Vietnam. They were nice, but I was always under the impression that Cunard cruisers tend to be retired folks with plenty of time on their hands. The thought of being stuck on a ship for almost a week seems incredibly boring.

So what is actually like to be on a transatlantic cruise? Is it only for...the more senior folks?

sonofzeus

Some would say: There are no boring cruise itineraries...only boring cruisers.

I say: A cruise is is only as good as the quality and quantity of its ports of call.

YMMV

YVR Cockroach

I did a 15-day on a fairly-small ship 1 1/2 years ago. Found the time went surprisingly fast even with 9 whole calendar sailing days and not in the least bit boring. Of course, with 3 sit-down meals a day, the day does go fast.

fozziedoggie

Others would say, "happy wife = happy life."

WindowSeat123

Indeed, quite true.

The allocated budget for this potential cruise is still up for debate with her since that is one option among a few. So we'll see.

But anything more about this cunard cruise? Is the sea usually rough out there in the middle of the Atlantic in summer? About the demographics, would I look out of place among a sea of retired cruisers? Would the event and shows be cater only to them at the expense of the relatively younger people on board?

What is an "average" day like onboard a transatlantic QM2?

hedoman

QMII is my preferred method of crossing the Atlantic. Four crossings within 20 months. All ages, and I never notice that many old people. Have never felt a bump on the water. The ship is an engineering marvel, if you care about such things.

YVR Cockroach

What is your age? The average age on my TATL cruise last year must have been in the upper 60s or even mid 70s. At early 50, we were among the youngest people (just one couple in their 20s). Your shorter TATL may well have a younger demographic.

As for weather, that's the great unknown. Could be stormy, could be calm.

As for typical day, wake up late, have a sit-down breakfast (or room service), maybe do an activity, have a sit-down lunch, nap, relax, read for the afternoon or do some activities, dinner, maybe show after.

Bear in mind that depending on direction of travel, you're either gaining or losing an hour of time every full sailing day.

hedoman

What company did you cruise with? A TA cruise is not the same as a TA crossing on the only ocean liner in the world. My age? Who the hell cares about my age? I'm 93. That doesn't change the age of other passengers. And I'm not a big fan of the ship or Cunard. Like the Concorde, when it's gone you will never see anything like it again.

Flyingmama

Uh .... as a senior myself, I take umbrage - yes, umbrage! - at the implication that all seniors are, by definition, boring. In my long and well traveled life, I have met seniors who could put gen-xers to shame in terms of liveliness and fun, and young people whose lack of interpersonal skills and energy are, well, boring.

Just think of a trans-Atlantic cruise on a ship full of retirees as an opportunity to be entertained by the life experiences of the older generation.

WindowSeat123

Hehe, thanks. I think I should clarify. Its being stuck on a ship for almost a week without any other port visit that is boring, not stuck on a ship with seniors that is boring .

I sure don't mind exchanging life experiences with seniors, some of it can be quite enlightening and you could learn a thing or two from the elderly. But it gets kind of old having to listen for the umpteenth time about "Back in my days" or "When I was your age" blah blah blah.

What I'm trying to say is whether QM2 offers event or shows that can appeal to a broad range of age group and not just to the retired demographics.

WindowSeat123

Cunard is the only one that does TA is it not? I'm glad you are still mentally acute at 93. Its not that I care about your age, but whether the cruise experience only cater to your age group at the expense of others.

Flyingmama

A cruise line that caters to only one age group - in your example the elderly - wouldn't stay in business very long. That said, Cunard does cater to a particular demographic - i.e., those who expect a certain degree of elegance, sophistication and service rather than all night discos and keg parties.

If you're still unsure, visit the Cunard website to see what sort of entertainment is available on board to those unable to entertain themselves.

WindowSeat123

Thanks, I 've seen their website and the features they have on the QM2 (i.e. G32 bar, planetirum, etc), but what is actually like for those who have been onboard?

Linda VH

I did a Caribbean cruise on her. She is a marvel. I love to gamble and they have a good casino. The ship is big, service is very good and they have a bunch of different activities. I enjoyed the planetarium. Go to cruisecritic.com and read the expert reviews on the ship and then read reviews of the TA's by members. That should give you a good idea. Also check out the forums for Cunard to see what they're saying. Only way for you to decide really.

mahasamatman

I could not disagree more. We love sea days, and had a great time on our Queen Mary 2 TATL a couple of years ago.

Not at all. Princess does several, and I'm sure other lines do as well.

You have to realize that this ship is a liner, and not strictly a cruise ship. It's primarily meant as transportation, but we never had an issue with things to do. If you're a dancer, this is the ship to be on, with the largest dance floor at sea. Our passage at the end of June was very smooth (not quite as glassy as the Baltic, but no issues).