Wishing Cunard would bring back

[Rotterdam]

NYC to Southampton / Le Harve Transatlantic crossings! I see they have Hamburg now but would really like to see the France & even an Italy crossing every so often...anyone else???

[capnpugwash]

NYC to Southampton / Le Harve Transatlantic crossings! I see they have Hamburg now but would really like to see the France & even an Italy crossing every so often...anyone else???

 

Not really.

[sfbearcat]

Sail out of pier 90 and down the Hudson River much nicer...some faster crossings, the standard before 2010 slowdown..they have a few super slow ones..8days..they should offer a few 5 days crossings

[BlueRiband]

Cunard would do it if their marketing research showed a customer support for those itineraries. I did get a survey (as did others) a few weeks back, and there was a free-text area for comments that were not included in the possible pick-and-choose options.

 

About two years or so ago someone mentioned that QV sailed Italy to Fort Lauderdale, Fl but it didn't sell well.

 

I don't see 5-day or 6-day crossings because there are not enough passengers willing to pay the higher fares Cunard would have to charge. (Added fuel consumption - One day less on board spending = higher ppd)

 

The only people willing to pay are those still working like myself, who want to travel both ways across the Atlantic in a more reasonable amount of time. Those who are retired have the luxury of time and will hold out for lower prices over a faster crossing. Those here who only sail on "deals" certainly won't pay the higher costs.

[Jim Avery]

I would certainly like a return to 5 day Transats but agree that is unlikely to happen. The masses have proven to be ok with 7/8 day crossings so there is no need to please me for my one or two (as in the olden days) crossings per year. Glad I had the opportunities I did. On a side note, the slowdown has affected World Cruises as well. Some have been extended to 120 days or so with only 35-40 ports. I have to say, that's a lot of sea days.

[capnpugwash]

I would certainly like a return to 5 day Transats but agree that is unlikely to happen. The masses have proven to be ok with 7/8 day crossings so there is no need to please me for my one or two (as in the olden days) crossings per year. Glad I had the opportunities I did. On a side note, the slowdown has affected World Cruises as well. Some have been extended to 120 days or so with only 35-40 ports. I have to say, that's a lot of sea days.

 

I think the extra days being all at sea is the biggest con that Cunard are doing, I love sea days and in lots of cases prefer them to visiting some dump of a port that I've visited plenty of times; but a world cruise should be exotic port after exotic port but each visit costs Cunard a lot of money. I often wonder quite how much that amount is when we leave early from somewhere exciting. Anyone here have any knowledge?

[Jim Avery]

I think the extra days being all at sea is the biggest con that Cunard are doing, I love sea days and in lots of cases prefer them to visiting some dump of a port that I've visited plenty of times; but a world cruise should be exotic port after exotic port but each visit costs Cunard a lot of money. I often wonder quite how much that amount is when we leave early from somewhere exciting. Anyone here have any knowledge?

 

I agree completely.

[Cats2010]

NYC to Southampton / Le Harve Transatlantic crossings! I see they have Hamburg now but would really like to see the France & even an Italy crossing every so often...anyone else???

 

No.

[bobby1119]

I think the extra days being all at sea is the biggest con that Cunard are doing, I love sea days and in lots of cases prefer them to visiting some dump of a port that I've visited plenty of times; but a world cruise should be exotic port after exotic port but each visit costs Cunard a lot of money. I often wonder quite how much that amount is when we leave early from somewhere exciting. Anyone here have any knowledge?

 

Quite the case in point.

 

During the 2007 QE2 world cruise which I sailed, we covered more ports in fewer days than what has come to be the norm for QE, QV and certainly QM2 on their extended world cruises. Moreover, as a result of QE2's speed, the number of continuous sea days between ports was fewer as well.

 

I often wonder if QE2 were still in the fleet if she would have been slowed down as well and subjected to the dawdling speeds of QM2 and her fleet mates.

 

It's a different world...cruise, I guess.

[Jim Avery]

I would hate to be on QE2 at the slow speeds. It would just seem un natural. As far as other lines, for example, HAL has a 114 day World Cruise in January with 49 ports. QM2's World Cruise is 120 days with 38 ports. Similar pricing. Which one would you choose?

[Bell Boy]

Certainly not Italy crossings :eek: If you fancy that idea try sailing with Costa:rolleyes:

[Rotterdam]

I was fortunate to sail in QE2 & France several times - both cruises & Transatlantics....the 5 day crossings NYC - S. Hampton were great transports & we even did one w/ a weekend in London for a wedding. Getting off in LeHarve gave us access to Paris & the rest of the southern part of the continent. (also living in NYC meant a cab ride to the piers on the westside - I even sailed in QM2 from NYC - in all my years I have never sailed out of Brooklyn or Jersey).

 

So basically if you had 2-3 weeks holiday a 5 day crossing gave you some R&R before touring..and the train connections were great. My interest in Italy is personal & I will be living there part of the year so getting on a ship in NYC & arriving in Italy say 10-14 days later would be ideal(or reverse).

 

The 7 & 8 day crossings are too long - I love days at sea but for transport purposes 5 days is ideal. Also the quality of Cunard years ago was so much better...an Ocean liner should not be compared to a cruise ship like QM2. We'll sail on QM2 again and are even contemplating a world cruise...that's another story as the 4+ months are too long....oh the QE2 & the FRANCE......how I wish.....the ports on current WC's are ridiculous - even Crystal is selling a WC that just sails around South America in 2017????

 

As far as Costa etc...I only sailed on them pre Carnivore & would only sail on them for an extremely interesting itinerary.

[Salacia]

NYC to Southampton / Le Harve Transatlantic crossings! I see they have Hamburg now but would really like to see the France & even an Italy crossing every so often...anyone else???

 

 

Well, yes, I would like to see a voyage that went from NYC to France or Italy, but it would take too long at the current speeds to get there, so I'd rather fly.

 

From my reading, I understand that years ago, Cunard did a few r/t NY Bermuda runs. I'd like to see that again, but it seems Holland America has that route covered in the future. There are Mega Ships make that run frequently, but those ships don't appeal to me. I guess Cunard just surrendered that route, not that Cunard has anything to say about what the wizards at the Carnival Cruise Line dictate.

Edited December 5, 2014 by Salacia

[Rotterdam]

Well, yes, I would like to see a voyage that went from NYC to France or Italy, but it would take too long at the current speeds to get there, so I'd rather fly.

 

From my reading, I understand that years ago, Cunard did a few r/t NY Bermuda runs. I'd like to see that again, but it seems Holland America has that route covered in the future. There are Mega Ships make that run frequently, but those ships don't appeal to me. I guess Cunard just surrendered that route, not that Cunard has anything to say about what the wizards at the Carnival Cruise Line dictate.

 

Years ago(pre Carnivore Corp) Cunard, Home Lines, HAL & the Island & Sea Venture all did the run - with most of the ships docking in Front Street - faboo & easy...just walk off the ship onto Front Street...on a 7 day cruise you could have 3.5 days in Bermuda.I can't even count the # of times we did it it - its one of my favorite trips...my parents did it back in the late 1960's on Cunards Franconia! Next year HAL has a ship from Boston - Bermuda...also if you search you'll find other ships that dock in Front Street - I think Oceania & Azamara may.

 

 

As far as the TA's - if they sped up the ships & did it once or twice a season I believe they would fill the ships - especially QM2.

[BlueRiband]

..As far as the TA's - if they sped up the ships & did it once or twice a season I believe they would fill the ships - especially QM2.

 

I'd go for it. But Cunard would be reluctant to offer it without having strong indication that those who do fill the ship would pay full whack. No way will they attempt to offer a 6-day crossing if insides have to be offered for $399. Remember the thread where three TAs for November were offered at these prices?

 

Some members were crowing with delight. Yes, it's a holiday time in the US but at prices like that they cannot reasonably expect passengers to spend three to four times more for a shorter time on the ship.

[david,Mississauga]

More Atlantic crossings to and from a Canadian port, please. Realistically we will never see the frequent Montreal-UK service that ended in 1967, but the occasional crossing to or from Halifax or Quebec would be appreciated. Currently it's possible by special arrangement to embark or disembark in Halifax on a few New York-Southampton crossings. The recent survey asked about interest in a crossing to or from Quebec City. :) There was a one-off crossing to Quebec by the QE2 in 2002, which was full, so there may be hope.

 

I don't care about shorter crossings. We did several five-day crossings on the QE2 and the France in the 1970s and 80s (obviously not on the France after 1974) but they always seemed too short.

Edited December 5, 2014 by david,Mississauga

[bobby1119]

Well, yes, I would like to see a voyage that went from NYC to France or Italy, but it would take too long at the current speeds to get there, so I'd rather fly.

 

From my reading, I understand that years ago, Cunard did a few r/t NY Bermuda runs. I'd like to see that again, but it seems Holland America has that route covered in the future. There are Mega Ships make that run frequently, but those ships don't appeal to me. I guess Cunard just surrendered that route, not that Cunard has anything to say about what the wizards at the Carnival Cruise Line dictate.

 

Salacia,

QE2 did several short 5-6 Bermuda runs every summer season. The 5 day run was NY-sea-Bermuda (2 full days)-sea-NY. The 6 day variation added Newport on the way out or back. I sailed several of these, as well as a 7 day NY-Bermuda-Nassau-Newport News-NY (weird cruise).

 

How ironic it is that QM2 has HAMILTON emblazoned on her arse and hasn't made an appearance there yet!

 

I asked the illustrious Peter Shanks why Bermuda wasn't on the horizon; his answer: Bermuda is a problem for us as it is not on the way somewhere. Why can't Bermuda be a destination in itself as it was for QE2? Perhaps the fact that QE and QV have stopped in Bermuda "on the way" somewhere explains their rare port calls.

 

It has nothing to do with the size of the ship. Breakaway is there every week during the season.

 

I'm with you - no desire for the megaships that go to Bermuda for the summer season. I'd rather be in traffic in the Hamptons in the summer.

 

B:rolleyes:bby

Edited December 6, 2014 by bobby1119

[Classiccruiser777]

More Atlantic crossings to and from a Canadian port, please. Realistically we will never see the frequent Montreal-UK service that ended in 1967, but the occasional crossing to or from Halifax or Quebec would be appreciated. Currently it's possible by special arrangement to embark or disembark in Halifax on a few New York-Southampton crossings. The recent survey asked about interest in a crossing to or from Quebec City. :) There was a one-off crossing to Quebec by the QE2 in 2002, which was full, so there may be hope.

 

I don't care about shorter crossings. We did several five-day crossings on the QE2 and the France in the 1970s and 80s (obviously not on the France after 1974) but they always seemed too short.

 

I agree with you.

[Salacia]

Salacia,

QE2 did several short 5-6 Bermuda runs every summer season. The 5 day run was NY-sea-Bermuda (2 full days)-sea-NY. The 6 day variation added Newport on the way out or back. I sailed several of these, as well as a 7 day NY-Bermuda-Nassau-Newport News-NY (weird cruise).

 

How ironic it is that QM2 has HAMILTON emblazoned on her arse and hasn't made an appearance there yet!

 

I asked the illustrious Peter Shanks why Bermuda wasn't on the horizon; his answer: Bermuda is a problem for us as it is not on the way somewhere. Why can't Bermuda be a destination in itself as it was for QE2? Perhaps the fact that QE and QV have stopped in Bermuda "on the way" somewhere explains their rare port calls.

 

It has nothing to do with the size of the ship. Breakaway is there every week during the season.

 

I'm with you - no desire for the megaships that go to Bermuda for the summer season. I'd rather be in traffic in the Hamptons in the summer.

 

B:rolleyes:bby

 

Bobby, wow, I wish I had the opportunity to experience those cruises.

 

Twice I was on the Veendam, r/t NY Bermuda. I can't help but think how much better the cruise would have been on QV or QE (sorry fans of the Veendam, just my personal opinion).

 

Seems to me that it would be a refreshing change for Cunard to offer the occasional NY/Bermuda run. I suspect that it might be popular, especially when combined with voyage starting in Hamburg, then on to Southampton, TA, port stops in Halifax, NY, Bermuda (3 night stay) and back again. Lots of opportunities to sell segment voyages there - which seems to be the direction Cunard is going in, no doubt because it is profitable. And since Bermuda has relaxed it's ruling regarding casino rules for cruise ships docked overnight, it might be a win-win situation for Bermuda, Cunard and passengers.

 

 

But of course, the economy of Bermuda is suffering, and it will take time to rebuild. I'd like to think that increased visits by cruise ships will help, but the businesses on Front Street had been dealt a sever blow (many shops have gone bottom up) because those mega ships can't dock in Hamilton. Would be nice to see a Cunard ship with HAMILTON "emblazoned on her arse" as you so rightfully put it, actually dock in Hamilton.

 

Until then, I won't mind the traffic to the Hamptons either. ;)

 

Cheers,

 

Salacia

Edited December 6, 2014 by Salacia

[Jim Avery]

Bobby, wow, I wish I had the opportunity to experience those cruises.

 

Twice I was on the Veendam, r/t NY Bermuda. I can't help but think how much better the cruise would have been on QV or QE (sorry fans of the Veendam, just my personal opinion).

 

Seems to me that it would be a refreshing change for Cunard to offer the occasional NY/Bermuda run. I suspect that it might be popular, especially when combined with voyage starting in Hamburg, then on to Southampton, TA, port stops in Halifax, NY, Bermuda (3 night stay) and back again. Lots of opportunities to sell segment voyages there - which seems to be the direction Cunard is going in, no doubt because it is profitable. And since Bermuda has relaxed it's ruling regarding casino rules for cruise ships docked overnight, it might be a win-win situation for Bermuda, Cunard and passengers.

 

 

But of course, the economy of Bermuda is suffering, and it will take time to rebuild. I'd like to think that increased visits by cruise ships will help, but the businesses on Front Street had been dealt a sever blow (many shops have gone bottom up) because those mega ships can't dock in Hamilton. Would be nice to see a Cunard ship with HAMILTON "emblazoned on her arse" as you so rightfully put it, actually dock in Hamilton.

 

Until then, I won't mind the traffic to the Hamptons either. ;)

 

Cheers,

 

Salacia

 

The most pertinent thing to understand is that Cunard used to be a transportation company. They are now in the entertainment business.

[Salacia]

The most pertinent thing to understand is that Cunard used to be a transportation company. They are now in the entertainment business.

 

Well, as the Queen said "I am not amused"

 

I suspect Virgin Cruise Line will give Cunard a run for it's money by the end of the decade. Story here ehttp://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/richard-bransons-virgin-empire-to-offer-cruises-on-the-high-seas/?_r=0

 

But this one quote struck a cord: “The whole point of being on a cruise ship is to be connected to the ocean, to be connected to the sun and the wind,” Mr. Lovell said. " [ Evan Lovell, a partner at Virgin Management Limited]

 

As I see it, Branson gets it, Arison doesn't.

Edited December 6, 2014 by Salacia

[Jim Avery]

Well, as the Queen said "I am not amused"

 

Good one!

[balf]

Well, as the Queen said "I am not amused"

 

.

 

Not of course "the" Queen, as in Elizabeth, she famously never says anything except "have you come far" and similar.

 

Victoria it was (possibly)

 

David.

[Classiccruiser777]

The most pertinent thing to understand is that Cunard used to be a transportation company. They are now in the entertainment business.

Jim - I disagree with you on this point. IMO Cunard is now, primarily, in the hospitality business. I do agree Cunard is no longer, primarily, in the transportation business though I wouldn't be booking a holiday on a stationary, tied to the pier, ship.

 

All in all, I'm a pretty happy Cunard customer. Generally I think the ship board staff and management do a good to excellent job. I also caught the "tail end" of Cunard's transportation business model having cruised in the 1960s and early 1970s. Based on my personal experience the service hasn't changed all that much, the food is still good and the value for my holiday dollar is excellent.

[AquaAdventurer]

With the explosion of popularity in cruising over the previous decades and the increasing frustration of the traveling public with the cattle car flying philosophy of today's airlines and I can't help but wonder if there's an opportunity for rapid transatlantic passenger service :confused:

 

I've read the thread and understand the stated impracticalities and reference to economic models but an alternative to flying would certainly have supporters. Provide high speed Internet service, function rooms for business meetings etc. In other words, someone taking on a creative marketing strategy to entice business people and yet provide regular passenger service. It would be wonderful to take a cruise and know you can return without the intercession of an airplane or airport.

 

A Branson of the sea :rolleyes:

Edited December 6, 2014 by AquaAdventurer
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