Transatlantic crossings?

[DawnCt1]

It seems that with no end in sight, this would be a good time to divert some ships that are less than full and start some transatlantic crossings. It sure would be better than sitting in an airport waiting for the sky to clear.

 

[MIGrandma]

Exactly what I was thinking a couple of days ago.

Our 16-year-old granddaughter is in Germany on a 2-week school exchange program and they are supposed to fly home today. We have not heard yet if their flight will be cancelled or not, but I imagine it will.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I know a reporter commented about this around here. I think they said one ship could be here (NY area) by the 27th

In the meantime, my dh did get out of JFK on friday, not to germany as planned (that flight was cancelled) but directly to Moscow oh and thanks to delta/aeroflot they socked him with the only seat left, of course lst class and a nice $4k plus credit card bill. He works for the govt. and had to get it authorized on the phone so they said it was o.k. as so many other flights he has would be affected too. They said they will negotiate with the airlines on our behalf.

Meanwhile my heart breaks for the people stranded here. On tv they show a french mom and 2 kids, one 6 month old and an english lady left with $6.00. This is terrible. My heart goes out to them.

 

[minnie56]

Well, Cunard already has weekly transatlantics back and forth and they run full at the best of times. Some of the others are repositioning ships to the med at this time of year (well soon) anyways...and they likely have those itineraries sold also. Other ships are probably pretty full elsewhere so what would they do with those passengers? The only time a ship is not being used is when it is in drydock so where would they get empty vessels? I would think planning something like this would take a little time to get into place I wouldn't be surprised if some aren't thinking on it mind you.

It is a good idea ..

 

[DawnCt1]

Well, Cunard already has weekly transatlantics back and forth and they run full at the best of times. Some of the others are repositioning ships to the med at this time of year (well soon) anyways...and they likely have those itineraries sold also. Other ships are probably pretty full elsewhere so what would they do with those passengers? The only time a ship is not being used is when it is in drydock so where would they get empty vessels? I would think planning something like this would take a little time to get into place I wouldn't be surprised if some aren't thinking on it mind you.

It is a good idea ..

I didn't realize the transatlantic ships travel full, so getting ships ready to go would be a problem. We are now into school vacation in the USA which makes for the beginning of a busy cruise season. DH has to go to France at the end of the month. I hope he gets there and more importantly gets back.

 

[minnie56]

Yep, full.
Few spaces available most of the time.

 

[bicker]

I suspect the price of a transatlantic cruise would be too high for most folks stranded.

 

[shortbun]

Not just the price but it takes 5 days each way. And, the North Atlantic can be pretty rough(read furniture in a pile at one side of the room and broken glasses, plates...) at this time of the year. All personell and all passengers confined to quarters and sick is awful.

 

[chisnpeke]

I think Transatlanic travel should come back in vogue.

 

[msmayor]

This really isn't feasible. There aren't any 'extra' ships laying around as spares; to divert ships running existing itineraries means inconveniencing thousands of other folks who had vacations planned.

 

[minnie56]

As mentioned, it takes time to cross..6 days from NY to Southampton and 7 days back. And yes, the waters can be rough. Not so much on those Ships purpose built to do these crossings such as the QM2..and one crossing can be perfect and another not so much. It's just more the fact that as also mentioned..there aren't spares sitting idle for such needs as they arise.

 

[mom2d&b]

I am sittign here wondering about all those on the Disney Magic right now. Hopefully flights will be back to normal by the time they dock. My parents are on the ship and I am thinking they may not return home on schedule.

 

[DawnCt1]

Now some countries are closing their air space until Tuesday and there is another Icelandic volcano that may erupt. They may have time to actually build more cruise ships before all of this settles down. Now there are 6 million passengers stranded....some where. If they are lucky, they are stranded at home.

 

[chisnpeke]

Now some countries are closing their air space until Tuesday and there is another Icelandic volcano that may erupt. They may have time to actually build more cruise ships before all of this settles down. Now there are 6 million passengers stranded....some where. If they are lucky, they are stranded at home.

What they need to build are more ocean liners. The only true ocean liner is the QM2, that I'm aware of, correct me if I'm wrong. Cruise ships can cross the Atlantic but aren't meant to do it over and over like a true ocean liner is.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

What they need to build are more ocean liners. The only true ocean liner is the QM2, that I'm aware of, correct me if I'm wrong. Cruise ships can cross the Atlantic but aren't meant to do it over and over like a true ocean liner is.

Cunard also has Queen Victoria and, later this year, Queen Elizabeth. Nut, I agree, we need more! I wish there was one that would do trans-Pacific, back and forth to Hawaii!!

 

[LuvOrlando]

Good idea and you're right. With all the businesses suffering these days one would think someone somewhere would jump on a chance to offer passage for ridiculous sums of money.

My DH was supposed to fly into Europe on Friday but the flight was canceled (so glad he's home safe & sound). In fact, the entire conference had to be canceled because people can't even get from one European country to another without a gigantic headache. Then there is the fact his boss and many colleagues are stranded there. The millions even billions across the board that this is costing must be staggering.

 

[DawnCt1]

Good idea and you're right. With all the businesses suffering these days one would think someone somewhere would jump on a chance to offer passage for ridiculous sums of money.

My DH was supposed to fly into Europe on Friday but the flight was canceled (so glad he's home safe & sound). In fact, the entire conference had to be canceled because people can't even get from one European country to another without a gigantic headache. Then there is the fact his boss and many colleagues are stranded there. The millions even billions across the board that this is costing must be staggering.

DH leaves for France around May 1st, if there is a conference. I would rather he get stuck on this side of the Atlantic as well.

 

[*BTMRR*]

CNN is reporting that the British Navy is going to be helping UK citizens get home (sorry I don't know how to post the story).

It won't be cushy, but it'll get people home. I like good creative solutions! I hope it'll work out well for our stranded UK friends.

 

[minnie56]

Love those Brits!! They always come through....

 

[Diva of Dragons]

CUNARD story today: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1472864426&play=1