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Transatlantic... Air or Sea?
A customer named Barry called the other day to ask about the First Class Hoodie for an upcoming trip. He will be traveling to the UK, Swiss Alps, and Rome, and wanted to make sure it would serve him well. Barry was concerned about the temperature changes in these locations, and I told him "there is no better choice for a trip like this."
Then he shared something fascinating about his trip. Barry said, "I'm sailing across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 for the eighth time!" This was so interesting to me and I can't stop thinking about the differences between the transatlantic crossing by boat or by plane. He finished by letting me know he'll be flying home from Italy. "I’m flying business class but I’ll be in my FIRST CLASS HOODIE, which makes all the difference."
Let's break down the pros and cons of crossing the Atlantic by air and sea...
Advantages of Flying Cross the Atlantic:
- Speed: Flying is much faster than traveling by sea. A transatlantic flight can typically take around 6-8 hours, depending on the route and weather conditions, while a sea voyage on the Queen Mary 2 takes about 7-8 days.
- Convenience: Flying offers greater convenience in terms of scheduling. There are numerous flights available daily, allowing for more flexibility in planning your trip. Most major cities in the United States have an international airport, making flying accessible to most Americans.
- Directness: Flights provide a direct route from one point to another without any stops, allowing you to reach your destination quickly.
Advantages of traveling by sea:
- Luxury Experience: The Queen Mary 2 offers a luxurious and elegant experience with spacious accommodations, fine dining, onboard entertainment, and various recreational activities. It's a journey where the voyage itself becomes a significant part of the experience.
- Relaxation: Unlike the hustle and bustle of airports and airplanes, traveling by sea allows for a more relaxed and leisurely pace. You can unwind, enjoy the ocean views, and participate in onboard activities or simply relax on deck. Aviator customer Barry Grayson says, "My favorite things about the crossing is time to clear the mind, relax, read, exercise, chill out in the spa..."
- Learn Something New: If you're going to spend seven days on the open ocean, why not learn something new? You can take dancing lessons on the deck of the ship, join a fitness class, or listen to a guest speaker. Barry is going to be taking an intensive painting course in Italy, and might even take advantage of the ship's art facilities on the way there!
- Something for Every Traveler: The Queen Mary 2 does a great job at making the crossing experience memorable whether you're going it alone or bringing the whole family. For the solo adventurer, there are activities specially designed to help you meet fellow travelers on board at your own leisure. Younger guests will find a plethora of activities geared towards children and teens too, leaving parents free to explore the ship to its fullest.
- Amenities: The Queen Mary 2 is equipped with various amenities, including multiple restaurants, bars, theaters, a spa, swimming pools, and fitness facilities, ensuring that passengers have plenty of options to stay entertained and relaxed during the voyage.
- Scenic views: Sailing across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 offers breathtaking views of the ocean, sunsets, and sunrises, providing a serene and picturesque experience that flying cannot offer.
Ultimately, whether you choose to fly or travel by sea on the Queen Mary 2 depends on your preferences, priorities, time, and the type of experience you're seeking for your transatlantic journey. One other important point from Barry is...
"You won't be jet-lagged. You will adjust one hour each day. By the time you arrive to the UK, you'll feel 100% rested and on schedule."
What do you think, would you ever consider taking a boat instead of a plane?
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Carolyn
July 11, 2025
I much prefer going by sea or rail. Flying on fine for short hops, but if I’m already having to pay thousands for first class legroom, why not spend it on REAL luxury.