The history of a transatlantic cruise
The Transatlantic Crossing is one of the world’s most iconic journeys. It’s a passage that has led explorers from the Old World to the New World. It’s a route that has taken millions of immigrants to pursue their ‘American Dream'.
Timeline of the Transatlantic Crossing
When was the first Transatlantic Crossing?
Stone Age: European Settlers
10th Century: Viking
15th Century: Christopher Columbus
How long did a transatlantic cruise take?
It’s thought it took Columbus and his crew about two months to cross the Atlantic back in 1492, and with cruder vessels, any preceding explorers are likely to have taken many weeks or possibly months more.
The world’s first ocean liner purpose-built for transatlantic voyages was the SS Great Western, built in Bristol and launched in 1837. It took around 15 days for this ship to make the crossing. Just three years later, the first Cunard ship (Britannia) made the voyage in 14 days, and with that, Cunard was able to begin a fortnightly mail service between Liverpool (England), Halifax (Canada), and Boston (USA).
As the years passed and ocean liners became increasingly sophisticated, the journey was shortened. Companies began to compete over speed, and Transatlantic Crossings at the start to mid-20th century would usually take around five days. Believing that such a voyage is one to enjoy, today the Cunard Transatlantic Crossing is usually seven days.
Queen Mary 2 makes Transatlantic Crossings throughout the year, enabling our guests plenty of opportunities to be a part of one of the most magical and iconic voyages. Join us and escape, even just for a week, relishing life on board spent any way you wish.
