Should We Build Another Ocean Liner?
There are many people who prefer to avoid flying, and with good reason. However, could large ocean liners offer an alternative to air travel for those who enjoy the experience of traversing vast oceans?
Are There Many Ocean Liners in Service Today?
Currently, there is only one ocean liner in commission—the Queen Mary 2. This vessel has been in service since 2004 and is the largest passenger ship to operate in the transatlantic passenger cruise market as of 2023. However, with the rise of modern air travel, long-distance ocean liners like the Queen Mary 2 have largely fallen out of favor.
Pre-World War II, ocean liners were the preferred method of travel between continents. Their grandeur and luxury made them a favored means of crossing vast distances. Yet, the advent of long-distance aircraft and improved automobile and railway technology shifted the paradigm, rendering ocean liners less viable.
Evidence of Limited Demand for Ocean Liners
The Queen Mary 2 often operates with unoccupied cabins, indicating that demand for transatlantic passenger voyages is not substantial. This is further supported by the extensive fleets of cruise ships that continue to operate across the globe.
Cruise ships, while slower, offer a similar experience to ocean liners but also cater to a more diverse audience. Passengers choose these vessels for vacation and leisure purposes rather than for the quickness and convenience of air travel. Detailed travel offers for transatlantic cruises are frequently advertised, particularly when ships switch ports or reposition between destinations.
Are Transatlantic Voyages Still Viable?
Transatlantic voyages, like those offered by the Queen Mary 2, can be lengthy and time-consuming, often taking up to 30 days. Therefore, cruises that offer such long voyages, such as the one you mentioned from Seattle to Japan to Singapore and then to Brisbane, are likely to appeal only to a niche market.
If you are in the United States and wish to travel to another continent, there are several options available. You can choose from various cruise lines that offer transatlantic voyages, or opt for freighters, which are more common than you might think.
Why Not Build Another Ocean Liner?
Given the current market conditions, it is unlikely that any company would risk the large sum of money required to build a new passenger liner. The financial viability of such a venture would depend on a substantial increase in demand for transatlantic passenger services, which is not currently within reach.
People who do not like flying can explore other options, such as taking a freighter or even booking a cruise that offers the ocean liner experience. However, for most individuals, transatlantic cruises are a luxury and not a necessity.
Conclusion
While ocean liners continue to serve as symbols of our maritime past, their practicality as primary modes of long-distance travel has waned. The remaining smaller scale is a clear indication of limited demand and thus, justifying the continued operation of the Queen Mary 2 and other similar vessels.