Why a REAL ocean 'crossing' is NOT a cruise?

Editorial Summary

The creator explains the fundamental differences between traditional transatlantic crossings and modern transatlantic repositioning cruises. A traditional crossing is defined as a direct, point-to-point voyage between Europe and the Americas, typically undertaken by ocean liners designed to handle harsh North Atlantic weather. These vessels, such as the Queen Mary 2, feature reinforced hulls, higher speeds, and higher freeboards to ensure reliability and schedule adherence despite heavy swells. In contrast, modern repositioning cruises are often used to move cruise ships between markets, such as from European shipyards to the Caribbean. Because cruise ships are designed for pleasure rather than heavy weather, they typically follow more southerly routes to avoid rough seas, often making multiple port calls in locations like Africa or the Canaries. The creator notes that while some cruise ships are slightly strengthened for these routes, they lack the specialized engineering of true ocean liners. This distinction was illustrated by a recent comparison where the Queen Mary 2 maintained its schedule in heavy weather while a cruise ship, the Queen Anne, experienced delays.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.