Even today, when there is essentially no utilitarian travel by ocean liner, a transatlantic crossing in a balcony room on the QM2 is $800. An economy flight from new york to paris on Air France is $849. First class is $9,262.
That sounds more like what I'd pay for a round-trip economy ticket to Europe and there are probably going to be other costs for lodging etc. associated with the ship. But, fair enough, like (sometimes) long distance train, air isn't necessarily hugely cheaper.
(And, yes, business or first class that you actually pay directly out of pocket for is priced like a luxury good. Of course, you can pay a lot more for the cabin too.)
(And, yes, business or first class that you actually pay directly out of pocket for is priced like a luxury good. Of course, you can pay a lot more for the cabin too.)