Would you recommend a Transatlantic?

Elizanessie · 06-16-2006, 12:09 PM

I have never yet done a Transatlantic,can you please tell me what it is about them that you like?
Or if you have done one...what did you not like?

Thanks

**Ally** · 06-16-2006, 12:14 PM

The main reason I have two booked for next year are the seadays...sitting doing absolutely nothing, with a chilled drink in hand and watching the world float by. I also think they are a reminder of what things were like before 'cruising' when ocean crossings were the only real means of transatlantic crossing available. I am certainly looking forward to both of mine

John · 06-18-2006, 12:18 PM

I haven't been yet. However I will be cruising from Southampton to Barbados in October. So will let you know about it later in the year.

I chose the itinerary because it was nice to start a cruise from my home country. It was also the fact there were a number of sea days to start off with before the busy port of calls in the Caribbean.

donnawtoo · 06-20-2006, 11:28 PM

We did Galaxy last year and it was our best cruise ever! Lots of focus on the whole Transatlantic experience with great guest speakers.

Lots of sea days!

In our case, ports front end - sea days middle - ports back end made a very relaxing trip.

I wouldn't say formal nights were more "formal" just that everyone followed them.

Due to the length of cruise, very few children and those that were on the ship were well seasoned travellers and very well behaved.

Loved all those 25 hour days too!

If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to help if I can!

nu2sea · 06-21-2006, 01:57 AM

I took my first transatlantic cruise in April, on the Celebrity Constellation, from Cape Liberty to Dover.

I think Donna is right, the clothing wasn't more formal, but most wore the clothing requested.

There were some good enrichment lectures and being at sea, the shops and casino were opened every day.

But the best part of this TA was the people. Folks we grew to know on the different roll calls, that we would meet for lunch, or for drinks, or for a specialty restaurant dinner. We would run into them all over the ship throughout the days. It made it very special. Someone suggested that a transatlantic crossing was a bit like a large country house party.

Next time though, I think I will do a westbound transit so I can gain an hour every day, instead of losing one!!!!

Susan

FlRic · 06-21-2006, 12:27 PM

We did a TA two years ago. 14 days with two port calls, Bermuda and the Azores, after starting in Ft. Lauderdale and ending in Southhampton. Great experience, very relaxing with wonderful guest lecturers to help fill the time. We were on Cunard's Caronia (now gone to Saga) so Formal night was very formal-you know those Brits!!

**Ally** · 06-21-2006, 12:30 PM

Great to see you here Rick

Just two ports is quite unusual thesedays on Transatlantics, isn't it?

**Norman** · 08-09-2006, 08:10 AM

Six days at sea is fantastic, especially when the weather is variable, transferring from huge waves, to a placid smooth Caribbean Sea. As long as the ship rides the waves well, then there is no worry about the seas being rough, last Nov/Dec the change in the weather as we crossed the Atlantic was fantastic. To find a covered vantage point, and enjoy the huge waves we found to be an exhilarating experience. We sailed om MSC Lirica, and apart from a small tidal wave in the swimming pool the ship handled superbly the rough seas. We are again sailing on the same ship on OCT 29 2006.

We have only cruised once westbound; again this year we are doing the same. Would like an eastbound cruise calling at Bermuda and the Azures. We from Europe I believe on a westbound itinerary would prefer the Caribbean cruise on the final days, whereas some ships I notice, to accommodate the American market, are doing a Med cruise, with many port of call being in Europe then after Madeira are sailing direct to USA.

Ships are repositioning twice a year, giving a wide and varied choice in each direction. People with time to spare usually 17 nights, plus a flight to accommodate your either going or returning from your cruise. Repositioning cruises are usually cheaper than set itinerary cruises. The choice is yours.

Dijoy

**Ally** · 08-09-2006, 08:18 AM

My first Transatlantic is from Jamaica to Dover in March, via Cuba, Bahamas, Bermuda and Faial (Azores), on a very small ship. 10 seadays in total and I am definately looking forward to the experience. The second cruise is from Southampton to Barbados in October 07, via Portugal, Tenerife, St Maarten, Antigua and St Lucia and that has 9 seadays. The same ship/cabin for each one, Fred Olsen's Braemar.

I personally love the rough seas, experienced some incredible seas whilst on my Cape Horn cruise over last Christmas/New Year aboard Norwegian Crown...

LEESRE · 08-13-2006, 04:56 PM

We have done quite a few transatlantics and enjoyed each one differently.

We did the old Arcadia from Southampton to Barbados vis some of the Caribbean Islands and we loved this, from cold to very hot.

We have also done three transatlantics from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona on Celebrity Millennium and each time we have had a ball.

Love the seas days you can really relax, love being on the balcony and watch the sea from being very clam to very rough.

Rex