Transatlantic cruises

“Don’t you get bored?” People always ask. “All those sea days on transatlantic cruises.”
My answer, in a word – no! Transatlantic cruises are the perfect excuse to completely chill out, relax and escape the rest of the world (apart from the other 4,000-odd passengers and crew of course).

How I became addicted

I am not a years-long seasoned cruiser, unfortunately I still work and I also enjoy land-based holidays, so cruising is usually limited to one per year.  The first cruise we took was what I will call a ‘taster cruise’ we were in Miami and I saw a good deal on a four-night hop around the Bahamas on the Norwegian Sky. I though this would be a great opportunity to see if cruising was for us, or if we would be hot-footing it off vowing never to set foot on a ship again.  Fortunately one drink into the sail-away party and we were hooked. Practically had to be dragged off on the last day, with two ‘future cruise’ vouchers in hand!

Within hours of disembarkation we had taken a massive leap and booked a 14-day Transatlantic cruise the following November.   Barcelona to Miami on the massive Norwegian Epic. Talk about jumping into the deep (excuse the pun).

First experience

Every part of the Transatlantic crossing was amazing, we loved the ship, met some lovely people, enjoyed the relaxation with a handful of port days and we were well and truly hooked.  Since then, six years ago, we have taken a Transatlantic cruise every year, all but two on the Norwegian Epic, the others were on the inaugural Transatlantic of Norwegian Escape and most recently a fantastic crossing form Sao Paulo to Lisbon on MSC Fantasia. If you’ve never cruised with NCL check out my post here to find out more. Or for more about MSC cruises check out my post here.

What’s great about Transatlantic Cruises

There’s something kind of adventurous and romantic crossing the Atlantic on a huge ship, our forefathers did it to discover new worlds, albeit without the unlimited drinks package or water slides, but still it has an air of mystery as you enter the wide open seas.

I never get bored. I am a bit of a control freak and like to structure my day in normal life anyway, so on a cruise I am no different.

Getting the most out of each day

Because of our work, we always purchase the internet package to allow us to keep in touch with the office, as well as posting the ubiquitous cocktail-in-hand photos on social media!  We share one package between the two of us and allocate ourselves times to log on throughout the day.

We both are avid gym-goers and one of the first things I do on embarkation day is see what high-energy classes are available and I also book some hours with a personal trainer. We go to the gym every day on board, this also gives us chance to better enjoy the delicious food and drink on the ship.  Most ships have a running/walking track and I take advantage of this where possible, although it can get busy with the organised (slow) ‘walk across the Atlantic’ organised by the crew.

You can take advantage of other activities such as the behind-the-scenes tour where you get to see how the ship is run, or you can go to the bridge viewing area and see the officers at work.

I love the sun, despite having lived in the mediterranean for three decades I am still a sun worshipper and I love nothing more than lazing on a big comfortable sun-lounger up on the ‘Posh’ sundeck on the Norwegian Epic. It is also a chance to catch up with the amazing group of friends we have gathered on our regular trips on the same ship – it’s not just me who is addicted to Transatlantic cruises!

So after catching up with work, keeping fit and chilling in the sun, it’s time to grab a light lunch, laze some more in the sun and then before you know it, it’s time to think about plans for the evening.  I love to take a leisurely shower then sit on the balcony, glass of fizz in hand and let the wind dry my hair as I watch the sun go down before getting made-up and ready for the evening’s events.

Nighttime on Transatlantic Cruises

There is no shortage of entertainment on Transatlantic cruises, the Broadway-style shows are always spectacular and worth seeing at least once. We are fans of the more laid-back entertainment such as the duelling pianos or comedy club and we also enjoy a relaxing drink with friends at the piano bar before dinner.

The food – what can I say, most Transatlantic cruise packages include some meals in the numerous speciality restaurants where you can eat, Italian, Asian, Brazilian or some of the best steaks this side of Texas.  The main dining rooms (non-speciality) also serve the most amazing food and even on a 14-night crossing you will be spoiled for choice.

On such a long cruise, there will be numerous theme-nights organised. One dress-up night where you can meet and have a photo with the captain and my particular favourite, the White Hot night where everyone wears, you guessed it – white outfits and dance until the early hours.

Not being a massive late night owl, I am often found strolling back to my suite to spend some time gazing into the night sky with a nightcap, while Alex tries his hand in the casino.

I don’t know about bored – even typing this I am quite exhausted!!!

 

 

Land ahoy!

Many Transatlantic cruises have a few ports of call, usually one or two in Europe and a couple in the Caribbean before the final destination.  While I adore the sea days, on westbound crossings as the nights get balmy and the days get hotter, I am always excited to arrive in the Caribbean and stretch my sea legs off the ship and enjoy a day on one of the beautiful beaches and take out a paddle board or snorkel in the clear shallow waters. On eastbound crossings depending on the time of year, the weather gets a little cooler as you approach Europe.

Time means nothing

As you cross the Atlantic you will pass through numerous international time zones, each evening your daily newsletter will let you know whether you have to change your clocks for the next day. Remember your smartphone may not change automatically without data roaming.

A great benefit of travelling by ship across the Atlantic is the lack of jet lag, when you arrive you will already be set to local time and will feel as fresh as a daisy!

Once you arrive at your disembarkation port, it’s time to say your goodbyes to the friends, old and new and the wonderful crew members who have also become friends during the two-week crossing.  As I pack my suitcases and look forward to the final night onboard, in the back of my mind the cogs are turning, planning to book next year’s crossing as soon as the dates are released.  Yes, it’s definitely an addiction and most certainly not boring!

My top tips for Transatlantic cruises

Invest in a Kindle or e-reader and download plenty of reading material for the trip.
Ideally choose one that doesn’t have a reflective screen so you easily use it outside on deck.
If you prefer ‘old school’ reading, most ships have a library so make use of that to avoid adding weight to your luggage.

In the run up to the cruise, try to find a Facebook page dedicated to that cruise, most will have one set up by passengers, it can be great fun and you will meet new friends before you even step onboard.
Cruise Critic also has ‘role calls’ for most sailings.

Spend some time researching the ship online, get to know the layout and the bars/restaurants you want to visit. Avoid getting lost every time you leave your stateroom. I have been on the NCL Epic six times and still frequently find myself at the wrong end of the ship!

Try all the restaurants. It’s easy to find one you love and stick to that but there is so much choice and its fun trying new things. I am guilty of sticking to my favourite and have often been known to have the same appetiser on consecutive days.

Be flexible with your schedule. Eat at different times, have dinner in your stateroom or enjoy a long lunch and have an evening snack. Living in Europe we tend to eat later in the evening than most people in the US but this sometimes means we miss shows we want to see onboard so we often switch it up.

Try something different. Not usually a gym bunny? Why not give a class a go, or ride a static bike or walk on the treadmill, the views are amazing and it’s a chance to clear your thoughts.
Most ships have some kind of ‘walk the Atlantic’ group where people get together on the walking/jogging track and enjoy the fresh air, jointly logging the miles they walk.

Throw yourself into the action. A long Transatlantic cruise brings out the party animal in even the shyest of wallflowers. All those sea days give you a great opportunity to get to know the entertainment team. Even I have been known to enter a music quiz.

Savour every moment. I find the crossings fly by and before you know it you’re disembarking 🙁

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