clarasong

We really like to take Transatlantic cruises; Besides the obvious reason, that you can enjoy a luxury atmosphere without the huge expense, we think it gives us a unique opportunity to experience the 'sea' for a prolonged interval.
Every day is a 'sea' day, and you get an opportunity to meet and know folks, enjoy down time, reflect and learn, read and rest, etc, that you don't have when you have ports of call, excursions, etc. Perhaps even a rare opportunity for inner reflection--to get to know yourself.

We have done several, mostly on small ships--there is usually no entertainment, as such (perhaps a small musical combo for dinner dancing), but a well stocked library, games, videos, maps, etc. It takes about 2 days to get into the flow, establish a pattern for the day, and truly, truly relax.

How about you? feedback from others is appreciated. We are planning on taking the Nov. crossing from Lisbon to Barbados, if all goes well.

abram

The idea doesn't appeal to me. There are so many places I want to see that I don't want to "waste" time on a vacation doing nothing.

spurs

I'd love it. The big advantages are low price and only one way flights to/from Europe. But I'd choose a large ship with lots of activities to fill the sea days.

Hagan

Will let you know when we return. We're going on a 14-night cruise Ft. Lauderdale - Barcelona on RCI's Navigator of the Seas next month. We're also looking forward to down time with just 5 ports.

ParrotMom

This is our 4th trans-atlantic.. our third from Barcelona.. In Sept. we aredoing 14 days from Barcelona to Bayonne, N.J. with stops inMalaga (love it), Casablanca, Lisbon overnight, Cadiz, Porta Delado..and 5 days at sea..I agree with "clarasong" rare opportunity for inner reflection--to get to know yourself.,,,The opportunity at our age to get a tase of various counries and ports.and we do things usually independently...and for me.. the days at sea.. calm.. reading watching the world go by..Oh yes, being taken care of, no cleaning, no birds, no dogs, entertained, cooked for...and just generally being pampered.. And in case you say we don't have enough time at the ports.. we are returning to Malaga a hidden jewel...and Barcelona an exciing vibrant city. Best of all it's affordable...and the best buy..shhh don't share tht with everybody else..then cabins are hard to get..

Debi

Did one Transatlantic cruise. 1969. France to New York. Hurricane Camille coming up the Atlantic. 'Nuff said....

RoamsAround

I'm not the world's biggest cruise fan to begin with but the idea of being stuck on a ship, big or small, for several days just doesn't sound appealing at all. But then again, I'm not one who goes on vacation and never "leaves the resort" either.

ParrotMom

Guess there are many of us who are just trans-atlantic crazies..Just booked another trans-atlantic for November 2009..sea days are our favorite.. Have never had a bad day cruising trans-atlantic

awayami2

We are also going on the 14-night RCI Navigator of the Seas, Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona, in mid-April. The "at-sea" days were the decider for us. All that extra time to just relax, but, if we desire, lots of activities too!

LarryT

My first transAtlantic was in the early 60s aboard SS Americe from New York to England. Of course, was a GI at the time and was December. Not a pleasant experience - very rough seas. Since, we have done one from Spain to Tampa, FL and really enjoyed it. Now are booked for the Carnival Freedom in mid April from Miami to Rome. This will be the largest ship so far and think it may be just too big (too many people). Will have to rethink our next one but 'sea days' are GREAT!

patsy120

I've done several and love them. Relaxing but still lots of day time activities during the day if you so choose. I prefer the smaller ships (700 passengers or less). Good value, really great!

cruiseluv

I am getting ready to go on my 3rd TA,this one from FLL to Barcelona, in April. !6 days: 7 days at sea and 9 days in ports/sea.

My othere two were the QM@, NYC to Southampton which we really enjoyed and in November 2007 we did the Regent Grand crossing on Voyager, MonteCarlo to FLL.
I prefer the east-west crossing as you gain 1 hr almost everynight. I loved that!

It's also so relaxing to ahve those days at sea. And they go very fast!

suzski

I'm on my 26th year in the US Navy and, as such, have had many "at sea days" (at a rock bottom price, I might add!). Therefore, I am all about the ports, and I choose my cruises based on itinerary.

halemu

We've only done one - last year from NYC to England on the Queen Mary 2. It was top notch in all regards - the cabin was large and comfortable, the food superb, facilities and entertainment great.
And we are not 'cruise people' - we don't like to be cooped up on a ship nor to lounge around a pool all day, so our praise of the QM2 is surprising!

sandals

Until cruise ships stop dumping their waste directly into the ocean, I will not take a cruise. I know only one person will not make a differentce, and that we produce waste which must be dealt with here on land as well, but to foul the ocean, just for recreational reasons seems wrong to me, when scientists tell us that the pristine waters of the world are a thing of the past. I wonder why more tourists do not think of the impact of dumping the waste of small floating cities directly and repeatedly into the ocean, no matter how far out. I know this is a complex issue, and I hope that more tourists will at least do their own research on this before booking a cruise.

Barbs44

We are anticipating our 5th TA cruise in September. We have gone twice eastbound and twice westbound. Even though the seas have been slightly rougher in fall, we still prefer the eastbound. We have booked theses cruises after an extended European cruise with lots of ports and use the TA as a way to unwind on the way home. And the deals are usually so good on a TA that it sometimes works out as a bargain, especially if you book early enough to get a good rate on the one way flight to Europe. (Kayak has helped a lot with this).
As to waste dumped in the ocean, the lines I have been on all have promoted their "Green Programs" where all waste is contained. They don't even want you to drop a paper napkin overboard.

Pendolino

We took the QM2 from New York to Southampton in September. Cunard assigns its meals by class of service, which some might consider a good thing--others might not think so. We went Brittania Club class which meant we had our own assigned table for two at each meal. We are both well-traveled professionals who have left the work force and don't find the idea of being with hoards of people charging off the boat into every port of call for a sip of the local culture particularly attractive. Also, we like the idea of dining when we want at our own pace instead of being at a table with strangers with various ideas of what and how to eat and with what beverage, if any, to accompany each course. Being interviewed throughout each meal answering questions of where we were from, what we do/did, number of children, and destination does not make for fine dining, in our opinion. We enjoyed the spa, the lectures, and the other entertainment and found five days at sea totally relaxing. We would, as another commenter said, prefer the Europe to US route as you really never catch up to the hour lost each night. Would do it again in a moment. Hope this helps.

MuffinLee

What is an inexpensive transatlantic line for people who just don't want to fly?

spitz

This is a question for parrotmom, how was the weather on the De. crossing, we are thinking of doing this in 08. We like the itinerary and think this is a good way to see Morocco, could you post your experience.

Thanks

cary999

I like transatlantic cruises, been on three. It is the FLIGHT(s) to or from I don't like.

regards - tom