Sailing on Constellation Oct. 25 - 14-night transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale. Stops in Malaga, Gibraltar and Madiera before 5-day crossing; then St. Thomas and Nassau before reaching Ft. Lauderdale. Any idea re weather (temperature and conditions), especially during 5-day crossing? Do we pack for winter, summer or something in between? Thanks.

Are you kidding??? It is so miserable once you leave Europe. Did you wonder why you got such a good price on a 14 day cruise? It's freezing, and the sea is usually very violent. Other then that you should have a good time.

Have heard from several people (via other message boards) who've made transatlantic crossings this time of year and they've all experienced mild temperatures and calm seas. Is your response an assumption or have you made such a crossing?

I KNOW you will have a wonderful voyage no matter what the weather! I "crossed" last March from Ft. Laud. to Madiera Island and it was the most fun I've EVER had cruising!!! Sea days are fabulous!When in Funchal don't forget to go to The Reid's Palace Hotel (5*) for lunch! Very easy to catch a taxi. (all cabs are yellow Mercedes)Funchal is now one of my favorite's in the world!Truly a magical island! I'm "crossing" again next March! I think taking the "Southern route"---to Ft. Lauderdale is perhaps easier and smoother sailing compared to the"Northern route"<BR>Have a wonderful time.....it will be a memorable voyage!! And unforgetable!!

I forgot to mention "the clothing issue".....when we crossed the weather was sunny and hot, but you might have a few days of rain. I would take a couple of "wind suits"....certainly a warm sweater for hanging a'round "top-side".A<BR>"jogging suit" would come in handy. At night, during the crossing, we found everyone "dressed" for dinner....Dinner was considered the "high light" of the day! Again, you will loveeee your "sea days!" Have a great time! M.B.H.

Plan on it being cool for at least 3 of those 5 days. As for rocky - - you are getting out of the hurricane season by that time of the year, but with any transatlantic crossing plan on rough weather. We were on the Summit in May doing a transpacific (Hawaii to Vancouver) and the ship handled the seas so well that there were times I had to check over the balcony to make sure we were moving? I'm sure then that the Constellation will handled the seas quite well.

Okay. let's make it specific.. we are crossing on Sept. 8th from Harwich to Boston on the Brilliance of the Seas.. would shorts be appropriate for inside attire during the day? There aren't any hurricanes in sight in the tropics that are presently on their way north..

lysolq,<BR><BR>Please don't listen to that poster above telling you it will be freezing. It's probably a troll. Once you leave Madeira Islands you will cruise along the Tropic of Cancer and eventually below it. That's where weather becomes sub-tropical. You should have pleasant temps anywhere from high 70's to as high as low 90's. There is always a chance of rain closer to land, usually not in the middle of the Atlantic. And it's hurricane season, but don't worry, the captain will adjust the route if that becomes necessary. Also keep in mind that a ship could out-run any hurricane. The ships top speed is about 22-24 knots, whereas the hurricane usually moves at a snail pace of 5-10 knots per hour. FYI a hurricane starts as a tropical depression of the western coast of Africa, picks up moisture and wind intensity as it crosses the Atlantic and usually turns into a tropical storm or hurricane once it comes close to land in the Caribbean or eastern coast of the US. <BR>So don't worry, I would be willing to bet that you will have perfect weather on your crossing. Enjoy your cruise!

ParrotMom: you are sailing the Northern route; mostof the clothing answers are to questions on the Southerne crossing. We sailed last September fromLondon to Boston and never found a day suitable for shorts. You will be in the cold North Atlantic and days may be sunny but also cold. I advise layers, expecially for on-deck activities and shore excursions. Iceland is cold, period. Leave the shorts at home. It is a glorious cruise, by the way.