Transatlantic cruises have been a favorite of Reva and mine for many years. As I am writing this blog, we are actually on our 8^th Transatlantic Cruise sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. We also have 4 more crossings booked! In this blog, I hope to give you a glimpse of what these cruises are like and why they are a great deal.

Background:

Most of the cruise lines that operate in North America, sail in the Caribbean Sea during the winter months and then move the ships to Europe for the Summer season. That means in the Spring, 40 or more ships leave ports (mostly in Florida) and sail to Europe (mostly Spain or Italy). Then in the fall this same migration occurs but in the other direction. These cruises usually are around two weeks long and sell at a deep discount to typical cruises. Since there are so many cabins available and the sailings occur during the school season in North America and Europe, these ships are rarely full. There are some notable exceptions based on the cruise itinerary, but they are mostly they sail at 50% capacity or less. There are inside cabins on ships this fall with inside cabins available for less than $500 a person for two week voyages or around $35 a night per person. Often, if you have the time, cruising to Europe can be as cost effective as flying. Even if you chose to book a large cabin or suite, you will probally pay less than what you would for a one week cruise during the high season. We find the best web page to use to search for these cruises is www.vacationstogo.com although we usually book with www.crucon.com.

How do we spend our days?

On a transatlantic cruise, about half of your days are at sea and the rest will be in a port. The days go fast or at least at the pace you want them to. On sea days, there tends to be many many activities and special events, including guest lectures. For us, the days tend to go quickly. I usually get up early, workout, hit the hot tub, shower, play trivia and climb the rock wall (on RCL Ships). By then its probably lunch time. After lunch, I will usually write, work on stocks, plan other trips, or maybe catch a lecture or movie or participate in some ship activities … like bumper cars or laser tag. Sometimes, I may read or nap in the room or just sit outside and watch the ocean go by. In the late afternoon, we usually get ready for dinner, play afternoon trivia and then go to a lounge for happy hour and to talk with friends; old, new and future. After dinner, its time for the casino, dancing, and attending shows.

Are Religious Services celebrated on board?

Each cruise line is different, but on RCL, Priests are on board the ships for transatlantic and other long cruises as well as during the holidays. Mass is available daily on sea days and on Sundays. Non-denominational services are also held as well as Jewish religious services on Saturdays. The Priests are a nice addition and particularly a favorite of the crew, who routinely do not get an opportunity for religious celebrations. The Priest mentioned that religious staff are always available on Holland American Cruise lines. Also, when in Port on a Sunday, attending a religious service in a foreign Country can also be a highlight. Even if you don’t understand the language!

What Ports of Call do you visit?

One of the pleasant opportunities on Transatlantic cruises is the ability to visit some ports which are not easy to get to. In Particular, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Funchal are normal stops across the Atlantic. Often, American based ships may only visit these locations once or twice a year. Typically, you will have 3-5 ports often at the end or beginning of your adventure. Of course sometimes, like today, we are in a port like Marselle, France, with five other ships and it si better to enjoy the ship with almost everyone off of it.

Is it rough? Do you get seasick?

Modern ships tend to handle high seas very well and have stabilizers to reduce the rolling motion of the ships. However, most times you will feel a slight movement but not much. Additionally, several of our transatlantic cruises have had very calm waters and low winds. The Captain will always try yo make the ride as smooth as possible. Rarely, we will learn of a passenger or employee getting sea sick, but not often. We take nothing for seasickness and never have had any problems…..and Reva gets carsick often! Of course, storms can arise and some of our friends have had a rough day or two.

How do you avoid gaining weight?

We tend to have only two meals a day. Usually, lunch and dinner. We have learned that we do not need to try to taste everything and are more likely to only eat when we are hungry. I actually tend to snack more at home, where I am not as active. Often on port days, we will have breakfast and then grab something light in the port. Also, we never take the elevators on ship. This way we tend to maximize steps. Its not uncommon for us to have 20,000 or more steps daily on sea days and much more on port days. Reva likes to walk every morning while I work out. On some ships, as little as two laps equates to a mile. Usually, our weight doesn’t change or comes right back to normal after just a few days back home from cruising. The old saying that you will put on a pound or more per day of cruising is just garbage. It really is personal choice. We probably sailed 150 days over the last year and maybe I gained 2 pounds total……not 150!

How do you avoid not overspending on board the ship?

Refer to my other posts regarding booking your cruises at the best price. On Board, we usually plan our expenditures closely. We do not use the spa services, or eat at the specialty restaurants (unless we have a free coupon). As for drinking, we tend to have drinks included on most ships. If not, we bring our own on board (nost lines allow you two bottles of wine per cabin) and then drink only in the ports. As for the casino, we limit the money we spend daily. The internet can be expensive, so we share our internet on board the ship. Or phones work on land so we will take care of most business when we are near shore.

What if you get sick on-board or hurt?

The ships have medical staff and facilities. They are expensive but available if you need them. Having travel insurance either independently or through your credit card is worthwhile. You should verify that you have medical coverage worldwide. Also, if you do get sick and on the ship, the captain can make arrangements to have you airlifted or dropped off at a port along the way. This happens on most transatlantic cruises to someone.

What do you do before or after the cruise?

We like using the ship as transportation. So we tend to spend one or two weeks exploring other areas or regions. Europe is fascinating and there is so much to see. Whether you want to hang out in Tuscany, drive around Croatia, ride the busses in London or visit Castles in France; its easy to build a trip in front or or behind a cruise.

What do you pack?

Its nice to get on a cruise and unpack. You are pretty much welcome to bring as much as you want on a cruise ship, and we have seen people bring ridiculous things…..bikes, surf boards, even game of thrones costumes. However, if you want to travel and plan on using trains and planes; you want to pack as little as possible. Its easy to wash out items on the ship and there are laundromats everywhere around Europe. Carnival Cruise ships and their family of companies, have self-serve laundries on-board as well. We travel with about seven days worth of clothes and wash them weekly. If we need anything else we just pick it up along the way. We each bring one 21 inch wheeled carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Often, we see inexperienced travelers trying to get 4 large bags up train station stairs and onto a train. I know they regret bringing too much.

Transatlantic cruising can be very relaxing and enjoyable. Cruise ships have become our favorite means of transportation. This is far more enjoyable than flying! If your schedule allows it, you should give it a shot. You will find that you have more time to get to know other passengers and the crew.