I Just Spent 7 Days Crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a Cruise Ship 

I have done 3 transatlantic crossings and never had a problem with rough seas. As for boredom... NEVER! Love the relaxation of sea days and freedom to do whatever I want!

I would love to do a transatlantic cruise. I wouldn't be bored. I like my own company and always find something to entertain myself. What is better than a week of no work, no cooking, no cleaning, etc? Just relaxing, fresh air, going to eat when you want, being able to enjoy a good book, sounds like heaven.

When I was 5 years old I crossed the Pacific from Oakland, CA to Okinawa (Japan). It was supposed to take 14 days but we hit a typhoon outside of Japan and that delayed us a week! 21 days with only one day in port in Hawaii. The typhoon was incredibly rough-they strung ropes in all the public areas of the ship to hold onto to walk. Everyone (except my mother and I for some unknown reason) was seasick, including the sailors. Waves reached the higher decks and tragically washed away kennels holding pet dogs being transported. As a little kid I don’t remember too much boredom. There were play rooms for younger kids and older kids. I remember watching the same few movies for kids over and over (this will age me but the movies I saw again and again were Pollyanna and Dumbo). And playing with the games and toys we brought aboard. There was a “sloppy green dragon” ceremony for adults crossing the international date line the first time. I remember a playground for kids in a big cage so nobody jumped off a swing overboard. There was formal dining on tables with rims so plates and cutlery didn’t slide off the table in high seas. The ship was commissioned as a WWII troop carrier so the cabins had bunks and no luxuries except portholes that opened. When my dad joined us for the last leg from Yokohama Japan to Naha Okinawa, it was very hot, and there was no AC. my dad and I took a nap with the porthole open for air, but the waves were still high, and suddenly a wave sloshed into the porthole and right over my dad in the lower bunk😂😂😂 It’s been a very long time but a very memorable ocean crossing.

I know that enrichment lectures are not for everyone, but I like them. I love learning new things. This is also why I don't like people basing what their experience will be based on strangers. You see a lot of that happening on YT, FB and CC. You don't know those people or if they are anything like you. It's important to take it all with a grain of salt and judge for yourself. I'm glad you are having a good cruise. I look forward to the port reports!

I love sea days. The transatlantic going eastward loses an hour almost every day. When I did the HAL 115 day World Cruise in 2016 we went westward all around the globe and so we enjoyed gaining an hour every few days. The long cruises have a fascinating mix of passengers who have the time to speak with the other passengers. There is no sense of urgency to do this and then to do that. It is a very relaxing and enriching experience. You become part of the "family" on long cruises. I have had maitre d’s sit with me at my table for 2 for more than a half hour towards the end of the late sitting. We got to know each other. This is also one of the benefits of being a solo traveler who is also disabled. The HAL ships are my destination. When I can’t find a long cruise, I do back to back to back shorter cruises from 14 to 21 days. The mix of passengers are not as friendly on these shorter cruises but the staff really gets to know you.

We did a TransAtlantic in the fall from Rome to Miami. First 1/2 there were many stops in the Mediterranean so pretty hectic schedule. The second 1/2 sea days were very relaxing. We really enjoyed the cruise. Seas were more rocky since it was the end of hurricane season but nothing extreme. I just closed my eyes and imagined I was in a porch swing and drifted off to sleep. Thanks for your review.

I think this is now my dream trip. Thank you so much for sharing it - especially the sea checks!

I've never done a transatlantic. However, I am looking forward to 6 consecutive sea days to Vancouver. Lots of ship activities along with taking naps, reading, or just relaxing. Anyone who gets bored needs to get comfortable in their own skin.

I have done several transatlantic cruises and enjoyed all of them , to me being on a cruise means spending time at sea and actually spending time with other passengers who become friends and not just a hello/morning /goodnight/goodbye person

Hi Tony, loved the condensed version of the daily wave report. Good job on the painting behind you. A man of many talents, I see. Can't wait for port pictures. Enjoy, stay safe, and watch out for wobbly legs after 8 days at sea.😊

On our way to Australia last fall we had 3 segments of 5 sea days, really loved those days! It’s all about your mindset. We loved the more laidback time! Thanks

I prefer a week of sea days over 10 to 12 hours on a plane. (Just booked a South Pacific round trip from LA because we prefer the 8 sea days over flying back from Sydney.) Lots of folks just don't know how to enjoy time aboard ships and taking part in activities AND the the more 'motion to the ocean' is what we like. It makes sleeping so peaceful and keeps the dining areas from being too crowded. 🤫

We did a Transatlantic Cruise 6 years ago, and I totally agree with Tony: sea days are great! You can do as much or as little as you'd like, but the ships offer much if you want to fill the day. They are especially good for long cruises (our TA was 15 days). My wife considers sea days "no stress days." On sea days, you can sleep in and not worry about being out late the night before and then having to get up early for an excursion. You have time to get to the gym and keep in shape for those busy excursion days. We spent hours on sea day walking the promenade to get our steps in and just enjoying being out at sea. Plus, most TA cruises are repositioning journeys, so they are the best value in cruising: our cruise was $950 for 15 day. It's cheaper than flying to Europe coach, if you have the time. And you're not jet lagged when you arrive.

Hi Tony! I’ve done 2 transatlantics and I plan to keep doing them as my schedule allows. I enjoy being out on the ocean. Looking over vast expanses of water amazes me. I’ve not been bored. I enjoy trivia, lectures, and finding a deserted area to read a book. It’s next to impossible to read at home. (Nothing brings a family member in for conversation like me picking up a book.) I’m happy you’re enjoying your cruise!

Our first cruise ever was Transatlantic in November 2016, and it whet our appetite for more - we had rough days for 4 out of the 7, waves crashing on the 3rd deck windows, and winds howling (so much so, when we opened our balcony door and the stateroom door at the same time once, 2 panels on the ceiling were blown out of place!!), it was fantastic!! Boredom is a personal choice and we were never bored, always something to see and do.

Done several crossings in both directions. The best ship was QM2, handled some pretty rough seas from New York exceptionally well. However if you do encounter rough seas, it’s usually only for a day or so. Agree, the time goes by pretty quickly on a transatlantic! As you’ve got limited time in Dover, I can recommend visiting Dover castle with its secret war time tunnels.

We have done 2 transpacific cruises and we love the sea days. Never bored and always enjoy learning stuff at the lectures/presentations. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

My wife and I have always talked about taking a transatlantic cruise someday. That's definitely on our Bucket List for our retirement years. Thanks for sharing your experience and "branching-out" into some new stuff!

We loved our Transatlantic, the seas were very smooth! The hubs spent the five days of the crossing sitting on the balcony reading, I ran around and did activities. There was something for everyone!

I've never thought about a transatlantic cruise, this sounds fabulous, and so relaxing!

Did a transatlantic last year from Fort Lauderdale to Rome. We loved the crossing, plenty to do as well as time for just relaxing. Halfway through the crossing, we won a cabin upgrade to a suite. What a wonderful experience. Our sea days were very much like Tony showed. Will definitely do this again! Joe from Florida!

We have done about 10 TA, from Europe to USA or Canada and vice versa. We have travelled with different cruise lines, usually at the April or October sailings, but sometimes also in December, then mostly with Cunard. Of course the later in the year the higher the chance of bad weather and choppy waves. But we have also had super smooth sailings without ANY waves. We just love Transatlantic sailings - the next one to start next week! So much looking forward to it. Always relaxing, but also always something to find on the program. For us it is a super way of spending a cruise - we live in Europe! Greetings to you, Tony 🙋

Welcome Tony have a good time in UK and enjoy

A transatlantic cruise is on my bucket list. My very first cruise was in December 2007, in the Caribbean, and we had 20 ft swells. We made it through that cruise and we are ready for a transatlantic cruise within the next couple years. Thanks for sharing your experience on your first transatlantic cruise.

A mental-health professional once said to me: "There's no such thing as boredom unless you're bored with yourself." How true. If you love being at sea, how could you possibly be bored? Add to that a couple of good books and a pair of binoculars. What more could anyone want?

Sea days are our absolute favorite on a cruise. You get the advantage of arriving with no jet lag as you’ve gradually adjusted to the time change. We’ve sailed around Hawaii and then back to the US and it was wonderful, Trans-Atlantic is on our list…..but I think I’ll cruise around Europe and sail back to the US so we get the relaxed sea days on the end.

I've been on 5 transatlantic cruises and love the sea days. We play games, do ship activities, read extensively and just count my blessings. I did enough port intensive cruises in the 80s and 90s.

I've been on many transatlantic cruises and especially enjoy the sea days. My favorite is the progressive trivia, points usually totaled over 7 sea days. There are also many other fun or interesting activities throughout the day. Also we can usually get a balcony room on a 14 day transatlantic cruise for less than $75 per day.

We've done 7 transatlantic cruises and have 3 more planned. Love them!! Only one had rough seas, and that lasted 4 days, but I've had just as bad in one of our Caribbean cruises.

We just came back from our second transatlantic cruise from Galveston Texas to Barcelona, Spain . We went in the Voyager of the Seas reposition cruise from May 1-16 , 2024 . Not bored at all . We had a blast and unforgettable experience with so many amazing people ( around 3,700) with the crew. We flew back to Texas via Chicago after few days in the Barcelona hotel Alfa that I also recommend for their cleanliness and great transportation service shuttle to the Barcelona airport . Thanks Eva and Robert ❤

Happy Saturday Tony!!!! I haven't done any Atlantic crossings. But, have always been told that the seas would be different from a Pacific crossing. And the three times I did the Pacific crossing. I couldn't complain about the seas. I wonder if the time of the year has anything to do with it? 🤔 But with the way the weather has changed over the earth the past few years. I'm not sure anymore. Great to know that there was lots for people to do or not to do. 👍 Looking forward to any clips of your time on shore in Europe. 😃

Done a couple- loved all the sea days! So relaxing

I've done 3 TA cruises and LOVED them! The slow pace each day, no rushing...for me was perfect. I'm also physically disabled and have issues with different ports being accessible or not so for me, staying on a newer ship with many accessibility features. Well, its what I look for in cruising. But I know everyone is different....bring on the sea days!!! lol

We have our first transAtlantic scheduled for next April. We had a great transatlantic scheduled before COVID but that got canceled. Our plan was to take the transatlantic over and instead of flying back take the Cunard line back . Glad to get your positive report. I am so feed up with the airlines. The Airlines level of greed and lack of concern for passengers is unconscionable. I will cruise in both directions if at all possible. Thank you again Tony for your positive report 😊

We've done at least 25 transatlantic crossings on different cruise ships - from small (500 pax) to very large (3500 pax), with 7 or 8 different lines from Regent / Silversea to Princess / Royal Caribbean. Weather conditions ranging from flat calm to hurricane (P&O Arcadia) and had two breakdowns en route (QE2 and Fred Olsen's Balmoral). Favourite ship for the route is the Queen Mary 2, preferable grill class. Worst experiences have been on the giant "party holiday" ships, not because of the weather, but because they are designed for port intensive "party" cruises - no quiet spaces, no library and with infantile quizzes and revenue earning activities in every space. In over 65 cruises (including world cruises) its possible to put up with a less than ideal ship if it gets you to those exciting exotic places (Rio, Sydney, Amazon, St Petersburg, round Cape Horn, Cape Town, etc) and the Panama, Suez, Kiel, Corinth and Cape Cod canals, but being on an ocean crossing Atlantic or Pacific is when the ship itself matters. You don't want noisy, cramped cabins, all day background pop music, bingo or infantile quizzes or hard sell activities in every on board space - you want quiet, comfy uncrowded spaces to watch the sea, chat or read (or drink!), lots of serious subject talks / lectures, a decent library, adult entertainment, recitals, a good choice of dining venues and, when the weather is fine - quiet sheltered outdoor spaces with full size comfortable loungers. Ideally have a cinema too (not those on all day, flashing, noisy, giant outdoor screens).

You're living my dream, Tony! Sea days!!!!!!

I just did a TA on the Sky Princess solo. Arrived in Southampton 2 weeks ago. It was amazing! Even with 2 of our 3 ports being cancelled. Now my husband and I are doing another TA on Celebrity Silhouette this week. Loving life, that's for sure!

Are you cruising back home or flying? The trans-atlantic cruise is definitely on my to-do list. Once. Happy to see the weather cooperating. Enjoy!

Hey Tony, Tampa here. I was on a trans about six years ago, CCL/BREEZE from BCN to MIA. Waters were extremely calm, and never felt the ship move once. It was like we were sitting idle on a skating rink. The Captain would do his 12 noon announcements, and tell us he has never sailed a transatlantic this calm. Good for us. However, the six sea days were a bit much for me. But, I would do it again in a heart beat. Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

I've done three crossings - two Atlantic and one Pacific. in the 20-some cruises I've been on, I've only encountered really rough motion in the North Sea from Copenhagen to Oslo (so not a crossing). I love sea days. I go to the lectures and other activities. And I get to relax in ways that I can't do at home and on land. I look for crossings because I love them!

I’ve never done a transatlantic, but my first cruise started with five sea days sailing from North America to Hawaii, and I loved it! Sea days are awesome! There was always plenty to do on the sea days, and as much as I enjoyed our several days sailing around Hawaii, I missed the laid-back freedom of the sea days, when I could participate in activities, see shows, etc. when I wanted or just chill on my own schedule. I hope I can do a transatlantic cruise someday.

Love sea days. This is a bucket list trip for me. Looking orward to the rest of your trip. Happy travels.

We've done 4 TA's and love it. So glad you had a good experience on the best of the dam ships!

Never done a transatlantic cruise, but I don't think I could ever be bored on a cruise ship (unless I was confined to my cabin/stateroom). Great video! 🎉

A transatlantic cruise is on my bucket list. Looks pretty good 😊. Can't wait to hear more! ❤

Thanks for the video, Tony! Connie & I did a transatlantic in 2019 on the Regal Princess, which then continued on to do the Baltic, including 2 days in St Petersburg Russia. We loved the sea days and were really glad we got to experience St Petersburg, especially given the situation with Russia now. Some of our sea days were rougher than what you showed, but I loved it! I'd sit at a window seat in Vines, have some wine and a snack from the International Cafe, and watch the waves roll by. Plus I love sleeping when there is more motion - really puts me to sleep at night. Connie loved it too.

The one transatlantic cruise I have had the opportunity to take was one of the highlights of my travel experiences. I had to find a highlighter to mark the daily activities I didn't want to miss. Took country line dance classes, zumba classes, ball room dance class, and even sang in a choir and we put on a concert for the ship. We watched movies every night under the stars by the pool, attended lectures and went to the weight room or swam every day. I would. (and want) do it again in a heart. beat!!!!

What an AWESOME experience! Thank u for sharing…. Maybe I’ll get on one some day!

Did it on the harmony of the Seas. Loved it! The big ship has a lot to keep you busy too! Would definitely do it again. Our seas were fairly mellow also

It was great to see your New York , Titanic memorial & daily ocean condition vlogs.We are looking forward to seeing the rest of your adventure! Safe travels

We have done one crossing from New York to Southampton, UK, on the Queen Mary 2.For me it was one of the nicest times of my life. We took the cruse in January and the seas were not to kind and my wife was sea sick pretty much the entire trip. If you have never experienced a cross Atlantic sail, do it on the QM2.)

We did one transatlantic. Loved all the sea days!! Brought a calendar page along so I didn't lose track of the days!! We got into a nice little routine. Slept in late, breakfast or lunch, cruise activities, nap time, late afternoon ice cream and cookie, clean up for dinner, show before late dinner then usual night activities (music, etc). Did some reading and had some nice quiet time! We had some rougher waters as we neared Ireland. Didn't get sick but hindered mobility!

We enjoyed our first transatlantic cruise going from NY to the UK, especially the dog and cat kennel; and the fabulous lectures! Never bored.

Using the far edge of the lifeboat, versus the horizon, you had some pretty smooth sailing. The Caribbean had way more movement.

My wife and I have stopped flying and now do only transatlantic crossings. We love it, arrive in Southampton with no jet lag, and are always ready for a great vacation in the UK or EU. Thanks for this great video.

I have done 2 transatlantic cruises with Royal Caribbean, and looking forward to repeat the experience. Best 7 days at sea! Plenty onboard activities, relax afternoons, and the opportunity to enjoy the balcony.

I’m hoping for a ship tour before the end of this cruise. I have enjoyed your sea days and thankful that you said you weren’t bored. Can’t wait for your port stops! Thank you for your great blogs.

I switched to HAL to avoid the crowding last year (due to Covid) and we loved it. Everybody was surprised that I was going on a cruise! My sister decided to join because everything I do, she can do better. We had a blast! 🎉

I made my first transatlantic last November, 18 days from Rome to NewYork and LOVED it… the relaxation is at its maximum level. I am now looking into a transpacific for my bucket list…

Loved the 8 sea days, we did not get board at all. Attended every lecture of Bill Miller and found him to be extremely fun to listen too.

It’s so cool you’re getting to go in this journey!!! Definitely, on my Bucket List. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and views with us. You’re very much appreciated.

Ive done 6 and loved all of them including a v-rough one all brilliant great way to slow down and relax, needless to say cant wait till the next one!

Glad you have enjoyed the crossing. We have done several transatlantics and have had both rough and calm seas but still enjoy the crossings. The hard thing to decide is which way we prefer----we like the return to the US after exhausting ourselves in Europe but we hate the overnight flight so sailing to Europe is good too and helps the jet lag. Enjoy the rest of the trip!

I was worried about rough seas, thank you for showing me that isn't always the case! I would never be bored, love sea days. Enjoy all of your excursions, see as much as you can. Wishing more fair seas. Great job videoing!!

Wonderful video! Very informative! I will have a Transpacific in October (HAL Vancouver BC to Hawaii and back) so I really appreciate YOUR video, Tony! Learned a lot from you. Glad you are enjoying your trip! Thank you!

Hi Tony. I've not done a long crossing yet. The seas didn't look so bad. I enjoy a little motion, especially when trying to sleep. Lot's of thing's to do all day. As always thank you for all you do.

Looks like fun, I love sea days! I would have been hesitant only because I've never sailed Holland America, but hearing your review, I would go for it. You had me at "enclosed pool", I love to spend days by the pool and I know it's not really pool weather in April. As long as I have my pool (and pool bar), and a few classes, trivia, etc. by day, and shows or musicians to watch by night, I'm happy.

We have done one transatlantic and have another one booked for next April. Our trip took a more southernly route as it ended in Barcelona.Perhaps,we too were lucky, as I don't recall any really rough seas. We were not bored. Our crossing had a stop in Bermuda before we really got going. The only thing I didn't really think about before we sailed was how windy it was across the pool deck each morning. It seemed to lessen as the day went on. (Maybe influenced by my glass of wine at lunch??😄) Looking forward to the next 16-day adventure.

My aunt and uncle did a transatlantic voyage on the Rotterdam last year. They had a good time. My uncle said that he liked all the sea days. Me, my parents, as well as my aunt and uncle are going on a Panama Canal cruise on the Island Princess at the end of the month. I’m so excited!

I like the painting in the background on the wall of your stateroom. Good work! 👍

We've done eight transatlantic crossings (so far). We absolutely love them! Most were eastbound crossings in late March/early April), but three were westbound crossings from the Mediterranean in the fall: one in mid-October, one in mid-November and one in early December. Most were southern crossings to/from the Med, but two of the ones in April were northern crossings to the UK or Scandinavia. As to rough seas? Can only remember a few isolated periods of rough seas among the 125 days we've spent on transatlantic crossings: a little bit on a December westbound southern crossing, and a little bit on an April eastbound northern crossing. That's it -- and none of it was really rough. Also, we are never bored on these cruises because all of the ships' venues are up and running all the time on sea days, and cruise director's staff is also in full sea day mode with lots of activities throughout the ship.

Thank you for the video & the views of the seas. I'll be doing my 1st Transatlantic cruise over to Europe in 2 weeks & super excited!

I love sea days. I just can't imagine getting bored with all the planned activities. I have a Rome to FL coming up. Sooo relaxing.

I have dine 3 transatlantic crossings. I have one scheduled in 2023 and 2024. I love sea days. They are so relaxing. I usually hit a storm in the crossing. You were lucky w the weather. Glad u enjoyed it.

I did a transatlantic crossing last year and loved it. Got 2 more scheduled for next year. All are Europe to USA so you gain time instead of losing time. Need to schedule one USA to Europe sometime.

i plan to bring needle crat projects when i go. i am looking forward to knitting/crocheting/stitching while enjoying the motion and sounds of the ocean.

We have been on 2 TA's and love them. We have one booked for April 24. Love the time on board with no pressure enjoying the ship and just relaxing. We always expect some rough seas but have never been that bad for us. There is always something to on the ship or not to do, we like that.

We completed a western transatlantic as part of a back to back on the Nieuw Statendam a few years ago. After a port intensive tour of the Mediterranean, the trip home was welcoming and laid back. Time to relax and reflect. I did cruise the North Atlantic in the winter of 1968 aboard a 311 ft. Coast Guard Cutter. We had waves breaking over the bow and clearing the top deck of the bridge. Yes, the North Atlantic can be quite brutal in the winter months.

Fantastic show today. Love the info. I now want to do trans Atlantic cruise. Thanks.

We love sea days. We usually stay onboard for most of our cruises. Your painting reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night. You might have another hidden talent.

Would love to do a transatlantic cruise. I enjoy the time onboard. It's very relaxing.

My husband and I did a transatlantic cruise from New York to Rome last spring and I have to admit that it was my favourite cruise (my husband loves cruises and I don't!!) I would definitely do it again! The sea was calm and we got sunburned. It was the most relaxed that I have ever been on vacation!!

Thank you Tony… I definitely enjoyed this video a lot… Thanks for sharing and posting🚢

Looking forward to our first transatlantic journey hopefully verysoon,great informative videos Thanks

Love ur interpretation of Starry Night in background 👍 🎨 🖌

I too have done 3 transatlantic cruises, one just last month. LOVE them. NEVER bored! Our cruise last month missed 2 ports because of weather and we didn't mind it a bit. 2 more sea days!

Great to see and hear about your trip. I have a transatlantic cruise on my bucket list so I hope to do one soon.

Doing a Christmas time crossing on the QM2 and can’t wait for it.

I truly appreciate the 7 days of seas check. I was always curious about that. Thanks!

We did a transpacific from Hawaii to Vancouver and it was the most relaxing cruise I ever experienced!

I always looked for cruises with no more than 3 consecutive sea days, but I do look forward to one day taking a transatlantic cruise. Good video and thanks for sharing.

I’ve done one transatlantic on the Celebrity Edge and I loved the sea days. They do go quickly. Rough seas are a function of the weather, not the fact that you are crossing the Atlantic. I’ve experienced rough seas on many cruises including eastern seaboard of US.

Thanks for sharing Tony, enjoy the rest of your cruise 🤚🏻✋🏻

Great info about how they handle the time change. Have a great day!

We love transatlantic, we have done 4. Love the sea days with all of the extra entertainment. One September we had rough seas because there was a hurricane south. We loved it!!!

I have been on several transatlantic cruises. My first was on the QE2, when I was 10 or 11. I had a grand time. Although the ships were not as kid-friendly, it was early enough that there were still families traveling to Europe. I loved driving the wait staff crazy with my odd dinner requests. I recall one very, very bad evening at sea when we were listing terribly; my father and I were among only a few passengers in the dining room (my mother as in the cabin, unable to move!) - well, I ate to my heart's content - the crew loved me after that and remembered me every cruise after. Transatlantic can have its challenges, but it is a great experience - I was never bored.

Looks wonderful and relaxing. We have never done across an ocean.

Been waiting for this video!! 🎉🎉 LOVED the daily sea check! Will show to my hubby who is nervous about how much motion we’ll get on our TransAtlantic next month. Seas were not bad at all for your crossing!

I've never done a transatlantic. Thank you for the information and videos of the sea. That's what concerns me. Enjoy Tony!

We did a TA 5 years ago, and our experience was much like yours. Our group of 6 liked it enough that we are leaving on another one Saturday. Our greatest enjoyment in cruising tends to be time on the ship, so we love sea days. Also, our group brings games to play and works together at trivia time. Hope to do more in the future.