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Personally, we love the transatlantics, and the main reason is for the sea days. No alarm clocks, no set schedule, etc. And the rough weather is an added bonus!
Totally agree! The at sea days are the best part. Relax and enjoy the ship without constant, frantic shore excursions. My ONLY gripe about them is I've only done eastbound trips, and you have to keep taking an hour off your clock on an almost daily basis. I need to try a westbound one so I can ADD an hour a day!!😁
I would love to do this but it's so scary out in the middle of the ocean you have no help no Coast Guard and I don't care how big the cruise ship is it's the size of a toothpick compared to the ocean it seems very dangerous is it and how much does it cost
I went on a 10 day transatlantic cruise leaving Denmark and returning to Miami. One of the best cruises ever. I went solo and it was so relaxing. I had a balcony cabin and would wake up and watch the sunrise every morning. I went on NCL Getaway and they have a cool solo cruiser program but I didn’t really participate with the activities. I’m very much an introvert and ate all of my meals alone except that first night when I attempted to join the solo cruiser program. It wasn’t for me though it’s great if you want to meet people. There was one other night I went to a dinner show and ate with a lovely couple from Scotland. For the most part I kept to myself and enjoyed the scenery, read several books and walked around the ship. If I ever sail on another transatlantic I will definitely book a haven or a suite with another cruise line.
I sailed on the S/S Norway in 1984 for its transatlantic crossing from Philadelphia to Southampton, England. 10 GLORIOUS days on the ocean. Back then, elegant evening was EVERY NIGHT, no open dining, 1st & 2nd seating only, MIDNIGHT BUFFET with Ice Sculptures EVERY NIGHT!!!
The Norway, née France, was a real ocean liner. She was made for the North Atlantic. The only cruise ship that meets that role today is the Queen Mary 2. She’s also made for the open ocean with real waves, winds, and weather. They actually had to get a waiver from the current cruise ship rules for Safety of Life At Sea Convention. Her life boats are higher than other cruise ships, or huge party barges, of today. They need to be to deal with what Winter in the North Atlantic can build up to. The Norway was a great old ship. I was cruising back then and the Norway was a bucket list cruise for Caribbean cruisers. It was a shame when she had the boiler explode since not only did it kill a crewman but it killed the ship. It just wasn’t worth it to repair her to modern requirements. A lot of ships couldn’t keep up with SOLAS changes so they went to the breakers and we got the cruise ships that were basically RO-RO ships with prebuilt passenger cabins stuffed into each side. They are economically attractive and are fine for the usually benign seas in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Lots of VIP Elite members love transatlantic cruises because they’re usually cheaper due to less ports but still give them points. They’ve travelled so much already that they’re just there for the ship, the points and a cheap vacation
"All of the little giblets" made me lol. I haven't had an opportunity to do a cruise yet, but it will happen this year. You're helping me make the right choices. Thanks!
Disney spring transatlantic from Florida, across to Africa, through Gibraltar to Barcelona. Take it man! For those that love the peace at sea, gotta Love a "crossing", Atlantic and/or Pacific.
Appreciate the review. We were on the same cruise and we even met you and your girlfriend! I have to say that our experience was vastly different and we had a fantastic time, even with 75 mph winds and 21' waves! The cruise director was amazing and the staff did a great job, considering it was their first time serving guests. We went back on the same ship 3 months later and had the same wonderful experience.
I've eaten every pizza offered by every mainstream cruise line. I don't know what they do differently, maybe in the ingredients, maybe in their choice of ovens in their ships. What I can tell you with certainty is that for the best pizza afloat, it's MSC.
Never been on a cruise but I love these videos. So engaging and informative. One day I'll take the wife on a cruise and we will be researching with your videos!
What's your closest port? Royal Caribbean has amazing specials right now. For two passengers 5 days to the Caribbeans from Galveston, TX is like 735 total.
I don't know ur situation but please try ur best to get on one! Life is short and it's one of the BEST experiences u will have! I've only been on 2 and going on my third for my bday at the end of the month! Royal Caribbean has spoiled me! 😂
I was on that cruise. A lot of specialty sit down dining is free on that ship. The italian place, chebang, and guy's smokehouse are all free and are sit down full service and open during main dining room hours. For me, it represented a good value and I only ate in the main dining room during the evening 2 times over the 14 day cruise. Also, I heard rumors that a lot of stuff wasn't on the buffet because they had trouble sourcing product in the UK. Supposedly sourcing is different in Miami where she will be homed, so I would expect the food situation to get better. I noticed the pirate pizza did not have pepperoni on it when your ordered it. Seemed like some kind of salami? That was said to be a sourcing issue as well.
Just like you, Jay, I have always liked the darker, cooler and, yes, even rainy weather. I am 73, and hope to take a cross-Atlantic cruise on a Cunard line ship before my time here on this little blue ball is up! Thanks for this video.
In October (2022), we were on the 14-night Transatlantic from Barcelona to Miami on the Valiant Lady. (Our first Transatlantic.) We thought the sea days might make the time creep along, but they days flew by! We loved the entire experience. Our port call in Madeira was just not long enough to see the island, so we are going on the 13-night MSC Divina (via the eastern Caribbean) in May (2023) from Miami to Funchal and then spending two weeks on the island. It will be interesting to compare, but for sure, we are now Transatlantic enthusiasts--even with the rough seas we encountered between Gibraltar and Madeira. We aren't even ruling out the northern Atlantic MSC Divina 2024 Miami - NewYork - Bermuda - Azores - Lisbon crossing. For us, any cruise beginning and ending in Portugal is all to the good!
The problem is you're just going to leave wanting to spend more time in the Azores and in Portugal. I spent a week on Sao Miguel and a week in Lisbon and even that didn't feel like enough for each. I didn't even do Porto or the Algarve yet
@@jacksevert3099 Before flying to Barcelona for the Virgin Transatlantic, we spent about 3 weeks in mainland Portugal. We didn't see everything--not getting to the Algarve or the Alentejo--but we did thuroughly enjoy Lisbon to Coimbra to Pinhao to Braga to Porto and other gems in between. We'd like to get to the Azores one of these days. What a beautiful country. We are in Madeira now--day 5--and are simply blown away by the beauty not the wind! 🙂
@@tomg1247 ah now that is the way to do it. good stuff. I recommend the PR 8 Hike in Madeira or "Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço" if you have the time.
In 2019 I took a 19 day Trans Atlantic cruise from Copenhagen to New Orleans during October/ November on the Norwegian Getaway. This was my first transatlantic cruise, I loved it. The entertainment was great and despite the bad weather definitely would do it again. We had about 8 ports we visited.
Happy Belated Birthday J! I just got back from a trans-Atlantic crossing aboard Viking Neptune. Viking's newest ship. 14 nights also. Barcelona to Ft.Lauderdale. I live for sea days! The ship is the destination. Our captain steered us away from the storm & each day was warm with calm ocean. Trans-Atlantic crossings are you love it or not.
I don't think I'd cross the Atlantic on any ship other than the QMII or a cargo ship - cruise ships just are not made for what the North Atlantic can dish out (I used to work on fishing boats as a 1st Mate).
Totally agree. I've been on 4. SO DIFFERENT than a 7 day Caribbean cruise. Usually older passengers - fewer kids. More time to chill and relax. Not so many hectic, crazy stops and frantic time restraints - more time aboard ship. Not everyone appreciates that, which is fine. Definitely NOT for everyone....
@@Linda-eo3tl I feel different cruise itineraries attract different cruisers. I board Carnival Luminosa today for a 3 night to nowhere out of Brisbane Australia. My goal is to reach my #50 cruise by this time next year. This is #41 Stay Safe and Happy Travels
Exactly, it sounds nice in theory but it just isn't doable for people like me who are still working that 9 to 5. Especially if your job doesn't pay for vacation days, and it's all coming out of your pocket. I can do 5 days to a week at most, but no more than that 😕.
I’m the same with stormy weather. Our first cruise was a Caribbean trip with 3 ports of call. We were in choppy water for a couple of nights and I loved it. It helped me sleep 😂
Good afternoon. We were on this same cruise, and it was our first Transatlantic. We normally sail in the Caribbean, on Carnival or Celebrity. Because of my girlfriend's casino play, we were able to do this cruise for not much money out of pocket. I also enjoyed all of the ports we stopped in. I thought it was much more fun to get off the ship and be able to walk around in the towns without anyone constantly nagging you to come to look at their shops. The grocery stores were really good to shop in. I enjoyed your video!
Can you make a video explaining what is free on a cruise and what extra things you have to pay for? Like off ship excursions and on ship extra food,drinks,spa,tips,..do you have to make reservations for dinners ,can you eat whenever you want for free. That would be interesting to know
@@lenvella9541 ya well im new to the channel and thats what i like to see,is that ok with you? Maybe if a simple question like mine bothers you,maybe you should take a break from youtube or go see a therapist ,jesus christ,people cant even post a regular comment with someone getting upset about it.
@@Greenhead24 Well before writing anything try to learn the English language. The word is yes not ya. I made a statement and no it did not upset me try to understand what I said. As I said what you said or asked di not u[set me at all, but it appears that what I said has upset you so maybe it should be you who should take a break or see a therapist. Oh just thought are you American? I ask as in the US people seem to go to therapists for the slightest thing.
we are learning as we go also. There are channels like Jay's, there is Stanley and Lynette who also have excellent advice and Don T has a great channel. let me not leave LA Vida loca . they are all channels that offer a ton of cruise tips and advice. We chose any time dining on our upcoming cruise on carnival legend. Dinner in the main dining room is included. Some restaurants you have to pay extra, but the price for the steakhouse was only 42$. I think pizza is also included. most onshore excursions cost extra, but the princess cays one is free and includes lunch. Hope that helps.
I just recently booked my first cruise due to your videos (and one other RU-vidr) and a transatlantic trip was already on my bucket list before this video so I’d love to do that at some point too!
Hey Jay, we just got back from a 31 day (17 day trans panama canal to San Antonio de Chile +14 day ending in Buenos Aires de Argentina) cruise on board the HAL Oosterdam. The cruise got a little bit long toward the end. Staying home has benefits. I appreciate my own coffee more. I appreciate McDonalds where english is primary language. I liked the Falkland Islands stop.
This may be my cup of tea. As a prior Destroyer Sailor, on the Atlantic, I enjoy sea days. Watching this, and the rough seas, brought back fond memories. Larry from Texas
Sounds like it was a typical TA sailing. Usually filled with older line loyalists. Weather on those does seem to vary a lot and depends on whether it’s a northern or southern crossing.
I was surprised at your review on this cruise. I was on it with my daughter and we loved it. The center show area was impossible. Yes there were things that had to be worked out but that was to be expected. We ordered room service and got a pastry for over $5 and it was one of the small ones they have in the buffet dry and hard. We only did the mdr twice for dinner because we liked pig n anchor and chibangs. Lunch we liked the Chinese food in the buffet area. 😋 Breakfast mdr. As far as interviews went you can always find people to complain. Sorry you didn't enjoy it as much as we did. Of course my daughter makes everything fun.
LOL! Your giblets & pants comments were hilarious 😂. I took my first T/A earlier this year, NY to Southampton, and loved it. But it was an older crowd, including myself. I can understand your views. Happy New Year & Birthday to you🎉🍾🥂
Thank you Jay I appreciate your honesty that’s one of the reasons I listen. Never have been on a Trans Atlantic Cruise but maybe someday. My wife and I will be on a two week, southern, exotic cruise soon can’t wait to get to some warmer weather. These old bones let me know when the weather is changing. Take care and happy belated birthday young man. Enjoy enjoy enjoy
I went on a crusie for our honeymoon, we booked in October for hopes of rough season. We got a little with one sort of powerful storm but was hoping for it to be a little stronger. It was still amazing. But Def would love to have a little stronger waves next time. My wife got a little seasick too, but also loved it and wanted the storms too, just didn't expect seasickness. Luckily we were prepared and she did just fine.
We were on the same cruise. I loved it, but was cold until we got to the Bahamas. I was the person in a jacket or hoodie the whole time. Beautiful ship.
IIRC someone on the run squad said the total count of under 21 was something comically small like fewer than 50. The following cruise had something like 1600. But you kept seeing the handful of kids around the ship… mostly tweens. When I cruised on Celebrity Beyond in September, I think there were fewer than 10 kids on board, and 3 of them were under 2! I concur with your assessment of the buffet and the pizza. And embrace the salt with your pepper! It’s inevitable, so you might as well make the most of it.
I have been on two transatlantic cruises: first NY to Southampton and second NY to Istanbul. Both were rough and probably before stabilizers. (1950s and early 1960s. I was a child traveling with family to my father’s new duty station.) Since then I have been on many cruises. Only one was eventful, Baltimore to Canada. Cruised through two hurricanes. One going and the other returning. Nothing close to a transatlantic without stabilizers. I have cruised to the Canary Islands from Malaga, Spain and it was amazing. Next September my husband and I are cruising from Spain to Portugal and Morocco on Celebrity. The first for us in Celebrity.
Your vids are highly informative and u provide lots of details, making an enjoyable watch💪🏾 I've never been on a cruise but subscribing to your channel has more than piqued my interest. I'm looking to pop my cherry in May.
You may or may not be wearing pants?!? You are my soul brother! During the pandemic, I invented "door pants" (patent pending 🤣), so that we could all have some pants to throw on when the Amazon guy was at the door! 🤣😊🤣
I did a Trans-Pacific cruise on the Carnival Splendor. Best crew in the world!!! The seas were smooth like glass. The weather was warm until we hit Sydney, Australia.
Yesss I too love dramatic, stormy weather. It's such a beautiful display of Mother Nature's power, lest we ever forget who is really in charge around here, and I especially enjoy harnessing that power in meditations where I am doing specific energy work, such as manifestation or spell casting. ⛈🧘🏻♀✨
Had the same experience. The WiFi on the Celebration is AMAZING. I could walk about the whole length of the ship steaming HD content without it lagging or being interrupted.
Didn’t do a transatlantic but we did sail on the celebration in December. I agree with you on a lot of points, didn’t like that only part of the buffet was open, our wait in the dining room was too long, also didn’t like that the suite balcony extended out, as we were in a regular balcony, I could see them and vice versa (missed the privacy). Also, didn’t like the open theatre concept. But overall it’s a beautiful ship! I’m sure they just need time to work out the kinks
Another great video Jay! 👍 I watched the Celebration leaving over on Solent Ships channel! As a Brit, I do feel compelled to point out that Southampton isn't just outside of London though... Although I guess it would seem like it is when you consider the distance from an American perspective!? The UK must seem tiny in comparison! 🤣
Holy toledo! Was that you break dancing at the end there?? You're really freaking good that was awesome lol! Oh gosh and I'm wondering about the not very many choices in food there on that cruise.. the grocery stores here in Missouri are getting kind of low. I know it's winter and everything, but I believe the news said we're going to have a shortage in the marketplace. It"s the way the times are now. We are pretty much going through a recession due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine and all of that jazz. I bet that's why they didn't have too many choices like normal.... I know I talked to you before ,but I went on my first cruise last June and I am now hooked needless to say. We went on three excursions and I highly recommend that to anybody that's going on a very extended stay. That way you don't get too bored of the ship if you're on there for 2 weeks or more. I loved those excursions ! I got hurt on all three but it was worth it lol! I had the best vacation I've ever had in my life on this last Cruise. Now I would love to try this cruise ship and I love your videos you are so so informative, and I thank you so so very much ♥️ Oh snap and happy happy birthday to you! 🎸🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎂🎁🎉🥳🎈
Two things after finishing the video. 1) everyone's budget is different, but my personal rule is to always get a suite on any cruise with 2 or more sea days, or over a week long. Some of this is for the extra space, but also for the VIP service many cruise lines give so suite guests. For example, on the transatlantic cruise I had booked but had to cancel, I just assumed that I'd spend the transatlantic portion cloistered in my suite having dinner from the MDR delivered, while I sat in the balcony jacuzzi watching the waves go by. Balcony or interior rooms are fine when it's a short cruise or you have a bunch of stops, but it can really get difficult after a while. And the longest cruise I've cons so far is only 11 days! 2) do you have a video where you compare internet / Wi-Fi speeds between transatlantic and your "regular" cruise? Internet speed is tricky because it's shared among the entire ship (for business as well as passengers) and with there being a few thousand people on board, all it takes is a small percentage of them deciding to get on Netflix to turn an amazing connection into dial-up.
I was surprised to hear about limited dining options since on the sister ship the Mardi Gras and I believe your ship as well they have made ChiBang, Cuccina and Pig n Anchor free for all guests. The buffet is horrible on Mardi Gras so don’t expect the Celebration to get better. I think Carnival has failed miserably with the show venues. It’s almost impossible to get seats at any show. Too many people (6,300) and not enough seating even when doing same show 2-3 times a night. I’m pretty sure if they start to charge for the restaurants they will have an uprising because they can’t seat or serve that many people in the MDR. I got off my 3rd cruise on Mardi Gras yesterday and they still have problems to work out after a year of sailing.
J, the hubs and I are looking to book a Trans Atlantic cruise for our 30th anniversary, in 2024. Thank you for sharing your experience! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! Whatever you celebrate 🍾, make it a great one! 💜
New sub here, just discovered your videos and loving them. I have a lot to go yet but will watch them all eventually. Only 30 yrs old and had an amazing life around the world. I can only imagine some of your stories, lol
You['re right that Tenerife is an awesome port. I'll never forget the tour bus winding its way up a huge volcanic mountain, and stopping at places that seemed like absolute moonscape. 2023 will be 50 years since my first cruise, a round-trip TA from NYC-Tenerife-Dakar-NYC on P&O's SS Canberra. It was mainly to see a huge total solar eclipse on a sea day between Tenerife and Dakar. I was 15, went on the cruise alone, and shared a tiny bunk cabin with 3 randomly assigned strangers. Common bathrooms and showers down the hall. We had no balcony, no real window, just a glass porthole on the lowest deck with portholes. On a good day, you could stick your head out and watch the ocean racing by maybe 10-20 feet below you at 26 knots, 30mph. On a bad day, the cabin steward would have the porthole bolted shut and you would be getting a nice underwater view a few times per minute! The decks were unlit at night, so you could see the Miky Way and more stars than you've ever seen. Is a TA cruise a good choice for a first cruise? Probably not for most people. But doing a double TA as my first, with 2000 fellow solar eclipse chasers onboard, worked for me. I paid for it all myself. The 16-night cruise was $500. I had $100 of spending money in my pocket, with firm orders to reserve $15 for the cabin steward and $15 for the waiter. I spent $10 sending a telegram to my parents after Dakar at a pre-planned time to say I was alive and well. 2 days later, I found a note that it hadn't been sent, due to not filling in "county" on the form. By then I'd lost $10 in the casino (before being banned due to age) so I took a refund of the $10, and instead placed a collect phone call to my parents, which I think cost them more than $10 lol. They were happy enough that I was alive, that they didn't make me pay for the call when I got home. Nothing like having a kid report in 2 days late after you let them go to Europe and Africa alone!
Wow, imagine, $500 for a 16 day cruise? My oh my, inflation has really taken its toll. You can't even do one of the 3 day cruises from Miami these days for that.
That's an amazing story! Did you get a good view of the eclipse? I experienced totality back in 2017 for about 2 minutes and 20 seconds. It would be awesome to see it from the ocean.
I'm kind of on the fence about doing another cruise. After my first experience several years ago with my now ex-wife, I had thought that cruising wasn't for me. After having watched this gentleman's videos, I'm seeing that there are different "vibes" to each cruise line and ship, so I'm thinking I'd like to try again. My first cruise was 5 or 6 days out of Miami to Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. I didn't like how crowded it was. Honestly, I'm not really a fan of cruising, but what I do appreciate is that if your goal is to see a bunch of countries in one trip, then your food and hotel accommodation is essentially pre-planned and taken care of. So then you can enjoy the port days and take in the sights without worrying about transportation and hotels.
I did my first Transatlantic in September on the new Prima. I also probably would not do again, but based on the weather. I would try the other way also, from the U.S, because it is in the spring.
Thank you for the video. I would like to do a trans Atlantic cruise one day and there really aren't enough videos from vloggers about their experience so this was really helpful.
Goodness.. we are doing a transatlantic in November out of Barcelona. Can’t wait. I’ll admit I enjoy a dark gloomy day with storms. Should be an experience. Thank you for your content. 🎉
Personally I would never pay that type of money for a half ass experience. Its there responsibility to have things in working order, we just make excuses for these companies that charge a arm and a leg for the experience.
“Giblets” and “young bucks” lol 😂😭 my wager is that you AREN’T wearing pants. …also love how you slipped in the breakdancing at the end 😹🙌🏾 very impressive
Just back from a cruise on Carnival Splendor and the best part of that cruise was the Main Dining Room! My Time dining took no more than 10 minutes every night and the food was very good. Large ships will always have long wait times and lines and that is a big no-no for me.
