Dreaming of an unforgettable escape? Consider a transatlantic cruise, an awe-inspiring journey across the vast Atlantic Ocean. Packed with relaxation, exploration, and endless entertainment, transatlantic cruises offer a unique way to travel between continents.
If you’re a first-time cruiser, fear not! This guide will equip you with all the essential tips and tricks to ensure a smooth and thoroughly enjoyable transatlantic cruise experience.
C
ruising is so much fun and after my first experience on a transatlantic cruise, I want to share some tips that will help you if it is your first time!
1. Compare & Contrast:
Before booking, I spend a lot of time researching different cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. This helps me figure out the best fit for me. I prioritise ports of call and duration because I want to see as many places as possible and spend more time in bucket list destinations. Some great resources to compare cruises include Cruise Critic, Bolsover Cruise Club, Royal Caribbean, and P&O.
2. Cabin Location:
I book my cabin well in advance to get my preferred location, but I always set a budget first. You have choices like interior or balcony cabins, with restricted or open views. You can pay extra to pick your exact room, or you can save some money by letting the cruise line assign you one. If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. On my recent cruise, I opted for a high deck (deck 11) in a mid-aft location (near the back). This worked perfectly for me – I loved the higher ocean view balcony! Be aware that some balconies face inwards to the promenade, not the ocean.
3. Pack Well:
Check the cruise line packing guidelines so there are no surprises when you get on board. This helps me understand what’s not allowed on board and restrictions on things like bottled drinks. There’s no maximum on what you can pack, so bring everything you need! However, if you’re flying to the port, remember airline luggage restrictions can be a pain. On my last cruise, I had to travel from England to Barcelona, and next time I’m sailing from England (Southampton), I’m definitely packing a bigger suitcase!
4. Activity Planning:
Once onboard, I keep a close eye on the daily schedule to plan what activities I want to do and at what times. This also helps me pack accordingly. For example, if I know I’m going zip-lining, I pack trainers. You can usually find previous cruise compass schedules online to get an idea of the activities offered. Unlike my husband, who’s happy relaxing with a book on the balcony, I participate in almost everything!
5. Sea sickness:
If you’re prone to seasickness, pack some motion sickness medication. I bring some Kwells with me “just in case,” but luckily I don’t need them. I do see a lot of people using seasickness patches behind their ears, though.
6. Record your spending:
Set a budget for your trip and keep track of it all because if not, the bill at the end will be a shock. We had an app that included all the expenses to monitor. Another tip would be to pre-pay for packages before sailing which is what we did. This would lock in lower prices and keep track of your spending. Cruise lines offer prepaid beverage packages, shore excursions, and other options to help you save money. It can be so dangerous to keep adding things to a never-ending tab!
7. Follow the onboard rules and guidelines:
The muster drill location is a must-find when you get on the ship but the instructions are very clear. Make sure you’re aware of the onboard rules and guidelines, safety procedures, and smoking policies. Dress Codes should also be followed eg formal dining, but compared to sailings back in the day, they seem to be more relaxed and smart casual was a trend when we sailed.
8. Stay connected:
Most cruise lines offer onboard Wi-Fi, but it can be expensive! If you absolutely NEED to stay connected, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package or using a data roaming plan. We definitely feel the withdrawal symptoms of being disconnected from the world on our transatlantic crossings. In the end, we opt to pay for a short-term package per device just to keep in touch with family back home and do a quick scroll through social media. It definitely helps us feel less anxious!
9. Check In Early:
Use onboard facilities early by checking in early eg swimming pool and restaurants. You can even just familiarise yourself with the ship way before it sets sail.
10. Have fun:
Remember… have fun and relax! Take advantage of the onboard amenities, food, and activities, not forgetting the scenic views and meeting new people!
I hope these 10 points help you prepare for your first-ever cruise or refresh your knowledge for your next one! Enjoy!
“Sunset at Sea”
