A transatlantic cruise, commonly known as an Atlantic crossing, is one of the most appealing values in cruising. Avoiding jet lag is a significant benefit—your body slowly adjusts to new time zones as the ship’s clocks change everyday. These cruises provide leisure, breathtaking views, and slower speeds, making them ideal for tourists looking for a balance of luxury and excitement.
However, first-time cruisers should be mindful of some particular hurdles, such as multiple consecutive sea days, fluctuating weather, and limited port stops. Proper planning can make the experience easier and more pleasurable. Preparing well in advance allows you to make the most of your trip, from selecting the ideal cabin to deciding what to take. This guide explores crucial recommendations for preparing for your first transatlantic voyage.
Pack Carefully
When traversing the Atlantic, the weather can be uncertain. Plan on layering up in case of cool conditions and windy decks. However, don’t forget warm-weather essentials like shorts, swimming suits, a light jacket, and a hat. It is always a good idea to pack at least one formal outfit for your trip, specifically if you love to dress up for dinner.
Some evenings on cruise ships are more conventional than others, but this depends on what you want to do and which places you want to visit on board. The most effective advice of practice is to pack for the weather and consult an average annual temperature chart for the month you will be reaching the port of call.
Carry Seasickness Remedies
The Atlantic sea can be rough, and while ship captains have several alternatives for managing storms and choppy waters, even veteran cruisers with the strongest stomachs should be prepared in case. Even if you don’t usually get seasick, we recommend packing something to relieve any potential discomfort, such as Sea-Bands or motion sickness drugs.
Some cruises may feature stabilizers to help with the ship’s motion, and other times of year may be better for a transatlantic cruise (such as summer), but if you’re concerned about becoming sick from the constant motion of the water, you might need to try a different sort of vacation.
Bring Entertainment
On regular repositioning cruises, lines may provide additional activities to keep passengers occupied on all of those consecutive sea days. But there’s only so much trivia, Texas Hold’em, midday naps, wine sampling, and mini-golf one can take. Think carefully about how you want to spend those long days at sea.
While cruise ships provide entertainment, be sure to bring your own. Many passengers pack supplies for portable hobbies including knitting, needlework, drawing, and sketching. We suggest packing any interests of your own that you might want to take with you on the ship, such as books to read.
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Consider Your Cabin Type
Do you have a preferred style of cabin? Will you be comfy in that cabin if you spend a lot of time there? As with any trip, having a balcony can make your stateroom appear larger and allow you to sit outdoors in your bathrobe or take in some fresh air. But, due to harsh weather, ocean waves, a constant view of water, water, and more water, as well as the rare sea bird, you may not use your balcony very frequently.
If the price is acceptable, book a cabin with a balcony. However, if the expenditure necessitates foregoing anything else that might otherwise make the days at sea more enjoyable, get some fresh air on the deck.
Know the Dress Code
The majority of ships have laundry facilities as well as in-cabin laundry lines for you to wash and wear. However, unlike a cruise with port breaks, on a transatlantic voyage you will not be able to visit a shop if you forget to carry an evening gown (or tuxedo) for formal nights.
Some ships have formal wear in their shops, and some will even rent crucial parts of formal ensembles, but make sure to check the “what to bring” list and dress code before you set out.
Wrapping Up
Transatlantic cruises provide a one-of-a-kind combination of pleasure, adventure, and value for travelers willing to brave long days at sea and variable weather. With proper planning—from packing wisely and preparing for motion sickness to selecting the ideal accommodations and bringing personal entertainment—you may have an easy and memorable journey.
