Princess Cruises is offering a 17-day transatlantic voyage on Regal Princess for as low as $1,599 per person
By John Roberts
We love being on the go in our travels, always trying to stay busy, see as much as we can. Of course! That's what it's all about, right.
But I admit to sometimes wanting to just take it easy sometimes too. Every so often I want to chill and recharge and replenish my wanderlust reserves.
A transatlantic cruise offers you the perfect opportunity to set your own pace on a sailing. Here, I highlight 13 reasons to love what a transatlantic crossing has to offer. Been on this kind of cruise before? Tell us why you like them -- or why you don't -- in the comments at the end.
1. The cost: Transatlantic crossings or repositioning cruises tend to be priced way below the average itinerary that features a lot of port stops. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, offers a 14-day voyage this month from Barcelona to Miami, with stops in Madeira, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, on Norwegian Epic, for $999 per person.
2. Longer trips: Retired or need a long vacation? The sailings generally last more than a week. And some itineraries give you a nice mix -- front loaded with port stops, followed by a batch of sea days while you cross the Atlantic Ocean. For example, Princess Cruises offers a 17-day maiden voyage this month starting at $1,599 per person as the line brings its brand-new Regal Princess from Europe to its homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise starts in Venice -- with stops in Messina, Naples and Rome, Italy, and France, Spain and Portugal before heading across.
3. Sea days: The sailings offer a lot of sea days -- up to six in a row or more -- giving you a blank slate to set your schedule as you wish to relax, play or do whatever you choose.
4. Catch up on reading: What could be better than sitting on your balcony, poolside or any other quiet area you find on the ship to crack open that book you haven't had time to get to or revisit a favorite classic. Maybe you're a writer. A transatlantic cruise gives you tons of time to crank out your next piece.
5. Get fit: With an abundance of workout equipment and other exercise options of the latest ships, you can turn a voyage into a wellness vacation. Take part in the fitness classes offered or break in those new sneakers on the jogging track as you enjoy the views of the blue skies and waters.
6. Brush up on your trivia: You can join the multiple trivia contests hosted onboard in the lounges. The prizes handed out (pens, keychains and other trinkets) won't inspire you, but we always have fun and meet new friends when participating.
7. Enjoy the spa: Check out the ship's spa services. You deserve a massage, don't you? Couple massages, teeth whitening, aromatherapy, seaweed wraps are among the services I've seen onboard.
8. Pool games: The ship's activities staff work hard to keep the fun going poolside. Even if you don't aim to participate, you might find yourself suddenly having a great time on a team for pool Olympics or volleyball or amazed that you were thrust into the spotlight as a contestant in a belly-flop or hairy legs contest. It can be a blast, whether you are in on the action or simply watching.
9. Get wet: With so many sea days, you now have ample time to try out all the swimming pools and hot tub areas.
10. Tour the ship: Not so sunny out or maybe you need a break? Head to the ship's library to peruse the magazines, books and games. We've played Scrabble, cards and dominoes on some of our sailings. Many ships also have impressive art collections or unique decor as part of their design. Wander around. You'll probably notice something new every day.
11. Nap time: No guilt here. An afternoon nap helps me rejuvenate so I can finish the day strong!
12. What to watch: You have days with no set schedule hustling around in port, so there is time to take a break from the sun for an in-room TV show or movie. Many ships offer free flicks on-demand in your room. Some also feature movies on the big screens in dedicated theaters on the ship or on the pool side screen.
13. Beats flying: If you want to get from one continent to another, a transatlantic cruise offers a neat alternative to a flight. The cost per person can be fairly comparable, but way more relaxed. Plus, it has meals and activities and a comfy bed included. If you have the time, a slow trip across is ideal compared with a hectic cramped flight.
With all those seas days, you won't have to choose which of these to do. You have time for all of it.
Thanks for reading, and travel happy!
JR
We love being on the go in our travels, always trying to stay busy, see as much as we can. Of course! That's what it's all about, right.
But I admit to sometimes wanting to just take it easy sometimes too. Every so often I want to chill and recharge and replenish my wanderlust reserves.
A transatlantic cruise offers you the perfect opportunity to set your own pace on a sailing. Here, I highlight 13 reasons to love what a transatlantic crossing has to offer. Been on this kind of cruise before? Tell us why you like them -- or why you don't -- in the comments at the end.
1. The cost: Transatlantic crossings or repositioning cruises tend to be priced way below the average itinerary that features a lot of port stops. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, offers a 14-day voyage this month from Barcelona to Miami, with stops in Madeira, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, on Norwegian Epic, for $999 per person.
2. Longer trips: Retired or need a long vacation? The sailings generally last more than a week. And some itineraries give you a nice mix -- front loaded with port stops, followed by a batch of sea days while you cross the Atlantic Ocean. For example, Princess Cruises offers a 17-day maiden voyage this month starting at $1,599 per person as the line brings its brand-new Regal Princess from Europe to its homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise starts in Venice -- with stops in Messina, Naples and Rome, Italy, and France, Spain and Portugal before heading across.
3. Sea days: The sailings offer a lot of sea days -- up to six in a row or more -- giving you a blank slate to set your schedule as you wish to relax, play or do whatever you choose.
4. Catch up on reading: What could be better than sitting on your balcony, poolside or any other quiet area you find on the ship to crack open that book you haven't had time to get to or revisit a favorite classic. Maybe you're a writer. A transatlantic cruise gives you tons of time to crank out your next piece.
5. Get fit: With an abundance of workout equipment and other exercise options of the latest ships, you can turn a voyage into a wellness vacation. Take part in the fitness classes offered or break in those new sneakers on the jogging track as you enjoy the views of the blue skies and waters.
6. Brush up on your trivia: You can join the multiple trivia contests hosted onboard in the lounges. The prizes handed out (pens, keychains and other trinkets) won't inspire you, but we always have fun and meet new friends when participating.
7. Enjoy the spa: Check out the ship's spa services. You deserve a massage, don't you? Couple massages, teeth whitening, aromatherapy, seaweed wraps are among the services I've seen onboard.
8. Pool games: The ship's activities staff work hard to keep the fun going poolside. Even if you don't aim to participate, you might find yourself suddenly having a great time on a team for pool Olympics or volleyball or amazed that you were thrust into the spotlight as a contestant in a belly-flop or hairy legs contest. It can be a blast, whether you are in on the action or simply watching.
9. Get wet: With so many sea days, you now have ample time to try out all the swimming pools and hot tub areas.
10. Tour the ship: Not so sunny out or maybe you need a break? Head to the ship's library to peruse the magazines, books and games. We've played Scrabble, cards and dominoes on some of our sailings. Many ships also have impressive art collections or unique decor as part of their design. Wander around. You'll probably notice something new every day.
11. Nap time: No guilt here. An afternoon nap helps me rejuvenate so I can finish the day strong!
12. What to watch: You have days with no set schedule hustling around in port, so there is time to take a break from the sun for an in-room TV show or movie. Many ships offer free flicks on-demand in your room. Some also feature movies on the big screens in dedicated theaters on the ship or on the pool side screen.
13. Beats flying: If you want to get from one continent to another, a transatlantic cruise offers a neat alternative to a flight. The cost per person can be fairly comparable, but way more relaxed. Plus, it has meals and activities and a comfy bed included. If you have the time, a slow trip across is ideal compared with a hectic cramped flight.
With all those seas days, you won't have to choose which of these to do. You have time for all of it.
Thanks for reading, and travel happy!
JR
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