Trans-Atlantic advice

Hello everyone,

my wife and I are considering a Nov TA crossing after previous SB Caribbean and Med cruises. I've been searching through older posts to get an idea of what to expect, especially when it comes to weather. Correct me, but it seems like it can be highly variable, and we're okay with that, it's just that I really enjoy spending time lounging outside on the deck, and in the pool. If it were not for the pool I'd properly gain ten lbs.

So, from TA'ers experience, is there a moderate chance that the temps could be warm enough to lounge topside without wearing a jacket? Will the pool be open on moderately calm sea days, or is it a rare occurrence?

Lastly, how is the Internet connectivity on crossings? I know that it can be lacking at times, but that's to be expected.

Thanks in advance, Tom

Absolutely. They take the Southern Atlantic route which is much milder. I've done ,any crossing and time by the pool is usually a given. Of course, no guarantees.

That's just what I want to read. I'm a big believer of "hope for the best, plan for the worst!" thank you wripro

We have done a number of transatlantics - southern rather than northern. We've been lucky enough to have lovely sunny weather. The worst choppiness was on an eastbound, after Madeira and before entering the Med, and even then it wasn't too bad.

Thank you for your contribution patnlcc. One step closer to making a decision. Tom

We also love sea days when there is always a full onboard programme. You can participate, or not, the choice is yours. Sea days are soooo relaxing. Do give it a try, am sure you will love it.

I'd echo other posters. We've done five Southern crossings and had good weather (high sixties to low 80s )on approx 9 or 10 days. IMHO, the seas and weather are rarely good on the couple of days between Madeira and (often) Lisbon. It's such a lovely trip, azure skies, a really convivial atmosphere and party spirit - you do hear the odd story of dreadful crossings , but the worst conditions we had only lasted two days.

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We have also done three crossings in combination with other segments and have loved it. I agree that the area near Madeira and through to either Lisbon or Barcelona tends to be the most vulnerable to rough seas. We love the sun and pool deck and normally spend the whole crossing outside with exception of one day randomly for weather. It's a great trip to R and R on!

We just did a TA on the Odyssey in December and most days we were sitting outside. Have done several in November and April and never had major issues with the weather. As said by others the roughest seas often are in the Med.

Dear SB sailing friends, thank you for the information, we very much appreciate it - will hopefully be making the booking today! :)

FYI, we'll arrive ~5 days prior to embarkment for sightseeing in Portugal and southern Spain. All new territories for us. Thank you again! Tom

Enjoy the crossing. Chances are it won't be your last.

Many people do TAs almost exclusively. All those long, relaxing sea days certainly have a different and convivial atmosphere giving everyone a proper chance to meet and socialise. We've always enjoyed good weather most days although as others have said, the eastern end of the voyage can sometimes be a bit lumpy. TAs are usually less expensive too.

I agree with Rusty, TA cruises are so relaxing in spite of a few bumps in the night or day.

We've done a few southern crossings and the weather was generally quite good. You'll have sun and warm temps near Florida/Caribbean. In November less warm near Europe. We've had some choppy seas, but it lasted no more than 36 hours. Will do it again in April from Ft. Lauderdale to Southampton, and then again in November from Barcelona to Miami. Looking forward to both (although neither is on Seabourn - wait how did that happen?).

Thank you fellow travelers.

We are booked for the Oct TA! - I thought it was in Nov for some reason.

See you aboard at some point. All the best, Tom

We were on a TA this past December on the Odyssey. Had many beautiful sunny days. Internet was fine. I usually went to Seabourn square to use , as the signal seemed to be better than in the suite. Really enjoy the sea days.

We were on a TA this past December on the Odyssey. Had many beautiful sunny days. Internet was fine. I usually went to Seabourn square to use , as the signal seemed to be better than in the suite. Really enjoy the sea days.

Thank you for your response wesport!