That has been our experience too. Crossings that stop at the Canary Islands take a more southerly route, as opposed to the Azores. Much more comfortable. Recently, we have seen the big ships do a straight shot across with no stops. Haven't done one, so cannot comment on them. We are talking the later crossings , mostly in November, which come to the southern ports. There are also the crossings around Labor day for the New England season, did one and had no issues there.