Transatlantic Crossing

[Ed Wudz]

We are looking to book a repositioning cruise from Barbados to Southampton in March on P & Oand wondered if anyone could share their experiences of the weather and general experiences of this type of cruise.

[Rum Rat]

Been there. Done that. :):):)

 

The worse bit is at the start. Getting your luggage to the required weight :mad:

 

Then the Airport and the flight out. Airport hassle :eek:

 

Our flight wasn't too bad, we were expecting faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar worse

 

Arrive Barbados. SUPERB. Off the plane straight into a coach and next stop the ship. Luggage follows.

 

Then?

 

Plain sailing and just enjoy the Islands you are visiting and cruise back to Southampton. No worries re weight.

 

You are doing it the right way round!

 

Mike

[BrianI]

We have done two of these, flying and out and sailing back and the seas were calm both times. The weather gets progressively cooler each day after you leave the Caribbean but still warm up to the last day or two. Lots of relaxing days at sea but always a lot going on on board.

P&O operate a free coach service from Southampton back to your departure airport if this is of benefit to you. You should book this when you book the cruise.

Brian

[Denarius]

Did it the other way 2 years ago, sailing out and flying back. Usual efficient embarkation at Southampton was followed by gradually rising temps as ship sailed to Tenerife then across to Caribbean. Clocks gradually put back an hour at a time - good for late nights and lie-ins at sea.

[cruiseluvva]

We have done it both ways - and in fact are on Azura's repositioning cruise this March. I can't say we prefer one way over the other, though the return to Southampton does mean no jet-lag - but it does mean losing an hour for 5 of the nights on the cruise back.

 

For us, these cruises are the very best as they are so terribly relaxing. And as a bonus they are always pretty cheap! We have always been lucky with weather and last time we cruised back from Barbados - in 2007 - we were still able to sit on our balcony the day before S'ton, albeit wearing a fleece.

 

Go for it!

[u2cruiser]

We had a great time last year; October's repositioning on Ventura. Excellent weather all the way after the first day at sea. We enjoyed it so much we are doing the same this year, on Azura this time. The extra hour you gain each night of the crossing is brilliant. :)

[Ed Wudz]

Thanks to you all for your input - we've booked the cruise.

Brian your info re: coach back to airport was invaluable - we had no idea of that, we've booked it. Without your input we would have booked a train - many thanks!!!

[fue-fue]

Thanks to you all for your input - we've booked the cruise.

Brian your info re: coach back to airport was invaluable - we had no idea of that, we've booked it. Without your input we would have booked a train - many thanks!!!

 

We did repositioning cruise on Artemis Oct/ Nov 2009. Booked through local travel agent & couldn't fault the price but they didn't know about the free coaches either. But did tell us about the coach that could be paid for! It was our 1st cruise & luckily found out about it from P & O brochure. TA wouldn't /couldn't book it for us but I booked it direct with P & O with no probs.