chaswill Posted September 19, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 19, 2013 We are thinking about signing up for a transatlantic crosssing in April, 2015. Has anyone done a crossing? There will be nine days at sea and only three ports. We are thinking about just getting an ocean view vs. a balcony which would seem to be a waste because it might be too cool to use. What does everyone think? I would think that the pool deck would be too cold to use which would confine everyone to inside spaces! The rates seem good, but we are concerned about what to do on board for nine sea days. We would appreciate everyone's comments:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Knitter Posted September 19, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 19, 2013 This is the time to read books, catch up on your sleep, take cooking classes, etc. I knit and using make a garment each cruise I take. There is a needlepoint chat on mornings at sea and usually meet other crafters through the roll call. There are cooking demonstrations, lecturers and eating:). I had a concierge cabin veranda and loved it despite some cool weather. Enjoy whatever you decide to do with your time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimandStan Posted September 19, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 19, 2013 The general rule of thumb is that it gets ten degrees cooler once the ship is a day away from the continental land masses. Everybody has a different threshold for how cool is "too cool" but you will definitely see people using the pool and the hot tubs will be a.....er......"hot ticket". :p The pool deck is fairly sheltered, and the staff is alwaysbringing out extra towels, even blankets sometimes, to keep the lounge chair brigade snug. In fact, it will be crowded out there on sunny days. All kinds of extra indoor activities are planned. Bridge Instruction and organized play (for card enthusiasts), extra Trivia Sessions, Arts and crafts in the Loft, they will even show the occasional movie in the Riviera Lounge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tropicalkerry2002 Posted September 19, 2013 #4 Share Posted September 19, 2013 we couldn't WAIT to book another TA! We did the Nov Rome to Rio and used our balcony all the time; our next TA is April Miami to Barcelona. Doubt we'll use the balcony as much, but we still got one. As for wondering if there would be enough to fill our time on 9 sea days....the forced relaxation was heavenly! I sat on the balcony and read, smocked, daydreamed, snoozed. Enjoyed shipboard activities and tea. Did my speedwalking every AM. Had a couple of spa treatments. Wished the sea days would never end. We are doing a B2B in the spring; after the relaxation of the TA, the port intensive next 10 days will be a shock to the system! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubledobles Posted September 19, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 19, 2013 We do one every November (Barcelona to Miami) and love it. You can relax and read and attend the various activities mentioned above. Additionally, the staff has a "fair" (mid way) on the pool deck with various games and auctions, etc. It's fun to attend and participate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose King Posted September 19, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 19, 2013 On November 18, aboard the Riviera, we will do our 5th crossing. Each time it is a little different. For the most part we have had good luck with the weather. To us the balcony is very important. We love the ocean. Sitting out in the morning provides more relaxation than you can imagine. There are always lots of things to do within the ship and the staff will do its best to satisfy any needs you may have. And, if you are interested in pure cruising it's the least expensive cruise you can take on a $ / day basis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warburg Posted September 19, 2013 #7 Share Posted September 19, 2013 On November 18, aboard the Riviera, we will do our 5th crossing. Each time it is a little different. For the most part we have had good luck with the weather.To us the balcony is very important. We love the ocean. Sitting out in the morning provides more relaxation than you can imagine. There are always lots of things to do within the ship and the staff will do its best to satisfy any needs you may have. And, if you are interested in pure cruising it's the least expensive cruise you can take on a $ / day basis. We do one every November (Barcelona to Miami) and love it. You can relax and read and attend the various activities above. Additionally, the staff has a "fair" (mid way) on the pool deck with various games and auctions, etc. It's fun to attend and participate. We have already booked the 2014 TA from Barcelona to Miami while on Riviera in March. TA's are very relaxing and there is always something to do on board. On our last TA on Marina in November 2011, our balcony was usable nearly every day because we sailed the Southern route. With the exception of a day or two, it was hard to tell we were moving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChatKat in Ca. Posted September 19, 2013 #8 Share Posted September 19, 2013 We did a crossing in 2007 and loved it. We considered the concierge cabin and ended up booking the Penthouse. On our 2007 crossing we sailed south and we had great weather in the 70's every day. It was heaven to go out on our verandah and take a nap or on the pool deck. We too are on the November 18th sailing from Barcelona to Miami. There is a very active roll call thread for the cruise if you are going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuAnn Posted September 19, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 19, 2013 We have already booked the Spring T/A for '15!! We have been on many T/A's and have done 3 on Marina...this will be our first on Riviera. We are looking forward to what looks like a little different décor on Riviera (based on the Marina décor) . We LOVE the sea days...as mentioned already...so much to do...if you WANT on sea days...or just relax...it is your call! Come over to the R/C section if you make the decision to join us!! TBH...I always book a balcony;...no matter what the weather!! Just to have the extra room, sunlight and fresh air is so special....and to be able to go out and experience the ocean...it is heaven on earth!! LuAnn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ronrick1943 Posted September 20, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I love the sea days, so a TA is always great. We just got back from a Rome to Venice cruise and one day the Capt said we'd have to pass on a port due to weather. For most jit was not a happy day, for us we loved the extra sea day. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted September 20, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 20, 2013 This is the perfect ship and the perfect itinerary for an OV cabin. Unlike in the Med, for example, you will not get as much "good" use out of a balcony cabin on a T/A. On this ship the OV is identical to the balcony cabin - specifically, it has the same size glass window (but no balcony) as opposed to the OV cabin on R ships, which is a different story. Also, it is less expensive. However, if you really want the OV, you'd better book it ASAP as they go fast. Enjoy your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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