Transatlantic - Europe - NA - Europe?

[SockPuppetPrince]

Hello, I would like to hear your opinions about a transatlantic voyage.

 

My wife and I are thinking to take some time off from our busy life.

We live in Sweden, and my wife, who has a severe flight anxiety have only traveled by train/ferries/car through her entire life, so she never traveled outside Europe.

 

I really miss a grand adventure (I'm a travel addict and backpacked around the world for extended periods of time).

 

I'm starting to plan now a trip in a way that will allow my wife and I to visit the US via transatlantic cruises. We have a limited budget, but a lot of free time.

I thought to take a repositioning cruise from anywhere in Europe (we will get there by train+car) to any where in NA, as late possible in 2016.

We will then travel by car in the US until the first repositioning cruise that will take us back to Europe.

 

This will be our first proper cruise. We have only been in student cruises around the baltics (it's a very nice student tradition here, where they book the whole ferry with 500-600 drunk students, and it's essentially a 4 day long college party on a boat).

 

My questions are:

1. Is there a place I can see all transatlantic cruises below 600 US$ sorted by date, so we can choose the latest cruise to the US, and earliest cruise back to Europe (we wish to be in the US no longer than 3-4 months, if possible).

 

2. If we can't find a repositioning cruise back to Europe early enough, and we don't want to spend 5-6 months in the US, how much will a regular transatlantic crossing will cost, how often do they go, and are those available also to the European mainland rather than to UK only?

 

3. About dress code, I read the guide to cruise dress, and I want to make I got it right. We are both super casual and laid-back people, we even held our own wedding in t-shirts and jeans :D

We will still be able to eat dinner in normal every day clothes? Is it just the main dining hall that requires formal dress, but we won't starve if we don't have suits/evening dress?

 

Thanks a lot!

 

Eric.

[KirkNC]

Hi Eric, welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

So to try and answer you questions.

 

1. There are two types of transatlantic (TA). First are repositioning cruises. These are usually spring (to Europe) and fall (to the US). Many lines do these. The second type is regular back and forth TA and Cunard is the only one to do that. I think as you do research it is going to be tough to find one however for $600 per person. I have seen Cunard at $799 per person but there are add ons to those costs. Here is one site that gives you some options.

 

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise/Advanced?v=G

 

2. I think the website above will help answer this.

 

3. Dress code is dependent on the line you sail, very few if any however allow t-shirts and jeans in the main dining room. They all have alternative dining options such as a buffet or room service that would allow that. If you end up on Cunard, do be sure and review their dress code as they are the most formal of any line.

 

Hope this gets you started.

 

Edit: the link does not load 100% correctly, you need th select Destination as transatlantic and make the Number of Days 7-9.

Edited April 8, 2016 by KirkNC

[SockPuppetPrince]

Hello Kirk and thank you for your reply,

 

The search categories in the website you linked are not so convenient.

Actually it's the same for almost any cruise search engine I tried.

 

I finally found one that allow multiple selections, but even that doesn't let one choose a price limit.

 

But based on that, I was able to find for example:

 

From Europe to US leaving late November for $549:

 

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas

Departing From: Malaga

Departing On: Nov 19 2016

Length: 13 Nights

Ports Of Call: Malaga | Lanzarote - Canary Islands | Gran Canaria - Canary Islands | Tenerife - Canary Islands | Nassau - Bahamas | Miami

 

And US to Europe in early April for $700:

 

Cruise Line: Norwegian

Ship: Epic

Departing From: Port Canaveral

Departing On: Apr 01 2017

Length: 13 Nights

Ports Of Call: Port Canaveral | Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda | Funchal, Portugal | Malaga (Granada), Spain | Barcelona

What do you guys think?

 

Again about the dress code, if I show up to the dining room in jeans and T-shirt and it's not allowed, they are not going to let me in and tell me to go change? Or throw me out?

How are the casual buffet tables different than the main dining hall?

Is the food significantly worse?

What are the benefits of eating in the main dining hall?

 

Thanks again!

E.

[Essiesmom]

If you show up in the MDR (main dining room) dressed inappropriately, and they are enforcing the dress code that night, they will not let you in. You can go to the buffet, where they will be serving many of the same items on the MDR menu that night.

It is not difficult to alter your apparel slightly to meet the dress code. A polo shirt, which is like a tshirt but with a collar, will allow you in most nights. EM

[SockPuppetPrince]

Hey EM,

and thank you!

 

If the food is essentially the same at the buffet, I don't expect we will bother with the main dining room at all :D

 

Has anyone been on those ships?

Do you think the prices are ok?

 

Does anyone know whether entering the US by sea is somehow different than by air?

Is there a weight limit for luggage like in airlines? prohibited items in the luggage (for example a leatherman multi-tool, a gas camping stove?)

 

Thanks!

[KirkNC]

Those are good prices but I want to make sure that you know:

 

1. Prices are per person not per cabin

2. Prices quoted rarely include port fees and taxes (which could add several hundred dollars per person to your cost).

3. On the dress code, it varies by line, the two you mention are not super formal but they may (it can vary ship to ship and even day to day) refuse to seat you if you are not dressed properly).

4. The buffets usually are similar in food quality. I have only sailed RC once and never sailed NCL so I can't really speak to them directly)

5. One benefit to the MDR is you are waited on and often get to sit with new and interesting people. The buffet people sit by themselves.

6. No real difference in entry process, you still have to go through customs and passport control.

7. Should not be any weight limit on luggage.

[chengkp75]

The leatherman may or may not be allowed, though you would get it back at the end of the cruise. The gas camp stove is definitely not allowed. If you go to each line's website and search for prohibited items, you will find a list, which varies by line.

 

NCL does have a posted 50 lb limit on baggage, but I don't believe it is routinely enforced. Remember that all baggage must be stored in your cabin, which are much smaller than hotel rooms.

[SockPuppetPrince]

Thank you Kirk.

The fees and taxes were $80 and $104 respectively.

I'm sure we'll find plenty of nice and interesting people at the buffet too

:D

 

@Chengkp:

Will I be able to ask the staff to keep the stove until the end of the cruise?

How strict is the security check in the port? is it the same as in airports?

 

I know at least on ferry cruises the security check is done by the ferry company, not the local equivalent of TSA, and they only search for alcohol and not really much else.

Edit: By the way I have a funny story that goes to show how lax the security was, the guy in the cabin next to mine was smoking so much weed in his cabin, the whole corridor smelled like it, it was quite amusing.

 

I'm just wondering if we should bring our hiking/camping equipment with us, or will we have buy new at the US, which will be a waste.

Since we will only be driving and sailing I would think we can take much more than the usual flight trip.

Plus we will be traveling in the US for several months as backpackers, so we will need all sorts of things people who just go on a normal 2 week holiday.

Edited April 8, 2016 by SockPuppetPrince

[threetowner16]

Customs and Immigration by sea should be the same as arriving by air, though you seem to be spending about 4 months or so in the states,although holders of Swedish passports qualify for the Visa waiver program, this only allows for a stay of upto 90 days,so you would probably be as well checking with the US embassy ,as you may require to have a full visa

[SockPuppetPrince]

You are correct about the visa, I will take care of it!

[chengkp75]

Thank you Kirk.

The fees and taxes were $80 and $104 respectively.

I'm sure we'll find plenty of nice and interesting people at the buffet too

:D

 

@Chengkp:

Will I be able to ask the staff to keep the stove until the end of the cruise?

How strict is the security check in the port? is it the same as in airports?

 

I know at least on ferry cruises the security check is done by the ferry company, not the local equivalent of TSA, and they only search for alcohol and not really much else.

 

I'm just wondering if we should bring our hiking/camping equipment with us, or will we have buy new at the US, which will be a waste.

Since we will only be driving and sailing I would think we can take much more than the usual flight trip.

Plus we will be traveling in the US for several months as backpackers, so we will need all sorts of things people who just go on a normal 2 week holiday.

 

They should keep it until disembark. Baggage is x-rayed and carry-ons are sent through scanners just like airports. They will be looking for prohibited items.

 

You might find it easier to ship your camping gear and additional items to either friends or to a Mailboxes location.

[anthonyy7]

Sounds like you have found some great prices on the TA which sounds about right since they are heavily discounted.

 

Wearing nice jeans to the dining room is fine on most lines providing you have a nice collared shirt. On formal nights you will prob just have to steer clear and eat at the buffet.

 

I would suggest packing your camping items and other things you may not need on the cruise in one suitcase so they can just hold the entire bag during the cruise? More room in your cabin is a plus! I would suggest however you leave any propane gas at home and purchase in the US

 

I believe there are weight limits on bags however you can bring multiple suitcases but remember it all goes in your room and inside cabins have little space.

[SockPuppetPrince]

Great tips Anthony.

 

I'm anyway a bit hippy type of person. I backpacked about 18 months in India and the far east, sharing tiny hostel rooms with 11 other guys, and 4 days in trains, believe me, no matter how small the cabin is, this whole cruise thing is pretty luxurious in my standards.

:D

 

That's why I was worried about the whole dress code thing, because I hang around in shorts and flipflops all summer.

But thanks to you I'm a bit more relaxed now

:)

[mo&fran]

Great tips Anthony.

 

I'm anyway a bit hippy type of person. I backpacked about 18 months in India and the far east, sharing tiny hostel rooms with 11 other guys, and 4 days in trains, believe me, no matter how small the cabin is, this whole cruise thing is pretty luxurious in my standards.

:D

 

That's why I was worried about the whole dress code thing, because I hang around in shorts and flipflops all summer.

But thanks to you I'm a bit more relaxed now

:)

 

Just remember, it will not be summertime here either. If you want to go anywhere besides south Florida, you will probably need some warmer clothes.

[SockPuppetPrince]

Thanks Mo&Fran

:)

 

In my hometown of Umeå it gets to -22 F (-30 C) in winter and about +45 F (+8 C) in summer, so don't worry!

:D

[Sauer-kraut]

If you can find the Norwegian Cruise Line coming and going you don't have to worry about any dress code. The most dressed up you need to be is PANTS (jeans or other) and a non-flip flop shoe for only 2 restaurants on board, one which you need to pay extra to eat at (Le Bistro) and the Aft dining room. NCL also has so many other included dining options besides the buffet and main dining room that it will really be an ideal set up for you.

 

Be forewarned that the age demographic will be slightly older as usually seniors have more time/money to be away from home for 2 weeks.

 

If you have any other questions about NCL just come over to the Norwegian Board and read up on the line.

[SockPuppetPrince]

Hey Sauer Kraut,

 

Thanks for info!

Will definitely come to the relevant forums when we decide to book!

 

We will surely stick to the included things only.

I know it probably sounds to many people here we're missing the whole point of cruises, but to us the cruise is just a mean to an end, it's a way to get to the 'real' trip.

 

Of course we will try and enjoy the experience as best we can, but our budget is quite limited, and we don't need many luxuries.

So we'll be drinking tap water if we have to and only do the free stuff, for us that's just as fun.

:)

 

And old people are awesome, I don't think we would mind at all!

Looking forward to hear some cool life stories

:)

[138east]

I don't think anyone mentioned the daily tips/service charge of $12-13/pp. This money basically pays the wages of your cabin steward and the wait staff. You need to budget for this.

 

Many Transatlantics are typically reduced in price after final payment is due, which is typically around 75 days ahead. If I were going to do what you plan to do, I would not book until the prices start dropping at the 75 day mark and I would be looking for a guarantee rate instead of a rate which allows you to select a specific cabin.

 

I would not be booking the spring TA before I left Europe. Brilliance the Seas Tampa to Barcelona had an inside cabin offer of $499 for this spring.

 

There will always be availability on these cruises, but you have to monitor them closely. As soon as prices drop folks swoop in to grab cabins. You might want to search around for a cruise price monitor that will show you current as well as past prices.

 

Do your research. Find the cruiselines that offer them. Look at the European cruise lines (I think I someone mentioned an extraordinary recent TA deal on Pullmantur). Research the ships. See if they have a roll call. If the money is close don't just pick the cheapest - look at itinerary, length, ship size and amenities. Get opinions on Cruise Critic.

[SockPuppetPrince]

Hey 138East, great information, it could save us a lot of money!

Thanks a lot!

 

What is wait staff? You mean the waiters?

Do we have to pay them a tip even if we eat at the buffet and don't use their services?

How are the tips paid? And how much? Do we give it to them personally?

 

We aren't going to bother using any services onboard that aren't included in the price, and will probably avoid using the MDR and room service altogether.

 

The steward's services I guess we'll have to use, again, same questions:

How are the tips paid? And how much? Do we give it to them personally?

 

What other staff services we will have to use? which we can avoid?

 

Thanks!

[AmazedByCruising]

My wife and I are thinking to take some time off from our busy life.

We live in Sweden, and my wife, who has a severe flight anxiety have only traveled by train/ferries/car through her entire life, so she never traveled outside Europe.

 

I really miss a grand adventure (I'm a travel addict and backpacked around the world for extended periods of time).

 

If what you're looking for is transportation rather than a holiday at sea, you may want to Google "freighter cruises". They are not really cheap (like $100/day/person) and there would be no room service, shows or casino on board. Then again, they sail all year, anywhere on the planet.

[chengkp75]

Hey 138East, great information, it could save us a lot of money!

Thanks a lot!

 

What is wait staff? You mean the waiters?

Do we have to pay them a tip even if we eat at the buffet and don't use their services?

How are the tips paid? And how much? Do we give it to them personally?

 

We aren't going to bother using any services onboard that aren't included in the price, and will probably avoid using the MDR and room service altogether.

 

The steward's services I guess we'll have to use, again, same questions:

How are the tips paid? And how much? Do we give it to them personally?

 

What other staff services we will have to use? which we can avoid?

 

Thanks!

 

The cruise line will charge your onboard account for a "daily service charge" or gratuity as some call it, as 138east mentioned. This amount is per person/day. If you don't feel like tipping anyone over and above this amount, that is perfectly acceptable, and the staff understands this.

 

If what you're looking for is transportation rather than a holiday at sea, you may want to Google "freighter cruises". They are not really cheap (like $100/day/person) and there would be no room service, shows or casino on board. Then again, they sail all year, anywhere on the planet.

 

This isn't quite correct, in that the number of freighters that carry passengers is limited, and they do not sail "anywhere on the planet". They mainly will have port calls at major ports, and frequently will not sell individual "legs" or passage between specific ports just to meet your requirements.

[SockPuppetPrince]

If what you're looking for is transportation rather than a holiday at sea, you may want to Google "freighter cruises". They are not really cheap (like $100/day/person) and there would be no room service, shows or casino on board. Then again, they sail all year, anywhere on the planet.

 

Hey Amazed,

Based on what I see after a quick search, freighter cruises offer no benefit over the cruises I found, which is quite weird and doesn't make a lot of sense why they would be more expensive, maybe because they are carrying much fewer passengers?

 

@chengkp75:

Thanks for the explanation!

[kitty9]

It doesn't matter if you never dine in the main dining room, because there are servers and food preparers in the buffet who work very hard to make your dining experience nice. Plus, main dining room staff do work in the buffet at breakfast and lunch, serving you. Seriously, you cannot beg off of the daily service charge---it's considered rude. And yes, you'll also be paying the service charge to the room steward who will clean your cabin twice a day, every day. You can pre-pay the service charge when you book the cruise or it's automatically added to your on board account. No need to tip in person. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to every drink bill, so if you have any kind of drink, such as soft drinks or alcohol, that gratuity will be automatically to the bill.

 

You will need to have a credit card to back your on board purchases. You'll show that card when you check in, and your room card will act as not only the key to open your cabin door, but as the charge card for any on board purchases. Ships are totally cashless except in the casino, so there's no need to carry money anywhere. Oh, and the money used is US dollars.

 

If by flip flops you mean those more beachy type rubber thongs, they're not acceptable in the main dining room and you really won't see people wearing those things in the evening, regardless of where you dine. They're considered more for the pool and beach and not as what you'd wear in the evening, even if you want to be more casual. If you want to dine in the MDR, a pair of nice, not ripped jeans, and a collard knit shirt is all you'll need.

 

We can't mention any kind of websites or travel sites/agencies on Cruise Critic as it's against the Terms of Service. I would suggest finding a good local travel agent---it doesn't cost you anything as the cruise line pays their fee---and have them do research for you as to what will work best.

Edited April 9, 2016 by kitty9

[SockPuppetPrince]

It doesn't matter if you never dine in the main dining room, because there are servers and food preparers in the buffet who work very hard to make your dining experience nice. Plus, main dining room staff do work in the buffet at breakfast and lunch, serving you. Seriously, you cannot beg off of the daily service charge---it's considered rude.

 

This is very educational discussion for me. I have no argument that the ship crew works very hard and deserve a decent pay. That includes the mechanics and engineers. I just find it very silly that their pay is not included in the price of the cruise and they have to rely on tips.

And also the fact that one has to pay even when not using their services.

Why are the cooks who make the food any different than the engineers in the machine room, if they don't give a specific and personal service that I personally require?

Then I would understand the need for tips.

 

In Sweden we don't have a tipping culture, because people get decent salaries and their cost is embodied in the price. But when I was traveling of course I used to tip for a service. But in a restaurant you tip your waiter, not the cook.

 

So if they are going to charge it regardless, why not just add it to the price of the cruise? I would gladly pay it.

Very strange policies I have to say...

We will ask to pay it upfront like you suggested.

 

 

You will need to have a credit card to back your on board purchases. You'll show that card when you check in, and your room card will act as not only the key to open your cabin door, but as the charge card for any on board purchases. Ships are totally cashless except in the casino, so there's no need to carry money anywhere. Oh, and the money used is US dollars.

 

But I don't have a credit card, people don't really use them in Sweden, because private people don't really need credit.

I have a debit card, will that work?

If I wish, is it possible to pay cash, and do I get a receipt for any service that requires extra payment? Do I need to enter a pin number when they charge my key card? If I lose my card on board, what is stopping whoever finds it from using it before I cancel it and get another one?

 

We are not going to use any of these services anyway...

We don't drink alcohol or sodas, we don't gamble, maybe some gym and a walk on deck everyday.

 

We can't mention any kind of websites or travel sites/agencies on Cruise Critic as it's against the Terms of Service. I would suggest finding a good local travel agent---it doesn't cost you anything as the cruise line pays their fee---and have them do research for you as to what will work best.

 

Wow, a real travel agent! :)

I'll have to search if I can find anything like that here. I've never used one before!

Thanks for the info, this is very exciting stuff!

[Host Walt]

Try this article:

 

Finding a Cruise Travel Agent