Transatlantic crossing in June

[jjeffjb]

We're debating an ocean view vs a balcony for a June Transatlantic crossing (Miami to Rome). Our question is, would the temperatures/winds be comfortable enough to make good use of a balcony?

[Noggins]

Maybe, maybe not!

 

We have done many TAs and had all sorts of weather conditions (our worst by far were in August - albeit on a northerly routing).

 

The reality is that the speed of the boat will be causing wind even on a still day, so what you need is wind coming from the opposite direction at exactly the same speed of the boat to get a 'still' day!

 

A good option is a balcony facing aft as they are well protected from the wind. These are bigger balconies too and are amongst the first to book. Downside is there is more motion at the ships extremities should you have some rough seas.

 

For us the more 'open' feel of a room with full length glass is a big advantage over oceanview. Spend the extra and go for the starboard ('south' facing) side (assuming you don't find an available aft room)

[orchestrapal]

We're debating an ocean view vs a balcony for a June Transatlantic crossing (Miami to Rome). Our question is, would the temperatures/winds be comfortable enough to make good use of a balcony?

 

To us it's worth it just to be able to open a door and get fresh air even if you can't sit out for long periods. It's all a matter of taste.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I like the full-length windows as well, even if you can't sit out. And just being able to walk out for a few minutes and watch the ocean go by is a treat. June is a bit of an odd time for a crossing, but I guess it's because Explorer is new?

Edited May 31, 2016 by Wendy The Wanderer

[StanandJim]

I like the full-length windows as well, even if you can't sit out. And just being able to walk out for a few minutes and watch the ocean go by is a treat. June is a bit of an odd time for a crossing, but I guess it's because Explorer is new?

 

Sirena.....Explorer is another Cruise Line.

Edited May 31, 2016 by StanandJim

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Sirena.....Explorer is another Cruise Line.

 

Sorry, got my cruises mixed up!

[RJB]

Did a crossing from New York to Dublin and then London in June and having a balcony was wonderful.

[neilrr]

jjeffjb - We hope you join us. We are on the Sirena cruise for 2017 and we did a similar Transatlantic a few years ago on Regatta. The weather was beautiful and the ocean was smooth as silk. Come visit us in the main Roll Call area. As of now, it is only us and one other couple on the thread.

 

See you soon...:)

[Andromeda93]

We sailed on a TA on Marina in 2013, and were very glad we had chosen a balcony cabin. However, this was not because of the ability to use it during the crossing.

 

We had flat seas (thankfully) that June but had several straight days of heavy fog which condensed on the balcony, the chairs and on us due to the ship's forward motion. It was cold and damp the entire crossing, and no one sat in unprotected areas outside except in the hot tubs.

 

However, we did greatly enjoy the ability to watch the send-off musicians in several ports from the balcony. On a perfect, sunny, warm day in Cork (Cobh) a large band showed up to 'play the ship off', and we had bagpipers in another port (Quebec) and various welcoming/departing events in others.

 

Although you never know on which side of the ship will be shore-side ahead of time (at least I did not), we were always pleased when we ended up on the land side with something special happening. It was an unexpected bonus and thoroughly charming.

 

It is true that you can stand atop the ship and get a similar experience. However, the luxury of having it literally at your doorstep was unforgettable.

[ronrick1943]

No matter what the weather your going to have a few good days and maybe a few bad days. But I always go for the outside deck. It's nice to go outsode from your cabin.

[Hawaiidan]

remember you will have a 20 to 40 mph wind blowing on you every second the ship is moving.... Its not just the sunshine or fog or weather its the lousy wind than , to me makes the veranda unusable most all the time

[Louby-Lou]

We've been on 2 TAs, one in April from Rio to Barcelona and 1 in June from Scotland to Canada and had balconies both times. Agree with Orchestrapal - we like to open the door for fresh air. Both times we spent a lot of time on the balcony as the weather was good. Didn't notice the wind on either trip! Even on the cooler days we like to be outside and we don't always want to go on the deck. I would definitely go for a balcony.

[Hawaiidan]

We've been on 2 TAs, one in April from Rio to Barcelona and 1 in June from Scotland to Canada and had balconies both times. Agree with Orchestrapal - we like to open the door for fresh air. Both times we spent a lot of time on the balcony as the weather was good. Didn't notice the wind on either trip! Even on the cooler days we like to be outside and we don't always want to go on the deck. I would definitely go for a balcony.

 

It sounds wonderful.... but you may not have noticed the ship politely asked you do not leave the veranda door open.... Yes you get fresh air, but at the expense of all the cabins around you dont get any !!! Please understand that the ships ventilation system is designed on what it called positive pressure circulation.

 

Big High rises are too, and why you cant open windows on them.

 

With your door open.... its like punching a hole in a bucket or balloon.. ALL the air for all the cabins, suddenly is reduced to near zero, no heat, no AC no even basic ventilation because all the air in the entire zone on that deck is blowing out you door... It can no longer supply dozens of cabins around you...which depended on the uniform pressure to maintain any and all form of ventilation for others.

 

So please, shut the door.... enjoy the veranda but please consider others and what you are enjoying, your actually depriving them of.......