Are you thinking of taking a transatlantic cruise? We had the opportunity to sail on Carnival Cruise Line from Southampton, England to Miami, Florida and let us tell you – it was an experience of a lifetime! In this post we explore all that this incredible journey has to offer—from its potential benefits and drawbacks!

A transatlantic is a great way to relax and disconnect from the land.

If you're exhausted from the distractions and demands of life ashore, a transatlantic is the perfect way to escape. There's something special about life at sea that forces you to relax, enjoy nature, and simply slow down. Being out on the open water provides a relaxing atmosphere; with no cell phone service and a slower pace of life, there is less stress and much more time to yourself. You can take in beautiful sunsets or star-filled skies while reconnecting with yourself and finding peace in an endless horizon. There's no better way to recharge your batteries than sailing with the wind on a transatlantic!

A transatlantic cruise can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, so you'll need to plan accordingly

If you're planning on taking a transatlantic cruise, know that it can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, so make sure to plan accordingly. Pack your favorite books to keep you occupied during long days at sea and make sure to download movies and shows to your laptop in case you don't want to watch any of the onboard activities. Lastly, be prepared for the possibility of having zero connection while out at sea if you don't choose to buy Wi-Fi onboard! With all of these things taken care of, you'll be guaranteed an incredible time with minimal stress.

Some transatlantic crossings don't visit many ports and have lots of sea days.

If you're looking to embark on a transatlantic repositioning cruise, more often than not that means plenty of sea days with fewer port calls. On those taking the southern route between the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas, expect stopovers in ports like the Caribbean, Cape Verde Islands, and Canary Islands or the Azores. Alternatively, ships sailing up north may make stops at Ireland, Iceland Greenland Bermuda Newfoundland, or even Atlantic Canada.

By taking an extended voyage such as a transatlantic crossing, you will have the opportunity to visit ports not available on shorter cruises like those that go around the Caribbean or Mediterranean. This gives you access to places otherwise unseen and makes your trip more unique!

Transatlantic cruises can be cheaper

To ensure that guests experience the best weather and longest days of daylight on their vacation, cruise lines migrate much of their ships to other parts of the world. These longer repositioning cruises - usually 10 or more days in length with only a few ports of call - are often discounted.

There are many activities and amenities available on a transatlantic cruise, so you'll never be bored

Taking a transatlantic cruise is the perfect opportunity to indulge in all sorts of entertainment, from lectures and classes to parties, water parks, and sunbathing on the deck. No matter your mood or preference, you won't be stuck for something to do; when not admiring the views and meeting new people, you can keep busy with a wide range of entertainment choices such as quiz nights, karaoke evenings, art workshops, tournaments and so much more! You'll never have time to be bored during your trip – there are enough amenities aboard that provide hours of entertainment.

There's always the possibility of bad weather or rough seas, which can ruin your trip

A transatlantic can be a wonderful escape, but it can also become daunting and dangerous in bad weather or rough seas. The comforting news is that modern cruise ships are equipped with incredible stabilizers, making the ride smoother and barely noticeable to most guests. The Bay of Biscay and the Strait of Gibraltar are infamous for their tough oceans, so it's wise to equip yourself with seasickness remedies before embarking on your voyage.

While there is no guarantee of amazing weather, taking a transatlantic cruise in the summertime generally offers more ideal conditions - unless your voyage encounters hurricanes or tropical storms along either the southern route or the northern route.

People on transatlantic crossings tend to be older. You find very few children and families on transatlantic sailings

While it's true that transatlantic cruises are usually more popular amongst senior travelers, this doesn't mean they cannot be enjoyed by younger generations. With the crossings typically taking place during school term time, there won't be too many children or families on board and plenty of free time to explore the ship's amenities - though don't expect the bars and discos to be packed until after midnight like other shorter voyages!

All in all, a transatlantic cruise is a fantastic and unique way to travel. It's a chance to reach your destination while indulging in some of the comforts of home. Plus, it can also be an inexpensive way to get from one continent to another. With plenty of activities to keep you entertained, stunning scenery for dancing and dining, and the opportunity for friendships with people from all walks of life, what could be better? If you're looking for an adventure that's completely out of this world, why not give transatlantic cruises a try? But be sure to plan and don't overlook the concept that inclement weather may disrupt your plans. And if you’re looking to connect with like-minded sailors and add a social component to your trip, then look no further than a transatlantic crossing experience. Watch our 2019 Independence of the Seas transatlantic crossing series for more information about what you can expect on this journey. Bon voyage!