Transatlantic - east or west - which is best?

[SD Cruiser]

We are considering a transatlantic cruise within the next couple of years. I know that in many areas currents travel one way, and travel that way is usually smoother, i.e,, Calif. to Mexican Riviera usually smoother southbound than back northbound against the current. Is this line of reasoning applicable to a transatlantic crossing, and if so which way would be "with the current"?
Thanks.
Ellie

[Dave]

I've never thought much about it, but given the Gulf Stream current I'd say going from NYC to Southhampton on the QM2 is probably a good choice.

[LisaP]

When we were deciding on our QE2 crossing a few years ago, the clincher for us was the length of the days due to the multiple time zones we'd be passing through. On a westbound crossing, you'd gain an hour a day for five days; on an eastbound crossing, you'd lose an hour a day for five days. We went with the westbound route, and having five, 25-hour days was nice.

Good question on the Gulf Stream current, though. I have noticed on our several Bermuda cruises that the seas were usually calmer on the way to Bermuda than back to the US -- with a couple of exceptions.

[Cruise Fanatic]

QM2 and QE2 are purpose built ships for Transatlantic crossings. They will handle the waves better than some other ships. As Lisa says the added hours of day light on the West bound is a plus. On the other hand, with an East bound you don't start the cruise tired from a long overnight flight.