has anyone been on a transatlantic cruise -- ours is tampa to venice, italy, april 1, on the veendam -- would love to know things about such a cruise and so many days at sea -- thank you -- hanahbean
Yes, I did a repo on the old Noordam - Lauderdale to Lisbon. Since I really enjoy my "days at sea" that was a real pleasure. There are a lot of things to do so you won't get bored.
thank you ChucksOK -- now that i have you on the line, could you please tell me a few specifics: i am thinking that there are mostly older (retired) folks on board (which is fine, because we are); that most of the cruisers are experienced cruisers (which we also are); is the casino open all the time or what; are there special lectures, etc. during the first week which is entirely at sea????
i am so excited about this cruise and thank you very much for responding -- hanahbean
The range of pax on the crossing was very much mixed however, there were no children. There were no special lectures that I can recall and the casino tables were open - again, its been a few years and a bunch of cruises ago. Most of the people cruising were on board for the pure enjoyment of sailing at a reasonable price without the necessity of island hopping.
great answer -- thanks again -- you described my husband and me to a tee !!!! -- if you happen to think of anything else, please continue to write and i will check this space to see if you have written -- thank you -- hanahbean
oh yes, the price was too good to pass up and that's why we're doing it -- i figure i'll probably pack exactly the same for this cruise as our normal 10-14 day cruises -- and take more $$$$ for the casino and bingo -- any other suggestions or tidbits that you recall, please continue to write them in here -- thanks again
chucksOK -- if you are still checking this item, i was wondering if you take any of the ship's excursions -- i looked over the ones they offered in 2006 and none really grabbed me -- we will be in the azores, seville, barcelona, monte carlo, rome, and dubrovnik -- any thoughts ?? thanks
The ship did not offer excursions as we only made two stops. The first in the Azores and all we did was to get off the ship, walk around the port area and have a beer in a sidewalk cafe. The next stop was our final destination, Lisbon. We took a taxi from the ship to the airport and flew out that same day. We had been to Lisbon in the past and have been back since that crossing so we didn't mind going directly to the airport.
Now, with that said, you MUST experience Seville, Barcelona, Rome, Monte Carlo and Dubrovnik. If you do nothing else, get yourself a guide book and go on your own - do not miss the opportunity to visit these wonderful cities.
Monte Carlo and Dubrovnik are easy to walk around in and enjoy without the necessity for a guide.
Barcelona - you must see the Familia Sagrada Cathedral, the incredible ediface designed by Gaudi and still being constructed. There are other examples of his unique style in some of the neighborhoods/buildings.
Rome - wow - you can spend days. Try to maximize your time there by taking a comprehensive tour - you will save time and frustration not having to stand in lines.
Seville - what a beautiful city. Same thing - either do it yourself or simply do a city tour. You won't be disappointed.[/list]
Hope I was of help to you.
Small world...We are doing this cruise with you.We were on the Veendam last Nov., and it was a great ship. This will be the longest cruise we have ever taken, as we are staying on for the next 10 days. On the cruisecritic web site, under roll call, you will find others who are doing this cruise, and we will be having a get together on board. If you have questions let me know....Carol
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