Get a balcony! You’ll want the outdoor space!
Maybe it’s just me, but those repositioning cruise prices are extremely enticing. I mean, for less than a flight from America to Europe, you can make a vacation of it and cruise with meals and entertainment included for one or two weeks. I don’t know about you, but that definitely sounds like a good deal to me! Yep, we can actually PAY to do what voyagers did in the 1400’s and call it a vacation.
So, is it worth it? Should you do it? Well, only you can decide, but as I sit here smack in the middle of my two week transatlantic cruise from Tampa to Barcelona on the Celebrity Constellation, there are some things I wish I knew before I took the siren call and hopped aboard. Would I, personally, do it again? Probably not. Am I enjoying it? Yes. However, some expectation setting would have been a nicer way to ease into this scene! Let me clue you in on some secrets I’ve learned:
Naples, Florida…on h2O.
I was not ready for the passenger manifest. While I in NO way mean to be rude, I had no idea that transatlantic cruising was meant for a special club; boomers. Yep, 90% of the people I pass in the halls are 80+ years of age. Now, I will say this has some benefits as well (think chill, quiet, peaceful). However, in my current age bracket, I just don’t feel like I fit in. I feel like I am visiting my grandfather at his place. Again, I have nothing against anyone in this age bracket! I am so happy for all of them that they are getting out there and enjoying life! It is just not the vibe I was looking for on my vacation, and I wish I would have known because it may have affected my decision to use two weeks of vacation for this. Apparently, it is a well-known fact that this is a special activity for seniors. I mean, it makes sense. Not many younger people can take two weeks of vacation. However, for me, when there’s a silent disco, I don’t really feel like joining in for “Celebrate Good Times, Come On!” I also have never had any desire to experience the Villages at sea. Just come with a attitude ready to be patient (there are tons of walkers and scooters) and friendly. Many love to meet others and you may even find yourself in a riveting game of Pickleball! They definitely know how to chill and many have fascinating life stories! And hey, it’s a good reminder that retirement does not have to mean giving up on travel and living life to the fullest.
You will feel like Hei Hei from Moana.
I must admit, I even made a Tiktok using the HeiHei mid ocean sound. You will be OUT there. And there’s NOTHING. It’s just you bobbing around on a little booey that is really receptive to wave motion (more on that later). If you have a fear of deep ocean, or water, or the Kraken…this may not be the activity for you. The flip side is that it is quite peaceful just staring out into the big blue ocean and contemplating what this beautiful life is all about. Also, don’t fall into deep sea research before your trip. Take my word for it.
The entertainment is….classic.
Putting it PC, the entertainment seems to be geared towards the clientele on board (no shock there, really!). I miss the night clubs with more current music as cruises are really the only time I get out there and dance because I am past the “clubbing” stage of life and cruises just seem like a good excuse to get silly and let loose. I kind of fell asleep in the show last night as it felt more like an episode of one of my grandparents’ favorite shows (Lawrence Welk) than entertainment to me. However, I really should not complain because I am clearly the one who is in their world now! Perhaps, to prepare, you can listen to some 40’s and 50’s tunes on your next gridlock?
The ship mimics a simulator.
If closed my eyes, I would swear I was on Star Tours at Walt Disney World. Yes. It was that bad. Again, this should have been no surprise, but yet…here we are. Again, you are a small piece of metal in a giant ocean. So, yes, you will feel the rise and fall (and crash) of the ocean. One morning, I definitely felt a bit green. If you are going to try this out, come prepared. Things like ginger chews and motion sickness aids are a good thing to pack. Just know that your wait for reprieve from the violent rocking could be days. The best part though? Your bed turns into a swinging hammock at night! Think best sleep ever.
There’s…not much to do.
Thank goodness for that because it got me writing again! However, we love the kitschy cruise activities. This could be just a cruise line difference, but there really is nothing to do. Do they have activities? Yes. Are they anything exciting or enticing? Nope. We went to a curling activity and it was a table top version that someone purchased from Ross. There aren’t even towel animals (what happened to those?)! In fact, the exciting things I have seen in the schedule are the teen activities. Think I could pass for 18? Just be sure to bring some reading, writing, games, etc. Again, this is great if you just need a TRUE break from the rush of life. In fact, I think my heart rate has slowed a bit on this big ship. Once I just embraced it, I started enjoying the ability to do nothing.
Get the balcony.
Again, you may want some way to get some fresh air when the going gets rough. It also allows you to sit outside and “get out” when you really are restricted to the boat. If you don’t get the balcony, you can always grab a chair and take in the sea air.
Pool hangs are not really a thing.
It’s cold. It’s windy. It’s rocky. More times than not, the pool is closed. This has been the biggest drawback for us. I really love sitting by the pool. This just is not that kind of cruise, so keep that in mind!
Food, food, and more food.
Okay, for me, this one is a huge benefit. There is SO much food. All the time. And it eventually all starts to taste the same. For me, this has been awesome. I usually put weight on during a cruise. However, since I am on this hunk of metal for two full weeks, I can skip meals and I don’t feel like I am missing anything. In fact, the idea of food becomes a bit mundane for me. I find myself wanting to exercise or take a nap instead. Which brings me to…
Naps.
You can nap to your full heart’s content. You won’t feel like you are missing anything. Again, if you are like me and live in the corporate world, this is bliss. I can sleep in. I can nap at 2 p.m. I can rest. If you need rest, this is the thing for you!
Wind.
Walking around outside on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic is…scary. Not only are you rocking and rolling, but the wind is STRONG. It’s so strong that walking out on the track my feet were pushed away from me and I almost tripped. Yes, the wind is so strong that you lose control of your leg when you lift it off the ground. Hilarious? Yep. Annoying? Also yep. Be careful and for goodness sakes, don’t lose your hat!
All in all, I am enjoying this 14th century adventure. While I find myself currently daydreaming for land, I like that I can just forget about my daily life stress and allow myself to rest in every way. This is such a gift and I am so very thankful it has sparked my love of writing again. And hey, I have met so many sweet seniors. Seeing them enjoy life has made me look forward to growing old!
Have you been on a transatlantic cruise? If so, what was your experience?
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Abroad with a Brain 