Cloud Crossing

[sw18]

After a fatastic Southampton - Malaga cruise (marred only by an extremely rude croupier) and 7 days of wonderfully understated service, my partner and I have booked the 8th of April Bridgetown to Lisbon crossing. The later crossing on Whisper was also tempting; however we were so brilliantly looked after by the Cloud's crew (with the exeption of the haughty, abrupt young lady from the casino) that we almost feel a "loyalty" to them.

 

I would be grateful if those of you who have done transatlantic crossings on SS, and more specifically on the Cloud could answer the following:

 

- How does the mix of passengers compare to a normal European/Med cruise? As our Southampton - Malaga was predominantly American passengers taking every excursion in every port; I presume many will be there for the sea days rather than the excursions. People were actually complaining about the 1 sea day we had!

 

- This itinerary is still showing as discounted, so I'm guessing that it may not be full???

 

- I did read on another thread that Saletta may be discontinued....I hope this will be after next years dry dock, as it was easily the best meal we had on board. Any info??

 

Thanks in advance for any answers. :) :) :)

[sw18]

Just read Host Dan's reply below re changes to Saletta....I guess April counts as "early next year". Will be interested to hear feedback from Whisper & Shadow cruisers over the next couple of months.

[wripro]

sw18,

 

my partner and i did a barbados to barcelona crossing in april/may 2004 on the whisper for 16 days and then continued on to rome for another seven days. on the crossing we only had about 140 people and the demographic was a bit older but nevertheless we had a great time and met some wonderful people. in fact, on the second barcelona to rome leg the ship was full and we felt invaded. but since that was a 7 day cruise there were many younger people and again we made great friends. the service was terrific throughout the whole trip and if you love sea days as we do you will definitely enjoy yourselves. we've been on the cloud as well and altho we prefer the larger ships i think you cant go wrong with any of them. have a great time!!!!

[unfathomable]

We have done a number of SS transatlantics. You may get a slightly older mix of people and possibly more Europeans than on a short Caribbean cruise, and in the past the ship has not been full. Also, crossings sometimes attract fewer first-timers.

[oregon50]

What the Cloud has going for it on this trip is Adam Kowalski, probably the best lounge piano player at sea. I'm guessing and hoping this trip will have plenty of empty cabins because it runs so closely to the Whisper crossing. I prefer the Whisper itinerary, but.....

 

Not my favorite direction for crossing. My guess of percentage of Brits on board is 38%.

[ltsally]

Oregon 50 - why not your 'favorite' direction for crossing? As a relative newbie, I'm still learning......:)

[cruisinsince75]

ltsally, I can't speak for Oregon50, but I would prefer the East to West crossing over the West to East crossing because you actually gain 1 hour per day on the way home. In addition, you end up with the shorter flight back home ending your vacation more relaxed. IMHO