New to Transatlwantic cruising.. several questions!!

[HCFR10]

Hi Ya'll,

 

I'm not new to cruising whats so ever as my wife and I sail 2-4 times a year, but would be new to a Transatlantic cruise. My wife and I are possibly going on the NCL Bliss from Southampton - New York on April 21st for the inaugural cruise. This has been a dream that my wife and I have had, and this is the first time we have the chance at doing one.. So on the questions.

 

 

We are from Florida where its warm and use to the Caribbean cruises. Since this is in April and up North are there really any pool days?

 

Hows the weather through out the cruise this time a year? Icebergs, snow ect?

 

Would we be bored with no pool days? We went on the NCL Escape and LOVED it.. But we had pool days. Is there going to be enough for us to do as we are in the mid to high 20s.

 

Is it better to stay on the port or starboard during a transatlantic cruise?

I'm sure I will have more questions. But thanks in advance for taking time to answer.

 

Thanks,

Jay M.

Edited May 16, 2017 by HCFR10

[garycarla]

though it is often people come here to CURSE - I am pretty sure you are talking about CRUISING. LOL

 

Weather inside the ship stays rather constant. Weather outside can vary widely depending on the CURRENT weather. If you are totally addicted to pool days, you may have to adjust. Many folks never sit at the pool for even an hour for the entire cruise and do fine. No idea if this would work for you.

 

Port or starboard. You will be looking at Ocean most of the trip. The left (port) side will be facing more to the south and therefore would have more sun.

 

Icebergs? Nope.

[HCFR10]

I guess that's why would shouldn't post on an Iphone! :'):'):') How can you edit the title?

 

 

Not completely set on the pool days, but I do love the slides! Is it usually cold to where jackets are required outside? Any hints or tips when sailing these types of cruises?

[Son of a son of a ...]

Get a spa pass.

[babynurse06]

Get a spa pass.

I second this. Personally, I don't think I would ever do a TA without a spa pass. Not sure what your budget is. The Haven would also be a great option for this cruise. If not Haven, a spa mini suite or balcony would be great too. The weather can vary wildly that time of year. Sometimes there are nice days in April in New York or in the UK. Sometimes it's snowing. No way to predict. I think you can probably expect daytime temps in the 50's-low 60's though. Personally, I love sea days. And I think you'll find plenty on any of NCL's new ships to keep you occupied. I'm 32, and I've never been bored. And I've never even used the main pool on a cruise. Too many people.

[HCFR10]

I second this. Personally, I don't think I would ever do a TA without a spa pass. Not sure what your budget is. The Haven would also be a great option for this cruise. If not Haven, a spa mini suite or balcony would be great too. The weather can vary wildly that time of year. Sometimes there are nice days in April in New York or in the UK. Sometimes it's snowing. No way to predict. I think you can probably expect daytime temps in the 50's-low 60's though. Personally, I love sea days. And I think you'll find plenty on any of NCL's new ships to keep you occupied. I'm 32, and I've never been bored. And I've never even used the main pool on a cruise. Too many people.

 

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

We are currently booked in a balcony on the 15th floor. We would most likely get a spa pass rather then upgrading to a spa suite. Is the spa nice for relaxing and such? We have never been into the spa on a NCL cruise. We sailed the escape and loved it. There was plenty to do and very rarely found myself bored.

[Turtles06]

OP: unfortunately, you can't edit the thread title once posted. (I'm not even sure the mods can, but you can ask them.)

 

We love transatlantic cruises. We love sea days, the more the better. I can't say whether you will!

 

While no one call tell you what the seas or weather will be like, a northern crossing in April will likely be chilly, but again, who knows. Be prepared with shorts, bathing suits, and layers!

 

On a westbound TA, if you'd like more sun, book a port side balcony.

 

As for icebergs in April. Well, that's the Titanic route, and the Titanic sunk on April 15, 1912. I'm sure your crossing will be less eventful. :)

[babynurse06]

Thanks for the reply.

 

We are currently booked in a balcony on the 15th floor. We would most likely get a spa pass rather then upgrading to a spa suite. Is the spa nice for relaxing and such? We have never been into the spa on a NCL cruise. We sailed the escape and loved it. There was plenty to do and very rarely found myself bored.

I love the spa. And in colder weather, you can still get in pool time, but inside in a heated environment :) There are also heated loungers lined up in front of the windows for great, relaxing ocean views. If you're happy with your balcony, keep it and just add a spa pass. They tend to sell out quickly on TA's, so get it early. Usually (not always) the difference in price between a balcony and a spa balcony is the price of the spa pass. And you don't have to worry about them selling out because it's included. Or, if you wanted to upgrade to an actual spa suite, you get spa and Haven access but you have to be careful about that, because after you're in the Haven, you'll never, ever want to go back :')

[garycarla]

Interesting on how some folks a really hooked on getting a spa pass. Works for them.

 

On the other hand, we have been on two week cruises, across the pond and never stepped foot in the spa area.

[tempus137]

Thanks for the reply.

 

We are currently booked in a balcony on the 15th floor. We would most likely get a spa pass rather then upgrading to a spa suite. Is the spa nice for relaxing and such? We have never been into the spa on a NCL cruise. We sailed the escape and loved it. There was plenty to do and very rarely found myself bored.

 

We just booked a balcony on the 14th deck, so we'll see you in April.

 

We just got off of the Star, and had bought the spa passes. We didn't get much use out of the spa. On a cruise with only 1 sea day, it probably wasn't worth it. There was also some miscommunication. I remember seeing on CC that the relaxation rooms were male & female only, but one time as I was in what I thought was the male relaxation room, a couple came in. When I said I thought it was male only, they said that there were always couples in the room. Plus, one time when my DW was in the female relaxation room, she couldn't relax due to a group of women with their constant loud chatter.

 

Other than that, we'll probably get the passes for this cruise, especially with the limited ports, and the possibility of bad weather.

[Turtles06]

Interesting on how some folks a really hooked on getting a spa pass. Works for them.

 

On the other hand, we have been on two week cruises, across the pond and never stepped foot in the spa area.

 

We've been on four TAs and never stepped foot in the spa either. In fact, in all of our cruises, the only time I've been in a ship's spa is during a tour.

[babynurse06]

Interesting on how some folks a really hooked on getting a spa pass. Works for them.

 

On the other hand, we have been on two week cruises, across the pond and never stepped foot in the spa area.

 

It's obviously not a necessity, and you could have a perfectly enjoyable cruise without it. It's just a preference, like everything else. I've been on TA and European cruises without a spa pass and done just fine. Pool time seemed important to the OP though, and personally, I don't want to be in the main pool if it's 50 degrees outside, so the spa is a great way to do that. The spa is also more worth the price on some ships than others. Bliss would be one of those ships that I feel like it's worth it. Just an opinion. There are going to be a million things to do on the ship, so I'm sure it would be a great cruise either way.

[Sauer-kraut]

You'll probably be the youngest couple on board......

[BirdTravels]

Thanks for the reply.

 

We are currently booked in a balcony on the 15th floor. We would most likely get a spa pass rather then upgrading to a spa suite. Is the spa nice for relaxing and such? We have never been into the spa on a NCL cruise. We sailed the escape and loved it. There was plenty to do and very rarely found myself bored.

Spa warm and relaxing. Open deck in the North Atlantic in April, not so much. Compare the cost of your balcony + 2 spa passes to the cost of a spa balcony and make your decision on the room category.

[HCFR10]

You'll probably be the youngest couple on board......

 

 

Youngest? Really? Are we just old young people or are they old young people :'):'):')

[HCFR10]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I'm taking down everything that is said. I hope to hear more from everyone. Thanks again.

[supertoit]

I have not looked it up yet...Since this ship is being built to do Alaska, might they build it with a top that can be opened and closed by the pool area?

[HCFR10]

Very good point.

[Ask4Jay]

@HCFR10

While you may indeed be the youngest passengers, DW and I are among the oldest (80+).

Our pool days are over. We just enjoy our aft-facing balcony. In Sep 2005 we were on the Jewel inaugural Dover to NYC via Iceland. Route of the Vikings. We were able to sit on our balcony, protected from the constant wind, just with a hoodie, enjoying the cool yet sunny days. We'll do it again on Oct.15 on the Getaway CPH-MIA, our 13th TA.

[Sauer-kraut]

Youngest? Really? Are we just old young people or are they old young people :'):'):')

I think most young people don't take 15 day cruises...... the retired set has more time to cruise :D

[asubaru]

......and they'll likely have a hard time keeping up with some of us ;p

 

 

 

You'll probably be the youngest couple on board......

[asubaru]

I have done Escape and Epic's on which my comments are based. Daily spa visits are a cruise highlight for me. I have had various spa treatments and have been satisfied with the therapists. I think their facilities are better than most land based hotel spas.

 

The physical and mental benefits are worth 10x the cost to me.

Oh, and it also helps keeps me out of the casino during the day, so I save money:D

 

I have also used the Pearl's facilities and services. I do not have he same opinion(s) and would not pay for a spa cabin or pass.

 

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

We are currently booked in a balcony on the 15th floor. We would most likely get a spa pass rather then upgrading to a spa suite. Is the spa nice for relaxing and such? We have never been into the spa on a NCL cruise. We sailed the escape and loved it. There was plenty to do and very rarely found myself bored.

[garycarla]

I have not looked it up yet...Since this ship is being built to do Alaska, might they build it with a top that can be opened and closed by the pool area?

 

Pretty sure no ships are build for certain geographic areas. As the demands move, so does the ship. Also, nobody does year round in Alaska. Season is from Mid May into September.

 

(yes, some ships are build for a certain market - like the one for the Chinese market)

[IsanTom]

I love TA's, but you really need the beverage package! Enjoy!

[Planmaam]

A transatlantic is on my bucket list. Balcony would be the minimum cabin category, and the spa pass a must!

 

Have a great time!