We recently got back from our Atlantic crossing, It was not just a crossing, but include a few ports of call: we started in San Juan, then went to St. Martin, then spent six days at sea. Then we stopped in Madeira, another day at sea, then Casa Blanca Morocco, Cadiz Spain, a day at sea, then Valencia and Barcelona.
The sea days were nice. We had great weather. Mostly sunny and calm seas. One night a front passed by, but we were asleep for most of it. Since we enjoy quiet days anyway, we fell into a routine of relaxing in the morning watching the sea go by while reading on the pool deck. After lunch we’d use the gym to get our activity level up. It was kind of like being at home except we didn’t have to cook or clean up or do any other chores. Since they cleaned our room/bathroom twice daily a second shower after the gym always had fresh clean towels!
We had a stern cabin. Each stern corner had a suite on it with two “veranda” cabins in between. This worked out great on this trip since it sheltered us from the wind (the ship was crossing at 18 knots). We saw beautiful sunsets each evening since we were headed almost due east. One evening we had a room service dinner (no charge) on the veranda as the sun was going down. Pretty darn nice.
We enjoyed the ports of call too. Madeira was our favorite. We walked along one of the Levadas and could imagine going back there for a long visit sometime.
The ship was the Viking Star, the same ship we took on a cruise of the western Med last year at the same time. It was in great shape and we really enjoyed it. With the extra time on board we tried a couple of things. After exercising I tried the “thermal suite,” a set of hot tubs, cold plunge tub, a sauna and a snow room (yes they made snow each day). It was very refreshing. One evening there was star gazing led by one of the lecturers (a British astronomer). He got the captain to dim (most) of the lights and the views of the sky were awesome so far away from land.
The food was excellent and although you can eat as much as you want, they serve it in very reasonable portions at the restaurants. With all the activity I returned home down 1 lb. Not bad.
I liked how all inclusive it was too. The price included unlimited wine or beer with dinner. Some folks opted for the “drinkers package” with included upgraded wine and unlimited cocktails, but the wine was fine by me. Pretty much what we drink ourselves at home - i.e. middling wines. The two specialty restaurants are also included. We ate in each a few times and they really are a notch above the regular restaurant. There’s always a decent included excursion at each port. We spent extra for visits to a madeira tasting on Madeira (of course) and a sherry tasting in Jerez.
We added a couple of days on either end of the trip. So we enjoyed the sun in San Juan and lucked out with nice weather in Barcelona as we wandered the city. It seemed like half the town was out in the parks on a beautiful Saturday in the 70°s.
I think we'll try another similar cruise in the future.
