My first Transatlantic.

I’ve just returned from my first transatlantic cruise. I’ve always wanted to sail into the U.S.A and fly home. To say I’ve been and seen my friends across the pond without flying. I have to say i did really enjoy it. I very much liked the ship. There were a couple of hiccups and if I’m honest I probably wouldn’t do a transatlantic again but I’ve ticked it off. Thais why you have a bucket list to do what you want to do and tick it off the list.

It had been 10 years since I had been on The Navigator of the Seas. Hasn’t changed that much from what I could remember.  I booked myself into a Larger Panoramic view cabin. Which I have to say was awesome. Floor to ceiling windows from left to right. I didn’t see the point of booking a balcony as you just don’t know what the weather will be like crossing the Atlantic, especially in November!

To be fair with the exception of just a couple of choppy days the weather was actually quite mild and pleasant. A lot better than I expected out on top deck. The ship was clean and tidy. I found the staff very helpful and pleasant and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better waiter and stateroom attendant. They were just superb. It’s nice when you hit it off with them and that just makes all the difference for the sailing. Nothing was too much trouble.

If I were to complain about anything it would certainly  have to be the clearing of immigration in Boston. I know this isn’t Royal Caribbean’s fault but it was just beyond a joke. I’ll save details of that for my next blog. I had a beverage package and was disappointed that I couldn’t even get a standard Orange Juice. It was either soda orange like Fanta or you had to upgrade the package to a premium beverage package. That was a let down. As for Johnny Rockets, I love the American Diners and believe it or not they had no chilli or Malt on board. What? I couldn’t believe it myself, obviously stopped at Boston and sorted the Chilli out but no Malt. That just about ruined my Malt shake. Standard Milkshake it was then. So apart from those couple of minor things everything else went well. I enjoyed the shows and street parades and tried some ice skating. Wasn’t going to attempt the Rock climbing wall or the Flo-Rider… Far too cold for that.

I purchased a speciality dining package which gave us 3 restaurants for $75 which wasn’t too bad. Well would have been good had it not been a lousy exchange rate. We tried the Mexican, Italian and my favourite being the chops grille. We booked into these restaurants on the formal evenings as i was a bit concerned if the Americans on board would bother making an effort but surprising enough they did which was nice to see. I like the formal nights and my Girlfriend likes to make an effort like most women do so it was nice to have 3 evenings.  I am a believer in having a formal night. Traditionally it’s what cruises are all about that formal night.

From what I saw in Boston, the whole hour… Was nice. Markets being decorated for Christmas. New York was just as always fabulous. Shame the timing of the cruise wasn’t a little later so could have seen the Thanksgiving parade. Then onto Orlando where we decided to disembark rather than at Miami. We spent a night in Orlando, did our usual Christmas shopping and more decorations for my Grotto. Another blog to follow. Then before we knew it time up and had to fly home. Was a very nice relaxing flight as I had used my Air miles and flew Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic. Can’t beat a bit of business class if you can get it.

I’m glad I did the crossing. Was relaxing, sometimes felt long at sea but I’ve done it now and once less thing on my to do list.