Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

Madeira, Portugal

Whether you are new to cruising or you have taken practically every itinerary available from a US port, it might be time for that bucket list Transatlantic cruise. It sounds like a dream, but many people are hesitant because they fear there are just too many days at sea. Well, one thing is for sure, you will make the most out of your drink package. But if you ask me what it’s like to be at sea for so many days, I will tell you, “IT’S AWESOME!” The fact that you have no place to be and no pressure to do anything at all, except playing a slot machine with a drink in hand or catching an amazing show in the main theater.  Trust me, for anyone that loves being aboard a cruise, you hardly miss land. But one thing all the time at sea cannot prepare you for, is the astounding beauty you will experience when you wake up and see an island as incredible as Maderia, Portugal. I went on the excursion to the top of one of the highest sea cliffs in the world, it was amazing! We got off the ship and were loaded onto a fairly nice bus and began climbing the mountain. Along the way we stopped off for a light snack and sampled wine from a local vineyard. After everyone was a little more relaxed from the wine, we finished the assent to the top of the cliff. We then proceeded onto a see-through platform on the edge of a cliff that drops off at 580 meters, or about 1,902 feet. That is over the length of 6 football fields! Even though heights are not my thing, it was still a breathtaking experience.

If you are someone who feels very uncomfortable with heights, do not worry, there are other excursions to embark on. Or you can just stay in the port city if you’d like. Funchal is the city on the island of Madeira we pulled into. The city is so vibrant and full of life. Funchal is a beautiful destination in itself to spend a week. Most port cities in Europe are pretty amazing in themselves, where you will have plenty to see within walking distance from the port. If you land in a place such as Malaga or Alicante, Spain, it might be an idea to get off the ship in your swimwear because the beach is right at the end of the pier with a plethora of places to get a drink or a bite to eat.

The experience of taking a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean is so amazing, I have taken 4 transatlantic cruises. It’s something that is near and dear to my heart. I used to be afraid of flying and didn’t think I would ever see Europe. I am not sure what it was, maybe it was such a spiritual journey that changes you. While in Europe, for some odd reason, I was no longer afraid of flying. My love for the transatlantic cruise is something very special to me that I named my Travel Agency “Transatlantic Travel Time.” I, of course, am an agent that works with all cruises and tour operators regardless of which part of the Earth they operate. When people find me, I want to tell them a story of how traveling to new places opens your eyes to a world much larger than you once thought. And when you arrive at the old world, stay a while. Experience something different. You are already in Europe without any jet lag, I recommend taking advantage of that! The only catch is the ship doesn’t take you back to the US. You will have to fly home. But you will be returning home with memories that you will carry with you forever.