Transatlatic Cruise-What's the weather like?

[Dodger Blue]

We're taking our first Transatlantic cruise in April. What can we expect the weather/temperature to be like during the crossing? I usually wear shorts all the time, but I'm wondering if it will be a little cool during the crossing.

[cruiseing marly]

Last year year we went in april it had highs temps of about 65 lows about 55. Seas were calm almost like a quite lake. Going this year on the noordam hopeing for the same.

[world~citizen]

There are no guarantees with respect to weather on a transatlantic, sorry.

That is part of its charm.:eek:

[Pam in CA]

It all depends on where you're crossing from and going to. If, for instance, you're on a southern route, let's say from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona, the temperatures won't be too bad. Probably chilly at night, cool during the day as you approach Barcelona. If you're leaving from NY to Southampton, it'll be chilly to downright cold. It can snow in NY in April and the water temperature will still be in the 40s to low 50s so no matter how warm the air temperature is, with the ship moving, it'll be chilly.

You can never predict how rough it'll be but bring slacks and sweaters.

[cruiseing marly]

We went from NY last year but went south to Bermuda than to Lisbon. I just assumed all the Holland America transatlantic cruises in april were from the south this year.

[Druke I]

Weather is often a "crapshoot".

We have had very smooth crossings, and some fairly rough ones also.

[Vic The Parrot]

Like Michael, and the other posters here, I've experienced everything from "mill pond" to 40 ft swells.


On my recent crossing (Jan 2009) the temps went from 50F to a chilly 19F :eek:


So a crapshoot is more than right ...


Be prepared for anything from mild weather, to constant fog.
Bring a few sweaters, you'll need them.

[cruiseing marly]

I do think that in april the weather is more likely to be good than in january.And that the soutern route is more likely to be calm than the northern.

[Vic The Parrot]

I've crossed in April ...


It was calm, but got chilly some nights. And it doesn't matter if the ship is north or south. It's the Atlantic, so anything can happen. ;)

[cruisinvnetter]

We are going to go on the Prinsendam in April transatlantic and we were wondering the same thing. IS that the ship that you will be on? This is our first transatlantic, too and I hope the weather will be great at that time. Have you booked excursions. We are wondering what we should do.

[RevNeal]

What about a November crossing from the Med to Fort Lauderdale??

[rochelle_s]

I would say there is a definate difference between a spring and a fall transatlantic cruise. In the fall you might also have to contend with any effects from hurricane season.

Rochelle

[SabreSailor]

We took the Noordam from NYC to Rome in April 2006 (her maiden year). We had packed turtlenecks, sweaters, etc., and none came out of the drawer. We overused our polo shirts and Bermuda shorts, however! We did have quite a bit of wind and cloudiness between Bermuda and the Azores, but it was at our beam for the most part and the ship handled it well. I would suspect better weather from FLL to the Med than Bermuda/Azores/Med. Interestingly, the worst weather of the trip was a 60 kt squall overnight between Barcelona and Monte Carlo!

Net, pack layers and you'll be fine - have a great trip - wish we were aboard with you!

[Druke I]

I'd say the same thing for November - a crapshoot.

On a Nov 95 crossing on Maasdam, smooth from Barcelona to the Azores. West of the Azores, we hit an Atlantic storm, and had large swells all the way to Fort Lauderdale

Water entered the hull via the hawsepipe (anchor chainway), and several cabins forward on Main Deck, including ours, flooded to a depth of four inches or so.

Luckily there were other cabins to which we could be moved.

Travel can be an adventure!

[RetiredMustang]

What about a November crossing from the Med to Fort Lauderdale??

Greg,

I agree with Druke I -- it's unpredictable. Last October, we sailed from the Med (via Madeira) to Fort Lauderdale on Noordam and had a long-period swell on the first day or two, with generally calm seas thereafter and temps in the 70s during the day. A very pleasant crossing.

I've crossed also on Navy ships twice in October/November and had two different experiences -- one with calm seas and sun, and the other with heavy swell and storms. By November, the hurricane season is starting to settle down, but you never know. Good luck!

Dave

[pipedreams62]

http://www.theartofdredging.com/rogue-wave.jpg

[RevNeal]

Greg,

I agree with Druke I -- it's unpredictable. Last October, we sailed from the Med (via Madeira) to Fort Lauderdale on Noordam and had a long-period swell on the first day or two, with generally calm seas thereafter and temps in the 70s during the day. A very pleasant crossing.

I've crossed also on Navy ships twice in October/November and had two different experiences -- one with calm seas and sun, and the other with heavy swell and storms. By November, the hurricane season is starting to settle down, but you never know. Good luck!

Thanks, Druke and Dave ... I'm not at all surprised. The only crossing I've done in my adult life has been a Northern Atlantic crossing and it was very nice ... until we passed Greenland heading West. Then WHAM! :) It was fun.

I hope we get both calm seas and some heavy seas ... 45 foot waves can be fun. I know the Rotterdam can handle them ... she did very well heading south to Antarctica with 45 foot waves and swells. It makes for a VERY fun ride.

[world~citizen]

What about a November crossing from the Med to Fort Lauderdale??

104344

Here is a photo from our Transatlantic in 2007 from Barcelona to Miami at the same time you are interested in. The ocean was like glass. I think you can click on it for a bigger image.

[mrblack]

http://www.theartofdredging.com/rogue-wave.jpg
I'm sure you work full time developing your portfolio of pics for every occasion. :D Mel

[mrblack]

We crossed last year in early March. It was very rough but temperature wise was quite nice. Of course we are from the frozen north and spend 6 months of the year in a freezer. Every day we were out on the deck walking or reading in the loungers. Mel

[cccole]

http://www.theartofdredging.com/rogue-wave.jpg

I hope this is a clip from a horror movie not a real life experience!!!:eek: Cherie

[RevNeal]

I hope this is a clip from a horror movie not a real life experience!!!:eek: Cherie

It looks pretty much like real-life to me. :) It reminds me of the seas we had on the south-bound leg of my cruise to Antarctica in January 2008. Lots of fun.

[Druke I]

I think that picture adequately shows how the ocean can be on occasion.

I recall on the little Golden Odyssey (a 10,000 tonner), trying to out-run the back end of a typhoon in the China Sea, between Hong Kong and Manila, 11-86.

We had green water over the bridge, screws out of the water, and the inclinometer was pegged several times. That was really rough, for about 24 hrs!! It looked something like the typhoon scene in that great movie, The Caine Mutiny.

[cccole]

Rev Neal and Druke I - I think I would be terrified. Hopefully the crew makes it seem like an everyday experience. I love the movement of the ship... one time going to Alaska things were flying around the cabin but nothing like this picture. As long as the ships are built for the adventure there would be no reason to worry!!! Cherie

[COLLEYBERRY]

http://www.theartofdredging.com/rogue-wave.jpg


Thanks . I am so looking forward to our transatlantic cruise now.:D:eek:

[Sydneyite]

We're also going on Prinsendam 36 day Transatlantic/Med and black Sea. I was going to bring mostly summery clothes with some slacks, blouses and a windbreaker.and maybe a cardigan However, I'm in New Jersey for 10 days early April - just read from one reply that it can snow or be very cold. With suitcase restrictions - having to fly back to Oz from Rome I'm not keen on taking winter clothes as well. guess I'd better pop in one warm top.

[Cristiano]

Hi Sydneyite,

we are from St Ives in Sydney.....and doing the TA for 28 days leaving FL on 25th April on the Eurodam.....we did the Black Sea Cruise on the Princedam 3 years ago was a wonderful experience....

Crazy weather tonight just back from Valentines Day dinner....and rain rain and more rain...last week we were in a 40+ heatwave...go figure.....

Cheers,

Cristiano.

[sapper1]

http://www.theartofdredging.com/rogue-wave.jpg
That's what it looked like during our late December crossing on the old Greek Line QSS Arkadia from Bremerhaven to Quebec City. I was in my teens and didn't know enough to be scared. It was a very exciting ride for me. The crew went to all the cabins and put iron covers on the portholes and all the furniture in the public rooms was gathered in groups and then roped together. Ropes were strung all over the place for people to hold onto while walking around. There was no going out on deck. When it was over there was water in the first class lounge and we were listing a bit as the cargo had shifted. The captain remarked to my father that it was the worst storm he had encountered in all his time at sea.
However on the same voyage, on the day we passed through the Gulf Stream it was so lovely and balmy out that we were outside on the deck in sweaters. I have pictures of a couple of girls sitting on the rear railing (such things were allowed back then) holding on to the flag staff wearing only a sweater and skirt and it was the North Atlantic in the middle of winter.
As we started to sail up the St. Lawrence River we were out on deck looking at the white, frozen landscape and were so happy to be home after two years away. It brought tears to the eyes. However there were a lot of Italian immigrants on the ship who were also standing on the deck with tears in their eyes. They had come from sunny Italy to this:eek: to make their new home.

On the other hand our trip over to Europe two years earlier was a crossing from Saint John to Liverpool and it was a nice calm crossing in January. It was not without drama though-----even though it was a six month old ship (Empress of Britain---later the Carnivale) it lost all power in the Irish Sea and we had to be rescued and towed into Liverpool.

So now, many years later I will be embarking on a late August crossing from Europe to New York City. Been there, done that---bring it on---I can take it. :D----or better yet, the ship can take it.

[COLLEYBERRY]

That's what it looked like during our late December crossing on the old Greek Line QSS Arkadia from Bremerhaven to Quebec City. I was in my teens and didn't know enough to be scared. It was a very exciting ride for me. The crew went to all the cabins and put iron covers on the portholes and all the furniture in the public rooms was gathered in groups and then roped together. Ropes were strung all over the place for people to hold onto while walking around. There was no going out on deck. When it was over there was water in the first class lounge and we were listing a bit as the cargo had shifted. The captain remarked to my father that it was the worst storm he had encountered in all his time at sea.
However on the same voyage, on the day we passed through the Gulf Stream it was so lovely and balmy out that we were outside on the deck in sweaters. I have pictures of a couple of girls sitting on the rear railing (such things were allowed back then) holding on to the flag staff wearing only a sweater and skirt and it was the North Atlantic in the middle of winter.
As we started to sail up the St. Lawrence River we were out on deck looking at the white, frozen landscape and were so happy to be home after two years away. It brought tears to the eyes. However there were a lot of Italian immigrants on the ship who were also standing on the deck with tears in their eyes. They had come from sunny Italy to this:eek: to make their new home.

On the other hand our trip over to Europe two years earlier was a crossing from Saint John to Liverpool and it was a nice calm crossing in January. It was not without drama though-----even though it was a six month old ship (Empress of Britain---later the Carnivale) it lost all power in the Irish Sea and we had to be rescued and towed into Liverpool.

So now, many years later I will be embarking on a late August crossing from Europe to New York City. Been there, done that---bring it on---I can take it. :D----or better yet, the ship can take it.


What a delightful story,really enjoyed it.
But Sapper I don't think you shoud be taunting Poseidon and Neptune from the look of this photo , those boys play rough:D:D

[sapper1]

What a delightful story,really enjoyed it.
But Sapper I don't think you shoud be taunting Poseidon and Neptune from the look of this photo , those boys play rough:D:D
Maybe they don't read Cruise Critic. One can only hope.;)

[Sydneyite]

Hi Cristiano

I know the weather in Sydney is crazy at the moment. My husband is suffering from SAD due to the constant rain and cooler weather. When he retired here from the States he expected summer to be warm and not so rainy.
I thought maybe I'd be the only Aussie onboard the Prinsendam on the Fort Lauderdale sector.

I am lookiing forward to the trip now after reading so many positive reviews of the Prinsendam. Did you do the ship excursions mainly? I'm a bit reluctant to go on private tours in case they don't make it back in time due to traffic.

Also if you stopped in Athens did the shup dock near enough to the train station to walk or was it necessary to get a taxi to the station? I've been reading how the taxi drivers cheat you - although I guess that's nothing new from my many experiences years ago in Athens.

[Sydneyite]

Hi Cruiseinvetter
I joined Cruise Critics this Jan. My husband and I are on the Prinsendam 30th April 36 nights cruise out of Fort Lauderdale. Is that the one you are on? We signed up for the meet and greet the frist sailing day May 1st. I signed up on the Roll Call section - Prinsendam. There are about 28 signed up so far.
We have booked a lot of ship excursions on HAL's website. We were worried about joining private tours and missing the boat. A lot of ports we plan to walk around.

[Cristiano]

Hi Sydneyite,

we did only 1 ship organized tour on our 12 day BS cruise all the other ports we did ourselves mostly hired local taxi / cars or walked.

We find this more suited to our style of travel and with due respect the amount of people on a coach can mean delays although can also be a good way to meet people from the boat that you would not normally get to meet.

We also find the tours offered to be expensive for what they provide.

BIG plus is that if you go with the organized ship tours the boat WILL not leave without you!!!

At the port of Piraeus where the ship docks it is some distance to the railway station so it would be advisable to get a taxi.....not sure what the cost would be...the traffic there is a nightmare so it may take some time even with the taxi.

If you look at web site below you will see a roundabout and a blue cruise liner -- 1st place cursor on the red ballon then follow the road named Parodos Miaouli around until you reach a roundabout - anticlockwise -- this is where the Prinsendam was docked on our cruise.

As you can see it is quite a walk.

The "red balloon" indicates where the station is at Piraeus.

Hope that helps.

It is still raining and I am building a new house !!!!:mad:

cheers,

Cristiano.


http://www.greece-athens.com/metro/map/

[Sydneyite]

Hi Sydneyite,

we did only 1 ship organized tour on our 12 day BS cruise all the other ports we did ourselves mostly hired local taxi / cars or walked.

We find this more suited to our style of travel and with due respect the amount of people on a coach can mean delays although can also be a good way to meet people from the boat that you would not normally get to meet.

We also find the tours offered to be expensive for what they provide.

BIG plus is that if you go with the organized ship tours the boat WILL not leave without you!!!

At the port of Piraeus where the ship docks it is some distance to the railway station so it would be advisable to get a taxi.....not sure what the cost would be...the traffic there is a nightmare so it may take some time even with the taxi.

If you look at web site below you will see a roundabout and a blue cruise liner -- 1st place cursor on the red ballon then follow the road named Parodos Miaouli around until you reach a roundabout - anticlockwise -- this is where the Prinsendam was docked on our cruise.

As you can see it is quite a walk.

The "red balloon" indicates where the station is at Piraeus.

Hope that helps.

It is still raining and I am building a new house !!!!:mad:

cheers,

Cristiano.


http://www.greece-athens.com/metro/map/








Hi Cristiano

Thanks for the information.

We booked quite a few ship excursions after researching the ports. We have about 23 stops and we're doing our own thing at about 9 stops. Some are expensive but easier than working out our own.

We actually booked our cruise for $6500 U.S. each originally but were able to get the lower price before payment which was $3650 U.S. each for an outside D cabin for the 36 days (a real bargain) so we figured that the saving paid for all the excursions, plus drinks, plus tips and our own tours in the port. I did see a few people organising private tours e.g. a 9 hour tour in Naples but since the boat is only in port for 10 hours and the tour goes to Amalfi I'd be worried about the traffic getting back.

We'll probably get a taxi to the station. I used to go to Greece a lot but it's been a while since I've been there.

It sure is raining although it let up enough to be able to go for an afternoon walk. They say it's supposed to clear up Wed or Thursday - I guess you'll be having an enforced break from building till then.

Marguerite (Sydneyite)

[cusyl]

I have always heard that November is one of the roughest times to make a crossing. A TA is on my "bucket list". I had to cancel the one I had booked a couple years ago because DH got sick.

[Pam in CA]

I did see a few people organising private tours e.g. a 9 hour tour in Naples but since the boat is only in port for 10 hours and the tour goes to Amalfi I'd be worried about the traffic getting back. That's one port that if you're doing the Amalfi coast, you should be concerned about. Several years ago, my sister was on an all-day ship's tour that included the Amalfi coast and there was such traffic that the bus averaged about 2 mi/hour for several hours -- no one was going anywhere and there are no short-cuts. They were tied up for hours and wound up getting back to the ship almost two hours late.