Transatlantic Rome to Barbados Oct 2005

Would like to hear from anyone who has taken the fall transatlantic from Rome to Barbados, and their thoughts on the trip, how the weather was, activities on board, stops in the Mediterranian, passenger mix, etc. I am 54, single, and sailing solo, aiming for the 2005 crossing, hoping passengers are a good mix of nationalities, ages, interests. I have done quite a bit of sailing around Caribbean on smaller ships, under 25 passengers (best) and one Windjammer (fun, but not my favorite). Have not done Star Clippers yet, but have seen them around various islands. Any comments from past and future transatlantic sailers will be welcome.