Transatlatic Cruising, What Should We Expect?

[coloradocutie]

You will love the transatlantic!
We did the EBTA with a 3 and 7 year old and thought that it was a wonderful way to get adjusted for time zone in Europe. We just got up at the same time each day (though essentially losing an hour each day), and found ourselves adjusted by the time we got there... no jet lag at all and we were ready to go for our week in England afterwards! Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Time Changes: We are booked on the same cruise. This will be our third TA but first time eastbound, so the time changes will be entirely different. The itinerary is really a week-long ocean crossing followed by a series of port stops around the Iberian penisula. The second part should not be too bad in terms of time changes: one hour from Ponta Delgada to Lisbon, probably on the sea day, and one final hour between Lisbon and Cadiz. Tha stops in Spain should all be on the same time zone.

Port of Miami: We've sailed out of Miami on the Magic multiple times, including b2b cruises in January. Actually, we'll be doing two 5-nights b2b this coming January and then be back on the Magic for tha EBTA. We love the classic ships and the longer cruises whenever possible. Although not as nicely themed as the PC terminal because Disney does not own the space, the departure process has been pretty similar to our experiences at PC.

Trip Insurance: After using DCL trip insurance a number of times, I took the advice frequently offered on this board to investigate purchasing insurance separately. Because we're both past 70 years old, the DCL rates (which appear to be a flat 8% of cruise fares for us) have typically been cost competitive with the third party rates we were seeing. However, the coverage limits for medical evacuation are very low on the DCL policy and the coverage period was not going to work well for us on the EBTA since we plan to spend additional time on our own in Barcelona after we arrive. We would still need a separate policy to provide potential medical and evacuation coverage for this portion of our trip. In the end, we ended up going with an annual travel policy (from Allianz, but there were other comparable options). The premium to cover all our travel for a 12-month period was about half what we would have to spend using the DCL program that would only cover the times we were on the cruises.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

This will be our third TA but first time eastbound, so the time changes will be entirely different.

Yes, very much so.

It can seem "easier" to do that 5/6 hour time change one day at a time, but by day 5 you're dragging (at least we were). And, on top of the missed sleep, and crack of dawn get up time on debarkation day, we had to navigate the airport for an international flight back home.

We much prefer the westbound trips (we've done one TA and 2 Panama Canal westbound) as the time changes are much nicer (gaining that hour each day, instead of losing it).

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Yes, very much so.

It can seem "easier" to do that 5/6 hour time change one day at a time, but by day 5 you're dragging (at least we were). And, on top of the missed sleep, and crack of dawn get up time on debarkation day, we had to navigate the airport for an international flight back home.

We much prefer the westbound trips (we've done one TA and 2 Panama Canal westbound) as the time changes are much nicer (gaining that hour each day, instead of losing it).

All true, but I'm hoping to recover on board during the succession of port stops as we work our way around the Iberian penisula from Lisbon to Barcelona. Can't do anything about the early wake up on debarkation day, but then we have four days in Barcelona before we have to face that international flight home. We start in the central time zone so a total of 7 hours time change for us. We managed the 7-hour time change between Chicago and Paris okay when we did a river cruise earlier this year and the same 7-hour difference before sailing the two WBTAs. I'd prefer going west, but don't want to sail the more northerly route to New York that we did on the WBTA in 2016.

We might have booked the 2018 WBPC instead of the EBTA, but we had already committed to the EBPC next month in lieu of the 2017 WBTA. If DCL ever goes back to Miami, PC, or San Juan on the WBTA, we'll be on it like a flash.

 

[ludari]

I've done a few transatlantic cruises and I love them. Cruising eastbound can be tough because of the time changes which I why I prefer westbound.

As far as preparing for your cruise my rule of thumb is pack half as much and take twice as much money as I had planned. I've done several month long trips with cruises and manage to survive with just a carry-on bag. Yeah, I have to do laundry several times during my trip but I prefer to do that than to lug multiple suitcases around. This may not work for you considering you have baby.

I never purchase cruise insurance but I always have additional medical insurance that provides transportation back home in case something bad happens.

I have never gotten bored on any of my transatlantic cruises because I enjoy sea days where I can either relax and do nothing or spend my time participating in the various activities around the ship.

I would also suggest that you spend a few days at your final destination and enjoy the city and not rush to catch a plane trip home unless you really have to.

 

[belac]

Exciting to hear thanks! Looking forward to a change in menu since the last couple of cruises, while we always enjoy them, seemed more of the same. Of course there are always things we look forward to, like the chocolate souffle from Palo So sad they stopped serving the popcorn soup on the Fantasy. My family loved it.

I will be sure to take plenty of toys for our LO. We want to make her as comfy as possible

NEW QUESTION-- Has anyone taken a cruise departing from Miami? This cruise will depart from there and we have never left from that port. How is the process? Is it the same as in Port Canaveral? Do you board around noon as well? Many thanks

very similar, I actually thought Miami was a bit easier than PC on our last cruise from there. No Mickey ears, but organized with plenty of direction and CM to help out, if needed.

You may want to look into if you can have diapers/pull-ups and swim diapers for the toddler splash area sent directly to the ship. I know they do that in PC but not sure abt. Miami. There are specific rules regarding sending, perhaps call DCL

 

[David Hewitt-McDonald]

We did a WBTA as our first-ever cruise in 2014. We absolutely loved it. There were very few children onboard and a lot of groups. We found it more laid back and more special than a normal cruise. The crew seemed more excited as we were visiting new places.

We had lots of unique entertainment also as they had to fill the two weeks. So we saw shows they don't usually do such as "One Mans Dream" as well as one-off things such as a crew talent show. There was also lots of backstage tours going on and lots of food demonstrations. We loved it. At the end of our cruise, we received a limited-edition print.

As a tip i would say to make the most of the onboard launderette and take your own detergent.

 

[disneyfan888]

Thanks so much for the continued tips and feedback! We are so excited! Only 239 days left, but who is counting

 

[mmouse37]

All true, but I'm hoping to recover on board during the succession of port stops as we work our way around the Iberian penisula from Lisbon to Barcelona. Can't do anything about the early wake up on debarkation day, but then we have four days in Barcelona before we have to face that international flight home. We start in the central time zone so a total of 7 hours time change for us. We managed the 7-hour time change between Chicago and Paris okay when we did a river cruise earlier this year and the same 7-hour difference before sailing the two WBTAs. I'd prefer going west, but don't want to sail the more northerly route to New York that we did on the WBTA in 2016.

We might have booked the 2018 WBPC instead of the EBTA, but we had already committed to the EBPC next month in lieu of the 2017 WBTA. If DCL ever goes back to Miami, PC, or San Juan on the WBTA, we'll be on it like a flash.

Just did that international flight last Friday from Barcelona to NY. We spent 5 days in Portugal and another five days in Barcelona. Had a great trip (no DCL this time, just a land vacation). If you plan on using the Barcelona Metro (so easy) get a T10 ticket which brings the price down to 1 Euro per ticket (10 Euro for the ticket) and it can be used by up to 10 people. We just went through the same turnstile and handed the tickets back to each one of us. The Metro was so easy to manage....much easier than NYC subway!!!

If you have the time try to make it out to Montserrat....it was just breathtaking. We used Barcelona Day Tour and did a half day tour to Montserrat. It was 67 Euro pp and well worth it. We were 8 people with a private van, driver and English speaking guide. They picked us up at our hotel at 10:00 am and were back at our hotel at 3:00 pm. A great tour.

Also La Sagrada Familia was just gorgeous. After walking from La Sagrada Familia to Las Rambla and then down to the harbor we needed a break. We took a harbor boat tour and it was just what we needed. Took 45 minutes or so and we headed out past where the cruise ships docks (wished the Magic was docked!) and cruises around harbor. Only 7 Euro pp.

We stayed at the Hotel U232 and it was great. I even found a Disney Store .7 miles from our hotel!!! Of course I had to visit.

Have a great cruise.

MJ

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Just did that international flight last Friday from Barcelona to NY. We spent 5 days in Portugal and another five days in Barcelona. Had a great trip (no DCL this time, just a land vacation). If you plan on using the Barcelona Metro (so easy) get a T10 ticket which brings the price down to 1 Euro per ticket (10 Euro for the ticket) and it can be used by up to 10 people. We just went through the same turnstile and handed the tickets back to each one of us. The Metro was so easy to manage....much easier than NYC subway!!!

If you have the time try to make it out to Montserrat....it was just breathtaking. We used Barcelona Day Tour and did a half day tour to Montserrat. It was 67 Euro pp and well worth it. We were 8 people with a private van, driver and English speaking guide. They picked us up at our hotel at 10:00 am and were back at our hotel at 3:00 pm. A great tour.

Also La Sagrada Familia was just gorgeous. After walking from La Sagrada Familia to Las Rambla and then down to the harbor we needed a break. We took a harbor boat tour and it was just what we needed. Took 45 minutes or so and we headed out past where the cruise ships docks (wished the Magic was docked!) and cruises around harbor. Only 7 Euro pp.

We stayed at the Hotel U232 and it was great. I even found a Disney Store .7 miles from our hotel!!! Of course I had to visit.

Have a great cruise.

MJ

This will be our fourth time in Barcelona. I echo MJ's suggestions about Montserrat and La Sagrada Familia. We also used Barcelona Day Tours for the half day tour to Montserrat. Highly recommended. We'll check on the harbor boat tour. Sounds very worthwhile.

We've been staying at Hotel Jazz. They have an excellent breakfast and are located a 10 minute stroll from Las Rambla.

 

[mmouse37]

This will be our fourth time in Barcelona. I echo MJ's suggestions about Montserrat and La Sagrada Familia. We also used Barcelona Day Tours for the half day tour to Montserrat. Highly recommended. We'll check on the harbor boat tour. Sounds very worthwhile.

We've been staying at Hotel Jazz. They have an excellent breakfast and are located a 10 minute stroll from Las Rambla.

Hotel Jazz and U232 are sister hotels (owned by the same group). Hotel Jazz was one of our choices as well).

MJ

 

[disneyfan888]

Bumping this up for any new info. Many thanks

 

[Canadian Girl]

I did the 2015 Eastern and the 2017 Western. As someone said there were less than 200 kids on the 2015 cruise but apparently at least 500 on last September’s. Not sure why the difference. That said, there were always deck chairs available when we wanted one. The seas were much calmer on the Eastern apart from the end when we sailed from Norway to Copenhagen which made it pretty impossible to do anything after the show. The Western was a lot more rolling once we left Europe but for some reason, it didn’t really bother anyone much. I am booked on the 2018 TA next Sept. Prices for my inside were as much or more than my verandah although I didn’t book right away as I did for the 2015. Both were awesome trips.

 

[disneyfan888]

I did the 2015 Eastern and the 2017 Western. As someone said there were less than 200 kids on the 2015 cruise but apparently at least 500 on last September’s. Not sure why the difference. That said, there were always deck chairs available when we wanted one. The seas were much calmer on the Eastern apart from the end when we sailed from Norway to Copenhagen which made it pretty impossible to do anything after the show. The Western was a lot more rolling once we left Europe but for some reason, it didn’t really bother anyone much. I am booked on the 2018 TA next Sept. Prices for my inside were as much or more than my verandah although I didn’t book right away as I did for the 2015. Both were awesome trips.

Thank you! I am currently making lists of everything an anything we may need since this is a longer crusie and are traveling with a little one. Sooooooo excited!

 

[ivanp91]

Thank you! I am currently making lists of everything an anything we may need since this is a longer crusie and are traveling with a little one. Sooooooo excited!

We will be on the same cruise. Looking forward to it!

 

[disneyfan888]

We will be on the same cruise. Looking forward to it!

How awesome! I am sooooooo excited! I can't wait to start booking stuff next week See you on the ship!

 

[disneyfan888]

New Question: Do they do Pirate Night with fireworks on the Transatlantic voyages?

We love dressing up for Pirate Night and were not sure if this was offered. I thought maybe the fireworks would not be included because of the route and any difference in laws etc.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

New Question: Do they do Pirate Night with fireworks on the Transatlantic voyages?

We love dressing up for Pirate Night and were not sure if this was offered. I thought maybe the fireworks would not be included because of the route and any difference in laws etc.

Yes. Now, if there are weather issues, the actual Pirate night may be delayed. Ours was basically cancelled (well, the fireworks and show) due to the really rough seas. One night after we reached the UK, we had the fireworks.

 

[disneyfan888]

Yes. Now, if there are weather issues, the actual Pirate night may be delayed. Ours was basically cancelled (well, the fireworks and show) due to the really rough seas. One night after we reached the UK, we had the fireworks.

Sorry to hear about your delayed Pirate Night. Glad it all worked out in the end though. Also happy to know that it is included weather permitting
Thanks for the quick reply.