After Everything That Happened… Would I Take a Second Transatlantic Cruise?
By Gilly Bachelor
For my 30th birthday in 2000, I planned what I thought would be the trip of a lifetime. Fly to New York on Concorde and return to Southampton on P&O’s elegant Oriana. Pure glamour, neatly packaged adventure, the kind of journey you remember for all the right reasons.
None of it went to plan…
So, I thought it’d share my honest recommendation after a birthday trip that dodged THREE historic disasters.
The Concorde flight was cancelled in the wake of the crash of Air France Flight 4590 in Paris. That alone changed the tone of the trip before it had even properly begun.
Then, weeks later on the return crossing aboard Oriana, the Atlantic reminded us exactly what it can do. In a Force 10 gale, the ship encountered a rogue wave estimated at 40 to 50 feet. Windows were smashed, cabins flooded, and a few passengers were injured by flying glass. The crew stayed calm and in control throughout, and we eventually made it safely back to Southampton, just delayed.
Between those two moments, there was another that has stayed with me ever since…
On 11 September 2000, we had dinner at Windows on the World at the top of the World Trade Center. We looked out over Manhattan, completely unaware of how quickly that skyline would change. A year later, almost to the day, that view was gone. Looking back more than 25 years later, that trip should have put me off ocean cruising completely…
But, it did the opposite.
The Enduring Appeal of a Transatlantic Crossing
Despite everything that happened, the experience didn’t end my lifelong love of ocean cruising, although I haven’t done a transatlantic sailing since. That changes in August.
If you’ve taken a transatlantic cruise, you’ll know there is a unique rhythm to it. The long sea days slow everything down in a way flying simply cannot. You have time to properly rest, read, think, and watch the ocean change.
It feels like travel in its purest form.
There is often a celebratory feel on board as well, which is part of the charm. Once everyone realises there’s nothing to get up early for, people properly switch off, settle in, and just enjoy the experience.
Repositioning and transatlantic cruises remain some of the best value in cruising. You can often enjoy 12 to 16 nights for the price of a much shorter itinerary elsewhere, and modern ships are far better equipped for Atlantic conditions than many people realise. From stabilisers to advanced weather routing, today’s ships are designed to make crossings far more comfortable than in the past.
At the top end, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 remains the benchmark for a true ocean crossing. For a closer look at how she handles the Atlantic, Thinking Nomads provide an excellent infographic on the ship. Lines such as Celebrity, Princess, and Royal Caribbean also offer excellent repositioning voyages with strong onboard facilities.
Now, a Reality Check
The Atlantic is not the Caribbean. It can be rough, particularly on northern routes in spring and autumn.
My experience with a rogue wave was rare, but it left me with a lasting respect for the ocean and the importance of choosing the right sailing.
Southern routes via the Azores, Bermuda, or the Canary Islands are usually far calmer and often a better introduction for first-time transatlantic cruisers.
I’m Going Back…
I am heading back across the Atlantic again later this year, but this time it is a very different experience.
Instead of the classic New York to Southampton sailing I’ve done before, with seven uninterrupted sea days, I’m sailing from Lisbon to New York aboard Regent Seven Seas Splendor on 23 August 2026.
What makes this itinerary so special is that it is not just a crossing. Rather than simply sailing straight across the Atlantic, this voyage breaks the journey up with an incredible series of ports, including the Azores, before continuing to Atlantic Canada, New England, and finally New York. You can view the full itinerary here.
…But This Time It’s Different
On that original crossing aboard Oriana, life onboard was much simpler. There was essentially one main restaurant, fixed dining times, and a structured daily routine.
This time, sailing on Regent Seven Seas Splendor, the difference will be remarkable.
There will be multiple dining venues, all with open dining, so you can eat when and where you choose. Add to that a wide choice of lounges, a full spa, enrichment lectures, and far more flexibility in how you spend your time. It really highlights how cruising has evolved.
From a structured, one-size-fits-all experience to something far more personal, spacious, and relaxed. It still has the essence of a true transatlantic crossing, but with added depth along the way.
More time in destinations, more variety, and a different way of experiencing the Atlantic itself.
My Honest 2026 Recommendation
Would I still recommend a transatlantic cruise? Yes, but only if you go into it with the right expectations.
Choose transatlantic cruising if you enjoy sea days and are happy with a slower pace of travel, and be selective about your ship and routing.
I would always lean toward Queen Mary 2 for a classic crossing, or a well-planned southern or hybrid itinerary like my upcoming Regent voyage.
I would not recommend it if you struggle with seasickness or dislike long stretches without ports.
However, there is still plenty to enjoy onboard, from fitness classes and lectures to quizzes and entertainment. There is something deeply special about arriving in Europe or America by sea after days on the Atlantic.
It is slower, more reflective, and far more memorable than most modern travel.
That birthday trip in 2000, with its cancelled Concorde, a rogue wave, and a dinner high above New York that now feels frozen in time, could easily have ended my love of cruising. Instead, it gave me something else entirely: respect for the ocean, admiration for the crews who cross it every year, and a lasting belief that the journey is often just as important as the destination.
If you are considering a transatlantic cruise, get in touch and let’s have a chat! Give us a call on 01902 288104, send us a message, or book a free, no-obligation cruise planning meeting today.