I recently went on my first-ever transatlantic cruise. I've been to Europe more than a handfull of times but I'd always flown there in the past. I learned something about myself on this trip: cruising is much more my style. We were on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship and it was a remarkable way to kick off our YMT vacation in Europe. Two weeks on the high seas in the height of hospitality and luxury!
I can see the appeal of cruising; I've certainly enjoyed the other cruises I've been on. It's a vertiable city on the sea! Taking a transatlantic cruise is even more enjoyable in many ways. You're on the boat for longer, and you really settle in. I found this to be quite different from other, shorter cruises I've been on because on those you're constantly getting off the boat every day or two for sightseeing day trips.
Some of my favorite things about the cruise we went on:
- Great exercise
Most vacations make it hard to get away from the sightseeing and restaurant meals long enough to go to the gym. Or if you can find the time, you're usually so exhausted from all of the activities to make a visit. I found on the transatlantic cruise that it was easy to settle in to a routine - I'd set my alarm every morning for the same time I usually wake up at home (most days I woke up before it even went off!). I hit up the gym or classes every day before breakfast. And unlike my gym at home, there was no shortage of classes to jump in on. I did yoga and spin class a couple of times; it even inspired me to sign up for spin class at home!
- Entertainment
If there's one truth about cruising it's that you can never get bored on the ship. From evening cabaret shows and the casio to daytime classes or even just sightseeing from the decks, there's something for everyone in your group. I loved watching the sunset each night over the watery horizon. That was absolutely the best part of the cruise for me - and the part I missed most when I got home.
- Relaxation
What's a vacation without a little spa time (or a lot)? The ship we were on had a full-service spa - as do most. They had all of the services you'd expect from a place at home - and even more! They had everything from cosmetic services like teeth whitening to alternative medicine like acupuncture. I've never had acupuncture at home so I was nervous to try it, but my husband loved it! He went for a couple of sessions to work on his back. The cruise was a perfect time for him to recouperate.
- Good eats!
It's a good thing that I kept up my gym routine while we were at sea because the food never seemed to end! For two weeks we ate foods from every country. Some nights we dined formally and some nights we had casual buffets. We ate in our room one day because we just wanted a chance to lie around and watch a movie but we really preferred getting out and mingling with the other guests. What a great way to meet people!
If you haven't been on a transatlantic cruise, I highly recommend it. It's a great way to meet new friends, extend your vacation for a reasonable price, and see things from an entirely different perspective at an completely different pace.
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