Crossing the Atlantic
 

Hello everyone here. I am new to Flyertalk and hope to make this my new travel home.
I have a question.
Is any one aware of any cruise line that crosses the Atalntic; like Barcelona Miami? or the like?
I have an uncle that will not fly, and I've been trying for years to have visit me in Florida. I see him everytime I go to Spain, but it would be nice if also came to see me.

Any input will be appreciated. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/cool.gif

Sorry for hitting the reply button too soon. So, disregard previous non-comment/

First of all, welcome to FT.
There are cruise lines which do re-positioning cruises and this would seem to be a great opportunity for your uncle. The last trans-atlantic crossing I took was (I believe) from Malaga to Virgin Islands. It was on the former Sea Goddess, now known as "The Sea Dream." The southern Atlantic is a beautiful crossing; I have done this several times. In fall, the seas are so still that the Captain sometimes has to drop anchor in the middle of the cruise and rest, just to get to his destination on schedule. These transatlantic repositioning cruises are normally offered at the end of April and end of October, when one ship is leaving the Caribbean, bound for the Mediterranean, and conversly, when another ship is leaving the Med bound for the winter-Caribbean season I would also add that it is an opportunity to travel on a deluxe ship for less-than-deluxe prices. . From Barcelona, I would think that your uncle would have some very nice options. I would suggest doing a search on this board or looking at other posts re: cruise operators. You can even search the NY TImes on this subject. I did once do a crossing which tookj me from Madeira to Fort Lauderdale. So, do some homework on FT and I am sure that your uncle will cross the South Atlantic happily.


[This message has been edited by obscure2k (edited Nov 17, 2003).]

Pretty much all of the major cruise lines do repositioning cruises as they move the ships from the Caribbean itineraries to European itineraries, and vice versa. You can do research on the cruise line websites, or use sites like www.icruise.com for more information/pricing.

You could search for freighters. Some do carry pax and I imagine Miami-Spain (Vigo, even Barcelona) would be a route do plied. Check out Journal of Commerce to see if any shipping companies advertise that route and cal to see if they accept paying pax.

Have a look at my post on http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/000160.html - to which I would also add Star Clippers if your uncle might want the very traditional sailing experience.

Thank you for your prompt responses.
Actually I thought it might be tougher thatn it is.
If there departures from Vigo, that would be almost better,since he lives in Santander.
I'm not too sure about the Star Clippers, he just turned 80 and I believe he is into a more relaxed sorroundings.

Holland America, June 23, Amsterdam to New York

Princess, Copenhagen to New York Aug 27

Norwegian, London to Miama Sept 22

Celiberty, London to New York Sept 7

Holland America, London to New York Sept 14

Crystal, London to New York, Sept 4

Royal Caribean Barcelona to Miami Nov 1

Princess, Venice to Lauderdale, Oct 7

Holland America, Lisbon to Lauderdale, Nov 12

Holland America, Barcelona to Lauderdale Nov 12

Holland America, Lisbon to Lauderdale, Nov 9

Crystal, Lisbon to Lauderdale, Nov 9

The returns, since you have to get him home again, would be in April/may if they follow the same schedule as this coming year.


[This message has been edited by cordelli (edited Nov 22, 2003).]

There is cruise message board at cruisecritic.com. Each cruise line has its own board. Might find some useful info there.

The QE2 (Cunard) did regular trans-Atlantic crossings from Dover to NYC during the summer (and some in spring and fall). It's being retired, but will be replaced by the new QM2, which I expect will do these crossings as well. Check the Cunard website.