This video was instrumental in me making the decision to take my first cruise ever. Dec 4, 2023 on NCL Gem from Rome to NYC, solo transatlantic with a balcony. I had, straight up, the best time ever! So much so I've booked my self on the Escape leaving in about a month from NYC to Rome and then a b2b in the Mediterranean. Total of 27 days. I looked at other lines but NCL are the only ones that make it affordable for solo travelers. So excited! I REALLY love sea days, the more the better 😊 I just wanted to send you a heartfelt THANK YOU, your content has changed my world. ❤😊❤
Good to know. I too travel solo. First cruise will be in May of 2025-NYC to Bermuda to get my feet wet. I have vertigo at times so want to see how I do if things get rocky. Have a mid-ship balcony on deck 9. Want to do a TA eventually but need to get myself acclimated to cruising first. Thank you!
We've done 2 Trans-Atlantic cruises on Norwegian (got to Ponta Delgado both times!) and always enjoyed them. I didn't find the time zone changes too difficult but realized that we were actually just sleeping in a hour later each day! I prefer the gradual change on a ship to the instant jet lag when flying.
Oh Michael, way to rub it in. I'm sure the Portugese tarts were amazing in Ponta Delgada too 😜 I'm glad that you've had a good time on your cruises. I definitely agree that a gradual change is way better than flying!
My husband and I are taking the NCL Breakaway on a transatlantic cruise from Miami to Southampton, U.K., in February, 2025. We’re very much looking forward to it as we enjoy the concentrated time on the ship. Since there is a very difficult climate in February from Miami to the U.K., do you have any packing tips? Thanks so much! I like your channel and that you get straight down to business and don’t spend needless minutes chatting and introduction. Thank you! ❤️
Westbound, you can sleep in every other day without missing anything. I usually cruise for the ship so the more sea days the better. Flying after the cruise is the worst, I much prefer to cruise _to_ Florida.
Additional pro for some: fewer kids/families on the ship due to the longer length of the cruise and that is going far away from home. This can result in a calmer atmosphere aboard which is desired by some. Additional con: potentially rougher seas and colder weather in the North Atlantic . Great video btw!
Hi, I'm only starting to become interested in cruises- I've never been on one- but I'm curious if, because I'm very susceptible to sea-sickness, I should just forget about ever going on one. Is it a big factor?
I have a 17 year old only child and was concerned about the lack of teenagers on board on a transatlantic cruise. I am considering the 6/3/2023 sailing to Lisbon and haven’t been able to get enough information calling NCL etc.
First, my go to dance song is Lady Gag's Replay. As far as a transatlantic cruise, I would certainly consider it if the casino was available. We thought about doing one a few years ago on Cunard when they had a fashion week on board. That was we had an additional activity to do while there.
I’ve been on two transatlantic and several repositioning cruises. I love them. My dance playlist is long so I can’t narrow it down to one song but yours is in my Top 10!!
We're booked on a transatlantic NCL cruise from Rio to Barcelona in March 2023 for our 50th anniversary. We follow your videos and have learned a lot from them.
Oooooh this sounds like a fantastic itinerary! What a way to celebrate! Congratulations!! 🎉🎉🎉 Thanks also for the kind words, I'm so glad that you've enjoyed the videos! I feel so blessed to be able to share with our cruise community... cruisemunity? 😜
Hi Grant! THANK YOU for your videos about NCL. We are taking our 1st NCL and transatlantic cruise in Nov. Barcelona to NYC. Your videos have been very helpful.
Hi Kimberly 👋 That's exciting!! When's your trip coming up? I was eyeing a few myself, but unfortunately the timing just won't work out this year. The prices are absolutely incredible right now.
I have sailed on two transatlantic cruises, I’m originally from Denmark now live in Canada, so I often go to Denmark for visits , so I find this a relaxing way to get there, and the time change is much easier than when I fly and there is 6 hours time change in one day. Love sea days onboard.
Hi Henrik 👋 Thanks for sharing. I totally agree Transatlantics are a favourite both for lots of sea days, but also for a more gradual way to deal with time changes. Hope you're having a super day!!
I did my first T/A this Apr/May on the NCL Dawn, NY to Southampton. We should have had 6 or 7 port stops, but between bad weather & many Covid cases we did not stop at 3 ports. It was still amazing. You are right about the time changes, it was very confusing! I did love the sea days, but some may find them boring. Going on NCL Prima next May, NY to Iceland. Can’t wait!
Thanks for sharing Diane! I haven't done a cruise to or from Southhampton just yet; one day, so that I get to seem some more places in Northern Europe! You're so lucky to be booked on the Prima! For now I'm still Prima dreamin. Fingers crossed I will have a cruise booked for the end of the year! 🤞
I am a travel advisor and looking forward to taking my first transatlantic cruise on the Viva this November. Yes, I'm looking forward to it and I'll be sure to let you know.
Hi Suzanne 👋 Thanks for my comment. Wow you're going to be on the Viva, that's exciting! I am a big fan of repositioning cruises (as you may have guessed from my video). If you're okay with sea days and know how to have a good time, they are a great way to slow things down a bit and really enjoy. I know you'll have a fantastic time 😊
Hi, Grant! Love NCL and love your helpful videos. I've been on two Transatlantic cruises - Epic in 2016 and Getaway in 2017, both westbound. Loved getting an extra hour each night. My go to dance song is Our Lips Are Sealed by The Go-Go's.
Hi John! Thanks for the ❤️ You're a transatlantic pro! I also really loved the westbound, really relaxing. I'll have to add your song to my next transatlantic playlist!!
and YES I've done 4 as well. Miami to Barcelona (EPIC) Port Canaveral to Barcelona with a B2B to Morocco and The Canary Islands (Epic) Tampa to Copenhagen with a B2B to Norway (Star) and Port Canaveral to Barcelona after a B2B2B to the Eastern and Western Caribbean (Epic) Your video hit everything SPOT ON.
A TA cruise is on my list, but it will be a while before I go. Hopefully I am going to do the Panama Canal in 2024, after going to Mexico in November of 2023. Thanks as always! 😊
Hi Lee Ann 👋 You can do it! I really, really enjoy repositioning cruises, in part because it has lots of sea days which really bring down the stress levels (also gives me plenty of time to record footage on the ship!). The one repositioning cruise that's still on my list is a Transpacific from North America to Japan! # dreams
We are doing out first TA cruise from Rome to NY on the 1st Nov this year on the Escape Im both nervous and excited ... A bit worried about the weather and sea sickness
Yay for your first transatlantic! That's coming up soon! I was nervous too before my first Transatlantic on the Epic back in 2018, but it was smooth sailing literally. Despite missing some ports on other cruises the seas have always treated me pretty well. You'll do great! 🤩
Thanks for your really helpful video Grant. Okay dance numbers first - Let's Hear it for the Boy, We are Family, Give it Up are just a few good disco numbers! This is our first cruise and we are actually taking the same one you mention in your video - Lisbon to New York via the Azores and Bermuda. We leave Lisbon on 7th December and arrive New York on 16th December. Any knowledge of what weather patterns at these ports are like at that time of year? I'd be interested to know what the food is like on the Norwegian Epic when one is tied into a dining package. Also, the premium drinks package. I've been led to believe that there are taxes payable on all drinks at the end of your cruise. However, I've already paid in advance for the package and also paid for all taxes and gratuities so are these additional taxes which we are not told about when booking? We are really looking forward to being first timers and are pretty sure we'll have a ball!! Any further tips for the transatlantic voyage would be really appreciated. Many thanks. Greggie
Greggie, I am so happy to get more songs to add to my playlist!! Hooray for your first cruise! You'll have a great time, I have a few friends on that one as well. When I did my Transatlantic last year the weather was cool so imagine / Fall or Spring and have layers would be my recommendation. For the drinks package I'll recommend having a look at my video linked below. It provides some more details on your question that I think will help. If you have any other questions feel free to also reach out Instagram @cruisewithgrant 😊 How the Free at Sea Premium Beverage Package works th-cam.com/video/t5RZT23cxZg/w-d-xo.html
For you or anyone who has done a TA with NCL, what has been your favorite ship (or your future bucket list ship) to cross the Atlantic? Thanks for all of your great videos Grant!
I've done one TA with NCL and will soon be doing my second. I was on Epic then, Prima upcoming. Both leave from Barcelona and come back to the US, much easier on the jet lag. There were so many great memories for me, but a few that stand out: 1- Toboggan rides in Funchal, Madeira were cheesy fun I'm glad I did, 2- Halloween fell in the middle of my first TA and NCL did it UP! Full Haunted house with sheets to create the path, so many costumes, and everyone dancing Thriller on the back of the ship. 3- The Thermal Spa pass is SO worth it on TAs. I spent many mornings there after a nice sit down breakfast and came back the most relaxed I'd ever been. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Hey Grant, Im actually so sick of the ponta delgada port...I love NCL but the transatlantic Sailings on NCL are very very repetitive....ex. Rome florence cannes Barcelona cadiz seville azores bermuda nyc .....I just wish they would change this up more often
Hi Anthony 👋 I guess we'll have to do a swap so I can finally see Ponta Delgada sometime! Haha I agree I've see a few spots like Cadiz many times. I was excited to do my last transatlantic down to Rio which had stops in different places like the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
Hi Grant enjoy your tips..First time cruising with NCL I purchased a package about six months ago for an upcoming cruise latter this month. Noticed NCL is now offering a free second passenger for this cruise. Do you if we can benefit from this change in pricing?
Hi Glenn 👋 thanks for the question. Usually the final payment is due 3-4 months before your cruise date; after that time passes they won't refund any money even if the cost of the cruise changes or there are new promotions. If you're in that boat there's still no harm reaching out to your cruise consultant / travel agent to see if they may give you an upgrade to a nicer room or on board credit. I've heard some people have success with getting something in place of any money back. Hope this is helpful!
Hi Cheryl 👋 Guess what??? I've done a bunch AND I made a video about it 😊😊😊 I've linked it below. Hope it's helpful! th-cam.com/video/rrpU-8zQ9Gk/w-d-xo.html
🎬 Watch next: The Top Things to know about Solo Travel on NCL
th-cam.com/video/8gYCSNywW4U/w-d-xo.html
i am thinking the casino is open longer??
This video was instrumental in me making the decision to take my first cruise ever. Dec 4, 2023 on NCL Gem from Rome to NYC, solo transatlantic with a balcony. I had, straight up, the best time ever! So much so I've booked my self on the Escape leaving in about a month from NYC to Rome and then a b2b in the Mediterranean. Total of 27 days. I looked at other lines but NCL are the only ones that make it affordable for solo travelers. So excited! I REALLY love sea days, the more the better 😊
I just wanted to send you a heartfelt THANK YOU, your content has changed my world. ❤😊❤
Good to know. I too travel solo. First cruise will be in May of 2025-NYC to Bermuda to get my feet wet. I have vertigo at times so want to see how I do if things get rocky. Have a mid-ship balcony on deck 9. Want to do a TA eventually but need to get myself acclimated to cruising first. Thank you!
I’m taking my first cruise, and a transatlantic one, on Norwegian Prima in November, very excited!!
I’ll be on that cruise. I’m so excited!
@@Journey2Happy amazing! Hope you have a great holiday x
We've done 2 Trans-Atlantic cruises on Norwegian (got to Ponta Delgado both times!) and always enjoyed them. I didn't find the time zone changes too difficult but realized that we were actually just sleeping in a hour later each day! I prefer the gradual change on a ship to the instant jet lag when flying.
Oh Michael, way to rub it in. I'm sure the Portugese tarts were amazing in Ponta Delgada too 😜 I'm glad that you've had a good time on your cruises. I definitely agree that a gradual change is way better than flying!
Taking my first TA on the Norwegian Pearl early December 2024 from Barcelona to Miami this will be my first one so I’m excited 😝
We are going on our 1st transatlantic april 2024 on ncl pearl. Thanks for this video
My husband and I are taking the NCL Breakaway on a transatlantic cruise from Miami to Southampton, U.K., in February, 2025. We’re very much looking forward to it as we enjoy the concentrated time on the ship. Since there is a very difficult climate in February from Miami to the U.K., do you have any packing tips? Thanks so much! I like your channel and that you get straight down to business and don’t spend needless minutes chatting and introduction. Thank you! ❤️
never have but when I can get that much timecoff work I do look forward to one...or more!
Westbound, you can sleep in every other day without missing anything. I usually cruise for the ship so the more sea days the better. Flying after the cruise is the worst, I much prefer to cruise _to_ Florida.
I'm with you there, sleeping in on the way over to North / South America is bliss! 😴😴😴
Additional pro for some: fewer kids/families on the ship due to the longer length of the cruise and that is going far away from home. This can result in a calmer atmosphere aboard which is desired by some. Additional con: potentially rougher seas and colder weather in the North Atlantic . Great video btw!
Hi, I'm only starting to become interested in cruises- I've never been on one- but I'm curious if, because I'm very susceptible to sea-sickness, I should just forget about ever going on one. Is it a big factor?
I have a 17 year old only child and was concerned about the lack of teenagers on board on a transatlantic cruise. I am considering the 6/3/2023 sailing to Lisbon and haven’t been able to get enough information calling NCL etc.
First, my go to dance song is Lady Gag's Replay. As far as a transatlantic cruise, I would certainly consider it if the casino was available. We thought about doing one a few years ago on Cunard when they had a fashion week on board. That was we had an additional activity to do while there.
Great song choice! Definitely something to consider, the idea of a fashion week on board sound very fanct!
I’ve been on two transatlantic and several repositioning cruises. I love them. My dance playlist is long so I can’t narrow it down to one song but yours is in my Top 10!!
I feel the same way Lori, there are many favourites, but this one always seems to get people out on the dance floor!
We're booked on a transatlantic NCL cruise from Rio to Barcelona in March 2023 for our 50th anniversary. We follow your videos and have learned a lot from them.
Oooooh this sounds like a fantastic itinerary! What a way to celebrate! Congratulations!! 🎉🎉🎉 Thanks also for the kind words, I'm so glad that you've enjoyed the videos! I feel so blessed to be able to share with our cruise community... cruisemunity? 😜
I was booked on msc Rio to lis cruise. Fly free to get to Rio. Booked Copacabana beach. But got cold feet.going solo. Bút going 2024. Have fun
Hi Grant! THANK YOU for your videos about NCL. We are taking our 1st NCL and transatlantic cruise in Nov. Barcelona to NYC. Your videos have been very helpful.
Getting ready for my first transatlantic 🤗
Hi Kimberly 👋 That's exciting!! When's your trip coming up? I was eyeing a few myself, but unfortunately the timing just won't work out this year. The prices are absolutely incredible right now.
I’m going on TA on NCL Getaway in April/May. Anyone know how rough the ocean from NYC to Southampton?
I have sailed on two transatlantic cruises, I’m originally from Denmark now live in Canada, so I often go to Denmark for visits , so I find this a relaxing way to get there, and the time change is much easier than when I fly and there is 6 hours time change in one day. Love sea days onboard.
Hi Henrik 👋 Thanks for sharing. I totally agree Transatlantics are a favourite both for lots of sea days, but also for a more gradual way to deal with time changes. Hope you're having a super day!!
I did my first T/A this Apr/May on the NCL Dawn, NY to Southampton. We should have had 6 or 7 port stops, but between bad weather & many Covid cases we did not stop at 3 ports. It was still amazing. You are right about the time changes, it was very confusing! I did love the sea days, but some may find them boring. Going on NCL Prima next May, NY to Iceland. Can’t wait!
Thanks for sharing Diane! I haven't done a cruise to or from Southhampton just yet; one day, so that I get to seem some more places in Northern Europe! You're so lucky to be booked on the Prima! For now I'm still Prima dreamin. Fingers crossed I will have a cruise booked for the end of the year! 🤞
@@CruisewithGrant 🙏🙏🤞🤞
How bad did the seas get? Sounds ominous….
Leaving tomorrow on NCL's epic for a transatlantic to Rome from Port Canaveral. So excited.
We crossed west to east on the Gem this year. It was wonderful.
I haven't been on the Gem yet, but the Jewel class are top of my list! Did you have a favourite stop?
@@CruisewithGrant The stop in the Azores was magical. Barcelona was right on up there, too.
I am a travel advisor and looking forward to taking my first transatlantic cruise on the Viva this November. Yes, I'm looking forward to it and I'll be sure to let you know.
Taking my first TA on Viva April 2024 really looking forward to this , as it's going to be only my 2nd cruise ever!
Hi Suzanne 👋 Thanks for my comment. Wow you're going to be on the Viva, that's exciting! I am a big fan of repositioning cruises (as you may have guessed from my video). If you're okay with sea days and know how to have a good time, they are a great way to slow things down a bit and really enjoy. I know you'll have a fantastic time 😊
Hi, Grant! Love NCL and love your helpful videos. I've been on two Transatlantic cruises - Epic in 2016 and Getaway in 2017, both westbound. Loved getting an extra hour each night. My go to dance song is Our Lips Are Sealed by The Go-Go's.
Hi John! Thanks for the ❤️ You're a transatlantic pro! I also really loved the westbound, really relaxing. I'll have to add your song to my next transatlantic playlist!!
I’m taking a TA in April 2024 from NYC to Northern Europe on the Getaway and I’m sooooo excited. I’m going with a friend but we are doing solo cabins.
Very exciting!! I’ve just finished my fourth TA and it definitely won’t be my last! The Getaway is a great ship! Have you sailed on her before?
Great channel!! Your videos are packed with a lot of excellent information that other youtubers don't talk about!
and YES I've done 4 as well. Miami to Barcelona (EPIC) Port Canaveral to Barcelona with a B2B to Morocco and The Canary Islands (Epic) Tampa to Copenhagen with a B2B to Norway (Star) and Port Canaveral to Barcelona after a B2B2B to the Eastern and Western Caribbean (Epic) Your video hit everything SPOT ON.
Hi Brad 👋 Wow you've done alot of transatlantics!! I really appreciate getting the vote of confidence from pros like you!
I love transatlantic Sailings but
Prefer transatlantic west bound or
From Europe to the states.... the time change is easier on the body
Totally agree! This last cruise from Lisbon to Rio was a breeze because you always have plenty of time to rest!
Doing a repositioning cruise on ncl next month Bcn to NYC. Excited
Barbara that's so exciting!! I love me a repositioning cruise as you may have already figured out. Which ship are you sailing on, is it the Gem?
Never been on one but would like to try on one on NCL too!!
You should definitely give it a go! Nothing better than waking up to a beautiful day at sea where you don't gave to be anywhere or do anything at all.
@@CruisewithGrant defense to agree with you, def down the road in my cruising experience !
Definitely on my bucket list! Go to dance song right now is “Magic” by Kylie Minogue 🕺🏼
Thanks for sharing your song! My playlist is growing! 🎶 You should definitely add it to your list. There have been some great deals recently!
A TA cruise is on my list, but it will be a while before I go. Hopefully I am going to do the Panama Canal in 2024, after going to Mexico in November of 2023. Thanks as always! 😊
Hi Lee Ann 👋 You can do it! I really, really enjoy repositioning cruises, in part because it has lots of sea days which really bring down the stress levels (also gives me plenty of time to record footage on the ship!). The one repositioning cruise that's still on my list is a Transpacific from North America to Japan! # dreams
Just booked one today
Great video as always Grant !! Taking my first later this month the tips are very helpful
Hi Eric! Thanks for the kind words, it always means the most to mean when folks share that the video were helpful. Mission accomplished!! 🙌
oh no. I LUV'd Ponta Delgada .....try again it will be worth the visit Grant
Thanks Brad 👋 one of these days I still hope to make it. I’ve heard really wonderful things about how beautiful the Azores islands are 😍
We are doing out first TA cruise from Rome to NY on the 1st Nov this year on the Escape Im both nervous and excited ... A bit worried about the weather and sea sickness
Yay for your first transatlantic! That's coming up soon! I was nervous too before my first Transatlantic on the Epic back in 2018, but it was smooth sailing literally. Despite missing some ports on other cruises the seas have always treated me pretty well. You'll do great! 🤩
I’m looking at a 13 day trans Atlantic cruise that only stops in Punta Del Gato….hmm
Thanks for your really helpful video Grant. Okay dance numbers first - Let's Hear it for the Boy, We are Family, Give it Up are just a few good disco numbers!
This is our first cruise and we are actually taking the same one you mention in your video - Lisbon to New York via the Azores and Bermuda. We leave Lisbon on 7th December and arrive New York on 16th December. Any knowledge of what weather patterns at these ports are like at that time of year?
I'd be interested to know what the food is like on the Norwegian Epic when one is tied into a dining package. Also, the premium drinks package. I've been led to believe that there are taxes payable on all drinks at the end of your cruise. However, I've already paid in advance for the package and also paid for all taxes and gratuities so are these additional taxes which we are not told about when booking?
We are really looking forward to being first timers and are pretty sure we'll have a ball!! Any further tips for the transatlantic voyage would be really appreciated. Many thanks. Greggie
Greggie, I am so happy to get more songs to add to my playlist!! Hooray for your first cruise! You'll have a great time, I have a few friends on that one as well. When I did my Transatlantic last year the weather was cool so imagine / Fall or Spring and have layers would be my recommendation.
For the drinks package I'll recommend having a look at my video linked below. It provides some more details on your question that I think will help. If you have any other questions feel free to also reach out Instagram @cruisewithgrant 😊
How the Free at Sea Premium Beverage Package works
th-cam.com/video/t5RZT23cxZg/w-d-xo.html
@@CruisewithGrant Thanks again Grant. Very helpful indeed. Have taken note of your "layers" tip. Greggie
Love Transatlantic cruises. Have done 4👍🏻. Bargain prices
Hi Trevor 👋 I love them too, I think we're tied at 4, but there may be another one coming up for me this year haha!
How’s internet on the ocean? I would like to work a little bit on sea day
12-8-22 on board with the Gem
Very exciting, the countdown is on!! 🥳
For you or anyone who has done a TA with NCL, what has been your favorite ship (or your future bucket list ship) to cross the Atlantic? Thanks for all of your great videos Grant!
I've done one TA with NCL and will soon be doing my second. I was on Epic then, Prima upcoming. Both leave from Barcelona and come back to the US, much easier on the jet lag. There were so many great memories for me, but a few that stand out: 1- Toboggan rides in Funchal, Madeira were cheesy fun I'm glad I did, 2- Halloween fell in the middle of my first TA and NCL did it UP! Full Haunted house with sheets to create the path, so many costumes, and everyone dancing Thriller on the back of the ship. 3- The Thermal Spa pass is SO worth it on TAs. I spent many mornings there after a nice sit down breakfast and came back the most relaxed I'd ever been. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
How much did the thermal spa pass cost and where do you purchase from?
We love transatlantic cruises
Me too! How many transatlantics have you been on? I'm hoping to have my next one coming up before the end of the year!
Hey Grant,
Im actually so sick of the ponta delgada port...I love NCL but the transatlantic Sailings on NCL are very very repetitive....ex. Rome florence cannes Barcelona cadiz seville azores bermuda nyc .....I just wish they would change this up more often
Hi Anthony 👋 I guess we'll have to do a swap so I can finally see Ponta Delgada sometime! Haha I agree I've see a few spots like Cadiz many times. I was excited to do my last transatlantic down to Rio which had stops in different places like the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
@@CruisewithGrant Hey Grant
So happy to chat with you.. lol
Was that sailing on the star?
Hi Grant enjoy your tips..First time cruising with NCL I purchased a package about six months ago for an upcoming cruise latter this month. Noticed NCL is now offering a free second passenger for this cruise. Do you if we can benefit from this change in pricing?
Hi Glenn 👋 thanks for the question. Usually the final payment is due 3-4 months before your cruise date; after that time passes they won't refund any money even if the cost of the cruise changes or there are new promotions. If you're in that boat there's still no harm reaching out to your cruise consultant / travel agent to see if they may give you an upgrade to a nicer room or on board credit. I've heard some people have success with getting something in place of any money back. Hope this is helpful!
@@CruisewithGrant Thanks for the helpful tip.
@@glennshinsato9971 my pleasure 😊😊😊
Has anyone done a B2B?
Hi Cheryl 👋 Guess what??? I've done a bunch AND I made a video about it 😊😊😊 I've linked it below. Hope it's helpful!
th-cam.com/video/rrpU-8zQ9Gk/w-d-xo.html
@@CruisewithGrant thank you 😊
Shake Your Groove Thing!
This song always makes me think of Priscilla Queen of the Desert! 👠💄🪩
We want to ❤️👌🏻
Go for it!!
You are too cute!!!!
😊😊😊😊😊😊
i so want to take one
Hi Kathlee 👋 You should do it! I really love all of the sea days and unique itineraries!! I hope you're having an awesome day!