Back in October we ventured on our first transatlantic crossing on the beautiful P&O Arvia from Southampton.

We’ve been really keen to do some longer flights with Warren so we can begin exploring further afield and thought a transatlantic would be the perfect way to start. We could trial an extended period at sea, along with a much longer flight than the 3 hr flights he has been used to in the past, it’s also nice that we only had one long flight, to see just how things went.

P&O offer a really competitive fully comprehensive package on their transatlantic cruises, you can find prices which include your cruise, all tips and gratuities along with transfers in the Caribbean and return flights home. All in we paid £2700 for the 3 of us for 14 nights, in an oceanview room, with direct return flights home. We often opt for an inside room, but with 9 days at sea figured the additional space would be handy. Having also been to the Caribbean several times prior, we knew we would much rather the luxury of an aircon space than a balcony we were unlikely to use much in the heat. After two weeks in this gorgeous oceanview, I think this layout is a firm favourite of mine. I love the window seat for reading and gazing out across the ocean, it may or may not have been used for the occasional snooze too.

Having boarded Arvia, we had 3 days at sea with our first stop in Tenerife, before making the crossing. We’ve always enjoyed a few days at sea ad prior to the crossing had not done more than 3 in one stretch, so were a little nervous at what we would make of the extended sea days.

P&O offer some lovely entertainement and plenty to do onboard during sea days, we enjoyed many movies at the cinemas. We were also cruising during the spooky season and over Haloween so there were lots of things organised for the children onboard. Treasure hunts, spooky discos and oodles of games and plenty of minature golf.

We have such busy lives, it’s really nice to just enjoy the days at sea, off grid with no phone service and just enjoying one anothers company. Warren loves the kids club onboard, we allow him to say whether or not he wants to atend, or if he’d rather do some bits with us, and it seems to be 50/50. It’s sometimes hard to know he wants to be there, but it’s also lovely to know he enjoys playing and making friends with the other children onboard.

It’s lovely not needing to be anywhere on a sea day, just taking the day as it comes and really being able to relax and enjoy the last minute decsissions. Whether it’s a day filled with swimming in the pool, minature golf and movies with Warren, or on the rare occassion we get some time together and are able to just enjoy some peace and quiet and a dip in the hot tub. I have never loved a sea day more.

That being said after our brief stop at Tenerife, we were back on track for 6 full sea days before getting to St Maarten in the Caribbean. We had a lovely smooth crossing and honestly loved the slow life a transatlantic brought for us.

If you are really looking for a way to relax, with or without children in tow I would highly recommend a transatlantic. Sea days are not for everyone, but they are quickly becoming some of my favourite times onboard a ship.

Chance to enjoy each others company, relax and just take the day as it comes.

We will certainly be looking to book another, however we are hoping 2025 has lots of travel for us all. We will be celebrating 10yrs of marriage and are hoping to do it, abroad.