Atlantic crossings

[davet9]

We are considering cruises from Southampton to the Caribbean in either November or January/February. Can anyone advise the best of these times to cross the Atlantic, weather wise ? Any experiences of winter crossings would be helpful.

Thanks

Davet9

[david63]

Early November can catch the end of the hurricane season in the Caribbean whereas January/February should be OK. As for the crossing that is very much "pot luck" - there will be some who will say that they have experienced bad weather whereas others will say that they have crossed in those months and it has been like a "millpond".

It is fairly safe to say that for the first/last two or three days that, at that time of year, it is going to be cool/cold and there will not be much in the way of sunbathing taking place.

Personally I don't think that there will be much of difference at that time of year as it will probably be a case of "swings and roundabouts"

[GillD46]

We have done this several times, including both months you mention. Obviously the weather is likely to be warmer in October rather than January, but this really only applies to the first 3 days or so, until you reach Madeira or the Azores, whichever you are calling at. After that point, it gets warmer day by day. Sea states can be good or bad at any time of year.

We love the TA crossings, especially the Southern routes.

[wolfie]

We've done this crossing many times; out in October and back in November, out in November and back in December, out only in January , out in February and back in March.

As Gill said, once you get to Madeira or the Azores the weather is warm. However, a day out of Southampton on the November return crossing it was sunbathing weather, had to unpack the shorts!!

It's one of the best cruises, plenty of time to relax at sea.

[davet9]

Thanks everyone for the replies. They are much as expected as we have sailed this route a couple of times with variable weather conditions. There seems to be less rain in the Caribbean after Christmas so I guess the 24 nighters in January or February will be our final choice. So now I'm looking for something for this coming autumn ?????
Watch this space.

[Susan Watt]

It's my 60th birthday in Jan next year so we are doing the 2nd Jan on Oceana. Hoping for a good crossing.

[Silver_Shiney]

Welcome to the forum, Dave