CRUISES
Cruises with Matt & Linda
See more of the world. Unpack once. Enjoy the ride.
We’ve been cruising since 1995, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and beyond.
Sometimes we’re cruising to explore new places. Sometimes we’re cruising to slow down. And once, after three and a half months traveling through Europe, we booked a transatlantic cruise because we desperately needed a vacation from our vacation.
We’ve learned a few things along the way. Here’s what we’ve experienced, what we’d do again, and what might help you choose your next cruise.
Here’s What You’ll Find on This Page
Cruise Stories
Our adventures at sea, the unexpected moments, and everything in between.
What We’d Tell You
Practical lessons from our cruises that might make yours even better.
Cruise Planning
Finding the right ship, itinerary, and experience for your next adventure.
Cruise Stories
Why Take a Transatlantic Cruise? We Needed a Vacation From Our Vacation.
After three and a half months traveling through Europe, we boarded Norwegian Escape in Barcelona for a 14-night voyage to Miami. Our grand plan was simple: sleep, eat familiar food, and get home without jet lag.
We spent the first three days doing almost nothing. Then we rediscovered life beyond the cabin, including five consecutive sea days and a show so good we watched it three times.
What We’d Tell You
From our 14-night crossing aboard Norwegian Escape, here are four things we’d tell someone considering a transatlantic cruise.
Choose your direction
Sailing toward Europe gives you time to settle in before your trip. Sailing home can give you time to recover afterward. We appreciated the gradual time changes on our westbound crossing.
Make room for sea days
Sea days aren’t wasted days. Sleep, read, enjoy the entertainment, or do absolutely nothing. That freedom was exactly what we needed.
Choose the ship carefully
On a long crossing, you spend plenty of time aboard. Dining, entertainment, and the overall atmosphere matter as much as the itinerary.
You don’t have to visit every port
We skipped Funchal, Madeira, because we needed the rest. Later, in Antigua, we were ready for an adventure. Both choices were right for that trip.
Cruise Planning
Thinking about a cruise of your own?
Maybe you’ve already found a sailing. Maybe you’re trying to decide between cruise lines, or wondering whether a cruise fits into a bigger trip. You don’t need to have it all figured out before starting the conversation.
Matt can help you think through the possibilities and find a trip that makes sense for you.
Curious about the other ways we travel? Explore How We Travel.