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Transatlantic. Even the very word evokes a sense of magic. Images of the great, glamourous liners of the past such as the Normandie, the Queen Mary and the Europa, still evoke an era of almost timeless elegance, good taste and sheer fun.
Bear in mind that you will be at sea for several days on end on your crossing, usually between four and eight days, but sometimes more. You might think that all you will see is water. Well, nothing could be further from the truth.
Look out for schools of dolphins and flying fish leaping in and out of the water near the ship's bow at certain times of the day. It's a truly thrilling sight, and one that many passengers find almost magnetic. The same can be said for sunsets; shorn of any influence from land based pollution, mid ocean sunsets are amazing concoctions that often bring conversations to a halt completely.
At night, you might just see handfuls of shooting stars, arcing in fiery trails across the heavens. And, at journey's end, that first sight of the New York skyline, rising improbably from the very sea at sunrise, is still one of the most awe inspiring experiences in the world, and worth the cost of the trip alone.
In terms of food, I would recommend booking a speciality restaurant at least one night, and feasting on Fillet Steak, or even surf and turf. When you have nothing to get up for in the morning, it's easy to just savour a really good meal.
Or start your day with fresh fruit, cereal, and some Belgian waffles, covered in cream or, better still, chocolate sauce. After all, when was the last time that you could afford to just linger for an hour over breakfast?
Best also to check and see if your crossing has a particular 'theme'. Some lines run big band cruises, floating film festivals, or even food and wine tasting trips, often with guest musicians, film stars and expert chefs on board. Many passengers love such crossings.
Above all, don't try and follow a routine. Let your days happen as you want. Miss breakfast if you are enjoying a lay in; in fact, put your watch in the drawer and switch your phone off altogether. Nothing provides quality 'me' time like a long, lazy crossing. Just go with the flow, as it were.
