Some journeys aren’t about how many places you visit. They’re about how you feel along the way.
In March 2026, I’ll be sailing on something that has long been on my personal bucket list: an ultra-luxury transatlantic cruise aboard Silversea Shadow, crossing the Atlantic from Barbados to Lisbon.
For many travellers, the idea of a transatlantic can feel intimidating—eight sea days in a row, no ports to rush off to, and plenty of uninterrupted time onboard. But for the right traveller, that’s exactly where the magic lies.
Sailing over 12 days, this transatlantic voyage begins in Barbados, unfolds across eight restorative sea days, includes an overnight stay in Funchal, Portugal, on the island of Madeira, and concludes in Lisbon.
That overnight in Funchal is a thoughtful pause in the rhythm of the crossing. Rather than a quick port visit, it offers time to explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy dinner ashore, or simply take in the atmosphere before the final sail into mainland Europe.
It’s a reminder that even on a transatlantic, meaningful moments ashore still matter.
The heart of this journey isn’t just the itinerary—it’s the experience of being at sea.
With just under 400 guests onboard, Silver Shadow offers an intimate, refined atmosphere where days unfold naturally. There’s no pressure to stay busy and no sense of rushing from one activity to the next. Instead, the ship becomes a place to settle in and truly relax.
Every guest stays in a suite, each with a dedicated butler, spacious living areas, and thoughtful design that makes extended time onboard feel comfortable rather than confining. This is where an ultra-luxury ship completely changes how a transatlantic feels.
On a voyage like this, sea days aren’t something to “get through”—they’re the point.
Long breakfasts. Exceptional dining throughout the day. Quiet lounges with endless ocean views. Enrichment talks, time to read, reflect, or simply do nothing at all.
If you’ve ever crossed an ocean in an interior cabin or on a ship designed around port-heavy itineraries, you’ll understand how different this experience becomes when space, service, and comfort are part of the journey.
This is slow travel at sea, done well.
One of the most surprising aspects of transatlantic cruises—particularly on ultra-luxury ships—is how well they’re typically priced for what’s included. When you factor in extended sea days, exceptional cuisine, personalized service, and a spacious suite, the overall value often compares very favourably to shorter itineraries with far fewer inclusions.
It’s a detail many travellers don’t consider until they look a little closer.
A transatlantic cruise isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. But if you enjoy sea days, appreciate refined service, and value time and space over constant motion, a journey like this may completely change how you think about cruising.
For me, this voyage represents both adventure and ease. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t always have to be about doing more—sometimes it’s about doing less, better.
This sailing is just one example of how choosing the right ship and the right itinerary can transform a transatlantic crossing into something truly special. If a slower, more intentional way of travelling at sea appeals to you, there are other journeys worth exploring.
I’ll be sharing more as this voyage approaches, but for now, this is a glimpse into what’s ahead—and why this experience feels so meaningful to me.
TravelOnly with Danny
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