A crossing of the ocean under sail can take several weeks. Weeks of sailing, day in and day out. So what is so special about spending a few weeks on a large, historic sailing ship? Why is an ocean crossing such a unique experience? Surely it can’t just be about reaching the destination—after all, you can get there much faster by plane. So what is it, then?
The excitement before departure
The ocean is vast, expansive, and intriguing. Not everything at sea is predictable. Careful preparation is therefore essential. And this preparation for a journey across the wide, open ocean brings with it a healthy sense of anticipation. The same kind of excitement you felt as a child when your birthday was almost here and you knew you’d get that one special gift. Or the moment of your first kiss with your first boyfriend or girlfriend. That fluttering feeling deep in your stomach—that’s also there before setting off on a long voyage. And it’s not just the guest crew who feel it; the captains and ship’s crew experience this excitement every single time before departure. After all, crossing an ocean is always a truly remarkable experience.
The journey
After leaving the harbor, this tension gradually fades. At first, everyone is still very active and full of adrenaline. Thoughts linger on the last step ashore, the final hugs with family or friends. But then comes the moment when you look around consciously. The land slowly disappears, and all that remains on the horizon is the vast expanse of the ocean.
As the last light of the lighthouse onshore fades, the agenda in your mind—the time pressure, the plans—slowly disappears as well. What remains is the ship, the ocean, and the other people on board. At first, it feels like very little, especially if you are used to a busy life filled with packed schedules, phones, work, and numerous social engagements.
Life on board is different. There, daily routines are important—like the watch system, eating together, and sharing laughs during your watch on deck. Keeping the ship sailing together. Experiencing the weather, the nearly endless ocean, the first dolphins, and the constantly changing clouds. It’s a full life, but a slower one. Very different from the often busy, sometimes hectic life on shore. On board, there is time. Plenty of time. After all, the wind decides whether you sail quickly or slowly toward your destination. There’s not much you can do about that. The weather decides. On land, they call this “slowing down.” On board, it’s called living, experiencing, and simply “being.”
Each day is the same, and yet each day is also very different from the one before. One day there is no wind at all; the next, a lovely breeze fills the sails. At night, you sometimes see the stars. And when you do, the ocean is so dark that you can see four, five, even six layers of stars stacked one behind the other, and only then do you truly realize the immense size of the universe. The Milky Way is not a vague streak but a bright band of countless stars—you don’t see that on land. The sun sinks into the sea on the horizon and rises again a few hours later; you witness everything unfolding in just a few hours. The day brings the most beautiful cloud formations, and there are often heartfelt and extraordinary conversations with the other people on board. Day after day, the ship—and life—glides gently onward.
Until…
The other side
One day, the final destination suddenly comes into view—land on the horizon. A thin strip at the horizon or the light of a new, yet unknown lighthouse breaks through the endless nothingness of the ocean. And then, suddenly, that familiar, thrilling anticipation returns! We’re almost there. We made it—we survived the ocean. What will the harbor look like? What awaits on the other side of the ocean? Shared euphoria and joy.
But shortly afterward, a vague feeling of sadness—or even homesickness—sneaks in. How can that be? We haven’t even arrived yet. The realization that the journey is nearly over slowly grows stronger. The more the coast comes into view, the more it sinks in that everyday life will soon begin again. You quickly recall memories of that whale, the flying fish on deck, or the sea turtle—and then it hits you: the people you’ve lived with for a while now feel like family. A tear may even slip down your cheek.
Back home
The feeling of homesickness lingers for a while, just like the gentle rocking of the ship. The farewell was beautiful and intense, but also tinged with melancholy. Will we meet again? Will I go on another journey? And we all realize that if we embark on another trip together, it will be different from this wonderful and adventurous voyage.
Once back home, it takes a moment to get used to the pace of daily life. Life on the ocean is more intense, yet also much slower. Cars rush by, and people are everywhere. Sometimes you think you spot a fellow crew member on the street, only to realize it’s someone else. It was a wonderful experience and a true enrichment for life.
What do you take home from your journey across the ocean?
The intense experience of truly living and being yourself on this beautiful Earth? Or perhaps wise insights about what really matters in life? Maybe a longing for a new journey? One thing is the same for everyone: an ocean crossing changes you, even if only a little, for the rest of your life. You only truly realize what has changed once you’re back home from the voyage. And even if you cross the ocean multiple times, each journey brings new insights and unique experiences.
Sail with us!
Check here to see if your journey is among our offerings. Trips that include an ocean crossing are rare. If there isn’t a transatlantic voyage listed at the moment, contact the Van Linschoten Shipping Company, and we’ll put you on the list. Or book one of our other exciting sailing adventures, as all our other sea journeys also offer an incredible experience. We offer a wide variety of trips. Have questions? That’s completely understandable. Get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to help you get started!