Previous experience dictates it would be unwise to book the open-top bus, but Newcastle's management, players and entourage can allow themselves a smile of satisfaction.
For the third successive season they are heading Wembley way in the FA Cup, and despite a feeling of deja vu it is a safe bet they will improve on the lukewarm offerings of the past two occasions.
Bobby Robson's smile told its own story: 67 years young, a glint in his eye, the thumbs-up to the Toon Army after they had lauded him with a stirring rendition of Happy Birthday.
In 1955, Robson stood among the Newcastle masses to watch them win their last domestic trophy in the Cup final against Manchester City.
Now, quicker than even Robson could have imagined, his aspiration to retire a Geordie legend is close to fruition after his side handed Tranmere a caustic reminder of the realities of life among the big-hitters. A semi-final against Chelsea awaits.
"I guess you could say it's a belated birthday present," said Robson. "We played the better football and we deserved to go through. Wembley is a cathedral and it will be a very special match."
After an afternoon of craning necks in the visiting defence, Robson was especially enamoured with how his side had combated the Dave Challinor factor and those "bloody meteors".
The Tranmere defender posed more problems to the Premiership club than anything constructed from open play with his world record throw-ins into the penalty area. No wonder the fans held up banners reading "Go Dave, go goal" every time Newcastle kicked a ball into touch.
It was a weapon Tranmere utilised with maximum effect late in the first half when Wayne Allison jumped at the far post to head one of Challinor's 40-metre specials in off a post.
By then, however, Newcastle were already fitting up their Wembley suits after a period of incessant attacking left their opponents gasping for breath.
Newcastle proved they quite literally belonged to a different league with two goals from Kevin Gallacher's supply line. First, Gary Speed was clinical in his execution, then further confusion in the home defence allowed Didier Domi space to manoeuvre before flicking the ball beyond the goalkeeper Joe Murphy. Tranmere's early exuberance was replaced by waves of trepidation.
Newcastle reiterated the gulf in class soon after the interval. One pulsating move ended with Alan Shearer thumping his shot against an upright and within 90 seconds their two-goal advantage had been restored.
Kieron Dyer, irrepressible and indefatigable, scampered down the right, looked up and picked out Duncan Ferguson charging into the penalty area. From six yards it was a formality.
Chances came and went before Tranmere's Gary Jones set up a frantic finale, lashing in from close range after Allison's miscued shot ricocheted off David Kelly into his path.
Tranmere: Murphy, Hazell, Challinor, Babb, Roberts (Thompson 89), Parkinson (Taylor 32), Henry, Jones, Mahon (Morgan 52), Allison, Kelly. Subs Not Used: Achterberg, Black. Booked: Challinor. Goals: Allison 45, Jones 76.
Newcastle: Given, Barton, Dabizas, Helder, Hughes, Dyer, Speed, Gallacher, Domi, Shearer, Ferguson. Subs Not Used: Karelse, Howey, Ketsbaia, Glass, Antunes. Goals: Speed 27, Domi 36, Ferguson 58.
Referee: S Dunn (Bristol).
