cruise ship crossing the atlantic

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, spain, civitavecchia (rome), italy, piraeus (athens), greece, reykjavik, iceland, southampton, england, stockholm, sweden.

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape liberty (bayonne), new jersey, fort lauderdale (port everglades), florida.

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New york, new york, port canaveral, florida, san francisco, california, seattle, washington.

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania cruises.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises, royal caribbean international, seabourn cruise line.

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Free quotes. Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Transatlantic Cruises from $526*

Cruise Lines

• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Transatlantic Cruises

Experience the finest cities along the grand Atlantic’s coasts and the intriguing ports-of-call along the way with a Transatlantic cruise. 

Truly cherish your time onboard one of the industry’s best cruise ships as you let the ocean breeze carry you along. Gaze upon the rippling waters of the Atlantic Ocean as you await each carefully chosen port city’s experience. You may spend some time in Caribbean islands, the Western Mediterranean or Northern Europe during your cruise, each bringing something new and exciting to your vacation.

A Transatlantic cruise is one trip you won’t soon forget.

Things to Do on a Transatlantic Cruise

A transatlantic cruise is a great way to cross the pond without flying. It’s a leisurely experience, but it’s also connected to the past. Get a sense of the golden age of cruising, when it wasn't just a vacation, but a journey to a new life. Many transatlantic cruises travel from London to New York or vice versa, but you can also find transatlantic sailings that start anywhere along the West Coast of Europe and sail to several ports along the East Coast of the Americas. Featured below are several of our favorite things to do when taking advantage of a transatlantic cruise:

• Experience the pomp and circumstance of the world’s most famed monarchies with a visit to Buckingham Palace in London. You can tour the Queen’s palace, and make sure to catch the changing of the guards.  
• Have a night on the town and attend a show on Broadway in New York City. See a thoughtful play or a musical that leaves you quoting lines and singing the tunes for weeks.  

• Visit Tijuca National Park and take the train to the top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue, which is 125 feet tall.  
• Indulge in the onboard activities of your ship. On a transatlantic cruise, your ship is a major attraction in and of itself. Be sure to sign up for an enrichment class, head to the spa for some relaxation and hit the dance floor at night, perhaps after dinner and a show.  

• Hit the beach – South Beach, to be specific. This stretch of sand and shore in Miami is famous for attracting beachgoers the world over.  
• Take a tour of the fanciful architecture of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona. The Spanish architect has several fascinating buildings in the city, including La Sagrada Familia Church and La Pedrera.  

Map of the Atlantic Ocean:

Top 10 transatlantic cruises.

• Queen Mary 2 9 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Hamburg, Germany (May 2024 - Jul 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 7 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Dec 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 14 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Seven Seas Mariner 12 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (May 2024 - Jun 2026)
• Seabourn Venture 25 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland (May 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 6 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (Jun 2024 - Jul 2024)
• Seabourn Venture 11 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Tromso, Norway (Jun 2024 - Jun 2024)
• Azamara Quest 12 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Bordeaux, France (Jun 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 14 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024 - Sep 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 8 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024 - Jan 2027)

Transatlantic: Cruise Lines

Cross the Atlantic in style, no jet lag required, on a luxury or popular cruise. A transatlantic sailing has a bit of nostalgia and flair for glamour; this is a chance to feel the true clout of a cruise.

Immerse yourself in the world’s most interesting places. Azamara boasts more overnights in ports, longer stays and night time tours. 

With innovative spaces like the Lawn and the AquaSpa Celebrity Cruises gives their customers a taste of modern luxury.

Sail like the royalty on a Cunard ocean liner. This regal line has been sailing its famed transatlantic crossings since the 1840s.

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Epicureans are delighted by the Oceania Cruises experience where Jacques Pepin is Executive Culinary Director and the Culinary Tours introduce you to a world of flavors.

Best known for the Pacific Princess on the Love Boat, Princess Cruises has been a leading name in cruising and visits a wide range of destinations.

Offering a completely all-inclusive cruise, Regent Seven Seas is known for exquisite service on beautifully designed intimate ships, classic cruising at its best.

Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Whatever you desire, on a Seabourn cruise you’ll have it. This luxury brand offers small ships that allow you to explore less traveled ports for unique experiences. 

Focusing their sailings on the culture of each cruises destination. Onboard each sailing you have lectures, demonstrations and tastings as part of a Culture Curriculum.

Get away from the crowd and journey to unique destinations aboard Windstar’s intimate small ships.

Transatlantic: Departure Ports

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean has a lot of historical context. This is how many of our ancestors came to start a new life in the New World. It’s also how movies stars, authors and politicians traveled between continents. So now it’s your time to experience the glamour of a transatlantic crossing. The most frequent embarkation points are New York and Southampton, but you can also sail from Hamburg, Miami, Rio de Janeiro and Rome among several other destinations.

With Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and an open attitude you’ll find no shortage of interesting attractions in the capital of The Netherlands.

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Bordeaux, France

Come for the wine and stay for the culture. Bordeaux is a lively city in Western France known for its beautiful vineyards, incredible wines and enriching heritage.

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

Bridgetown, Barbados

Barbados, where the weather is impeccable, the beaches are beautiful and the food is fantastically fresh.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

Cape Town, South Africa

See the beautiful sights of Cape Town, South Africa’s most visited city, which offers cruisers natural beauty, plentiful wine, historical significance and a sense of peace.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a delightful city with some of the world’s most interesting places, like the longest pedestrian street and one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

Dover (London), England

Dover, with its striking white cliffs, is one of the most popular gateways to England. Take in the area’s natural beauty or head to nearby London to see more of England’s most popular attractions.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s streets are filled with interesting stories and charming people, including a long, celebrated line of writers. Cruise to Dublin and you’ll find something interesting around each corner of this Irish jewel.

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Galveston, Texas

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Tropical paradise and white sand beaches, volcano hikes & rich culture are waiting on the largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria.

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland

With its mix of blue-collar roots and recent cultural resurgence, there’s never been a better time to cruise to Glasgow. Take in its Scottish charm and lively music in this ‘City of Music.'

Greenwich, England

The cruise port of Greenwich is a popular tourist destination recognized as the place where time began – not literally of course! 

Hamburg, Germany

A large city, Hamburg offers visitors an array of attractions. From the old buildings of the past to the vibrant red light district, there’s something for everyone cruising to Hamburg, Germany.

Le Havre (Paris), France

In Northern France, explore Le Havre, a city with modern architecture and one of the most inspiring collections of Impressionist artwork.

Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland

Discover the beautiful Scottish capital of Scotland, Edinburgh with its exquisite natural background and creative hometown heroes, like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alexander Graham Bell.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

Oslo, Norway

Enjoy the great outdoors in Oslo, the beautiful and spacious capital of Norway, where the city includes lakes, forests and lots of history.

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

This picture-perfect island is everything you ever dreamt of, from lush greenery inland and perfectly clear turquoise waters to the scent of gardenia from the coconut groves.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Offering both French and Dutch experiences, St. Maarten is a leading destination in the Caribbean. You can always find exciting and interesting activities for everyone on this friendly island.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

With its luscious greenery, steep cliffs, tropical beaches and nature reserves, Puerto Caldera is an amazing cruise destination for the adventurous traveler and beach lover.

Reykjavik was just a small village until seeing a major expansion after World War II, but this popular cruise destination still offers a small town feel different than any other European capital.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, has numerous activities for every desire. Cruise to Rio for the Carnival celebrations, natural environment, beautiful beaches and famous landmarks.

Rosyth, Scotland

The "Gateway to Edinburgh," Rosyth is a unique port, highlighted by golf courses in Scotland's rolling hills.

San Antonio, Santiago, Chile

Experience the history of San Antonio or head to Santiago to experience everything Chile’s capital has to offer. The choice is yours!

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a gateway to the Caribbean with activities for everyone. Enjoy an old-world feel as you wander around Old San Juan, relax on the many beaches or explore the rainforests.

Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Islands

Santa Cruz on the tropical island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands is simply a remarkable place to visit.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Whether looking out into the city’s waterways, ancient castles or modern buildings, you’ll always have a great view when cruising to Stockholm, Sweden.

Tampa, Florida

Whether it’s a trip to the historical streets of Ybor, a day in the Florida Aquarium or a nice Cuban-infused meal, your time in Tampa will make you consider a longer stay.

Tilbury (London), England

Visit London to experience history, iconic landmarks, a spectacular arts scene, world-class shopping, and so much more.

Tromso, Norway

Bundle up to experience the culture and beauty of Tromso, one of the largest cities within the Arctic Circle.

Whittier, Alaska

Experience the best of the Last Frontier in quaint Whittier, Alaska. Enjoy the clear water filled with salmon, red snapper and trout along with the freely roaming wildlife, all combining to make Whittier a treat to visit.

Photo Gallery for Transatlantic Cruises

Preview the sights waiting for you on either side of the Atlantic Ocean on a transatlantic cruise vacation. From European powerhouses like London and Barcelona to bustling American cities like New York and Miami – there’s a hot destination for any transatlantic itinerary. 

Agoa do Fogo, a volcanic lake in Sao Miguel Azores

Big Ben and the House of Parliament in London

Castle above the City of Dover in Kent, England

Skyline of Miami, Florida

Northern coast of Madeira Island in Portugal

National Museum of Art in Barcelona, Spain

New York City skyline at night

The coast of Puerto Santiago, Tenerife

The Rock of Gibraltar and La Linea Town in Spain

Seven Sisters White Cliffs in Southeast England

Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline

Watch the sunset from your private balcony

Teror, Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands

The city of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island

Tibidabo Church in Barcelona, Spain

Tower Bridge in London, England

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament & Westminster Bridge

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations
• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Transatlantic Cruises

Tabs view transatlantic cruises.

• View Transatlantic Cruises

There’s something timeless about a transatlantic cruise as you’re swept gently into the rhythm of the waves, sunrises and sunsets, relaxing days on deck, and elegant evenings. With time to commune with the sea and immerse yourself in the buzz of life on board, from gourmet dining to glittering entertainment, a cruise across the Atlantic is the ultimate indulgence. 

Each voyage begins and ends with thrilling experiences in port, whether you’re exploring some of Europe’s most historic cities or basking on Bermuda’s pink sand beaches.

  Nights

  Guests

  Stateroom

  Onboard Credits

  perks included

Starting From

Avg. per person

Experience the Deep Blue Waters of the Atlantic

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the Atlantic that takes you from Fort Lauderdale to the most exciting cities in Europe. Enjoy blissful days at sea before arriving at the stunning Azores, where you’ll witness jaw-dropping landscapes. Visit Medieval landmarks in Brest, admire historic lighthouses on the Isle of Portland, and fall in love with the City of Light in Paris. You’ll also discover the fairytale-like town of Bruges, and stroll through the quaint canals of Amsterdam.

Featured Transatlantic Cruises

Cruises from europe to florida.

Sail on a transatlantic voyage from Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, or Southampton to Florida. En route, you’ll stop at sub-tropical Bermuda, filled with pretty villages and palm-fringed beaches. In Ponta Delgada in the volcanic Azores, you can explore blue-green crater lakes, admire colorful Portuguese colonial architecture, and experience some of the world’s most exciting whale watching.

Cruises From Florida to Europe

Head east from Florida to the Mediterranean, with long, dreamy days at sea before arriving in charming Cartagena, dotted with awe-inspiring Roman ruins. Or follow a course to northern Europe to the stately castles and friendly pubs of Ireland, the rolling countryside of southern England, and the elegant boulevards and world-famous galleries of Paris.

Cruises to South America

Crossings between Europe and South America promise leisurely days to unwind by the pool or in The Spa, and to while away evenings indulging in award-winning dining and dazzling entertainment. In South America, you’ll trace the verdant east coast, with time in seductive Rio de Janeiro, elegant Montevideo, and sultry Buenos Aires, home of the tango, and excellent steaks.

View Popular Transatlantic Cruise Destinations

Buenos Aires

Fort Lauderdale

Ponta Delgada

Rio de Janeiro

Royal Naval Dockyard

Southampton

Find Your Perfect Transatlantic Cruise

Itineraries, explore more.

Transatlantic Ships

Transatlantic Shore Excursions

Why Cruise Across the Atlantic With Celebrity Cruises

Experience a transatlantic cruise vacation of a lifetime with Celebrity on one of our nine award-winning ships. You’ll enjoy wonderfully relaxing days at sea bookended by some of the world’s most exciting destinations, from the picturesque island of Bermuda to enchanting Lisbon, or fun-filled Amsterdam, where patrician buildings gaze over serene canals.

Relax into the rhythm of life at sea, enjoying the luxurious features of your Celebrity ship. Unwind at the chic Rooftop Terrace and gaze into the infinite blue of the Atlantic from the Magic Carpet® on Edge® Series ships. Sip hand-crafted cocktails in the glamorous Martini Bar. You’ll be delighted at every turn by the attentive service of our crew, and wowed by the sheer variety of things to do on board, from yoga classes to wine tasting from our acclaimed cellar.

Upgrade your experience with The Retreat®, with suite accommodation, gourmet dining in the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat, and access to a stylish private sundeck and elegant lounge. We’ll take care of the details, so you can enjoy your transatlantic vacation to the fullest.

Cross the vast expanse of the Atlantic in a journey from 11 to 16 days at a pace to suit your own style. With nine of Celebrity’s award-winning ships, including all four of the revolutionary Edge-Series making this epic voyage, and multiple departure and arrival ports to choose between, you’ll easily find the perfect transatlantic cruise.

Featured Articles

What Are the Longest Cruises You Can Take?

Our longest cruises—those with itineraries of 15 nights and more—offer a wonderful opportunity to experience a variety of destinations in one memorable vacation.

10 Types of Cruises You Must Experience at Least Once

From breathtaking sailings around Alaska to fun-filled, island-hopping journeys in the Caribbean, there are dozens of unforgettable types of cruises you should experience at least once.

How to Sail Around the World on a Luxury Cruise

Sailing around the world might seem like an impossible dream, but it’s actually easier than you might think.

What Is a Repositioning Cruise?

A repositioning cruise is an exciting journey full of relaxing days at sea and stops in exotic destinations along the way.

18 Best Activities on a Cruise Ship for All Ages

No matter what age you are or where in the world you’ve chosen for your adventure at sea, you’ll find a dazzling range of activities on a cruise ship, including pursuits you’d probably never even have imagined would be available.

Bucket List Cruises for Seniors Over 60

Add to your bucket list one of these best cruises for seniors over 60 that will take you to fabulous destinations around the world, help you create family memories, and have you pampering yourself on vacation like never before.

What to Expect Your First Time on a Cruise

Congratulations—you’re all booked and gearing up for your very first time on a cruise. You’ve already done a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to the logistics of cruise planning, like deciding on when to go and where, and on which ship to sail.

15 Ways to Stay Fit On a Cruise

With discipline and a bit of forward planning, you can stay in shape during your cruise vacation, all while having fun and eating what you want.

Sign up and start planning your best vacation ever.

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our  Privacy Policy

Vacation inspiration is on its way.

There was an error processing your request. Please try again.

Top Transatlantic FAQs

What is a transatlantic cruise?

A transatlantic cruise is a voyage that takes you across the Atlantic Ocean. You can sail either eastbound, from Florida to Europe, or westbound, from Europe to Florida. The journey takes between 11 and 16 nights, with several days at sea to relax and enjoy the ship.

What’s the difference between a repositioning cruise and a transatlantic cruise?

A repositioning cruise is a seasonal voyage when a ship makes its way from one cruising area to another, for example, from the Mediterranean at the end of summer to Florida, for the winter Caribbean season. So Celebrity’s transatlantic cruises are in effect repositioning cruises – but not all repositioning cruises cross the Atlantic. Some of our repositioning cruises, for example, sail from the Caribbean to South America, or through the Panama Canal.

When’s the best time to cruise?

Transatlantic cruises with Celebrity take place as the seasons change, so you can either sail eastbound in the spring, or westbound in October and November as the European season winds down. Either is a great time to cruise and enjoy relaxing days on board as your ship sails across the Atlantic.

How long does a transatlantic cruise take?

Celebrity’s transatlantic cruises take from 11 to 16 nights. Some voyages stop at several different ports along the way, which is why they are longer. Typically, though, an 11-night voyage will spend seven days at sea, with stops in the mid-Atlantic Azores islands and Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard. These days at sea are a wonderful opportunity to commune with the ocean and enjoy the many amenities of your Celebrity ship.

Do I need a passport and/or a visa?

Yes, you do need a passport for transatlantic cruises. It is the responsibility of each guest to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available at the pier when necessary. Before your cruise, familiarize yourself with the required travel documents you will be asked to provide prior to boarding the ship. You’ll find more information here . 

The vast majority of countries visited by European cruises do not require a visa. From 2024, Americans, Canadians, and British citizens will be required to register for the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter 30 European countries. 

This will be easy to apply for, inexpensive, and is simply a pre-authorization system similar to the ESTA that Europeans need to travel to the U.S. and Canada. Once you have the ETIAS, it will be valid for three years. You should make sure you have at least six months before your passport expires, too.

What itineraries are available?

Celebrity offers a wide choice of transatlantic itineraries. European departure ports include Barcelona, Rome (from Civitavecchia), Lisbon, and Southampton, England. These cruises sail to or from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. 

The shortest cruise is from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, an 11-night journey with stops in the volcanic Azores, Bermuda, and Nassau in The Bahamas. In the opposite direction, from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon, you’ll stop at Bermuda, the Azores, and Porto, Portugal. 

A longer, 13-night westbound crossing from Barcelona takes you to Valencia, Málaga, and Gibraltar before heading out into the ocean. If you have more time, you could choose a 16-night crossing from Rome to Tampa, which starts off with a leisurely tour of the Mediterranean, visiting Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, and Málaga, with further stops at Ponta Delgada in the Azores and Nassau.

What onboard activities and entertainment can I expect during sea days?

You’ll find a wonderful choice of activities during the sea days of your transatlantic cruise. Relax by the pool or join a workout class in the Fitness Center. Listen to live music, get competitive at a quiz, or try a wine tasting. Indulge in all the different restaurants on board, which range from poolside made-to-order burgers and salads to delicious sushi, contemporary Italian, and clean cuisine in Blu. Take in the endless ocean views from the Magic Carpet on Edge-series ships, and on Solstice-series ships, lie back on the soft grass of the Lawn Club or challenge friends to a game of croquet.

Elevate your experience at The Retreat® , which gives you suite accommodation and access to a luxurious lounge as well as the fine dining restaurant Luminae at The Retreat.

What should I pack for a transatlantic cruise?

You’ll need clothing appropriate to the season for the ports of call you’ll visit on your transatlantic cruise. For example, pack swimwear and beach outfits for Nassau and Bermuda, and comfortable day wear for sightseeing in Europe in the spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant but not overly hot. Pack walking shoes if you want to explore the Azores, which is a great place for hiking. Binoculars are a good idea for spotting marine life from the ship; the Azores in particular has abundant whales and dolphins.

Throughout the ship, casual resort wear, sundresses, shorts, polos, or button-downs are appropriate, paired with sandals, low heels, and loafers. In main and specialty dining, we ask guests to refrain from wearing swimsuits, see-through cover-ups or robes, bare feet, tank tops, T-shirts, and baseball caps. 

Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the theater. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jeans with a stylish top or button-down. Shorts and flip-flops are not considered Smart Casual. 

Each itinerary features at least one to two “formal” nights that we call Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a cocktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jeans, an elegant dress top, or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard photos. 

The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the correct attire each evening. If you do not wish to participate in Evening Chic, Smart Casual attire is acceptable for dining and attending the theater.

How do transatlantic cruise prices compare to traditional cruises?

Because they generally feature fewer ports of call, transatlantic cruises can be a chance to enjoy a longer cruise for a great price. This presents the perfect opportunity to upgrade your experience. Book an all Included cruise fare , which means drinks and Wi-Fi are covered. Or choose The Retreat for accommodation in a beautiful suite and access to exclusive dining and lounge spaces.

You Might Also Like

Cruises from Florida to Europe

Florida Cruises

European Cruises from New York

Northern Europe Cruises

Cruises to England

Mediterranean Cruises

Azores Cruises

Canary Islands Cruises

Cruises to Spain and Portugal

Spain Cruises

Cruises to France

Italy Cruises

South America Cruises

Bermuda Cruises

What Is A Transatlantic Cruise?

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

Transatlantic Cruise: A Guide to Crossing the Atlantic by Ship

Transatlantic cruises are a unique way to travel between Europe and North America, offering a relaxing and luxurious journey across the Atlantic Ocean. These cruises typically last from one to two weeks, with stops at various ports of call along the way. Many travelers choose to take a transatlantic cruise as part of a longer vacation, combining it with a stay in Europe or North America.

One of the main attractions of a transatlantic cruise is the opportunity to experience an Atlantic crossing in the style of the great ocean liners of the past. While modern cruise ships are much larger and more luxurious than their predecessors, they still offer a sense of nostalgia and romance that harkens back to a bygone era of travel. Passengers can enjoy a wide range of amenities and activities on board, from fine dining and live entertainment to spa treatments and fitness classes.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, a transatlantic cruise can be a great choice. With so many options available, from different cruise lines and itineraries to various ports of call and onboard activities, there’s sure to be a transatlantic cruise that meets your needs and interests. So why not set sail on your next journey across the Atlantic?

History of Transatlantic Cruises

Transatlantic cruises have a rich history that dates back to the 19th century when steamships revolutionized ocean travel. The first transatlantic crossing took place in 1840, but the first transatlantic crossing for pleasure wasn’t until much later.

Evolution of Ocean Liners

The evolution of ocean liners has played a significant role in the history of transatlantic cruises. The first custom-built pleasure cruise ship arrived in 1900, courtesy of the Hamburg America Line. Cunard, P&O Cruises, and the White Star Line soon started to compete, with ships being built for luxury and speed.

One of the most famous ocean liners in history is the Queen Mary 2, which is operated by Cunard. Launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 is the largest ocean liner ever built, and it has been designed to provide passengers with a luxurious and comfortable experience.

Famous Transatlantic Voyages

Many famous transatlantic voyages have taken place throughout history. One of the most famous is the voyage of the Titanic in 1912, which ended in tragedy when the ship hit an iceberg and sank. Another famous transatlantic voyage is the flight of Charles Lindbergh, who flew solo across the Atlantic in 1927.

Transatlantic ship travel was transformed in 1923 when the U.S. government made drastic cuts in immigration quotas. In response, the cramped, dismal steerage quarters were dismantled and replaced by tourist-class accommodations. The golden era of transatlantic sailing took shape as more people took cruise vacations to Europe or vice versa.

Overall, transatlantic cruises have a fascinating history that has been shaped by the evolution of ocean liners and famous voyages. Today, transatlantic cruises are still popular and provide passengers with a unique and memorable experience.

Planning Your Cruise

Transatlantic cruises are a great way to explore different parts of the world while enjoying the luxuries of a cruise ship . However, proper planning is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. In this section, we will discuss some important factors to consider when planning your transatlantic cruise.

Best Time to Go

The best time to go on a transatlantic cruise is during the spring or fall season. During these seasons, cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean are making moves to their new seasonal homes, and as a result, offer great deals on transatlantic cruises. The weather during these seasons is also mild, making it a comfortable time to travel.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

Choosing the right cruise line is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean are some of the popular cruise lines that offer transatlantic cruises. Each cruise line has its own unique features and amenities, so it is important to research and compare them to find the one that best suits your needs.

Understanding Cruise Packages

Understanding the different cruise packages is essential to ensure that you get the most out of your transatlantic cruise. Cruise packages typically include accommodation, meals, and entertainment, but some packages may also include additional amenities such as shore excursions, spa treatments, and Wi-Fi. It is important to carefully review the package options and choose the one that best fits your budget and preferences.

In summary, proper planning is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transatlantic cruise experience. Consider the best time to travel, choose the right cruise line, and carefully review the available cruise packages to ensure that you get the most out of your trip.

Departure and Destination Ports

Transatlantic cruises offer a unique opportunity to travel between different continents while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship. These cruises typically depart from ports on the east coast of the United States or from European ports. The most popular departure ports for transatlantic cruises include New York, Southampton, and Florida .

Popular Departure Ports

New York is a bustling city with a rich history and culture. It is a popular departure port for transatlantic cruises, offering a range of itineraries that take passengers to destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Southampton, England is another popular departure port, offering easy access to the British Isles and other European destinations. Florida is also a popular departure point, with ports in Miami and Port Canaveral offering a range of itineraries to destinations in Europe and beyond.

European Destinations

Barcelona, Spain is a popular destination for transatlantic cruises, offering a range of itineraries that take passengers to destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands. Other popular European destinations include Rome, Italy; Lisbon, Portugal; and Amsterdam, Netherlands.

When planning a transatlantic cruise, it is important to consider both the departure and destination ports, as well as the itinerary and the length of the cruise. Transatlantic cruises can range from a few days to several weeks, so it is important to choose an itinerary that fits your schedule and interests.

Related Posts:

• Bimini Bahamas Cruise Port: A Guide to the Best Destination for Cruisers
• Puerto Rico Cruise: A Guide to the Best Cruise Lines and Destinations
• New Orleans Cruise Port: Everything You Need to Know
• Hotels Near Port of Miami: Convenient Accommodations for Your Next Cruise
• Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral: Your Ultimate Guide

Onboard Experience

Transatlantic cruises offer a unique onboard experience, with plenty of opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and exploration. From dining and cuisine to wellness and relaxation, there is something for everyone on these voyages.

Dining and Cuisine

One of the highlights of a transatlantic cruise is the dining experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of international flavors, with menus featuring dishes from around the world. Many ships also offer specialty restaurants, ranging from Italian to Asian cuisine. Whether you prefer a formal dining experience or a more casual atmosphere, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Entertainment and Activities

When it comes to entertainment and activities, transatlantic cruises have plenty to offer. From Broadway-style productions to guest speakers, there is always something happening onboard. Many ships also feature onboard libraries, planetariums, and other amenities for guests to enjoy.

Wellness and Relaxation

For those looking to relax and unwind, transatlantic cruises offer a variety of wellness and relaxation options. Many ships feature spas and fitness centers, as well as outdoor pools and lounging areas. Guests can also participate in yoga and other wellness activities, or simply enjoy the scenery and fresh sea air.

Overall, the onboard experience on a transatlantic cruise is designed to be both comfortable and engaging. With a variety of amenities and activities to choose from, guests can create their own unique vacation experience.

Types of Transatlantic Cruises

When it comes to transatlantic cruises, there are several different types available to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are two popular types of transatlantic cruises:

Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises are one of the most affordable ways to cross the Atlantic Ocean. These cruises are typically offered in the fall and spring, when cruise lines move their ships from one region to another. For example, a ship that spent the summer in the Mediterranean may be moved to the Caribbean for the winter.

Repositioning cruises are often longer than traditional cruises, and they may include stops in several ports along the way. This can be a great way to see more of the world while still enjoying the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship.

Luxury Transatlantic Cruises

For those who are looking for a more luxurious transatlantic cruise experience, there are several options available. Viking and Silversea are two popular luxury cruise lines that offer transatlantic cruises.

These cruises typically feature smaller ships with fewer passengers, which allows for a more personalized and intimate experience. They may also include more upscale amenities and dining options, as well as exclusive shore excursions.

Overall, transatlantic cruises offer a unique and exciting way to see the world. Whether you’re looking for an affordable way to cross the Atlantic or a luxurious cruise experience, there’s a transatlantic cruise that’s right for you.

• Cruise Ships: A Luxurious Way to Travel
• Exploring the World on Cruise Ships: A Unique and Luxurious Travel Experience
• Celebrity Apex: A Luxurious Cruise Experience
• Embarking on a Cruise Ship Adventure: Exploring the World in Style
• Regent Seven Seas Explorer: The Ultimate Luxury Cruise Experience

Shore Excursions and Land Tours

Transatlantic cruises offer a wide range of shore excursions and land tours that allow passengers to experience the different cultures and attractions of the ports of call. These excursions and tours cater to different interests, from cultural experiences to adventure and exploration.

Cultural Experiences

For those who want to immerse themselves in the local culture, there are plenty of options available. Museums and historical sites are popular choices, providing an opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the region. Some popular museums include the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and the National Gallery in London.

Visiting local markets is another way to experience the culture of the region. Many ports of call have bustling markets where visitors can sample local cuisine and purchase souvenirs. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and the Mercado Central in Valencia are just a few examples of popular markets.

Adventure and Exploration

For those who crave adventure and exploration, there are plenty of options available as well. Many ports of call offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. The beaches of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean are also popular destinations for those who want to relax and soak up the sun.

Exploring the ports of call is another popular activity. Many cities have historic landmarks and attractions that are worth visiting. Some popular destinations include the Tower of London, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Alhambra in Granada.

Regardless of the interests of the passengers, there are plenty of shore excursions and land tours available that cater to their needs.

• Top 20 Caribbean Ports of Call: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Destinations
• Things to Do in Cocoa Beach Near Port Canaveral: A Comprehensive Guide

Travel Tips and Considerations

When planning a transatlantic cruise, there are a few travel tips and considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Packing for a Transatlantic Cruise

Packing for a transatlantic cruise can be a daunting task, but it’s important to pack wisely to ensure comfort and convenience during the voyage. Here are a few tips:

• Pack layers of clothing as temperatures can vary greatly on the ship.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking around the ship and for shore excursions.
• Consider bringing formal wear for formal nights on the ship.
• Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications and toiletries.

It’s also important to note that most cruise lines have luggage restrictions, so be sure to check with your specific cruise line for their policies.

Dealing with Seasickness

Seasickness can be a concern for many travelers on a transatlantic cruise. Here are a few tips to help prevent and manage seasickness :

• Choose a cabin located in the middle of the ship, where there is less motion.
• Consider taking medication or using natural remedies such as ginger to help prevent seasickness.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and greasy foods.

If seasickness does occur, most ships have medical facilities and staff available to assist.

Overall, planning and preparation are key when embarking on a transatlantic cruise. By following these travel tips and considerations, travelers can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

• Do You Need a Passport for Bahamas Cruise? Everything You Need to Know
• Will You Get Seasick on a Cruise? Tips to Prevent and Manage Motion Sickness
• Cruise Ship Essentials: 10 Must-Have Items for Your Next Vacation

Cruise Lines and Ships

Comparing major cruise lines.

When it comes to transatlantic cruises, several major cruise lines offer different options to choose from. Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn are some of the most popular choices among travelers.

Princess Cruises boasts a fleet of 18 ships, including the Regal Princess and the Sky Princess, which offer transatlantic itineraries. Norwegian Cruise Line offers the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Bliss, which provide a range of amenities, including a go-kart track and a laser tag arena. Oceania Cruises offers the Marina and the Riviera, which provide a more intimate experience with a focus on culinary excellence. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the Seven Seas Explorer and the Seven Seas Mariner, which provide all-suite accommodations and a focus on luxury. Seabourn offers the Seabourn Quest and the Seabourn Odyssey, which provide an all-inclusive experience with personalized service.

Unique Ship Amenities

Each cruise line offers unique amenities that cater to different interests and preferences. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss offer a wide range of activities, including a go-kart track, laser tag, and an onboard water park. Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess and Sky Princess offer the Princess Live! Studio, which provides live television broadcasts, cooking shows, and other entertainment options.

Oceania Cruises’ Marina and Riviera offer the Culinary Center, which provides hands-on cooking classes and culinary demonstrations. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Mariner offer a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, which provides a range of wellness treatments and services. Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer a range of exclusive experiences, including access to the line’s Signature Restaurant, The Grill by Thomas Keller.

• Icon of the Seas: A Review of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
• #What Are the 15 Most Popular Cruise Ships and Why?
• Norwegian Joy: A Comprehensive Review of the Cruise Ship’s Features and Amenities
• Sun Princess Cruise Ship: A Comprehensive Review
• Utopia of the Seas: Exploring the World’s Most Luxurious Cruise Ship

Booking and Costs

When it comes to booking a transatlantic cruise, there are a few things to consider, including finding the best deals and additional costs to consider.

Finding the Best Deals

The cost of a transatlantic cruise can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the cruise line, the time of year, and the length of the cruise. To find the best deals, it is recommended to book well in advance and to be flexible with your travel dates. Additionally, signing up for email alerts from cruise lines and travel agencies can help you stay informed about any special promotions or discounts.

Additional Costs to Consider

In addition to the cost of the cruise itself, there are a few additional costs to consider when booking a transatlantic cruise. These may include airfare to and from the departure and arrival ports, travel insurance, shore excursions, and onboard expenses such as gratuities, drinks, and specialty dining. It is important to factor in these costs when budgeting for your trip.

Overall, while a transatlantic cruise may not be the cheapest vacation option, it can provide excellent value for those looking for a unique and memorable travel experience.

• Is Cruising Expensive? A Comprehensive Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated cruise lines for a transatlantic journey.

There are several top-rated cruise lines for a transatlantic journey, including Cunard, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These cruise lines offer luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining options, and a variety of entertainment and activities to keep passengers entertained during the long journey.

How can I find discounts for transatlantic cruises?

One way to find discounts for transatlantic cruises is to book early. Many cruise lines offer early bird discounts for passengers who book their trip several months in advance. Additionally, some travel agencies and online booking sites may offer special deals or promotions for transatlantic cruises.

Which European destinations are most popular for transatlantic cruises?

The most popular European destinations for transatlantic cruises include Southampton and Hamburg in Germany, Le Havre in France, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. These destinations offer easy access to major cities and tourist attractions in Europe and North America.

What is the optimal duration for a transatlantic cruise?

The optimal duration for a transatlantic cruise depends on personal preference and travel plans. Some passengers prefer shorter cruises that last around 7-10 days, while others may prefer longer journeys that last up to 21 days or more. It is important to consider factors such as budget, time constraints, and desired destinations when choosing the optimal duration for a transatlantic cruise.

What are the benefits of a one-way transatlantic cruise?

One-way transatlantic cruises offer several benefits, including the opportunity to explore multiple destinations in Europe and North America, and the chance to experience a unique and unforgettable journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, one-way cruises may be more convenient for passengers who do not wish to return to their port of departure.

When is the best time of year to embark on a transatlantic cruise?

The best time of year to embark on a transatlantic cruise is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Bargain hunters may also find great deals on transatlantic cruises during these seasons. However, it is important to note that weather patterns and travel conditions may vary depending on the specific route and destination.

Best Transatlantic Cruise

A transatlantic cruise is a unique experience that offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. It is a great way to explore different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship. In this section, we will discuss some of the best transatlantic cruises that you can consider for your next vacation.

Holland America’s 28-night Adriatic Dream and Passage to America

Holland America’s 28-night Adriatic Dream and Passage to America is a popular transatlantic cruise that offers an exciting itinerary. This cruise takes you on a shoulder-season meander through the Adriatic and Mediterranean followed by a transatlantic crossing. It visits 14 ports in seven countries, making it a true hybrid of an ocean crossing and a traditional cruise. The cruise ship offers a variety of amenities, including a casino, spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options.

Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossing

Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossing is another popular transatlantic cruise that offers a unique experience. It is a seven-night cruise that takes you from New York to Southampton or vice versa. The cruise ship, Queen Mary 2, is known for its elegance and luxury and offers a variety of amenities, including a planetarium, spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options. The cruise also offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music, theater performances, and dance classes.

Royal Caribbean’s Transatlantic Cruise

Royal Caribbean’s Transatlantic Cruise is a great option for those who want to explore different destinations while enjoying the comfort of a cruise ship. The cruise takes you on a 14-night journey from Miami to Barcelona, visiting several ports along the way. The cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas, is one of the largest cruise ships in the world and offers a variety of amenities, including a water park, rock-climbing wall, zip line, and multiple dining options.

Viking Ocean Cruise’s Transatlantic Crossing

Viking Ocean Cruise’s Transatlantic Crossing is a great option for those who want to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing vacation. The cruise takes you on a 14-night journey from Miami to Barcelona, visiting several ports along the way. The cruise ship, Viking Star, is known for its elegance and luxury and offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options. The cruise also offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music, theater performances, and lectures.

In conclusion, transatlantic cruises offer a unique and exciting way to explore different destinations while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship. There are several great transatlantic cruises to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Whether you want to explore different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes or simply relax and unwind, there is a transatlantic cruise that is perfect for you.

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• Transatlantic Cruises

Click to Explore other Destinations Cruises

• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• Transatlantic
• Panama Canal
• South America
• Extraordinary Journeys
• Australia & New Zealand
• South Pacific
• Canada & New England
• Greek Isles
• Pacific Coastal

Gallivant like a globetrotter.

• Cruise Destinations
• Things to Know
• VIEW CRUISES

Experience all that our ships have to offer on your Transatlantic Cruise.

People have been cruising across the Atlantic Ocean for centuries, and now is your chance to share this amazing perspective. Enjoy relaxing days on board one of our Transatlantic cruises and take advantage of the freedom and flexibility only Norwegian can offer. Discover it's all about choices, double down on action in the casino, or stroll the decks and stargaze at constellations more vivid than you can imagine. Along the way, you'll visit some of the most historical and beautiful cities in Europe, creating unforgettable moments on your Transatlantic cruise.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Transatlantic Cruises on Award-Winning Ships

Travel across the Atlantic in style on our award-winning cruise ships. Voted Best Onboard Entertainment, Best Speciality Restaurants, and Best Casinos, you know you're in for exciting sea days. Sit back, relax, and let Norwegian take you so some of the most beautiful destinations.

Transatlantic Cruise Image Gallery

• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Epic
• Mandara Spa
• Venice, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira
• Funchal, Portugal
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Warnemunde, Rostock
• Piraeus, Greece

Explore Transatlantic Cruise Ports

Best Transatlantic EXCURSIONS

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Madeira's Breathtaking Beauty

Explore Monte's historic toboggan ride, visit Pico do Arieiro for stunning views, Ponta do Garajau's Christ statue, and a marine nature reserve...

Funchal & Botanical Gardens

Explore Funchal market, Madeira wine, Monte village, and take a cable car ride to Botanical Gardens with exotic plants and stunning views. ...

Fire Lake & Ribeira Grande

Drive though Ponta Delgada heading northeast along the pleasant roads bordering agricultural areas stretching across the island to Ribeira Grande. Continue to Pico da Barrosa Mount...

Dolphin Safari

The sea around the Azores is incredibly rich. This is probably the place in Europe with the most sea diversity, especially whales and dolphins. The abundance of dolphins is amazing...

Transatlantic HOTELS

Scandic Copenhagen

Hotel Scandic Copenhagen is located in central Copenhagen, with stunning views over the water and Copenhagen city, and close to attractions such as Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens. At hotel Scandic Copenhagen, all 18 floors have been renovated with a new, modern and inspiring interior. Copenhagen's attractions are right on your doorstep when you stay at hotel Scandic Copenhagen. Tivoli amusement park, Nyhavn and Stroeget shopping street are all within walking distance of the hotel.

This recently renovated city hotel is walking distance to many popular attractions including Central Station and Tivoli Gardens (family amusement park).

• Distance/Airport: 8 miles Distance/Pier: 2 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Breakfast Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

Grand Hyatt Athens

Located on the famous Syngrou Avenue, between the cultural centre of the historic city of Athens and the cosmopolitan Athenian Riviera, Grand Hyatt Athens offers the ultimate hospitality experience in a city with a heady mix of history and edginess. Explore the vibrant city of Athens, discover the narrow streets and small buildings of Plaka, and merge into 3.000 years of Greek history whilst visiting the Acropolis Hill.

Amenities include 2 restaurants, an outdoor rooftop pool (seasonal), a spa, a gym, a business centre, and event space for up to 1,000 people. Breakfast, an airport shuttle and valet parking are available.

The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the airport. You're also walking distance to the rail station, where it's only 20 minutes to Venice by train.

Distance/ Airport: 25 miles Distance/ Pier: 10 miles

Package includes: Room and room tax Breakfast Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Lisbon Marriott

Located in the city's financial district, this modern hotel is an 11-minute walk from the nearest metro station and 5 km from lively Rosario Square.

Polished rooms come with soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows, plus flat-screens, Wi-Fi (fee), and balconies or terraces; most offer skyline or garden views. Suites add living rooms and/or dining rooms. Room service is offered 24/7.

There's a sleek international restaurant, a streamlined lobby bar, and a tapas bar with a terrace. Other perks include gardens, an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness room, plus a ballroom.

Phone: +351 21 723-5400

Distance/Airport: 4 miles Distance/Pier: 6 miles

Hilton Barcelona

Find us on Avenida Diagonal, blocks from El Corte Inglés shopping centre. Our hotel is next to bus and tram routes, five minutes from Metro links covering the city centre and Las Ramblas street. We're two kilometres from Camp Nou stadium, home of Barcelona FC. Enjoy bike rentals and 24-hour access to our fitness centre.

• Distance/Airport: 10 miles Distance/Pier: 5 miles

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Transatlantic Cruises

Dining On Board

From casual buffets to exquisite speciality restaurants, learn everything there is to know about dining on our ships.

Have It All

Enjoy sophisticated cities and tropical islands, co-mingled with leisurely days sailing the Atlantic Ocean.

Award Winning

See why we are Porthole Magazine's winner for Best Accommodations (2015-2016).

When In Rome

With the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain nearby, photo opportunities abound.

Beautiful Barcelona

A combination of old world culture and modern day masterpieces, plan ahead and get to know this incredible city.

Protect Your Trip »

6 top transatlantic cruises for 2024.

Journey across the Atlantic while enjoying all the amenities at sea.

The Top Transatlantic Cruises

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Sailing from New York to England on Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is just one of many transatlantic offerings in 2024.

Transatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (With No Supplement Fare)
• Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 13 best key west tours of 2024.

Gwen Pratesi May 3, 2024

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

The 15 Best Chicago Tours for 2024

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Transatlantic Europe Cruises

Our transatlantic cruises go sail to both seldom-visited and iconic European and American destinations, true hidden treasures that offerlike Athens, Barcelona, and Key West, where so much to dounique experiences and immersive shore excursions await. But it’ is also the journey that makes a transatlantic cruises so special, as you join centuries of nautical history and become very familiar with the sea. Gaze at the stars or watch the sun set over the horizon; you’ll feel like you have the ocean all to yourself on our perfectly sized ships. UUnwind at the spa, or take in enriching entertainmentlive music, and enjoy carefully crafted culinary experiences aboard our perfectly-sized shipsthat deepens your understanding of the places you visit. Take a round-trip transatlantic cruise or go from one continent to the other and then explore on your own time. Welcome to the cruise of a lifetime.

Explore Transatlantic Cruise Ports

(Civitavecchia) Rome, Italy

Architectural treasures abound here, where the glory that is Rome spans more than two thousand years. Walk in the footsteps of emperors and saints. Make a wish at Trevi fountain. Climb the Spanish Steps and treat yourself to a gelato al limone.

(Cádiz) Seville, Spain

Over the centuries, Moorish and Spanish cultures have intermingled in Andalucía to spectacular effect. Explore the results in Seville Cathedral and the magnificent Alcazar. Then head to a wine cellar to sample the region’s legendary sherry.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a trove of architectural treasures. Explore the city’s exquisite landmarks, including the Tower of Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jerónimos Monastery. Venture beyond to Sintra, dubbed “a glorious Eden” by Lord Byron.

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Start your transatlantic cruise in Fort Lauderdale. Relax and explore the city while gliding down the New River in a gondola. Take an airboat ride through the Everglades. Discover the chic cafés and galleries of Las Olas Boulevard.

Head East or West on Your Transatlantic Cruise

Journey West to the New World

Voyage East to the Old Continent

150th anniversary sailings.

Join us on anniversary cruises that commemorate the maiden voyage of the original Rotterdam I. We’ve re-created these historic sailings exactly 150 -years later with calls in Plymouth, United Kingdom, and New York City.

Transatlantic Cruise Onboard Experience

Your ship becomes a second home on transatlantic cruises. Relish in sumptuous staterooms and suites, and an immersive experience with engaging presentations and plenty of live music options. Live the good life on these incredible voyages.

Perfectly Sized for the Passage of Time

Dining Experiences

Onboard Entertainment

Transatlantic cruise ships.

Nieuw Statendam

This modern ship fills every day with dramatic beauty. The second in the line of our Pinnacle-class ships, it draws inspiration from musical instruments. Enjoy many entertainment options, including the two-level World Stage.

Blissfully glide from continent to continent aboard Rotterdam, our newest ship. With exquisite dining, innovative entertainment, and luxurious staterooms and suites, Rotterdam is the soundtrack to your transatlantic discoveries.

A recent update with new bar, entertainment, and dining venues and completely reimagined staterooms makes Oosterdam an excellent choice for your transatlantic cruise. Find out why Oosterdam has won multiple “Best Ship” awards.

Self-Care on Sea Days

A transatlantic cruise means plenty of time for you to take care of you. Unwind with a massage, get a new hairstyle, or take a fitness class.

Spa Services

Full Service Salon

Whether you want a new look for a night on the ship or just a simple touch-up, our professional and creative stylists can help.

Thermal Suite

Pamper yourself with soothing heat. Warm up on a heated lounge chair, step into the sauna, and take a dip in the hydro pool.

Fitness Class

Keep it moving on leisurely sea days at our Fitness Center. Take an indoor cycling or yoga class. Or go at your own pace with cardio and weight machines.

Body Treatments

Treat yourself and nourish your body with stone-therapy, acupuncture, and solution focused messages.

Manicure Pedicure

Fresh nails are always a good idea. Get Gala-ready with manicures and pedicures.

Leave the stress behind with massages that use time-honored techniques from around the globe.

Men's Grooming Services

If you feel scruffy at sea, relax with a facial cleansing treatment, shave, manicure, or other men’s grooming service.

Recommended for You

Get Free Planning Help

Europe Cruises    |    Mediterranean Cruises    |    Northern Europe Cruises    |    Scandinavian & Baltic Sea Cruises    |    Transatlantic Cruises

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

CRUISE FROM CONTINENT TO CONTINENT

Transatlantic & transpacific cruises.

Reposition your view of paradise with a transatlantic or transpacific cruise.

Have you ever thought of traversing an entire ocean from coast to coast? You can go further than you ever thought possible on a transatlantic cruise, crossing the waves between the U.S. and Europe. Departing from Florida, Barcelona, Southampton and Copenhagen, these cruises include both tropical and cultural island stops, in ports such as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Greenland and Iceland. Meanwhile, transpacific cruises go from Sydney to the U.S., with plenty of white-sand-beach-filled South Pacific ports in between. Take in sweeping views of the Pacific while stopping in exotic ports to see the secluded beaches of Vanuatu or the volcanic vistas of Hawaii.

South Pacific Sun Or European Charm

Reposition your view of paradise with a transatlantic or transpacific cruise

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

CROSS-COASTAL CULTURE

Immerse yourself in the historic architecture and cultural achievements on either side of the oceans. 

MEANDER MUSEUMS

Are you a museum buff? Stop in Copenhagen for both the National Museum and National Gallery of Denmark. Or hit up the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and enjoy a field of sunflowers while pondering why this mysterious man cut off his ear.

MAKE HISTORY

There are historical sites across the Atlantic and Pacific to behold, such as  Old San Juan in Puerto Rico  with streets lined with blooming green trees. Or get an intimate look into Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam.

Wander European Gems

A transatlantic cruise lets you see the architectural and cultural influence of Europe on the Americas and then view the original masterpieces for yourself on the other side of the ocean. See the Cathedral of San Juan in  Puerto Rico  and the 14th-century Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria in  Barcelona .

OCEANS AWAY

Whether you're lounging on the beach or on board the ship, the oceans of the Atlantic and the Pacific hold plenty of opportunity for adventure. 

SNORKEL THE SEAS

Snorkeling is a popular activity in island ports across the world. In the South Pacific, many islands are surrounded by fringing reef as well, which is a haven for tropical marine life such as dolphins, squid and sea turtles.

BE A BEACH BUM

Make the most of island ports on a transpacific cruise and enjoy some beach time. Lounge in the white sand and turquoise waters of  Mystery Island in Vanuatu . Enjoy the combo of urban and volcanic views at Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

JUMP ONBOARD

With so many days at sea, take advantage of the ship's many activities and attractions, including spa treatments, rock climbing, ice skating, musical performances and Casino Royale.

SAIL THE SEAS AND SEE CROSS-CONTINENTAL CULTURES

Transpacific and transatlantic cruises offer plenty of relaxing days at sea, plus exciting stops at idyllic, beach-filled islands and cities bustling with life and culture.

IN AWE OF THE ATLANTIC

Starting in Florida,  New York  or one of several European ports, a transatlantic cruise may include several city stops, Caribbean ports or a combination of both.

PREPARE FOR THE PACIFIC

From Sydney to either  Honolulu  or Seattle, be prepared to cross hemispheres and visit the best (and most beautiful) South Pacific islands.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Best Time to Cruise

For transatlantic cruises, the best time to set sail is either spring and fall, when the weather is still warm but prices are more affordable. However, transpacific cruises are recommended during the Southern Hemisphere's winter, from May to October. This is because summer is the South Pacific's cyclone season.

Remember to pack for all weather conditions, as you will have warm summery port days, as well as cooler nights at sea. On transpacific cruises, you'll also cross hemispheres, so may need clothing for summer and winter conditions if cruising from  Sydney  to  Seattle

Finding the Right Ship for You

Europe: 8 Bucket-List Spots You Can See on a Cruise

Although most Pacific and Caribbean islands have different currencies, many ports accept Australian or American dollars, and larger cities will also accept credit cards.

Consider bringing your own snorkeling equipment and reef boots to save on rental fees, if you're planning on snorkeling at multiple destinations.

With so many days at sea, try something new onboard, but also bring your own entertainment — whether that's an e-reader or a good book.

FOR THE FOODIE'S CROSS-COUNTRY CUISINES 

From Australia to the Azores, transatlantic and transpacific cruises expose you to several cuisines, including Caribbean, American and Pacific Islander. From fast-food favorites to rice-based comfort food, here are a few must-try foods.

AUSSIE MEAT PIES

Found in bakeries and convenience stores, Australians love their savory meat pies. Visit the iconic Harry's Cafe de Wheels in Sydney and tuck into one of their flaky pies filled with curried beef or chicken with a side of classic mushy peas.

PILE UP YOUR PLATE

Plate lunches are very popular in Hawaii, and traditionally feature scoops of white rice, macaroni salad and a meat-based entree like succulent kalua pig or a lau lau pork, with a smoky taste from its preparation in an underground oven.

FLORIDIAN FOOD

Tuck into some popular Floridian dishes before your transatlantic cruise departs. Savor a salty, satisfying Cuban sandwich piled high with pork and pickles. Try a Bahamian-inspired conch fritter, and key lime pie for dessert.

Related Ports

In the South Pacific, paradisal ports include Vanuatu, Fiji, French Polynesia and New Caledonia. In the Caribbean, choose from ports like the Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti and Antigua. Or spend more time in the great cities of Europe: Pop from Amsterdam over to the fjords of Norway or the natural volcanic spas of Reykjavik, Iceland.

Akureyri, Iceland

Brisbane, Australia

Prins Christian Sund, Greenland

Qaqortoq, Greenland

Adelaide, Australia

Airlie Beach, Queensland

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Lautoka, Fiji Islands

Moorea, French Polynesia

Cairns (Yorkeys Knob), Australia

Isle Of Pines, New Caledonia

Lifou, Loyalty Islands

Mare, New Caledonia

Akaroa, New Zealand

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Darwin, Australia

Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Esperance, Australia

Geraldton, Australia

Hobart, Tasmania

Melbourne, Australia

Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Noumea, New Caledonia

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Papeete, Tahiti

Champagne Bay, Vanuatu

Dunedin, New Zealand

Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand

Vavau (Neiafu), Tonga

Wellington, New Zealand

Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

Newcastle, Australia

Auckland, New Zealand

Perth (Fremantle), Australia

Picton, New Zealand

Port Douglas, Australia

Port Hedland, Australia

Port Vila, Vanuatu

Suva, Fiji Islands

Sydney (White Bay), Australia

Sydney, Australia

Willis Island (Cruising), Australia

Wollongong (Port Kembla), Australia

Nuuk, Greenland

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Eden, Australia

Port Arthur, Tasmania

Cairns, Australia

Penneshaw, Australia

Gladstone, Australia

Exmouth, Australia

Raiatea, French Polynesia

Havannah Boulari Passage (Cruising), New Caledonia

Albany, Australia

Related Destinations

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Should You Take a Transatlantic Cruise?

 LOIC VENANCE / Getty Images

Transatlantic cruises rank among the most iconic types of travel. They generally fall into two categories. The first type is a regularly scheduled transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 , the only cruise ship that routinely sails back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean between New York City and London (Southampton). These cruises run between late April and early January and take about six or seven days in each direction because the ship does not have any ports of call. The Queen Mary 2 crosses the Atlantic about 50 times a year on this week-long route.

The second type of transatlantic crossing is a repositioning cruise for ships that sail in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America in the winter and in Europe for the rest of the year. Most transatlantic repositioning cruises sail in the spring and fall months, but travelers can find one or more ships crossing the Atlantic every month of the year. These crossings are usually longer than a week since they include a few ports of call in the Caribbean or the Atlantic Ocean.

Both types of transatlantic crossings are different than a cruise where the ship is docked at a new port of call each day. Travelers planning a transatlantic cruise vacation need to think about the pros and cons of what it's like to be out of sight of land for days at a time.

Pro: Bargain Prices

TripSavvy / Linda Garrison

Cruise lines follow the sun, moving most of their ships to another part of the world to help guests enjoy the best weather and most daylight on their vacation. Because these repositioning cruises are often longer (10 or more days) and include only a few ports of call, the cruise lines usually reduce the price per day to attract more travelers. The ships have a "captive audience" on sea days, and onboard guests tend to spend more money on drinks, gambling, and in the retail boutique shops. So, cruise lines need to have the ships full when making the crossing.

When planning a repositioning cruise across the Atlantic, be sure to check out the cruise right before or after your transatlantic crossing. The cruise lines often discount these cruises for those willing to book back-to-back.

Pro: No Flying

Fred Bahurlet / Getty Images

A long flight across the Atlantic is stressful, tiring, and often not a good beginning or ending to your vacation. A transatlantic cruise at the beginning of your vacation can get you into a relaxed mood, and one at the end of your vacation can help ease you back to the normal work life. North Americans with more vacation time can cross the Atlantic at the beginning of their vacation, travel around Europe via land or on another cruise, and then take a second transatlantic cruise back home. They only have to drive or fly to the embarkation port.

Pro: No Jet Lag

Simon Marcus Taplin / Getty Images

One of the factors every traveler loves about a transatlantic cruise is the lack of jet lag when arriving at their destination. Since continental Europe is about six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in North America (depending on the time of year), ships traveling westbound lose an hour almost every day. Those traveling eastbound gain an hour, making some cruise days 25 hours long! Although losing or gaining an hour each day can be a little disconcerting, it's far better than the jet lag you can get from flying across the Atlantic.

Pro: Learn Something New

Cruise ships on transatlantic crossings offer many educational, entertaining, and fun activities on the many sea days. For example, guests can take classes in computing, photography, cooking, bridge, fitness, or ballroom dancing. Or, they can attend lectures on a variety of topics that expand their knowledge on history, travel, health, music, or art. Smaller ships and more luxury brands tend to feature more guest lecturers and educational opportunities than larger ships do. 

Pro: Relax and Unwind

When arriving home from vacation, many travelers often complain that they "need a vacation from their vacation!" Although many are surprised at how quickly the sea days fly by on a transatlantic cruise, no one is forcing guests to do anything other than whatever they want to do. Some guests bring along an e-reader full of novels, while others catch up on movies, try their luck in the casino, or spend time unwinding in the spa or fitness center. On a transatlantic cruise, someone else is cooking and cleaning up after you. Guests can sleep in as long as they wish or go to bed right after dinner. It's their choice.

Con: No (or Few) Ports of Call

The traditional transatlantic crossing of the Queen Mary 2 does not feature any ports of call, leaving New York and arriving in Southampton seven days later (or vice versa). 

Most transatlantic repositioning cruises taking the southern route between the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas make stopovers at ports of call in the Caribbean, the Cape Verde Islands, and the Canary Islands. Ships crossing the northern route might stopover in Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, Bermuda, Newfoundland, or Atlantic Canada.

While you won't have as many ports of call as on a seven-day Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise, some of the ports are unique and can only be seen on an extended voyage like a transatlantic crossing.

Con: Weather and Rough Seas

Weather can be a major concern for some travelers planning a transatlantic cruise. On traditional cruises, ships are sailing most nights and in a different port each day. They often are not far from land, so even though the weather can be rough, it doesn't last long.

Crossing the Atlantic can be different since the ship might not see land for several days. 

The good news is that modern cruise ships have amazing stabilizers, so most guests won't feel the wave action. Those who are prone to seasickness should have a variety of remedies to prevent or treat this malady. 

It's no guarantee, but transatlantic cruises in the summer months usually have the best weather, although hurricanes and tropical storms can affect ships sailing either the southern route or northern route.

Believe it or not, there are cruise travelers who love stormy weather and rough seas. A transatlantic crossing in the winter months of November through March is ideal for these die-hard travelers. They can get a good price and might even "enjoy" a storm!

Con: Passengers Tend to Be Older

Holger Leue / Getty Images

A general rule for cruises is the longer the cruise, the older the passengers. This is not surprising, because senior travelers have more time off and more disposable income. Although many younger travelers enjoy socializing with seniors, most transatlantic crossings are not "party" cruises. The bars and discos probably won't be packed after midnight like on shorter voyages where travelers are trying to cram as much as possible into their vacation time.

Con: Too Much Free Time

Although most travelers can get into the rhythm and routine of a transatlantic cruise, some people feel almost claustrophobic when surrounded by water 24 hours a day for several days. This feeling is rare, but a transatlantic cruise might not be for everyone. If you can't wait to get off the ship each day when on a traditional cruise moving from port to port, you might not embrace several consecutive days at sea. If you are a self-starter who appreciates free time alone or doesn't require constant entertainment, you probably will come home planning your next transatlantic voyage. 

Is a Transatlantic Cruise For You?

If you consider these pros and cons and your own personality type, you can decide if a transatlantic cruise is the right vacation for you. Since this type of cruise is often a good bargain, offering no-jet-lag travel and the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, a crossing might be a perfect cruise vacation for you.

How to Find the Best Cruise Deals

13 New Ocean Cruise Ships in 2018

Why Cruising Solo Is Worth it

Disney Magic - Tour and Profile

The Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Cubas Capital City of Havana

Cruise Destination Maps of Countries Around the Red Sea and in SW Asia

Top Tips for Planning a European Cruise Vacation

How to Travel from New York to London by Plane or Ship

Cruises and Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know

Cruising to Antarctica: Ships and Time of Year to Go

How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship

Maps of Northern European Countries Visited by Cruise Ships

A Tour of the Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship

10 Questions to Answer When Planning a Cruise

Where to Go in 2021: 10 Future Trips You Can Start Planning Now

Cruise Transatlantic

Transatlantic cruises from the USA to Europe depart from New York and Florida, and destinations include England, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for Atlantic crossings when cruise lines reposition ships.

Our guide includes the details of every Transatlantic cruise on all cruise lines, including Cunard, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean. Most Atlantic voyages are one-way to Europe from the United States and can be excellent deals, although there are a few round-trip cruises too.

The Thrill of an Off-Season Transatlantic Cruise, Rough Seas and All

Late fall and winter sailings across the atlantic on cunard line’s classic “ queen mary 2 ” ocean liner can bring unpredictable weather. for enthusiasts, that’s part of the appeal..

• Copy Link copied

For some, crossing the Atlantic via cruise ship represents a way to connect with history and with the vast open sea.

Photo by Jonathan Atkin/Cunard

Somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Reverend John Hartnett, a retired Episcopal priest from Bethany, Connecticut, took advantage of the relative calm after days of stormy seas to go for a swim in the outdoor pool on Cunard line’s 2,705-passenger Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.

He had the swimming pool entirely to himself, as temperatures were in the 40s, not factoring in the windchill of the sea breeze.

“Outside was the cold air and the heated water and the sun and the rocking boat and the wind,” Hartnett, 71, says. “It was my favorite part of the whole voyage.”

Hartnett was one of my fellow passengers on a November crossing from Southampton, United Kingdom, to New York City, during which we had encountered severe gale force winds reaching up to 49 knots, caused by a storm that the ship headed south to avoid.

Hartnett was unbothered. Feeling the waves was one reason that he and his wife, Susan, had come on board for a round-trip sailing from New York, with time in Europe in between.

“I wanted the experience of being in the ocean,” he says. “If I wanted an easy trip, I would have flown. I wanted the full experience of weather and thinking of what it was like crossing the ocean for hundreds of years.”

The 151,000-ton Queen Mary 2 is the only passenger cruise ship in the world that sails regularly scheduled transatlantic cruises , crossing between Southampton and Brooklyn in seven nights.

The idea behind <i>Queen Mary 2</i> is it’s built to handle this kind of weather. It can take everything the weather throws at it and keep on going.

On summer sailings, barring any storms, the Atlantic can be as calm as a lake, as I have previously experienced. Sailings in November and December attract cruisers eager to witness some sea action. The ship later takes a winter break, doing its annual multi-month world cruise.

“I’ve always found appealing that it can be fierce and raging outside, and inside it’s warm and cozy and the jazz band is playing,” says cruise historian and writer Aaron Saunders, who had treated himself to this crossing as a 40th birthday present. “The idea behind Queen Mary 2 is it’s built to handle this kind of weather. It can take everything the weather throws at it and keep on going.”

The Queen Mary 2 , or QM2 as it’s often called, is a large ship—having broken the world’s largest passenger ship record (which has since been surpassed several times) when it was christened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. It was built with a reinforced steel hull, four stabilizers that smooth the ride, and engines that can easily do 28 knots, or 32 miles per hour (the average speed for a cruise ship is approximately 20 knots, or 23 miles per hour).

As someone who suffers from seasickness , I had some trepidation in taking a November transatlantic cruise, while my husband, who would gladly stand on deck amid 40-foot waves if allowed, was gleeful about the prospect of some turbulence.

With the help of prescription motion sickness medication, a Transdermal Scopolamine patch behind my ear, and a little Dramamine, I got through the several stormy days drowsy but without ever even missing a meal.

There are downsides to what the ship’s captain described as “boisterous” seas. At times during our sailing the outdoor decks, including the teak promenade that you can walk or jog three times around for a mile of exercise, were closed.

Those hitting the large dance floor in the ship’s impressively elegant, high-ceilinged Queens Room ballroom occasionally had to be careful about how they placed their feet. Even when slow dancing to Elvis’ s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” played by a talented St. Lucian dance band in the G32 nightclub, I found myself clinging to my husband and thankful I hadn’t packed higher heels.

Occasionally, you’d hear a glass falling off a table and smashing. At one point the divider between our stateroom veranda and the next came loose and was banging against our glass door until it was repaired by crew members.

Hotel director David Shepherd said that room service increased dramatically on our cruise when some of the 2,205 mostly British, American, and European guests on board stayed in their room during rocky stretches. But for the majority, the action is a draw.

“If you get the bouncy weather, it’s a bonus,” Shepherd says. “And people love sitting at the windows, looking outside at the waves crashing up.”

Is seven days at sea even enough?

Ballroom dancing, bridge, theater shows, live music, and lectures are among the activities available on Queen Mary 2 sailings.

Courtesy of Cunard

A question I get from friends when I mention a transatlantic sailing on the QM2 , which I had done twice before in calmer seas, is, “What’s there to do with a whole week at sea?”

My answer, “What’s there not to do?”

The daily activity roster is packed. On one day, I counted 60 activities available before 7 p.m., not including beauty and wellness seminars and massages and other treatments at the spa, where a heated thalassotherapy pool is a prime attraction.

There is purposely something for everyone on board, from the smattering of families to the larger swath of passengers who fall into the more general category of 55-plus travelers.

Our Veterans Day sailing was offered in collaboration with the Greatest Generations Foundation, an organization that helps combat veterans return to battlegrounds and memorials. Hosting presentations on life, death, and heroism were 18 veterans from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. A rapt audience packed the ship’s Royal Court Theatre daily to hear all they had to say.

Beyond the veteran-themed programming, the standard daily insights and enrichment offerings featured a marine scientist talking about subjects such as fish with jaws that hinge and animals that produce light; a military historian on the British defeat of the Zulu Nation; and a forensic medical examiner telling the real story of the Elephant Man.

There’s a long lineup of classes for everything from ballroom dancing to bridge. Contests included trivia, darts competitions in the Golden Lion Pub, and blackjack tournaments in the casino. Or you could while away hours watching movies such as Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker in the theater or Back to the Future in your stateroom.

I packed a Kindle loaded with books I’ve wanted to read, but there was also the option of heading to the ship’s bow for a hugely impressive ocean-view library stocked with more than 9,000 tomes.

At night, you could catch show productions in the theater, with singers and dancers performing Broadway tunes, comedian sets, or an impressive array of live music, including a folk duo and harpist. The Royal Shakespeare Company, which produces shows for QM2 based on excerpts from Shakespeare plays and acting workshops (the actors also host informal events where they perform their favorite sonnets and speeches and answer audience questions), doesn’t perform during the off-season sailings but will return in the spring after the world cruise.

The ship’s most iconic entertainment is ballroom dancing, on full display especially on two gala nights—the Black and White Ball and the Masquerade Ball. Those who don’t want to dress up can stick to the ship’s more casual eateries and lounges. Those who do, put on a show in their tuxes and gowns. Passengers who know how to ballroom dance take to the dance floor to show off their waltz, rumba, and cha-cha moves to a crowd of onlookers. My husband and I reserved our dancing for the nightclub, where there was less public scrutiny.

Each evening, when we finally returned to our stateroom, we wondered where the day (and evening) had gone.

The different classes of service

Passengers dining in the Britannia Restaurant are treated to a feast for the senses.

Photo by Shutterstock

When you book the QM2 you choose a class of service, and your level of accommodation determines where you dine. Hotel director Shepherd compares it to choosing a seat on a transatlantic flight—whether you want to fly coach, premium economy, business class, or first class. “It has a lot to do with space,” he says.

Guests in entry-level Britannia cabins are assigned to the ship’s main dining room, a glamorous, two-deck affair with a grand staircase, art deco–inspired decor, and impressive menus that might feature chicken leek terrine or Asian-style tuna tartare followed by rosemary and garlic grilled lamb cutlets or rainbow trout amandine for dinner. Breakfast might be eggs Benedict, avocado toast, or a full English spread, and for lunch a Thai curry or chicken cacciatore. Britannia Club balcony accommodations come with slightly upgraded dining in an exclusive restaurant.

Our Princess Grill accommodations consisted of a spacious stateroom with a sitting area and veranda, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a tub, as well as a reserved dining table in an intimate restaurant exclusively for the 150 Princess Grill guests on board. In addition to entrées like chateaubriand and particularly good vegetarian options, such as zucchini and sweet potato noodles in a creamy, coconut milk herb sauce, we could request tableside-finished dishes such as Dover sole meunière, rack of lamb, or roast duck à l’orange.

Top-tier Queens Grill guests stay in lavish suites with butler service and dine in a separate restaurant where they can order anything their heart desires. “There’s not a lot we don’t carry on board,” says Shepherd. “There’s a huge list of ingredients we carry exclusively for Queens Grill guests. That’s what makes that so special. If they want fresh lobster, they get fresh lobster.”

Both Princess and Queens guests have exclusive access to a private Grills Lounge with a terrace, where you might take your afternoon tea or sip martinis at night while mingling with other elite guests.

While the ship operates with a casual dress code by day and “smart attire” most nights, most Grill guests interpret this as collared shirts by day and jackets for men at dinner. During one lunch, I felt some looks when I went into the Princess Grill restaurant wearing more casual leggings.

A floating piece of history

On a transatlantic sailing with Cunard, guests become part of a decades-long legacy of cruises that cross the pond.

When you sail on the QM2 , there is a sense you are part of a long-standing tradition of crossings—Cunard’s first transatlantic cruise was 180 years ago.

During our sailing, the ship passed about 46 miles from the final resting place of the Titanic , a moment to pause in remembrance if you were awake at 3 a.m.

I wanted the experience of being in the ocean. If I wanted an easy trip, I would have flown.

Some of us, like me, come on board keenly aware that our immigrant families traveled across the Atlantic in steerage, fleeing oppression. I got up early as we neared Brooklyn so as not to miss first sight of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which my ancestors saw more than 110 years ago. If this is important to you, book accommodations on the portside of the ship on westbound voyages, which also has the advantage of additional sunshine on clear days if your cabin has a window or veranda.

Hartnett, who has done a half-dozen crossings on the QM2 , says when on board he reflects on time and place.

“The first time we did this I thought we’d see ships every day and we saw ships the first and last day,” he says. “I was impressed how big the ocean is.”

On the November crossing, he was thinking about his father and his father’s peers, who shipped out to Iceland in a convoy during World War II.

“Think of what it would be like on a much smaller ship in much worse circumstances and much worse weather with the possibility of being torpedoed,” he says. “This is a little bit of a pilgrimage in solidarity with them.”

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Barcelona

Atlantic Crossing

• From $2,999
• 3 Guided Tours
• 5 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• Barcelona to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Barcelona

Atlantic Crossing Map

Embark on a classic crossing

Call on beloved ports in both the New World and the Old. Discover appealing Caribbean landscapes, turquoise waters and the half-French, half-Dutch culture of tropical St. Martin. Explore the natural beauty of the “Garden Island” of Madeira, accompanying a resident to his favorite spots. Immerse yourself in art and architecture on a tour of magnificent Barcelona. It is a journey full of relaxing and rewarding days on board your elegantly appointed ship.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Barcelona

From $799 | 2 Nights

Pre: Best of Barcelona

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

Pre: Madrid

From $899 | 2 Nights

Post: Ft. Lauderdale

From $299 | 1 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - Pirates & Treasure Hunters
• - Explorers: The Age of Discovery
• - Oceans in Context—History & Inspiration
• - Islands in History
• - History of Spain
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Best Transatlantic Cruise Tips for the Boomer Traveler

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Are you looking for Transatlanic cruise tips from a boomer travel writer who’s been there and done that? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve traveled on 5 of them!

What is the best Transatlantic cruise and will we like it? At My Itchy Travel Feet, readers ask us that question a lot. 

Since Alan and I have cruised on five Atlantic crossings—Regent (Voyager and Navigator), Silversea ( Silver Sprit and Silver Wind) and Seabourn ( Sojourn )—our answer is a resounding YES!

In fact, we’ve gathered our experiences to create the best transatlantic cruise tips for you. Like you, through the years, we’ve had many questions about transatlantic cruises. Sorting through ours, and anticipating yours, here are 10 questions to ask before booking a Transatlantic Cruise.

Table of Contents

What IS a Transatlantic Cruise?

Basically, a Transatlantic cruise is a repositioning cruise that crosses the Atlantic Ocean. They most often occur in the fall and spring, when cruise lines are relocating ships from one region of the world to another.

In the fall, cruise lines send their ships from Europe, usually the Mediterranean (but not always), to the Caribbean or eastern United States . Spring crossings reverse the process with ships sailing from the eastern U.S. or Caribbean to Europe.

Which are the best transatlantic cruise ships?

Step onboard Seabourn, Silversea, or Regent for an all-inclusive, luxurious journey across the Atlantic. If you’ve ever wondered about cruising on a luxury ship , this can be a more affordable way to find out if luxury cruising is for you.

Well-heeled travelers will find luxury transatlantic cruises usually offered at discounted prices. However this is not always the case. Cruise lines are currently seeing high numbers of bookings in 2023 (and predicted to be the same in 2024 and 2025 due to pent up demand).

If you are looking for value combined with small ship experiences, consider Viking, Azmara, or Oceania.

You’ll find plenty of  large cruise ships with transatlantic cruise routes, too. If your idea of cruise travel is a big ship with plenty of things to do and prices offering an economy of scale (as in budget-friendly), consider: Princess , Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity , MSC or Royal Caribbean.

Even Disney offers an Atlantic cruise, although I’m not sure that children would enjoy six days at sea. But, then again, it’s Disney and the company is a master at entertainment.

However, I’d recommend skipping a multigenerational Atlantic crossing. There are many other cruise locations such as Alaska that would be more enjoyable for a multigenerational cruise with the kids. And Alaska cruise excursions , especially, are filled with fun things to do.

Boomer Travel Tip

In today’s travel climate, trip insurance is a must. Compare policies and rates at InsureMyTrip .

What time of year is best for an Atlantic Crossing?

Travelers on a fall transatlantic cruise enjoy an extra hour of sleep almost every night as the ship travels east to west. Yay! More time to enjoy long dinners, great entertainment, and a few nights of late dancing.

Of course the reverse is true for spring Atlantic crossings where an hour is lost each day.

Alan and I definitely prefer fall for those extra hours of sleep. And the long voyage is a good way to relax after a couple of weeks exploring Europe , which we prefer to do in the fall.

Which route should I choose for crossing the Atlantic?

You’ll discover more variation in Atlantic cruise routes than you would expect. Consecutive sea days vary between 6 to 8 days (sometimes less on the northern route) and usually includes several ports of call either at the end or beginning of the cruise. Expect the entire itinerary to last between 14 to 21 days.

North Atlantic crossing

These cruise itineraries usually travel from the United Kingdom to New York City. Or there are cruises that sail between Iceland and the U.S., with off-the-beaten-path ports in Canada .

In both cases, you’ll experience fewer sea days and the possibility of stormier seas in the North Atlantic. If you like lots of sea days, or if you really need sunshine by the ship’s pool, a north Atlantic voyage may not be the cruise itinerary for you.

The Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 offers regular service between New York City and Southhampton. More of a voyage than a cruise, there are no ports and dress tends to be formal. But it’s an economical way to avoid costly international flights between Europe and North America .

Middle Atlantic itinerary

The most typical Atlantic crossing routes are ones that sail between the Mediterranean and Florida (Ft. Lauderdale or Miami), or the Caribbean. Four of our five Atlantic crossings have been on a route from Rome , Nice, or Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale.

Even on fall crossings, we’ve found the weather to be mild enough to enjoy the outside decks. Most fall itineraries travel late enough in the season that hurricanes aren’t an issue. And the only truly stormy crossing we’ve experienced was in the spring from Ft. Lauderdale to Monaco.

South ern Atlantic cruise crossing

Sailing from Africa to South America is not a typical route but some cruise lines do offer it on occasion. We cruised from Cape Town, South Africa, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after a South African safari . Ports included Namibia and St. Helena .

Of course this itinerary requires two long international flights to and from the United States. But it’s a fun way to travel between the continents of Africa and South America . And the weather tends to be warm and sunny.

MedjetAssist Members who are hospitalized 150 miles from home receive medical transport to a home-country hospital of choice. Memberships from $99 .

How much does a transatlantic cruise cost?

Traditionally, cruising on a transatlantic crossing offers special pricing, sometimes as low as 50% off or as a 2-for-1 fare. Since you’re saving money, this may be the perfect time to move up to that luxury cruise line that you’ve had your eye on. And it’s also a good opportunity to experience a series of days at sea, especially if you are considering longer cruises in the future.

Beware of cruise lines selling Atlantic cruise fares that seem too good to be true. They probably are.

Many mainline cruise companies offer inexpensive cabin fares. After factoring in the cost for all the extras like alcoholic beverages, water, special dining surcharges or tips, and you may be paying much more than intended.

You can also use Atlantic crossing cruises as transportation to or from Europe, reducing the number of international flights needed for the trip. I don’t know about you, but Alan and I are always happy to avoid international flights whenever possible.

We also like the idea of adding a land trip to the beginning of the journey. Keep reading to discover our thoughts on that.

Should I add a land excursion to a Transatlantic cruise?

I highly recommend adding a land excursion to a Transatlantic cruise itinerary. This is one reason that Alan and I prefer fall crossings. We enjoy exploring Europe by land then hopping on a ship to cross the Atlantic.

Twice, we’ve toured Italy with Claudio Fontana of A La Carte Italy Tours. After roadtripping around northern Italy or southern Italy , Claudio drove us to Civitavecchia, where we boarded a cruise ship. And our cruise luggage traveled along with us!

After enjoying several more Mediterranean cruise excursions , it was time to rest and relax on the long ride home across the Atlantic. We can’t think of a better travel combination.

One spring, we tried another version to a crossing by adding a cruise segment to the Ft. Lauderdale to Monaco itinerary. The seven additional days, Monaco to Rome, introduced us to ports in Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily—the cruise excursion to Selinunte was amazing—before ending at Civitavecchia.

How early should I book a Transatlantic cruise to Europe (or back to the USA)?

If you’re picky about cabin location, book your Atlantic crossing cruise sooner rather than later. But if location on the ship doesn’t matter to you, this is one time when waiting closer to sailing will work—and possibly save you money on a cruise deal .

On many of the other cruises that Alan and I take, the ship is booked up fairly early. But that’s not the case for most Transatlantic cruises. And you might find last-minute savings.

Just remember to check flight availability before committing to the cruise. Kayak is a good place to start your research .

Are you planning a cruise? Use our Luxury Cruise Travel Planner to begin your research.

And don’t forget to purchase travel insurance when making the final payment. We prefer policies that cover pre-existing conditions for the transatlantic traveler and immediate family members. This is especially important if you have elderly parents. InsureMyTrip is a good website to compare insurance quotes .

We also don’t leave home before making sure that our medical evacuation membership with Medjet Assist is up-to-date. It saved us thousands of dollars during my medical emergency in Switzerland .

Of course these days, it’s imperative to educate yourself about cruise cancellation policies as well as medical requirements for boarding. Since these vary and seem to change with the wind, consult your cruise line or travel advisor for the most up-to-date information. Ask to see policies in writing and keep them with your records, just in case.

Will I be bored on ocean crossing cruises?

Many boomer travelers are afraid they’ll be bored on an itinerary with lots of sea days. That hasn’t been our experience. In fact, there’s almost too much to do with lectures, fitness or language classes, dance lessons, cooking demonstrations , socializing with other guests, and nightly entertainment.

Alan and I especially enjoy the opportunity to step away from the Internet (although it’s available) to slow down and relax. We also find the atmosphere on a crossing more conducive to meeting new people. Without as many busy port days, there’s time for long dinner conversations or staying up late after the show for dancing.

Will I get seasick on a cruise across the Atlantic?

You might. I sometimes do if the seas are rough. It helps to have a strategy:

• Choose a larger ship. Our spring crossing on Silver Wind was especially rough. And I should have known better than to choose such a small ship to cross the Atlantic. I do not have too much of a problem with slightly larger ships—350 passengers and above.
• Choose a midship cabin on a lower deck for the most stability. Our Medallion Suite on Silver Wind (fabulous, by the way) was up high and toward the front. Not good for such stormy seas, so I found a midship seating area on a lower deck for reading or working on the computer.
• Have a plan of action. I wear sea bands when I first board the ship, until my body has adjusted to the movement. I put them on again if seas become rough. If I’m still having issues, I rely on ginger capsules, gingerale or candied ginger from the ship’s restaurant to settle my stomach. I might also move up to a more advanced motion sickness band . If those strategies don’t work, I take meclizine that I purchase from the pharmacist before leaving home—but ask your doctor, first.
• Some cruisers have success wearing seasickness patches but I don’t care for the side effects that they give me.
• And if all else fails, visit the ship’s doctor for even stronger medication (although this might be a charge to your shipboard account).

Do I need to pack formal clothes for Transatlantic ship travel?

My answer: that depends. First, the cruise line that you choose may or may not have formal nights.

Second, even if there are formal nights, getting dressed up is easy to avoid by choosing alternate restaurants on nights when the dress code is formal. But you’ll be missing a lot of fun.

Alan and I enjoy dressing for formal night. In fact, it’s one of the reasons that we enjoy luxury cruises. At home, we wear sweatshirts, t-shirts and jeans most of the time.

Dressing up provides a change of pace. And it’s easy to do without over packing. How many formal nights will there be? That depends on the cruise ship but generally speaking expect 3 to 4 formal nights on an 18-night itinerary.

My best cruise fashion tip: Don’t let formal night scare you off. Follow my tips for what to wear on a luxury cruise .

Glitzy separates for women make it simple to mix and match outfits. Or go all outfit with a new formal wear outfit .

Men have it easy. Bring a tuxedo or suit with a tie and you’re set no matter how many formal nights are on your Atlantic itinerary.

And if you’re the carryon only type of flyer, ship your luggage to the cruise . This works especially well if you’re planning a land adventure beforehand. And, as we age, it’s also less wear and tear on the body, especially if you tend to check luggage that weighs 50 lbs or more.

Best Transatlantic cruise tips for planning your trip

That Atlantic crossing deal you just found is only as good as the entire cost of the voyage. What do I mean? The trip will usually involves a one-way international air ticket and those can be pricey, especially if you travel business class. Here’s how we do it:

• Start with a search to determine the airline, schedule and itinerary that’s best for us.
• Check to see if using airline miles is a workable option. It rarely is for us.
• Determine if we will save money by booking the international portion of the ticket to or from a major city near our home rather than from the small airport where we live.
• Ask our travel advisor to price out the itinerary that we’ve chosen with what the cruise line is offering for air so that we can compare prices.
• Budget the cost of traveling to and from the airport. Will we be using the long-term parking lot, renting a car or hiring a car and driver during any portion of the journey?
• Factor in the cost of hotels on the front or back end of the trip. These days, with the unreliability of air travel, it’s especially important to arrive at your embarkation location a day or two ahead so that you don’t miss the ship. Start your hotel search here .

Did I answer all your questions about a Transatlantic voyage? It’s truly a travel experience that is more about the journey rather than the destination. I hope you’ll give it a try!

Save to Pinterest

Scratch those itchy travel feet!

Boomer travelers rely on our weekly email newsletter for fresh travel inspiration, tips, and advice. It's free! No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

You may also like

• Home →
• Itineraries →

Crossing the Atlantic on a Cruise Ship: What Is It Really Like?

What is it like crossing the Atlantic on a cruise ship? Will you be bored? Will the seas be rough? Is there enough food for vegetarians? Can you still enjoy a cruise if you don't spend an extra penny onboard?

Read below Bunny’s travel diary from her recent Transatlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale , Florida, to Southampton , UK, onboard the Celebrity Silhouette cruise ship.

Please Note

Bunny went on this Transatlantic crossing not because she fancied a holiday but because she needed one-way transportation between the US  and  Europe . She was carrying quite a bit of luggage but didn’t want to pay exorbitant airline overweight charges. She also had plenty of time, so the length of the cruise was of no concern to her and she very much welcomed any stops along the way.

Bunny wanted the crossing to be comfortable but also affordable. She insisted on having a balcony stateroom and unlimited Wi-Fi, but she was not interested in any of the pricey extras on offer: drinks packages, speciality restaurants, organized shore excursions or spa treatments.

Day 1: Embarkation in Fort Lauderdale

The Bunnies arrived at the ferry terminal in Fort Lauderdale at the very start of the boarding time slot (12 to 3pm) that was assigned to them. They found quite a long, slow-moving line ahead of them. On a brighter note, most of their fellow cruisers were clearly pensioners so Bunny instantly felt like a spring chicken. So not a bad start all in all.

Celebrity Cruises allow you to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom to consume onboard. Make use of this, Bunny says. You are also allowed to board with up to 12 cans of water or soda. Bunny regretted not having made good on this allowance.

Once on the ship, the Bunnies hopped around curiously until their stateroom was ready around 1pm. The Bunnies had opted for a Guaranteed Balcony Stateroom, usually meaning the worst of the bunch, but their room on the 8th deck was quite a nice surprise. It was spacious and light, and the balcony had unobstructed views to the sea.

After the compulsory safety drill (quite nicely executed with a James Bond theme), the Bunnies decided to celebrate the cast off while in a hot tub. They must have been the only ones to think of this as the pools and hot tubs were completely empty at departure. Most people were content on their balconies or waving from common decks. The daytime castoff from Fort Lauderdale was nothing special (in contrast to a nighttime castoff from Miami the Bunnies experienced on their first cruise as part of their month-long honeymoon), so the Bunnies were sure they had made the right decision.

At dinner time, the Bunnies headed to the Grand Cuvee Dining Room and found out that they had been scheduled for the 8:30pm sitting. Not good. After some maneuvering, their time slot was changed to 6pm and the Bunnies could enjoy their first dinner on board.

Luckily, the dinner was excellent! The Bunnies received a separate vegetarian menu (on request) and had a beetroot and feta appetiser with arugula salad, followed by lovely, and surprisingly spicy, vegetable korma with rice and roti as the main course. New York cheesecake with passionfruit topping crowned the delicious dinner. Bunny reckoned she would have a great time if the food onboard was this good. The Bunnies refrained from having any drinks as they wanted to adopt a semi-healthy approach for this cruise.

Afterwards, the Bunnies went to the gym which was nicely kitted out with lots of cardio and strength training equipment alike. It was very quiet there, and a good exercise session was a perfect start to their (kind of) healthy cruise.

Conclusions for the first day: No money spent!

Day 2 - Beaching in the Bahamas

The Bunnies woke up to the ship pulling into the dock at Nassau ,  Bahamas.  They had time to enjoy room service breakfast in bed (no extra charge for room service on Celebrity cruises) before venturing out before 8am.

There was no-one else around! The Bunnies waltzed down the empty pier at the Nassau cruise port and looked for a taxi to take them to  Cabbage Beach . The ship was scheduled to stay in Nassau only half a day so there was no time for long shore excursions. But Bunny wanted some beach time before heading back to (presumably cold) Europe.

The beach was also blissfully quiet, and pretty, so the Bunnies enjoyed some splashing around before heading back by taxi to Nassau to stroll around a bit before returning to the ship for lunch.

The port was a madhouse when the Bunnies returned, owing to three other ships that had arrived in the meanwhile. The Bunnies were happy to escape to their ship and grab some quick veggie burgers on the sunny upper deck.

Afterwards, in a sudden desire to socialise (doesn’t happen very often), the Bunnies participated in a countries and capital trivia competition in the ship’s Sky Observation Lounge . They joined a team of friendly Canadians for the quiz and almost won. If only they had done a bit more travelling and expanded their knowledge of other countries…

Dinner at the Grand Cuvee Dining Lounge was nice again, with a mushroom appetiser, tomato and chickpea soup and excellent potato masala as the main course. This time the Bunnies skipped dessert, although Bunny certainly did salivate at the sight of the cheesecake.

Keeping up with their decision of cruising healthily, the Bunnies headed to the gym after dinner. It was now raining outside and Bunny could feel the ship’s motion for the first time.

Despite the light rain, the Bunnies jumped into one of the outdoor jacuzzis after their gym session. No-one else was around! It was too cloudy to see stars but the moon was very prominent and made for a magical moment.

On the way back to the room, they caught a glimpse of the silent disco in the Grand Foyer , with people dancing to different tunes on individualized headphones. Bunny thought it looked kinda fun.

Lesson Learned : Do not grab the water bottles on offer when leaving the ship. The Bunnies were charged an outrageous 8 USD for two small bottles of water they took with them to the beach. Shame on the cruise line for not having a small sign or something indicating these were chargeable. So the Bunnies had already failed to achieve their “no extras” goal but inadvertently so.

Day 3 - Seasickness Hits

Bunny had never experienced seasickness before. She thought she would be immune to it. Apparently not.

On the third day of the cruise, she woke up extremely tired, eating room service breakfast with her eyes shut and barely able to drag herself out of bed afterwards. During the night, the clocks had been moved ahead one hour, so the shorter sleep didn’t help either.

This would be the first full day at sea and Bunny had not planned on doing much. In fact, she ended up just dozing most of the day. She eventually developed a headache and had very little appetite, which is always a sure sign that something is not quite right with her. Thankfully, at least she wasn’t nauseous.

In the Captain’s daily morning announcement, he had described the seas as “moderate”. The waves didn’t seem so big to Bunny, but she could definitely feel the swell of the sea. She just hoped and prayed that her sea sickness would not continue for the remaining 10 days of the cruise…

Luckily her prayers were soon answered and she felt much better by dinner time. This was helped by Mr. Bunny’s decision to open one of the two wine bottles they had brought with them.

It was the first “Evening Chic“ night on the ship, an upgrade from the usual smart casual dress code. The Bunnies dressed accordingly and showed up at dinner with generous amounts of red wine at hand (bringing already poured glasses of wine with you to dinner from your stateroom saves you corkage fees, Mr. Bunny found out). No one bat an eyelid at these antics and the Bunnies were able to enjoy another excellent dinner without paying a penny extra.

Bunny also felt perky enough to go and attend a late-night (adults only) comedy show at the Silhouette Theatre afterwards. The comedian, Miguel Washington , was very funny and suitably outrageous, so the Bunnies ended the day on a much nicer note that it had started.

The day in six words: from sea sickness to evening chic.

Day 4 - Lovely Bermuda

With another room service breakfast as their pleasant wakeup call, Bunny was ready and eager to explore Bermuda for the first time. The ship would only arrive at lunch time though, so there was time for a morning gym session before disembarkation. Even better, there was no hint of sea sickness anymore. Yay!

After the gym, Bunny went on deck, following the ship’s slow arrival in Bermuda. At 11am, a pilot boat joined the ship and the passengers were able to gaze at Bermuda’s beautiful coastline for the next two hours. Bunny loved the differing turquoise shades of the water surrounding Bermuda.

Disembarkation at Kings Wharf was very busy and there were long queues everywhere. Bunny didn’t want to wait and just hopped on the first available minibus to take her to Horseshoe Bay - a pink sand beach she had decided to explore. During the 30-minute bus ride to the beach, Bunny was immediately impressed with Bermuda’s gorgeous looks and clean streets.

And Horseshoe Bay was beautiful! The Bunnies, however, did not stay on the busy main beach but walked eastward, discovering very quiet coves and gorgeous small stretches of sand along with wonderful looking rocks and corals. Swimming was lovely too, which was a nice surprise as Bunny had thought April would be too early for pleasant beach days in Bermuda.

Once the Bunnies had had their share of the beach, they took good ol’ public transportation to the capital Hamilton. Hopping around Hamilton, they admired the pastel coloured houses (Bunny), expensive prices for everything (Mr. Bunny) and well-dressed people (both). Eventually, they caught a ferry back to Kings Wharf, while gawking at a perfect sunset.

Back on the ship this late, the Bunnies had missed their early standing reservation in the main dining room and so headed for a buffet dinner in the Oceanview Cafe . This was a stroke of luck really, as they quickly realised that the buffet was better for vegetarians craving to eat fresh, healthy food during the cruise. The food at Grand Cuvee Dining Room was delicious, for sure, but not exactly what Bunny would call fresh or healthy.

Back in their stateroom, another lovely surprise awaited: on their bed sat an envelope containing a 75 USD onboard credit from their travel agent.

Bunny’s final thought for the day: one can sleep soundly tonight, knowing that the ship would be safely in port until the following day.

Day 5 - Leaving Bermuda Behind

For the first time, the Bunnies ventured out for the buffet breakfast at the Oceanview Cafe, instead of having morning room service. The breakfast was busy, but very good, with plenty of options for everyone - and just enough fuel for the Bunnies to leave the ship to explore the King’s Wharf area that morning.

The dockyard was pleasant enough but not really for the Bunnies as they were not interested in shopping, eating or drinking - the three main activities on offer. They did take a longish walk to Glass Beach which was OK if you are just killing time like the Bunnies were.

Returning to their ship, the Bunnies were welcomed with cold towels and drinks in a cute tent gazebo set up just before the gangplank. This is such a small touch but something that makes Celebrity Cruises that much better than most of the competition.

At the Oceanview Cafe it was falafel day at the buffet. Bunny loved it! There were no fewer than six varieties of falafel on offer. For the first time in her life, Bunny tried “Mexican falafel” which she didn’t even know existed.

Leaving Bermuda, Bunny was able to observe the beautiful scenery directly from her balcony. There were reefs all around the ship and Bunny began to understand where the reputation for the Bermuda Triangle may come from… And Mr. Bunny pointed out some whales! They saw the spouts of a couple of whales and the tail of one as it went down for a deep dive.

Later that day, the Captain announced that the highlight of the trip was just starting: the five-day, non-stop crossing of the Atlantic. Apparently, the weather looked favourable. Bunny was still a bit nervous about what lay ahead but crossed her fingers and went to the gym.

The Bunnies generally were not too keen on the cruise ship entertainment options but that night they went to see a magic show with Matthew McGurk & Katia . There were some very impressive card tricks and it proved to be some pleasant light entertainment for the night.

Thought of the day : Bunny would not want to sail around Bermuda in bad weather.

Day 6 - A Whole Lot of Sea

The next morning, the Bunnies woke up after having lost another hour to the time zone gods.

The actual Transatlantic crossing - what the Captain had called the highlight of the trip - was more of a bore for Bunny. She cruises mainly to explore new places and visit exciting ports, but when you are crossing the Atlantic, there are none to speak of…

The Bunnies knew this in advance, of course, and decided to make the most of the inevitable quiet time by working a lot. This made Mr. Bunny very happy. Needing only a laptop and functioning Wi-Fi to pursue their location independent projects, the ship was as good a place as any for them to work. In fact, the lovely Hideaway on deck 7 was perfect for this purpose. This comfy and quiet indoor haven became the Bunnies’ designated workplace for down days during the cruise. They were certainly happier to work than pass the days drinking or playing cards as many of the passengers had decided to do.

When the Bunnies ventured on outside decks that day, the weather was still beautiful, but a bit nippy. The winds had started to pick up and the indoor pool was closed due to the sloshing water.

The Bunnies had both lunch and dinner at the Oceanview Cafe, where they both thought the Indian food, in particular, was excellent. It probably helped that most of the kitchen chefs seemed to be from that part of the world.

In the evening, the Bunnies caught the ship’s big production show, Pearl , which was pretty flashy if you are into that sort of thing. It was akin to Cirque du Solei lite but still impressive when you consider that the venue is a swaying ship.

In the late evening, they dragged their asses to the gym again and enjoyed a post-workout hot tub on deck. Nobody else was around again, except for the pool attendant, who wore a woolen hat, a sure sign of chills to come. Bunny also tried the Finnish sauna in the spa’s female dressing room and had it completely to herself. What bliss!

During the night, the clocks would be set ahead one hour again. Bunny thought how nice it must be to cross the Atlantic from East to West, gaining time almost every day instead of losing it.

Bunny’s cruise ship tip for the day : use the jacuzzis late at night when no-one else is around.

Day 7 - A Quiet Day

Bunny woke with a sore throat. The aftereffects of enjoying late night jacuzzi in chilly weather…

The good news was that she finally found cinnamon for her breakfast porridge at the buffet. The bad news was the Captain’s announcement that the weather would be a bit rough for the day and night ahead. The waves were expected to be around 10 feet high. Not too bad yet, Bunny thought. On the other hand, there were 1870 miles remaining until Southampton…

Since Bunny wasn’t feeling too great, she napped for hours while Mr. Bunny worked. The ship was rocking quite a bit now and Bunny didn’t even feel like going out for dinner that night. It was another Evening Chic night and she didn’t feel like dressing up. Luckily, there was always free room service and TV (a rare novelty in the Bunnies’ lives) to keep her occupied amidst all the dozing.

The Bunnies really appreciated the room service at Celebrity Silhouette during their trip. They ordered something (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks etc.) virtually every day and the order was always delivered on time and correctly. While the selection was not huge, it was a definite lifesaver on plenty of days. Plus, it was completely free of charge when delivered between 6am and 11pm.

The good news : it was another day with zero dollars spent onboard!

Day 8 - Easter Sunday

Speaking of room service, Easter Sunday dawned with room service breakfast delivered to the Bunnies stateroom. Bunny had not slept well, as overnight had been quite bumpy, so she appreciated the opportunity to linger in bed that morning.

The Captain announced that he had taken a more northernly course to avoid the worst of the weather. They were now exactly in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Bunny had not seen any land, or even any other ships, for three days. It felt weird and a bit scary.

Later in the day while gazing from their private balcony, Mr. Bunny spotted some whales again. It was so cool to see their spouts and know they were out there. The Bunnies were not so alone after all. Then the Bunnies spotted a cargo ship as well. It was funny how much excitement such sightings could bring on the Atlantic. Things got even better when some sunshine and calmer waters appeared.

Bunny still had a sore throat so the gym was not an option for the day. Instead, Bunny mostly stayed in bed, using Wi-Fi to work. There were supposed to be breaks in the satellite Internet service that day but Bunny didn’t notice any. All in all, the unlimited Wi-Fi package they had arranged before the cruise worked like a dream.

The Oceanview Cafe had a very nice buffet spread for Easter. There were even big ice sculptures and special treats for kids. Bunny had counted about 8 to 10 children in total during the cruise and that was just about the number she could live with on a ship meant for about 3000 passengers.

In the afternoon, the Bunnies went to see a film, Bohemian Rhapsody , in the theatre and loved it. At least one headline movie was shown in the ship’s theatre every day but this was the first one that the Bunnies managed to catch.

Also for the first time, the Bunnies checked out the daily afternoon tea service and absolutely loved the scones with clotted cream and jam. The sandwiches were a bit of a disappointment but afternoon tea now became a fixed feature for the Bunnies for the rest of the cruise. Bye-bye healthy cruising!

Come evening it was time to move clocks forward by an hour yet again. It was becoming a bit tiresome, if you ask Bunny.

Thought of the day : Cruising and afternoon tea with scones is a brilliant combination.

Day 9 - Glimpse of the Azores

Bunny slept late and woke to the Captain’s announcement that they would be experiencing 15-foot waves from early evening onwards. According to the Captain, the weather had been favourable until now. Bunny sighed and braced herself for the inevitable.

After buffet breakfast, the Bunnies went to have a look outside and suddenly: there were the Azores! A gorgeous, volcanic-looking island had appeared right next to the ship. Bunny was ecstatic at seeing land at last and made a mental note to visit the Azores at some point.

Once the Azores faded into the background, the Bunnies returned inside the ship and caught the tail end of a presentation for their destination on Day 11, Lisbon . The weather in Lisbon was expected to be atrocious during their port call, so Bunny hadn’t really planned on doing much else than hopping around the city. At the presentation, Bunny found out that the ship would be docking at the Lisbon Cruise Port , which was only a 20-minute walk to the city centre. Not bad.

In the evening, the Bunnies decided to open the bottle of white wine they had brought onboard and take full glasses with them to dinner. At dinner, they also decided to order the special priced (cheap) bottle of red wine on offer that day. It was horrible but the Bunnies drank it with gusto. After all, they were obliged to put their 75 USD onboard credit to good use. Use it or lose it!

Bunny was still a bit nervous about the forthcoming bad weather so she chatted up two officers at the buffet. They told her that the journey had been very smooth so far. The worst weather was expected on the last day, they said. Really bad weather. This did not make Bunny feel any better.

The Bunnies then wandered around the ship with their glasses of wine in hand (party night by their standards!). They caught the first half of an acrobatics show with Donovan & Rebecca in the theatre before joining a pub quiz at the Quasar nightclub. Unfortunately, the quiz was 70s-themed and Bunny didn’t know much. Mr. Bunny stepped up so they didn’t finish last but it was a close call. That’s what you get from cruising with pensioners.

Note to self : Bunny needs to visit the Azores one day.

Day 10 - Last Day of Atlantic Crossing

The following morning, Bunny felt like she hadn’t slept much. In addition, there was yet another hour lost due to time differences. Thankfully, it was the last time.

The bad news was that the weather would stay bad, with waves ultimately growing to 15 feet once the ship was scheduled to reach the notorious Bay of Biscay in two days’ time.

When the cruise director announced that passengers ending their trip in Lisbon should go to guest relations with their passports for offboarding procedures, Bunny was sorely tempted. It would be so nice to miss the storm on the Bay of Biscay…

Instead, the Bunnies had a late breakfast at the Oceanview Cafe and worked most of the day in the Hideaway. Bunny also napped, as had become her habit on the ship.

Instead of going out for dinner, the Bunnies ordered room service to their stateroom and finished off the rest of the second bottle of wine they had brought with them from Fort Lauderdale. It had been an uneventful day at sea and Bunny was getting a bit tired of the cruising…

Recap of the day : a whole lot of nothing.

Day 11 - Hopping Around Lisbon

Finally, some excitement! The ship was scheduled to arrive in Lisbon, which Bunny hadn’t visited for 15 years, at lunch time for a short port call.

After a leisurely breakfast, the Bunnies moved to the Sky Lounge at the very front of the ship to observe and take pictures of their arrival in Lisbon. The weather was awful at first, but slowly improved the closer the ship got to the city.

By lunch time, the sun was shining and the Bunnies had lunch on the outside deck, with a wonderful view of slowly approaching Lisbon. The ship passed right under the famous  25 de Abril Bridge with great views all the while of the old town to the left (port side, Bunny says in a pirate voice). It was very pleasant after all those days at sea.

Disembarking in Lisbon was slow but once they were out and about, the Bunnies made the most of their half day in town. The weather was capricious but the city charming as ever - and very affordable. The Bunnies took full advantage of this and enjoyed local wine and light snacks in several different wine bars and restaurants they visited. They also tried the famous pastel de nata tarts but Bunny was less impressed with those.

Lisbon was a perfect place to just hop around on your own, there was no need for any tours or organised activities. Bunny loved the slightly dilapidated, but amiable, old quarters, the colourful tiles, the wine bars, the history surrounding them. It was good to be back in Europe!

Returning to the ship in the evening, the Bunnies were surprised when the bottle of wine they bought in town was not scanned and confiscated. Usually, you are not allowed to bring any alcohol to your stateroom from port calls, bottles of which the ship seizes but returns to you at the end of the trip. Perhaps the rules loosen as the cruise approaches its final destination?

Back in the ship, the Bunnies decided to hot tub it outside again. It was brilliant to be in the jacuzzi when Celebrity Silhouette sailed again under the 25 de Abril Bridge and onwards to the open sea. The only other people on the deck were the staff who were busy tying down everything, in anticipation of the bad weather ahead.

Cruise tip of the day : No shore excursions needed in Lisbon. Explore on your own!

Day 12 - Bay of Biscay

Bunny’s day started with the Captain’s announcement at 10am (yes, she slept in late again), repeating warnings about the upcoming weather. Apparently, 13-16 feet waves were to be expected.

Walking to breakfast, the Bunnies noted that all of the ship’s pools and jacuzzis had been emptied and were closed for the day. The waves seemed pretty awesome and there was a lot of swaying but otherwise the weather stayed sunny.

The Bunnies decided to be productive and used most of the day for working. They stayed in the Oceanview Cafe to keep an eye on the sea (as Bunny insisted) while they typed away on their laptops.

Then it was lunch time and delicious Mexican offerings induced the Bunnies to use their remaining onboard credit for the day’s special offer of a bucket of Corona beers. This guaranteed happy times for the rest of the day.

In the end, it was a bit of a bumpy ride that day but since Bunny was mentally prepared for this, she didn’t suffer too badly. The Coronas helped too…

Lesson learned : If you are prepared for the worst (weather), it doesn’t feel too bad after all.

Day 13 - Last Full Sea Day

The Bunnies were up early for their last full day at sea. It had been a very rocky night but the ship was still in one piece and the weather was supposed to slowly start improving.

According to the Captain, the waves were still up to 16 feet high but Bunny must have gotten used to the swaying because she didn’t think it was a big deal. Plus there was a moment when a gorgeous rainbow suddenly appeared at sea.

What she was, however, was really sniffy. It seemed as if her body vehemently resented the bad European weather after the many months she had just spent in the glorious Caribbean climate.

The last sea day for the Bunnies was very much like the previous ones: they worked quite a bit in the Hideaway, enjoyed both of their meals at the buffet, gobbled down some scones at teatime and hopped around the ship a bit.

Bunny was not feeling well enough to go to the gym so they spent the evening in their stateroom, packing up their belongings and watching some TV. No last night parties for this bunch.

The Bunnies also arranged for an early wake-up call, generously tipped their excellent cabin attendant Agnetta and mentally prepared to face cold and rainy England.

Recap of the day : Mentally and physically preparing to walk on solid ground again.

Day 14 - Arrival in Southampton

The Bunnies woke up at 5:30am, anticipating disembarkation around 6:30am. They had opted for unassisted disembarkation, dragging their own suitcases out of the ship, to ensure that they would catch their train to London  in time.

Everything worked out quite nicely. About 20 minutes after leaving their stateroom, they were out of the ship, hailing a taxi to the nearby railway station. The cruise was over, they were safely back in Europe with all their belongings and they had spent a whopping 8 USD onboard the ship during the past 13 days. What’s not to love?

Cruising tip of the day – Avoid the crowds and chaos by choosing to disembark on your own accord.

What Would Bunny Do Differently?

Since this was Bunny’s first Transatlantic crossing by ship, she was a bit uncertain about what to expect. Most, if not all, of her fears proved to be unfounded. She loved the cruise and has already reserved another one for a return to the US this autumn.

Now having experienced it firsthand, she knows that the “no extras” route and its associated low cost is the right choice for her. As long as she has a balcony stateroom, functioning Wi-Fi and vegetarian food, she is a happy camper, with interesting port calls being the icing on the cake. Anything else above and beyond that – such as shows, movies, events or other entertainment - she considers a bonus and only if she doesn’t have to pay extra for them.

During her Celebrity Silhouette cruise, Bunny sometimes found herself envying people having fun on drink packages and enjoying the cruise, while she was sipping tea and working, but such is life sometimes. It’s not like Bunny was suffering either…

Bunny’s Conclusions about Celebrity Silhouette

• The ship is beautiful, elegant and very well-designed.
• Vegetarians won’t go hungry, or feel deprived, on this cruise! This was one of Bunny’s main concerns beforehand, but she shouldn’t have worried. The Grand Cuvee Dining Room and the Oceanview Cafe, in particular, were excellent for vegetarians. Bunny didn’t try any of the speciality restaurants (which incurred premium charges).
• Most of the clientele were older, well-travelled, people. There were very few children onboard. Bunny loved the fact that it never felt crowded anywhere. Disembarkation at ports was reasonably well-organised as well.
• The service throughout the cruise was great and consistent. Bunny had absolutely no complaints on that front.
• The constant upselling was a bit of an annoyance, particularly since Bunny found most of the deals poor value. You will have to master the skill of avoidance to escape the pitches by staff. There is absolutely no need to spend extra cash on the cruise to be able to enjoy it, Bunny says.
• Bunny didn’t go on any of Celebrity’s shore excursions because she doesn’t think those are worth the extra money. For some useful tips on this subject, check out Bunny’s blog post on how to organise shore excursions independently.
• If you are afraid of flying (like a certain lil’ Bunny), there will probably be moments during the cruise when you are uncomfortable. The Captain on Bunny’s cruise did a great job avoiding most of the bad weather but it was not always smooth sailing either. Bunny’s balcony always gave her extra peace of mind that she could “get out” in an emergency. The cheaper, interior rooms (no windows or balcony to the outside) would have been a challenge for Bunny.  
• Bunny participated in only a fraction of the entertainment, dining and drinking opportunities on offer but she felt like she got her money’s worth with Celebrity Cruises. After having spent approximately 70 USD per person per day on the cruise ticket itself (plus another 14,50 USD per person per day in “suggested gratuities”), she incurred practically zero expenses onboard. All-in-all, excellent value for everything you get to enjoy.

Related Posts

Awesome- It seems like you were eating all the time or thinking about eating.?

That’s what we do best! ?

Thank you for sharing these details! My husband and I will be taking our first transatlantic cruise from Southampton to Ft Lauderdale in a couple of weeks. Your experiences and tips are very helpful!

I am glad it was useful and hope you will have a wonderful journey! I will also be taking another Transatlantic cruise in November, this time in the other direction… ??

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Plan Your Trip

How Long To Cruise Across Atlantic

Published: December 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Tine Cavender

Introduction

Embarking on a transatlantic cruise is a unique and awe-inspiring adventure. The romance and mystery of crossing the vast Atlantic Ocean, following in the footsteps of explorers from centuries past, is an experience like no other. But for those considering this epic journey, one of the most common questions is: how long does it take to cruise across the Atlantic?

The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, including the route taken, the type of ship, and external factors such as weather conditions. In this article, we will delve into the factors that affect the duration of Atlantic cruises, explore different route options, discuss the time taken by various types of ships, and provide tips for planning a transatlantic cruise.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the world of sailing, understanding the factors that determine the length of an Atlantic crossing is essential for proper trip planning. So, let’s dive in and unravel the mysteries of timing when it comes to cruising across the Atlantic.

Factors Affecting the Duration of Atlantic Cruises

Several factors influence the length of time it takes to cruise across the Atlantic. Understanding these factors can help you plan your journey more effectively. Here are the key factors that affect the duration of Atlantic cruises:

• Route: The chosen route plays a significant role in determining the duration of the cruise. The most common routes include sailing from the East Coast of the United States to Europe, or vice versa, with stops in ports along the way. The specific route and distance covered can impact the overall time spent at sea.
• Ship’s Speed: The speed at which the ship travels is another critical factor. Modern cruise ships are designed to have a cruising speed that maximizes fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Faster ships can cover the distance more quickly, reducing the overall duration of the cruise.
• Weather Conditions: Mother Nature can have a significant impact on the duration of an Atlantic cruise. Adverse weather conditions, such as storms or strong winds, can slow down the ship’s progress and potentially lead to itinerary changes. It’s important to keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable and may affect the estimated duration of the voyage.
• Season: The time of year that you embark on your transatlantic journey can also impact how long the cruise will take. Some ships offer dedicated transatlantic crossings during specific seasons, while others incorporate the journey into longer itineraries. The prevailing winds and currents during different times of the year can affect the speed of the ship and subsequently the duration of the cruise.
• Port Stops: If your transatlantic cruise includes port stops along the way, the duration of the overall voyage will be influenced by the time spent in each port. It’s important to consider the length of these stops when calculating the total duration of your cruise.

By taking these factors into account, you can have a better understanding of what influences the duration of your transatlantic cruise. Next, let’s explore the various route options available for crossing the Atlantic.

Route Options for Crossing the Atlantic

When it comes to crossing the Atlantic by cruise ship, there are several route options to consider. The most common routes include:

• The North Atlantic Route : This route typically starts from ports along the East Coast of the United States, such as New York or Miami, and heads towards popular European destinations like Southampton, England, or Barcelona, Spain. Along the way, ships may make stops at ports in Canada or the Caribbean.
• The South Atlantic Route : Alternatively, some cruises follow a more southerly path, starting from Florida or the Caribbean and sailing towards destinations like Brazil or South Africa. This route offers a unique opportunity to explore exotic locations while making your way across the Atlantic.
• The Roundtrip Transatlantic Route : For those who prefer a more comprehensive journey, some cruise lines offer roundtrip transatlantic cruises. These voyages depart from a port in North America or Europe and follow a circular route, allowing passengers to experience both sides of the Atlantic without the need for a one-way flight.

Each route has its advantages and considerations. The North Atlantic Route is popular because it connects major cities and offers a variety of cultural experiences along the way. The South Atlantic Route provides the opportunity to explore less-traveled destinations, while roundtrip transatlantic cruises offer a more immersive experience.

When choosing a route, consider your preferences, desired destinations, and available time. Keep in mind that each route can have different durations depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

Now that we have discussed the route options, let’s dive into the time taken by different types of ships for transatlantic crossings.

The Time Taken by Different Types of Ships

The duration of an Atlantic cruise can vary depending on the type of ship you choose. Different ships have different speeds and itineraries, which can significantly impact the overall time taken for the crossing.

Luxury cruise liners, renowned for their amenities and onboard activities, generally have a slower cruising speed. These ships prioritize passenger comfort and leisure, resulting in a longer duration for transatlantic crossings. However, with longer travel times, passengers can enjoy more time to relax, indulge in onboard entertainment, and take advantage of the ship’s amenities.

In contrast, smaller expedition-style ships, which emphasize exploration and immersion, often have faster cruising speeds. These ships are designed to navigate more efficiently through various weather conditions, allowing for quicker crossings. While these ships may not offer as many onboard activities as luxury liners, they provide unique opportunities for wildlife encounters, expert-led lectures, and personalized experiences.

It’s important to consider your preferences and priorities when selecting a ship for your transatlantic journey. If you prefer a relaxed and indulgent experience, a luxury cruise liner may be the perfect option. On the other hand, if you prioritize exploration and adventure, an expedition-style ship may be more suitable.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that certain ships specialize in transatlantic crossings and may offer dedicated voyages during specific seasons. These cruises often have carefully planned itineraries and take advantage of favorable weather conditions to ensure a smooth and efficient journey across the Atlantic.

As you plan your transatlantic cruise, take into account the cruising speed and itinerary of different ships to determine the duration that best aligns with your preferences and schedule.

Now that we have explored the time taken by different types of ships, let’s delve into the average duration of Atlantic cruises.

Average Duration of Atlantic Cruises

The average duration of an Atlantic cruise can vary depending on several factors, as mentioned earlier. However, to provide a general guideline, a traditional transatlantic crossing typically takes around 6 to 8 days.

It’s important to note that this duration can vary depending on the route and the specific itinerary of the cruise. Some voyages may include additional port stops along the way, extending the overall duration of the journey. Conversely, dedicated transatlantic cruises that prioritize non-stop crossings may have shorter durations to minimize time spent at sea.

When considering the average duration, it’s essential to account for the time spent at ports of call, as well. Transatlantic cruises often offer opportunities to explore fascinating destinations, allowing passengers to disembark and explore during specified port stops. The duration of these stops can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the itinerary and the preferences of the cruise line.

Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the average duration can be influenced by external factors such as weather conditions. Adverse weather, including strong winds and rough seas, can impact the speed of the ship and potentially lead to delays or itinerary changes.

Ultimately, the duration of an Atlantic cruise will depend on your specific cruise line, ship, itinerary, and personal preferences. It’s recommended to review the details provided by the cruise line for the exact duration of the voyage you are interested in.

Now that we have discussed the average duration of Atlantic cruises, let’s move on to some tips for planning a transatlantic cruise.

Tips for Planning a Transatlantic Cruise

Planning a transatlantic cruise requires thoughtful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey:

• Research cruise lines and itineraries: Start by researching different cruise lines that offer transatlantic crossings. Consider their reputations, onboard amenities, and itineraries to find the one that best suits your preferences and interests.
• Choose the right time of year: Consider the time of year when planning your trip. Spring and fall tend to be popular seasons for transatlantic cruises due to milder weather conditions and favorable winds. However, it’s important to keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for potential changes.
• Take advantage of onboard activities: Transatlantic crossings often involve several consecutive sea days. Take the opportunity to enjoy the onboard activities and amenities offered by the ship. This could include lounging by the pool, dining in specialty restaurants, attending entertainment shows, or participating in enrichment programs.
• Pack appropriately: Pack for different weather conditions, as temperatures can vary during the crossing. Additionally, consider the dress code of the cruise line and pack accordingly for formal nights or themed events. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and any necessary travel documents.
• Stay connected: While crossing the Atlantic, internet connectivity might be limited or available at an additional cost. If staying connected is important to you, check with the cruise line about their internet options and make necessary arrangements in advance.
• Prepare for sea sickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, consider packing motion sickness remedies such as medication or wristbands. Additionally, choose a cabin location that minimizes the rocking sensation, such as a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck.
• Explore shore excursions: Although transatlantic cruises primarily involve sea days, some itineraries include port stops. Research the available shore excursions at each destination to make the most of your time on land. Whether it’s exploring historical sites, enjoying local cuisine, or engaging in adventure activities, there is something for everyone.

Remember to check with the cruise line for any specific requirements or recommendations during the planning process. With careful planning and preparation, your transatlantic cruise can be a memorable and enriching experience.

Now that you have these tips in mind, you are well-equipped to plan your transatlantic cruise. Safe travels and enjoy your journey across the Atlantic!

Embarking on a transatlantic cruise is a remarkable adventure that grants you the opportunity to traverse the vast Atlantic Ocean, relishing in the allure of the open sea. The duration of an Atlantic cruise can vary depending on factors such as the chosen route, ship speed, weather conditions, and itinerary.

By understanding these factors and considering the available route options, you can make an informed decision about how long your journey will take and which destinations you will visit along the way. Whether you opt for a traditional transatlantic crossing or choose a more unique route, the experience will undoubtedly be awe-inspiring.

When planning your transatlantic cruise, remember to research different cruise lines, consider the time of year that best suits your preferences, and take advantage of onboard activities and amenities during sea days. Packing appropriately, staying connected, preparing for sea sickness, and exploring shore excursions are also vital aspects to keep in mind.

With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, your transatlantic cruise will surely be an unforgettable journey filled with incredible sights, memorable moments, and enriching experiences. So, pack your bags, set sail, and embrace the adventure that awaits as you traverse the Atlantic Ocean on a remarkable cruising expedition.

Safe travels, bon voyage, and may your transatlantic cruise be a voyage of a lifetime!

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Ask a Cruise Question

November Atlantic crossing = rough seas?

By BulldustHHH , February 14, 2018 in Ask a Cruise Question

Recommended Posts

BulldustHHH

I was interested in an Atlantic crossing in November (relocation on the NCL Epic) but my missus is concerned about the weather at that time of year. The cruise crosses from Funchal to the Caribbean, so it is not in the far north by any means.

As my missus is moderately inclined to motion sickness, is this time of year to be avoided? We have been on half a dozen cruises, including one from China to Australia, without incident except a bad storm on the Black Sea with the Prinsendam (a large proportion of the crew were sick on that one as well, while I was enjoying Grolsch on the top deck watching the pool spill onto the deck).

Judging by the following web site, the Atlantic crossing path appears to be one with low winds, at least at the moment:

https://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/surface/level/orthographic=314.79,25.49,648

Any thoughts?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

There is no "time of year" for the oceans, especially when you're talking about a couple of days in a row. The seas are dependent on frontal systems and wind...that's about it. There's really no "predicting" anything more than 3 days out...and even that is "iffy"!

taglovestocruise

We left Southampton sailed across the Bay of Biscay on the crossing to Miami last Oct/Nov . Perfect weather and seas were like glass for 10 days. Hard to predict.

I did the the TA November 2017 and we only had one day that was a Little rocky. We had a rainstorm so it was just rocky enough to have a slight sway. Otherwise it was so smooth

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

navybankerteacher

We've done several autumn T/A's - two of them stopping at Funchal an the way to south Florida. The Atlantic is still warm then, the hurricane season is pretty well passed, and from Gibraltar on we enjoyed temps in the 70's and 80's.

Sea conditions are completely unpredictable - it could be flat calm all the way - and there is so much maneuvering space in the Atlantic that your ship can (and most likely will) maneuver to avoid any serious heavy weather.

We were on a TA from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale last fall. The TA portion was from October 29 to November 5. The weather was stupendous (rain only one night, sunny and temps around 75 every day) and the seas as calm as glass for the entire transit. We'd like to do another TA but we know we've been spoiled and probably would never be so lucky to have similar weather.

We’ve done the Funchal to Caribbean crossing once in November and once in December with smooth water both trips. Obviously that is no guarantee you will have the same weather.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

No-one knows... we've done the round trip UK-Caribbean-UK for two Januaries, with few rough seas, but the same journey this year seems to have had several storms to cope with. You can watch the forecasts and read the statistics, but no-one can say for sure.

Thanks for the replies. It would appear to be luck as much as anything. The worst seas we had was on the smallest body of water we have cruised on (Black Sea). It was also the smallest cruise vessel we have been on, which meant less ability to stabilise etc.

Yes, it cannot be predicted with any certainty. However, the site you linked to should be used with some care in making decisions like this. The course the ship will take will not be the straight line from Funchal to your first port in the Caribbean. The shortest distance around a globe is the "great circle" track, which will show on most flat charts (Mercator projections) as a curved line. The great circle from Funchal heads slightly north of due west for the first half of the route, and this would take you north of the belt of "doldrums" you are looking at, and into the "gyre" or wind circulation to its north.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 01:11 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:11 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 07:43 PM

LauraS · Started April 30

LauraS · Started April 26

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Princess Cruises welcomes its biggest ship ever with help from a star

It took a star to welcome the sun.

The Sun Princess , that is.

Princess Cruises on Tuesday officially hailed the arrival of its newest megavessel — at 177,882 tons, its biggest ever —with the help of "Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham.

The Emmy Award-winning actress and singer presided over a star-studded 19-minute christening ceremony in the ship's Princess Arena theater that included a traditional bottle breaking, with a twist.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Serving as the ship's godmother, Waddingham placed a triangular "sun ray" representing Sun Princess into a sun sculpture on stage to trigger the smashing of a huge bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne — a nebuchadnezzar that holds the equivalent of 20 traditional bottles — against the ship's hull.

"As much as theater ripples through my bloodstream, I have the strongest history of maritime in my family," a clearly proud Waddingham said moments before triggering the bottle smash.

She noted that her still-living, 107-year-old grandfather served on convoy ships crossing the Atlantic during World War II. She also grew up boating.

"It's in my blood and in my bones," she added.

Built at the giant Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, Sun Princess is the most notable new Princess ship to debut in more than a decade. Capable of holding up to 5,189 passengers (a record for a Princess ship), it's not only significantly bigger than previous Princess ships but packed with more onboard venues.

The naming celebration came two months after Sun Princess began sailing for the first time with paying passengers, a debut that was unexpectedly delayed by 20 days due to construction issues.

"Sun Princess is incredible. It's the largest, most luxurious love boat ever," John Padgett, Princess president, said at the event, harking back to the line's long-standing tie to the hit television show "The Love Boat" that ran in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Three stars from the show — Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell and Jill Whelan, who played bartender Isaac Washington, ship's doctor Adam Bricker and captain's daughter Vicki Stubing, respectively — were in attendance at the event.

The "Love Boat" stars were seated just a couple rows behind Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison and CEO Josh Weinstein.

Carnival Corporation is the parent company of Princess Cruises.

Makoto Okuwa, a James Beard Foundation honoree who designed a sushi eatery for Sun Princess, and Dario Cecchini, a celebrity Italian butcher who created a meat-focused restaurant for the ship, were also in attendance. So was the Brazilian artist Romero Britto, who sat to the right of Arison. Britto's colorful, upbeat art is the theme for the ship's high-end restaurant, Love by Britto.

Other celebrities at the event included model and television personality Tyra Banks, wildlife show host Jeff Corwin, fashion designer and television host Randy Fenoli and mixologist Rob Floyd. British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield performed her smash hit "Pocketful of Sunshine" among other hit songs on the top deck of the ship after the ceremony.

The biggest Princess ship ever

Under development for more than six years, Sun Princess is the first of the new Sphere Class of Princess vessels. The ships have been designed to be significantly bigger than previous Princess vessels and offer several new-for-the-line features.

First look: Inside Sun Princess, the giant new ship from Princess Cruises

Sun Princess is the first Princess ship with suites that come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck — part of an effort to draw more upscale customers to the brand.

Additionally, Sun Princess offers an innovative new type of "cabana cabin" on the ship's extra-wide 10th deck that features exclusive access to a private deck area. The top deck of the ship also received some unusual-for-Princess sizzle. Passengers will find a glass-dome-topped pool area that transforms into a nightspot after the sun goes down.

Other differences between Sun Princess and earlier Princess ships include the lack of a buffet restaurant on its main pool deck. But don't worry, buffet lovers: There still is a buffetlike venue on the ship. Called The Eatery, it's eight decks below the pool deck, closer to the ship's central piazza and just off its outside promenade.

The ship's main theater, the Princess Arena, also has a new look. Its new-for-Princess, in-the-round shape can be converted into a more traditional proscenium-type theater or a keyhole-type theater to allow for different types of productions.

Among other standout venues, Sun Princess features a secret hideaway for magical performances designed in partnership with the Magic Castle performance venue in Los Angeles.

Related: My strange night out at Princess's new magic-infused night spot

Princess also has revamped its main dining room program with the debut of Sun Princess. It now offers three distinct options for cruisers in its main dining rooms, ranging from a traditional fixed seating experience to a casual, come-when-you-want option that includes quick-served meals and even breakfast for dinner .

The arrival of Sun Princess marks the first time Princess has launched a new class of ship in nearly 11 years. With its debut, Princess now has 16 vessels in its fleet that collectively have room for about 50,000 passengers. That makes Princess the world's fifth-biggest cruise line, behind Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line .

Related: The 4 types of Princess ships, explained

Sun Princess is initially sailing in Europe through the fall. It'll then reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for voyages to the Caribbean. Fares start at $577 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a seven-night Caribbean sailing.

A second ship in the new Sphere Class series, to be called Star Princess, is on order from the Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in 2025. Its first voyage is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2025, and will take place in the Mediterranean.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Mackinac Island welcomes first cruise ship of the season, and it’s a big one

• Updated: Apr. 30, 2024, 5:41 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 30, 2024, 1:42 p.m.

The Viking Octantis was the first ship to call on Mackinac Island for the 2024 Great Lakes cruising season on Tuesday, April 30. The 665-foot ship anchored and brought passengers to shore by tender boat. Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

• Justine Lofton | [email protected]

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – Mackinac Island welcomed its first cruise ship of the season on Tuesday.

The Viking Octantis, one of the largest cruise ships on the Great Lakes, anchored off the shores of Mackinac Island and used tender boats to take passengers to the island for a day visit, which began with a carriage tour.

“We’re excited to be a stop along their journey and look forward to having folks visit from near and far!” Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau said on Facebook.

Mackinac Island is Michigan’s most popular cruise destination.

RELATED: ‘We didn’t find them, they found us:’ Mackinac Island is most popular Michigan cruise ship port

In 2023, around 20,000 cruise ship passengers visited the National Historic Landmark island, making an economic impact of nearly $2 million. Nine cruise ships each visited dozens of times for a total of around 100 calls.

The Great Lakes cruising season continues through October.

At 665 feet long, the Viking Octantis shares the title of the largest cruise ship on the Great Lakes with its identical sister ship the Viking Polaris.

RELATED: A video tour on board the largest cruise ship ever to sail Great Lakes

Most Popular Stories by Justine Lofton

• Michigan mall to close, be demolished for $1B mixed-use development
• Thunderbirds, Blue Angels won’t do Traverse City Cherry Festival Airshow in 2025
• Northern Michigan snowmobiling town launches 100 miles of scenic ORV trails

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (With No Supplement Fare)
• Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

Crossing the Equator and Navigating Icebergs: The A13.5 GO-SHIP cruise Returns After 52 Days At Sea 

This is a repost of NOAA AOML’s original story published April 22, 2024.

Wind, waves, and icebergs pierced through morning fog – the A13.5 GO-SHIP cruise proved both tumultuous and rewarding with vast amounts of new data that bring the promise of groundbreaking future research.

After 52 days at sea, the A13.5 GO-SHIP cruise (short for “Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographical Investigations Program”) returned to Cape Town, South Africa on March 23rd, successfully completing the voyage across the Equator and into the South Atlantic. Heading south from Cabo Verde on February 1st, the international team of researchers spent weeks collecting data essential for investigating global changes in ocean physics and chemistry – most notably, the uptake of atmospheric carbon under a changing climate.

Through orange sunsets and wild seas with waves that rocked the 235-foot  R/V Marcus Langseth , scientists at NOAA’s  Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory ,  Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory , the  Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences , and the  Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies  were among the crew leading efforts to analyze water samples collected from the surface to the seafloor, thousands of meters below.

A13.5 is a transect extending from the coast of Ghana to Bouvet Island at the Southern end of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, one of 58 transects across the globe designed by the international  GO-SHIP  program.  This was the first time the A13.5 transect has been successfully occupied since 2010, as the pandemic delayed attempts in 2020 and 2022. Approximately every ten years, GO-SHIP transects are “re-occupied” to collect key measurements, including salinity, temperature, dissolved inorganic carbon, and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO 2 ) – and now  Environmental DNA  (eDNA) – from samples throughout the water column to examine long-term changes in ocean properties. However, as the scientists and crew neared the Southern Ocean in the final weeks, they met an unexpected surprise – icebergs.

With sheer masses of ice floating through dense fog and smaller pieces hiding below the surface, the crew carefully navigated the frigid seas down to a latitude of 52 °S, collecting measurements down to the seafloor using the  CTD Rosette . A human-sized instrument, the CTD (“Conductivity, Temperature, Depth”) has a suite of sensors designed to measure physical properties and also collects seawater in 12-L “Niskin” bottles at 24 predetermined depths throughout the water column. While the sensor data profiles are processed immediately after each station, the seawater samples are analyzed once the CTD returns to the surface – up to four hours later. Scientists onboard deploy the CTD at a series of marked coordinates (i.e. “stations”) along the cruise track. The A13.5 cruise consisted of 113 stations. 

“A typical 12-hour day on a research cruise consists of collecting and analyzing samples from depths ranging from near surface to 6,000 meters deep.”   -Chuck Featherstone, Scientist at AOML

Adding to decades of data monitoring fluctuations in the ocean’s uptake of heat, carbon, dissolved oxygen, and other elements across the globe, this cruise marks the first time measurements of environmental DNA have been collected along this transect. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the DNA of whole or partial marine organisms or their traces sloughed off in the open ocean. As part of the emerging  Bio-GO-SHIP  initiative, measuring eDNA provides key insights to the biodiversity and ecosystem impact of plankton communities – specifically here, the south Atlantic. By measuring eDNA for the first time, scientists are establishing a baseline to better understand how climate change will impact marine organisms in the future.

In addition to this ship-based sampling, an array of autonomous oceanographic instruments, including 11  Biogeochemical-Argo floats , four Core Argo floats, one Deep Argo float, seven Electromagnetic Autonomous Profiling Explorer (EM-APEX) floats, and 18  surface drifters  were deployed along the cruise track. These instruments collect crucial chemical and physical ocean measurements as they drift with large ocean currents for months on end. This near-continuous ocean monitoring provides additional data, filling in the data gaps between the decadal GO-SHIP cruises, that will continue to advance global research in ocean chemistry and physics.

“Being a part of all three A13.5 attempts, I am happy to have been a part of the team to successfully complete the cruise. Carrying out a GO-SHIP level survey is not without its challenges, however, all participants involved overcame these difficulties and acquired data we have been chasing for the last four years.” – Ian Smith, a CIMAS Research Associate onboard the A13.5 cruise. 

The GO-SHIP program has collected millions of data for more than a decade, and this research is becoming increasingly important as we observe climate extremes. GO-SHIP observations are essential to study the  Atlantic overturning of mass, heat, and freshwater transports . One recent study stemming from thirty years of data collected on GO-SHIP and other repeat hydrographic cruises revealed a potential weakening of the  ocean’s ability to store carbon  as global emissions continue to rise.

While emphasizing the need to reduce carbon emissions in order to meet the goals of the  Paris Agreement , this study only underscores the crucial role GO-SHIP cruises continue to play in monitoring the global ocean.  Congratulations to the science team and crew on a successful voyage!

The A13.5 GO-SHIP cruise was funded by the  NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing program and the  U.S. National Science Foundation .

A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded

A Royal Caribbean International Alaska voyage became a cruise to nowhere over the weekend, with the line canceling the sailing after guests had already boarded.

The cruise line’s Radiance of the Seas ship experienced propulsion issues, forcing it to shorten and eventually scrap the weeklong itinerary, according to notices shared with guests. The sailing was originally set to depart from Vancouver on Friday.

Charlene Chong, who was on board with her husband, their 3-year and 11-month-old children, and her parents, said passengers were notified Saturday afternoon that the cruise was canceled. The 34-year-old teacher and her husband previously took a cruise for their honeymoon, but this marked their first trip with Royal Caribbean.

“My parents had wanted to go to Alaska for a really long time,” said Chong, who lives in Vancouver.

The cruise line warned guests several days before boarding that the ship had a “technical issue with its propulsion system,” according to an email sent to passengers that Chong shared with USA TODAY. The line later pushed the departure back by two days to allow more time for repairs.

Royal Caribbean said boarding would proceed as planned but that the terminal would close Friday evening due to U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules. Passengers would not be able to leave until the ship arrived at Icy Strait Point.

“We were going stir crazy a little bit,” said Chong.

Royal Caribbean gave guests onboard credit worth two days of their fare, a future cruise credit of the same amount, complimentary drinks and other compensation, another email said.

According to Chong, the ship sailed toward a nearby cargo port, but the captain announced Saturday afternoon that the sailing could not proceed and that guests would need to disembark by Sunday at 4 p.m. Chong said she and her family were “lucky” they were local, but she saw other guests scrambling to change their flights and find accommodations.

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

“We understand the disappointment due to this unfortunate turn of events,” the cruise line said in a letter shared with guests. “We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruptions to your vacation.”

Royal Caribbean gave them their money back as onboard credit with any remaining amount refunded, increased their future cruise credit to 100% of their fare and kept its open-bar policy for the remaining time on board. The line also offered to reimburse trip change fees up to $250 for guests traveling domestically and $400 for international travel and additional reimbursements for hotel and transportation costs, among other compensation.

“Due to a technical issue, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the April 26 sailing," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Guests will receive a full refund and 100% future cruise credit, and have been notified directly.” The spokesperson did not comment on the specifics of Chong's experience.

The ship will resume service for its May 3 sailing.

After they got home, Chong and her family booked a trip to Mexico instead – though her parents decided not to join as they were “a bit exhausted by the whole ordeal.” For now, she’s not inclined to use the future cruise credit. “I would like to go to Alaska,” she said. “I'm not sure if I want to go with them.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].