A cruise across the Atlantic Ocean is high on the to-do list of many vacationers, particularly those who adore the companionship and excitement that comes along with travelling by ship. In comparison to the journeys that many of our European ancestors took to immigrate to the United States between the 17th and early 20th centuries, today's transatlantic crossing, which is approximately 4,000 nautical miles long, is more akin to the "Grand Tour" that wealthy Americans took before the advent of aviation.
Fine cuisine, wellness-focused pampering, insightful lectures, stylish nightlife, and plenty of time to relax are some of the highlights of a one-way sailing vacation, which is also leisurely and luxurious. In addition, transatlantic cruises offer an alternative for vacationers who would rather avoid flying and present an alluring choice for cruise enthusiasts looking for a more extensive itinerary at a more reasonable price.
Is a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean something that everyone should do? Not necessarily, particularly for those who are prone to mild to severe motion sickness when sailing. However, for travellers who enjoy their time at sea — and many cruisers do — a crossing can provide an uninterrupted "floating resort" experience, in addition to the advantage of transporting you to Europe or bringing you back to the United States without the need for a claustrophobic transatlantic flight.
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Find out all you need to know about cruising the Atlantic, along with our picks for the top transatlantic trips that you can book in 2023.
Which cruise lines provide itineraries that traverse the Atlantic Ocean?
Even though Cunard Line is best known for its weekly crossings between Southampton, England and New York City, which sail from April to December on its ocean liner Queen Mary 2, virtually every major cruise line offers transatlantic crossings. However, Cunard Line is the only one that sails on the ocean liner Queen Mary 2. These typically take place in the spring (late March to early May), when ships are moved from the Caribbean to Europe, and in the fall (September to November), when boats sail from Europe to the United States to begin their itineraries in Canada/New England and the Caribbean.
These voyages, which are also known as repositioning cruises, typically last for a longer amount of time than a standard crossing and frequently include many port calls located in cities other than the one in which embarkation and disembarkation take place. Even better, the cruise rates for these itineraries are typically one-third to one-half of the price of a trip of the same length that stops at a new port of call every day. Because of this, they are an excellent offer for vacationers who would rather settle into onboard living than simply sightsee during their time at sea.
Itineraries that include transatlantic travel and repositioning are provided by Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Seabourn, Sea Dream Yacht Club, Silversea, Star Clippers, Windstar, Viking, and Virgin. Other cruise lines that provide these types of itineraries include Oceania, Regent, and Oceania.
When is the most favourable time of year for sailing across the Atlantic?
When is the greatest time to take a transatlantic cruise? That depends on what you're looking for: perfect weather, calm seas, the lowest possible cost, or a certain itinerary with specified ports of call.
Although hurricanes can occur at any time of the year, the months of May, June, and July are typically considered to have warmer weather and calmer seas than August, September, and October, which are traditionally considered to be the peak months of the Atlantic hurricane season.
The months of March, April, and November, even though they are less desirable due to the cooler temperatures that can limit the enjoyment of being on the deck or by the pool, are a good option and a terrific value. This is especially true if the ship's route is a southerly one between Florida and the Mediterranean rather than a route between Northern Europe and New York.
As was said earlier, the greatest discounts for repositioning cruises are typically found in the spring and fall months. These itineraries may also visit several interesting ports in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, in addition to making stops in the Atlantic at places such as the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, or Bermuda.
Related: why I should have known better about transatlantic cruises.
How long does it take to cross the bridge?
It varies. The seven-night journey from New York to Southampton is the traditional nonstop transatlantic route that can be experienced on board the Queen Mary 2. (And vice versa). On the other hand, the duration of time spent at sea during a transatlantic repositioning trip can range anywhere from 11 to 21 nights, with 14 nights being the norm (seven or eight of them typically sea days).
Will there be turbulence in the seas?
It's all up to Mother Nature at this point. Even in the spring and fall, it is possible to enjoy calm waves in the Atlantic Ocean; nevertheless, due to the unpredictability of wind and water current patterns, rough seas can arise seemingly out of nowhere at any time of the year.
In most cases, captains can steer clear of storms, and they should do so whenever it is feasible to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board. In addition, today's cruise ships are outfitted with stabilisers, which prevent the ship from rolling excessively when subjected to motion caused by the wind or waves.
Do not, however, throw caution to the breeze if you are even moderately susceptible to motion sickness on boats. It is recommended that you go on a ship with a bigger passenger capacity (choose a stateroom located midship on a lower deck), and that you bring along any medication, patches, bands, or other treatment options that are effective for you. It may sound counterintuitive, but having a window or balcony helps balance seasickness since it delivers fresh air and a view of the horizon. Because of this, it is best to choose a cabin that has a view of the ocean or a balcony rather than an interior cabin.
Which side of the ship do you recommend for a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean?
Since the majority of the daylight views will be of the ocean, it is not going to make much of a difference whether you choose a cabin on the port (left) or starboard (right) side of the ship when making your reservation. If, on the other hand, you are leaving from a port in the Mediterranean, such as Rome or Barcelona, for a southerly crossing, booking a cabin on the ship's starboard side may provide you with a view of the Rock of Gibraltar, provided that your ship makes the passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic during daylight hours. On the other hand, if you were travelling eastward from the United States to Europe, you would want a cabin on the port side of the ship.
In a similar vein, if your journey takes you from Northern Europe to the United States through a more northerly route and you want to be among the first to see lands, such as Greenland or Newfoundland, you should reserve a stateroom on the ship's starboard side. However, if you want to be able to see the Statue of Liberty from your cabin while you are cruising into New York Harbor shortly before dawn, you will need to reserve a stateroom on the port side of the ship.
It is less crucial where exactly your cabin is located on the ship during an Atlantic trip than whatever deck it is on and whether it is located forward midship, or aft. In general, the movement of the ship that you will feel while it is cruising through any rough waves will be less severe if your cabin is located midship and is on one of the lower or middle decks as opposed to the decks that are at the very top of the ship.
Related: The five stateroom positions that cruise passengers covet the most on any ship
Which ports in the Caribbean and the Atlantic do transatlantic cruises visit?
Your journey and any ports you could call on will depend on where you embark and disembark. The majority of ships moving to or from the Mediterranean cross on a more southerly path, especially if they are repositioning to or from a winter homeport in Florida. Ships repositioning to or from the Baltic and the British Isles typically use a northerly route.
On a northerly crossing, you might set sail from Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Southampton, or New York. Depending on how long the voyage is, you might also stop at ports in Ireland (Dublin or Cork), Iceland (Reykjavik), Greenland (Qaqortoq or Nuuk), Atlantic Canada (St. Johns in Newfoundland, Sydney, or Halifax in Nova Scotia), Bermuda (King's Wharf), and Iceland (Reykjavik).
Madeira, Grand Canary or Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Ponta Delgada in the Azores, and one or two Caribbean islands, like St. Maarten or Puerto Rico are usual ports of call on a southerly trip between Barcelona or Rome in the Mediterranean and Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Is it better to reserve a cruise going east or west?
Whether you're travelling for the experience of using the crossing as a flying replacement to travel to or from a European holiday will largely determine the way you book. Just bear the following in mind:
Except for Queen Mary 2 passages, transatlantic repositioning cruises (from Europe to the U.S.) take place in the fall during the Atlantic hurricane season, however, some are planned for mid-to late November when storm formation has often decreased. Spring is the time for eastbound cruises (from the United States to Europe), a time that is also frequently associated with rainy and overcast times.
Consider the time difference when comparing crossings for eastbound and westbound traffic. You will receive reminders to adjust your clock back virtually every day, even though taking a transatlantic cruise is an excellent method to prevent the jet lag brought on by travelling through several time zones in one day.
You'll need to set your clock back at night when sailing westward, which will give you an extra hour of sleep most days. You'll lose an hour of sleep or free time on eastward cruises by setting the time forward one hour.
Another thing to consider is that you'll also need to reserve a one-way trip unless you intend to travel back home on another transatlantic ship. Always look into your flight possibilities before settling on an eastward or westbound route because one-way tickets can occasionally cost more than round-trip tickets.
Optimum transatlantic voyages in 2023
The following are some of the best itineraries for crossing the Atlantic by cruise ship in the upcoming year out of the numerous choices available:
The Queen Mary 2 undertook Cunard's transatlantic voyage (April to December 2023)
It can't be compared to anything else quite like it. The magnificent age of ocean liners is commemorated by Cunard's weekly transatlantic journey aboard the 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2, which travels between New York and Southampton (or vice versa). These itineraries of seven nights are focused entirely on the ocean, with interludes of gastronomic delight and nighttime entertainment tailored to the tastes of vacationers who love elegance and opulence.
A typical day would consist of some time spent in the library studying the most extensive book collection available at sea, an enlightening astronomy lecture in the ship's very own planetarium, and the age-old custom of taking afternoon tea.
The nightly schedule typically begins with a multi-course dinner (at the same table and with the same waiter each night), then continues with a show that is modelled after Broadway, an abridged version of a Shakespeare play, or even a magic act. The ship is particularly well-known for its extravagant Gala Evenings, which feature drinking champagne and dancing to the music of a live orchestra. Yes, don't forget to pack your evening gowns and tuxedos.
The base price for a passenger on a cruise is $949 for an inside cabin and $1,276 for a balcony cabin.
The 15-night Miami to Mediterranean trip offered by Virgin Voyages (April 22–May 7, 2023)
On its 15-night transatlantic journey from Miami to the Mediterranean, the 2,770-passenger cruise ship Valiant Lady operated by Virgin Voyages will keep the party going day and night with an onboard atmosphere that is comparable to that of a young beach club.
The ship features twenty excellent dining venues, cutting-edge entertainment (campy and a bit naughty, like drag queen bingo), an impressive lineup of wellness classes (ranging from yoga at sunrise to On-the-Upswing bungee aerobics), and a variety of fun activities (anyone up for '90s boy band dance class?). All of these things provide a plethora of opportunities to pass the time.
This sun-seekers itinerary departs from Miami and makes its first stop at Virgin's Beach Club in Bimini, which is located in the Bahamas. This is followed by a relaxing eight-day crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, during which the ship makes stops in Lisbon, Portugal; Cadiz, Spain; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, before arriving in Barcelona, where passengers disembark. Prices start at less than $1,200 per person for a Sea Terrace cabin that has a balcony and starts at $2,378 per cabin.
The 13-night Disney Cruise Line crossing of the Atlantic in an easterly direction (May 7-20, 2023)
This 13-night eastbound transatlantic cruise itinerary from Miami to Barcelona aboard the 2,500-guest Disney Dream is a solution for certain Disney fans, specifically childless adult couples and empty nesters, who love the brand's storytelling and Imagineering but who prefer not to share a two-week cruise with hundreds of kids and teens. The itinerary departs from Miami and travels to Barcelona in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean. It takes place when practically everyone between the ages of 5 and 18 is still in school. There will be some children on board, but it won't be a significant majority.
On top of the crossing's seven sea days, the sailing includes six culturally rich ports: Ponta Delgada, which is located in the Azores; Lisbon, which is located in Portugal; and Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, and Barcelona, which are all located in Spain. Disney Cruise Line offers a wide variety of immersive entertainment, excellent onboard dining, and plenty of time to relax by the pool during this southerly route in the spring.
Verandah staterooms start at $4,237 for two adults (which is around $2,118 per person), making this brand immersion significantly cheaper than any two-week trip to a Disney theme park.
Related: 5 reasons why kids don't have to be the only ones on a Disney cruise
The 20-day Viking Passage offered by Holland America (July 2-22, 2023)
Check out Holland America's 20-day Viking Passage aboard the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam for a northerly transatlantic cruise that takes place in the summer and visits 12 ports in six different countries. This cruise is a true hybrid of an ocean crossing and a traditional cruise because it visits 12 ports in six different countries.
The journey begins in Rotterdam, which is located in the Netherlands and continues through Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and various locations in Canada (Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia), before making a stop in Portland, which is located in Maine and finishing in Boston. There are only seven days at sea, but three of those can be spent engaging in picturesque cruising.
There are, however, a few important disclaimers to make. Even in July, temperatures will be on the colder side in most ports, and the typical Holland America passenger is an older retiree. This is especially true on longer sailings. The Zuiderdam features an indoor pool with a roof that can be retracted and onboard programming that includes HAL's BBC Earth in Concert, Billboard Onboard, and a lineup of shows on the World Stage with its 270-degree LED screen. During sea days, guests can take advantage of the pool and the onboard programming.
Fares are on the higher side, with an inside cabin costing $2,799 per person and a balcony cabin costing $5,299 per person. This is primarily because the trip lasts for three weeks during the middle of summer.
The 14-night Italy, France, and Bermuda Transatlantic Voyage offered by Celebrity (Oct. 30–Nov. 13, 2023)
The transatlantic voyages offered by Celebrity Cruises are timed following the seasonal repositioning of the ships. Its Italy, France, and Bermuda Trans trip provides 14 nights aboard the company's newest ship, the Celebrity Beyond. This sailing departs from Rome, the ship's summer homeport, and heads to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in preparation for the winter Caribbean cruise season.
This cruise vacation includes eight days at sea in addition to port visits at La Spezia, Italy (for Florence/Pisa), Nice, France, Malaga, Spain, King's Wharf, Bermuda, and Nassau, Bahamas.
Celebrity Beyond is a mega-ship that was created with the idea that its passengers are adults. It has space for 3,260 passengers. You will discover contemporary décor, 32 upscale food-and-beverage outlets (including Voyages, the first Daniel Boulud restaurant at sea), an indoor Solarium pool, and a shimmering Grand Plaza that is home to the line's famous Martini Bar. However, there are no waterslides on board.
Inside cabins start at $1,499 per person and balcony cabins at $2,329 per person.
Viking's 14-day Atlantic Ocean Passage (Nov. 3-16, 2023)
During Spain to West Indies trip offered by Viking Sea, passengers will sail across the Atlantic Ocean from Barcelona to San Juan in Puerto Rico. The port cities of Valencia and Cadiz, both located in Spain, Funchal, which is located on the beautiful island of Madeira, and Phillipsburg, which is located on the beach-rimmed island of St. Martin in the Dutch Caribbean will be visited by the ship.
The Viking Sea, which has a capacity for 930 passengers and boasts a chic Scandinavian style, is an adults-only vessel. The Liv Nordic Spa provides guests with unlimited access to the thermal suite, a main pool with a retractable roof (in addition to an aft Infinity Pool and hot tub), and complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy elevated dining that is provided for free in eight different venues. Daily activities include lectures given by guest speakers and resident historians.
Even better, the cruise ticket for a transatlantic voyage is virtually half of what it is for a regular two-week itinerary on a Viking ship, with balcony suites starting at $3,299 per person.
The 15-day Tropical Passage cruise offered by Princess Cruises (Nov. 10-25, 2023)
The 15-day Tropical Passage onboard the 3,660-passenger Sky Princess is a terrific way to get great value on a Princess cruise and enjoy a southerly crossing in November that concludes with a five-day swing through the Caribbean. If you are interested in this itinerary, check it out.
The port of departure is London (Southampton), and the destination of the cruise is Fort Lauderdale. The ship will spend a total of nine days at sea in between its stops in Ponta Delgada on the Azores, Antigua, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk in the Caribbean, bringing the total number of port calls to nine.
Sky Princess, which made its debut in 2019, is equipped with three swimming pools, a glittering Italian-style Piazza (which is home to Alfredo's Pizzeria, which serves some of the best pizza at sea), a main dining room with menus that change daily and include delectable Chocolate Journeys desserts, four speciality dining venues (at an additional cost), poolside Movies Under the Stars, and original production show in the Princess Theater. Other amenities include a spa, a fitness centre, and
The cost of an inside cabin begins at $948 per person, while the cost of a balcony cabin begins at $1,478 per person.
Related: These are the five most amazing places that Princess Cruises takes its passengers to see.
The Rome-to-Miami trip lasts for 21 nights and is offered by Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Nov. 13–Dec. 4, 2023)
The 21-night Rome to Miami itinerary on Regent's Seven Seas Splendor, which can accommodate up to 750 passengers, begins with a low-season journey across the Mediterranean and continues with a visit to the beautiful Canary Islands. Following a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean that lasts for five days, the luxury ship makes stops at two different Caribbean islands before arriving in Miami.
This three-week vacation onboard the newest ship in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet is an all-inclusive indulgence, even though it is in no way a bargain. All of the following are included in the package: flights in business class, transfers, five-star food with unlimited beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and the majority of shore excursions.
The first week is spent taking in the sights of Rome, Cinque Terre, and Tuscany (starting from Livorno) (from La Spezia). Next up are the French cities of Nice and Toulon, as well as the Spanish cities of Palamos, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona. The Seven Seas Splendor will make stops in the Canary Islands at Lanzarote and Santa Cruz de la Palma before crossing the Atlantic Ocean and making its way to the islands of St. Maarten and Puerto Rico before bringing its guests to Miami to disembark.
The base price for an all-inclusive trip is $14,099 per person.
Bottom line
It doesn't matter why you're thinking about booking a trip across the Atlantic Ocean; one thing is certain: you won't be disappointed by the amount of free time at sea that you'll have to devote to rejuvenating your body and mind. Because you won't be able to see land for around one week, you can take advantage of the ship's amenities without feeling pressured. You can enrich your knowledge of the world by attending lectures given by onboard specialists, watching movies in the privacy of your stateroom, making new friends over a cup of coffee or a game of bridge, or indulging in a revitalising massage or facial in the ship's spa.
Even better, per-night costs are often lower on crossings than they are on round-trip, port-intensive cruises, which means that you can enjoy a longer sailing for a fraction of the money that would normally be incurred. It doesn't matter which transatlantic cruise you choose because it will be an incredible vacation no matter which one you choose. After all, it will be an incredible vacation no matter which one you choose.
Making plans for a cruise? You can get started with these tales:
- The five most desirable locations for cabins onboard any cruise ship
- The eight stateroom placements that are the most undesirable on any cruise ship
- 21 helpful hints and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable.
- 15 reasons why cruisers are a money pit.
- What to bring on your very first trip at sea
- How to save money on a vacation cruise
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