one way boat trip to europe

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.

How to Travel from USA to Europe by Ship

It is possible to travel from the United States to Europe without flying. This guide explains how to travel by ship from the USA to Europe. 

For one reason or another, you came here to look for information about crossing the Atlantic from America to Europe. This guide covers three different ship travel options from USA to Europe:

• Freighter Travel

I’ve previously written about flightless routes from Europe to America , but this guide focuses on the opposite direction. The examples in this post were checked in 2023.

Traveling from the United States to Europe without flying is not always easy. I know some of you will choose to fly anyway because it’s easier. In that case, I ask you to consider donating 10% of your ticket cost to a high-impact climate charity. Carbon offsetting isn’t very effective , so it’s better to support charities suggested by Giving Green instead.

1. Cruise from the USA to Europe

How can i find a transatlantic cruise from the usa to europe.

Plenty of travel companies offer cruises from the United States to various European destinations. As of now, the website Seascanner listed 108 one-way cruises from the United States to different parts of Europe .

Where do transatlantic cruises to Europe depart from?

Most transatlantic cruises from America to Europe leave from Florida. Fort Lauderdale – a part of the Miami metropolitan area – is the most popular port of departure. New York also serves as a departure point for many cruise ships, and there are even departures from Massachusetts (Boston), New Jersey (Boston), and even Texas (Galveston)!

Which are the most popular ports of entry in Europe?

For transatlantic cruises, Southampton in England, Barcelona in Spain, and Lisbon in Portugal are the top destinations. Other cruises also travel to countries like Germany, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands.

How much does it cost to travel from the USA to Europe on a cruise ship?

The cheapest cruises from the United States to Europe start at around $1100-1500 for a cabin, including meals. For example, a 7-day voyage from New York to Southampton on the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2 start at approximately $1400. 

How long does a cruise from the United States to Europe take?

The duration of the journey varies depending on the departure and arrival points. The fastest transatlantic cruises to Europe leave from New York. Cruises from New York to Southampton, England, take around 7 days, while cruises to Hamburg take two days longer.

On the other end of the spectrum, cruises from Florida to Europe generally last about two weeks.

Is traveling on a cruise ship better than flying?

While this guide focuses on flightless travel routes it’s important to note that cruises and ferries may actually produce way more CO2 emissions than commercial flights .

However, there are sustainable ways to cross the Atlantic as well.

2. Travel on a Cargo Ship from the USA to Europe

Can you travel from the united states to europe on a cargo ship.

Yes, you can! At least if COVID restrictions allow it.

Compared to cruises, freighter travel is considered nearly CO2 neutral . To book a freighter voyage, you can use specialized travel agencies or contact shipping companies directly, though the latter may be more challenging.

Popular freighter travel companies include Cargo Ship Voyages , Freighter Travel (NZ) , Slowtravel , and Voyages en Cargo . I have personally used Freighter Travel, but I’m sure other companies work just as well.

What about COVID? Does the global pandemic limit freighter voyages?

Unfortunately, yes. At the time of writing (early 2023), many freighter companies around the world were not taking passengers. Some sources expect passenger sailing to resume normally in January/February 2024.

How much does it cost to travel from the USA to Europe on a freighter?

On average, traveling on a cargo ship costs $100-150 per day. A transatlantic journey typically takes around 10-15 days, resulting in a total cost between $1000-3000.

Which are the most popular ports of departure for cargo ship travel from the United States to Europe?

There are plenty! Cargo ships head out to Europe from many harbors on the East Coast. Listed from north to south, these include Boston (Massachusetts), New York, Charleston (South Carolina), Savannah (Georgia), New Orleans (Louisiana), and Houston (Texas).

Where do cargo ship voyages from America to Europe arrive?

Popular destinations in Europe for freighter voyages include Antwerp (Belgium), Cork (Ireland), Le Havre (France), Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Southampton (England). Many ships make multiple stops along the European coast, with Mediterranean cities also being accessible.

How long does it take to travel on a cargo ship from the USA to Europe?

I provide more detailed information about this in my article “ How Long Does It Take to Cross the Atlantic on a Cargo Ship? “. That article also explains why cargo ships venture so slowly.

Here are a few examples with estimated prices for one person:

• This northern route includes a stop in Halifax, Canada, before crossing the Atlantic.
• At the time of writing, this route wasn’t available, but it was expected to open to passengers in mid-2023.
• Freighter voyages to the south of Europe are less common, but here’s one example of a southern route.

What else should I know about freighter travel?

Freighter travel offers an intriguing and sustainable way to explore the world. I personally haven’t traveled between America and Europe on a freighter, but I did cross the Pacific on a cargo ship during my 2-year trip around the world .

In summary, the journey was quite uneventful, but I loved it. I passed the time playing games on my laptop, savoring delicious meals, and marveling the waves. My trusty Amazon Kindle Paperwhite e-reader – one of my favorite travel essentials – kept me company.

(The photo above is from that journey.)

To travel on a freighter, you need to meet certain health and age requirements. You should also be quite flexible, as freighters have infrequent schedules. For more information, you can refer to my guide “ How to Prepare for Traveling on a Cargo Ship “.

3. Sail from the USA to Europe

Can you travel from the usa to europe by boat.

Yes, traveling from the United States to Europe by boat is possible, although the reverse journey is more common. Also, direct boat travel from the United States to Europe is less prevalent. Starting your voyage from or making a stop in Bermuda is more typical.

Why is crossing the Atlantic from east to west more popular?

The trade winds are to blame. These prevailing winds blow east-to-west near the equator. The prevailing winds make a clockwise loop along the northern Atlantic.

As a result, sailing westward is aided by the wind in a warmer environment. Sailing eastward against the wind entails enduring harsher weather in the north.

I don’t own a boat. Can I still travel from the USA to Europe by boat?

Even if you don’t own a sailboat or a yacht, you can hitch a ride on a boat across the Atlantic. Websites such as Find a Crew and CrewSeekers connect captains with individuals willing to work as crewmates in exchange for the voyage.

Yacht clubs in harbors may also have notice boards for those seeking a boat or a crew. While many captains prefer crewmates with experience, it is not always necessary.

Where and when should I depart?

First, you should head to Bermuda, an archipelago about 600 miles (~1000 kilometers) away from the US East Coast. A cruise or a sailing trip from the US to Bermuda typically takes a week or less.

However, traveling to the Caribbean first before continuing to Bermuda might be more convenient. To reach the Caribbean, you can hitch a ride on a sailboat or take a ferry from Florida to the Bahamas .

According to World Cruising Wiki , the best time to sail to Bermuda is in May/June. At that point, the weather is warm but the hurricane season hasn’t reached its peak yet.

How long does it take to sail from the USA to Europe?

Main article: How Long Does It Take to Sail the Atlantic?

According to Life of Sailing , an eastward crossing of the Atlantic takes around 4 weeks. This includes a week of sailing to Bermuda, two weeks or more from Bermuda to the Azores, and another week from the Azores to the coast of Portugal.

The journey from Europe to America tends to be slightly faster.

How can I sail from the US to Europe?

There are numerous comprehensive guides on crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat. I am not even trying to compete with the experts. In this guide, I have provided basic details about the Atlantic crossings. If you wish to explore the topic further, here are a few recommended guides:

• How Long Does It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic? (Lifeofsailing.com)
• How to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean to Europe: Everything you need to know (Yachtingworld.com)
• Sail Across the Atlantic: The Definitive Guide (DeepSailing.com)

Traveling by Ship from USA to Europe

How to travel from USA to Europe by ship? In this guide, I have covered three ways of traveling from America to Europe without flying. The guide is not comprehensive, and I may have missed some good alternatives.

This website, Arimo Travels, is a sustainable travel blog. I launched the site during my predominantly flightless trip around the world . Since completing the journey, I have focused on writing flightless travel guides (along with random generators ) for fellow travelers.

You can find more guides like this one on the Flightless Travel page.

P.S. In this guide, there are times when I call the USA “America”. Personally, I prefer not to use the name of the continent to refer to the country. However, many people hold a different view, and most of my readers come from Google searches.

For that reason, I have used phrases like “travel from America to Europe by ship” throughout the text. Additionally, I have omitted the article “the” from “the USA” for similar reasons.

Tell Me More!

Arimo Travels is a sustainable travel blog by Arimo, a mostly traveler from Finland. The site focuses on sustainable travel guides and randomness.

I was hoping that you would have mentioned something about traveling with pets. I have a cat and a dog which is why I would like to travel by boat and not fly.

Thank you for the feedback Ceitlan, that is a good point!

From what I’ve understood, cargo ships don’t allow pets, and finding a sailing captain willing to take cats and dohs would also be a challenge. In that case, a cruise would be your best option. This site has some information about crossing the Atlantic with pets: https://www.pettraveltransport.com/pettravelbyship.html

Some years ago, a friend of mine wrote a short guide on traveling in Europe with a dog on this site. You can find that guide here: https://arimotravels.com/travel-around-europe-dog/

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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.

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Find Your Cruise to Europe

Why should i go on a cruise to europe.

The continent's many well-developed waterways make cruises one of the best ways to visit favorites like Budapest and Paris cruises. Embarking on a European 5-day cruise in 2024 or 7-day cruise lets you explore everything the old country has to offer. Europe's diversity and rich history mean you can pack a baker's dozen of cultures and countries into even a short 3-day cruise. Some river cruises in Europe may even stop at more than 50 cities before the journey is made. Travel within the European Union is remarkably easy and cruise lines take full advantage of that.

How can I find cheap cruises to Europe?

The best way to find cheap cruises to Europe from the United States on Expedia is to sort your search results by price, automatically putting the most affordable cruises to Europe from the US at the top of the list, such as a 3-day all-inclusive cruise. It can also be helpful to be flexible with your travel dates, letting you choose from various options. A common strategy to save money is to book Europe cruises far in advance.

Which cruise lines to Europe are available?

Some of the best cruise lines to Europe include Viking and MSC cruises to Europe, both of which are famous for luxury offerings like lavish suites and world-famous live entertainment. Choose your desire length, a 3-day cruise, a 5-day cruise or 7-day cruise. Many cruise lines offer journeys through the continent, beginning at ports like Paris and traveling throughout Europe to visit countries like Germany, Spain, Italy, and even Greece. The Viking grand tour of Europe cruise takes you through the heart of Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest , and the Cunard Queen Mary 2 offers a wealth of short Europe cruises.

How can I find Europe cruise deals?

To find Europe cruise deals, look for the green discount indicator text above the price estimate on the search results page. This shows the discount available for any given cruise on offer. You can also sort your options by everything from cabin experience and itinerary to specific ports of call such as Amsterdam or Paris , or longer experiences such as a Danube river 7-day cruise in 2024to Budapest.

What should I look out for on a boat cruise to Europe?

Make sure you check your cruise itinerary details to see if your favorites are included. Whether you choose to travel the Rhine and Danube cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest or float along the French Riviera from Spain to Italy, the best part of a Europe cruise is how many amazing cities you have to choose from. From a 1-night France to Italy cruise, traveling from Marseille to Genoa , or a 3-day cruise from Italy to Greece to stop by Civitavecchia, Naples , and Piraeus, Europe's got it all.

What are the best Europe cruise destinations?

Europe cruise destinations are as varied as the continent itself, but some of the most popular include the UK, Amsterdam , and the Mediterranean. You can easily fit 50 or more destinations into your European cruise vacation if you book one of the more extended options, such as a 7-day cruise in the Mediterranean from Barcelona. River cruises in Europe are a popular choice, and a 2-day cruise to Marseille or 7-day Portugal river cruise can also allow you to witness stunning riverfront scenery along the continent's storied rivers.

When is the best time for a cruise trip to Europe?

The best times for cruises that go to Europe tend to be the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Spring and autumn prices are generally more affordable during the summer high season, and the weather is mild throughout most of the continent. If you’re considering a 5-day cruise in 2025 in northern Europe, such as a Norwegian fjord cruise or a cruise on the North Sea, going in the summer can offer that much-needed warmth.

How long does it take for a boat cruise to Europe?

The length of a cruise to Europe varies based on where you depart from and the length of your European cruise vacation, but if you want a 2- or 3-day cruise to Europe, you'll need to leave from somewhere on the continent. 7-day cruises to Europe are also readily available if you want to experience a wider variety of stops, but they mainly depart from Europe as well. For example, a cruise to Barcelona from Genoa will only take about a day at sea, if that. Leaving from the states, such as on a cruise to Europe from Florida, will have you on a cruise that easily lasts more than a month.

Can I book a luxury cruise to Europe?

You can find a selection of luxury cruise ships, such as Regent and Holland America Line on Expedia. A luxury cruise to Europe offers old-world extravagance, stunning amenities and high-end features, such as spa treatments and 24-hour room service in elegant, multi-room suites. The Zuiderdam ship , for example, lets you enjoy top-tier service, live performances, and even a jazz club on board, which allows you to make the most of your 4-day all-inclusive cruise

What are all-inclusive cruises to Europe like?

You'll find some of the best all-inclusive cruises to Europe from cruise lines like Celebrity and MSC . For example, you can enjoy specialty restaurants, an onsite casino, and even poolside bars that can be booked in advance on the Celebrity Constellation . A 3-day cruise in 2024to explore Europe on the MSC Virtuosa offers a full-service bar staffed by robots, circus-style performances, and even an on-board water park.

Can I get a family cruise to Europe?

A family cruise to Europe is easy to find, especially when you book with cruise lines like Carnival or Disney , where you'll find activities for adults and kids alike to enjoy featuring costumed characters and live entertainment themed around famed Disney properties representing anything from Cinderella to Aladdin or possibly even Star Wars. The Disney Dream , for example, boasts an impressive on-board water coaster, the first of its kind. Choose the length of the journey, a 3-day cruise or a 4-day cruise, according to your family’s needs. Once the adults have had their fill of the games, they can retire to the adults-only areas, such as the bar and lounge, while the kids continue with their activities.

Can I book a honeymoon cruise to Europe?

It's easy to create honeymoon cruise memories that will last a lifetime with cruise lines like Oceania and Viking . The Viking Lofn , for example, is a relatively small ship, with room for just 190 passengers. It offers sweeping river views and gourmet food for you and your partner in a supremely romantic setting, accompanied by suites of Scandinavian design. For your honeymoon, book a 7-day cruise deal in 2024 to Europe that takes you and your partner to some of the most romantic destinations in the world, including iconic hubs of romance such as Paris, Rome, and cozy cabins in the snow-covered Swiss Alps.

How do I book a cruise to Europe on Expedia?

To book the best Europe cruises on Expedia, simply use the filters and sorting function to narrow down the array of results to find the perfect cruise for your needs, whether it's a 7-day cruise or 3-day cruise in the Mediterranean, an Amalfi coast cruise in 2024, or a multi-city excursion along inland rivers. Once you've found the right cruise, you can book directly from Expedia after clicking the entry on your search results page. Keep an eye out for discounts marked with green text.

Do I need a passport for cruise tickets to Europe?

American citizens need a passport for a Europe cruise, especially since a lot of the most commonly booked cruises in Europe require you to fly there first. Considering the distance, a closed-loop cruise to Europe generally isn't available. If your 7-day cruise will bring you to multiple countries, be sure to check the regulations for each one and secure your passport well in advance of your travels.

Can I cancel my cruise to Europe?

If you changed your mind about traveling, go to the My Trips page of your Expedia account to cancel. Before this, check the cruise line information page for the service you booked. Many cruise lines charge cancellation fees or may only offer partial refunds and checking in advance can save you unpleasant surprises. The refund amount typically depends on how far in advance you cancel your cruise to Europe.

Why should I book a Europe cruise with Expedia?

Whether you book a 4-day cruise or 7-day cruise in 2024 with Expedia, you'll have access to a wide range of cruise lines and ships to choose from that let you customize your experience. It's easy to see which cruises to Europe are offering discounts by looking for the green text in the search results. One Key members may even earn points on eligible bookings, so sign up for free today if you haven't already.

About Europe Cruises

Europe is a land of breathtaking beauty, cultural charm, fine dining, and rich history. In just one European cruise, you can experience Nordic hospitality in Oslo, stroll around the Colosseum in Rome or take a shore excursion to the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

This beautiful continent is surrounded by water on its three sides which gives the cruisers incredible opportunities to choose an itinerary that best suits their dream vacation. Your Europe cruise can depart from Barcelona , Copenhagen , Southampton, Le Havre, Hamburg and many other European ports.

With so much to see and do, cruise lines often separate their European itineraries by regions:

Baltic and Scandinavian Cruises

There’s no better way to explore Northern Europe than with a Baltic cruise. Drift through the awe-inspiring fjords of Norway, wander around the fairytale town of Tallinn in Estonia or admire the architecture of St. Petersburg’s canals.

Cruises to the Baltic and Scandinavia are largely limited to the sunny summer months of July and August.

Mediterranean Cruises

The Mediterranean is probably one of the most popular regions in Europe. You can choose to explore the Western Mediterranean by pulling into port in Barcelona or Civitavecchia, taking you to the south of France and Spain. The Eastern Mediterranean may take you to the ancient ruins of Athens, the charming towns of Montenegro and the atmospheric islands of the Cyclades.

Many cruise lines offer itineraries of 7- 10 days or longer, but for those seeking a shorter vacation, MSC and Costa also offer 3-4- or 5-day cruises .

British Isles Cruises

Don’t forget that the glorious, green British Isles also welcome cruise liners throughout the year. Sail past medieval castles, charming coastal towns and spectacular highland vistas. Your Europe cruise could also take you to majestic Iceland, where days ashore promise the chance to glimpse breathtaking waterfalls and dramatic volcanoes.

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Boat Holidays in Europe

Find the right boat holiday for you in Europe. There are 101 boating trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 29 days. The month with the most departures is June, making it the most popular time to visit Europe.

101 Boat holiday packages in Europe with 3,727 positive reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Beautiful Views

An excellent tour with great hotels, lovely guide ( many thanks Ro ) and skilled drivers. Very good value and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Europamundo as a Tour company.

North of Europe

the busses and tours left on time , the guides were mostly informative and nice. I felt like a had value for my money.sometimes almost to many things packed in one day.

• Sightseeing

Best of Italy and Greece (14 Days, Celestyal Cruise Information)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Athens to Santorini

Love my tour guide Evelina ❤️

• Coach / Bus

European Highlights (Start Paris, Classic, 14 Days)

5-day Dubrovnik to Split one-way cruise - Premier Plus boat, 30-49s

8-day Split Return cruise - Premier boat, Mixed-age

Scenic Norway

Fantastic tour!! We had rain in the beginning and end but that could not be helped. Would love to go on another Globus tour of Norway!!

Greek Island Wanderer

Th Greek island wanderer tour was amazing!! Explore did a fantastic job of organizing everything! Best of all was our tour leader Demitra! She was so attentive, friendly, fun and energetic. Our group was a fun bunch and she led us on an amazing adventure!????????????

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Wonders of Turkey Luxury Tour

We really enjoyed the tour Would definitely recommend

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Pearls of Adriatic cruise

Excellent cruise staff were amazing

European Sampler

Pearls of Adriatic Deluxe cruise

we did deluxe cruise from Trogir las year and it still bring smile to my face when I remember it. we had amazing time, ate delicious food, drank great wines, had fun times with other passengers, visited new places and swim in different beautiful bays every day! If we find time we will do it again this summer on different route.

Exploring Crete

it was enjoyed the room great guided tours with Maria, Poppy, Veda and Cristina we would definitely go with TUI again

From Dublin to London

Europe boat trip reviews.

It was a wonderful experience traveling with Europamundo. Thank you so much for arranging the whole trip beautifully.

Fast-paced. Group was well-managed by one guide, not so much by the other. You mainly see tourist stops. Glad I arrived in Berlin early and remained in Talin after. Wanted more free days to explore a few cities. Back of bus can be hot, so have a light layer. Guides talk loud & long, so use earphones as ear plugs. Hiking shoes are better on cobblestones.

Mia our leader gets 10/10! We were lucky to have her as our guide. She made everything easy and we saw so much in a short time. This has been a memorable trip. It's my first Intrepid tour. I will definitely be doing more and will recommend them to my friends!! Thanks Intrepid

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International Versions

• Deutsch: Europa Bootstour
• Français: Europe : Circuits bateau 2024/2025
• Español: Barco Circuitos en Europa
• Nederlands: Boot Rondreizen in Europa

How to Travel to Europe by Boat

by Johnno Cary

Published on 19 Apr 2023

Travelers cross over the Atlantic Ocean by air travel all the time – few opt to make the trip by boat. But getting to Europe from the United States by boat can actually be a relaxing and economical mode of travel. Whether you’re traveling to Portugal, Italy, Greece, or France, your European vacation would definitely be memorable if the journey there allowed you to take in the natural wonder of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. There are a few different ways to do it: by freighter travel, repositioning cruise or luxury cruise. Choose your mode of ship travel based on how much you want to spend and how much time you have on your hands.

Traveling by Freighter

Freighter cruises allow travelers to hop on board cargo ships to get from one place to another. Maris runs regular transatlantic freighter cruises with the motto, "The pace is relaxed; the mood is informal." At the time this is being written (2023) many freighter cruises around the world are still not offering as many sports for passengers, but this is expected to grow in the coming year.

Freighter ships can carry up to a dozen passengers, but most usually accept only two to six. Maris offers two routes from the U.S. to Europe:

Rickmers: * Departs twice monthly from Houston via New Orleans; crosses transatlantic to Antwerp, Belgium, and then makes several other stops in Europe.

CMA CGM: * Departs every two weeks from New York, also stopping in Virginia, Florida and Georgia, and crosses the Atlantic to Algeciras, Spain, making several other stops in Europe afterward.

The Rickmers voyage costs between $1,400 and $1,700 per person for the whole journey, and the CMA CGM journey costs about $112 per person per day for the duration of the trip.

Taking a Repositioning Cruise

Most major cruise companies offer low-season repositioning cruises, which take place when a cruise ship travels from one major port to another in the off-season. These trips tend to cost less than typical cruises, but still offer most of the usual cruise amenities. This could even allow you the opportunity for a last minute bonus vacation to the Caribbean or Bahamas while the cruise line repositions.

There are a few different repositioning cruises that cross the Atlantic from the United States to Europe, most operated by Cunard. Journeys aboard The Queen Mary 2 go from New York, Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany, and the cost varies, depending on the time of year and length of journey. For example, an 18-day transatlantic repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton in July of 2019 is going for $3,100 per person, while a 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton in March of 2018 is going for $1,300 per person.

Springing for a Luxury Cruise

If you have a roomy vacation budget and are looking to relax as much as possible on your cruise journey, you might consider a luxury cruise from the United States to Europe.

Cunard runs several transatlantic cruises, including a few round trips. Sailing from New York to Southampton round trip, for example, takes 14 days and starts at $3,349 per person. On trips like these, the cruise ship makes for most of the vacation, offering food, drink and entertainment on top of comfortable accommodation for the duration of your journey to and from Europe.

It might not be as cheap or fast as typical airfare, but these trips embrace the beauty of the journey. So the next time you’re considering that trip to Norway or Barcelona, take a moment to look at the ports of call and consider if this is finally the time to test your sea legs!

The Man in Seat 61

The transatlantic ferry

Cunard's queen mary 2.

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This is a guide to travel between Europe & the United States using Cunard's Queen Mary 2. 

Cunard maintain a scheduled transatlantic passenger service between Europe and the United States, usually one sailing a month in each direction between Southampton & New York from April to December taking 7 nights.

You travel aboard the greatest ocean liner in the world, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 (QM2).  It's a crossing , not a cruise , and many people use the QM2 as their preferred mode of transport between Europe & the United States.  The Queen Mary 2 is a proper ocean liner, built with the extra structural strength & power to withstand the rigours of the North Atlantic in all weathers.  The QM2 took over the transatlantic service from Cunard's 1967-built QE2 in 2004.

You can forget being bored, it's a week of relaxation, with cinema, theatre, interesting lectures, spa treatments, swimming pools, cocktail bars, restaurants, an excellent library, shops and even the world's only sea-going planetarium.  Plus the cold grey Atlantic which I never tire of watching.  You can also forget seasickness, the 150,000 ton QM2 is rock-steady in most weather amidships, you'll need to walk forward towards the bows to feel any up and down movement.  Westbound, the crossing is rounded off by an awe-inspiring early-morning arrival into New York City, in my opinion the best way to arrive in the Big Apple. 

Crossing the Atlantic by ocean liner needn't cost much more than a business-class flight, fares for two people sharing the cheapest Britannia stateroom start from £1,099 per person each way, for 7 nights accommodation, all meals & entertainment.

The Man in Seat Sixty-One says:   "From personal experience, staggering round a transatlantic liner in a dinner jacket with a martini is the normal, rational, reasonable way to cross the Atlantic.  Heading for an airport and strapping yourself to a flimsy aluminium tube is an unfortunate and eccentric aberration."

Transatlantic sailing dates

Southampton ► new york.

2024 transatlantic sailings:   28 April, 16 May, 9 June (6 night), 23 June (6 night), 21 July (6 night), 16 August, 15 September, 17 October (8 night), 13 November, 14 December.

2025 transatlantic sailings:   9 January (9 nights, Queen Anne), 8 March, 27 April (8 nights), 16 May, 6 June, 24 June, 27 August, 26 September, 24 October, 19 November, 15 December.

All crossings are now 7 nights except where shown.  The Queen Mary 2 usually sails from Southampton at 17:00, arriving in New York 7 nights later at 06:30-07:00.  The terminal she uses in Southampton varies.  In New York she arrives at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

New York ► Southampton

2024 transatlantic sailings:   3 January (8 nights), 5 May, 23 May, 15 June (8 nights), 6 July (8 nights), 27 July (8 nights), 23 August, 4 October (9 nights), 25 October, 3 December.

2025 transatlantic sailings:   3 January (8 nights), 6 April (8 nights), 5 may, 23 may, 13 June, 8 July, 8 august, 3 September, 17 October, 31 October, 8 December then 3 January 2026 (8 nights).

The QM2 usually sails from New York Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at 17:00, with check-in opening at 13:00 and closing at 15:45.  She arrives in Southampton at 06:30 seven nights later.

How to check sailing dates, times, prices & availability

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How much does it cost?

Typical Cunard one-way fares for transatlantic crossings.  Late bookings in late season can often be cheaper than this!

Inside = without window, oceanview = with porthole, see the cabin accommodation guide .  All other staterooms & suites have a balcony, except the two Q3 Royal Suites.

Britannia = allocated to the Britannia restaurant for meals.  Princess or Queen's Grill = allocated to the superior Princess or Queen's Grill restaurants for meals.

How to find cheaper tickets:   You'll often find cheaper fares if you buy your tickets from a cruise specialist such as www.cruisenation.com (UK-based) or www.cruisedirect.com (in the USA or Canada), both of which have online booking for transatlantic crossings and cruises.  Agencies like these can save perhaps £100 per person or more off the official Cunard price, and you'll also find cheaper fares if you shop for last minute deals and late-season crossings, as low as £799 or better, for example.  However, be aware that in high summer transatlantic sailings can get full many months in advance.

Round trip fares:   There are special round trip fares covering two back-to-back crossings with just 1 day in New York, but if you plan to spend more than a day at your destination you'll need to pay one-way fares each way.  In other words, for all practical purposes a round trip on the QM2 means buying two one-way tickets.

Cunard Fare & Saver fare:   The Cunard fare lets you choose a specific cabin & dinner sitting up front.  The Saver fares are several hundred pounds or dollars cheaper and guarantee a cabin in the booked grade or higher, but the cabin and dinner sitting time are allocated for you.  You can log in to Cunard's voyage personaliser at my.cunard.com/en-gb/mycruise/login a couple of weeks before departure to see what cabin & sitting you have been allocated.

Child fares:   See here .

What does the fare include?   All Queen Mary 2 transatlantic fares include your cabin accommodation, all meals & afternoon tea, on-board entertainment such as shows, lectures, films, access to the swimming pools & library, plus the tea, coffee & juices available in the Kings Court self-service.  The fare does not include alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks served in bars or at meals, Canyon Ranch Spa access & treatments, or internet access .  Also, a 'discretionary' fee of around $11-$14 per person per day will be added to your on board account each day as a gratuity for staff.

How to buy tickets

  if you live in uk & europe,   if you live in the usa or canada, how does the ticketing work , westbound transatlantic guide.

Here is a typical transatlantic timetable, port transfer, embarkation arrangements & journey information for a typical westbound transatlantic sailing on the QM2.  Although they normally follow this same pattern, always check the sailing time & check-in times for your specific date.  If you find that something has changed, please let me know .  If you're sailing eastbound, see the eastbound information .  Are  westbound or eastbound crossings better?

Take the train from London Waterloo

Fast air-conditioned trains run from London Waterloo to Southampton Central every 30 minutes taking around 1h17.  No reservation is necessary, just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on the next train.

London to Southampton costs £43.10 adult one-way Super Off-Peak in standard class or £86.80 one-way Off-Peak in 1st class.

These tickets have unlimited availability, you can buy them on the day, the price doesn't change.  Children under 16 half price, children under 5 free.

If you book in advance and commit to a specific train, cheaper Advance fares are available from around £10 in standard class or £16 in 1st class.  These tickets have limited availability at each price level.

Check train times & fares from London Waterloo or anywhere in Britain to Southampton at www.thetrainline.com .  Direct trains run from Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford, Reading, Bristol & Cardiff to Southampton, so you won't have to cross London.  See a beginner's guide to UK train travel .

For train connections from Paris or any other European city to London, see here .  I'd recommend a night in London before taking the train to Southampton on sailing day.

Transfer by taxi in Southampton

Make sure you know which of the four possible terminals the QM2 is sailing from, the QEII terminal (dock gate 4), City Cruise Terminal (dock gate 10), Mayflower Cruise Terminal (dock gate 10), or the new Ocean Terminal (dock gate 4).  Map of Southampton, showing all cruise terminals, Southampton Central Station & the historic Ocean Terminal .

A taxi from Southampton Central station takes 10 minutes and costs around £10 to the Mayflower or City cruise terminals, around £13 to the QEII terminal or Ocean Terminal.  You'll find plenty of taxis waiting at the station, the taxi rank is on the same side of the station where most trains from London arrive, so no bridges or subways to negotiate., level access from platform to booking hall to forecourt.

QM2 check-in procedures

Check-in typically opens at 13:00 and closes around 15:45.  Cunard will give you a specific check-in time on your e-ticket to stagger people arriving, but you can arrive earlier if you like, it's not a problem.

Visitors are not allowed on board, so anyone seeing you off will have to leave you at the terminal.   Cunard either send you or allow you to download labels showing your departure date & cabin number, remember to put one on each bag before arriving at the terminal.

When you get out of the taxi at the terminal drop-off point your large bags are immediately taken from you and whisked away, they will magically reappear later in your stateroom.  No bag should exceed 23Kg (50lb) but you can take as many bags as you like as long as they will all fit into your stateroom.

You then walk into the check-in hall and go to the first available check-in desk, this usually doesn't take long.  At the check-in desk, you show your e-ticket, your passport & your credit card for on-board purchases, and a webcam photo is taken of each passenger for security purposes.  You may be asked to fill out a brief health form to notify the ship of any fever you have or any diarrhoea you've had in the last 48 hours.  Each passenger is given a credit-card sized plastic card which is your embarkation card, your cabin key and your charge card for buying drinks & souvenirs on board. 

After check-in there's an airline-style X-ray & metal detector security check, then straight onto the gangway onto the QM2, entering the Grand Lobby on deck 3.  It's a painless process compared to airports.  If you feel like a late lunch, or just a tea, coffee or juice when you board, you'll find the King's Court self-service restaurant on deck 7 open for business and offering all of these.

What's an Atlantic crossing like?

The Queen Mary 2 is usually due to sail from Southampton at 17:00.  This is the most usual time, but please check for your sailing date.  Once on board and settled into your stateroom, listen for announcements about emergency drill.  This is held at 16:00 and takes about 20 minutes.  You listen for the alarm bells, fetch your lifejackets from your stateroom and go to your allocated muster station where staff will brief you on emergency procedures and you'll listen to an announcement by the captain.  When it's over, return your lifejackets to your stateroom and head up on deck for departure...

Soon after 17:00 the QM2 sails, with a band playing on her aft decks and glasses of champagne available (around $17).  She is sometimes moored facing upstream, sometimes downstream, and if she's moored facing upstream at the City or Mayflower terminals, she'll first head further upstream before turning around, somehow managing to turn her 1,130 foot length without hitting the far bank of the river or the small boats moored there.

Southampton's historic Ocean Terminal:  Cunard no longer use the traditional and historic Ocean Terminal dock, from which the original Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and even Titanic would have sailed.  Indeed, the old 1950 terminal building was demolished in 1983 and this hugely historic location now looks totally unremarkable, a freight dock with a couple of multi-storey car parks next to it for vehicle exports.  You won't know that you're looking at it unless you know where it is, so see this map .  It's just north of the QEII terminal, just south of the City & Mayflower terminals.  About the old Ocean Terminal .

The Queen Mary 2 heads downstream into the Solent, heading directly towards Cowes on the Isle of Wight before making a tight turn to port (left) in the deep water channel, passing Ryde to starboard (right) and Portsmouth to port.  The QM2 rounds the Isle of Wight using the deep water route to the east (although this looks like the long way round on a map) and heads out into the English Channel.  By breakfast next morning, you're well past Bishop Rock lighthouse and out in the Atlantic...

Seven nights at sea on the Atlantic.  Cunard slowed down their crossings from 6 nights to 7 nights from 2011 onwards, although an occasional crossing may take 6 or 8 nights.  This is two days slower than it used to be, as the weekly service operated from 1946 to 1967 by the original Queen Mary and her consort Queen Elizabeth took just 5 nights for the 3,150 nautical miles (3,625 miles). 

There may be no coastline or islands to see in mid-Atlantic (or even other ships, usually), but I never tire of gazing at the brooding waters of the North Atlantic.  It changes from day to day, sometimes smooth and glassy, sometimes choppy and sombre, sometimes sunny, sometimes foggy with the Queen Mary 2's fog horn blaring at regular intervals.

You may get rough crossings especially in October, November or December, but my summer crossings on the 150,000 ton Queen Mary 2 or 70,000 ton QE2 have been rock steady all the way.  You could be in a 5 star hotel rather than on board a ship!

The QM2's clocks are put back an hour at 2am on 5 of the 7 nights because of the time difference, giving you a welcome extra hour's sleep in this direction.  You will pass within a few miles of the resting place of the Titanic (within 38 nautical miles on one of my westbound crossings) and an announcement may well be made on board.  Naturally, you'll find a whole programme of entertainment & activities on board every day, and if you really want to be bored you'll have to work hard at it.

The QM2 arrives in New York at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal at 06:30.  This is the highlight!  Whether you're a natural early riser or not, make sure you're up and on deck by 04:45 on the morning of arrival in New York, as the arrival into New York by ocean liner is something you will remember all you life.  There's a forward-facing observation deck on deck 11,  immediately below the bridge, accessed from 'A' stairway.  You'll see the lights of Long Island to starboard (the right-hand side), Staten Island to port, and the Verrazano suspension bridge dead ahead at the entrance to New York harbour.  The Queen Mary 2 passes under the bridge with just a few precious feet of clearance above her funnel, and as she does so the fabulous Manhattan skyline comes into view.  The QM2 no longer uses Cunard's traditional terminal at Pier 90 on Manhattan itself, so she no longer steams right past the Statue of Liberty, but instead she turns to starboard (to the right) opposite the statue and heads into the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, berthing within sight of the famous Statue and Manhattan skyline.

QM2 disembarkation in New York

A note explaining QM2 disembarkation procedures appears outside your stateroom a day or two before arrival, and each deck is allocated a disembarkation time.  Disembarkation takes place between 08:00 & 11:00.  The upper decks with the more expensive cabins disembark first (e.g. decks 9, 10, 11, 12), other decks such as 4, 5 or 6 later.

Labels for your bags appear outside your stateroom the day before arrival.  You put a label on each of your bags and place them in the corridor outside your stateroom between 20:00 & midnight before arrival.  Your bags will disappear and will be waiting for you in the terminal hall next morning, in an area marked with the same colour as your labels.

It's then just a matter of going through the U.S. immigration check, a slowish process but no worse than any airport.  They you walk out of the terminal.

Express disembarkation:   If you want to get off sooner and are happy managing all your own bags, you can register for Express disembarkation at the purser's desk on deck 2 the day before arrival.  You are given an express disembarkation card.  Express disembarkation passengers gather in the Queens Room from 06:45 onwards with all their luggage, and at around 07:00 when the gangway opens you simply walk off the ship with your bags, straight into the terminal.  With a Deck 4 cabin we were allocated an 11:00 disembarkation time, which would have meant half a day in New York wasted, so I'd go for express disembarkation every time!

Transfer by taxi to Manhattan

The Tour Office on deck 2 offers private transfers by minivan from Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to any Manhattan hotel for a ridiculous $429, or they can sell you tickets for a transfer bus for $59 per person. 

However, both options are crazy, because a normal yellow cab from the terminal taxi rank to anywhere in Manhattan costs only $40 for up to 4 people and all your bags, and you'll find plenty of taxis waiting right outside the terminal building.  Enjoy the drive across the famous Brooklyn Bridge in a New York Yellow Cab!

You'll also find plenty of black private hire vehicles outside the terminal with a fixed price of around $55 to a Manhattan hotel, also a good relaxed option.  The ride takes 20 minutes.

Alternatively, the cheapest option (just $4) is to take the frequent ferry from Brooklyn's Red Hook ferry terminal to Pier 11 on Wall Street at the southern end of Manhattan.  Red Hook ferry quay is only 100m from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and it'll take you to Manhattan in a matter of minutes, see www.ferry.nyc .  It's aimed at locals, but taking a suitcase isn't usually a problem.  See walking map cruise terminal to Red Hook ferry .

By train from New York to other U.S. cities

You can be at Penn Station by 11:30 or earlier, for onward train connections.  Washington DC is only 3 hours away by train, Boston 4 hours or less.  The Lake Shore Limited train to Chicago leaves Penn Station around 15:45 arriving in Chicago next morning, with connections for all points west including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Seattle.  You'll also make the afternoon Crescent overnight train to Atlanta & New Orleans, or the afternoon Silver Meteor overnight to Florida.

You can book any of these trains online in advance at www.amtrak.com , collecting your ticket from the self-service machines at Penn Station.  Note that between New York & Washington or New York & Boston you'll be offered two different types of train:  The premium-fare Acela Express 150mph high-speed train with business class and first class, but no coach class, and the slower but cheaper Northeast Regional trains with coach class and business class. 

You can book Amtrak trains yourself, but if you want an agency to sort a package of train connections and hotels from New York to other US cities, call Railbookers on 0207 864 4600 (UK office) or 1-888-829-4775 (US office).  Beginner's guide to train travel in the USA .

By train from New York to Toronto, Montreal & Canada

Two daily trains link New York with Canada, the Maple Leaf to Toronto and the Adirondack to Montreal.  Both trains leave New York in the morning, so you'll need to spend the night in New York.  It's a very scenic run along the Hudson River valley, past West Point Military Academy, Storm King Mountain and Bannerman's Island.  As it's name suggests, the train to Montreal also passes through the scenic Adirondack Mountains and past Lake Champlain.  Information on trains from New York to Canada .  Change in Toronto for the famous Canadian trans-continental train 2-3 times a week to Winnipeg, Edmonton, Jasper & Vancouver. 

You can book Amtrak & VIA Rail trains yourself, but if you want an agency to sort a package of train connections and hotels from New York to major Canadian cities, call Railbookers on 0207 864 4600 (UK office), 1-888-829-4775 (US office, toll-free) or 1-855-882-2910 (Canada, toll-free).  Beginner's guide to train travel in Canada .

Eastbound transatlantic guide

Here is a typical timetable, transfer & journey information for most eastbound trans-Atlantic crossings.  Although they usually follow this pattern, please check sailing & check-in times for your specific date when you book in case they are different.  If you find that anything has changed, do let me know .  If you plan to travel westbound, click here .  Are  westbound or eastbound crossings better?

By train from Washington DC & other US cities to New York

Amtrak trains link Washington DC & New York in less than 3 hours, Boston to New York in under 4 hours.  The daily Lake Shore Limited links Chicago & New York overnight, with connections in Chicago from LA, San Francisco, Seattle, etc.  However, the Lake Shore arrives at New York's Penn station in the early evening, too late for same-day connections with the 'Mary, so you'll need to leave Chicago two nights before the 'Mary sails and spend a night in New York before sailing day.  You can check schedules and fares and buy tickets for any of these trains online at www.amtrak.com .  Note that between New York & Washington or New York & Boston you'll be offered two different types of train:  The premium-fare Acela Express 150mph high-speed train with business class and first class, but no coach class, and the slower but cheaper Northeast Regional trains with coach class and business class.  You can book Amtrak trains yourself, but if you want an agency to sort a package of train connections and hotels from other US cities to New York for you, call Railbookers on 0207 864 4600 (UK office) or 1-888-829-4775 (US office.  Beginner's guide to train travel in the USA .

By train from Toronto, Montreal & Canada to New York

Two daily trains link Canada with New York, the Maple Leaf from Toronto and Adirondack from Montreal.  Both trains arrive in New York in the evening, so you'll need to spend a night in New York before sailing day - Check hotels in New York .  It's a very scenic run down the Hudson River valley, past West Point Military Academy, Storm King Mountain and Bannerman's Island.  As it's name suggests, the train from Montreal also passes through the scenic Adirondack Mountains and past Lake Champlain.  Information on trains between Canada & New York .  The famous Canadian trans-continental train links Vancouver & Toronto three times a week, via Jasper, Edmonton & Winnipeg.  You can book Amtrak & VIA Rail trains yourself, but if you want an agency to sort a package of train connections and hotels from a Canadian city to New York for you, call Railbookers on 0207 864 4600 (UK office) or 1-888-829-4775 (US office, toll-free) or 1-855-882-2910 (Canada, toll-free). Beginner's guide to train travel in Canada .

By taxi from Manhattan to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

A normal yellow cab from New York Penn Station or any hotel in Manhattan to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal costs around $40 for up to 4 people and all your bags.  Enjoy the drive across the famous Brooklyn Bridge in a traditional New York Yellow Cab!  The taxi ride takes 20 minutes.

Alternatively, a frequent ferry operates from Pier 11 at the end of Wall Street in Manhattan to Red Hook ferry terminal in Brooklyn, this is just 100m from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, fare $4, see www.ferry.nyc .  See walking map from Red Hook ferry terminal to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal .

QM2 check-in procedures in New York

Check-in usually opens around 13:00 and closes around 15:45.  Cunard will give you a specific check-in time on your e-ticket to try and stagger people arriving, but you can arrive earlier if you like.  Visitors are not allowed on board, so anyone seeing you off will have to leave you at the terminal then wave from the shore.

Cunard will have sent you adhesive labels showing your departure date & cabin number, remember to put one on each bag before arriving at the terminal, as when you get there your larger bags are immediately taken from you.  They will magically reappear later in your stateroom.  No one bag should exceed 23Kg (50lb) but you can take as many bags as you like as long as they will all fit into your stateroom.

You then walk into the terminal and join the short queue for a ticket check, then another short queue for the X-ray and metal detector security check, then you join a long zig-zag queue for check-in proper.

At the check-in desk, you show your e-ticket, your passport & your credit card for on-board purchases, and a webcam photo is taken of each passenger for security purposes.  You also hand in a brief health form notifying the ship of any fever you have or any diarrhoea you've had in the last 48 hours. Each passenger is given a credit-card sized plastic card which acts as your embarkation card, cabin key and charge card for buying drinks & souvenirs on board.  You then go up the gangway onto the QM2, entering the Grand Lobby on deck 3.

Apart from the time spent in the main queue (have a reading book and some refreshments to hand), it's a painless process compared to airports.  If you feel like a late lunch, or just a tea, coffee or juice when you board, you'll find the King's Court self-service restaurant on deck 7 open for business and offering all of these.

What's an eastbound Atlantic crossing like?

The ship normally sails from New York at 17:00.  This is the usual time, but please check for your specific departure date.  Once on board and settled into your stateroom, listen for announcements about emergency drill.  This is held at 16:00 and takes about 20 minutes.  You listen for the alarm bells, fetch your lifejackets from your stateroom and go to your allocated muster station where staff will brief you on emergency procedures and you'll listen to an announcement by the captain.  After this you're free to go up on deck and admire the Manhattan skyline astern and the Statue of Liberty to starboard (right-hand side).  At 17:00 she casts off, and with a band playing on her aft decks and glasses of champagne available (around $17) she heads out to sea.  Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty slowly disappear astern, and the QM2 heads toward and then underneath the huge Verrazano suspension bridge out into the Atlantic.  There is just a few precious feet of clearance above her red funnel!  An NYPD police boat follows behind (seeing you off the premises?), and a police helicopter buzzes overhead.

Seven nights at sea on the Atlantic.  Cunard slowed down their crossings to from 6 to 7 nights from 2011 onwards, although an occasional crossing still takes 6 nights.  Naturally, you'll find a whole programme of entertainment & activities on board every day, and if you really want to be bored you'll have to work hard at it!  There are no islands or coastline to see in mid-Atlantic (or even other ships, usually), but personally I never tire of gazing at the brooding waters of the North Atlantic.  It changes from day to day, sometimes smooth and glassy, sometimes choppy and sombre, sometimes foggy, sometimes sunny.  You may get rough crossings especially in October, November or December, but my own transatlantic crossings on the 150,000 ton Queen Mary 2 or 70,000 ton QE2 have been rock steady all the way.  You could be in a 5 star hotel rather than on board a ship!  The QM2's clocks are put forward an hour at 2am on five of the seven eastbound nights because of the time difference, giving you an hour's less sleep in this direction - if there's one reason why a westbound crossing can be nicer than an eastbound one, this is it!  (update 2013:  Cunard has tried the crazy idea of putting the clocks forward at midday on recent crossings, much to passengers dismay, as it can be confusing and means dinner is too soon after lunch!)  You will pass within a few miles of the resting place of the Titanic and an announcement may well be made on board.  On the last evening at dinner you may catch site of the Isles of Scilly in the distance (about 35 miles west of Land's End), and later the lights of Cornwall twinkling to port.  A first view of Great Britain!  You're now past the Bishop Rock lighthouse an in the English Channel.  Incidentally, a modern transatlantic crossing is now two days slower than it used to be, as the weekly service operated by the first Queen Mary and her consort Queen Elizabeth from 1946 to 1967 took just 5 nights.

The ship arrives in Southampton at 06:30.  You'll need to be up early, at around 04:30, if you want to see the ship round the Isle of Wight and head past Portsmouth & Ryde and into Southampton Water, although this hardly lives up to the spectacular arrival in New York on a westbound transatlantic.  There's a forward-facing observation deck on deck 10, immediately below the bridge, accessed from 'A' stairway.  Otherwise, you'll find the ship docked at the Southampton Terminal when you awake, and the Kings Court & Britannia restaurants serving a welcome cooked breakfast to send you on your way.

QM2 disembarkation in Southampton

It's then just a matter of going through the UK immigration check.  They you walk out of the terminal.

Express disembarkation:   If you want to get off sooner and are happy managing all your own bags, you can register for Express disembarkation at the purser's desk on deck 2 the day before arrival.  You are given an express disembarkation card.  Express disembarkation passengers gather in the Queens Room from 06:45 onwards with all their luggage, and at around 07:00 when the gangway opens you simply walk off the ship with your bags, straight into the terminal.

Transfer by taxi to Southampton Central station

The Queen Mary 2 can use any one of four different terminals in Southampton, either the QEII terminal (dock gate 4), City Cruise Terminal (dock gate 10), Mayflower Cruise Terminal (dock gate 10), or the new Ocean Terminal (dock gate 4).  Map of Southampton, showing all cruise terminals, Southampton Central Station & the original historic Ocean Terminal .  A taxi to Southampton Central station costs around £10 from the Mayflower or City cruise terminals, or around £13 from the QEII terminal or Ocean Terminal.  You'll find plenty of taxis waiting at the terminal, although there can be a long wait as there are so many other passengers.  The taxi ride takes just 10 minutes.

Take the train to London Waterloo

Cunard no longer organise a special 'boat train' in connection with QM2 sailings.  However, fast air-conditioned trains link Southampton Central with London Waterloo every 30 minutes taking around 1h17.  No reservation is necessary or even possible for Southampton-London trains, you just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on the next train.

Southampton to London costs £43.10 adult one-way Super Off-Peak in standard class or £86.80 one-way Off-Peak in 1st class.

I would not buy a cheaper advance-purchase Advance fare because this commits you to a specific train and you are not in control of exactly when you arrive and disembark.  Super Off-Peak, Off-Peak and Anytime fares can be bought on the day and used flexibly, so you can catch the next train.

You can check train times & fares from Southampton to London Waterloo or anywhere in Britain using www.thetrainline.com .  Direct trains run from Southampton to Reading, Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol & Cardiff, so you won't have to cross London.  Beginner's guide to UK train travel .  Find a hotel in London .

Onward trains from London to Paris & beyond

Onwards to Paris:   Allow plenty of time for onward connections, certainly several hours, and maybe stay in London overnight.  For Paris, take a UK domestic train from Southampton central to London Waterloo (no reservation necessary, see the section above), then take a taxi or Underground across London to St Pancras Station.  Eurostar runs every hour or so from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in central Paris, journey time 2 hours 20 minutes.   For a beginner's guide to Eurostar travel, see the London to Paris by Eurostar page .  You can book tickets online in advance at www.eurostar.com , and you should indeed pre-book, as London-Paris prices start from £52 in advance but up to £200+ if you wait and buy on the day of travel.

Onwards to other countries:   See this page for information on getting from London to any country in Europe .  Having crossed the Atlantic on the luxurious Queen Mary 2, how about taking the Venice Simplon Orient Express vintage luxury train to Italy ?  This runs on most Thursdays from April to October, and takes 24 hours from London to Venice, a real treat.  You can book European trains yourself, but if you want an agency to put together a package of train connections and hotels from anywhere in Europe to Southampton for you, call Railbookers on 0207 864 4600 (UK) or 1-888-829-4775 (US office).

Which cabin to choose?

There are a bewildering range of staterooms on the Queen Mary 2 at varying prices, but they basically fall into these categories, in ascending order of cost:

Britannia Inside:   An Inside cabin means it has no window, but even though this is the cheapest option, these staterooms are spacious, beautifully designed and have all the facilities mentioned above.  They have double or twin beds for 2 people, although some rooms are fitted with an additional two drop-down upper berths making a 3 or 4-berth room.  Some cabins are wheelchair-accessible.  Allocated to the Britannia restaurant.  Typically 155 sq ft.

Britannia Atrium View:   There are a handful of standard inside cabins on decks 4, 5 & 6 which have a small window opening onto the atrium above the Grand Lobby.  They have double or twin beds for 2 people, but none of these rooms are fitted with additional berths.  Also allocated to the Britannia restaurant.  Typically 161 sq ft.

Britannia Oceanview:   These are outside cabins meaning they have a small non-opening porthole for sea views.  Some seasoned travellers will tell you that with no coastline or islands to see on a 6 day transatlantic crossing, a window is unnecessary.  However, I enjoy seeing where I am and love gazing at the vast and always-changing waters of the North Atlantic.  Paying the extra for a Standard Oceanview is well worth it, both for the views and the natural light.  These staterooms have double or twin beds for two people, but some rooms are fitted with an additional two drop-down upper berths making a 3- or 4-berth room.  Some are wheelchair-accessible.  Also allocated to the Britannia restaurant.  Typically 194 sq ft.

I've crossed with an inside cabin and with an outside cabin, and I think it's well worth the extra for a porthole.  It lets natural light into the cabin and it gives you a much greater sense of place - not to mention sunsets over the Isle of Wight and views of the Statue of Liberty as you pack up on arrival!

Britannia Balcony (Obstructed View) :  The cheapest cabin type to have its own balcony, allocated to the Britannia restaurant.  These are all on Deck 8 above the promenade deck, but with their view heavily obstructed by the ship's lifeboats.  They have a double or twin beds for 2 people, and a few cabins have a 3rd berth in the form of a pull-out sofa bed.

I'd definitely pay a little more for an sheltered balcony, without any obstruction.

Britannia Sheltered Balcony:   The next cheapest cabin type to have its own balcony, allocated to the Britannia restaurant, also with a double or twin beds for 2 people, a few cabins have a pull-out sofa bed as well.  Sheltered balcony cabins are on decks 4, 5 & 6 below the promenade deck with a small balcony cut into the hull.  Typically 269 sq ft, including balcony.

This is my own first choice (unless you can afford a megabucks suite, of course), arguably a better choice for a transatlantic crossing than a more expensive cabin with a more windswept balcony in the ship's superstructure.  See the photos below.

Britannia Balcony:   Also allocated to the Britannia restaurant, these are slightly smaller than the Sheltered Balcony rooms, but have a glass-fronted balcony higher up in the ship's superstructure, on deck 8 and above.

The open glass-fronted balcony lets even more natural light into the cabin than a sheltered balcony, but it'll be more windswept than a sheltered balcony on a transatlantic crossing!   Typically 248 sq ft, including balcony.

Britannia Club Balcony:   Similar to a Britannia Balcony, but allocated to the single-sitting 'Britannia Club' restaurant, a separate off-shoot of the main Britannia restaurant.  Typically 248 sq ft, including balcony.

Princess Balcony Suites:   Suites with balcony, all allocated to the Princess Grill restaurant.  Typically 381 sq ft, including balcony.

Queens Balcony Suites:   Various types of suite, up to and including the extravagant Grand Duplex suites, all allocated to the Queen's Grill restaurant.  All have balconies, except the two Q3 grade Royal Suites.  Size varies from 506 sq ft to 2,249 sq ft.

QM2 deck plans in PDF format

If you pay the more expensive Cunard fare so you can choose a specific cabin, here are some things to consider.

You can feel a slight up & down movement of the ship towards at the bows, but will feel hardly any movement at all amidships.  For this reason mid-ships cabins are higher-graded and cost more (Even if you pay the cheaper Saver fare, you can select a higher grade to ensure a mid-ships cabin).

Some people have reported noise from below when occupying sheltered balcony cabins on 4 deck directly above the Illuminations or Royal Court Theatre, so 5 or 6 Deck may be preferable.  However, we had 4101 & 4105 over the Chart Room bar and these were perfect.

Adjacent cabins with connecting doors are marked on the QM2 deck plan .  Choose these if four of you are going to book two cabins.  But don't choose these if you're only booking one cabin, as a wall with connecting door is never as totally soundproofed as a wall without.

Facilities in all cabins

Even the cheapest QM2 cabin (or stateroom as Cunard calls them) features comfortable beds, a private bathroom with shower, sink & toilet, a dressing table, flatscreen TV, a small coffee table & chair, 240v UK & 110v US style power sockets, pay-per-minute internet access , soap, shower gel, shampoo & conditioner, bathrobes, hairdryer, plenty of wardrobe space, room service menu and a solid electronic safe for your valuables that's large enough for a 14" laptop.  A bedtime chocolate is delivered to your stateroom when the steward turns down your bed.

Where cabins can be configured with either twin beds or a double, you can select your preference in advance using the online voyage personaliser at my.cunard.com/en-gb/mycruise/login the same online system where you download and print your luggage labels and e-ticket.  You log on with your Cunard booking reference and personal details.

Britannia sheltered balcony  See 360º image

This is cabin 4101 on 4 Deck.   The Man in Seat 61 says , "This is my own preferred cabin for a transatlantic crossing.  Even at 20 knots in mid-Atlantic the balcony remains wind-free just as the word sheltered suggests.  Some people say you won't get much use out of a balcony on the Atlantic, but I loved being able to stroll outside at any time and stand at the rail watching the Atlantic drift past.  On a sunny summer crossing off Newfoundland we did indeed sit outside, and even when inside, the French windows let in lots of natural light, making it a far nicer room than an inside or outside cabin, so upgrade if you can.  I have yet to travel with a more expensive full-balcony cabin, but I expect those are a lot more windswept!".  Click the photos for larger images.

Britannia inside & oceanview

Qm2 restaurants, which restaurant.

The fare includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea in the Queen's Room or King's Court.  It does not include drinks, other than the basic water, tea, coffee & juice available at the drink stations in the Kings Court buffet restaurant.  Bottles of wine start at around $30 and real ale lovers can choose Old Speckled Hen or Spitfire for around $6 a bottle.

Your allocated restaurant:   Each stateroom is allocated a restaurant.  Most cabins, including the Inside, Oceanview & Sheltered Balcony, are allocated to the Britannia restaurant on decks 2 & 3. The more expensive staterooms are allocated to the more intimate Princess Grill on deck 7, and the very best staterooms to the Queen's Grill , also on deck 7.  The food is excellent, and you choose from a menu of half a dozen different starters, main courses and desserts, which changes every day.

Optional dining venues:   You can also choose to eat any given meal in the informal King's Court buffet on deck 7, or pub grub in the Golden Lion pub on deck 2, instead of your allocated restaurant.  It's entirely up to you, you can decide on a day by day basis.

There is also the Veranda Restaurant aft on deck 8.  This does seafood and steaks, and is an extra-cost option - you reserve a table and pay extra to dine there instead of your allocated restaurant.

Room service:   If you'd rather eat in your cabin, every cabin has free room service from a simple menu including burgers, pasta, cheese & crackers.  You can order by phone at any time, it's all included in your fare.  However, if you order any drinks from room service, including soft drinks, these are charged at bar prices.  You can also choose to have breakfast delivered to your stateroom, except on the morning of arrival.  Just hang the breakfast order form on your cabin door before retiring.

Britannia restaurant

Most staterooms are allocated to the Britannia restaurant , a magnificent two-storey 1,300 seat restaurant spanning decks 2 & 3 and reminiscent of the grand dining saloons of the great ocean liners of the past.  There are two sittings for dinner, 6pm & 8.30pm.  If you pay the Cunard fare you can choose a sitting when you book, if you pay the cheaper Saver fare you will be allocated a sitting, perhaps the less popular 8.30pm one.  If you log onto your online voyage personaliser at my.cunard.com/en-gb/mycruise/login with your booking reference and personal details it will confirm your sitting before you travel.  Evening entertainment is arranged so that both sittings can enjoy it, although the 6pm sitting gives you the rest of the evening free, and is arguably more relaxed than the later one.  If you've young children, see the section below .  There are no specific sittings or allocated tables for lunch or breakfast, you are allocated a table when you walk in, choosing your own table for 2, table for 4 or if you prefer, seats at a shared table so you get to meet other passengers.

Princess Grill & Queen's Grill

More expensive staterooms are allocated to the Princess Grill , the most expensive suites to the Queens Grill .  Both are aft on deck 7, served by the same galley.  There are no sittings, you can dine any time you choose when the restaurant is open.  If you want a drink before dinner, the Grill Lounge is a lounge and bar exclusively for Princess & Queens Grill passengers, on 7 deck aft, directly opposite the entrance to the Queens Grill.

Kings Court

The Kings Court buffet restaurant takes up most of the centre section of deck 7, and it's open almost continuously from early until late, with only half an hour here and there were breakfast dishes are swapped for lunch or lunch for dinner.  There's a wide variety of food, all good quality, including a carvery.  The window tables with sea views cross the promenade deck are the nicest.  Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, water & juices can be had for free from the drinks stations in several locations around the Kings Court area.  Stewards will take your order for wine, beer, cocktails, mocktails or fizzy soft drinks and deliver them to your table, these drinks must be paid for, added to your on board account.

The Man in Seat 61 says , "If you fancy a first breakfast in the Britannia restaurant then a second breakfast in the Kings Court, why not?  After all, Second Breakfast is the most important meal of the day..."

The Verandah restaurant

The Verandah restaurant aft on deck 8 is an extra-cost option, specialising in steaks and seafood.  You can make a reservation at the Verandah restaurant whilst you are on board, or you can book a table for one or more nights at your desired time before you travel, by logging into your voyage personaliser at my.cunard.com/en-gb/mycruise/login booking the table and paying the extra.

The Man in Seat 61 says , "With our normal Britannia sitting not until 8.30pm, we booked a table at the Verandah for 6pm on our last evening before getting up early to see the arrival into New York.  I wished we'd dined there on more than just one occasion, the steaks were top class."

QM2 bars & lounges

There is no shortage of watering holes on the Queen Mary 2.  Personally, the Chart Room works for cocktails before or after dinner as it's near the social centre of the ship on deck 3, but for quiet reading, working on a laptop and generally getting away from it all, the Commodore Club with its forward view over the bows is my top choice.  Drinks are not too expensive:  A tea is $2, a glass of wine perhaps $6, a cocktail $10.  Although I'm a non-smoker 99.9% of the time, one of Havana's Montecristo number 2 cigars and a 1979 Armagnac were sound recommendations from the barman on the last night of a return crossing from New York.

Champagne bar

Sponsored by Veuve Cliquot, the Champagne Bar is on 3 Deck, on the upper level of the Grand Lobby in the centre of the ship.

Commodore Club

Located on deck 9 on 'A' stairway at the forward end of the superstructure.  It's away from the hustle and bustle, a quiet and relaxing place for a cocktail and a read or chat.  You get a great forward view over the bows, although blinds are drawn at dusk so the light does not interfere with the view from the bridge above.  This is my favourite place on QM2 - it does a great range of cocktails and other drinks, the Churchill Cigar Lounge opens off the Commodore Club, the library is one deck down also on 'A' stairway, and the open-air observation deck below the bridge is two decks up on 'A' stairway.  There's a huge illuminated model of the QM2 behind the bar.

Chart room bar

Located on deck 3 near the Britannia restaurant, this is the largest and busiest of the QM2's bars.  Click the photo for larger image.

Golden Lion Pub

Located on deck 2 near the Britannia restaurant, this is not only a good place for a pint of London Pride, you can take meals here too, with pub-style food such as fish and chips or sausages and mash.  Click the photo for larger image.

Carinthia Lounge

Located on deck 7 next to the Kings Court buffet with doors opening onto the promenade deck.  This is a good place to sit, read, and have a tea or coffee.  You may also find some complimentary snacks or soup here too, at the kitchen counter.  Click the photo for larger image.

Afternoon tea in the Queen's Room

Every day at around 3.30pm, afternoon tea is served in the Queen's Room, on 2 Deck aft.  A choice of teas comes with daintily-cut sandwiches, scones and cakes, served by stewards in white gloves.  Afternoon tea is included in the fare, but a glass of champagne is extra.

Grill Lounge

The Grill Lounge is a lounge and bar exclusively for passengers travelling in the upmarket staterooms and suites allocated to the Princess and Queen's Grill restaurants.  It's located on 7 Deck aft, directly opposite the entrance to the Queen's Grill and the ship's width away from the entrance to the Princess Grill.  It seemed to be empty most of the time even with the ship sailing full, it's main purpose seems to be drinks before dinner.

Churchill's Cigar Lounge

This is a sealed and specially-ventilated room opening off the starboard side of the Commodore Club.  Here you can order a whisky or cognac and choose from a cigar menu.  The rest of the ship's accommodation is of course non-smoking!

QM2 activities & entertainment

A daily programme for the following day is delivered to your stateroom each evening.  It shows details of the entertainment and activities on board, along with navigational & itinerary information and the opening and closing times of all restaurants, bars and other facilities.  There's an ongoing programme of shows, plays & lectures.  For example, recent crossings featured talks by John Cleese about his work on Monty Python & Fawlty Towers, excellent lectures by an expert on New York skyscrapers, an edited version of Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew' and Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of being Earnest'.  The QM2 also features the world's only sea-going planetarium, called the 'Illuminations'.  And of course there are several live bands on board, with dancing every evening, sometimes themed such as the 'Black & White Ball' and 'Ascot Ball'.  If it's disco you prefer, you'll find that in the G32 nightclub.  You'll also find the Canyon Ranch spa on deck 7, offering a wide range of treatments from manicures to massages, Jacuzzis to saunas.  If you want to be bored, you'll have to really work at it.

Library & bookshop

The QM2 has an excellent library - for me, one of its best features - located on 8 deck forward on 'A' stairway directly below the Commodore Club.  You can take out books using your cabin key, or read them in the library, with comfy seats, some with a forward-facing view over the QM2's bows.  The library is open during office hours every day, outside these times the bookshelves are locked but the library itself remains accessible.  As you'd expect, the QM2's library has a particularly good section of books about ocean liners.  Next to the library is a bookshop selling travel guides, QM2 souvenirs & ocean liner/QM2 books.  Click the left-hand photo for larger image .

Swimming pools

The QM2 has several swimming pools.  The most popular (certainly on a transatlantic crossing) is the Pavilion Pool on 12 deck, with sun loungers, two hot tubs, see the photo below.  The roof can slide away when the QM2 visits warmer climates, but it remains closed on the Atlantic.  Towels are provided, there are toilets (visible below behind the two hot tubs) which you can use as changing rooms, or you can change in your cabin and use your bathrobe.  You can see the funnel from the pool through the glass roof, towering above you.  Don't jump when the ship's horns are tested at midday!  There's also a bar here, open at certain times of day.  In addition to this indoor pool there are two outdoor pools on the open decks aft (7 & 8 Deck), one of which is only shallow for kids, the other designated as adults-only.  Click the photo for larger image .

Illuminations

The QM2's Illuminations towards the forward end of Deck 2 can be used as a lecture theatre, cinema or (with an ingenious dome lowered from the ceiling) the world's only ocean-going planetarium.  You'll usually find varying recently-released films shown most evenings, and planetarium sessions at various times on most days.  There's also usually a lecture series or two during each crossing with subjects varying from New York Skyscrapers to pirates on the high seas to the design and build of the QM2.  Click the photo for larger image .

Royal Court Theatre

The QM2's Royal Court Theatre is used for various shows and performances, for example I have seen an interview with John Cleese here, and some stand-up comedy.  Click the photo for larger image .

Spa & gymnasium

The QM2's Canyon Ranch Spa is at the forward end of Deck 7, with with treatment rooms and pool, plus a small beauty salon above on Deck 8.  You can make appointments at the reception desk, treatments & massages are billed to your on-board account.  There's a free-to-use gymnasium at the forward end of Deck 7, pictured below right.

The Cunard heritage trail

The Queen Mary 2 is filled with paintings, information panels and even interactive screens telling the history of Cunard Line, its ships, and the famous people who crossed the Atlantic aboard them.

Travelling with children

You won't be the only family on the QM2, especially on a transatlantic run!  You'll find plenty of entertainment for children in the Play Zone at the aft end of 6 deck.

Arrangements for children & pregnant women on the Queen Mary 2

The play zone & child care.

The Zone is aft on deck 6, staffed by a team of friendly young British-trained nannies.  It has a toddler zone for ages 1-3, a Play Zone for ages 4-6 and The Zone with various computer games and other activities for older kids up to 17.  There's plenty to do, and activities such as treasure hunts or ship tours are organised by the Play Zone team.

Children from 2 to 7 inclusive can be left free of charge with the nannies in the Play Zone during its opening hours, 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00, 18:00-24:00 (shorter hours apply on the first and last nights).  In other words, you can sign them into the Play Zone at 9am, pick them up at noon and take them to lunch, sign them back in at 2pm and enjoy an afternoon show, pick them up at 5pm and take them to the children's tea provided in the King's Court 'Chef's Galley' area between 16:30 & 17:30.  Then you can check them back into the Zone at 6pm until midnight, leaving you free to enjoy a formal dinner and evening entertainment while the kids play happily in the Zone and later settle down and fall asleep in front of some cartoons.  Outside the Play Zone, children 1 to 7 must always be accompanied by an adult around the ship.

Children 8 and up to 17 can also use the Zone, signing themselves in and out.  They are free to wander the ship solo.

I suggest calling Cunard to check current childcare arrangements as they tweak them from time to time, but they don't properly explain them on their website - indeed, we didn't know how extensive their childcare facilities were until we we actually on board!

Cabins & dinner sittings

If you have young children, it's worth asking for a cabin towards the stern of the ship.  We were given a stateroom at the extreme forward end of deck 6, whereas the Play Zone is at the extreme aft end of deck 6.  That meant we had to walk a sixth of a mile from cabin to Play Zone to sign the kids in, then a sixth of a mile back again to get changed.  It proved impossible sign the kids in at 6pm when the Zone opens, walk all the way back to the cabin, get changed into formal dress, then walk forward again to the Britannia restaurant for a 6pm sitting. 

From this experience on our outward crossing, we changed our sitting for the return crossing to 8.30pm.  The evening then worked better, although some after-dinner films or shows finished after midnight so could not be attended without leaving early to collect the kids.  The dinner tended to take up much of the evening.  A stateroom near the Zone, and dressing for the 6pm dinner sitting before taking the kids to the Zone, might be the ideal solution, but my wife's and my opinion is divided!

If you've small children, remember to take your folding buggy (stroller).  It's a big ship!

Other useful information

There is no baggage limit on the Queen Mary 2, either in terms of total weight or the number of bags.  You can bring what you like, as long as it all fits in your stateroom.  However, for safe lifting by staff, no one item may exceed 23Kg (50lb).  Bags are taken from you on arrival at the terminal and they reappear in your stateroom on board.  At the end of the crossing, they are transported ashore for you.  See the embarkation & disembarkation arrangements above.  If you plan to go one way by ship, the other by air, one advantage of taking the ship on the return leg is that you can take as much shopping as you like!

Cunard sometimes have to fight off a stuffy image, and it didn't help that until 2013 they had a three-tier dress code as complicated as a Virgin Trains Saver Ticket restriction.  However, they now have just two codes, formal and informal.  One of two dress codes will apply each evening after 6pm in all the main restaurants and bars, although not in the Kings Court buffet restaurant.  You'll be told which dress code applies on which night in if you log on to your voyage personaliser and it's also stated in the daily programme delivered to your stateroom.

Payment on board

Everything on board, including drinks in the bar, books from the bookshop, massages in the spa, purchases in the shops or internet access, is billed to your on board account.  You simply show your cabin card and sign for the payment.  At the end of the crossing, the total is automatically deducted from the credit card you gave them at check-in and you'll get a summary of your account delivered to your stateroom half-way across and at the end of the voyage.  Just be aware that Cunard follow the American practice of quoting you one price but charging you a slightly higher price, as all bar prices shown on the drinks menu have 15% service fee added to them automatically.  As service is then included, there is no need to add a gratuity unless the service has been particularly special. 

Internet & mobile phone access

Internet access is available for a fee throughout the QM2, both in your cabin and in all the public areas including bars but excluding the theatres & restaurants.  It generally works well with good download speeds.  You pre-pay for a bundle of minutes and this is added to your normal on-board account.

2019 prices:  $15 for 30 minutes (= $0.50 per minute), $45 for 120 minutes (= $0.38 per minute) or $80 for 240 minutes (= $0.33 per minute).

You can spend these minutes individually, so for example you can buy 120 minutes and spend them over the course of the whole voyage, logging on to download emails, logging off again to compose replies offline, then logging on again to send, and so only using a few minutes at a time.

To use your own laptop, simply click on the 'Qm2_Guest_internet' internet connection and open a web browser to see the log-in screen.  Register with your name & cabin number on this log-in page and the cost will be billed to your QM2 stateroom account.  If you don't have your own laptop, the Cunard Connexions rooms on deck 2 or the library on deck 8 have self-service internet PCs which you can use for the same rates.  You'll find power sockets for laptops (both British 3-pin and US 110v) in your cabin, and (if you hunt for them) British 3-pin sockets in certain areas of most bars including the Commodore Club on deck 9 forward and the Chart Room on deck 3.  Tip:  I found that the Commodore Lounge on 9 deck was the quietest and nicest place to work, there's a 3-pin power socket near the skirting in the 'bridge wing' far side of the lounge.  Mobile phone access is available on board throughout the crossing, although it isn't cheap, you'll need to ask your phone network for their rates.

The QM2 is entirely non-smoking apart from the open decks and the Churchill Cigar Lounge forward on deck 9 next to the Commodore Club.

As well as a hotel-style pay-per-item laundry service for laundry collected from your stateroom, you'll find a small free-of-charge self-service laundrette on cabin decks 4, 5, 6 & 8, see the photo below.  These have washers, driers, free detergent sachets, iron & ironing board.  This came in very handy on both our outward and return crossings on a 7-week trip to the States, as we arrived in the US with bags full of clean clothes and arrived back in Blighty without a huge laundry backlog.  Also useful for ironing dress shirts that have become creased in the baggage.

Taking your dog

Yes, you can take your dog across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2, but they will be kept in the ship's kennels on 12 Deck during the crossing and (except for guide dogs) are not allowed in the public areas.  Contact Cunard for details.  There's an exercise area next to the kennels.

Visiting the QM2's bridge

There are no official bridge visits, but there is a viewing room behind the bridge with two large soundproofed windows so you can see what's going on.  It's normally open 09:00-16:00 on sea days, although it's closed in bad weather.  The entrance is on the port (left-hand) side of the ship on deck 12, accessed via 'A' stairway.  No photography is allowed now - the photos below were taken in 2010 although little has changed here.

Which is better, a westbound or an eastbound transatlantic crossing ?

If you really haven't got the time or money to go both ways by sea, you might want to go one-way by sea and the other by air.  You can often find one-way QM2 fares with a 'free' air fare in the other direction.  If you're British and a shopaholic, the obvious advantage of going out westbound by air and back eastbound by sea is that you can shop in New York and bring back as much as you like, as there are no baggage limits on the Queen Mary 2.  And you'll have the leisurely voyage back home to look forward to at the end of your trip.  However, for my money (not being a great shopper), westbound is much better.  There's the growing anticipation as you near America at the end of an outward westbound crossing, there's the significant advantage of 25-hour days as the clocks are put back on 5 of the 7 nights due to the time difference, and best of all the spectacular arrival into New York harbour in the early morning, with that Manhattan skyline lit by the rising sun.  When you're enjoying your evenings on the town (or rather, the ship) until late at night, the 23-hour days on an eastbound crossing as the clocks are put forward can be a killer!  On the other hand, if I were an American heading for Europe, I might well be tempted to head out by sea eastbound, returning west by air.

Forum for cruise reviews, questions & the latest advice

A good place to find advice & reviews about the Queen Mary 2 and other ships, and to post your own questions and reviews of your trip, is the online cruise forum at www.cruise.co.uk .

About Queen Mary 2

The QM2 was built in 2003 at St Nazaire in France, by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the same shipyard that built the famous French Line ships Ile de France , Normandie and France .  The Queen Mary 2 is no longer the biggest passenger ship in the world in terms of Gross Tonnage, as the Queen Mary 2's 148,528 tons have now been exceeded, first by Royal Caribbean's 154,000-ton Freedom of the Seas in 2006, and then by the 225,000-ton Oasis of the Seas in 2009.  However, the QM2 remains the tallest, longest and widest ship ever built, at 1,132 feet long and 148 feet wide.  For comparison, the original Queen Mary is just 81,237 tons, 1019 feet long, 118 feet wide, and the Titanic was only 46,000 tons, 883 feet long, 93 feet wide.  Queen Mary 2 uses an unconventional propulsion system:  Four large diesel engines and two gas turbines generate electricity, and this powers four electrically-powered propellers each housed in a 'pod' attached under her stern.  The rear two pods swivel to steer the ship, so the QM2 does not have a conventional rudder.  The propellers face forwards rather than backwards, and give her a top speed of around 30 knots (1 knot = 1.1 mph), although she normally crosses the Atlantic at 20 to 25 knots.  See Queen Mary 2 Wikipedia entry .

Souvenirs & books about the QM2

Buy a superb model of the Queen Mary 2:   The souvenir shop on board QM2 on deck 3 has a couple of models of the Queen Mary 2, but neither (in my opinion) are particularly well detailed, and yet they aren't cheap, either.  If you become a QM2 aficionado during your crossing (highly likely!) and want a top-quality model of the QM2 to sit on your shelves or desk, I highly recommend the 1:1250 Queen Mary 2 model at www.galerie-maritim.de .  It is hand painted in die-cast metal.  You can buy either a full hull version in a glass case, or a waterline model without a case.  The models are small enough not to take up too much room, yet are superbly detailed.  They are very expensive, but you won't be disappointed!

Books about the Queen Mary 2:

The book by John Maxtone-Graham is beautifully written and illustrated, a great souvenir, search for it at Amazon.com (USA) or Amazon.co.uk (UK).  It's also available in the bookshop on board the QM2.

But by far the best book about the design, construction and operation of the QM2 is written by its designer, Stephen Payne, "RMS Queen Mary 2 Manual: An Insight into the Design, Construction and Operation of the World's Largest Ocean Liner", buy it at www.amazon.co.uk (UK) or www.amazon.com (USA).  Highly recommended!

QM2 video guide

Alternatives to the queen mary 2, passenger-carrying freighters, hotels & accommodation, hotels in new york.

New York has hundreds of hotels, the two most famous being the New York Plaza Hotel opposite Central Park and the Waldorf-Astoria on 4th Avenue.  I've never stayed at the Plaza, but have to say I was not impressed by the rooms at the Waldorf, on either occasion I stayed there.  Here's my top tip for New York:

The Algonquin Hotel

The Algonquin is New York's oldest operating hotel, opened in 1902, and a designated New York City Historic Landmark.  Perfectly located in mid-town Manhattan, a block or two from Times Square one way and Grand Central the other, with a lovely wood-panelled lobby and even its own hotel cat, which you may find wandering the corridors or sitting on the reception desk.  To check prices & book, click here .  For the Algonquin's history see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Hotel .

In Los Angeles:  Hotel Queen Mary, Long Beach

If you get as far as Los Angeles after your transatlantic crossing, it has to be the Hotel Queen Mary , doesn't it?  She makes a good base to explore the Los Angeles - Hollywood - Disneyland area.  The original Queen Mary of 1936 has been permanently moored at Long Beach in California since the late 1960s, some 25 miles from Los Angeles Union Station (about a $90 taxi ride), and it's undoubtedly the most fascinating place to stay in LA.  The hotel consists of most of the Queen Mary's original first class cabins, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars available on board, too.  Hotel guests can more or less wander the ship at will, and even sign up for ghost hunts at night on board (and yes, from my own experience there is definitely something going on aboard that beautiful but ageing ship!).  Wood panelled art deco interiors have been preserved, although a few modern items have been installed such as televisions, and (as we worked out from a historic deck plan) in some cases two of the Queen Mary's original cabins have been knocked into one hotel suite by turning one of the en suite bathrooms into a connecting corridor.  She is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever stayed.

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Cruises from New York to Europe

Cruises from New York to Europe go to England, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands and Norway. The famous Queen Mary 2 ship makes several trips during the year. See the full schedule of departures below.

A New York to Europe cruise is never boring. Daytime activities include the spa, enrichment lectures, sports, pools, and more. Nightly entertainment includes shows, dancing, live music and the casino.

There are more choices for a Transatlantic cruise available too. Several leave from other ports.

8-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: January 3.

16-night cruise to Italy on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from New York to Rome (Italy). Visit Bermuda, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Lisbon (Portugal), Seville (Spain), Granada (Spain), Ibiza (Spain), Barcelona (Spain) and Cannes (France). • 2024 departure: April 8.

14-night cruise to Spain on Regent Seven Seas . One-way from New York to Barcelona (Spain). Visit Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Horta (Azores), Funchal (Madeira), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and Valencia (Spain). • 2024 departure: April 10.

16-night cruise to Italy on MSC . One-way from Brooklyn (New York) to Rome (Italy). Visit King's Wharf (Bermuda), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Lisbon (Portugal) and Barcelona (Spain). • 2024 departure: April 24.

14-night cruise to England on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Visit Halifax (Canada), Reykjavik (Iceland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Dublin (Ireland) and Le Havre (France). • 2024 departure: April 25.

15-night cruise to England on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Visit Halifax (Canada), Reykjavik (Iceland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Brussels (Belgium) and Le Havre (France). • 2024 departure: April 27.

12-night cruise to England on Royal Caribbean . One-way from Cape Liberty (NJ) to Southampton (England). Visit Funchal (Madeira), La Coruna (Spain) and Le Havre (France). • 2024 departure: April 28.

14-night cruise to England on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Visit Halifax (Canada), Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium) and Le Havre (France). • 2024 departure: April 29.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: May 5.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: May 23.

24-night cruise to Europe on the Queen Mary 2 . Round-trip from New York to Southampton (England), Bruges (Belgium), Le Havre (France), Skagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway) and Kristiansand (Norway). • 2024 departure: May 23.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: June 16.

8-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: July 6.

22-night cruise to Norway on the Queen Mary 2 . Round-trip from New York to Southampton (England), Kristiansand (Norway), Olden (Norway), Innvikfjorden (Norway), Nordfjord (Norway), Alesund (Norway), Stavanger (Norway) and Oslofjord (Norway). • 2024 departure: July 6.

24-night to Denmark on Oceania . One-way from New York to Copenhagen (Denmark). Visit Boston (Massachusetts), Bar Harbor (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Nuuk (Greenland), Paamiut (Greenland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Stavanger (Norway), Krsitiansand (Norway), Oslo (Norway) and Gothenburg (Sweden). • 2024 departure: July 12.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: July 28.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: August 23.

30-night cruise to the UK and Ireland on the Queen Mary 2 . Round-trip from New York to Southampton (England), Edinburgh (Scotland), Bass Rock (Scotland), Isle of May (Scotland), Inverness (Scotland), Isle of Skye (Scotland), Glasgow (Scotland), Liverpool (England), Cork (Ireland) and Bruges (Belgium). • 2024 departure: August 23.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: October 6.

14-night cruise to Spain on Norwegian Cruise Line . One-way from New York to Barcelona (Spain). Visit Halifax (Nova Scotia), St John's (Newfoundland), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Motril (Spain), Ibiza (Spain) and Palma (Spain). • 2024 departure: October 21.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: October 25.

26-night cruise to Norway on the Queen Mary 2 . Round-trip from New York to Southampton (UK), Bergen (Norway), Tromso (Norway), Trondheim (Norway), Alesund (Norway) and Stavanger (Norway). • 2024 departure: October 25.

7-night cruise to England on the Queen Mary 2 . One-way from New York to Southampton (England). Non-stop. • 2024 departure: December 3.

14-night cruise to Italy on Royal Caribbean . One-way from Cape Liberty to Rome (Italy). Visit Ponta Delgada (Azores), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Valencia (Spain) and Florence (Italy). • 2025 departure: April 27.

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European Cruises

The best europe cruises: history, culture, cuisine.

Best Cruise Line in Europe

Women's Choice Awards

On a European cruise with Princess®, unpack once and venture through lands where history and tradition converge. Explore cities and wonders you’ve always dreamed of visiting, like Italy's palaces, Ireland’s castles and Iceland’s lagoons. Revel in world-class experiences both on board and on land.

Find European Cruises

Mediterranean

Where cuisine and culture converge

Once home to ancient civilizations and famous philosophers, the Mediterranean continues to define tradition. Departing from Rome, Athens or Barcelona, sail into Marseille and bask in the beauty of Provence’s lavender fields. Explore Pompeii’s ruins while visiting Naples. Or taste cuisine as rich as the culture with fresh vegetables in Santorini and hand-thrown pizzas in Naples.

British Isles

Legendary tunes and storybook tales

On a European cruise to the British Isles, walk in the footsteps of royalty, like the kings, queens and musical empires before you. Travel along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, where bagpipes greet you. See the world’s oldest book, The Book of Kells, at Trinity College Library. Or walk along Abbey Road and visit the old stomping grounds of one of the world’s most famous boybands. With Princess, fortresses and musical memoirs await.

Scandinavia & Baltic

Viking history as deep as the fjords

Legendary tales come alive on a European cruise to Scandinavia. Explore Baltic heritage with an overnight visit to Stockholm, where you can visit the Royal Palace or sail the sparkling waterways of its 14 islands while learning about Sweden along the way. Walk Tallinn’s cobbled streets and admire the preserved medieval architecture from its 13th-century origins.

Norway & Iceland

Natural splendors abound

Natural attractions abound in Norway and Iceland, your gateway to dazzling fjords, cascading waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Navigate through Geiranger’s winding waterways to Seven Sisters Waterfall where currents rush 800 feet down the rugged cliffside. Or take a dip in the rejuvenating waters of the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik. Admire Mother Nature’s masterpieces on some of our best European cruises.

Transatlantic

The best of land and sea

Indulge in a classic sailing experience and revel in life at sea as you travel across the Atlantic. While on board, luxuriate in the best that your ship has to offer — like the Princess Luxury Bed and cuisine made from scratch. Then explore ports from Iceland to Greece and cities between. Get to know the unique personalities of your ship and the destinations visited, only on a Transatlantic European cruise with Princess.

Cruisetours

More time to explore

European cruisetours combine our traditional cruises with four to eight nights on land exploring world-famous regions. As a part of your trip, enjoy expert guides, hotel stays and daily meals. Experience seamless transportation from land to ship before setting sail to the dream destinations on your itinerary. See Europe in a way that only Princess can show you.

European Cruise Departure Ports

• London (Southampton)

Rooted in Greek mythology, Athens is alive with stories from civilizations of the past. On a cruise to Europe departing from Athens, arrive early to tour the remains of ancient lores — like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Acropolis — dine at the city’s lively tavernas and admire iconic sculptures bathed in natural light within the Acropolis Museum.

Until it was popularized by the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona was a hidden gem amidst Europe’s diverse landscapes. Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs. On European cruises from Barcelona, leave enough time before you depart to visit Park Güell — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and feel inspired by the colors and unique artistry that lies in the park and throughout the entire city.

Copenhagen boasts equal parts charm and culture. Before you set sail on your European cruise, indulge in thrills at Tivoli Gardens, and ride a bike along Nyhavn’s waterways, passing multi-colored homes on the way. Tour ancient fortresses, like Kronborg Castle, which inspired Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Or make a stop to see Copenhagen’s most famous symbol, The Little Mermaid.

From double-decker buses and telephone booths to medieval castles and monuments, experience the best of the city and countryside on a European cruise from Southampton. Ride on the London Eye, and watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Then head west and walk the hallways of Windsor Castle, or travel even further to learn about the mystery of Stonehenge.

Italy’s capital city is something of a dream. Grand chapels and stone angels line the roads, whispering secrets of Rome’s past. On a cruise to Europe from Rome, arrive early to toss a coin into Trevi Fountain. Legend has it, you’ll be guaranteed return to The Eternal City. Then walk in the footsteps of Emperors at the Colosseum, and receive a blessing from the Pope at St. Peter’s Square.

Why Cruise in Europe

With Princess, travel effortlessly through Mediterranean beaches, British Isles, Russian palaces and Norwegian fjords. On a European cruise, meet locals who call these destinations home, see world-famous landmarks and relive stories of the past.

Cruising vs Land Vacations

The value of vacation

Revel in first-class experiences without the first-class price tag. On a European cruise, unpack once and save on transportation and baggage fees as well as dining and entertainment costs. Independent land travel through Europe adds up fast — between accommodations, restaurants, train travel, taxis and more. But with Princess, you can spend more time exploring Europe and less time checking into your next hotel.

Experience Different Seasons of Europe

Sail into the season

See the many faces of the world with seasonal European cruise sailings from Princess. In the spring, shop France’s colorful outdoor markets for hand-crafted souvenirs. Frolic through Norway’s landscapes when they fully bloom in summer. Or visit Italy in the fall to taste the first wines of the season.

Sail Aboard Our Newest Ships

Your best-in-class travel companion

Built in Italy, our newest ships first set sail in international waters for their inaugural season. On a European cruise, you can be one of the first to travel aboard these vessels, adding a whole new level of excitement and opportunity to your trip. Plus these are the first ships designed with Princess® MedallionClass®, making them the best European cruises at sea.

See Famous Landmarks

Where history books come alive

Between the castles, towers and ruins, Europe is teeming with ancient architecture. On a European cruise, sail into Le Havre and choose to visit the beaches of Normandy or ascend the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Walk through the Colosseum in Rome, and stop by Livorno to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Or explore hidden gems — like Belfast’s Giant’s Causeway.

A Vacation for Every Generation

Adventures for all

In Europe, there are activities for all. With exciting tours through age-old cities, kids can see textbooks come to life and return with their own stories to tell. Parents can relish in romance and relaxation amidst fairytale landscapes, and grandparents can relive stories of memories past with their loved ones. Whether on board or ashore, find activities created with every type of guest in mind on a cruise to Europe.

Enjoy the Convenience of Cruising

Travel reimagined

See multiple international cities without the hassle of transportation or additional planning. Cruise from one destination to the next with world-class entertainment, fresh food and relaxing accommodations at your fingertips. When you return to the ship, continue your exploration with unique activities and global cuisine, or enjoy the familiar comforts of home with your favorite foods — all on our best European cruise ships.

European cruise excursions

From thrilling kayak voyages in Flåm to relaxing beach days in Mykonos, find shore excursions that match every guest’s preference with Princess. In Rome, taste local delicacies like wood-fired pizza, fine wines and homemade gelato. Walk past medieval buildings in Bergen, stopping by the Schøtstuene Museum on your way back. Or hike Mt. Fløien and revel in panoramic views of Norway’s woodlands, fjords and cityscapes.

Local connections

Don’t just cruise to Europe, experience it alongside those lucky enough to call it home. Our Local Connections program introduces you to each region with award-winning shore excursions. Enjoy a food and wine pairing in the home of a local Tuscan farmer. Capture snapshots of Glasgow’s breathtaking scenery with the help of a Scottish photographer. Or set out on a guided beer walk through Copenhagen.

More ashore

Dive even deeper into the flourishing cultures abroad with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays on select European cruise itineraries. Visit one of Dublin’s pubs and enjoy a night of Irish song, dance and Guinness. Go glamping in Alta and spend the night under the evening sky for a chance to see the Northern Lights. Or dance into the evening at a party in Mykonos — an island famous for its nightlife.

European Cruise Onboard Experience

Experience Europe right on board. Our onboard activities bring the diverse cultures of the region directly to you. Sing, dance, feast and celebrate in a way that only Europe — and Princess — knows how.

Accommodations

Your home away from home

Your stateroom is where you rest and recharge between adventures. That’s why every room is equipped with the expertly designed Princess Luxury Bed, 100% Jacquard-woven cotton linens and our SLEEP program created by a board-certified sleep expert. From interior cabins to full suites, unwind in any of our staterooms, and enjoy peace of mind with the option of connected rooms for families of four or more traveling together.

A sensory tour of Europe

From the spice of Moroccan tagine to the sweetness of Greek Baklava, Europe’s flavor profile is incredibly diverse. On board your European cruise, enjoy English favorites — like bangers and mash or shepherd’s pie — during a British-style pub lunch. Then head ashore to savor fresh ingredients and iconic dishes, including fresh Greek salads and Italian gelato. From ship to shore, taste the best of abroad with Princess.

Sip and savor

Home to some of the best vineyards in the world, Europe knows a thing or two about wine — and so does Princess. Visit Vines wine bar, one of the best-stocked cellars at sea, and sample an assortment of reds and whites. Unwind with a drink in hand at Crooners, a vintage Sinatra-era cocktail lounge. Or enjoy a glass from the comfort of your stateroom balcony while taking in views of Europe’s most inspiring shorelines.

Cultural Immersion

Dive even deeper

On a European cruise, explore destinations even at sea. Learn from local experts — like musicians, dancers, athletes and chefs — who come on board to show you the unique personality of each region. Or listen to stories from international crew members, many of whom call these lands home. Even kids can awaken their sense of wonder with our Youth and Teen Centers, created in partnership with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™.

Entertainment

Find your joy

Embark on adventures by day, and indulge in entertainment by night. Watch Movies Under the Stars® at our 300-square-foot outdoor theater. Attend original productions from Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of  Wicked . Or learn traditional moves, like Flamenco or Irish stepdance, and listen to popular music from the destinations on your itinerary. On a European cruise with Princess, the choice is yours.

Celebrations & Romance

Love blooms on The Love Boat

It's difficult to imagine something more romantic than sailing through the alluring cities and charming countryside of Europe. While on board your European cruise, we cater to your sentimental side with private dining on your balcony — like breakfast for two or a sunset dinner — honeymoon packages, flowers and chocolates delivered to your room and couples-only massages in the Sanctuary.

European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

Explore Europe

Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. 

The top ten things to do in Norway

Planning a holiday to Norway? Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country.

Must-do summertime activities in Scandinavia

Discover the best summer holiday activities in Scandinavia, including wild swimming in Stockholm and rooftop drinking in Oslo.

Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

Looking for a cruise vacation from Southampton? Set sail to Canada, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Florida and around the British Isles with Princess Cruises.

How to see Stockholm from a unique perspective

Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital.

Six places to see the Northern Lights in Norway

Hoping to see the Northern Lights in Norway? Discover the best places to try to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's exceptional light show

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

#PrincessCruises Europe Connections

See Europe through our guests’ eyes.

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TIMELESS BEAUTY OF THE PAST

European cruises.

Jump on a satisfying study in contrasts, from the black Baltic to the azure Aegean, and from medieval castles to modern skyscrapers with a cruise to Europe.

As you Cruise to Europe, peer over the side of your ship as it approaches the weathered spires of old-town Copenhagen, the sun-bleached houses of Santorini, the colourful cliffs of the Mediterranean or the Celtic cliffs of the British Isles. Dive into Croatia's waterfalls and France's famous rivers and let the eclecticism of Europe delight you again and again. Culinary excellence also awaits, from familiar favourites like Italian pasta and Spanish tapas, to lesser-known cuisines from Amsterdam to Zagreb. Discover the magic with a Europe cruise.

Save Big With These European Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Europe cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships

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SUN, SPICE AND SEA BREEZES

It's no coincidence that many of the best European cruises call in the most beautiful ports in the world. Eat your way through the cobbled streets of Italy, contrast the timeless beauty of Greece's ruins with the modern chic that's come to define its islands or hike through forlorn caverns and up lush waterfalls in captivating Croatia.

DISCOVER LA DOLCE VITA

From the storied streets of Rome to the charming canals of Venice, Italy is a country that needs no introduction. Whether you pose with Michelangelo's David in Florence or indulge in to-die-for Pizza in Naples, it's no wonder why so many cruises to Europe visit la bella Italia.

FROM THE ACROPOLIS TO THE AEGEAN

Greece is remarkable, from the ancient Acropolis of Athens to the blue-roofed houses of Santorini. Whether you trek through the limestone hills in the north or swim through the cobalt waters around the Cyclades, it's easy to see why this is one of the best places to visit in Europe.

"GAMES OF THRONES" Lives On

The hit TV show might be finished, but "Game of Thrones" fans will recognize dozens of locations in the walled city of Dubrovnik , the jewel of Croatia's Adriatic coast. Farther afield, explore the countless waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park or pair European cruises with tastings at underrated wineries.

SCENES THAT INSPIRED 1,000 PAINTINGS

Endless possibilities are what the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal have always been about. Generations of painting greats from Van Gogh to Picasso have found inspiration from the crystalline coasts of the French Riviera, to the craggy mountaintops of the Canary Islands. Of course, the best European cruises also dock in timeless cities like Barcelona, Cherbourg, Lisbon and beyond.  

CITY OF LOVE, CÔTE D'AZUR

The only thing better than strolling into Paris as the Eiffel Tower lights up at night? Sitting down for a meal of fresh-caught seafood as the sun sets into the harbor of aptly-named Nice. France has got something for every traveler, which is why so many cruises to Europe dock here.

SAY "SALUD" TO SPAIN

Sitting down for Spanish tapas is one of the most satisfying food experiences in the world, especially when you wash it down with fruity sangria. Plus, the Jurassic topography of the Canary Islands and the storied streets of Barcelona are just a few of the best places to visit in Europe you'll find here.

KING OF DISCOVERY

Portugal is where many of the first expeditions to the New World start, but most people on European cruises bound for Lisbon wonder why anyone would leave. Explore the mysterious Quinta de Regaleira castle in Sintra, pour port wine in Porto or practice your surfing skills in the Algarve.

Best European Cruises

A cruise to Europe is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Europe onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE CANARY ISLANDS

EXPLORE MORE

BALTIC SEA & SCANDINAVIA

BRITISH ISLES & SOUTHAMPTON

MEDITERRANEAN ITALY & GREEK ISLES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO European Cruises Insider

There’s no vacation like a summer cruise in Europe. Meander through cobblestoned streets lined with cafes and shops. Go from exploring the awe-inspiring at the Colosseum in Rome to wandering along the Acropolis in Athens. Admire the architectural splendor of marvels like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and the blue-domed churches of Santorini. And eat your way through the Mediterranean and beyond — like pasta in Italy, tapas in Spain, fresh seafood in Norway and grilled meats in Greece. Pack a lifetime of adventure into one legendary Europe vacation next summer.

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OLD-WORLD WARMTH ALONG BREEZY COAST

You can feel warmth in your heart no matter the temperature outside, and the northwestern reaches of Europe illustrate this beautifully. Join the best European cruises through the British Isles and along the coast of the Netherlands, where enchanted country charm and royal, old-world cities offer endless possibilities for memories that will last a lifetime.  

THE JOY OF GOING DUTCH

The Dutch have managed to keep the sea at bay for hundreds of years, but many of the best European cruises still make their way into Amsterdam . If you tire of the tranquility you find amid tulip fields and beneath towering windmills, make your way to the hipster capital of Rotterdam.

ETERNAL LANDSCAPES ON THE EMERALd ISLE

Life is but a dream in Ireland , whether you down a pint of Guinness and trace tales told by James Joyce in Dublin, or careen along the Cliffs of Moher along the west coast. Many cruises to Europe also stop in Northern Ireland's Belfast, a city that's a testament to rebirth and reconciliation.

STEP INTO A SCOTTISH FAIRYTALE

When you visit Scotland, it can be difficult to discern legend from real life. Strolling down Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle might feel like a dream, while the fabled and mythical Loch Ness may surprise you with its charm and stunning scenery. Scotland's one of the best places to visit in Europe, period.

WINTER AURORA, SUMMER SUN

Scandinavia  is dark for much of the year, but light is what defines its polar nations, from the Midnight Sun that rises high above Demark in mid-summer, to the aurora that dances above Norway and Iceland amid winter's deepest freeze. Find endless possibilities and the best European cruises along the Baltic, from the savory seafood eateries of Oslo, to the cold cityscape of Reykjavik.  

SCANDINAVIA'S UNSUNG SISTER

Many of the best European cruises dock in Denmark, and it's no wonder why. From colorful Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen to storied castles like Amalienborg and Frederiksborg, Denmark more than makes up for the fact that its more famous neighbors often eclipse it.

LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

It's easy to be intrigued by Iceland , whether you walk through Reykjavik's riveting Hallgrimskirkja church, or watch the northern lights dance over Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls. Plus, there are few better ways to cap off cruises to Europe than a dip in the aptly-named Blue Lagoon.

PRICELESS PANORAMAS, FABULOUS FJORDs

Norway is a country in beautiful balance. Had enough of the orderliness of Oslo? Head west to beautiful Bergen, where finger-shaped fjords jut into and out of thousands of miles of coastline. Or contrast a fresh fish dinner at sea level with the view from towering Trolltunga cliff.

Europe is beautiful in every season, but the peak of comfortable weather (especially in the north) is between May and September.

You should always be prepared for rain and colder weather when you travel to Europe, especially in the North. Dress in light layers for your vacation.

Europeans speak more English the farther north you go. Your phone's translation app (or, at minimum, learning how to say "Hello" and "Thank You" in local languages) will aid you along the Mediterranean.

RELATED PORTS

Learn more about Baltic ports like Klaipeda, Lithuania and Tallinn, Estonia, or read up on Bergen, the gateway to Norway's stunning fjords. The Mediterranean provides many options but start by exploring Malaga on Spain's Costa del Sol or the exciting Monte Carlo, Monaco. The most popular ports in the British Isles are Edinburgh in Scotland and the cities of Belfast and Dublin in Ireland. No matter what you like, you will find your favourite European cruise.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Barcelona, Spain

Copenhagen, Denmark

Venice, Italy

Argostoli, Greece

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Mykonos, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Bologna (Ravenna), Italy

Zadar, Croatia

Bergen, Norway

Aarhus, Denmark

Ajaccio, Corsica

Alesund, Norway

Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy

Arctic Circle (Cruising), Norway

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Berlin (Rostock), Germany

Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

Bilbao, Spain

Brest, France

Bruges/Zeebruge (Brussels), Belgium

Cannes, France

Chania (Souda), Crete

Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Flam, Norway

Fredericia, Denmark

Geiranger, Norway

Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Gijon, Spain

Hamburg, Germany

Holyhead, Wales

Honningsvag, Norway

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Klaipeda, Lithuania

Lisbon, Portugal

Reykjavik, Iceland

Sardinia (Cagliari), Italy

Agadir, Morocco

Alicante, Spain

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Cartagena, Spain

Cherbourg, France

Dover, England

Dublin, Ireland

Edinburgh (S. Queensferry), Scotland

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland

Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Helsinki, Finland

Ibiza, Spain

Inverness / Loch Ness, Scotland

Kotor, Montenegro

Kristiansand, Norway

La Palma, Canary Islands

Lerwick / Shetland, Scotland

Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Molde, Norway

Nice, France

Olden, Norway

Oslo, Norway

Paris (Le Havre), France

Rhodes, Greece

Riga, Latvia

Sete, France

Sicily (Messina), Italy

Sicily (Catania), Italy

Edinburgh (Newhaven), Scotland

Genoa, Italy

La Coruna, Spain

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Skjolden, Norway

St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Tallinn, Estonia

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Valletta, Malta

Vigo, Spain

Palma De Mallorca, Spain

Provence (Marseille), France

Skagen, Denmark

Tromso, Norway

Visby, Sweden

Waterford (Dunmore East), Ireland

Stavanger, Norway

Málaga, Spain

Ravenna (Venice), Italy

Provence (Toulon), France

Valencia, Spain

Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Naples / Capri, Italy

Bremerhaven, Germany

Split, Croatia

Corfu, Greece

Limassol, Cyprus

Porto (Leixoes), Portugal

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Portofino, Italy

Koper, Slovenia

Cadiz, Spain

Liverpool, England

Bordeaux (La Rochelle), France

Istanbul, Turkey

Florence / Pisa (Carrara), Italy

Zakynthos, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

Portland, Dorset, England

Skiathos, Greece

Bristol, England

Maloy, Norway

Haugesund, Norway

Seville (Cadiz), Spain

Kotka, Finland

Kiel, Germany

Bodrum, Turkey

Burgas, Bulgaria

Casablanca, Morocco

Chios, Greece

Santa Margherita, Italy

Bay of Kotor (Cruising), Montenegro

Constanta, Romania

Sinop, Turkey

Varna, Bulgaria

Trieste, Italy

Trabzon, Turkey

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European Cruises from New York

Embark on an unforgettable transatlantic journey on a European cruise from New York. During this exciting vacation, you’ll spend tranquil days at sea and enjoy world-class dining, a state-of-the-art spa, and an endless array of entertainment options on board. 

Celebrity’s European cruises from New York depart from Cape Liberty and stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia before sailing towards the town of Qaqortoq in Greenland. Journey through the Prins Christian Sund, a dramatic fjord surrounded by towering mountains that plunge straight into the glassy water. Discover the rugged natural beauty of Iceland, where you’ll stop in both Akureyri and Isafjordur, before disembarking in Reykjavik.

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Featured ports of call on european cruises from new york, qaqortoq, greenland.

Learn about Nordic history and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes in Qaqortoq, the largest town in Greenland. Walk around the preserved ruins of Hvalsey Church, once part of a Norse settlement that dates back to the 1400s. Go on a nature hike around Qaqortoq’s sprawling hills, where you’ll see fjords and colorful colonial houses. Unwind in the hot springs of Uunartoq, where you can take a soothing dip in naturally warmed waters.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Discover the fascinating capital of Iceland, where icy landscapes and sparkling natural wonders await. Relax in Reykjavik’s famous Blue Lagoon and soak in the milky blue water’s healing properties. Go on an outdoor adventure around the Golden Circle, where you’ll see thrilling blowholes erupt at the Geysir geothermal area and feel the cool mist of the majestic Gullfoss Falls. Or go on a sightseeing tour around the city, visiting its many parks and museums. By the end of your tour, you’ll understand why it has earned its reputation as the city of “Pure Energy.”

Akureyri, Iceland

This picturesque city is the gateway to some of the best activities the north of Iceland has to offer, and some of its most impressive natural wonders. Visit the unique Laufas turf houses, built in the mid-19th century and known for their roofs made from thick earth, roots, and grass, to insulate them during the colder months. Trek up Mount Sulur, where you can enjoy fantastic unobstructed views of the Eyjafjordur fjords. Go on a whale watching tour in search of these mighty mammals at close view as they swim and feed in their natural habitat. 

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9 best river cruises in Europe

River cruising in Europe is one of those delightfully slow and easy modes of travel. You're in a small floating hotel, exploring calm inland waters, gliding past castles and vineyards and scenery that changes by the hour.

Daily escorted walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see. Or you can choose to explore on your own, which is easy since your ship often will dock right in town.

Lazy afternoons on the ship afford the time to sit in a lounge chair and watch the world go by — kids swimming from the riverbanks, farmers tending their crops, river birds flapping their wings — as you glide to your next destination.

Which European river should you explore? The choices are broader than you might expect.

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The main rivers in Europe are the Danube and the Rhine and their tributaries. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal.

Here are the best river cruises in Europe.

Upper Danube

When it comes to Europe river cruises, a perfect seven-night starter sailing is the Upper Danube, which takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera and art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. If your ship passes the Hungarian Parliament building at night, you're in for a treat; magnificently lit, it's one of the most photographed sights on the river.

Along the route, between Melk and Krems in Austria, you cruise through the Wachau Valley, a key wine-growing region producing rieslings and gruner veltliners, with sipping opportunities available. It's also a great place to bike, which is why it's nice to sail with lines, such as AmaWaterways , that carry bikes on board for passengers to use.

You might also have the option of a side trip to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart — and also where several scenes for the movie "Sound of Music" were filmed. A surprise for many is Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia, which might not have been on your must-do list but which charms with its beer culture and castles.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Lower Danube

For a deep dive into Eastern Europe's past and present, the fascinating Lower Danube route between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania, explores history from the medieval times and Victorian era of Dracula to the rise of communism and the Bosnian War.

The seven-night river cruise takes you through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The most beautiful stretch of the river is a 62-mile passage through a gorge between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains. It's also one of the deepest stretches of river in the world.

Other sights accessed on shore excursions via bus include Bulgaria's Belogradchik Rocks, which are naturally carved towering red rock pinnacles that appear to take forms such as "Madonna with child," and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's stunning medieval capital.

When it comes to top cruising rivers in Europe, the Rhine wins for natural beauty and fairytale landscapes. A cruise on the river between Amsterdam in The Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland — a typical one-week route — takes you past expanses of slope-side vineyards, forests and mountains, historic cities and medieval half-timbered villages.

That's even before you get to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 40-mile stretch of river, between Rudesheim and Koblenz, Germany, has castles galore — you might imagine Rapunzel letting down her hair — and Lorelei Rock, the legendary cliff said to distract sailors with the mesmerizing song of a maiden.

The French city of Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and robust Alsatian culinary scene, is often a favorite stop on Rhine itineraries, with other highlights including Heidelberg, Germany, and its imposing castle.

Related: Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sure, you can catch sight of the Eiffel Tower when boarding a river ship in Paris, but you can do that while staying in a hotel, too. The real attractions of a Seine River cruise are sailing on the river outside the city toward the English Channel and a visit to the beaches in Normandy for a perspective on World War II.

Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however). Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings.

Other treasures exist along the Seine, not the least of which is Giverny, the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. If you are a fan of his art, much of the property might seem familiar.

In historic Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred in the Middle Ages, stop by the Rouen Cathedral (another subject of Monet) before losing yourself on cobblestone streets with wonderful cafes.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers — and the Gironde Estuary in Southwest France.

You'll spend more time ashore than floating down the river on this itinerary, with your ship docked for two nights in the city of Bordeaux, a mini-Paris with grand 18th-century buildings. Who cares when you are in the epicenter of French culture, in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world?

Bordeaux serves up the opportunity to sip Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes wines as you expand your wine education. You'll visit vineyards and gorgeous chateaus. Your cruise line might even host a dinner at a wine estate one evening. If you plan your cruise for September or October, you'll be able to admire the grape harvest.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Rhone and Saone

Another must for wine-lovers is exploring the interior of France, sipping Cotes du Rhone in such famous winemaking regions as Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy.

Rhone and Saone River cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, and they're top-loaded with such non-wine attractions as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Arles Amphitheater, as well as the massive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon. You'll also be able to take in the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters like Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh.

For a lazy, dreamy, wonderful river cruise experience, nothing quite beats exploring the wine regions of Portugal on the Douro, one of the major rivers through the Iberian Peninsula. The home base for these river cruises is Porto, Portugal, with its historic city center, spectacular bridges and port houses.

On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold."

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Due to fluctuating water levels and narrow passages, the Elbe is a challenging river that runs 680 miles between the Czech Republic and Germany. Historically, it formed part of the border between East Germany and West Germany.

River cruising here is a rare experience. Viking River Cruises is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), offering 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany.

The cruises are on ships built specifically for the Elbe route. They stop in places such as resurgent Dresden, heavily bombed during World War II but expertly rebuilt; the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany with its striking sandstone rock formations; and the spa town of Bad Schandau.

The Po River in northern Italy is tidal, making it another challenging waterway. However, it affords the opportunity to combine a visit to Venice with a river cruise. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises does the Po in high style with its 126-passenger S.S. La Venizia, completely decked out with a sense of place, from Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass to its gilded accents.

The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia, and the culinary mecca of Bologna.

For those looking for a longer experience, Uniworld cleverly combines a Po cruise with luxury rail journeys to places like Istanbul, Switzerland and beyond.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Sailing from the US to Europe: Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned

In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain to discover a new trade route to the East Indies. He crossed the Atlantic and landed in the Caribbean, but his voyage was fraught with danger and uncertainty. 

Today, sailors can cross the same ocean with relative ease, thanks to advances in technology and navigation. 

However, sailing from the US to Europe is still a challenging and rewarding experience that requires careful preparation, skill, and courage. 

In this post, we will share tips, tricks, and lessons learned from our own transatlantic sail, offering practical advice for anyone who dreams of embarking on this epic journey.

Sailing From Us to Europe Via Cruise (Key Takeaways) 

• Sailing to Europe from the US is possible through freighter cruises, repositioning cruises, and luxury cruises. 
• Freighter cruises are the simplest and cheapest option, costing around $100 per day (including meals) for each person. These trips usually take from one to two weeks.
• The European cruise season runs from April to November , with transatlantic sailings mostly in April, October, and November, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey.
• It is also possible to sail from the Caribbean to Europe during the summer months , but preparation and consideration of crew size, boat preparation, and route strategy are necessary. Other options include delivery crew or shipping the boat back home.

But what about you don’t want to take a cruising sailboat ? Is there any way you can take your own boat with your own crew and take on this long transatlantic journey? 

Yes, it is possible to sail with your own boat from the US to Europe. However, the type of boat you can use will depend on your departure location and destination. 

It is important to note that sailing across the Atlantic Ocean takes time and requires careful planning. Also, some jurisdictions may require legal documentation such as proof of boat ownership and a visa when entering.

But don’t worry, we’re going to talk about everything about that in this post. 

Preparation

A transatlantic sail is a long and demanding journey that requires careful preparation to ensure your safety and comfort. 

The following are some tips on how to prepare for your transatlantic voyage:

Boat Maintenance

Before setting sail, it’s crucial to ensure that your boat is in top condition. Check all systems and components, including the rigging, sails, engine, electrical system, plumbing, and safety equipment. 

You should also consider your upwind and stronger wind sails and your yacht preparations for the route across to Europe. 

Make any necessary repairs or replacements and ensure that everything is in good working order.

It is essential to have a good set of tools on board and learn how to service and maintain your engine and key machinery. You should also have all sails serviced by a sail loft and consider double-stitching all panels.

Read this guide on what kind of sailboat to sail around the world to learn more specific details about a sailboat. 

Safety Equipment

Having the right safety equipment on board is critical for your safety in case of an emergency. 

Ensure that your boat is equipped with life jackets, flares, a life raft, and a first aid kit. Make sure that all safety equipment is in good condition and up to date.

Provisioning

Proper provisioning is essential for any long-distance sailing trip. Make sure that you have enough food, water, and fuel to last for the entire journey. 

Consider bringing non-perishable foods that can be stored easily and won’t spoil quickly. Also, be sure to bring along any necessary cooking equipment, such as a stove or a grill.

Navigation Tools

Navigation tools are essential for ensuring that you stay on course during your transatlantic sail. 

A GPS chart plotter is an essential tool for keeping track of your location and heading, while a compass can help you navigate in the event of a system failure. 

Consider bringing a sextant and nautical almanac as well, as traditional celestial navigation can be helpful in case of a GPS failure.

Weather Forecasts

Monitoring weather conditions is vital for ensuring your safety during a transatlantic sail. 

Be sure to check the marine weather forecast regularly before and during your journey. Consider investing in satellite imagery and barometers to stay on top of any changes in weather patterns.

Ideally, sailors would prefer sunny, warm, and breezy days with wind speeds between 5 and 15 knots. However, during late summer and autumn, there may be a higher chance of southwesterly winds and storms that could make the journey more challenging. 

Climatological charts show that the Azores’ high sinks during this time of year , which can cause unpredictable weather patterns

Route Planning

Choosing the right route for your transatlantic sail is crucial for a successful journey. There are several different routes you can take when sailing from the US to Europe, each with its own advantages and challenges. 

The following are some tips to help you choose the best route for your transatlantic sail:

The Northern Route (West to East)

The Northern Route is a popular choice for transatlantic sailors, particularly those departing from the East Coast of the United States. 

This route takes you across the North Atlantic, passing over the top of Scotland and Norway before reaching the ports of Northern Europe. 

The primary advantage of this route is that you will be sailing with the prevailing westerly winds, which can provide a boost to your speed. 

However, this route can also be quite challenging, as it can be cold and windy, and there is a risk of encountering icebergs.

Here is a guide on what to wear sailing in cold weather . 

The Southern Route (East to West)

The Southern Route is an alternative option for transatlantic sailors, particularly those departing from the Gulf Coast or Florida. 

This route takes you across the Atlantic, passing through the Caribbean and then following the trade winds and currents towards the Azores before reaching mainland Europe. 

The primary advantage of this route is that it can be a bit warmer and more comfortable than the Northern Route, but it can also be challenging as the trade winds can be quite strong.

The Mid-Atlantic Route

The Mid-Atlantic Route is another option for transatlantic sailors, particularly those departing from the East Coast. 

This route takes you across the Atlantic, following a more direct course that avoids the extreme weather of the Northern and Southern routes. 

However, this route can be quite challenging, as there are no prevailing winds or currents to help you along the way, and you may encounter rough seas.

What Is the Shortest Route for Sailing from the US to Europe

The shortest route for sailing from the US to Europe depends on the starting point and destination on both continents.

One possible route is to head northeast towards the Azores and stay south of 30°N until reaching 40°W. While this path is commonly used for crossing the Atlantic from the Caribbean to Europe, it’s also suitable for those sailing from the US east coast to Europe.

Improvesailing.com indicates that there are two primary routes for sailing across the Atlantic: from east to west or from west to east. 

The simplest east-to-west route involves sailing to Portugal, then to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and the Windward Islands, with a total distance of roughly 6,800 km on a map. 

Crossing the Atlantic by sailboat typically takes 3-4 weeks, but it can be shortened to two weeks with favorable weather conditions, shortcuts, and a fast vessel.

Navigation and Weather

Navigating and monitoring weather are critical aspects of any transatlantic sail. 

Navigation Tools and Techniques

Having the right navigation tools and techniques can make all the difference when sailing across the Atlantic. 

Make sure you have the following navigation tools on board:

• GPS: A reliable GPS system is essential for accurate navigation.
• Charts: Make sure you have up-to-date charts for the regions you will be sailing through.
• Compass: A reliable compass is crucial for navigating in case your GPS fails.
• Radar: Radar can help you detect other vessels and obstacles, as well as storms and other weather systems.
• Autopilot: An autopilot can help you maintain your course while allowing you to rest.

In addition to these tools, make sure you are familiar with basic navigation techniques such as dead reckoning and celestial navigation. 

You should also have a good understanding of how to read charts and use them to plan your route.

How to Read Charts

To read a nautical chart , you need to understand the symbols and abbreviations used on the chart. The chart shows where you are and what else should be there. 

The large magenta letters at the top right corner of the chart indicate which unit of measure is being used. 

Small-craft charts come folded like a road map for more convenient use on smaller boats, and their scale is often 1:40,000, so a nautical mile equals about 1.5 inches on the chart. 

There may be arrows with little numbers over them on your chart that indicate direction. 

YouTube has videos that explain how to read marine charts and how to use them with chart plotters .

Weather Forecasting Resources

Monitoring the weather is critical when sailing across the Atlantic. Make sure you have access to reliable weather forecasting resources such as:

• VHF radio: Many coastal areas have VHF radio stations that provide weather reports.
• Satellite phone: A satellite phone can provide you with access to weather reports and forecasts from around the world.
• Internet: Many websites provide real-time weather updates and forecasts for the regions you will be sailing through.
• Weather apps: There are several weather apps that provide accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts for your location.

If you encounter adverse weather conditions, make sure you have a plan in place to seek shelter and wait out the storm.

Living Aboard

Living aboard a sailboat for an extended period of time can be both rewarding and challenging. 

Read this guide on sailing must-haves to learn what equipment and gadgets are generally used during sailing around the world. 

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your living arrangements while sailing across the Atlantic:

Food Storage and Preparation

Proper food storage and preparation are essential for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable diet while at sea. 

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your provisions:

• Stock up on non-perishable foods such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts, and pasta.
• Invest in a good cooler or refrigerator to store perishable items such as meats, vegetables, and dairy products.
• Make sure you have a reliable stove or oven for cooking meals.
• Consider investing in a pressure cooker or slow cooker to make meal preparation easier and more efficient.

Sleeping Arrangements

Sleeping arrangements can be a challenge on a sailboat, especially during rough seas or inclement weather. 

Here are some tips to help you get a good night’s rest:

• Make sure you have comfortable sleeping accommodations such as a good mattress or sleeping pad.
• Use lee cloths to secure yourself and prevent rolling during rough seas.
• Invest in blackout curtains or shades to block out sunlight and create a conducive sleeping environment.
• Consider using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out noise from the boat and the surrounding environment.

Staying Entertained

Living aboard a sailboat can be isolating, and it’s essential to have ways to stay entertained and engaged while at sea. 

Here are some tips to help you stay occupied:

• Bring books, magazines, and other reading materials.
• Invest in a good music or entertainment system to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.
• Bring board games, puzzles, or other games to play with your crewmates.
• Make time for physical activity such as swimming, fishing, or snorkeling to stay active and engaged.

Challenges and Rewards

While sailing from the US to Europe can be an incredible adventure, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. 

Here are some common challenges you may face and tips for staying motivated and positive:

Rough seas can be one of the most challenging aspects of a transatlantic sail, especially for those who are new to sailing. 

To stay safe and comfortable during rough seas, make sure to:

• Wear appropriate safety gear, including life jackets and harnesses.
• Secure all loose items and gear to prevent injury or damage to the boat.
• Reduce sail or adjust course as needed to avoid dangerous conditions.
• Stay hydrated and nourished to maintain your physical and mental stamina.

Equipment Failure

Equipment failure can be a major setback when sailing across the Atlantic. To prevent or address equipment failure, make sure to:

• Conduct regular maintenance checks on all equipment before and during the journey.
• Bring spare parts and tools for common repairs.
• Know how to troubleshoot common problems and make basic repairs.
• Stay calm and focused in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation.

Communication Difficulties

Communication can be a challenge when sailing across the Atlantic, especially if you’re traveling with a limited crew or without access to reliable communication technology. 

To stay connected and informed, make sure to:

• Bring a reliable communication device such as a satellite phone or radio.
• Establish a communication plan with your crewmates and loved ones on shore.
• Keep a logbook to document important events and communications.
• Use creative solutions such as signal flags or hand signals to communicate with other boats or crewmates.

Despite these challenges, completing a transatlantic sail can be incredibly rewarding. 

Some of the rewards you may experience include:

• Personal growth and increased confidence in your sailing abilities.
• A sense of accomplishment and pride in completing such a challenging journey.
• Unforgettable experiences and memories of the people and places you encounter along the way.

By staying motivated, positive, and prepared, you can overcome the challenges of sailing from the US to Europe and enjoy the many rewards of this incredible adventure.

Sailing from the US to Europe is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires careful preparation, skill, and courage. 

By following the tips, tricks, and lessons learned in this post, you can increase your chances of success and enjoyment on your own transatlantic sail. 

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice, this journey can offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the vast expanse of the Atlantic, test your limits, and experience the thrill of adventure. 

With the right mindset and preparation, you can make your own transatlantic sail a memorable and fulfilling experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

So, set your sails, chart your course, and embark on the voyage of a lifetime. 

Bon, voyage!

Saiful Emon is the founder and editor of Sun Sea Skis , a sailing blog for adventure seekers. He loves sailing, traveling, and sharing his experiences with others. He also writes about fitness, wellness, business, and marketing in his spare time!

Sailing from Toronto to Florida: Tips, Tricks, and Essential Information

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Another World Adventures

Sail across the atlantic – usa to europe.

Original post: Another World Adventures

One of the greatest dreams of any sailor or adventurer is to cross an ocean under sail. Whether you’re a salty sea dog with loads of nautical miles under your belt, or a complete novice who is keen to learn on the go, there’s a voyage April 2018 – June 2018 that could be perfect for you.

A stunning tall ship celebrating her 100th Anniversary will be sailing from Florida in the United States, to Rotterdam in the Netherlands via Bermuda and the Azores.

Sail Across the Atlantic: Florida to Scheveningen via Bermuda & Azores

• Departing – Saturday 28 April 2018 5 PM, Saint Petersburg, Florida, United States To: Saturday 12 May 2018 9 AM, Saint George, Bermuda
• Then: Saturday 12 May 2018 5 PM, Saint George, Bermuda To: Sunday 27 May 2018 9 AM, Horta, Azores
• Then: Sunday 27 May 2018 5 PM, Horta, Azoren To: Tuesday 12 June 2018, 9 AM, Scheveningen, The Netherlands

There are three voyage legs as above. Adventure seekers can join solo or with friends for 1, 2 or all 3 legs and there is a discount for taking part in more than one voyage leg.

On board, you will be part of the crew. Together with the professional crew everyone takes part in the watch system – helping to handle the sails, on look out, and helming this great tall ship. There’s lots to do on board and you get full instruction and support from the professional crew.

True Bucket List Experience

Journeys like these are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We don’t use that phrase lightly. You’ll learn a whole lot about life at sea, yourself and make some lifelong new friends if you’re bold enough to undertake one of the greatest bucket list adventures out there.

If you’d like full details follow this link and complete   the enquiry form on this page of our site – it’s a trip page for one of the legs but we’ll send you the full information, prices and details on how to reserve a bunk for the whole voyage or any part of it.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain

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Our journey began on an ocean adventure sailing across the Atlantic ... find our more and get inspired for your next great trip.

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What type of boat can be used to travel from U.S. to Europe?

So you want to take an ocean voyage like the old days. What kind of boat or ship can a traveler use to get from the US to Europe?

There are a few great ways to sail the ocean from the United States to Europe. The boat you take will depend upon your departure location, your destination and the season in which you wish to travel in. Many people take boats because they don’t like to fly, have bad a back, bad knees, can’t sit for long periods of time or simply just love to sail and smell the fresh salt air. Whatever your reason for sailing, instead of flying to Europe, you’ve definitely got your choice in vessels.

Cruise Ship Make getting there part of your trip experience by taking a cruise ship to Europe. Several hundred large cruise ships make voyages on routes worldwide. Taking a cruise ship to Europe means you have to travel within certain months of the year, May- August for some ship lines and spring and fall for others. The advantages of taking a cruise ship are the food, entertainment, sea life sightings and the comfortable atmosphere. Many of the accommodations are downright luxurious. The length of your voyage will depend upon weather and the number of port of calls the ship stops at.

Private Yacht If you have the money, chartering a private yacht is a trip made in heaven for a long distance ocean passage such as from United States to Europe—that is if you can handle the rolling waves. They come with a full crew or you can learn and help with the sailing yourself. Stops are made along the way for watching sea life and partaking in water activities like scuba diving. The length of voyage depends upon the stops that are made and, of course, the time for ocean passage.

Freighter It is still possible in this day and age to hop a freighter to sail to Europe. Many freighters limit the number of passengers, but you won’t be bunking with anyone else. The accommodations are not by any means as luxurious as a cruise ship or yacht, but they do have their own charms, are quite adequate and your meals are provided. There are age restrictions of those age 5 years and below to 79 years and above, though these ages may vary a bit between lines. The trips themselves are slow going. For example, a trip from Los Angeles to Germany takes around 41 days.

Sailing  is a great way to travel for those who wish to take it slow and easy on their voyage to Europe. Each type of vessel has its perks, but all can be costly. Most ship lines and charter services ask for at least half of the total price of voyage up front, and that can amount to a couple of thousand dollars per person, depending on your choice.

One of the most important ways to protect yourself from losing that money, in the event you have to cancel your trip, is to  purchase travel insurance . Travel cancellation insurance is inexpensive and valuable with many reasons for cancellation being covered. Don’t put yourself or travel mate at risk of losing a great deal of money, get financial protection up front.

DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

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