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Transatlantic Cruises from $506*

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Transatlantic Cruises

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

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

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

Things to Do on a Transatlantic Cruise

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

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

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

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

Map of the Atlantic Ocean:

Top 10 transatlantic cruises.

• Caribbean Princess 15 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (May 2024)
• Caribbean Princess 27 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (May 2024)
• Queen Mary 2 7 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (May 2024 - Nov 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 18 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (May 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 9 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (May 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 9 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Hamburg, Germany (May 2024 - Jul 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 7 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Dec 2026)
• Queen Mary 2 14 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Southampton, England (May 2024 - Oct 2026)
• Seven Seas Mariner 12 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Lisbon, Portugal (May 2024 - Jun 2026)
• Seabourn Venture 25 NIGHT Transatlantic CRUISE Departing From Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland (May 2024)

Transatlantic: Cruise Lines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transatlantic: Departure Ports

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

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

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

Bordeaux, France

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

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

Bridgetown, Barbados

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

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

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

Cape Town, South Africa

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

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

Copenhagen, Denmark

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

Dover (London), England

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

Dublin, Ireland

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

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

Galveston, Texas

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

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

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

Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland

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

Greenwich, England

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

Hamburg, Germany

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

Le Havre (Paris), France

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

Leith/Edinburgh, Scotland

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

Lisbon, Portugal

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

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

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

Orlando, Florida

Oslo, Norway

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

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

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

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

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

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

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

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

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

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

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

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

Rosyth, Scotland

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

San Antonio, Santiago, Chile

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

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

San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Islands

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

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

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

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

Tampa, Florida

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

Tilbury (London), England

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

Tromso, Norway

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

Whittier, Alaska

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

Photo Gallery for Transatlantic Cruises

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

Watch the sunset from your private balcony

Teror, Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands

The city of Angra do Heroismo on Terceira Island

Tibidabo Church in Barcelona, Spain

Tower Bridge in London, England

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament & Westminster Bridge

Agoa do Fogo, a volcanic lake in Sao Miguel Azores

Big Ben and the House of Parliament in London

Castle above the City of Dover in Kent, England

Skyline of Miami, Florida

Northern coast of Madeira Island in Portugal

National Museum of Art in Barcelona, Spain

New York City skyline at night

The coast of Puerto Santiago, Tenerife

The Rock of Gibraltar and La Linea Town in Spain

Seven Sisters White Cliffs in Southeast England

Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline

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Transatlantic Cruises Calendar

This is the complete schedule of Transatlantic cruises in 2024 and 2025 . Most are in the spring and fall when cruise lines reposition ships between the United States and Europe. Throughout the year there are also cruises between New York and England on the Queen Mary 2.

On the calendar you'll find many Atlantic crossings to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Denmark and the UK. In total, there are about 100 Transatlantic cruises annually.

January 2024

January 3: 8-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 January 11: 11-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on the Cunard Line January 11: 10-day cruise from Miami to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line January 27: 12-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on the Cunard Line

February 2024

February 13: 11-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line February 21: 10-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on the Cunard Line

March 2: 15-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Viking March 9: 16-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Princess Cruises March 15: 17-night cruise from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) to Lisbon (Portugal) on Azamara Cruises March 18: 15-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Viking March 23: 14-night cruise from Tampa to Barcelona (Spain) on Celebrity Cruises March 27: 15-night cruise from Miami to Rome (Italy) on Oceania March 30: 16-day cruise from Barbados to Lisbon (Portugal) on Star Clipper March 31: 14-day cruise from Miami to Barcelona (Spain) on Regent Seven Seas

April 5: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Holland America April 5: 15-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Royal Caribbean April 5: 14-night cruise from Miami to Barcelona (Spain) on Oceania April 5: 16-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Princess Cruises April 6: 20-day cruise from Antigua to Malaga (Spain) on Star Clipper April 7: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam (Netherlands) on Holland America April 7: 19-day cruise from Puerto Rico to Lisbon (Portugal) on Norwegian Cruise Line April 8: 16-day cruise from New York to Rome (Italy) on Norwegian Cruise Line April 10: 14-day cruise from New York to Barcelona (Spain) on Regent Seven Seas April 11: 12-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon (Portugal) on Celebrity Cruises April 13: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam (Netherlands) on Holland America April 13: 12-day cruise from Puerto Rico to Lisbon (Portugal) on SeaDream April 14: 13-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Celebrity Cruises April 14: 12-night cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Portugal) on Seabourn April 15: 12-day cruise from Norfolk (Virginia) to Barcelona (Spain) on Carnival Cruise Line April 18: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Port Canaveral on Carnival Cruise Line April 21: 14-night cruise from Miami to Barcelona (Spain) on Royal Caribbean April 21: 14-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rome (Italy) on Royal Caribbean April 21: 15-night cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Portugal) on MSC April 22: 13-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam (Netherlands) on Celebrity Cruises April 25: 14-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line April 28: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 April 28: 13-night cruise from Miami to Barcelona (Spain) on Royal Caribbean April 28: 12-night cruise from New Jersey to Southampton (England) on Royal Caribbean April 29: 14-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line

May 1: 15-night cruise from Texas to Barcelona (Spain) on Royal Caribbean May 2: 13-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Celebrity Cruises May 4: 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Princess Cruises May 5: 13-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Disney Cruise Line May 5: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 May 11: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam (Netherlands) on Holland America May 16: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 May 23: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2

June 9: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 June 16: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 June 21: 21-night cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on Oceania June 23: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 June 24: 36-night cruise from New York to Amsterdam (Netherlands) on Viking June 29: 21-day cruise from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Boston on Holland America

July 5: 21-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on Princess Cruises July 6: 8-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 July 12: 51-night round-trip cruise from New York to Europe on Oceania July 14: 24-night cruise from England to New York on Seabourn July 20: 17-day cruise from Boston to Rotterdam (Netherlands) on Holland America July 21: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 July 28: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2

August 2024

August 16: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 August 17: 15-night cruise from Tilbury (England) to New York on Oceania August 19: 22-night cruise from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Miami on Royal Caribbean August 22: 16-night cruise from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Boston on Royal Caribbean August 23: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 August 24: 16-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to New York on Regent Seven Seas

September 2024

September 15: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 September 23: 16-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises

October 2024

October 6: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 October 6: 12-day cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line October 6: 21-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Galveston (Texas) on Princess Cruises October 9: 22-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Puerto Rico on Viking October 12: 15-day cruise from Rotterdam (Netherlands) to Fort Lauderdale on Holland America October 17: 8-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 October 17: 13-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Port Canaveral on Norwegian Cruise Line October 19: 19-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) on MSC October 20: 13-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Disney Cruise Line October 21: 14-day cruise from New York to Barcelona (Spain) on Norwegian Cruise Line October 23: 12-night cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Cruises October 23: 16-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Galveston on Royal Caribbean October 24: 14-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Royal Caribbean October 25: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 October 26: 15-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Tampa on Carnival Cruise Line October 26: 13-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Cruises October 26: 14-night cruise from Malaga (Spain) to Puerto Rico on SeaDream October 30: 18-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on MSC October 31: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Holland America

November 2024

November 1: 14-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Cruises November 3: 14-day cruise from Miami to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line November 3: 16-night cruise from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to New York on Oceania November 3: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Regent Seven Seas November 3: 14-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Cape Liberty on Royal Caribbean November 7: 16-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to New York on Norwegian Cruise Line November 7: 14-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Tampa on Celebrity Cruises November 8: 16-night cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Portugal) on MSC November 9: 13-night cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Cruises November 10: 13-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Port Canaveral on Norwegian Cruise Line November 10: 16-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises November 10: 16-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Port Canaveral on Royal Caribbean November 13: 12-night cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Fort Lauderdale on Azamara Cruises November 13: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 November 15: 12-night cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Miami on Oceania November 16: 13-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Cruises November 16: 14-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Holland America November 20: 10-night cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Barbados on Azamara Cruises November 20: 15-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Miami on Oceania November 21: 12-night cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Port Canaveral on Celebrity Cruises November 22: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Regent Seven Seas November 22: 14-day cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Fort Lauderdale on Silversea November 24: 13-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Port Canaveral on Royal Caribbean November 26: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line November 28: 17-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises November 28: 12-night cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Miami on Seabourn November 28: 22-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Viking November 29: 16-day cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Puerto Rico on Norwegian Cruise Line November 30: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line

December 2024

December 3: 12-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line December 3: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 December 4: 18-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises December 4: 15-day cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Fort Lauderdale on Silversea December 5: 15-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Viking December 15: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2

January 2025

January 3: 8-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 January 4: 13-day cruise from Miami to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line January 9: 9-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on Cunard Line January 9: 12-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Cunard Line

February 2025

February 2: 13-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Miami on Norwegian Cruise Line February 7: 12-day cruise from Miami to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line February 10: 12-night cruise from Miami to Barcelona (Spain) on Royal Caribbean February 18: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Princess Cruises

March 8: 13-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Celebrity Cruises March 8: 8-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 March 9: 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Princess Cruises March 14: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Cunard Line March 16: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Carnival Cruise Line March 19: 14-day cruise from Miami to Barcelona (Spain) on Regent Seven Seas March 22: 12-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Celebrity Cruises March 22: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Princess Cruises March 24: 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rome (Italy) on Princess Cruises March 29: 8-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 March 31: 12-night cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Portugal) on Azamara Cruises March 31: 15-day cruise from New York to Rome (Italy) on Norwegian Cruise Line

April 1: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon (Portugal) on Silversea April 4: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton (England) on Princess Cruises April 4: 12-day cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Portugal) on Regent Seven Seas April 5: 15-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam (Netherlands) on Holland America April 6: 14-night cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Portugal) on MSC April 12: 16-night cruise from Tampa to Rome (Italy) on Celebrity Cruises April 12: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam (Netherlands) on Holland America April 12: 15-night cruise from Miami to Portsmouth (England) on Royal Caribbean April 19: 14-night cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona (Spain) on Celebrity Cruises April 19: 14-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona (Spain) on Holland America April 19: 16-day cruise from Palm Beach (Florida) to Lisbon (Portugal) on SeaDream April 20: 15-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rome (Italy) on Celebrity Cruises April 22: 14-night cruise from Puerto Rico to Barcelona (Spain) on Oceania April 24: 16-day cruise from New Orleans to Barcelona (Spain) on Carnival Cruise Line April 24: 14-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line April 27: 8-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 April 27: 12-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on Norwegian Cruise Line April 27: 14-night cruise from Cape Liberty (New Jersey) to Rome (Italy) on Royal Caribbean April 28: 14-night cruise from Miami to Southampton (England) on Royal Caribbean April 30: 12-night cruise from Miami to Barcelona (Spain) on Royal Caribbean

May 1: 12-night cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Portugal) on Oceania May 3: 13-night cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona (Spain) on Royal Caribbean May 5: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 May 5: 13-day cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona (Spain) on Disney Cruise Line May 16: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 May 18: 36-day cruise from New York to Amsterdam (Netherlands) on Viking May 23: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 May 29: 30-day cruise from New York to Copenhagen (Denmark) on Silversea

June 6: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 June 11: 15-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to New Orleans on Carnival Cruise Line June 11: 13-day cruise from New York to Belfast (Northern Ireland) on Silversea June 13: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 June 24: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2

July 8: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 July 18: 15-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Boston on Princess Cruises July 19: 35-day round-trip cruise from Boston to Northern Europe on Holland America July 25: 14-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 July 27: 36-day cruise from New York to Amsterdam (Netherlands) on Viking

August 2025

August 2: 36-night cruise from Dover (England) to New York on Seabourn August 8: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 August 27: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 August 30: 15-night cruise from Southampton (England) to Boston on Royal Caribbean

September 2025

September 3: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 September 13: 14-day cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona (Spain) on Carnival Cruise Line September 16: 14-night cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to New York on Oceania September 26: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2

October 2025

October 7: 45-day round-trip cruise from New York to the Mediterranean on Holland America October 8: 21-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Galveston (Texas) on Princess Cruises October 11: 15-day cruise from Rotterdam (Netherlands) to Fort Lauderdale on Holland America October 11: 15-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises October 16: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Port Canaveral on Carnival Cruise Line October 16: 14-night cruise from Southampton (England) to Miami on Royal Caribbean October 17: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 October 19: 13-night cruise from Southampton (England) to Port Canaveral on Celebrity Cruises October 20: 16-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises October 22: 14-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Cape Liberty on Royal Caribbean October 24: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 October 16: 14-night cruise from Southampton (England) to Miami on Royal Caribbean October 26: 13-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Cruises October 31: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 October 31: 16-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Tampa on Celebrity Cruises October 31: 13-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Celebrity Cruises

November 2025

November 1: 15-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises November 2: 15-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale on Holland America November 2: 13-day cruise from Malaga (Spain) to Puerto Rico on SeaDream November 7: 15-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to New York on Norwegian Cruise Line November 8: 14-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Tampa on Carnival Cruise Line November 8: 16-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Regent Seven Seas November 14: 16-day cruise from Southampton (England) to Fort Lauderdale on Princess Cruises November 15: 14-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Holland America November 18: 14-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Puerto Rico on Seabourn November 19: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2 November 19: 14-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Oceania November 19: 13-day cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Fort Lauderdale on Silversea November 26: 14-day cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami on Regent Seven Seas November 28: 15-day cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Galveston (Texas) on Norwegian Cruise Line November 28: 22-day cruise from Rome (Italy) to Fort Lauderdale on Viking

December 2025

December 8: 7-day cruise from New York to Southampton (England) on the Queen Mary 2 December 8: 14-day cruise from Lisbon (Portugal) to Fort Lauderdale on Silversea December 15: 7-day cruise from Southampton (England) to New York on the Queen Mary 2

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Transatlantic Cruises

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

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

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Experience the Deep Blue Waters of the Atlantic

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

Featured Transatlantic Cruises

Cruises from europe to florida.

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

Cruises From Florida to Europe

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

Cruises to South America

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

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Find Your Perfect Transatlantic Cruise

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Why Cruise Across the Atlantic With Celebrity Cruises

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

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

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

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

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Top Transatlantic FAQs

What is a transatlantic cruise?

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

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

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

When’s the best time to cruise?

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

How long does a transatlantic cruise take?

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

Do I need a passport and/or a visa?

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

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

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

What itineraries are available?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What should I pack for a transatlantic cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

How do transatlantic cruise prices compare to traditional cruises?

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

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6 top transatlantic cruises for 2024.

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

The Top Transatlantic Cruises

Courtesy of Cunard Line

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

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

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

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

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

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

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

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

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

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

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

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

Cruise length: 21 nights

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

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

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

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

Cruise length: 16 nights

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

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

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Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

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

Cruise length: 31 nights

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

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

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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

Cruise length: 12 nights

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

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

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

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

Cruise length: 14 nights

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

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Should You Take a Transatlantic Cruise?

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

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

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

Pro: Bargain Prices

TripSavvy / Linda Garrison

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

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

Pro: No Flying

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

Pro: No Jet Lag

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

Pro: Learn Something New

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

Pro: Relax and Unwind

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

Con: No (or Few) Ports of Call

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

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

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

Con: Weather and Rough Seas

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

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

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

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

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

Con: Passengers Tend to Be Older

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

Con: Too Much Free Time

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

Is a Transatlantic Cruise For You?

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

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Transatlantic Cruise: A Guide to Crossing the Atlantic by Ship

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

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

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

History of Transatlantic Cruises

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

Evolution of Ocean Liners

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

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

Famous Transatlantic Voyages

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

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

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

Planning Your Cruise

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

Best Time to Go

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

Choosing the Right Cruise Line

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

Understanding Cruise Packages

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

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

Departure and Destination Ports

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

Popular Departure Ports

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

European Destinations

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

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

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Onboard Experience

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

Dining and Cuisine

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

Entertainment and Activities

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

Wellness and Relaxation

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

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

Types of Transatlantic Cruises

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

Repositioning Cruises

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

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

Luxury Transatlantic Cruises

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

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

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

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Shore Excursions and Land Tours

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

Cultural Experiences

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

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

Adventure and Exploration

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

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

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

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Travel Tips and Considerations

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

Packing for a Transatlantic Cruise

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

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

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

Dealing with Seasickness

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

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

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

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

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Cruise Lines and Ships

Comparing major cruise lines.

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

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

Unique Ship Amenities

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

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

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Booking and Costs

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

Finding the Best Deals

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

Additional Costs to Consider

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

How can I find discounts for transatlantic cruises?

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

Which European destinations are most popular for transatlantic cruises?

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

What is the optimal duration for a transatlantic cruise?

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

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

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

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

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

Best Transatlantic Cruise

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

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

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

Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossing

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

Royal Caribbean’s Transatlantic Cruise

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

Viking Ocean Cruise’s Transatlantic Crossing

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Jonathan Atkin/Cunard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is seven days at sea even enough?

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

Courtesy of Cunard

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

My answer, “What’s there not to do?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The different classes of service

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

Photo by Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

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

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

A floating piece of history

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How Transatlantic History Shaped The World As We Know It

Journey across history & the transatlantic crossing.

By Chantae Reden | Published on April 25, 2022

Who Made The First Transatlantic Crossing?

H umanity is a whopping 200,000 years old, so you can imagine why historians disagree on what is truly considered the first crossing. The explorer Christopher Columbus is often credited as the one who made the first transatlantic journey in 1492, discovering and settling America in the process. And while it was a pretty big deal when he landed on the continent, Columbus' boots weren't the first to hit the ground. It's likely that hundreds came before him.

But Columbus' crossing is still important to transatlantic history. His crossing sparked the imagination of millions of European traders and triggered massive colonization events. It ultimately thrust Spain into the spotlight as the world's first global superpower. Back in the 16th century, the Americas were unknown to Europe. The wheels of fate were set in motion when Columbus had reasoned that, since the world was round, sailing to the west would inevitably take him to the spice-rich lands of India. He was correct in theory but underestimated the size of the world by an entire continent. That's why when Columbus first saw the Native Americans, he thought he'd found India and unfortunately called them "Indians."

Historians (mostly) agree that the Vikings made the first transatlantic crossing in the 10th century — totally by accident. The explorer Leif Erikson was one of the first Vikings to land on North American shores after being blown off-course on a routine trip to Norway. In true Viking fashion, Erikson claimed the lush area by naming it "Vinland" due to the many grapevines his party encountered. Shortly after arriving, he set sail back to his homeland, picked up some shipwrecked Norsemen on the way, and never returned. Those who heard his tale sailed to Vinland, repeating Erikson's fateful journey in search of rich new lands. They built a small settlement and traded with the native people they found there. After some tensions and skirmishes, the Norsemen abandoned the settlement entirely. And America was cut off from the rest of the world until the Spanish discovery.

While Norway has the strongest claim for the first transatlantic crossing by ship, some fringe theories say the crossing was made by humans hundreds or even thousands of years earlier . In the 6th century, the Irish monk St. Brendan supposedly sailed from Ireland to North America. His ship was a small, crude vessel called a "currach" built of wood and animal skin. Brendan's adventures are documented in a book he wrote himself, "The Voyage of St. Brendan the Abbot." The book was a medieval bestseller (yes, those existed!) and catapulted St. Brendan to legend status. From his descriptive writings, most believe he sailed to the Canary Islands but never touched down on North America itself. His books did, however, inspire Christopher Columbus' own adventures. Many historians were skeptical that Brendan's rudimentary boat could even cross such a vast distance. In 1976, writer Tim Severin proved that he could make the trip by building a replica of Brendan's currach. He did land in Canada — so make of that what you will!

A small group of amateur scholars and historians believe that a Chinese man was the first to discover the Americas. Zheng He was a Muslim-Chinese eunuch mariner who commanded a fleet of wooden sailing ships. Despite evidence shown in old shipwrecks, Chinese and European maps, and written navigational accounts, most historians believe this theory is full of holes and built on fantasy, not fact.

But there's yet another contender for the first-place prize. Some leading scientists think neolithic sailors beat everyone to the finish line by a good 18,000 years. Dr. Dennis Stanford of the reputable Smithsonian Institution says there's plenty of evidence to support the claim. The reasoning largely depends on similarities between American and European Stone Age tools. However, the transatlantic voyage looked a lot different back then — it was the middle of the Ice Age. Amidst icy storms, frozen seas, and incredibly low temperatures, the likelihood of people actually surviving such a trip in a Stone Age boat was low. But Stanford argues that much of the ocean was frozen in ice, exposing more land and making the distance between continents shorter. This theory is on thin ice — pun intended — and technical advancements in genetics support the hypothesis that America was first populated by Asian people who made the migration on foot.

What Is It Like Traveling On A Transatlantic Crossing By Ship?

So what's it like doing a transatlantic crossing by ship? Well, that depends on what year and what ship. Back in Columbus' day, sailing from England to America could take you anywhere between six weeks and four months, depending on the wind and weather you faced. Without modern-day weather-prediction technology, your voyage time was largely based on luck. Columbus himself was rather lucky, making the journey in 61 days. And so began a centuries-long effort to reduce the crossing time for sailing ships. Some 200 years later, in the 1700s, sailing ships still needed at least six weeks to cross the Atlantic. But a new invention was on the way. During the 19th century, in 1845, Britain's steam-powered ship, the SS Great Britain, could make the whole journey in a breezy 14 days. The ship, which could carry 480 people, was a mixture of new and old, combining sails with advanced iron screw propulsion.

By the early 1900s, sailing ships were out and passenger liners were in. Technology had long surpassed wooden vessels, and gigantic steel hulls capable of transporting up to 2,000 people per voyage were now a reality. This ushered in the golden age of the liner — a significant contributor to the speed of American colonization. A 1900s liner once made the transatlantic journey in a record four days, but the average was around five days.

By the 1950s, passenger liners were made obsolete by airplanes that could make the journey in hours, not days. As the liner industry dwindled, liners gradually transformed into what is known today as cruise ships. On a leisure cruise ship, you can make a historic journey of your own. Most Transatlantic cruises take a bit longer than five days, stopping off at historic ports along the way to explore the local lands and indulge in cultural foods. While you lose some of the adventure of a sailboat, you gain plenty of comfort and relaxation! Cruise boats are very stable, packed with thrilling activities, and are expertly navigated across the high seas.

If you want to make the crossing the old-fashioned way, join the popular sailing race between the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro called the Cape to Rio. By all reports, it's a pleasant downwind race that's sunny, warm, and gentle. Held over December, steady trade winds whisk you from one continent to the other without much risk of storms or rough seas. You can find other races from European destinations, such as the single-handed Transatlantic Race.

Best Destinations For Your Transatlantic Crossing Cruise

Spain was the first to establish trade routes by creating the West Indies Fleet (also known as the Spanish Treasure Fleet). Spain's network of cargo ships was the very first permanent trade route in history and operated from 1566 to 1790. It is still one of the most successful naval operations to ever occur. The West Indies Fleet was later joined by the East Indies Fleet, and together, they laid the groundwork for much of the existing global trade. In Spain, you'll find much of what used to be sent to its colonies; oil, wine, textiles, books and other goods that Spanish America needed. You'll also be able to see the effects of some of the goods brought back from the Treasure Fleet's many voyages, including silver and gold, gems, pearls, spices, sugar, tobacco, silk and more.

Other European destinations include Italy, Portugal, and France, which traded often with Spanish-American colonies. All three countries tried to overthrow Spain's iron-tight grip on transatlantic trade but failed. While the most famous transatlantic crossings go from east to west , just as many crossings go from west to east. Set sail from the sunshine-drenched ports of Florida like Tampa or Fort Lauderdale to arrive at any of the famous destinations of the Mediterranean Sea. Portugal is a historic first stop where you can see how West African culture had a profound and lasting effect on the country. It was a Portuguese ship that first transported enslaved Africans to the Americas. It's a dark part of history, but it's important to learn about and honor those who suffered and lost their lives.

Making Transatlantic History In Exciting Ways

Through hundreds of years, humans have found all manner of interesting ways to cross the great Atlantic Ocean. And many continue to find new vessels and propulsion systems today. In 2017, Chris Bertish crossed the Atlantic Ocean and used a modified stand-up paddleboard to journey from Morocco to Antigua in 93 days. He was completely unassisted despite a string of equipment failures and injuries. In 2018, endurance athlete Bryce Carlson rowed solo from Newfoundland to the English Isles of Scilly, beating the previous rowing record by a whole 15 days. His ocean-going rowboat cost around $75,000. And in 2019, climate activist Greta Thunberg crossed the Atlantic on a racing yacht. She refused to fly because of carbon emissions. Greta sailed from Plymouth to New York in just 15 days, and the entire trip was declared carbon-neutral.

A mere 300 years ago, you would have found your transatlantic voyage awash with the slave trade, the gold of the Spanish, and swashbuckling piracy. Skip forward 200 years, and your sails would have transformed into the luxurious old passenger liners, steaming their way through ocean swells and currents. Today, the adventure couldn't be easier to have on a transatlantic cruise .

Ready to set sail and cross the seas? Book your transatlantic cruise today.

Written By CLAIRE HEGINBOTHAM

Claire Heginbotham is a professional copywriter and adventure traveler. Over the last five years, she's published work with Royal Caribbean, Gaijinpot, Kuroko Tours, and many more. She's traveled to hundreds of bespoke Asian destinations where the unknown flourishes.

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Atlantic Crossing

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Atlantic Crossing Map

Embark on a classic crossing

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

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

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

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

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Carnival Legend Arrives in Europe for Summer Program

• April 29, 2024

After departing from Norfolk on a trans-Atlantic crossing in mid-April, the Carnival Legend recently arrived in Europe for a summer program.

The 12-night repositioning voyage featured visits to destinations in Portugal and Spain before ending in Barcelona on April 27.

Before kicking off its summer program, the 2,100-guest ship sailed to the Chantier Naval de Marseille in France, where it is now undergoing a major refurbishment.

In addition to technical maintenance and class work, the Legend is expected to see updates to its public areas and staterooms.

While details of the project are still to be confirmed, the ship may receive new venues, including the Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, which is being rolled out to more vessels in Carnival’s fleet.

Once the work is completed, the Carnival Legend is set to kick off a five-month program in Europe that includes itineraries in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

The first sailing of the season is an eight-night cruise to Italy, France, Spain, and Malta that sails roundtrip from Barcelona.

Scheduled to depart on May 30, the itinerary features visits to Toulon, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina and Valletta.

In June, the Carnival Legend repositions to Northern Europe for a series of cruises departing from Dover, England.

Before returning to the Mediterranean in late August, the ship offers nine- to 12-night itineraries to the British Isles, Iceland, Scandinavia, the North Sea and more.

Scheduled to return to North America in early November, the Legend is also set to sail a series of ten-night cruises to the Greek Isles, Italy and Turkey between September and October.

The ship is then set to offer a trans-Atlantic crossing to Florida before kicking off its 2024-25 winter program in Tampa.

Part of Carnival Cruise Line’s four-ship Spirit Class, the Carnival Legend was built by Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Finland and originally entered service in 2002 .

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

It took a star to welcome the sun.

The Sun Princess , that is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carnival Corporation is the parent company of Princess Cruises.

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

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

The biggest Princess ship ever

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: The 4 types of Princess ships, explained

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

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

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

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

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

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

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

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

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

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

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

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

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

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

Cruise length: 21 nights

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

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

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

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

Cruise length: 16 nights

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

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

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

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

Cruise length: 31 nights

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

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

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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

Cruise length: 12 nights

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

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

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

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

Cruise length: 14 nights

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

Crossing the Equator and navigating icebergs: The A13.5 GO-SHIP returns after 52 days at sea

An iceberg floats near the Research Vessel Marcus Langseth . Credit: NOAA

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

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

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

Click to read the full article

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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