Transatlantic cruises, which once upon a time were the backbone of commerce between continents, now stand as seasonal treats rather than necessities throughout the year. There exists a summer route for one cruise line; however, most transatlantic travel corresponds to seasonal repositioning of fleets from Europe and the Mediterranean in spring and back to the Americas in fall.
Transatlantic voyages usually commence from New York, Boston, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale, with a few launches also originating from Caribbean ports. Meanwhile, westbound crossings are typically launched from Europe's eminent metropolitan areas including Southampton and Barcelona. The vessels may navigate a brisker northern course or take a slower southern route, perhaps with a layover at the Canary Islands.
While certain itineraries include 'quick stops' to the likes of Iceland on the northern routing or to the Canaries on its southern end, the quintessential transatlantic cruise experience remains an uninterrupted journey across the unending ocean, a haven where time loses its grip, and the sea herself emerges the true star of the voyage.
Take advantage of all Transatlantic cruises that begin or end stateside to save money on flights and spend more time relaxing on board. Transatlantic itineraries were designed to maximize your time at sea and allow you to disconnect.
Get ready for a journey like no other. Enjoy the pleasures of life while escaping the real world. Here are some feature highlights of a transatlantic cruise.
Our transatlantic cruises include fantastic shore excursions to explore the exciting destinations you visit. Barcelona, Spain, the Canaries, Bermuda, Boston, Massachusetts, and many more fascinating places are waiting to be discovered on either side of the Atlantic.
Whether you're lounging on the beach or on board the ship, the oceans of the Atlantic hold plenty of opportunities for adventure. With so many days at sea, take advantage of the ship's many activities and attractions, including spa treatments, rock climbing, ice skating, musical performances, and a Casino.
Explore the fantastic amenities and activities available on an incredible cruise across the Atlantic Ocean. Take a ship tour, try your luck at the casino, relax in the spa or just find a quiet corner and read a good book.
Your fellow passengers are likely fascinating people. Your extended itinerary allows you to socialize with guests from all over the world. Find out more about your community of like-minded savvy travelers by joining group activities like cooking demonstrations. During your next transatlantic trip, you might make new lifelong friendships.
The classic transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton often does not stop, or only makes a single stop in Halifax or in the Azores.
Transatlantic cruises provide a very special way to travel between Europe and North America, with occasional stops at a variety of ports along the way. The particular ports of call are dependent on the cruise line, itinerary, and whether the cruise is eastbound, that is, from North America to Europe, or westbound, that is, from Europe to North America. Here are some of the most popular ports of call on transatlantic crossings:
One of the world`s most recognizable locales, New York City can never run short of attractions-from the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, Central Park to Broadway. The city is home to world-famous museums, the breathtaking skyline which can be enjoyed from the Empire State Building, and a lot more making it a highly unforgettable beginning or end to transatlantic travel.
Famous for white sand beaches, Art Deco architecture, and an energetic Cuban flair, Miami is a lively transatlantic cruise port. Visitors can wander trendy neighborhoods in South Beach, boat tour Biscayne Bay, or visit the Everglades on a ripping airboat ride.
Situated dead center in the Atlantic, Ponta Delgada is a lush volcanic island in the Azores. Travelers can visit the breathtaking crater lakes at Sete Cidades, relax in a thermal hot spring, or get lost in the island's cobblestone streets and historic churches. A real paradise for nature lovers.
Funchal is a beautiful Portuguese island famous for its terraced landscape, breathtaking botanical gardens, and Madeira wine; tourists can ride the famous cable car to Monte, beautiful levada walkways, or enjoy toboggan sledding down the winding streets. The mild climate here makes it a year-round favorite.
Tenerife is the biggest among countries having Canary Islands of Spain and differs from mountains to beaches, having an array of different scenes. Mount Teide, Spain s highest mountain, dominates the skyline of the island. Explore charming villages, indulge in the duty-free shopping or just enjoy the sun-drenched shores of the island.
Transatlantic cruises provide a splendid and leisurely travel option to cross the ocean, with top cruise lines rolling out the red carpet for their world-class facilities, entertainment, and service. Below are the best cruise lines for transatlantic crossings along with their standout ships.
Typical Route: Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, with stops in the Azores or Spain.
Among the various cruise lines that can be readily available, Princess Cruises is well-known for its fine touch, with an impressive menu of quite rich restaurants and a definition of an onboard experience that builds on the relaxation aspect. Transatlantic itineraries are read quite regularly from this cruise line as its stops in the Canary Islands, Azores, or even Mediterranean destinations are part of the package offered by them. Regal Princess, big balconies, world-class entertainment, and the unique SeaWalk, a glass walkway extending over the ocean, are some of the special features.
Book Princess CruisesTypical Route: New York to Southampton (Classic Transatlantic Crossing).
Cunard embodies perhaps the most sophisticated icon of transatlantic cruising in the form of Queen Mary 2. This is the only true ocean liner still in service today. Facilities include traditional afternoon tea and grand ballroom dancing; in addition to this, it has the largest library at sea. A Cunard transatlantic cruise is actually a step back into the golden age of ocean travel and has no port stops on its classic crossing.
Book Cunard CruisesTypical Route: Miami to Barcelona, stopping at Madeira, Spain, and Italy.
Carnival's transatlantic cruises appear fun and festive. Carnival Vista has a waterpark, an IMAX theatre, a SkyRide attraction for cycling on an elevated track, and everything possible from Carnival of course for family, for the single, and the party-ready. Fun for everyone with plenty going on and cheap prices.
Book Carnival CruisesTypical Route: Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, with stops in the Canary Islands, Portugal, and Spain.
Celebrity Cruises blends modern luxury with some of the best services. Celebrity Apex, the line's second newest ship, boasts Magic Carpet, a marvelous floating platform that morphs from bar to restaurant to boarding deck. An elegant transatlantic experience, Celebrity just reaches the heights of dining, lounges, and staterooms.
Book Viking Ocean CruisesTypical Route: Barcelona to Miami, with ports of call in Portugal, the Canary Islands, and Bermuda.
Viking Ocean Cruises prides itself on being all-inclusive and adults only. Viking Star presents a lovely environment free of casinos, with light excursions and complimentary Wi-Fi all around. The mesmerizing infinity pool, spa in Scandinavian style, and cultural enrichment activities on board recommend Viking an excellent choice for somebody who wants a peaceful and educational transatlantic voyage.
Book Viking Ocean CruisesIsland Princess Cruise – 33 nights: So grand a journey to offer an extensive transatlantic crossing dotted by major ports and balances the colors and landscapes of cultures.
Sun Princess – 14 Nights: This is an itinerary that brings days at sea with tantalizing ports, perfect for vacationers who want relaxation and adventure.
The elegance of Princess Cruises encompasses gourmet delicacies crafted by chefs of international renown, an adults-only retreat, and the Lotus Spa. Broadway-styled shows await your pleasure; Movies Under the Stars® is at your service; plus, on-board enrichment includes programs such as Discovery at SEA™.
Queen Victoria – 14 Nights: With its afternoon tea, ballroom dancing, and world-class service, this is a quintessential experience of crossing the Atlantic in style.
Step inside a world filled with British refinement with distinguished Cunard's White Star Service™, afternoon tea, set grand ballrooms, and onboard enrichment, including guest speakers' lectures, West End-style productions, and sophisticated bars that feature live jazz and piano.
Carnival Spirit – 14 Nights: An entertaining cruise, offering dashing activities by day and exciting nights, with the perfect amount of sunlight at sea, ensuring a fun crossing through oceans.
Carnival knows how to keep the upbeat and family-friendly atmosphere with waterslides and comedy shows, themed deck parties, and casinos. Enjoy casual and fine dining, followed by exciting hours alive with music, dancing, and karaoke nights.
Celebrity Eclipse – 12 nights: The stylish, modern cruise experience with first-class dining, accommodation, and exclusive events on board.
Celebrity Apex – 13 Nights: For an all-immersive experience, this ship has cutting-edge designs, gourmet food, and some of the best entertainment in business.
Celebrity Cruises arranges sleek, modern vessels featuring stunning lounges, rooftop gardens, and Michelin-inspired dining experiences. Guests will enjoy relaxation in The Spa with immersive art installations or top-notch performances in The Theatre.
Viking Jupiter – 21 Nights: This culturally enriching travel is made even more riveting by onboard lectures and curated shore excursions that take the destination to life.
Viking offers elegant, totally inclusive experiences, devoid of children, casinos, or crowds. Onboard, expect specialized lectures about Nordic and classical music, live performances, The Nordic Spa's thermal suite, and intimate dinner settings showcasing regionally inspired cuisine.
Costa Smeralda - 37 Nights: This is an amazing adventure through the whole Atlantic Ocean, including very long stays in buzzing ports mixed with a modern eco-cruise ship.
Costa Smeralda combines Italian hospitality with contemporary luxury and features striking open-air lounges, authentic Mediterranean dining, and state-of-the-art sustainable technological advancements. Dazzling stage productions, interactive entertainment, and vibrant piazza-style social areas, here we come!
A transatlantic cruise is at least mildly traveling-it isn't a vacation, yet it is crossing the open waters fathoming a different space and time and allows a little bit of everything: soothing self-pampering, luxury, and adventure.
Expect More Days at Sea: With transatlantic travel, you can definitely expect more days at sea than on land. Unlike regular cruises that seldom give passengers much time aboard the ship, expect multiple days at sea on a transatlantic cruise. Prepare to savor onboard activities, entertainment, and, of course, relaxation as you cross the wide ocean.
Choose a Route: Choose a route that will treat you just right. Different transatlantic cruises take different routes.
Pack for Different Climates: You will be experiencing, really, a climate probably from warm Caribbean sun to cool European sea breeze. Bring along layers, swimsuits, and gala attire for formal nights.
Change of time zones: As you cross the ocean, you will most likely be adjusting your clocks more than a couple of times! Most of the ships do this gradually, usually changing the time zone by one hour every day.
Prepare for Motion at Sea: Be sure to gear up for a little bit of motion at sea. The big ships still have to face a bit of rough seas in the Atlantic. It will be good to have seasickness medication, sea bands, or some ginger supplements on hand.
Stay Connected: Wi-Fi might be expensive and thus quite slow on a transatlantic cruise compared to that on land. Some travelers swear by a digital detox, while others purchase these internet packages beforehand.
Bring Entertainment & Hobbies: Though having much to do, the long days on the sea will allow someone to read, write in a journal, knit, or pick up a new skill.
Know the Dine and Dress Code on the Ship: There are usually a lot of formal or elegant nights in most transatlantic cruises, and several have either upscale restaurants or a wide diversity of dining options. Check out the dress code of the ship and what a gala evening or even casual dining would be.
Budget Gratuities & Add-Ons: Add gratuities to your onboard account and also consider the additional costs incurred on the spa services offered, along with specialty dining and onshore excursions.
Plan Your Arrivals & Departures: Since different continents are travelling to this embarking point and disembarking point, the necessary flights should be booked. Arriving a day in advance takes the stress of travel for possible delays out.
Take Enrichment Programs: Most of the transatlantic cruises organize a guest speaker, a few courses in different languages, tasting of wines, as well as other activities that add to the worth of the entire travel while its lengthened phase.
The cost of a Transatlantic cruise can vary depending on the cruise line, length of the cruise, cabin type, and destination. Some cruises may include onboard credit.
For a transatlantic cruise, you should pack layers, comfortable shoes, and clothing for different weather conditions.
Spring, April-May is the best time to cruise to Transatlantic.
A typical Transatlantic cruise could last from 7 days to over 14 days.
Yes, the seas can be rough on a Transatlantic cruise, especially during the cooler months.
The shortest transatlantic cruise is seven nights long, sailing from Southampton, England to New York City. This cruise is offered by Cunard's Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.
