Crossing the Atlantic Ocean by ship instead of hopping across by plane still carries a pioneering feel of travel’s golden age, when this was the only way to reach the Americas.
The weight of history hangs heavily on this stretch of the north Atlantic with tales of early explorers, thrilling races and, of course, the haunting story of the Titanic disaster.
Cunard’s classic ocean liner Queen Mary 2 (QM2) continues to sail the transatlantic Southampton to New York route, the most famous and among the shortest ways to cross the ocean, and I know from experience that as you depart, there’s nothing to match the realisation that you won’t see land for the next seven days.
Purists point out that Cunard’s transatlantic sailings are crossings rather than cruises, though there is more than one way to tackle this ocean, as the choice and scope of the voyages have risen.
Different routes have sprung up between other European cities, such as Rome, Barcelona and Lisbon to the likes of Miami, Barbados and Rio de Janeiro, as cruise lines reposition their ships.
These normally take place each spring as ships relocate from the Caribbean and South America, where they spend the winter, to the Mediterranean for the summer season before returning south in the autumn. Here’s how to make the most of this ultimate voyage.
In this guide:
Before you book
What is a transatlantic cruise?
The classic crossing that tends to top travel bucket lists is aboard QM2 between Southampton and New York. It carries the thrill of spotting terra firma after several days at sea as you approach Manhattan’s distinctive skyline at dawn or sail away from the skyscrapers as the sun sets, knowing the next sight of land will be England.
There are variations on this; for example, Oceania Cruises offers transatlantic voyages between Miami and Barcelona, Athens, Lisbon or Rome, while Celebrity Cruises has multiple sailings, including between Fort Lauderdale and Rome.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) departs Southampton for New York, stopping at Belfast and the Canadian city of Halifax en route. Other itineraries may encompass Boston and Quebec City, while some go further south to the likes of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, or to one of the Caribbean islands.
These are not all repositioning cruises, but scheduled one-way sailings or round trips. P&O Cruises has one-way sailings departing Southampton to both Barbados and Antigua in the autumn as well as a longer round trip.
Where can I go?
North America is the prime destination, while others head towards the Caribbean, transit through the Panama Canal or take a southerly route, such as an MSC Cruises sailing from Tarragona to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
World voyages bound for the Caribbean or further south may stop at the Portuguese island of Madeira or Spain’s Canary Islands. Other crossings may travel northwards, such as a Windstar Cruises voyage that sails from the Icelandic capital Reykjavik to Boston via Greenland and Canada’s eastern seaboard.
How long does a transatlantic cruise typically take?
The bedrock Southampton to New York crossing with Cunard generally takes a week as it is a “point-to-point” voyage with no other port calls. Most guests tend to fly one way, either sailing out and returning from New York by plane or joining the ship in the Big Apple to sail home. However, there’s nothing to stop travellers doing a round-trip, either sailing back straight away or staying ashore for a while – ideal for anyone who dislikes flying.
Sailings that build in other stops can take two or three weeks, as proven by an Azamara Cruises’ 21-night Athens to Miami voyage that visits other European ports around the Mediterranean before striking out across the Atlantic to Puerto Rico and finishing in Florida.
When should I go?
Cunard’s Southampton to New York service on QM2 operates for most of the year, stopping from mid-January to April. Spring and early summer are generally good settled periods to hop across the pond, though conditions can be unpredictable, becoming rough and rocky or resembling a millpond – even in winter.
Repositioning cruises generally sail from the Caribbean and South America to Europe in the spring, returning in the autumn.
Should I sail east or westwards?
Sailing westwards means you will gain five hours, with clocks moving back an hour approximately every other day.
Luggage restrictions are more generous (Cunard, for example, doesn’t impose restrictions on the number of suitcases, just on the weight of each one), so there’s no need to worry about loading up during those New York shopping sprees.
Heading eastwards to align with UK time, you lose five hours, with some days an hour shorter as clocks move forward. Such gradual time changes mean there’s no jetlag either way.
What type of cabin should I book?
It’s not necessarily the sort of journey where you will be sitting on your balcony a great deal, though with so many sea days you may want your own outdoor space. It’s definitely worth having a sea view.
Are transatlantic cruises expensive?
The classic Southampton to New York crossing on QM2 costs from around £600pp, though you need to factor in the price of the flight home. Repositioning cruises can be extraordinarily good value and as much as 50 per cent less than regular sailings.
Life on board
What does a typical day look like?
There will be activities and organised events, with fascinating lectures (particularly on Cunard), film screenings, quizzes and deck games.
Some ships, such as those of Cunard and P&O Cruises, plus Oceania, Silversea and Holland America Line, also have good libraries. It’s surprising how quickly the days fall into a routine anchored by mealtimes, and one of the greatest pleasures is simply dialling down and gazing at the ocean.
Will I get bored?
There’s a full programme of activities and some voyages may be themed with special events focusing on music, food and literature. Most ships have large spas, and some lines, such as Marella Cruises, put on more shows.
How formal is the dining?
With the weight of its history and traditions, Cunard tends to be the most formal of the lines with black-tie gala dinners, while a daily highlight is afternoon tea, served by white-gloved waiters to the melodic strains of violinists or a harpist.
However, the vast choice of ships crossing the Atlantic means that all styles and tastes are offered.
What will the weather be like?
While warm summers can bring sunny days at sea, the Atlantic hurricane season from May to November can sometimes cause issues. Storms in this period generally affect the Caribbean, and it is more unusual for them to cause disruption further north.
I crossed in mid-July and clear blue skies brought a resort feel on board as most people took to their sunbeds to enjoy the sunshine.
Who will my fellow passengers be?
Generally they will be more mature travellers who have time for such crossings, particularly if they’re part of a longer voyage. It will be a mix of experienced cruisers who love the sea days and those ticking the crossing off their bucket list.
During school holidays, there will be families on board and on QM2 crossings, four-legged passengers include cats and dogs travelling in the ship’s kennels.
Can I keep active?
With fully kitted gyms, sports courts and running/walking tracks on many ships, there’s plenty of opportunity for exercise.
Can I cruise solo?
There are more opportunities to meet other passengers due to so many days on board, and certain lines organise social gatherings for singletons too. Some ships have solo cabins, though these tend to get snapped up quickly.
Will I be seasick?
There’s no reason why you should be, especially on QM2, which was built for this type of crossing. However, with so many sea days, it’s good to be prepared with medication and acupressure sea bands.
Will there be Wi-Fi?
Thanks to satellite technology and Elon Musk’s Starlink system, which most cruise lines use, there shouldn’t be a problem with connectivity.
Before you go
What should I pack?
As weather conditions can be variable, it’s best to pack layers, allowing for windy decks. With none or few port stops, don’t count on doing an emergency shop mid-sailing, though the ship’s own retailers carry limited supplies. Check the advice on the cruise line website for dress codes and if you need to pack formal wear.
What kind of travel insurance do I need?
Regular worldwide travel insurance that includes cruise cover should suffice, though if your crossing is part of a longer voyage, be aware that annual policies generally only cover trips of up to 30 days.