Transatlantic crossings have always been an important part of cruise history; harking back to the golden era of grand ocean liners sailing across the open seas bound for the Americas. In modern times, transatlantic cruises are still amongst some of the most popular cruise itineraries; particularly with those looking for a stress-free way to enjoy a holiday.
There are many advantages to crossing the Atlantic by ship. Principally, no other type of cruise experience allows you more time to enjoy ships onboard facilities. You’ll be free to spend your days doing as you please, without ever feeling obliged to step ashore and discover the next port of call. Furthermore, crossing the Atlantic on a cruise eliminates the prospect of jet lag; simply arrive at your chosen destination without ever needing to adjust to the local time zone.
Still considered one of the most luxurious ways to travel from east to west (or vice versa), a transatlantic cruise should be on any discerning cruise enthusiasts’ bucket list.
Transatlantic cruise itineraries
The most popular transatlantic cruise itineraries are 7-night voyages that sail one-way from either Southampton to New York. To enjoy more time on board – and eliminate the prospect of flying entirely – transatlantic cruises can be booked as 14-night itineraries, with embarkation and disembarkation both taking place in the same port. These cruises run throughout the year, and will occasionally be available to book for an extended duration to call at ports in Canada and New England.
Transatlantic cruises between Europe and South America typically take place in October and March. These voyages, which can also be referred to as repositioning cruises, serve the purpose of taking the ship from one place to another in time to begin a new series of sailings in a particular destination. Unlike the sailings between the UK and USA, repositioning transatlantic cruises do feature a small number of ports. For instance, voyages between Europe and the Caribbean will often call at the Canaries and Azores, while itineraries to South America and Europe will occasionally visit the Cape Verde Islands.
The best time for transatlantic cruises
The best time for a transatlantic cruise is subject to debate, but it’s typically thought that a crossing between Southampton and New York is best taken during the summer months when the weather is warmer and the seas calmer. One of the advantages of cruising during this period is that you can enjoy the open deck space and outdoor entertainment programme. Of course, this is generally when transatlantic cruises are more expensive, so if you’re searching for for a voyage a budget, early spring and autumn will probably be more cost-effective.
Sailings from Europe to the Caribbean and South America (or vice versa) happen only a couple of times a year, so there isn’t a range of departures available. Instead, just pick the route you would like to travel and look forward to making the most of your ships’ amenities and dining venues.
It is also worth mentioning that the period between June and November is the Atlantic’s hurricane season. While this won’t necessarily be a factor on New York crossings, transatlantic sailings from Europe to the Caribbean or South America may be subject to rough weather and unsteady seas. Funnily enough, some people enjoy crossing the Atlantic during inclement weather, believing that it adds to the sense of adventure.
Cruise lines that offer transatlantic cruises
The most frequent operator of transatlantic cruises is Cunard. They’ve been sailing across the Atlantic for over 180 years and are synonymous with the route. Cunard uses the Queen Mary 2 for its transatlantic sailings in the present era, with voyages between Southampton and New York available throughout the year.
Nearly all other cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises in some shape or form. For example, Regent Seven Seas offer itineraries from Lisbon, Amsterdam and Venice to Miami before starting the Caribbean season. Other operators like Silversea, Oceania Cruises and Holland America Line also offer sailings between mainland Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.
For more information regarding Transatlantic cruises or to receive a quote for a future voyage, please call us on 0800 008 6677 or make an online enquiry for one of the itineraries featured below.
