Transatlantic Cruises

Choosing the best month for transatlantic cruises depends on various factors, such as your personal preference, tolerance for weather variations, and the specific destinations you have in mind.

1. Spring and Fall: Transatlantic cruises, also known as repositioning cruises, are most common in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). This is when cruise lines move their ships between Europe and the Americas to prepare for the peak season in each region. These cruises often offer the best value, but you should be prepared for unpredictable weather and rougher seas, particularly in the North Atlantic.

2. Summer: If you are particularly interested in good weather, then summer (late June to August) can be a good time for a transatlantic cruise. This is peak travel season, so you may encounter more crowds at popular tourist destinations, and prices may be higher. Still, the weather is usually good with calmer seas.

3. Winter: Generally, winter is not a popular time for transatlantic cruises due to the rough seas and colder weather, especially in the North Atlantic. However, there are some cruises in the South Atlantic, like those from South America to Africa or vice versa, where the winter season could be a viable option.

Remember, specific weather conditions can vary greatly based on the exact route of your cruise and the current year’s weather patterns. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with us for the most up-to-date information before booking.

Several reputable cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises, providing passengers with unforgettable journeys across the Atlantic Ocean. These voyages offer unique itineraries, premium onboard amenities, and world-class cuisine to enjoy while crossing the Atlantic.

• Cunard Line is renowned for its traditional transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York, providing passengers with a classic cruise experience filled with luxury and history.

• Royal Caribbean offers transatlantic cruises with stops in ports like Fort Lauderdale, Barcelona, and Lisbon, providing a diverse range of shore excursions and onboard entertainment.

• Celebrity Cruises offers multiple transatlantic cruises between Florida and Rome, as well as other destinations.

• Norwegian Cruise Line provides exciting transatlantic cruises with port visits to places like the Azores and Madeira, ensuring a unique mix of sea days and exploration.

• Holland America Line is well-known for their repositioning cruises in spring and fall, moving between the Caribbean and Europe with stopovers in ports such as Malaga, Seville, and Copenhagen.

• There are many others as well found on this web page.

The “best” side of the ship for a transatlantic cruise can vary depending on the specific itinerary of the cruise. However, for most transatlantic cruises, there isn’t a significant difference between the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the ship as most of the journey is spent sailing across the open ocean.

• If your cruise sails east from a port like Fort Lauderdale to Europe, you might prefer a starboard side cabin for sunrise views. Conversely, for a westbound voyage, a port side cabin would provide sunrise views.

• The choice might also depend on the specific ports of call on your itinerary. For example, if you’re visiting the Canary Islands or Madeira, and your ship docks with the island on a particular side, that might influence your decision.

• Regardless of side, an oceanview or balcony stateroom can greatly enhance the voyage, providing personal space to unwind, recharge, and savor the breathtaking views as you sail across the Atlantic Ocean.

The conditions of the Atlantic Ocean can vary greatly depending on the time of year and specific weather patterns. Transatlantic cruises can occasionally experience rough seas, especially during the winter. However, modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced stabilization systems to minimize discomfort.

• If you embark on a transatlantic cruise during peak hurricane season (June through November) in the North Atlantic, there could be rougher seas, particularly if a storm is present.

• Cruise lines prioritize passenger safety and comfort, and captains can adjust the ship’s course to avoid severe weather patterns and rough seas.

• You’ll also find plenty of amenities onboard to enjoy during sea days, whether you choose to unwind with a book in your suite, savor world-class cuisine in one of the ship’s restaurants, or enjoy a relaxing massage in the spa.

Always check the expected weather conditions before your cruise, pack appropriately, and consider seasickness remedies if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Choosing a cabin location for your transatlantic cruise depends on various factors like personal preferences, sensitivity to motion, and the desire for specific views or proximity to ship amenities. Here’s a brief overview:

• Front (Bow): Cabins at the front of the ship can offer stunning forward views. They’re often quieter as they’re away from busy public areas. However, you may experience more motion in this part of the ship, especially during rough seas.

• Middle (Midship): Midship cabins are the most stable, experiencing the least amount of motion, which can be advantageous for those prone to seasickness. They’re centrally located, offering convenient access to most ship’s amenities, restaurants, and entertainment areas.

• Back (Aft): Aft cabins can provide impressive wake views and might be larger, especially balcony staterooms. Some passengers find the gentle hum of the engines soothing, though others might be disturbed by the slight vibration.

Key considerations:

• Midship cabins offer a balance of stability and convenience, making them a popular choice for many cruisers on their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

• Your choice might be influenced by whether you prefer to be closer to certain amenities, like the spa, where you can enjoy a massage or facial, or dining venues, where you can savor world-class cuisine.

The best month for a transatlantic cruise often depends on your personal preferences, but generally, spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are popular times for these voyages.

• Spring and Fall: These seasons coincide with repositioning periods when cruise ships move between Europe and the Americas. During these months, you may find the best fares and enjoy a variety of ports including Fort Lauderdale, Barcelona, and Copenhagen. However, be prepared for potential rough seas and varying weather.

• Summer: Cruising during the summer months (late June to August) guarantees warmer weather and smoother sailing conditions. This season is ideal for Northern Europe itineraries, with long daylight hours to explore ports like Southampton and Rotterdam.

Key considerations:

• Spring and fall transatlantic cruises often offer the best value and a unique cruise itinerary, with a balance of sea days to unwind onboard and port days to embark on shore excursions.

• Summer cruises are perfect for those who prefer warmer weather, with opportunities to sail to destinations such as the Canary Islands, Lisbon, or the Azores.

Cruise ships typically sail at a speed of 15 to 20 knots on average, equivalent to about 17 to 23 miles per hour. The speed can vary based on the specific cruise ship and the itinerary of the transatlantic cruise.

• Cruise Speed: The sailing speed is generally determined by the distance between ports, sea conditions, and the need to conserve fuel. Cruise ships aim to provide a smooth and comfortable voyage for passengers, which can sometimes mean adjusting speeds.

• Transatlantic Crossings: For a traditional transatlantic crossing, like those offered by Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, the journey from Southampton to New York (or vice versa) usually takes seven days.

Key considerations:

• The focus of a transatlantic cruise is not just on reaching the destination quickly, but also on the experience during sea days. Whether it’s unwinding with a spa treatment, savoring world-class cuisine, or enjoying the ship’s amenities and entertainment, the journey is as important as the destination.

• While you cruise across the Atlantic Ocean, you have ample time to recharge and relish the various offerings on the ship, from the comfort of your suite to the exciting shore excursions waiting to be explored.

Transatlantic cruises follow various routes depending on the cruise line and the time of year. The classic transatlantic route is between North America and Europe, but the specific itinerary can differ greatly.

• Classic Route: This traditional route usually sails between a port in North America, such as Fort Lauderdale, and a European port like Southampton or Barcelona. You’ll be crossing the Atlantic Ocean directly, often with a stop in the Azores or Bermuda.

• Northern Route: Some transatlantic cruises take a northern route, sailing from ports like Copenhagen or Rotterdam, then crossing near Iceland and Greenland before reaching North America. This route often features breathtaking scenery and cooler weather.

• Southern Route: Other cruises sail a southern route, especially during repositioning seasons. These voyages might start or end in the Caribbean, and visit ports like the Canary Islands, Madeira, or Tenerife before or after crossing the Atlantic.

Key considerations:

• Choose a route based on your desired balance of sea days and port days. Sea days are perfect for taking advantage of the ship’s amenities, whether you want to unwind in the spa, savor the menu at the onboard restaurants, or simply enjoy relaxing in your cabin or suite.

• The ports of call on your itinerary offer a range of shore excursions, from walking in the footsteps of history in cities like Lisbon or Seville, to exploring the natural beauty of the Azores or the Everglades.

Yes, repositioning cruises offer a wide range of entertainment options. These cruises are often longer than regular cruises due to their sea days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything the ship has to offer as you sail across the Atlantic Ocean.

• Onboard Entertainment: Most cruise lines ensure that the entertainment program is robust, featuring live music, Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, dance performances, and even guest lectures.

• Amenities: Cruise ships often feature a variety of amenities such as casinos, pools, fitness centers, spas, and movie theaters. You can enjoy a rejuvenating massage or facial, try your luck in the casino, or simply unwind with a book in your suite.

• Cuisine & Nightlife: Dining and nightlife onboard are also part of the entertainment. From casual fare to gourmet meals, the cuisine on a cruise ship is diverse and exciting. Bars, lounges, and nightclubs offer a range of atmospheres to savor a cocktail and enjoy the evening.

Key points to remember:

• A repositioning cruise is a perfect opportunity to fully explore the ship’s amenities and entertainment offerings. With multiple sea days, you’ll have plenty of time to discover and enjoy all aspects of your cruise vacation.

• Some repositioning cruises also include unique entertainment related to their itinerary or theme, enhancing your cruise experience.

If a medical emergency occurs in the middle of the Atlantic during a transatlantic cruise, cruise ships are well-equipped to handle such situations.

• Onboard Medical Facilities: Cruise ships have onboard medical facilities staffed by trained medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, who can handle a wide range of medical situations. They are equipped to provide first aid, treat minor injuries, and manage many types of medical conditions.

• Emergency Evacuation: In severe cases that require more specialized care, the ship’s captain can divert the ship to the nearest port, or a medical evacuation via helicopter can be arranged if the ship is within range.

Key points to remember:

• Before embarking on a transatlantic cruise, it’s recommended to ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including medical evacuation if necessary.

• Always disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your cruise line before setting sail. They can advise you on the medical services available onboard and how to manage your condition during the cruise.

While the hope is that you’ll simply be able to unwind and savor your cruise vacation, it’s reassuring to know that the cruise lines have measures in place to handle emergencies.

Yes, some transatlantic cruises do allow dogs, but this largely depends on the cruise line and the specific policies they have in place.

• Cunard Line: Cunard Line is one of the few cruise lines that allow dogs on their transatlantic cruises, specifically onboard the Queen Mary 2. The ship has a designated kennel program overseen by a “Kennel Master” who takes care of feeding, walking, and cleaning duties.
• Other Cruise Lines: Most other cruise lines will only allow service animals, and can be very strict in specifically how they determine the definition of a service animal.  It is best to check with each individual line.

Key points to remember:

• Space for pets is typically very limited on cruises and tends to book up quickly, so it’s essential to plan and book well in advance.

• There are strict guidelines for bringing a pet on board, including up-to-date vaccinations and relevant paperwork.

Transatlantic cruises are generally very safe. Cruise lines take multiple precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew members throughout the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

• Onboard Safety Measures: These include conducting mandatory muster drills to familiarize everyone with emergency procedures, maintaining onboard medical facilities, and having trained security personnel on the ship. The cruise ship’s design and operation comply with strict international safety regulations.

• Navigation and Communication: Modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced navigation systems and maintain constant communication with coastal authorities. This ensures they can safely navigate through various sea conditions and respond swiftly to any unexpected situations.

• Health and Sanitation: Cruise lines also prioritize health safety by implementing rigorous sanitation practices. Many have enhanced their protocols in recent years in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key points to remember:

• Although transatlantic cruises are safe, it’s advisable to get travel insurance to cover potential unexpected situations, including medical emergencies or trip disruptions.

• Always pay attention to safety briefings and follow the cruise line’s safety guidelines during your cruise vacation.

Remember, it’s crucial to check with your specific cruise line for their updated safety measures and protocols before setting sail.

Yes, most modern cruise ships offer Wi-Fi access, including those sailing on transatlantic cruises. However, it’s important to note that the availability, speed, and cost of onboard internet can vary widely between different cruise lines.

• Internet Packages: Most cruise lines offer different internet packages based on usage or unlimited access for the duration of the cruise. You can usually purchase these packages before you embark or once you’re onboard.

• Starlink: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have rolled out Starlink Internet, which offers the fastest Internet at sea, including on transatlantic cruises.

• Internet Café: In addition to Wi-Fi, many ships also have internet cafés or workstations where you can access the internet, often for a fee.

Key points to remember:

• Internet speed on a cruise ship, especially while you’re sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, may not be as fast as what you’re used to at home. Satellite-based internet can be affected by weather conditions and the ship’s location.

• If staying connected is important to you, contact us about internet packages, costs, and expected speeds before you set sail.

Remember, each cruise line has different offerings and policies, so it’s always a good idea to check with them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The occupancy of transatlantic cruises can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including the time of year, the cruise line, and the specific itinerary.

• Off-Peak Seasons: During off-peak seasons or repositioning periods, ships may not be fully booked, giving you more room to relax and enjoy the ship’s amenities without large crowds.

• Peak Seasons: On the other hand, during peak seasons or when unique itineraries are offered, transatlantic cruises may be near or at full capacity.

Key points to remember:

• Booking your transatlantic cruise well in advance ensures you secure your preferred cabin and provides a wider selection of staterooms and suites.

• Occupancy levels can influence the onboard atmosphere, dining arrangements, and availability of activities and shore excursions, so consider what type of experience you prefer when booking.

Transatlantic cruises, particularly repositioning cruises, can often be cheaper than typical round-trip cruises. This is due to a few factors:

• One-Way Journey: Repositioning cruises are one-way journeys that cruise lines use to move their ships from one region to another with the changing seasons. Because these aren’t traditional round-trip cruises, they can often be less popular, leading to lower fares to attract passengers.

• Longer Sea Days: These cruises often have longer periods at sea with fewer ports of call, which can decrease the cost as port fees are a significant part of the cruise cost.

Key points to remember:

• Although the fare may be cheaper, transatlantic cruises tend to be longer, so you’ll want to consider additional onboard costs such as dining, entertainment, and internet.

• The beginning and end ports for repositioning cruises are different, so you’ll also need to consider the cost of flights or other transportation to and from these ports.

While transatlantic cruises can offer excellent value, it’s essential to consider all the factors and costs involved to ensure the cruise suits your preferences and budget.