Transatlantic Cruise Guide: Crossing the Atlantic Ocean in Grand Style

The Romance of the Transatlantic Crossing

There is something profoundly different about crossing an ocean by ship. Unlike a flight that compresses continents into hours, a transatlantic voyage gives you time — time to read, to think, to watch the horizon shift from the familiar to the unknown. For centuries, the Atlantic crossing was the only way to travel between the Old World and the New, and the great ocean liners that made the journey became legends in their own right.

Today, transatlantic cruises offer a unique blend of that historic romance with modern luxury. Whether you're sailing eastward from New York to Southampton or westward from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale, a transatlantic crossing is one of the most distinctive travel experiences available. Check live weather on our [city dashboard](/) to understand what conditions to expect on your chosen route.

Choosing Your Transatlantic Route

The two most popular transatlantic routes each offer a distinct experience:

Westbound: Europe to North America

The classic westbound crossing typically departs from Southampton, England or Hamburg, Germany, often calling at ports like Cobh (Cork), Ireland or Cherbourg, France before heading out into the open Atlantic. The journey to New York, Boston, or Fort Lauderdale takes approximately 7-10 days at sea.

Westbound crossings tend to be slightly rougher, as ships travel against the prevailing winds and currents. However, they also offer the dramatic arrival into New York Harbour — sailing past the Statue of Liberty at dawn is an experience that passengers remember for a lifetime.

Eastbound: North America to Europe

Eastbound crossings benefit from the Gulf Stream and prevailing westerly winds, making for a generally smoother passage. Departing from New York, Boston, or Fort Lauderdale, ships typically arrive in Southampton, Lisbon, or Barcelona after 6-9 days at sea.

Many travellers choose to fly one way and cruise the other, combining the speed of air travel with the leisurely pace of an ocean crossing.

What to Expect on a Transatlantic Crossing

A transatlantic cruise is fundamentally different from a port-intensive Caribbean or Mediterranean itinerary. With 5-7 consecutive days at sea, the ship itself becomes the destination.

Sea Days: The Heart of the Experience

Sea days on a transatlantic crossing are an opportunity to engage with the ship's full range of offerings:

The Open Ocean Experience

The North Atlantic is not the Caribbean. Passengers should be prepared for:

The Best Ships for Transatlantic Crossings

Not all cruise ships are equally suited to ocean crossings. The purpose-built ocean liners — most notably Cunard's Queen Mary 2 — are specifically designed for the rigours of the North Atlantic, with deeper drafts, more powerful engines, and hull designs that handle heavy seas more comfortably than typical cruise ships.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Ship

Use our [currency converter](/currency) to compare prices across different cruise lines and cabin categories — transatlantic crossings can represent excellent value compared to equivalent Caribbean itineraries.

Port Calls on Transatlantic Itineraries

Many transatlantic crossings include one or two port calls, often in the Azores or Canary Islands, which break up the sea days and add a fascinating destination to the journey.

The Azores: Mid-Atlantic Archipelago

The nine volcanic islands of the Azores sit roughly halfway between Europe and North America, making them a natural stopping point for transatlantic ships. Ponta Delgada on São Miguel is the most common port call, offering:

The Canary Islands

For crossings that route through the eastern Atlantic, the Canary Islands — particularly Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife — offer warm weather, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and excellent local cuisine.

Practical Tips for First-Time Transatlantic Cruisers

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