Transatlantic Cruises

Transatlantic Cruises

Once a grand ocean voyage, Transatlantic cruises were a luxury enjoyed only by a few. Stylish passengers spent their days lounging on deck, and then dined, danced and toasted with champagne while speeding between America and Europe. These pleasures still exist today for those who value the shipboard experience and appreciate traveling in style and comfort. And of course, there is always the romantic allure of simply making a legendary journey.

Transatlantic Cruise Highlights

These itineraries make few if any ports of call, so voyages center on onboard entertainment. Dancing, dining and lounging poolside are tried and true staples of ship life; enrichment classes in art, tech, language and fitness are growing in popularity too. Sometimes, a Transatlantic cruise is hosted by a well-known chef, author or entertainer. Enjoy curated onboard entertainment featuring comedians, singers, musicians, magicians and more, and of course, take time to relax and pamper yourself fin the onboard spa. When ships do stop, it is often at islands off the coast of Europe or Northern Africa, where you can relax on the beaches, hike up to beautiful summits or wander through charming seaside villages.

Popular Transatlantic Cruise Ports

On a Transatlantic cruise, it really is about the journey, not the destination. The sailing itself is the main draw, and few ports of call are visited. However, here are a few places ships sometimes stop at:

• Canary Islands: A Spanish territory located off the coast of Morocco, the Canary Islands are a natural wonder, complete with stunning volcanoes, black- and white-sand beaches, and intriguing rock formations. Some Transatlantic cruises stop in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where visitors can whale watch and stroll through the islands' historic cities.
• Azores: This remote Portuguese region is located in the mid-Atlantic, and is home to lush vegetation, quaint fishing villages and dramatic views. Some ships stop to refuel in the Azores, giving passengers time to enjoy the magnificent islands.
• London: While not technically a port of call, many travelers choose to extend their trip with a visit to London following disembarkation in Southampton. Many cruise lines offer land tour packages to make the trip a seamless extension of a Transatlantic adventure.

When is the Best Time to Go on a Transatlantic Cruise?

Transatlantic cruises sail most often at the turn of seasons, when cruise ships reposition. Leave from the Caribbean in April and May, or from Europe in September or October. Some traditional cruise lines do still make frequent sailings between New York City and Southampton, England throughout the year.

What Cruise Lines Go to on Transatlantic Cruises?

Once a main method of transportation across the pond, Transatlantic cruises now mostly sail around repositioning times. Many major lines transitioning between Europe and the Caribbean offer Transatlantic itineraries, including:

• Cunard Line: Possibly the most historic of any sailing today, Cunard has been crossing the Atlantic since 1847, and one of its ships, Queen Mary 2, still makes the journey several times each year. During the journey, travelers can watch live planetarium shows, relax at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub or treat themselves to Champagne afternoon tea.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Voted Best Onboard Entertainment, Best Specialty Restaurants and Best Casinos, Norwegian Cruise Line ships are a great place to be when crossing the Atlantic. Norwegian's Transatlantic itineraries include ports of call in the Caribbean, Spain, and Ireland.
• Holland America Line: Another legacy line, Holland America has been sailing between Europe and North America for more than 140 years. These Transatlantic itineraries include stops in placed like the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, Madeira, and Holland's private island, Half Moon Cay.