A transatlantic cruise is prominent on many cruise lovers’ bucket lists. People who enjoy long “sea days” find a transatlantic cruise a leisurely experience. This luxurious one-way sailing provides ample time to relax while enjoying exclusive onboard services.
Transatlantic cruising is an ideal solution for people who do not like to fly. It also offers an opportunity for cruise enthusiasts to enjoy longer itineraries without paying eye-watering prices.
This blog explores the glamorous voyages of transatlantic cruises. It features a list of cruise lines offering an unforgettable travel experience. Moreover, this guide will help you choose the best Transatlantic cruise for your next trip. Read on to take a deep dive into the exciting journey a transatlantic trip offers.
30-Second Summary
The transatlantic route has a significant history and connects the Americas and Europe. This route is specifically famous amongst cruisers who like the relaxation of long sea days. This blog features an in-depth take on the history of the transatlantic route.
You will learn about different cruise lines offering luxurious onboard amenities. You can select the best Transatlantic cruise that fits your travel requirements. Furthermore, you will discover the ports of the Transatlantic route and the best time to sail across it.
Excellent Transatlantic Cruise Lines
A cruise provides an uninterrupted crossing that includes spending a week or so at sea. If you want to avoid a cramped transatlantic flight, cruising is an ideal option for you. Let’s jump right into the selection of the best Transatlantic cruises that offer an enriching voyage.
Fred Olsen
Fred Olsen offers extended transatlantic voyages that last a month or more. Travelers visit Montreal, the Antarctic, and Rio de Janeiro on the crossings from Southampton, Portsmouth, and Liverpool. With lots of shore days, you can explore Canada in the fall and the islands of the Caribbean.
Onboard entertainment: Passengers can spend sea days with pampering spa sessions, fun dance lessons, visiting a purpose-built art studio, and an in-house theatre.
Marella
Marella does not offer regular transatlantic voyages. However, you can still experience one through its repositioning cruises. It is often between Jamaica and Barbados, or Malaga and Mallorca. This ship offers all-inclusive fares that cover drinks, gratuities, and dining options. You can relax and enjoy the endless ocean during your trip on this cruise.
Onboard amenities: You can rest and relax during a transatlantic cruise journey with spa treatments, vibrant nightlife onboard, different games, various dining options, and Bar Eleven.
Queen Mary 2
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 offers eight eastbound and six westbound voyages, which are all about the sea. It carries 2691 passengers and provides a weekly transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton. Whether couples who want to make memories or a family celebrating a milestone, cruising on Queen Mary 2 offers unforgettable memories.
Onboard amenities: When aboard this vessel, passengers enjoy culinary delights, evening entertainment, Broadway-inspired shows, abridged Shakespearean plays, illuminating lessons, Gala evenings, and a live orchestra.
Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady accommodates 2770 passengers. The transatlantic cruise itineraries include visiting Barcelona, Malaga, Funchal, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You spend 16 nights on this transatlantic sailing and experience a rejuvenating and peaceful time at sea.
Onboard amenities: While traveling on Scarlet Lady, guests enjoy 20 exceptional dining venues, entertainment, various wellness activities like yoga and Bungee Aerobics, and fun dance classes.
Nieuw Statendam
Operated by Holland America, Nieuw Statendam offers a 28-night Adriatic crossing. This vessel visits 14 ports in eight different countries, becoming an excellent example of a hybrid between an ocean crossing and a traditional cruise. Carrying 3665 passengers, this ship departs from Athens and visits different beautiful ports.
Onboard amenities: Nieuw Statendam offers stunning staterooms, whirlpool baths, fine dining restaurants offering delightful cuisines, live bands, a classical dancing lounge, and multiple pools and decks.
Disney Dream and Fantasy
The 2500-passenger Disney Dream and the 4000-guest Disney Fantasy offer a 13-night eastbound and westbound transatlantic crossing voyage. If you want to enjoy a trip without the overwhelming number of kids, these vessels set sail when kids aged 5 to 8 are in school. During 9 to 11 sea days, you can enjoy the relaxation on these ships.
Onboard amenities: Guests can enjoy live musicals, first-run movies, deck parties, 3D films, video games, TV, an exceptional culinary experience, and various immersive activities.
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Ascent sets sail for transatlantic sailing from Rome to Fort Lauderdale. This vessel accommodates 3260 guests and offers a 13-night journey. Passengers get nine sea days. The port of calls include Sardinia, Cagliari, Gibraltar, and Bermuda. This ship is designed with adults in mind, and you can expect high-quality onboard services.
Onboard amenities: While aboard, relax with multiple hot tubs, aesthetic contemporary decor, 32 food and beverage venues, an indoor solarium pool, a Grand Plaza, and a high-tech theatre.
Viking Mars
Viking Mars is operated by Viking Cruises, offering a 20-night transatlantic journey. The vessel sails from Fort Lauderdale to Rome. You will spend 6 days crossing the Atlantic. The stops include French ports of Sète and Marseille, Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Livorno. This 930-passenger ship is adult-only with sophisticated Scandinavian decor.
Onboard amenities: Guests enjoy dining in eight venues, numerous daily activities, lectures by historians and guest speakers, access to the thermal suite, and complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner.
Sky Princess
Sky Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, offers a month-long journey that starts from Fort Lauderdale. The end destination is Southampton. This vessel accommodates 3660 passengers and visits 10 ports in four countries (Morocco, Portugal, England, and Spain). Other destinations are Madeira, Casablanca, and three Canary Islands.
Onboard amenities: This ship features three pools, an Italian-style Piazza, four specialty dining venues, poolside Movies Under the Stars, and original production shows in the theatre.
Seven Seas Splendor
Seven Seas Splendor is a small luxury ship operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line. It crosses the southern Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America. This vessel accommodates 750 guests and offers an all-inclusive service. Business-class airfare, top-notch dining, unlimited drinks, transfers, gratuities, and the majority of shore excursions are included in the fare.
Onboard amenities: There are various activities passengers can enjoy onboard. You can get lectures by experts, cookery demos, cabaret-style shows, comedy programs, hot tubs, fitness centres, and pampering spa treatments.
Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Prima begins its voyage in Rome and sails through the Mediterranean in the shoulder season, before crossing the Atlantic to New York. Passengers spend six days at sea. Carrying 3099 guests, this transatlantic sailing visits Livorno, Cannes, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, and Ponta Delgada.
Onboard amenities: When traveling with Norwegian Prima, guests enjoy 14 restaurants, 19 bars, and lounges. There are also go-kart racing and VR games. Moreover, you can enjoy stand-up comedy and a rock cover band performance.
Silver Ray
Silversea Cruises introduces its newest luxury ship, Silver Ray, for a memorable transatlantic journey. With an all-inclusive price, guests visit 11 ports in 5 countries. It carries 728 passengers and takes them to Livorno, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Monaco, Cadiz, Malaga, Lisbon, and Madeira. After crossing the Atlantic, you will disembark in Fort Lauderdale.
Onboard amenities: This luxurious vessel promises an excellent trip with spacious suites and beautiful interior and exterior spaces. The cuisine focuses on S.A.L.T. (sea and land taste), along with port-specific culinary delights, cooking classes, and cocktails.
Significant History of Transatlantic Crossings
Transatlantic Crossing refers to crossing the Atlantic Ocean. “Trans” in Latin means across or through, while Atlantic is the ocean between America and Africa. Taking a cruise for a transatlantic journey is an incredible experience. This journey holds a significant place in history.
When was the First Crossing?
Historians across the world disagree on who made the first transatlantic trip. The famous explorer Christopher Columbus is often regarded as the first person to set out on a transatlantic journey. However, some historians believe it was Vikings in the 10th century, and some argue it was Europeans during the Stone Age.
European Settlers
Archaeologists Smithsonian proposed that hunters and fishermen used to sail the Atlantic Ocean during the Neolithic age, 18,000 years ago. They used to travel in small boats made with animal skins. This journey seems highly unlikely in such a vessel. However, it is possible that during that period, seas were lower, and the smaller gap among the continents made this theory credible.
10th Century
Many historians suggest that Vikings undertook the first transatlantic journey in the 10th century. They believe that Leif Erikson was the lead explorer, and he and his crew accidentally reached North America. Leif Erikson found grapevines there and named the land “Vinland”. After his return to Europe, he brought more Vikings who created a small settlement. After tensions with North Americans, the settlement was abandoned.
15th Century
Christopher Columbus was an Italian-born explorer who went on four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. These voyages were commissioned by Spanish monarchs. He first arrived in the Americas in 1492. Initially, he was aiming for India, which is why he coined the term “Indians” for Native Americans. His arrival led to the recognition of Spain as a superpower and commenced mass colonialism.
The Evolution of Transatlantic Journey
The world’s first ocean liner designed particularly for transatlantic travel was the SS Great Western. This vessel was launched in 1837 after being built in Bristol. The voyage took around 15 days to cross the Atlantic Ocean. After three years, Cunard launched its first ship, Britannia, which completed the Transatlantic cruise travel in 14 days.
What is Traveling on a Transatlantic Cruise Like?
The Transatlantic journey depends on the vessel and technology. Back in the 15th century, sailing from England to America would take anywhere between six weeks and four months. In the 19th century, a new invention made the journey easy. In 1845, the SS Great Britain completed this voyage in only 14 days.
Modern Day Transatlantic Journey
Today, cruise liners are equipped with technology that offers a fast and convenient transatlantic journey. Most Transatlantic cruise ships complete the entire voyage in more than five days while also stopping at historic ports. Passengers indulge in the culture and cuisine of local lands. While travel is not as adventurous as it was in old times, passengers get plenty of comfort and relaxation during the whole journey.
Diverse Ports of Call
An appealing aspect of traveling on a Transatlantic cruise is its diverse ports of call. From bustling American cities to stunning European towns, every passenger can experience the blend of history, architecture, and culture at every stop. Below are some famous Transatlantic stops.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is often the starting point for westbound Atlantic crossing cruises. This port of call is worth exploring due to its stunning architecture, which has both modern and medieval charm. Its many parks, museums, and beaches captivate travelers. The vibrant nightlife is sure to make your entire trip worthwhile.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is the city of hills and trams, offering a blend of historic and modern beauty. This city overlooks the Tagus River and provides an artisanal shopping experience. With its Gothic and Manueline architecture, this city keeps attracting thousands of cruise travelers every year.
Southampton, England
Many cruises begin and end their journey in Southampton. This city holds a specific historical significance as the Titanic departed from this port in 1912. This serves as a popular route for Europe to North America Cruises. This port is an excellent gateway for people who want to explore the English countryside or London.
Ponta Delgada, Azores
This is an ideal stop for people who want to explore nature after long days at sea. This port offers charming scenes of crater lakes, volcanoes, and lush greenery. Portugal’s archipelago is truly a magnificent place for all nature lovers.
Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca exhibits the beauty of North Africa. Many cruise itineraries include this port to show the exotic and culturally rich aspects of this city. The modern art deco buildings and bustling souks are world-famous. It is home to many incredible destinations, one of which is the grand Hassan II Mosque.
Bermuda
Cruises sailing eastbound from the U.K. to Europe have Bermuda in their ports of call. This island has jaw-dropping scenery worth exploring on your trip. It has ideal weather all year round. The pink beaches are easily accessible. This port really is a dream destination.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Many westbound Transatlantic cruises end their voyage in Florida. The sunny port of Fort Lauderdale offers a relaxing time for tourists. This is the place where you can experience the sun, sand, and sophistication. Additionally, this place is renowned for its thriving nightlife and rich cultural heritage.
New York City, USA
New York City is an iconic place that has renowned landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and lively culture. Arriving or departing from this port allows travelers to explore world-class museums, Broadway shows, Central Park, and Ellis Island.
The Transatlantic Routes
From East to West
The most common route for Atlantic crossings is from east to west. The cruise sails from the Canary Islands to the West Indies. The trade winds in the northern hemisphere are powerful, making crossings a downwind sail and with favorable ocean currents.
From West to East (Southern Route)
Once a year, a large fleet of yachts starts a voyage from the West Indies after the Caribbean season ends. Due to the Azores high, a large clockwise rotating mass of air, makes the travel to Bermuda before turning east to pick up the prevailing winds.
From West to East (Northern Route)
The Northern Route is often considered off-the-beaten path and offers an iconic Transatlantic voyage. The ship aims to sail with powerful westerlies that sweep from west to east. The route starts in Manhattan and continues to sail north of Newfoundland.
Best Season to Visit
Cruising to the Transatlantic can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, it is advisable for first-timers to travel during the calmest weather. The Atlantic storms start from early June to late November. Mid-August and mid-October see the most activity. So, the ideal time for Atlantic Crossing is December and May.
Final Thoughts
With a deep history, the Transatlantic crossing holds a special place on every cruiser’s travel wishlist. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or want to explore this route for the first time, Long Cruises Atlantic Ocean provides a memorable sea experience.
This blog details some cruises with superb onboard amenities that keep you entertained throughout the sea days. It also explored some famous ports and the rich history of this route. Get ready to sail on your Transatlantic journey with the Best Transatlantic cruise.
FAQs
How long does a Transatlantic Cruise Take?
Typically, a Transatlantic cruise takes around two weeks to complete the voyage. However, the time depends on the cruise line and the itinerary it offers.
What to Pack for a Transatlantic Cruise?
When going on a Transatlantic cruise, make sure to pack all the essential documents, such as your passport, boarding passes, travel insurance documents, and health cards. For daytime clothing, pack comfortable jeans, shirts, and leggings. Do not forget to pack formal dresses for Gala evenings.
What Countries are in the Transatlantic?
The Transatlantic cruise route connects the Americas and Europe. The “Transatlantic countries” are those bordering the Atlantic Ocean. These countries are North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.