What Is a Transatlantic Cruise Actually Like?

A transatlantic cruise crosses between Europe and the Americas, usually with several consecutive sea days. Many are seasonal repositioning voyages, but scheduled crossings such as Queen Mary 2 are another form. Some are about a week; others last two weeks or longer with ports added. Read the itinerary rather than assuming our currently tracked fares define every available trip.

Some people find that stretch of open ocean the best part of cruising. Others find it dull by day three. Knowing which one you are before you book saves you a disappointing week.

Why so many sea days

The ocean crossing takes several days, and some routes include islands such as the Azores, Madeira or Bermuda. Queen Mary 2 offers scheduled crossings but Cunard is not currently included in Fathom Fares' tracked lines. Price those departures directly if that format suits you.

Common repositioning routes link European ports with Florida, but departures and destinations vary. Compare the exact number of port days and sea days, plus the flights or ground travel needed at both ends.

Our repositioning cruise guide explains seasonal ship moves. Some cross the Atlantic; others do not. Scheduled transatlantic crossings are a separate reason to make the ocean journey.

Decide whether consecutive sea days suit you

Choose a crossing if you want the ocean journey and have time for its schedule. If you need to work aboard, check the internet package and plan for interruptions rather than assuming reliable calls or a full working day.

How the days actually fill up

Lines that run transatlantic sailings lean into the sea day stretch rather than fighting it. Programming and dress rules depend on the line. Check the planned shows, enrichment, activities and restaurant hours; extra sea days do not automatically mean a different entertainment program.

Our what do you do on sea days guide covers the general toolkit, and almost all of it applies here, just stretched across a week or more of open ocean instead of one or two days. If you enjoy that kind of programming, a crossing gives you far more of it than a normal itinerary does. If sea days already feel long to you on a regular cruise, six or seven in a row is worth thinking hard about before booking.

Pack accordingly too. Before assuming the crossing is dressier than a normal cruise, our cruise formal night explained guide is worth a read so you pack for your own line’s venues and evening rules.

The one way flight math

A crossing can replace one transatlantic flight. You may still need a domestic flight or other transport between your home and the North American port. Price the complete journey in each direction.

Compare the full fare, transport, hotels and time away with the alternative trip. A low nightly fare does not establish the cheapest total holiday, and not every crossing is longer or more expensive in total than a seven night cruise.

Fathom Fares tracks pricing on transatlantic sailings daily if you want to see what a real crossing costs against the flights you would otherwise book.