All You Need to Know When Planning a Transatlantic Cruise

• More days at sea: Transatlantic cruises focus on life onboard, with longer stretches at sea and fewer port stops

• Varied routes: Choose from North, Mid or South Atlantic crossings, each with distinct itineraries, ports and weather

• Great value: Often cheaper than traditional itineraries, especially repositioning sailings, with deals widely available

A Transatlantic cruise is quite unlike any other type of holiday. With more days at sea and fewer port stops, the experience shifts from ticking off destinations to truly savouring the ship.

It is the slow-travel movement at its finest, offering a rare opportunity to disconnect from the frantic pace of daily life and embrace the rhythm of the ocean.

If you are planning your first crossing, there are a few things that make this voyage unique. From understanding repositioning hacks to choosing the right side of the ship for the sun, here is our all-you-need-to-know guide to crossing the pond.

What is a Transatlantic cruise?

There are two distinct ways to sail across the Atlantic, and understanding the difference is key to finding the right deal.

Repositioning Cruises

Typically, a Transatlantic cruise is a "repositioning" cruise. This is the industry term for when cruise lines move their ships from one part of the world to another—usually from Europe to America or vice versa—to follow the seasons.

These sailings commonly occur at the end of the Mediterranean or Caribbean seasons, normally in the spring or autumn.

Because the cruise line needs to get the ship to its new home, these one-way journeys are often priced much lower than standard itineraries.

Non-Repositioning Cruises

Some lines sail the Atlantic because the journey itself is the attraction rather than a logistical necessity. Cunard is the undisputed king of this category.

Their flagship, Queen Mary 2, is the only true ocean liner in the world, built specifically to handle the Atlantic's unique conditions with speed and grace.

These sailings happen regularly throughout the year and are considered one of the most iconic travel experiences in the world, often featuring a direct route between Southampton and New York.

Are Transatlantic cruises round-trip?

Generally, most Transatlantic cruises move the ship one-way, which means you will need to book a separate flight home or to the embarkation port.

However, some lines—particularly Cunard—offer round-trip crossings where you can sail from Southampton to New York, spend a few days exploring the Big Apple, and then sail right back again.

This is a popular choice for those who want to avoid flying altogether.

How long does a Transatlantic cruise take?

A direct crossing usually requires around seven to nine days, depending on the speed of the vessel.

However, many cruise lines add bonus port stops in places like the Azores, Madeira, or various Caribbean islands to break up the journey.

This often brings the total holiday duration to somewhere between twelve and fifteen days, giving you a mix of long sea stretches and interesting land explorations.

What are the itinerary options for Transatlantic cruises?

When it comes to routes, there are three Transatlantic cruise options: North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic.

North Atlantic

This is the classic route typically sailing between the UK and New York or Canada. The weather here can be more temperamental, and the seas can be more turbulent compared to more southerly routes.

Even in the height of summer, the mid-Atlantic breeze is brisk, so it is essential to pack a windbreaker and several warm layers to ensure you can still enjoy the deck.

Mid-Atlantic

These routes typically sail from the Mediterranean, such as Spain or Italy, to the southern USA, Florida, or the Caribbean. Being further south, the weather is significantly milder and more settled.

Even for cruises departing in October or November, the weather is often good enough to lounge on the deck and enjoy the outdoor pools and facilities throughout the day.

South Atlantic

The South Atlantic is the "hidden gem" of ocean crossings. These sailings run between Africa and South America, such as a route from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro.

These are less common but offer an exotic, off-the-beaten-path experience with stops in remote islands like St. Helena or the volcanic landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

How much does a Transatlantic cruise cost?

You can find some excellent Transatlantic cruise deals, sometimes as much as 50% off, as cruise lines are keen to fill their ships for these repositioning sailings.

With more days at sea, you’ll also find Transatlantic cruises cheaper than many traditional itineraries.

However, when considering whether a Transatlantic cruise is worth it, remember to factor in the cost of the flight and the transfers needed to get back!

Which cruise lines offer Transatlantic cruises?

Most leading cruise lines offer repositioning cruises between the UK and America. For example, you’ll find Transatlantic cruises with Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Disney, MSC, P&O and Royal Caribbean, just to name a few.

What to expect on a Transatlantic cruise

Will I get bored?

On a Transatlantic cruise, you will likely spend six or seven consecutive days at sea. If your idea of a holiday is constant sightseeing and a different port every morning, this might feel daunting at first. However, for those who love the shipboard lifestyle, it is an absolute paradise.

Elevated entertainment and activities

Cruise lines know that the ship is the destination on a crossing, so they significantly up their game regarding onboard programming.

You can expect a higher calibre of enrichment lectures featuring expert speakers on history, science, and the arts.

Many ships also offer workshops ranging from watercolour painting and computer skills to ballroom dancing and photography, ensuring there is always something to engage your mind.

The advantage of no jet lag

Perhaps the best-kept secret of the Transatlantic cruise is the lack of jet lag upon arrival. Because you are moving slowly across time zones, the ship’s clock typically shifts by just one hour every night or every other night.

This gradual adjustment means you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and perfectly synced with the local time, rather than feeling the exhaustion that often follows a long-haul flight.

What to wear on a Transatlantic cruise

It can be tricky to decide what to pack for a Transatlantic cruise, as temperatures and weather can vary from the coast to the middle of the ocean.

So, when creating your Transatlantic cruise packing list, our best advice is to be prepared.

Bring a few warm layers, particularly if you are travelling on the north Transatlantic cruise route early or late in the season.

And don’t forget some formalwear for evenings, particularly if you are travelling on a more traditional cruise line, such as with Cunard.

Managing seasickness

The Atlantic is deeper and more powerful than the Mediterranean or the internal seas. If you are prone to motion sickness, booking a cabin midship is highly recommended.

Choosing a lower deck in the middle of the ship ensures you are at the point where the vessel’s motion is felt the least.

Modern stabilisers are incredible at smoothing out the ride, but it is always wise to pack bands, patches, or medication just in case the ocean gets lively.

Cabin location

On a Transatlantic voyage, the sun’s position relative to the ship is constant for days at a time. If you have a balcony or ocean-view room, your choice of side is vital for your enjoyment.

When sailing westbound from the UK to the US, the port side (left) typically gets the most afternoon sun.

Conversely, when sailing eastbound from the US to the UK, opting for the starboard side (right) will keep the sun on your balcony for more of the day.

Booking a Transatlantic cruise and stay holiday

Because most Transatlantic voyages are one-way, they provide the perfect foundation for a cruise and stay holiday.

Rather than flying home immediately after disembarking, many travellers choose to extend their trip with a few nights in a hotel to explore their arrival destination.

If you are sailing westbound to the US, New York is the premier choice for a post-cruise stay. After a week of relaxation at sea, you will arrive refreshed and ready to tackle the energy of Manhattan, from Broadway shows to world-class shopping.

Alternatively, many repositioning cruises end in Florida, allowing you to follow your voyage with a stay in Miami's South Beach or a family trip to the Orlando theme parks.

When booking a cruise and stay, it is often more cost-effective to book a single package through a specialist like Cruise.co.uk.

This ensures your one-way flight, hotel transfers, and cruise are all bundled together with full protection, taking the stress out of coordinating separate logistics in a foreign country.

A Transatlantic cruise is the ultimate reset button for the modern traveller. It is a holiday that forces you to slow down, look at the ever-changing horizon, and enjoy the engineering marvel of a modern cruise ship.

Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly repositioning deal or a grand, traditional crossing paired with a New York city break, it is an experience that every cruiser should try at least once.