Discover the elegance, history, and relaxation of transatlantic cruises -- the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. These ocean-crossing voyages connect North America and Europe, offering an unforgettable experience with days at sea to truly unwind, indulge, and recharge.
Unlike fly-and-sail itineraries, a transatlantic crossing is a destination in itself. Mornings unfold at your own pace, afternoons are spent exploring the ship's finest restaurants, entertainment venues, and spa facilities, and evenings bring formal dinners, live shows, and the kind of stargazing you simply can't find on land.
Whether you're sailing westbound from Southampton to New York or eastbound from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, the journey is as much the point as the arrival. Cunard's legendary Queen Mary 2 has been making this crossing for decades, but today's transatlantic sailings span a wide range of cruise lines and price points, from classic ocean liner tradition to modern premium experiences, making this bucket-list voyage more accessible than ever. If you've ever dreamed of watching the sun rise over the open Atlantic with nothing but sea on the horizon, a transatlantic cruise is where that dream begins.
Which Transatlantic Cruise Is Right For You?
| Best for | Cruise line/Itinerary type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic ocean liner tradition | Cunard - Queen Mary 2 | The only true ocean liner still in regular transatlantic service; legendary New York to Southampton crossings with white-glove dining, ballroom dancing, and a sense of history no other ship can match |
| Affordable luxury | Celebrity Cruises | Premium onboard experience at a more accessible price point; routes include Barcelona, Rome, and Southampton with strong dining and spa offerings |
| Best value / lowest fares | Carnival or Norwegian - repositioning | Repositioning sailings in spring and fall are among the cheapest transatlantic fares available; great for budget travelers who want to cross the Atlantic without paying premium prices |
| Destination-rich itineraries | Holland America Line | Curated voyages with multiple European port stops and 175+ UNESCO sites across itineraries; ideal for travelers who want sightseeing as much as sea days |
| Scenic & expedition-style | Viking Ocean Cruises | Transatlantic routes that include Greenland and Iceland stopovers; intimate ships, no casinos, and a destination-focused approach that appeals to curious, culturally minded travelers |
| Luxury all-inclusive | Regent Seven Seas or Silversea | Butler service, included shore excursions, unlimited drinks, and fine dining all covered in the fare; the most indulgent way to cross the Atlantic |
| Flexible dining & casual vibe | Norwegian Cruise Line | Freestyle dining with no set times or dress codes; good onboard entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere for travelers who want a laid-back crossing |
| First-time transatlantic travelers | Princess Cruises | Comfortable mid-range experience with strong onboard programming to fill sea days; eastbound spring sailings from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral are a popular entry point |
What to Expect on a Transatlantic Crossing
Transatlantic crossings are unique in the cruise world. Instead of frequent port stops, these cruises offer multiple sea days, giving you time to enjoy every onboard luxury -- from world-class dining and entertainment to spa treatments and enrichment programs.
Depending on your itinerary, you may depart from U.S. ports like New York, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami and arrive in exciting European destinations like Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, or Southampton. Many itineraries also include stops in the Azores, Canary Islands, or Madeira along the way.
Find a Cheap Transatlantic Cruise Deal
If you're looking for great value, a cheap transatlantic cruise deal offers an incredible opportunity to travel between continents for less than the cost of a flight, with food, accommodations, and entertainment included. Because these sailings often occur during shoulder seasons (spring and fall), pricing can be especially attractive.
CruiseCheap.com features exclusive discounts on one-way and round-trip transatlantic cruise deals, including limited-time offers and last-minute savings. Browse by cruise line, departure city, or ship to find the itinerary that fits your timeline and travel goals.
Cruise Lines Offering Transatlantic Voyages
Several world-renowned cruise lines operate regular transatlantic cruises, including:
- Cunard Line (famous for the iconic Queen Mary 2)
- Royal Caribbean International
- Celebrity Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
The Best Transatlantic Cruise Starts Here
A transatlantic cruise isn't just a way to get from one continent to another; it's one of the most rewarding travel experiences you can book. With anywhere from 7 to 16 nights at sea depending on your itinerary, these voyages give you something increasingly rare: uninterrupted time to slow down, disconnect, and settle into the rhythm of the ocean. Days are yours to fill however you like: morning lectures on the ship's history, afternoon spa treatments, culinary events, enrichment programs, or simply watching the Atlantic roll by from a private balcony. Evenings bring formal dinners, live entertainment, and the kind of unhurried conversation that's hard to find on a land vacation. Cruise lines ranging from Cunard and Viking to Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess all offer transatlantic sailings, meaning there's a crossing at every price point and style, from classic ocean liner tradition to modern premium comfort. Spring eastbound sailings from Florida and New York are the most popular, while fall westbound repositioning crossings often deliver the best value of the year. Whether this is your first crossing or your fifth, the Atlantic never gets old.
Best Time for a Transatlantic Cruise
| Month | Best For | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| January | Very limited sailings: Cunard QM2 regulars, seasoned crossers | Few cruise lines operate transatlantic crossings in January; North Atlantic weather is at its roughest, best left to experienced ocean travelers |
| February | Limited sailings: Budget travelers, deal hunters | Some repositioning sailings begin to appear; seas still rough; fares are low but itinerary options are narrow |
| March | Early season value: Flexible travelers, first-timers | Eastbound sailings start picking up; weather improving but still variable; good fares before spring demand kicks in |
| April | Peak eastbound season opens: All traveler types; most cruise lines | The most popular month for US-to-Europe crossings as cruise lines reposition fleets; widest selection of itineraries and cruise lines but book early, availability fills fast |
| May | Sweet spot: Families, couples, first-timers | Excellent weather on both sides of the Atlantic; strong itinerary variety; prices higher than March but the overall experience is hard to beat |
| June | Summer crossings: Luxury travelers, Cunard traditionalists | Peak fares, especially on Cunard; long daylight hours make sea days more enjoyable but expect higher prices across all lines |
| July | Peak summer: Families, bucket-list travelers | Most expensive month; ships sail full; Cunard QM2 summer crossings are iconic but come at a premium, book well in advance |
| August | Late summer crossings: Families, European homecomers | Still peak pricing; westbound sailings begin returning fleets to the US; a good time to sail Europe-to-US if flexibility allows |
| September | Westbound repositioning: Adults, empty nesters, value seekers | Cruise lines begin repositioning ships back to the US and Caribbean; strong itinerary variety and prices start to soften after summer peaks |
| October | Best fall value: Deal hunters, flexible travelers | One of the best months for westbound repositioning fares; seas can be lively but weather is generally manageable; excellent pricing across most lines |
| November | Lowest fares of the year: Budget travelers, experienced cruisers | Cheapest transatlantic fares available; North Atlantic weather becomes unpredictable and seas rougher, best for travelers who don't mind motion |
| December | Minimal sailings: Cunard loyalists, holiday crossers | Very few lines operate in December; Cunard runs select holiday crossings at premium prices; winter North Atlantic conditions not for the faint-hearted |
Cheap Transatlantic Cruise FAQs
How long does a transatlantic cruise take?
Most transatlantic cruises run between 7 and 16 nights depending on the cruise line, departure port, and number of stops along the way. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 completes its classic New York to Southampton crossing in around 7 nights with no port stops ? a true ocean voyage. Repositioning crossings on lines like Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Princess typically run 12 to 16 nights and include several port calls in the Azores, Canary Islands, or coastal Europe before reaching the final destination. Longer 20+ night grand voyages are also available for travelers who want the most immersive experience possible.
What is the best time of year to book a transatlantic cruise?
The best time depends on which direction you're sailing. Eastbound crossings from the US to Europe are most popular in April and May, when cruise lines reposition their fleets for the European summer season ? this is when you'll find the widest selection of itineraries and cruise lines. Westbound crossings from Europe back to the US run primarily in September and October, and these repositioning sailings often offer some of the lowest per-night fares of the entire year. If budget is your priority, October westbound crossings are consistently among the best deals in cruising.
Is a transatlantic cruise rough? What should I expect at sea?
The North Atlantic can be lively, particularly in late fall and winter, but spring and early fall crossings are generally quite manageable. Modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers that significantly reduce the effect of ocean swells, and most passengers adjust to the motion within a day or two. If you're prone to seasickness, choosing a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck minimizes movement, and over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine or Sea-Bands work well for mild cases. Many experienced transatlantic cruisers find the rhythm of the open ocean to be part of the appeal ? there's nothing quite like waking up to nothing but water on the horizon.
Can I fly one way and cruise the other on a transatlantic itinerary?
Absolutely, and this is one of the most popular ways to do it. Most transatlantic sailings are one-way repositioning voyages, which means you fly to your departure port and cruise to your destination ? or cruise over and fly back. For example, you might fly to Fort Lauderdale in April, sail to Barcelona over 14 nights, spend a week exploring Spain, and fly home. Cruise lines including Cunard, Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess often offer air-and-cruise packages that bundle the flights, but booking your own flights separately can sometimes save money and give you more flexibility on travel dates.
What should I pack for a transatlantic cruise?
Transatlantic crossings call for a slightly different packing approach than a typical Caribbean cruise. Layers are essential ? even in spring and fall, open ocean temperatures can be significantly cooler than on land, and evenings on deck can be brisk. Most transatlantic cruise lines maintain formal or smart-casual dress codes for evening dining, so pack at least one or two dressier outfits alongside your casual daywear. Since sea days make up the bulk of the voyage, bring books, a journal, or a tablet loaded with entertainment for the quieter hours. Seasickness medication is worth having on hand even if you don't normally need it, and a good pair of binoculars adds a lot to wildlife and scenery spotting as you approach the European coast.
When do you want to cruise?
| Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | 4 cruises | $1,269 |
| Aug 2026 | 14 cruises | $740 |
| Sep 2026 | 17 cruises | $739 |
| Oct 2026 | 79 cruises | $514 |
| Nov 2026 | 104 cruises | $609 |
| Dec 2026 | 22 cruises | $899 |
| Jan 2027 | 8 cruises | $779 |
| Feb 2027 | 11 cruises | $2,130 |
| Mar 2027 | 91 cruises | $958 |
| Apr 2027 | 98 cruises | $663 |
| May 2027 | 13 cruises | $832 |
| Jun 2027 | 10 cruises | $1,099 |
| Jul 2027 | 8 cruises | $1,039 |
| Aug 2027 | 25 cruises | $1,209 |
| Sep 2027 | 13 cruises | $1,509 |
| Oct 2027 | 54 cruises | $672 |
| Nov 2027 | 76 cruises | $779 |
| Dec 2027 | 23 cruises | $839 |
| Jan 2028 | 5 cruises | $1,039 |
| Feb 2028 | 16 cruises | $739 |
| Mar 2028 | 44 cruises | $1,225 |
| Apr 2028 | 27 cruises | $1,119 |
| May 2028 | 7 cruises | $1,409 |
| Jun 2028 | 11 cruises | $1,539 |
| Jul 2028 | 6 cruises | $1,629 |
| Aug 2028 | 13 cruises | $1,539 |
| Sep 2028 | 15 cruises | $1,539 |
| Oct 2028 | 15 cruises | $1,314 |
| Nov 2028 | 17 cruises | $1,525 |
| Dec 2028 | 4 cruises | $1,269 |
| Mar 2029 | 6 cruises | $3,999 |
| Apr 2029 | 2 cruises | $5,760 |