The Best Transatlantic Cruises
Sailing on a transatlantic cruise is a rare and thrilling opportunity. You’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the open sea from the deck of your ship, take advantage of all the onboard amenities your ship has to offer, and explore brand-new places on the other side of the ocean.
Transatlantic cruises sail across the Atlantic Ocean, departing from either the US or Europe. What sets them apart from other cruises is the extended time at sea, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy all of the onboard amenities offered. These cruises typically last anywhere from six to sixteen nights, and transatlantic cruise prices can be as cheap as $500 if you go during one of the less crowded times.
However, choosing the right cruise line for your needs can be tricky, especially since options are abundant. With our cruising expertise, we put together this comprehensive guide, to help figure out which transatlantic cruise is best for your travel needs.
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Eastbound vs Westbound Transatlantic Cruises
There are two distinct types of transatlantic cruises, eastbound and westbound, each possessing its own special features.
Eastbound transatlantic cruise routes are from the US to Europe and are typically offered during springtime. Because you’re traveling east, when crossing time zones you will set your clock forward, which means you lose one hour of sleep each time you change time zones.
Westbound transatlantic sailings travel from Europe to the US and are more commonly scheduled for the fall. However, the prime Atlantic hurricane season runs from August through October, so most of the fall crossings take place in mid to late November. The upside to Westbound transatlantic trips by ship is the benefit of setting your clock back when you shift time zones, giving you an extra hour of sleep and more time to onboard activities.
The most important thing to consider when booking a one-way transatlantic cruise is flight costs. If you’re starting in the US, compare one-way flight tickets to and from Europe, to help determine whether you want to fly there and cruise back, or vice versa.
If you’re looking for cheap transatlantic sailings, keep an eye out for transatlantic repositioning cruises, which is when cruise lines move their ships to a different home port for seasonal, economic, or other reasons.
What are the Best Transatlantic Cruises?
Best for Onboard Entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line
If you’re looking for thrilling onboard activities, Norwegian Cruise Line is perfect for you. They present a variety of 11 to 16 night transatlantic cruises from both Europe and the US aboard one of the best transatlantic cruise ships the Norwegian Prima, a 3,099 guest ship with an array of amenities to cater to your every need.
Zoom past your fellow cruisers on the Prima Speedway, a riveting three-level race track with high-speed excitement. If you like competitive games, try out Tee Time, a fully interactive, tech-immersive mini-golf course, or check out the Galaxy Pavillion, a high-tech wonderland with escape rooms, racing simulators, and more.
Norwegia's Prima’s Theater & Club hosts live, audience-interactive game shows like "The Price is Right" during the day, but by night this venue transforms into a Vegas-style nightclub, with an open dance floor and giant LED screen.
For some outdoor fun, make a splash at one of Norwegian’s on-deck water activities including The Drop, featuring a heart-pumping 10-story drop, The Wave, a giant tidal waterslide, The Rush twin racing waterslides, and the kid-friendly interactive Aqua Park. Guests 16 and older can unwind at The Haven Sundeck, an exclusive relaxation area featuring an infinity pool, sauna, hot tub, and stunning views of the open ocean.
Dining on Norwegian Prima encompasses a wide range of cuisines, from classic pub-style comfort food at The Local Bar & Grill to fine and fresh flavors at upscale venue The Commodore Room. Savor complimentary dining venues such as Indulge Food Hall, which has a diverse array of international flavors, or Surfside Cafe and Grill, a delicious buffet with stunning ocean views.
Best for Couples: Celebrity Cruises
Couple cruisers seeking a romantic and intimate cruise experience - look no further than Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity hosts a variety of transatlantic cruises, with their best ones being the 13 Night Transatlantic Cruises from both Europe and the US on the 3,260-passenger Celebrity Ascent, with itineraries featuring stops in Bermuda, Portugal, and Spain.
Celebrity Ascent features a variety of romantic onboard amenities for couples to relish together. Seek out relaxation at The Spa, which has a one-of-a-kind SEA Thermal suite, several rejuvenating couples massage options, specialty destination-inspired treatments, and more. To witness stunning ocean views, head to the Resort Deck with its one-of-a-kind open-air rooftop garden, an adult-only solarium pool, and a terraced pool deck with stunning ocean views.
You’ll get the chance to explore a variety of entertainment options, like shows at The Theater, a venue with a giant curved screen showcasing three brand-new productions exclusive to the Celebrity Ascent. Take a stroll over to The Grand Plaza to grab a bite at one of the various restaurants, or watch live performances right next to the martini bar.
If you want something truly unique, go to Eden, an immersive three-story venue offering multi-sensory encounters and a continually evolving ambiance. Stimulate your taste buds at Eden Restaurant, Eden Bar, or Eden Cafe, indulge in an array of scents coming from Eden's open-air kitchen, and be amazed by spontaneous, immersive performances.
Around the ship, there are a multitude of upscale dining venues for you and your partner to savor. Try out modern Italian cuisine in Tuscan, Greek seafood dishes in Cyprus, or upscale French cuisine with Parisian decor in Normandie. Celebrity also boasts a variety of specialty venues such as Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, a hand-crafted menu consisting of global flavors, and Le Petit Chef, which pairs 3D artistry with a Michelin Star Chef's menu for a choreographed dinner.
Best for Cultural Enrichment: Viking Ocean Cruises
Transatlantic ocean cruises possess the chance to relax and unwind, but also to broaden your horizons and take something meaningful away from your trip. Viking Ocean Cruises emphasizes this belief with its onboard cultural enrichment programming, which is perfect for travelers seeking a stimulating and immersive journey.
Viking’s top itineraries are the 13 and 20 night Transatlantic Voyages aboard the Viking Mars, featuring stops at rich historical sights such as Funchal, Barcelona, Sete, and Florence. The Viking Mars has a max capacity of 930 passengers, as well as an adults-only policy, assuring each guest enjoys a more intimate and relaxed cruise.
The pinnacle of Vikings onboard enrichment programming are their World-Class Guest Lecturers, who present insights into fields ranging from oceanography to architecture. If you’d prefer a more personal form of enrichment, opt for the one-on-one “office hours” with one of Vikings resident historians, where you can gain a deeper understanding of your port of call.
For cruisers who want a more hands-on learning experience, try The Kitchen Table, an onboard culinary arts school where you’ll get to cook destination-focused dishes with regional ingredients bought from local markets.
Entertainment is a must-see on Viking, with live Destination Performances that showcase regional performing arts, from Portuguese fado to Greek dancing. The Theater presents numerous shows, from “The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD," a riveting show that takes you beyond an ordinary visit to the opera, to Destination Insights, a series of short film screenings showcasing the destinations you’ll be visiting.
When it's time for a meal, Viking offers a range of fine cuisines, from The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant with a multi-course tasting menu to World Cafe, boasting an international meal with a multitude of unique flavors. Go to The Wintergarden for delicate finger sandwiches and scones, or if you'd like a more filling meal, grab a table at Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, serving up rich Italian cuisine.
Best for Tradition: Cunard Line
When most people think of transatlantic cruises, they think of the classic 7-night cruise aboard Cunard Line's Queen Mary II from New York to Southampton or vice versa. The 2,691-passenger Queen Mary II makes routine Atlantic crossings from May through December and is one of the only ships to perform so many transatlantic cruises during the year.
Cunard offers a variety of elegant onboard amenities catered to more refined travelers seeking a classy experience. During the day, you can indulge in several on-deck sports activities such as table tennis, paddle tennis, golf putting, swimming, and shuffleboard.
Take a stroll down the Clarendon Fine Art Gallery, which features lavish exhibitions with paintings, drawings, sculptures, and signed limited editions. If you’re looking for a riveting show, head over to The Planetarium to witness Illuminations, a luxury 3D cinema and classical music venue that presents several performances throughout your cruise.
At night, you can tune in for Cunard's extravagant Evening Performances. Watch West-End caliber productions and Shakespeare performances in the Royal Court Theater, with the option to view them from your own personal theater box. Cunard also hosts a variety of upscale open deck parties, where you can mingle with fellow guests in a buzzing atmosphere, complemented by fine wine and champagne.
Twice a cruise, Cunard holds Gala Evenings, where you dress up in your finest attire on par with one of four themes: black and white, red and gold, masquerade, or roaring 20s. The entire ship is decorated by the theme, and you can enjoy musical performances throughout the night complemented by signature cocktails and specialty dishes.
When dining on Cunard, you’ll have a variety of upscale options to pick from. Grab a seat at Britannia Restaurant, the main dining venue on board featuring a five-course evening menu that changes daily, along with varied breakfast and lunch options. Head to Steakhouse at the Verandah for delicious steak and seafood, or have a spot of tea with finger sandwiches at the Champagne Afternoon Tea service. For casual dining, try out The Lido and Kings Court, a buffet-style restaurant with a variety of international flavors.
Best for All-Inclusive Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The best way to get the most out of luxury transatlantic cruises is to book with a line that covers everything from dining to hotel fares, and that line is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The top itinerary to take is the 14-night Transatlantic Cruise from Miami aboard the Seven Seas Splendor, making stops at Bermuda, the Azores, and Lisbon. Seven Seas Splendor holds 750 passengers and about 550 crew, the uniquely low ratio assuring each passenger has all of their needs taken care of.
Regent’s lavish onboard amenities make you feel like you’re at a luxury resort. Take a dip in the Infinity-edge Plunge Pool, where your swim will be complemented by stunning views of the open ocean. For more relaxation, go to the Serene Spa & Wellness Center for an array of globally inspired rejuvenating treatments all included in the cruise fare.
Onboard you can also find a variety of indoor activities, like the Culinary Arts Kitchen, where you’ll get the chance to take cooking classes led by professionals. You'll learn to craft dishes from Spanish paella to Patagonian steak and Tuscan flatbread, but no matter what you choose you’re guaranteed a delicious meal at the end.
After your culinary adventure, keep the fun going at the onboard casino, featuring slots, roulette, blackjack, and more. Then, head of the Constellation Theater, which hosts nightly performances put on by Broadway in an elegant two-deck-high theater,
If you feel like spending some time outdoors, go to the Putting Green & Golf Net, where you can enjoy a round of mini-golf, or practice your swing at the golf net.
When it's time to dine, Regent has an abundance of upscale venues from which you can choose. Grab a table at Chartreuse for classic French cuisine with a modern twist, or try out Sette Mari at La Veranda featuring classic Italian flavors with an ocean view. If you'd prefer high-end Asian cuisine, go to Pacific Rim, a Pan-Asian specialty restaurant with a zen-like ambiance. If you’d prefer a classic American meal, navigate your way to Prime 7 Steakhouse, an all-American venue with delicious dry-aged steaks.
Best for Singles and Young Adults: Virgin Voyages
For singles and young adults seeking a festive yet modern ambiance, Virgin Voyages is among the best transatlantic cruise lines for you. Virgins 15 Night Miami to Casablanca and Barcelona cruise aboard the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady blends upscale, modern amenities with a jubilant, upbeat atmosphere.
If you want to kick back and unwind, head to the Fitness Center & Spa, which boasts a variety of specialty massages, a Thermal suite with a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, and a freshly pressed juice station.
You’ll marvel at visually spectacular live performances with shows like Dual Reality, a one-of-a-kind fast-paced retelling of Romeo and Juliet with an elaborate circus-style twist. The show goes on with Virgin's rotation of comedians, magicians, and specialty artists to ensure you stay entertained throughout the entire cruise.
Come nighttime, you’ll be greeted with an array of entertainment options, such as Untitled Dance Show Party Thing or UDSPT, an absurdist dance party with a touch of old-fashioned showbiz flair. For an epic dance party throughout mirrored halls, head over to Heartbeat at the onboard 70s-style nightclub The Manor, or opt for a more music-oriented party at Studio 72, featuring the very best of 70s and 80s soundtracks.
Once on a cruise, all passengers will dress up in red and enjoy pop-up circus performances, interactive games, karaoke, and live music on Virgin Voyages one of a kind Scarlet Night.
Entertainment isn’t the only thing Virgin exceeds in - their 20+ onboard dining venues blend modern luxury with comfort, with no buffets or big dining halls available, ensuring every meal is unique. Head over to The Wake, specializing in sizzling steak and seafood dishes, or try out Pink Agave, serving up red-hot Mexican cuisine. If you’re in the mood for a Korean, go to Gunbae, a Korean BBQ venue where you get to cook the food right at your table. Virgin also boasts a variety of 24/7 restaurants, so you can grab a bite at any time of any day.
Adventure the Atlantic
Now that you know which transatlantic cruise is right for you, book today with Cruisebound. Our website makes it easy to find and book your cruise, so you can spend more time relaxing on your cross-Atlantic voyage. Book and save with Cruisebound today.
FAQs:
Q: What line has the best transatlantic cruise deals?
A: Norwegian and Cunard offer great ocean-crossing cruise deals, with sailings out of Miami with Royal Caribbean and out of New York with Cunard.
Q: What is a transatlantic cruise?
A: Transatlantic sea travel means crossing the Atlantic Ocean. With most transatlantic cruising experiences, you’ll either depart from the US and end up in Europe or depart from Europe and sail to the US.
Q: What is the best cruise line for transatlantic crossing?
A: The best transatlantic crossing by ships are from Norwegian, Celebrity, Viking, Cunard, Regent and Virgin.
