A transatlantic cruise crosses the ocean between North America and Europe, usually with many days at sea. Some are scheduled ocean liner crossings. Most are repositioning cruises, when ships move between seasonal homes in the Caribbean and Europe. They suit travelers who enjoy sea days, reading, enrichment talks and a slower way to reach Europe.
When to go
Repositioning cruises follow the seasons. Ships head to Europe in spring for the summer season and return in fall for the Caribbean winter.
| When | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| March to May | Eastbound sailings from Florida, the Caribbean and New York to Europe. Seas can be lively early in spring. | Starting a European vacation, spring in the Mediterranean |
| June to August | Few repositioning sailings. Scheduled liner crossings continue. | Classic ocean liner crossings |
| September to November | Westbound sailings from Europe to Florida and the Caribbean. Late-season Atlantic hurricanes can affect southern routes. | Ending a European trip, travelers who prefer gaining hours |
| December to February | Very limited. North Atlantic winter weather is often rough. | Experienced sailors on scheduled crossings |
Routes compared
Northern route
These crossings sail between New York or Boston and Southampton, often with no stops. Some longer itineraries add Ireland, Iceland, Greenland or Canada. The North Atlantic is cooler and can be rough, especially early and late in the season.
Southern route
These sail between Florida or the Caribbean and Europe by way of island stops such as Bermuda, the Azores, Madeira or the Canary Islands. They often end or begin in Lisbon, Barcelona or Rome. The weather is usually milder and the seas calmer than the northern route. Even so, expect five or more sea days in a row between the last American port and the first island in the Atlantic.
Ocean liner crossings
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 makes regular scheduled crossings between New York and Southampton, typically about seven nights with no ports. It is built as an ocean liner for open-water conditions, and the crossing itself is the experience: lectures, dances, a large library and formal evenings.
Where cruises leave from
On the US side, common ports are New York, Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Tampa. In Europe, look at Southampton, Barcelona, Lisbon, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Copenhagen. Since nearly all crossings are one-way, you will need a flight at one end. Many travelers add a few days in London, Lisbon or Barcelona before or after the cruise, which makes the long trip feel like two vacations in one.
Which cruise line?
- Cunard is the specialist, with regular Queen Mary 2 crossings and a traditional British style.
- Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America and MSC all reposition ships between the Caribbean and Europe each spring and fall.
- Oceania, Viking Ocean, Azamara and other smaller-ship lines offer crossings with more port calls along the way.
With so many sea days, the ship matters more than usual. Think about the dining, enrichment programs, library and spa before you choose.
Packing and travel documents
A valid passport is required, since you will start or end in another country. Check current entry requirements for the countries you will visit, and see our US passport page for how to apply or renew.
- Layers and a warm jacket for open decks, especially on the northern route.
- Formal or dressy outfits if your line holds formal or gala evenings. Cunard is known for them.
- Motion sickness remedies. Mid-ocean swells are common.
- Books, games or a project for quiet sea days.
- Plug adapters for your hotel and flights at the European end.
Browse sailings on our transatlantic and repositioning cruises page, or request a quote and an advisor will help you pick a route and direction.
