Should I Add A Land Excursion To A Transatlantic Cruise
I highly recommend adding a land excursion to a Transatlantic cruise itinerary. This is one reason that Alan and I prefer fall crossings. We enjoy exploring Europe by land then hopping on a ship to cross the Atlantic.
Twice, weve toured Italy with Claudio Fontana of A La Carte Italy Tours. After roadtripping around northern Italy or southern Italy, Claudio drove us to Civitavecchia, where we boarded a cruise ship. And our cruise luggage traveled along with us!
After enjoying several more Mediterranean cruise excursions, it was time to rest and relax on the long ride home across the Atlantic. We cant think of a better travel combination.
One spring, we tried another version to a crossing by adding a cruise segment to the Ft. Lauderdale to Monaco itinerary. The seven additional days, Monaco to Rome, introduced us to ports in Corsica, Sardinia and Sicilythe cruise excursion to Selinunte was amazingbefore ending at Civitavecchia.
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Pro: Learn Something New
Cruise ships on transatlantic crossings offer many educational, entertaining, and fun activities on the many sea days. For example, guests can take classes in computing, photography, cooking, bridge, fitness, or ballroom dancing. Or, they can attend lectures on a variety of topics that expand their knowledge on history, travel, health, music, or art. Smaller ships and more luxury brands tend to feature more guest lecturers and educational opportunities than larger ships do.
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Santa Cruz De Tenerife Canary Islands
Tenerife, a volcanic island that’s the largest of the Canaries, is dominated by the gigantic 12,402-foot-high Mount Teide. A day in port isn’t enough time to sample all that Tenerife has to offer, whether it’s picturesque beaches or banana plantations. You can scale a snow-capped mountain, stroll aimlessly through charming villages, hike through a pine forest or play a round of golf.
Is The Transatlantic Cruise A Rite Of Passage
Transatlantic. Back when ships were used less for cruising and more for traveling, the transatlantic was the big one, the sort of trip a person might take once in their life. Today, the transatlantic is less about passage than it is a rite of passage, a cool throwback voyage that travel enthusiasts should try at least once.
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Can You Take A Transatlantic Cruise
You can go further than you ever thought possible on a transatlantic cruise, crossing the waves between the U.S. and Europe. Departing from Florida, Barcelona, Southampton and Copenhagen, these cruises include both tropical and cultural island stops, in ports such as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Greenland and Iceland.
Repositioning Transatlantic Cruises 2021
The following table shows all major lines ships with Transatlantic cruise crossing itineraries in 2020, 2021, and 2022. To see detailed itinerary information, just follow our line-links from the table or at the top page right. After this table, you will find a separate schedule for roundtrip Transatlantic ship crossings.
| Cruise lines / ships |
|---|
| 2022 May 26 18day Fort Lauderdale to Southampton
2022 Oct 21 10day Southampton to Civitavecchia |
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| RSSC-Regent Seven Seas Grandeur | 2024 Apr 10 14day from NYC to Barcelona | 2023 Nov 25 14day Barcelona to Miami |
Know that all Transatlantic cruises as deals are in the very cheap cruise category. Generally, Transatlantic crossings on cruise ships feature some of the cheapest travel prices as per day rates. The only inconvenience is that these offers are very limited as to the number of ships .
Other cons are the limited number of departure dates, few departure port choices, not to forget the limited number of ports of call. Last-minute Transatlantic cruise deals offer the best possible prices. Still, some bonus perks may change your mind. Among those are the free cabin upgrades, free onboard credit, special sea day activities. Sometimes, even unlimited beverage packages are included in the deals. As to the guaranteed availability and stateroom choices, early booking is highly recommended.
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The Tranquility At Sea
For longer cruises like a transatlantic sailing, there are usually few children so you wont have to worry about noise or other interruptions that can disturb the peace and tranquil atmosphere.
Spend your days at sea reading, relaxing or just enjoying the peace and quiet.
You can enjoy the freedom that comes with having nowhere to be but on board the blissful realization that your time is yours alone. Aboard a transatlantic cruise, there are more days at sea to truly relax, and more possibilities than you’ll have time to discover – which is the very point!
Insider Tip: Did you know that your dog is also invited on Cunard’s famed transatlantic cruise? With details to pamper every pooch, Queen Mary 2’s unique kennels even include a convenient lamp post from Liverpool and fire hydrant from New York.
Start planning your transatlantic or repositioning cruise today with CruiseInsider! Connect with our expert travel advisors at 1 734-68508 to learn more.
Norwegian Epic Transatlantic Itinerary Change
Guests booked on Norwegian Epics transatlantic voyage, which is scheduled to depart from Civitavecchia in Italy on November 20, 2021, have been informed of a change of itinerary. The 15-day cruise will no longer be making a call at Ponta Delgada, Portugal, on November 30, 2021.
The port of call has been completely removed, and the Norwegian Epic will instead be having a full day at sea. The ship will also be arriving in New York a day earlier, on December 4, 2021.
The vessel will remain overnight in the city, with embarkation starting on December 5 as originally scheduled. It does mean that all guests have to remain on board the ship until embarkation begins the following day. All other port visits will remain as planned, including Livorno, Cannes, Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, and Funchal.
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In the letter that was sent to booked guests and travel agents, NCL says,In order for the ship to arrive in the United States and complete all necessary requirements and inspections as mandated by the United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol, and the United States Public Health Service, the abovementioned itinerary has been changed. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
With Norwegian Epic operating in Europe since restarting operations on September 5 from Barcelona in Spain, the ship will have to undergo further requirements and procedures when returning to the U.S.
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Uninterrupted Is Unbelievably Luxurious
Experience a Transatlantic cruise vacation like no other aboard Celebrity ApexSM, Celebrity Constellation®, Celebrity Edge®, Celebrity Infinity®, Celebrity Reflection®, or Celebrity Silhouette®. With our 12 to 16-night journeys, youll enjoy relaxing days at sea, as well as visit some of the most amazing destinations in the world on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Travel from the serene tropical beaches of South Florida and Bermuda to the legendary cities of Europe in the Old World .
As we make our way from across the deep blue ocean, youll relax and enjoy unforgettable spaces, world-class amenities, and all of the distinct features that make our Transatlantic cruises extraordinary. Enjoy fantastic onboard experiences that vary by ship. Soar over the open ocean on the Magic Carpet, feel the great outdoors atop the Rooftop Terrace, savor clean cuisine in Blu, or unwind in the luxurious spaces of The Retreat®.
Our Transatlantic itineraries include stops in gorgeous destinations not to be missed. Choose from hundreds of shore excursions from Bermuda to Barcelona and explore some of the most stunning corners of the world.
Will I Be Bored On Ocean Crossing Cruises
Many boomer travelers are afraid theyll be bored on an itinerary with lots of sea days. That hasnt been our experience. In fact, theres almost too much to do with lectures, fitness or language classes, dance lessons, cooking demonstrations, socializing with other guests, and nightly entertainment.
Alan and I especially enjoy the opportunity to step away from the Internet to slow down and relax. We also find the atmosphere on a crossing more conducive to meeting new people. Without as many busy port days, theres time for long dinner conversations or staying up late after the show for dancing.
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Last Minute Flash Fares: Fares So Low We Aren’t Allowed To Display Them
Due to our special relationship with Cunard, we are at times given access to Flash Fares: last-minute fares that are so low that we are not allowed to show them online. Flash Fares are based on a “guarantee” basis, which means that you can not select your specific stateroom number. Your room will be assigned by Cunard in the category you reserved, or higher. As Flash Fares are such excellent value, Cunard requires payment on the same day and cancellation penalties apply immediately. Onboard credits and promotions are not combinable with Flash Fares.
Flash Fares are for new reservations only, not available on all sailings and often sell out, so if you see “Flash Fares available” listed below, call us immediately for details! For Flash Fares on sailings other than Transatlantic Crossings, please refer to our Current Cunard Offers page.
Con: No Ports Of Call
TripSavvy / Linda Garrison
The traditional transatlantic crossing of the Queen Mary 2 does not feature any ports of call, leaving New York and arriving in Southampton seven days later .
Most transatlantic repositioning cruises taking the southern route between the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas make stopovers at ports of call in the Caribbean, the Cape Verde Islands, and the Canary Islands. Ships crossing the northern route might stopover in Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, Bermuda, Newfoundland, or Atlantic Canada.
While you won’t have as many ports of call as on a seven-day Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise, some of the ports are unique and can only be seen on an extended voyage like a transatlantic crossing.
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Consider Your Cabin Type
On our first Atlantic crossing — a September transit — we were thrilled to be upgraded from an outside cabin to a balcony. Ironically, though, we rarely used it. Occasionally inclement weather, frisky winds and an unchanging view limited its appeal. We’ll take a balcony if the price is right, but more for the chance to have fresh air in the cabin from time to time. We wouldn’t splurge on it.
More Time On The Ship For Relaxing And Exploring
With more consecutive sea days, youll be spending a lot more time on the ship. Its the perfect time to relax, unwind and forget about your cares. Instead of long days in port or spending days jam-packed with onboard activities that leave you worn out at the end of the trip, you wont feel like you need a vacation from your vacation.
Insider Tip: Packing for a cruise that crosses the Atlantic means bringing clothing for both warm and cool weather, as it can be unpredictable, and wardrobe for any occasion. Cunard includes several formal nights, so know the dress code before you go, as you wont be able to go shopping in any port.
On a transatlantic cruise, youll have the time to sleep in as long as you want to, catch up on reading, learn a new skill, catch up on a craft and get pampered in the spa. With more time on the ship, you can do lots of exploring while onboard, meaning no missing out on any of the ships included amenities like their wellness options, shops, activities and restaurants.
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Virtuoso Voyages On Cunard Transatlantic Crossings
As a proud member of the Virtuoso luxury travel network, Q Cruise + Travel offers Virtuoso Voyages benefits on select Cunard cruises and Transatlantic Crossings, with our compliments.
On select Cunard Transatlantic Crossings indicated with “Virtuoso Voyages” below, guests who book Balcony and Grill Suites will receive one or more of the following benefits*:
- Private Car Transfer to and from ship
- Specialty Dining Dinner in the Verandah
- Welcome reception on board
- Galley Tour
- Services of a Virtuoso Host onboard
* These benefits are combinable with most other Cunard offers and regular fares, Military Benefits, our regular Q Cruise Sales Events and Future Cruise Sales benefits. They are not combinable with Q Cruise + Travel Group Onboard Credits, Flash Fares, Last Minute Deals, or other promotions and discounts. Note that a minimum number of participants is required for a host to travel on a sailing.
Transatlantic Cruises To Rio De Janeiro
If you are looking for adventure from your Transatlantic cruise, a 19-night Atlantic crossing to the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo are an ideal choice. Take a shore excursion to discover the gastronomic delights on offer and soak up the regional culture and history in the extensive museums, rich in fascinating local information. Extend your voyage and discover more of Rio de Janeiro and the fascinating country of Brazil with a South American cruise holiday.
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Cruise Lines For Atlantic Crossings
In addition to Cunards Queen Mary 2, most cruise lines that move their ships between Europe and the Caribbean offer transatlantic crossings in some fashion.
Cunard has a rich history of transatlantic crossings and is widely considered the gold-standard for this epic cruise. Sailing with Cunard means you’ll be experiencing your own piece of history on a voyage thats departed for over 180 years.
Cunard leaving from New York is an epic sendoff reminiscent of the golden-age of cruising.
Other luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Viking, Windstar and a variety of premium cruise options also offer their version of the transatlantic cruise. Speak to a CruiseInsider expert for the various transatlantic cruise options or more information on this unique voyage.
Insider Tip: The best time for a transatlantic cruise is between April and December. Early and later crossings can mean unpredictable weather, and youll want to consider that spring and fall can be foggy. For southern repositioning itineraries, keep in mind that June to November is hurricane season, making April/May the better time to go.
Queen Mary 2 /cunard 2021 And 2022 Transatlantic Cruise Schedulewestbound Departure Dates
Westbound QM2 Transatlantic Crossings from Southampton to New York are 7 nights long, unless otherwise indicated. Some sailings start in Hamburg and make a stop in Southampton before continuing to New York – typically a nine night event in total. Occasionally, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth operate Transatlantic cruises too, generally as part of a world cruise. Shipboard credits listed are per stateroom based on double occupancy. Please call us for the latest availability and fares.
- May 8, 2022: Southampton – New York
- May 29, 2022: Southampton – New York
- , 9 nights
- Southampton – New York
- Southampton – New York
- , 9 nights
- Southampton – Le Havre – New York, 8 nights
- , 9 nights
- Southampton – New York
- Southampton – New York
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What To Know About A Transatlantic Cruise
Blog Ocean Cruises Planning a Cruise
A transatlantic cruise is an experience on many travelers bucket-lists. This elegant option crosses between two continents and is a relaxing, refined throwback to the golden age of cruising when hopping on a ship was the only option – and considered the classiest way – to get from Europe to the Americas or vice versa.
While times have changed from when long ocean journeys were for necessity only, here’s what you need to know about today’s transatlantic cruise options including who they’re right for, which lines do it best and why we think you’ll enjoy this epic journey.
Cruise Lines That Offer Transatlantic Cruises
The most frequent operator of transatlantic cruises is Cunard. Theyve been sailing across the Atlantic for over 180 years and are synonymous with the route. Cunard uses the Queen Mary 2 for its transatlantic sailings in the present era, with voyages between Southampton and New York available throughout the year.
Nearly all other cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises in some shape or form. For example, Regent Seven Seas offer itineraries from Lisbon, Amsterdam and Venice to Miami before starting the Caribbean season. Other operators like Silversea, Oceania Cruises and Holland America Line also offer sailings between mainland Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas.
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Pro: Relax And Unwind
When arriving home from vacation, many travelers often complain that they “need a vacation from their vacation!” Although many are surprised at how quickly the sea days fly by on a transatlantic cruise, no one is forcing guests to do anything other than whatever they want to do. Some guests bring along an e-reader full of novels, while others catch up on movies, try their luck in the casino, or spend time unwinding in the spa or fitness center. On a transatlantic cruise, someone else is cooking and cleaning up after you. Guests can sleep in as long as they wish or go to bed right after dinner. It’s their choice.
No Uncomfortable Flights Or Jet Lag
While you might have to catch a flight to the embarkation port, you wont have to worry about being stuffed into the crowded cabin on a plane for a long flight. No flight changes or cancellations to worry about. No jet-lag from drastic time changes.
Why suffer in a seat where you can barely move your legs while enduring that long flight across the Atlantic leaving you feeling stressed and exhausted by the time you arrive? Your leisurely transatlantic cruise will allow you to refresh, recharge and reenergize yourself – a true vacation versus a typical trip.
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