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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. If crossing the southern Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America on a small luxury cruise ship is on your bucket list, consider Regent Seven Seas Cruises' early 2025 Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro sailing. A typical day might include time in the library perusing the largest book collection at sea, getting an illuminating astronomy lesson in the onboard planetarium and enjoying traditional afternoon tea. It honestly doesn't make much difference whether you book a cabin on the port (left) or starboard (right) side of the ship since most daytime views will be of the ocean. For a U.S.-to-Europe eastward crossing, you'd want the opposite — a port-side cabin.
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The average duration of an Atlantic cruise can vary depending on several factors, as mentioned earlier. However, to provide a general guideline, a traditional transatlantic crossing typically takes around 6 to 8 days. Ultimately, a transatlantic cruise is more than just a form of transportation—it’s a journey of self-discovery, relaxation, and exploration. So, whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your very first voyage, a transatlantic cruise promises an extraordinary adventure that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. There are also Transatlantic luxury cruises that are not repositioning cruises but sail across the Atlantic to offer their customers an iconic experience. The most famous cruise line that offers this type of Transatlantic cruise is Cunard Cruises.
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Therefore, you’ll want to pack your cruise luggage with items that can be easily layered. Just imagine sailing across the Atlantic from the cruise port of Miami to the lovely Barcelona, where you can see for yourself the architectural wonders of the city. Or, take beautiful photos of the Eiffel Tower on a 19-Day Transatlantic cruise from Copenhagen. Begin your journey in one country and arrive in another, all while experiencing all that Norwegian has to offer. With a limited number potential cruisers, if you don't care about the destinations or the longer duration, you’re likely to get a great bargain for this kind of sailing.
Westbound transatlantic cruises from Southampton
According to Cunard, Atlantic storms occur more frequently between early June and late November. Crossing the Atlantic can be different since the ship might not see land for several days. As you sail through the Straits of Gibraltar from the Atlantic Ocean, you are officially entering the Mediterranean Sea.
Who Transatlantic Cruises Are Right For
THE 25 BEST 2 Week Cruises to Transatlantic (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST 2 Week Cruises to Transatlantic (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:32:06 GMT [source]
If you're concerned, opt for an ocean-view or balcony cabin over an inside one. Yet unpredictable wind and water current patterns can create rough seas seemingly out of nowhere any time of year. The length of your transatlantic cruise will depend on the itinerary you choose. A shorter itinerary, such as a cruise from New York to London, will take around 7 days, while a longer itinerary, such as a cruise from New York to Barcelona, will take around 10 days.
It’s a chance to disconnect from the fast-paced world and embrace the rhythm of the sea. One of the highlights of a transatlantic cruise is the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the open ocean. The vastness of the sea creates a sense of tranquility and serenity, allowing passengers to truly unwind and rejuvenate. Additionally, transatlantic cruises often offer unique onboard activities and themes to enhance the experience, such as guest speakers, art classes, or even special event celebrations. As there are more days at sea to fill with things to do, ships that make transatlantic crossings tend to offer a variety of fun educational and enrichment opportunities that you wouldn’t have on your standard cruise.
Con: No (or Few) Ports of Call
However, if you're even slightly prone to seasickness, don't throw caution to the wind. You'll be better off on a larger ship (pick a midship cabin on a lower deck); also, be sure to pack medication, patches, bands or whatever works best for you. While it might seem counterintuitive, having a window or balcony actually helps offset seasickness since it offers fresh air and a horizon view.
Preparing for potential challenges is crucial when embarking on a transatlantic journey. To combat seasickness, pack remedies like ginger tablets or acupressure wristbands. Many ships feature fitness and sports facilities, including gyms, yoga classes, basketball courts and even surfing simulators. The distance can also vary depending on the route taken by your cruise ship. The actual distance of a transatlantic voyage also has a considerable impact on its duration.
Why crossing the sea by cruise is 'the perfect antidote to today’s harried, constantly connected lifestyle'
From indulging in gourmet dining and spa treatments to attending enriching lectures and engaging in various entertainment options, there’s something for everyone on a transatlantic cruise. If you are prone to seasickness, you should consider packing seasickness medications or remedies for a transatlantic crossing. Although seasickness is an age-old problem, it is rare on today's large ships as they are designed to be exceptionally stable. Some of Norwegian’s ships offer spa acupuncture treatments designed explicitly for seasickness. Ask at the Mandara Spa once you are onboard to see if this service is available on your sailing. Transatlantic cruises are as iconic now as they were in 1847 when the first Cunard ship made its historic journey.
A transatlantic cruise is a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the serenity and vastness of the ocean. If you're cruising on Cunard, in particular, you'll want to look sharp (do check dress codes before heading off to any ocean-bound cruise, whether it's a regular voyage or a repositioning cruise). The line's New York-to-London crossing typically includes two to three gala nights, and four smart casual. In this case, what's intriguing about a transatlantic cruise, also known as an ocean crossing, is that the journey is far more important than the destination. 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 Transatlantic luxury cruise, such as Cunard’s.
And of course, staff on crossings will also help you stay on the correct time. Experienced travelers say while they enjoy the atmosphere, it's not meant to be intimidating. Jackets are required for men, while women can wear cocktail dresses or "stylish separates." And it's not just at dinner.
Holland America passengers, mostly older retirees, can also pass the time dining at each of the 10 onboard restaurants and enjoy entertainment that includes live bands at the B.B. The average transatlantic cruise duration is 7-10 days, but there are a number of factors that can affect the length of your cruise. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose a cruise itinerary that is the right length for you.
Holland America Line has a variety of transatlantic crossings ranging from nights. These cruises mainly depart from FL and head to Spain, England, and Italy. For cruisers wanting to stay in Neptune suites, prices can be as low as $2,000 a person to over $4,000 a person for similar itineraries. For instance, Cunard is famous for its classic 7-night transatlantic crossings. These iconic sailings from New York to Southampton, England start as low as $749 – $900 pp for an inside cabin, to about $1,000 – $2,000+ for a balcony cabin. 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.
While the weather on a Transatlantic Crossing can always be mixed, many prefer the months of April and May to sail. This is after the cold winter months, and before the start of the stormy seasons. Before arriving in New York or Southampton on your Transatlantic Crossing, explore Queen Mary 2 and engage in a variety of fascinating activities and entertainment. There is plenty of room on the ship for you to do as much or as little as you choose, from personal shopping experiences to exquisite afternoon tea. For longer cruises like a transatlantic sailing, there are usually few children so you won’t have to worry about noise or other interruptions that can disturb the peace and tranquil atmosphere.
There are superb water sports opportunities, from scuba to reef fishing, as well as gorgeous pink-sand beaches. Transatlantic cruises are still common, but normally during the repositioning times of the year only – so March/April, or October/November. And they’ll usually be one-way, meaning you’ll need to be happy flying either to the start of your cruise or once your cruise has finished. Regardless, you’re still going to spend a series of days at sea in a row, which isn’t for everyone. You need to be comfortable with the fact that you won’t be able to get off the ship for several days. But, the transatlantic cruise is not completely dead, and it’s still available – often at very specific times of the year for reasons I’ll explain.
Those who love long days at sea and the ability to relax and enjoy the cruise might find a transatlantic cruise an ideal itinerary. Beyond budget, another qualifying factor to consider is the length of the trip. If you have lots of vacation time to burn and want low stress days, few decisions-to-make during your trip, repositioning cruises can make nice long and reasonably priced getaways. If your time off is more limited, Cunard's scheduled crossings can work well for those seeking a weeklong holiday or want to take a pet along. (Pets travel in the ship’s kennel but get daily exercise time and visiting time with their owners several times a day).
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