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.
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.