Transatlantic Crossings: What to Expect on the Journey

If you’ve ever fancied swapping the frantic pace of airports for the graceful glide of a ship across the Atlantic, a transatlantic cruise might be calling your name. This timeless journey, once the mainstay of empires and icons, has evolved into a luxurious, relaxing way to cross the pond. Brimming with surprises and indulgence, it’s an old-world charm.

Not Just a Journey

Unlike a standard holiday, a transatlantic cruise is less about the destination and more about the journey. You’re not just getting from A to B, you’re living in style as you traverse the ocean, often over 6 to 8 days.

These crossings are generally repositioning cruises, ships moving between seasons, typically from Europe to North America (or vice versa), often in the spring and autumn. This means fewer port stops and more sea days, which is ideal if you’re after a peaceful, immersive cruise experience.

Who Offers A Transatlantic Cruise?

Several major cruise lines offer transatlantic routes, each with their own flair and onboard culture:

• Cunard Line: The absolute classic. The Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is the only true ocean liner still operating. This ship was built for transatlantic crossings and sails regularly between Southampton and New York. Cunard epitomises British elegance, complete with afternoon tea and black-tie dinners.
• Royal Caribbean: Offers repositioning cruises with a more informal, family-friendly vibe. Ships like the Oasis-class ships may include crossings during seasonal moves.
• Celebrity Cruises: A step up in style, Celebrity offers modern luxury with fine dining, spa experiences, and high-end staterooms.
• Holland America Line: A refined, traditional experience appealing to mature travellers. Excellent service, great food, and engaging enrichment activities.
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Known for “freestyle cruising”, meaning no fixed dining times or dress codes. A casual, relaxed experience.
• MSC Cruises: Offers budget-friendly options with a European flair. Why not try MSC Yacht Club for that extra luxury experience as you cross the pond.
• Princess Cruises: Balances elegance and comfort. A perfect choice for seasoned cruisers.

Each cruise line has its own personality, but all offer an immersive, relaxing journey across the Atlantic.

Life Onboard

A transatlantic cruise is rich with sea days, and cruise lines go all-out to make every day an event. Here’s what you can expect onboard:

Staterooms & Suites

Your cabin is your home at sea. Options range from cosy inside rooms to luxurious balcony cabins and sprawling suites. Most ships feature excellent soundproofing, room service, and daily housekeeping. Some staterooms include butler service, priority boarding, and private lounges.

Dining Delights

Cruise ships are floating culinary havens. You’ll often have a main dining room, multiple speciality restaurants, and casual eateries.

• Cunard offers traditional British menus in the Britannia Restaurant, while Grill-class guests enjoy fine dining in the exclusive Princess and Queens Grill.
• Celebrity Cruises dazzles with dishes crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and an impressive wine list.
• Royal Caribbean and Norwegian offer everything from sushi bars and Italian trattorias to steak houses and American diners.

Buffets, cafes, and 24/7 room service are common across most lines. Whether you’re a fine dining aficionado or a comfort food enthusiast, you’ll be well fed.

Bars & Lounges

From champagne bars to sports pubs and piano lounges, there’s a watering hole for every taste. Some ships have craft beer selections, themed cocktail menus, and even wine-tasting classes.

• Cunard’s Golden Lion pub brings a proper British boozer to sea.
• Celebrity’s Martini Bar features an ice-topped counter.
• Royal Caribbean ships might include Latin dance bars and robot bartenders (on Quantum-class ships).

Entertainment

Evenings come alive with West End-style productions, live bands, classical quartets, and comedy shows. Bigger ships host Broadway-style musicals and magic acts.

Daytime? Think trivia, bingo, dance classes, guest lectures, and cooking demos. Cunard, for instance, runs their Insights programme, featuring talks from historians, authors, and explorers.

Activities & Amenities

Whether you want to stay active or simply unwind, there’s plenty on offer:

• Spa & Wellness: Full-service spas onboard cruise ships, thermal suites, saunas, and yoga classes.
• Fitness Centres: State of the art gyms, personal trainers, and classes.
• Pools & Jacuzzis: Often both indoor and outdoor.
• Shops: Duty-free designer brands, souvenirs, and essentials.
• Libraries & Card Rooms: Quiet escapes with hundreds of books.

For the active minded, Royal Caribbean boasts rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and basketball courts. Meanwhile, Cunard offers fencing, shuffleboard, and afternoon tea dancing.

Dress Codes & Atmosphere

Cruise lines vary in how formal they are. Cunard still embraces elegance with formal nights, tuxedos, and ball gowns. Others like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are more casual, with optional dress-up evenings.

Generally, you’ll need a mix of casual wear, swimwear, and a couple of dressier outfits for evening dining.

Connectivity & Communication

WiFi is available, but not always free or fast. Packages can be purchased for email, social media, or streaming. Some people relish the digital detox of limited connectivity, a rare chance to truly unwind.

Weather and the Sea

Crossings can be smooth or choppy, especially in spring and autumn. Modern stabilisers minimise motion, but sea sickness remedies (bands, tablets, ginger sweets) are worth having just in case.

You’ll experience a mix of weather: crisp breezes on deck, sunny afternoons, and moody, cinematic horizons. Pack layers, waterproofs, and something windproof.

People You’ll Meet

Expect a global crowd, Brits, Americans, Canadians, Europeans, and more. Transatlantic cruisers often skew older, but there are families, honeymooners, and solo travellers too. The atmosphere tends to be friendly and laid-back.

Disembarkation & Arrival

There’s something unforgettable about sailing into New York past the Statue of Liberty or pulling into Southampton’s historic harbour. The arrival can be emotional and awe-inspiring.

Disembarkation is typically smooth, with breakfast served and luggage collected the night before. Be prepared for queues at immigration in the US.

A transatlantic cruise is more than a way to travel, it’s a rite of passage, a throwback to an age of glamour and gracious living. Whether you’re sipping G&Ts on deck, learning to tango in the ballroom, or watching the sun set over the endless ocean, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.

If you’re looking for a different pace, a sense of occasion, and a journey with depth and elegance, a transatlantic crossing might be just the ticket