Several major cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises between North America and Europe, including Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Viking, Carnival, and Holland America Line. Routes and sailing lengths vary by season, with some crossings focused on the Atlantic journey and others combining the crossing with multiple ports.
Here are some of the major cruise lines to consider and what their transatlantic itineraries can offer.
Cruise Lines That Offer Transatlantic Cruises
Several major cruise lines operate transatlantic sailings, although routes, ships, and departure ports vary by season.
Some of the cruise lines you may find include:
- Cunard
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Viking
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Costa Cruises
Not every line operates the same type of crossing. Some offer traditional Atlantic crossings with several consecutive sea days, while others use transatlantic sailings to reposition ships between European and North American seasons.
1. Cunard Transatlantic Cruises
Cunard is one of the most recognizable names in transatlantic travel, primarily because of Queen Mary 2, which was purpose-built for regular transatlantic service.
The classic crossing connects New York and Southampton, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the Atlantic crossing as the main event rather than simply a way to reach another destination.
Queen Mary 2 offers features particularly suited to long sea days, including a large library, planetarium, restaurants, bars, live entertainment, fitness facilities, and traditional afternoon tea.
Cunard offers eastbound and westbound crossings, with the exact schedule varying by season.
Best suited to: Travelers who want a traditional ocean-liner experience and enjoy spending several days at sea.
2. Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruises
Royal Caribbean operates seasonal transatlantic repositioning cruises between North America and Europe.
Depending on the sailing, departure ports can include Florida, Barcelona, Southampton, and other European ports, with itineraries that may call at destinations such as Bermuda, the Bahamas, Spain, Portugal, or other Atlantic and European ports.
The major attraction is the ship itself. Depending on the vessel, travelers can find waterslides, surf simulators, pools, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, and other activities that help fill the longer sea days.
Best suited to: Families and travelers who want plenty of activities while crossing the Atlantic.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line Transatlantic Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line offers transatlantic itineraries that connect Europe and North America, with routes varying according to the ship and season.
Some sailings travel from Italy or Spain toward New York, while others combine European ports with destinations such as Bermuda or the Caribbean before reaching North America.
Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising concept also gives passengers flexibility around dining and onboard activities. Newer ships can add attractions such as go-kart tracks, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, and lounges.
Best suited to: Travelers who prefer flexible dining and a lively selection of onboard entertainment.
4. Celebrity Cruises Transatlantic Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers seasonal transatlantic sailings between North America and Europe. Depending on the itinerary, voyages can include destinations such as Bermuda, Portugal, Spain, the Azores, and Mediterranean ports.
Celebrity's modern ships emphasize contemporary design, specialty dining, wellness, and a more relaxed atmosphere. This makes the line particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy the ship as much as the destinations.
Transatlantic itineraries can vary considerably in length, so check the individual sailing when comparing options.
Best suited to: Couples and adults looking for a more refined onboard atmosphere.
5. Princess Cruises Transatlantic Cruises
Princess Cruises operates seasonal transatlantic and repositioning itineraries that can combine an Atlantic crossing with European destinations.
Longer sailings may visit destinations in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and other European ports, depending on the itinerary.
Princess also provides plenty of onboard entertainment and dining options, making longer voyages comfortable for travelers who enjoy a balance of sea days and port visits.
Best suited to: Couples, families, and multigenerational travelers looking for longer itineraries.
Related: What Is the Best Side of the Ship for a Transatlantic Crossing?
6. Viking Transatlantic Cruises
Viking offers a more intimate style of cruising than the large contemporary cruise lines. Its ocean ships carry fewer passengers and emphasize destination-focused travel, dining, enrichment, and relaxation.
Transatlantic itineraries can combine the Atlantic crossing with European and Mediterranean destinations such as Madeira, Barcelona, southern France, Monaco, and Italy, depending on the sailing.
Viking's ships are also adults-focused, making them appealing to travelers who prefer a quieter experience.
Best suited to: Adults looking for smaller-ship cruising, destination enrichment, and a relaxed atmosphere.
7. Carnival Transatlantic Cruises
Carnival occasionally operates transatlantic repositioning cruises as ships move between North American and European seasons.
These sailings can provide an opportunity to experience a longer voyage while enjoying Carnival's casual atmosphere, entertainment, dining, pools, and onboard activities.
Because transatlantic itineraries are seasonal, availability can vary significantly from one year to another.
Best suited to: Budget-conscious travelers and groups who prefer a casual, entertainment-focused cruise.
8. Holland America Line Transatlantic Cruises
Holland America Line offers longer Atlantic itineraries that can combine the crossing with destinations in Europe and North America.
Its ships emphasize dining, live music, enrichment, and destination-focused programming, making the line particularly well suited to travelers who enjoy relaxing sea days rather than needing constant high-energy activities.
Some itineraries also visit less-common destinations along the Atlantic route.
Best suited to: Travelers interested in food, culture, enrichment, and a traditional cruise atmosphere.
How Long Are Transatlantic Cruises?
Transatlantic cruises can range from about 6 or 7 nights to 20 nights or more, depending on the route and number of port stops.
A classic direct crossing can have several consecutive days at sea. Longer itineraries may add destinations such as Bermuda, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, or Mediterranean ports.
If you enjoy the journey itself, a longer itinerary can be particularly rewarding because you'll have more time to experience the ship.
When Do Transatlantic Cruises Sail?
Transatlantic cruises are strongly influenced by cruise-line seasonal repositioning.
Eastbound crossings generally operate in spring as ships move from North America toward Europe for the European cruise season.
Westbound crossings generally operate in fall as ships return from Europe toward North America and warmer-weather itineraries.
Spring and fall can therefore be good times to look for transatlantic cruise deals, although prices and availability vary by ship, itinerary, and demand.
What Are the Most Common Transatlantic Routes?
There isn't one standard transatlantic route. Common departure and arrival combinations include:
- New York ↔ Southampton
- Florida ↔ Barcelona
- Florida ↔ Southern Europe
- Europe ↔ New York
- Europe ↔ Florida
- Europe ↔ Caribbean/North America
Some sailings include additional ports in Bermuda, the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal, or the Mediterranean.
Also Read: Best Cruise Lines for Transatlantic Cruises
What Should You Expect on a Transatlantic Cruise?
The biggest difference is the number of sea days.
Instead of visiting a new port every day, you may spend several consecutive days at sea. That makes onboard facilities especially important when choosing your cruise.
Look for:
- Restaurants and specialty dining
- Pools and spa facilities
- Fitness centers
- Live entertainment
- Lectures and enrichment
- Libraries and quiet spaces
- Bars and lounges
- Activities for children, if traveling as a family
It's also a good idea to pack layers because Atlantic weather can change significantly during the crossing.
Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?
The right cruise line depends on what you want from the crossing.
- Classic ocean-liner experience: Cunard
- Large-ship activities: Royal Caribbean
- Flexible dining and entertainment: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Contemporary and relaxed atmosphere: Celebrity Cruises
- Longer multigenerational itineraries: Princess Cruises
- Smaller-ship, adults-focused experience: Viking
- Casual and entertainment-focused cruising: Carnival
- Culinary and cultural enrichment: Holland America Line
If you're trying to decide between several options, compare the best cruise lines for transatlantic cruises based on your travel style, budget, preferred ship, and itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Many major cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises, but they don't all provide the same experience. Some focus on the crossing itself, while others use transatlantic itineraries primarily to reposition ships between Europe and North America.
Before booking, compare the route, number of sea days, ship amenities, cabin price, departure port, and travel dates. A little research can help you find a transatlantic sailing that matches the way you want to travel.
