Transatlantic Cruise Guide: Crossings, Routes & Tips

The Romance of a Transatlantic Crossing

Queen Mary 2: The Star of the Atlantic

The Classic Route

The classic transatlantic crossing runs between Southampton and New York — roughly 3,200 nautical miles in 7 nights. Westbound, you leave Southampton in the late afternoon, pass the Isle of Wight as the sun sets, and head out into the English Channel.

Then come five to six consecutive sea days — nothing but ocean in every direction. The ship settles into a rhythm. On the final morning, you wake to the sight of the American coastline, pass the Verrazzano Bridge, and glide past the Statue of Liberty into New York Harbour. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most dramatic arrivals in all of travel.

What to Expect on Sea Days

Five or six consecutive sea days might sound like a lot — but on QM2, the problem is fitting everything in, not filling the time. The daily programme typically lists over 70 activities, from RADA acting workshops and guest lectures to fencing, bridge, and ballroom dancing.

Or you can do absolutely nothing. Find a corner of the 8,000-book library, claim a steamer chair on the promenade deck, and let the hours dissolve. The beauty of a crossing is that there’s no agenda — no port to be at, no alarm to set, no excursion to rush to.

01

Planetarium

Only one at sea

02

Library

8,000+ books

03

Ballroom

Queens Room dancing

04

Kennels

Bring your pet

Seasonal Calendar

The transatlantic season runs from April to December, with the busiest months from June to September. Westbound crossings (Southampton → New York) dominate in spring as ships reposition for the summer season; eastbound crossings increase in autumn.

Sea conditions vary significantly by month. The North Atlantic is at its calmest from June through August, with gentle swells and long daylight hours. Shoulder months (April–May, September–October) offer moderate seas and significantly lower fares. Late-season crossings in November and December can encounter rougher weather — thrilling for some, challenging for others.

Repositioning Crossings

Not every transatlantic voyage is a scheduled QM2 crossing. Twice a year — in spring and autumn — cruise ships from multiple lines need to reposition between European and Caribbean or North American waters. These repositioning voyages cross the Atlantic as a by-product, and they’re often extraordinary value.

P&O Cruises, for example, repositions ships like Arcadia and Ventura to the Caribbean each autumn and back each spring. These sailings often include a stop in the Azores, Canary Islands, or Bermuda — breaking up the ocean crossing with a port call or two.

Because the cruise line needs to move the ship regardless, repositioning fares can be 30–50% cheaper per night than equivalent-length itineraries. They’re one-way by nature, which suits travellers who want to combine a crossing with a holiday at the other end. The trade-off is limited availability — these sailings sell well because insiders know they’re a bargain.

1. 01

   Exceptional Value

   Repositioning sailings are often 30–50% cheaper per night than regular cruises. The ship has to move anyway — you’re just along for the ride.

2. 02

   Spring & Autumn Only

   Typically April–May (westbound) and October–November (eastbound). Limited sailings mean they sell out fast — book early.

3. 03

   Port Calls Included

   Unlike a pure QM2 crossing, repositioning voyages often stop in the Azores, Canaries, Bermuda, or Madeira.

Transatlantic Pricing — Live Data

Real prices from our live database, updated every time we crawl new fares. All prices are per person based on the lowest available cabin type.

Transatlantic crossings typically offer remarkable value per night compared to port-intensive itineraries — all meals, entertainment, enrichment lectures, and sea-day activities are included in the fare.

Cabin Choice for a Crossing

Cabin choice matters more on a transatlantic crossing than on any other cruise. Why? Because you’ll spend 5–6 consecutive sea days on board with no ports to break things up. Your cabin is your retreat, your reading nook, and your private slice of the ocean.

On a 7-night Mediterranean cruise with daily port stops, an inside cabin makes perfect sense — you’re barely in it. On a crossing, you’ll return to your cabin more often, and the quality of that space directly affects your experience.

Transatlantic Crossing vs Flying

It’s not really a fair comparison — flying is transport, while a crossing is a holiday in itself. But many first-timers want to weigh up the practical differences. Here’s an honest side-by-side.

The smartest approach is often to combine both: sail one direction and fly the other. You get the full crossing experience without doubling the travel time.

Practical Tips

A transatlantic crossing is different from a regular cruise in several practical ways. Here’s what first-timers need to know before stepping aboard.

1. 01Time Zone Changes

   Westbound, clocks go back 1 hour each night — you gain an hour of sleep every day. Eastbound, clocks go forward 1 hour. By the time you arrive, you’ve adjusted to the new time zone completely — zero jet lag. It’s one of the great advantages of crossing by sea.

2. 02Dress Code

   Cunard has the most formal dress code at sea. Expect 2 Gala evenings on a 7-night crossing (black tie / evening gown encouraged). Other evenings are “Smart Attire” — jacket for men, smart dress for women. Daytime is resort casual. The Kings Court buffet always has relaxed dress.

3. 03Seasickness

   The North Atlantic is open ocean, and even QM2’s stabilisers can’t eliminate all motion. Pack seasickness remedies (patches, wristbands, or medication from the ship’s doctor). Mid-ship, lower-deck cabins feel the least movement. Most passengers are fine — but preparation helps. Read our seasickness guide →

4. 04Wi-Fi & Communication

   Satellite Wi-Fi is available but slow and expensive compared to land. Many crossers treat the 7 days as a digital detox — and find it liberating. If you need connectivity, buy a package on boarding day for the best rate. WhatsApp messaging works fine; video calls are unreliable.

5. 05Currency on Board

   QM2 operates a cashless system — your cruise card handles all onboard purchases. The account settles in GBP or USD depending on your booking. Tips (gratuities) are automatically added to your account unless you opt out. No need to carry cash on the ship.

6. 06What to Pack

   Formal wear for 2 Gala nights, smart-casual for other evenings, and comfortable daywear. Bring layers for deck time — the Atlantic wind can be chilly even in summer. A good book (or three), binoculars for dolphin/whale spotting, and seasickness remedies. There’s no luggage limit on a cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions from first-time transatlantic crossers — answered honestly.