Top transatlantic cruises for 2024 and 2025, along with tips and what to anticipate

A transatlantic cruise is a dream for many travelers, especially those who enjoy the companionship and thrill of a ship voyage. Today's approximately 4,000-nautical-mile crossing resembles the luxurious "Grand Tour" that affluent Americans once experienced, rather than the immigration trips taken by our European forebears from the 17th to early 20th centuries.

Indulgent and relaxing, a one-way voyage features exquisite dining, wellness treatments, insightful lectures, vibrant nightlife, and ample opportunities to unwind. Transatlantic cruises also cater to those who prefer to avoid flying and offer an appealing choice for cruise enthusiasts seeking extended itineraries at a reasonable cost.

Is a transatlantic cruise suitable for everyone? Not exactly, particularly for those who are prone to significant seasickness. However, for fans of sea days — and many cruisers are — a crossing can provide an uninterrupted "floating resort" experience, plus the added perk of transporting you to Europe or back home without the discomfort of a cramped flight.

Here’s all you need to know about cruising the Atlantic — including a selection of the finest transatlantic cruises available for booking in 2024 and 2025.

Which cruise lines provide transatlantic crossings?

While Cunard is renowned for its weekly crossings between Southampton, England, and New York City — operating from April to December on the ocean liner Queen Mary 2 — nearly all major cruise lines feature transatlantic crossings.

These typically take place in spring (late March to early May) and fall (September to November). During spring, ships are relocated from the Caribbean to Europe, and in fall, vessels journey from Europe to the U.S. to start Canada-New England and Caribbean itineraries.

Often referred to as repositioning cruises, these voyages tend to be longer than standard crossings and usually feature several port stops beyond the embarkation and disembarkation cities.

Even better, fares for these itineraries are usually one-third to one-half the cost of a similar cruise that visits a new port each day. This makes them an excellent choice for travelers who prefer to embrace life onboard rather than just sightsee.

These kinds of transatlantic/repositioning itineraries are available through Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea, Star Clippers, Windstar, Viking, and Virgin.

What is the optimal time of year for transatlantic cruises?

The ideal time to embark on a transatlantic cruise varies based on your preferences: whether you seek pleasant weather, calm seas, the best fares, or particular ports of call.

Generally, May, June, and July are suggested for warmer temperatures and milder seas — prior to the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season in August, September, and October — though storms can occur at any time of year.

March, April, and November — though not the best months due to cooler temperatures that may limit enjoyment on deck and by the pool — present a good opportunity and offer great value. This is particularly true if the ship's route heads south between Florida and the Mediterranean rather than between northern Europe and New York.

As mentioned earlier, the best fares are typically found in spring and fall for repositioning cruises. These itineraries often include several attractive ports in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, as well as stops in the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Iceland, or Bermuda across the Atlantic.

How long does the crossing take?

It varies. The classic nonstop transatlantic route on the Queen Mary 2 lasts seven nights between New York and Southampton (and vice versa). In contrast, transatlantic repositioning cruises usually range from 11 to 21 nights, with an average duration of 14 nights (typically including seven or eight sea days).

Will the seas be turbulent?

It depends on Mother Nature. At times, the Atlantic can offer smooth sailing, even during spring and fall. However, unpredictable wind and water currents can suddenly create rough seas at any time of year.

Captains typically navigate around storms and make every effort to do so for the comfort of everyone onboard. Moreover, modern cruise ships are fitted with stabilizers that help minimize rolling motion caused by wind or waves.

However, if you're even slightly susceptible to seasickness, it's wise to take precautions. You'll fare better on a larger ship (choose a midship cabin on a lower deck); also, make sure to bring along medications, patches, bands, or whatever remedies work best for you. While it might seem counterintuitive, having a window or balcony can actually help ease seasickness by providing fresh air and a view of the horizon. If you're worried, choose an ocean-view or balcony cabin rather than an interior one.

Which side of the ship is preferable for a transatlantic crossing?

It really doesn't matter much whether you choose a cabin on the port (left) or starboard (right) side of the ship, as most daytime views will be of the open sea. However, if you're departing from a Mediterranean port like Rome or Barcelona for a southerly route, opt for a starboard cabin; this may give you a glimpse of the Rock of Gibraltar if your ship crosses between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic during daylight. For an eastward crossing from the U.S. to Europe, you would want a port-side cabin instead.

Likewise, if your journey starts in northern Europe on a route heading north to the U.S. and you want to be among the first to spot land (perhaps Greenland or Newfoundland), a starboard cabin is ideal. If you're arriving in New York Harbor just before dawn and wish to see the Statue of Liberty from your cabin, choose a port-side location.

More crucial for an Atlantic crossing is the deck number of your cabin and whether it's located forward, midship, or aft. Generally, you'll experience less ship movement through rough seas if your cabin is midship and on one of the lower or middle decks rather than the top decks.

Which ports do transatlantic cruises stop at?

Your embarkation and disembarkation points will dictate your route and the ports you might visit. Ships repositioning to or from the Baltic Sea and the British Isles typically take a northern route. In contrast, vessels departing from the Mediterranean generally follow a more southerly path, especially if they are moving to or from a winter home port in Florida.

On a northern crossing, you can anticipate departing from ports like Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Southampton, or New York. Depending on the cruise's duration, you may visit ports in Ireland (Dublin or Cork), Iceland (Reykjavik), Greenland (Qaqortoq or Nuuk), Atlantic Canada (St. John's in Newfoundland, or Sydney or Halifax in Nova Scotia), and Bermuda (King's Wharf).

For a southerly crossing between Barcelona or Rome in the Mediterranean and Miami or Fort Lauderdale, typical stops include Madeira, Gran Canaria or Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Ponta Delgada in the Azores, and one or two Caribbean islands, such as St. Maarten or Puerto Rico.

Is it more advantageous to book an eastbound or westbound cruise?

The direction you choose really depends on whether you’re in it for the journey or using the crossing as an alternative to flying across the ocean. Here are a few factors to consider.

In addition to the Queen Mary 2, westbound transatlantic repositioning cruises (from Europe to the U.S.) typically occur in the fall during the Atlantic hurricane season, with some scheduled for mid-to-late November when storm activity generally decreases. Eastbound cruises (from the U.S. to Europe) take place in spring, a time often marked by gray skies and rain.

When weighing the choice between westbound and eastbound crossings, consider the impact of the time change. While a transatlantic cruise can be a fantastic way to bypass the jet lag associated with flying across several time zones in a single day, you will still face almost daily adjustments to your clock.

On westbound voyages, you'll move your clock back at night, gaining an extra hour of sleep on most days. Conversely, on eastbound journeys, you'll move your clock forward an hour, resulting in a loss of leisure time or sleep.

Another important aspect to remember is that unless you plan to return home via another transatlantic cruise, you'll need to arrange a one-way flight. Before finalizing a specific eastbound or westbound itinerary, always check your flight options, as one-way tickets can sometimes be pricier than round-trip fares.

Top transatlantic cruises for 2024 and 2025

With numerous options for crossing the Atlantic by cruise ship, here are some of the top itineraries you can enjoy in the upcoming two years.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2

• Transatlantic crossings: September to December 2024 and 2025

There's truly nothing like it. Cunard's weekly transatlantic journey between New York and Southampton on the 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 embodies the grandeur of ocean liners, offering a level of elegance and celebration that attracts Cunard fans, travelers checking off their bucket lists, and families or couples marking special anniversaries or birthdays.

These eight-night voyages heading east and six-night journeys west focus entirely on the sea. They feature delightful culinary experiences and evening entertainment tailored for those who cherish elegance and sophistication.

A typical day might involve exploring the vast library housing the largest book collection at sea, attending an enlightening astronomy class in the ship's planetarium, and savoring a traditional afternoon tea.

Evenings usually kick off with a multi-course dinner at the same table with the same waiter each night, followed by a Broadway-style performance, a condensed Shakespearean play, or even a magic show. The ship is renowned for its Gala Evenings, concluding with Champagne and dancing to a live orchestra. Don’t forget to bring those formal gowns and tuxedos.

Cruise prices begin at $1,818 per person for an inside cabin and $2,238 per person for a balcony room.

Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

• 16-night Rome to Miami: Nov. 28-Dec. 14, 2024
• 15-night Miami to Casablanca and Barcelona cruises: May 3-18, 2025

Virgin Voyages' 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady boasts an atmosphere reminiscent of a vibrant beach club. This fall, passengers and crew will keep the festivities alive around the clock during a 16-night transatlantic voyage from Rome to Miami, with stops in Barcelona and Malaga, Spain; Funchal in Madeira; and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Alternatively, enjoy the reverse route on the ship's 15-night Miami to Casablanca and Barcelona journey in May 2025, making stops in Grand Canary, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Casablanca, Morocco, and Barcelona.

With 20 fantastic dining options, cutting-edge entertainment (think playful and slightly risqué — like Drag Queen Bingo), an array of wellness classes (from sunrise yoga to On-the-Upswing Bungee Aerobics), and entertaining activities (how about a '90s Boy Band Dance Class?), there are countless ways to stay entertained aboard.

Cruise prices begin at $3,326 per cabin (which breaks down to under $1,700 per person) for the Rome-to-Miami voyage, while the Miami-to-Barcelona journey starts at $3,976 per cabin (approximately $1,988 per person).

Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream and Fantasy

• 13-night eastbound transatlantic cruise: May 4-17, 2025
• 13-night westbound transatlantic cruise: Oct. 20-Nov. 2, 2024 and 2025

Some Disney enthusiasts — particularly couples without children and empty nesters — appreciate the brand's storytelling and imaginative experiences but wish to avoid a cruise filled with kids and teens. These 13-night eastbound and westbound voyages from Port Canaveral to Barcelona and from Southampton to Port Canaveral on the 2,500-passenger Disney Dream or the 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy provide the perfect solution to that challenge.

These transatlantic cruises take place when most kids aged 5 to 18 are still in school. While there may be some young travelers onboard, they won't be in large numbers.

These voyages include nine to eleven days at sea, during which Disney Cruise Line provides a wealth of engaging entertainment, superb dining options, and a southerly route in the spring that offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the pool. Additionally, each trip features a variety of culturally enriching ports of call.

For the eastbound journey, ports of call include Ponta Delgada and Lisbon in Portugal, along with Cadiz, Cartagena, and Barcelona in Spain. The westbound route features stops at Ponta Delgada and the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Eastbound balcony cabin rates begin at $4,937 for two adults (around $2,500 per person). Westbound prices start at $5,360 for an inside cabin (approximately $2,680 per person).

Holland America's Nieuw Statendam

• 28-night Adriatic Crossing: Stromboli, Andalusia & Azores: Nov. 1-29, 2025

For a delightful shoulder-season journey through the Adriatic and Mediterranean, culminating in a transatlantic crossing, Holland America’s 28-night Adriatic Crossing: Stromboli, Andalusia & Azores calls on 14 ports across eight countries, blending the best of both ocean voyages and traditional cruising.

This voyage aboard the 3,665-passenger Nieuw Statendam sets sail from Athens and visits stunning ports in Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Albania, Spain, and Portugal before concluding in Fort Lauderdale. Out of the 12 days at sea, two feature scenic cruising.

Taking place in November, expect cooler temperatures in most ports during the crossing. Fortunately, the Nieuw Statendam boasts an indoor pool with a retractable roof. Holland America's guests, primarily older retirees, can also savor meals at any of the 10 onboard restaurants and enjoy live music at venues like B.B. King's Blues Club and the Rolling Stone Rock Room.

At $3,249 per person for an inside cabin and $4,699 per person for a balcony cabin, these rates are exceptional for a four-week voyage.

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Apex

• 13-night transatlantic voyage to Italy and Bermuda: Oct. 31-Nov. 13, 2025
• 13-night transatlantic journey from Bermuda to Portugal: March 8-21, 2025

Celebrity Cruises' transatlantic journey from Rome to Fort Lauderdale spans 13 nights on its latest ship, Celebrity Ascent. This sailing includes port stops in Cagliari, Sardinia; Gibraltar; and Bermuda, with a total of nine days spent at sea.

With a capacity for 3,260 guests, Celebrity Ascent is a megaship tailored for adults. Onboard, you'll discover several hot tubs (but no waterslides), modern decor, 32 upscale dining and drinking options (including Voyages, a restaurant at sea by Daniel Boulud, available at an additional fee), an indoor solarium pool, a stunning Grand Plaza featuring the line's signature Martini Bar, and evening entertainment that ranges from cutting-edge theater shows to immersive experiences in Eden.

Fares for inside cabins begin at $1,147 per person, while balcony cabins start at $1,335 per person.

For a spring 2025 crossing, consider the sister ship, Celebrity Apex, which accommodates 2,910 guests. It will embark on a 13-night transatlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, stopping at Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard, Ponta Delgada, and Valencia.

Prices for inside cabins on this cruise start at $910 per person, and balcony rooms begin at $1,163 per person.

Viking's Viking Mars

• 20-night Atlantic and Mediterranean Horizons: March 27-April 16, 2025

Guests aboard Viking Mars for the 20-night Atlantic and Mediterranean Horizons cruise will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Rome, journeying through the Caribbean and stopping at the French-Dutch island of St. Martin/St. Maarten. After six days at sea, they will visit Madeira before spending a night in Barcelona. The itinerary continues with stops at the French ports of Sete and Marseille, a visit to Monte Carlo, Monaco, and another overnight stay in Livorno, Italy, the gateway to Florence.

Accommodating 930 passengers, the adults-only Viking Mars showcases a chic Scandinavian design. Guests can indulge in high-quality (and complimentary) dining across eight venues, along with daily activities featuring lectures from guest speakers and resident historians. (Viking promotes itself as "the cruise for the intellectually curious.")

Additionally, travelers will enjoy unlimited access to the thermal suite at the Liv Nordic Spa, a main pool with a retractable roof (plus an aft infinity pool and hot tub), and complimentary beer and wine served with lunch and dinner.

Deluxe balcony cabins are available starting at $8,698 per person (the basic balcony cabins are currently sold out).

Princess Cruises' Sky Princess

• 27-night Moroccan and Iberian Grand Adventure: March 9-April 5, 2025

For a fantastic opportunity on a nearly month-long expedition, consider the 27-night Moroccan and Iberian Grand Adventure. This voyage departs from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton aboard the 3,660-passenger Sky Princess. Princess Cruises guests will experience a delightful spring crossing with stops at 10 ports across four countries (Portugal, Morocco, Spain, and England) — including Madeira, three Canary Islands, and Casablanca.

Launched in 2019, Sky Princess is a Royal Class vessel boasting three pools, a stunning Italian-style Piazza that houses Alfredo's Pizzeria (renowned for serving some of the finest pizza at sea), four specialty dining options (available at an additional charge), poolside Movies Under the Stars, and original theatrical productions at the Princess Theater.

Inside cabins begin at $2,746 per person, while balcony cabins start at $4,126 per person.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Splendor

• 14-night Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro: Jan. 5-19, 2025

If a journey across the southern Atlantic from Africa to South America on an intimate luxury cruise ship is on your wish list, consider Regent Seven Seas Cruises' upcoming Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro voyage in early 2025.

Although not the cheapest option, this 14-night journey aboard the 750-passenger, all-suite Seven Seas Splendor is all-inclusive. The fare covers business-class airfare, transfers, gourmet dining, unlimited drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and most shore excursions.

Begin your adventure by admiring the stunning landscapes of Namibia, stopping in Luderitz, famous for its vibrant colonial buildings. Another port of call is Walvis Bay, where the ship will stay overnight, giving you the chance to explore the striking sand dunes and see local flamingos. As you traverse the Atlantic, you'll visit the remote island of St. Helena, the site of Napoleon's exile, before enjoying an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro prior to disembarkation.

All-inclusive rates start at $12,949 per person for a suite featuring a balcony.

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima

• 16-night Transatlantic (Italy, France and Spain): Nov. 7-23, 2024

Set sail from Rome and explore the Mediterranean during the shoulder season before embarking on a transatlantic journey to New York on a November 2024 cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. The Transatlantic (Italy, France and Spain) itinerary aboard Norwegian Prima includes stops in Livorno (for Pisa and Florence), Cannes, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga, and Cadiz in Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Ponta Delgada. You'll enjoy six days at sea along the way.

The 3,099-passenger Norwegian Prima, launched in 2022, offers a variety of 14 dining options (six included and eight specialty restaurants for an extra charge) and 19 bars and lounges. It features a three-level go-kart racetrack and virtual reality gaming. Entertainment includes "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," stand-up comedy at The Improv at Sea, and live rock cover bands at Syd Norman's Pour House.

Inside cabins begin at $1,421 per person, while balcony cabins start at $2,101 per person.

Silversea Cruises' Silver Ray

• 25-night Rome to Fort Lauderdale: Nov. 7-Dec. 2, 2025

Get ready to reserve a suite on the 25-night transatlantic journey from Rome to Fort Lauderdale in late 2025 aboard Silversea Cruises' latest all-suite luxury vessel, Silver Ray.

This all-inclusive journey on the 728-passenger ship will take you to 11 ports across five countries. You’ll visit Livorno; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille; Valencia; Barcelona (with an overnight stay); Palma de Mallorca; Malaga; Cadiz in Spain; and Lisbon and Madeira. Following that, you'll cross the Atlantic with an overnight stop in Hamilton, Bermuda, before arriving in Fort Lauderdale.

Silver Ray is the second ship in Silversea's Nova Class. It boasts spacious suites and charming interior and exterior areas, ideal for late-season Mediterranean voyages and cool-weather transatlantic journeys. Its culinary-driven S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program excites palates with menus inspired by local regions and ports, alongside cooking classes and signature cocktails.

All-inclusive fares, covering everything from economy-class flights and transfers to gourmet dining, complimentary beverages, butler service, gratuities, and selected shore excursions, begin at $13,100 per person for a Classic Veranda Suite.

Bottom line

Whether you're drawn to a transatlantic cruise for relaxation or exploration, you’re sure to discover the enchanting allure of sea days, providing plenty of time to unwind. With no land visible for about a week, you can fully indulge in the ship’s amenities without haste.

Enjoy connecting with new friends over coffee or a game of bridge, watch films in your cabin, expand your knowledge during lectures by onboard experts, or pamper yourself with rejuvenating massages and facials at the spa.

Even better, the per-night rates on transatlantic crossings are generally more affordable than those on round-trip, port-heavy cruises. This means you can enjoy a longer voyage at a significantly reduced cost. Regardless of which transatlantic cruise aligns with your travel preferences, it’s bound to be a memorable addition to your bucket list.