Trans-Atlantic Cruise Vacations

Before air travel, crossing the Atlantic in large ships was the only way one could travel between Europe and America. Making a virtue of necessity, beautiful and luxurious cruise liners were built to transport the wealthy in lavish style on their journeys. The sons and daughters of privilege lounged on beautiful decks, dined in great elegance and danced to live music into the night.

The romance and style of those crossings are still available today for travelers who appreciate the onboard experience and desire traveling in style and comfort. In cruises that pay homage to a past sense of sophisticated elegance, you can make the legendary crossing in refined style among like-minded passengers.

Things To Do

Trans-Atlantic cruises are all about the onboard experience. Most such cruises are aboard stunningly beautiful vessels like the Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary II and focus on exceptional dining, impeccable service and lots of onboard diversions and activities.

Many cruises feature a theme catering to particular interests. Cruises featuring wine tasting, culinary appreciation, and big band or swing music are popular. Sometimes a famous entertainer or chef will act as host. Educational programs centering on the theme are provided and everything is arranged to allow like-minded guests to interact with each other while pursuing their shared enthusiasms.

With plenty of time to relax, a Trans-Atlantic cruise is perfect for dropping the cares of everyday life and losing oneself in a good book or two, taking advantage of luxurious spa services, or just reconnecting with a loved one in quiet, languid conversation.

Season / Trip Lengths / Departure Ports

Cruises are available year round but are infrequent in winter months. Most direct crossings are 6 or 7 night trips and run between New York and Southampton, England. Legendary Cunard Cruises operates their luxurious Queen Elizabeth II on this itinerary.

Longer trips are available and usually include a stop in Bermuda, a Caribbean Island, the Canary Islands, the Azores or a European city or two. Often these trips are in spring or fall as cruise lines reposition their ships between the Caribbean and Europe.

Besides New York, eastbound cruises also depart from Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Caribbean ports. Westbound cruises start in Southampton or Dover, England, and other European cities.