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Royal Caribbean: 60% OFF 2nd Guest and Kids Free*

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Royal Caribbean Transatlantic cruises from $507*

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Royal Caribbean International Transatlantic Cruises

Spend some time on both halves of the Atlantic by choosing one of Royal Caribbean’s incredible Transatlantic cruises, featuring ports in the Caribbean Islands, US east coast, Western Europe, and everywhere in between. Travel across the expansive waters of the Atlantic and enjoy the fine breeze and relaxing swells, stopping for some special days and excursions along the way. Take some quads out for a rugged adventure in the Caribbean jungle, or treat your senses with a wine and food pairing demonstration in Spain. No matter how you spend the time between, your Transatlantic cruise with Royal Caribbean will be an unforgettable experience.

Things to Do on a Transatlantic Cruise with Royal Caribbean

As you cross the grand Atlantic with Royal Caribbean, be sure to sample the ports-of-call along the way with a few shore excursions. That may mean a Copenhagen Brewery Tour in Denmark full of ale and tales. It may mean you’ll go Dolphin & Whale Watching in Ponta Delgada, Azores or North Coast & Wine Tasting in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Speak with one of our cruise consultants today to make sure you don’t miss out on a thing during your Royal Caribbean Transatlantic cruise.

Royal Caribbean building in the old town of Damme Belgium

  • Biking Tour to Damme (Bruges (Zebrugge), Belgium) There’s nothing quite like the Flemish countryside, so hop aboard a bike for this visually astounding excursion. See Damme, the canals, graceful windmills and even bunkers. Marvel at the herons and eels of the canals, and then explore quaint villages with intriguing people. You’ll even finish it off with a Belgian beer or soft drink at a local pub!  

Royal caribbean sperm whale tail Azores

  • Dolphin & Whale Watching (Ponta Delgada, Azores) This incredible region will really open your eyes to the many types of whale species there are. Your whale watching team will let you know which species will be available during your tour, and give you insight on the other types and times of year they come around. Sail the high seas in search of these graceful creatures for an exciting day!  

Royal Caribbean elephant tower on the Carlsberg Brewery Copenhagen Denmark

  • Copenhagen Brewery Tour (Copenhagen, Denmark) Hoist up a beer and learn about the craft’s history with this ale-filled excursion. Learn about JC Jacobson, founder of Carlsberg Beer, taste phenomenal brews and learn about beer production. Stop after stop of beer history, tasting and stories will leave you wishing this was your permanent city of residence (if you’re a true beer enthusiast).  

Royal Caribbean Cork City Hall Ireland

  • Cork City Panoramic & Irish Coffee (Cork, Ireland) You’ll enjoy a full look at the history of this incredible area—from St. Patrick’s Street to the South Mall. View the gothic architecture, cathedrals of note and finish it all off with a taste of real, rich Irish coffee—you won’t be able to forget the flavor for days!  

Royal Caribbean grapes in a vineyard Mallorca Spain

  • North Coast & Wine Tasting (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) Mallorca’s North Coast is not to be missed while cruising in Spain—featuring the legacy of the people who have made it their home and the natural lime rock formations which have been spoken about for centuries. Shop in Valldemossa before you taste four different Majorcan wines in Son Bosch. Talk about a delightful day!  

Royal Caribbean Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca Spain

  • Flamenco Pasion at Son Amar (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) If you’re looking for a complete view of Palma de Mallorca, this excursion is absolutely perfect for you. Drive through the city of Palma and gaze at the incredible monuments such as the Cathedral of Palma, the Almudaina Palace and the Beliver Castle, among others. Then you’ll be treated by the newest dinner show at the House of Son Amar: Pasion—filled with romance, deceit and wonderful dancing.  

Top 10 Royal Caribbean International Transatlantic Cruises

  • Jewel of the Seas 15 NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Apr 2024)
  • Odyssey of the Seas 14 NIGHT SPANISH TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Apr 2024)
  • Oasis of the Seas 14 NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
  • Anthem of the Seas 12 NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey (Apr 2024)
  • Explorer of the Seas 13 NIGHT SPAIN & CANARY CROSSING Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
  • Voyager of the Seas 15 NIGHT AZORES & SPAIN TRANSATLANTIC Departing From Galveston, Texas (May 2024)
  • Serenade of the Seas 22N ULT. ICELAND, GREENLAND & CARIBBEAN Departing From Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
  • Jewel of the Seas 16 NIGHT ICELAND & GREENLAND CRUISE Departing From Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Aug 2024)
  • Oasis of the Seas 14 NIGHT TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Oct 2024)
  • Adventure of the Seas 12 NT PORTUGAL & PERFECT DAY CROSSING Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida (Oct 2024)

Royal Caribbean International Transatlantic Departure Ports

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a Transatlantic cruise with Royal Caribbean. Your Royal Caribbean Transatlantic cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

With Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and an open attitude you’ll find no shortage of interesting attractions in the capital of The Netherlands.

Barcelona, Spain

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

With incredible weather, delicious fare and some stupendous attractions, you will find that Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is one of the most attractive ports in the entire US.

Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

Miami, Florida

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

Port Canaveral, Florida

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Southampton, England

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Photo Gallery for Royal Caribbean International Transatlantic Cruises

View our photo gallery of Transatlantic cruising photos from Royal Caribbean. Remember, this is only a taste of the experiences waiting for you on a Royal Caribbean Transatlantic cruise vacation.

Old Town of Damme Belgium Royal Caribbean

Building in the Old Town of Damme, Belgium

Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca Spain Royal Caribbe

Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca in Spain

Cork City Hall in Ireland Royal Caribbean

Cork City Hall in Ireland

Elephant Tower at Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen

Elephant Tower at Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen

Vineyard in Mallorca Spain Royal Caribbean

Vineyard in Mallorca, Spain

Sperm whale tail in Azores Royal Caribbean

Sperm whale tail in Azores

Enjoying the open ocean from the balcony

Enjoying the open ocean from the balcony

Oasis of the Seas at sea

Oasis of the Seas at sea

Oasis of the Seas in the open ocean

Oasis of the Seas in the open ocean

Old Town of Damme Belgium Royal Caribbean

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6 top transatlantic cruises for 2024.

Journey across the Atlantic while enjoying all the amenities at sea.

The Top Transatlantic Cruises

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 in New York.

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Sailing from New York to England on Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is just one of many transatlantic offerings in 2024.

Transatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 in New York, near the Statue of Liberty.

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

The Seabourn Quest off island of Elba, Italy.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

MSC Yacht Club Top Sail Lounge on the MSC Virtuosa.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

rccl transatlantic cruise

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Princess Cruises

The Island Princess at sea.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

The Celebrity Equinox at sea.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas in port in Florida.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

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Home » Cruise Tips » A Complete Guide to Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

A Complete Guide to Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

We help you decide if taking a transatlantic cruise is right for you with our complete guide including typical routes, prices, and more.

A Complete Guide to Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

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A brief history of transatlantic cruising.

The first ship credited with making a transatlantic voyage with passengers was a far cry from modern cruise ships. Some consider the Great Western to be the first passenger ship to cross the Atlantic in 1838. Made of wood and using paddlewheels and sails, it took 15 days to make the crossing. This ship, carrying fewer than 200 passengers, would fit into today’s small ship category.

When ships used steel, it was possible to make larger and faster ships. During much of the 20 th century, ships played an important role in the immigration of many from Europe to North America. Cruising then was a form of transportation rather than the vacation that we now associate with cruising and cruise ships.

With the advent of transatlantic flights, the use of ships for transportation diminished. The cruise industry moved to a leisure product, rather than a transportation product.

rccl transatlantic cruise

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Transatlantic Cruises!

What is a Transatlantic Cruise?

For the purposes of this article, we will consider a transatlantic cruise as any that travels between Europe and North or South America. Obviously, the cruise ship will sail across the Atlantic Ocean. However, there are several variations on such cruises.

How long are Transatlantic Cruises?

The most basic and shortest of transatlantic cruises are those that simply leave from one port and cross the Atlantic to another port. These usually don’t take a long time and there are no port calls along the way. These may be out and back cruises and are ideal for those who have time and don’t want to fly.

The best known provider of this type of crossing is Cunard Line on Queen Mary 2 . Their purpose-built ships sail across the Atlantic between NYC and Southampton. Crossings take a week. The ships themselves are destinations with plenty of entertainment options. The Queen Mary 2 even takes pets across the ocean.

Repositioning cruises occur when cruise seasons change. Ships in the Caribbean move to Europe for the summer season. When winter approaches Europe, ships return to warmer climates. This type of cruise might have a few ports of call along the way. Popular ports on these cruises include the Canary Islands or the Azores. Expect a cruise length of at least 14 days.

Some ships that cross the Atlantic offer very interesting itineraries and take over three weeks to sail between the European and American continents. Many ports may be included in such itineraries.

Which cruise lines offer Transatlantic Cruises?

While Cunard is synonymous with transatlantic cruises between Southampton and New York City, most of the cruise lines move their ships around.

Many of the popular cruise lines seasonally sail the transatlantic route between The Americas. Watch for Caribbean based ships to start traveling to Europe in April and May. October and November are the most common months for ships to sail back to the Americas.

However, there can be some transatlantic cruises that occur on either side of the typical months.

rccl transatlantic cruise

One time when ships may do a transatlantic, outside of the traditional repositioning times, is when a new ship is launched. For example, the new Sun Princess will sail from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale in September.

How much does a Transatlantic Cruise cost?

When comparing the cost of transatlantic cruises, the two biggest determinants of the final price will be the length of the cruise and the cruise cabin category.

For the most part, the cruise fare will be less expensive for inside and ocean view cabins when compared to other staterooms, like a balcony or suite accommodations. Likewise, the overall costs tends to be less expensive for shorter itineraries.

Although, the per day costs are actually cheaper on longer transatlantic cruises.

For instance, Cunard is famous for its classic 7-night transatlantic crossings . These iconic sailings from New York to Southampton, England start as low as $749 – $900 pp for an inside cabin, to about $1,000 – $2,000+ for a balcony cabin.

Regardless of the time of year, Cunard cruises heading eastbound are routinely cheaper than those starting in England. This might partially be due to the time zone changes. Westbound cruises tend to be a few hundred dollars more per passenger for similar accommodations.

A Complete Guide to Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

On the other hand, Royal Caribbean offers select transatlantic cruises across several ships. For the most part, these cruises are 13 to 15 days in length sailing between FL or NJ to various ports in Europe.

Starting prices for inside cabins on these Royal Caribbean trips range from around $600 to $1,000 pp. Although, balcony cabins on these sailings range from about $1,000 to $2,500+.  

Holland America Line has a variety of transatlantic crossings ranging from 14-16 nights. These cruises mainly depart from FL and head to Spain, England, and Italy. The starting price for these cruises is usually under $1,000 a person. For cruisers wanting to stay in Neptune suites, prices can be as low as $2,000 a person to over $4,000 a person for similar itineraries.

EXCLUSIVE RATES WHEN YOU BOOK A TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE NOW!

Planning Your Transatlantic Cruise

There are several factors involved in planning your transatlantic cruise:

  • Budget – Transatlantic cruises are often gentle on the pocket book. Those with few port visits eliminate port charges, which results in overall savings.
  • Origin – Do you prefer to sail in one direction? Think of the jet lag you avoid if heading toward Europe. You are ready to go from day one. Returning from Europe you gradually adjust to gaining time. Flights are another consideration. Is it less expensive to fly in one direction and sail in the other? Do you have time to return on another transatlantic in lieu of flying home? Do you want to extend your stay at either the start or end of your trip?
  • Ship – Do you have a favorite cruise line or ship that will make you feel at home for multiple sea days? Have you considered trying a different ship in your favorite fleet? Maybe this would be the time to try a different cruise line altogether.
  • Stateroom – Do you have a favorite type of cabin? Will you feel comfortable in that cabin if you spend lots of time there? Or, are you happy to use it just as a sleeping space and take advantage of the public areas of the ship? With lower prices, a transatlantic cruise might offer you the opportunity to move to a higher category of cabin.
  • Itinerary – Be sure to check if there are any ports of call on the itinerary. Choice of itinerary is purely a personal preference. Before you make your selection, you might want to see what kind of activities happen on the ship during a transatlantic cruise.
  • Intentions – Do you have personal plans for your transatlantic cruise? Maybe you want to catch up on reading, sleep or relaxation. Maybe listening to the waves or watching the wake appeals to you. On a transatlantic cruise, you can do it all or do nothing!
  • Pets – Cunard offers kennels on Queen Mary 2 . These popular pet accommodations book quickly, so be sure to book far in advance.
  • Health – With many days at sea and land not easily accessible, it’s prudent to consider your health needs. Onboard medical facilities are basic, so be sure that you are aware of the potential difficulties of experiencing a serious medical event. If you are prone to seasickness , be sure to take precautions and as with other medical conditions, get the advice of your medical professional prior to booking a transatlantic cruise.
  • Age Restrictions – Read the fine print for minimum age restrictions on certain transatlantic cruises.

Holland America Rotterdam Verandah Cabin Review

What’s the best time of year for a Transatlantic Cruise?

When determining the best time of year for a Transatlantic Cruise, you will need to take the weather conditions into consideration.

According to Cunard, Atlantic storms occur more frequently between early June and late November. The seas between December and May are calmer. However, keep in mind that weather is often not predictable.

What should you pack for a Transatlantic Cruise?

If this is your first time taking a Transatlantic Cruise, you are probably wondering what you should pack. Especially if you are on a longer transatlantic cruise, you should consider what you will need during your extended time away from home.

Without many ports of call, it won’t be necessary to pack the hiking boots unless you are extending your trip. To reduce your luggage, make your outfits do double duty with accessories or simple changes. Don’t forget that ships offer laundry services. A few even have self-serve laundries.

Cunard has teas and ballroom dancing and some people go all out with their dancing attire. But at the end of the day, do what makes you comfortable.

Also, don’t forget your bathing suit. During your many days at sea, you will probably want to make use of the pools or your cruise ship’s spa.

rccl transatlantic cruise

What to Do While Cruising the Atlantic

With so many sea days on a transatlantic sailing, the daily newsletter will be your best option for planning your days. Be sure to bring a highlighter and remember that many of the schedules detach from the larger newsletter. Check the app as well to plan your itinerary.

Some common activities include:

  •  Trivia
  •  Pickleball
  •  Wine, beer, and cocktail courses
  •  Arts and crafts
  •  Lectures and enrichment opportunities
  •  Learning new skills like dancing, photography, etc.
  •  Reading
  •  Ship tours
  •  Gym workouts
  • Spa treatments and thermal suites

As you can see, many opportunities abound. Of course, there are self-directed activities as well. Think about what you would like to do during your downtime and pack accordingly. People knit, crochet, play bridge, etc. There really is no limit to what you can do.

Maybe your goal is to walk 10k steps per day. A ship with a full promenade is ideal for such activities.

rccl transatlantic cruise

What are the advantages of a Transatlantic Cruise?

There are so many advantages to taking a transatlantic cruise. Pricing is usually less than a typical week-long cruise. Reduced single supplements, air promotions, and other money-saving offerings may be on offer.

Additionally, on a cruise with few ports, there won’t be the urge to get off in every port and do as much as possible. On the other hand, with all of the daily offerings on the ship, not wanting to miss an activity could present a similar dilemma.

Is a Transatlantic Cruise for you?

While there are definite advantages to a transatlantic cruise, be sure to thoroughly consider some of the differences from this type of cruise and a traditional week-long cruise.

If you are new to cruising and there are many sea days, be aware that some people feel a need to set foot on land. Those who love long days at sea and the ability to relax and enjoy the cruise might find a transatlantic cruise an ideal itinerary.

Holland America Line's Rotterdam Departs on Maiden Voyage

BOOK NOW: Savings on Transatlantic Cruises!

Final Thoughts on Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

My first transatlantic started in Copenhagen and ended in NYC. With many days of ports, I enjoyed places that I consider exotic, like Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and Atlantic Canada. The transatlantic cruise was like several cruises in one with a very reasonable cost.

I went back for more and enjoyed another northern route transatlantic as well as a southern route.

Next up is a reverse transatlantic crossing on the Rotterdam , celebrating the 150 th anniversary of Holland America’s crossing the Atlantic. With many sea days and just a few ports, but a duration of 16 days, it will be another new adventure. Stay tuned as I will be providing a review of this upcoming trip soon.

Have you taken a transatlantic cruise? Do you enjoy spending several days at sea during these crossings? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences.

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A Complete Guide to Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Best transatlantic cruises for 2024 and 2025, plus tips and what to expect

Donna Heiderstadt

A transatlantic cruise ranks high on many travelers' bucket lists, especially those who love the camaraderie and adventure of a voyage by ship. Today's roughly 4,000-nautical-mile transatlantic crossing is more akin to the pre-aviation "Grand Tour" wealthy Americans once enjoyed than the immigration journeys many of our European ancestors made from the 17th to early 20th centuries.

Leisurely and luxurious, a one-way sailing offers fine dining, wellness-oriented pampering, enlightening lectures, glamorous nightlife and plenty of time to relax. Transatlantic cruises are also a solution for travelers who prefer not to fly and a tempting option for cruise lovers seeking a longer itinerary at an affordable price.

Is a transatlantic cruise right for everyone? Not necessarily, especially for anyone prone to moderate to severe sea sickness. However, for those who love sea days — and many cruisers do — a crossing can offer an uninterrupted "floating resort" experience; plus, it provides the added bonus of delivering you to Europe or returning you home without a cramped transatlantic flight.

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Here's everything you need to know about cruising the Atlantic — plus a selection of the best transatlantic cruises you can book in 2024 and 2025.

Which cruise lines offer transatlantic crossings?

rccl transatlantic cruise

While Cunard Line is most famous for its weekly crossings between Southampton, England, and New York City — which sail from April to December on its ocean liner Queen Mary 2 — pretty much every major cruise line offers transatlantic crossings.

These generally occur in the spring (late March to early May) and fall (September to November). In the spring, ships are repositioned from the Caribbean to Europe, and in the fall, vessels sail from Europe to the U.S. to begin Canada-New England and Caribbean itineraries.

Also known as repositioning cruises , these sailings are usually longer than a traditional crossing and often include several port calls beyond the city of embarkation and disembarkation.

Even better, cruise fares for these itineraries are typically one-third to one-half the price of a cruise of the same length that visits a new port daily. This makes them a great deal for travelers looking to settle into shipboard life rather than just sightsee.

These types of transatlantic/repositioning itineraries are offered by Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Seabourn, Sea Dream Yacht Club, Silversea, Star Clippers, Windstar, Viking and Virgin.

When is the best time of year for transatlantic cruises?

The best time to take a transatlantic cruise depends on what you're looking for: great weather, smooth seas, the best price or specific ports of call.

Generally speaking, May, June and July are recommended for warmer weather and gentler seas — before the Atlantic hurricane season peaks in August, September and October — although storms can arise any time of the year.

March, April and November — while not ideal due to cooler temperatures that can limit on-deck and poolside enjoyment — are a good option and a terrific value. This is especially true if the ship's route is a southerly one between Florida and the Mediterranean rather than between northern Europe and New York.

As noted above, the best prices are generally in spring and fall for repositioning cruises. These itineraries may also visit several appealing ports in the Mediterranean or Caribbean as well as call on the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Iceland or Bermuda in the Atlantic.

Related: Why I was wrong about transatlantic cruises

How long does the crossing take?

rccl transatlantic cruise

It varies. The classic nonstop transatlantic itinerary aboard Queen Mary 2 is a seven-night voyage between New York and Southampton (and vice versa). On the other hand, transatlantic repositioning cruises generally range in length from 11 to 21 nights, with an average of 14 nights (seven or eight of them typically sea days).

Will the seas be rough?

It's up to Mother Nature. At times, the Atlantic can be smooth sailing, even in spring and fall. Yet unpredictable wind and water current patterns can create rough seas seemingly out of nowhere any time of year.

Captains can generally maneuver around storms — and try to do so whenever possible for the comfort of all onboard. Additionally, modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers that reduce a ship's rolling motion due to wind or waves.

However, if you're even slightly prone to seasickness, don't throw caution to the wind. You'll be better off on a larger ship (pick a midship cabin on a lower deck); also, be sure to pack medication, patches, bands or whatever works best for you. While it might seem counterintuitive, having a window or balcony actually helps offset seasickness since it offers fresh air and a horizon view. If you're concerned, opt for an ocean-view or balcony cabin over an inside one.

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

It honestly doesn't make much difference whether you book a cabin on the port (left) or starboard (right) side of the ship since most daytime views will be of the ocean. However, if you're departing from a Mediterranean port, say Rome or Barcelona, for a southerly crossing, book a starboard cabin; this might offer a view of the Rock of Gibraltar if your ship transits between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic during daylight hours. For a U.S.-to-Europe eastward crossing, you'd want the opposite — a port-side cabin.

Similarly, if your crossing takes you from northern Europe on a northerly route to the U.S., and you want to be among the first to spot land (perhaps Greenland or Newfoundland), book a starboard cabin. If you are cruising into New York Harbor just before dawn and want to see the Statue of Liberty from your cabin, book on the port side.

More important for an Atlantic crossing location-wise is your cabin's deck number and whether the cabin is situated forward, midship or aft. Generally, the ship's movement through rough seas will feel less severe if your cabin is midship and on one of the lower or middle decks versus the top-most decks.

Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship

Which ports do transatlantic cruises visit?

rccl transatlantic cruise

Where you embark and disembark will determine your route and the ports you potentially call on. Ships repositioning to or from the Baltic Sea and the British Isles generally take a northerly route. Vessels sailing from the Mediterranean cross on a more southerly route, especially if they are repositioning to or from a winter home port in Florida.

On a northerly crossing, you can expect to embark in a port such as Copenhagen; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Southampton or New York. Depending on the length of the cruise, expect to call on 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).

On a southerly crossing between Barcelona or Rome in the Mediterranean and Miami or Fort Lauderdale, typical ports of call include Madeira; Grand Canary or Tenerife in the Canary Islands; Ponta Delgada in the Azores; and one or two islands in the Caribbean, such as St. Maarten or Puerto Rico.

Is it better to book an eastbound or westbound cruise?

Which direction you book really depends on whether you're aboard for the experience or you're using the crossing as a substitute for a flight to reach the other side of the ocean. Below are a few factors to keep in mind.

Aside from Queen Mary 2 crossings, westbound transatlantic repositioning cruises (from Europe to the U.S.) take place in the fall during the Atlantic hurricane season; some are also scheduled for mid-to-late November when storm formation has generally diminished. Eastbound cruises (from the U.S. to Europe) happen in spring, a season also often known for periods of gray skies and rain.

When considering westbound versus eastbound crossings, factor in the time change. While a transatlantic cruise is a terrific way to avoid the jet lag caused by flying across multiple time zones in a single day, you will be subject to almost daily reminders to reset your clock.

On westbound cruises, you'll have to set your clock back at night, thus gaining an extra hour of sleep on most days. On eastbound cruises, you'll set it ahead an hour and lose an hour of leisure time or sleep.

Another factor to keep in mind is that unless you plan to return home on another transatlantic cruise, you'll also need to book a one-way flight. Before committing to a specific eastbound or westbound itinerary, always check your flight options. One-way tickets are sometimes more expensive than round-trip fares.

Best transatlantic cruises for 2024 and 2025

There are dozens of opportunities to cross the Atlantic by cruise ship, but here are some of the best itineraries available in the next two years.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2

rccl transatlantic cruise

  • Transatlantic crossings: May to December 2024 and 2025

There's nothing quite like it. Cunard 's weekly transatlantic crossing between New York and Southampton aboard the 2,691-guest Queen Mary 2 celebrates the grand age of ocean liners with a level of pomp and ceremony that appeals to Cunard loyalists, bucket-listers and memory-making couples or families celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday.

These eight-night eastbound and six-night westbound voyages are all about the sea. There are interludes of culinary enjoyment and evening entertainment designed for travelers who appreciate formality and glamour.

A typical day might include time in the library perusing the largest book collection at sea, getting an illuminating astronomy lesson in the onboard planetarium and enjoying traditional afternoon tea.

The evening lineup generally starts with a multicourse dinner (same table and same waiter nightly) followed by a Broadway-inspired show, an abridged Shakespeare play or even a magic act. The ship is also famous for its Gala Evenings, capped off with Champagne sipping and dancing to a live orchestra. Yes, pack those ballgowns and tuxes.

Cruise fares start at $1,129 per person for an inside cabin and $1,619 per person for a balcony room.

Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

rccl transatlantic cruise

  • 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-guest Scarlet Lady has an onboard ambience that rivals a youthful beach club. Passengers and crew will keep the party going day and night this fall on a 16-night Rome to Miami transatlantic sailing. The sailing has calls on Barcelona and Malaga in Spain; Funchal on the island of Madeira; and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Or, party in reverse on the ship's 15-night Miami to Casablanca and Barcelona crossing in May 2025. It stops in Grand Canary and Santa Cruz de Tenerife; Casablanca, Morocco; and Barcelona.

The ship's 20 excellent dining venues, cutting-edge entertainment (campy and a bit naughty — think Drag Queen Bingo), impressive lineup of wellness classes (from yoga at sunrise to On-the-Upswing Bungee aerobics) and fun activities ('90s Boy Band Dance Class, anyone?) provide plenty of ways to pass the time.

Cruise fares start at $4,384 per cabin (or less than $2,200 per person) for the Rome-to-Miami sailing and $3,706 per cabin (or less than $1,900 per person) for the Miami-to-Barcelona sailing.

Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream

rccl transatlantic cruise

  • 13-night eastbound transatlantic cruise: May 5-18, 2024
  • 13-night westbound transatlantic cruise: Oct. 20-Nov. 2, 2024

Certain Disney fans — namely childless adult couples and empty nesters — love the brand's storytelling and Imagineering but prefer not to share a two-week cruise with hundreds of kids and teens. These 13-night eastbound and westbound crossings from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona and from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale aboard 2,500-passenger Disney Dream offer a solution to that dilemma.

Each of these transatlantic cruises occurs when almost everyone ages 5 to 18 is still in school. Yes, some kids will likely be on board, but certainly not in overwhelming numbers.

These crossings feature nine to 11 sea days during which Disney Cruise Line offers all kinds of immersive entertainment, excellent onboard dining and a southerly route in spring that means plenty of pool time. On top of that, each sailing includes a mix of culturally rich ports.

On the eastbound crossing, they are Ponta Delgada; Lisbon; and Cadiz, Cartagena and Barcelona, Spain. On the westbound crossing, the ports are Ponta Delgada and the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Eastbound fares for balcony cabins start at $4,516 for two adults (or about $2,258 per person). Westbound fares are a bit pricier, starting at $5,517 for an inside cabin ($2,708 per person).

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

Holland America's Nieuw Statendam

rccl transatlantic cruise

  • 28-night Adriatic Dream and Passage to America: Nov. 2-30, 2024

For a shoulder-season meander through the Adriatic and Mediterranean followed by a transatlantic crossing, Holland America 's 28-night Adriatic Dream and Passage to America visits 14 ports in seven countries. This makes it a true hybrid of an ocean crossing and a traditional cruise.

The sailing, aboard the 3,665-passenger Nieuw Statendam, departs from Athens and visits ports in Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Albania, Spain and Portugal before arriving in Fort Lauderdale. Of the 12 sea days, two include scenic cruising.

The voyage takes place in November, so expect temperatures to be on the cooler side in most ports and during the crossing. It's a good thing, then, that Nieuw Statendam has an indoor pool with a retractable roof. Holland America passengers, mostly older retirees, can also pass the time dining at each of the 10 onboard restaurants and enjoy entertainment that includes live bands at the B.B. King's Blues Club and Rolling Stone Rock Room.

At $2,499 per person for an inside cabin and $3,749 per person for a balcony cabin, fares are a great deal for a four-week sailing.

Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Apex

rccl transatlantic cruise

  • 13-night Spain, Portugal and Bermuda transatlantic: Oct. 26-Nov. 8, 2024
  • 13-night Bermuda and Portugal transatlantic: March 8-21, 2025

Celebrity Cruises ' Spain, Portugal and Bermuda transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale offers 13 nights aboard its newest ship, Celebrity Ascent. The sailing features port calls in Alicante, Spain; Gibraltar; Ponta Delgada; and King's Wharf, along with eight sea days.

Accommodating 3,260 passengers, Celebrity Ascent is a megaship designed with adults in mind. On board, you'll find multiple hot tubs but no waterslides, contemporary decor, 32 sophisticated food and beverage venues (including Voyages, Daniel Boulud's restaurant at sea, bookable at extra cost), an indoor solarium pool, a glittering Grand Plaza housing the line's signature Martini Bar, and nightly entertainment ranging from high-tech theater productions to multisensory events in Eden.

Inside cabin fares start at $1,353 per person and balcony cabin fares at $2,399 per person.

If you prefer to cross the Atlantic in spring 2025, take sister Edge Class ship Celebrity Apex , which carries 2,910 passengers. It will sail a 13-night Bermuda and Portugal transatlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona with port calls at Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard; Ponta Delgada; and Valencia.

Inside cabins for that cruise start from $799 per person and balcony rooms from $1,272 per person.

Viking's Viking Mars

rccl transatlantic cruise

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

Passengers aboard Viking Mars for its 20-night Atlantic and Mediterranean Horizons sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Rome will meander through the Caribbean to the French-Dutch island of St. Martin/St. Maarten. They will spend six days crossing the Atlantic and call on Madeira and then overnight in Barcelona. Then, they will visit the French ports of Sete and Marseille, followed by Monte Carlo, Monaco, and another overnight in Livorno, Italy (gateway to Florence).

The 930-passenger Viking Mars is an adults-only ship featuring a sleek Scandinavian design. Guests can enjoy elevated (and complimentary) dining in eight venues, as well as daily activities that include lectures by guest speakers and resident historians. ( Viking bills itself as "the thinking person's cruise.")

They will also get unlimited access to the thermal suite at the Liv Nordic Spa, a main pool with a retractable roof (there's also an aft infinity pool and hot tub), and complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

Better still, the transatlantic cruise fare is about one-third less than a typical three-week Viking itinerary, with balcony cabins starting at $7,198 per person.

Princess Cruises' Sky Princess

rccl transatlantic cruise

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

To snag an excellent deal on an almost month-long journey, check out the 27-night Morocco and Iberian Grand Adventure . It sails from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton aboard the 3,660-passenger Sky Princess. Princess Cruises guests will enjoy a southerly spring crossing that culminates with visits to 10 ports in four countries (Portugal, Morocco, Spain and England) — including Madeira, three Canary Islands and Casablanca.

Sky Princess , which debuted in 2019, is a Royal Class ship featuring three pools, a glittering Italian-style Piazza (home to Alfredo's Pizzeria — some of the best pizza at sea), four specialty dining venues (at an extra cost), poolside Movies Under the Stars and original production shows in the Princess Theater.

Inside cabins start at $2,847 per person and balcony cabins at $4,747 per person.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Splendor

rccl transatlantic cruise

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

If crossing the southern Atlantic Ocean from Africa to South America on a small luxury cruise ship is on your bucket list, consider Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' early 2025 Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro sailing.

While not a bargain by any means, this 14-night itinerary aboard the 750-passenger, all-suite Seven Seas Splendor is all-inclusive. Business-class airfare, transfers, top-notch cuisine, unlimited beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi and most shore excursions are all included in the fare.

Start by taking in the scenic beauty of Namibia, with a port call in Luderitz, known for its colorful colonial architecture. Another call is Walvis Bay, where the ship will overnight. Here, you'll get a chance to experience the country's dramatic sand dunes and resident flamingos. Then, as you cross the Atlantic, you'll visit the remote island of St. Helena, where Napoleon died in exile, before continuing on to an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro ahead of disembarkation.

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

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima

rccl transatlantic cruise

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

Board in Rome and tour the Mediterranean in the shoulder season before crossing the Atlantic to New York on a November 2024 Norwegian Cruise Line cruise. The Transatlantic (Italy, France and Spain) sailing aboard Norwegian Prima visits Livorno (for Pisa and Florence); Cannes, France; Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga and Cadiz, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Ponta Delgada. You'll spend six days at sea.

The 3,099-passenger Norwegian Prima , which debuted in 2022, features 14 restaurants (six included and eight specialty options for an added fee) and 19 bars and lounges. It also sports a three-level go-kart racetrack and virtual-reality gaming. Entertainment options include "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," stand-up comedy at The Improv at Sea and a rock cover band in Syd Norman's Pour House.

Inside cabins start at $1,499 per person and balcony cabins at $2,199 per person.

Silversea Cruises' Silver Ray

rccl transatlantic cruise

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

Plan ahead to score a suite on the 25-night Rome to Fort Lauderdale transatlantic crossing in late 2025 aboard Silversea Cruises ' newest all-suite luxury ship, Silver Ray, debuting in summer 2024.

Not only is the price all-inclusive, but the 728-passenger ship will visit 11 ports in five countries. You'll experience Livorno; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille; Valencia, Barcelona (overnight), Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and Cadiz, Spain; and Lisbon and Madeira. Then, you'll cross the Atlantic and spend an overnight in Hamilton, Bermuda before disembarking in Fort Lauderdale.

Silver Ray is Silversea's second Nova Class ship. It features spacious suites and inviting exterior and interior spaces perfect for late-season Mediterranean cruising and a cool-weather transatlantic crossing. Its culinary-focused S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program tempts tastebuds with region- and port-inspired menus, cooking classes and cocktails.

All-inclusive, door-to-door fares — which include economy-class flights, transfers, complimentary beverages and gourmet dining, butler service, gratuities and select shore excursions — start at $13,100 per person for Classic Veranda Suite.

Bottom line

No matter your reason for considering a transatlantic cruise, you're guaranteed to experience the secret magic of sea days, with ample time to relax and unwind. With no land in sight for roughly a week, you can enjoy the ship's amenities without feeling rushed.

Make new friends over coffee or a game of bridge, watch movies in your cabin, learn more about the world during lectures by onboard experts, or treat yourself to rejuvenating massages and facials in the spa.

Even better, per-night rates are typically lower on crossings than on round-trip, port-intensive cruises. So, you can enjoy a longer sailing at a fraction of the usual cost. No matter which transatlantic cruise you deem best for your travel style and interests, it will surely be a memorable bucket-list trip.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Cruise Transatlantic

Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruises

Take a step back to a time when traveling was an adventure with a Transatlantic cruise on Royal Caribbean . Explore foreign ports and shores, while returning to the comfort of your stateroom every night. See the full schedule of departures below.

Royal Caribbean Cruises offers many transatlantic voyages annually. Departure ports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston and Tampa in the United States. In Europe, depart from Barcelona, Rome, Copenhagen, Amsterdam or Southampton.

April 5, 2024: 15-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Southampton (England) on Jewel of the Seas. Visit CocoCay (Bahamas), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Cadiz (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal) and Vigo (Spain).

April 21, 2024: 14-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Rome (Italy) on Odyssey of the Seas. Visit Ponta Delgada (Azores), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and La Spezia (Italy).

April 21, 2024: 14-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Barcelona (Spain) on Oasis of the Seas. Visit Malaga (Spain), Alicante (Spain), Valencia (Spain) and Mallorca (Spain).

April 28, 2024: 13-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Barcelona (Spain) on Explorer of the Seas. Visit La Palma (Canary Islands), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Malaga (Spain) and Alicante (Spain).

April 28, 2024: 12-night cruise from Cape Liberty (New Jersey) to Southampton (England) on Anthem of the Seas. Visit Funchal (Madeira), La Coruna (Spain) and Le Havre (France).

May 1, 2024: 15-night cruise from Galveston (Texas) to Barcelona (Spain) on Voyager of the Seas. Visit Nassau (Bahamas), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Malaga (Spain) and Alicante (Spain).

August 19, 2024: 22-night cruise from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Miami (Florida) on Serenade of the Seas. Visit Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Nuuk (Greenland), St John's (Newfoundland), New York (New York), Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda) and CocoCay (Bahamas).

August 22, 2024: 16-night cruise from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Boston (Massachusetts) on Jewel of the Seas. Visit Akureyri (Iceland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Nuuk (Greenland), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Sydney (Nova Scotia).

October 23, 2024: 16-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Galveston (Texas) on Jewel of the Seas. Visit Alicante (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Cadiz (Spain), Ponta Delgada (Azores) and CocoCay (Bahamas).

October 24, 2024: 14-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale (Florida) on Oasis of the Seas. Visit Palma (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Malaga (Spain) and Nassau (Bahamas).

October 25, 2024: 13-night cruise from Port Canaveral (Florida) to Lisbon (Portugal) on Adventure of the Seas. Visit Tenerife (Canary Islands), Lanzarote (Canary Islands) and Funchal (Madeira).

November 2, 2024: 12-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Miami (Florida) on Explorer of the Seas. Visit Valencia (Spain), Malaga (Spain) and Ponta Delgada (Azores).

November 3, 2024: 14-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Cape Liberty (New Jersey) on Odyssey of the Seas. Visit Barcelona (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Malaga (Spain) and Funchal (Madeira).

November 10, 2024: 16-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Port Canaveral (Florida) on Voyager of the Seas. Visit Palma (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Funchal (Madeira), Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) and Tenerife (Canary Islands).

November 24, 2024: 13-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Port Canaveral (Florida) on Adventure of the Seas. Visit Malaga (Spain), Cadiz (Spain) and Funchal (Madeira).

February 10, 2025: 12-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Barcelona (Spain) on Allure of the Seas. Visit Cartagena (Spain) and Valencia (Spain).

April 12, 2025: 15-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Portsmouth (England) on Brilliance of the Seas. Visit Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas), Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Porto (Portugal) and La Coruna (Spain).

April 27, 2025: 14-night cruise from Cape Liberty (New Jersey) to Rome (Italy) on Odyssey of the Seas. Visit Ponta Delgada (Azores), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Valencia (Spain) and Florence (Italy).

April 28, 2025: 14-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Southampton (England) on Independence of the Seas. Visit Royal Naval Dockyard (Bermuda), Ponta Delgada (Azores), Lisbon (Portugal) and Vigo (Spain).

April 30, 2025: 12-night cruise from Miami (Florida) to Barcelona (Spain) on Explorer of the Seas. Visit Ponta Delgada (Azores), Cartagena (Spain) and Valencia (Spain).

May 3, 2025: 13-night cruise from Port Canaveral (Florida) to Barcelona (Spain) on Explorer of the Seas. Visit Ponta Delgada (Azores), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and Palma d Mallorca (Spain).

August 30, 2025: 15-night cruise from Southampton (England) to Boston (Massachusetts) on Brilliance of the Seas. Visit Glasgow (Scotland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Nuuk (Greenland), Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Halifax (Novs Scotia).

October 16, 2025: 14-night cruise from Southampton (England) to Miami (Florida) on Independence of the Seas. Visit Vigo (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Ponta Delgada (Azores) and Nassau (Bahamas).

October 22, 2025: 14-night cruise from Rome (Italy) to Cape Liberty (New Jersey) on Odyssey of the Seas. Visit Florence (Italy), Valencia (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Malaga (Spain) and Ponta Delgada (Azores).

October 26, 2025: 13-night cruise from Barcelona (Spain) to Fort Lauderdale (Florida) on Allure of the Seas. Visit Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and Malaga (Spain).

March 16, 2026: 16-night cruise from Galveston (Texas) to Barcelona (Spain) on Harmony of the Seas. Visit Nassau (Bahamas), Seville (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain) and Valencia (Spain).

Have fun. Explore the world. Take a Royal Caribbean Transatlantic cruise .

Royal Caribbean Cruise Transatlantic

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Transatlantic

  • Destination Overview
  • Itineraries & Ship Options
  • Destinations

More Time at Sea. More Thrilling Destinations.

Experience a transatlantic adventure..

Royal Caribbean offers a collection of engaging transatlantic cruises. Take a cruise that cultivates both the mind and body. With more time at sea, special offers, and off-the-beaten-path ports of call, transatlantic cruises offer unique and enriching “wows”!

Transatlantic Highlights:

  • Start your cruise in Boston or Tampa, journeying to ports in Ireland, France, or Belgium
  • Begin your journey in Europe and experience Barcelona, Rotterdam, Oslo, or Hamburg
  • Experience the majestic landscapes of Reykjavik
  • Discover the relaxing Canary Islands

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  • The Colosseum

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

Ancient Civilizations, Fresh Adventures

Departing from Dubai, where dynamic high-rises meet gold souks and desert sands, make for new horizons on this extraordinary 63-night vacation, which takes in 44 astounding destinations. Cutting through the heart of the Middle East, unwind on Oman’s wild beaches, be wowed by rose-hued Petra before taking in Egypt’s ancient treasures. Explore the sacred city of Jerusalem and the Eastern Med, visiting Cypriot castles and Turkey’s Temple of Artemis. At the shores of the Black Sea, admire Bulgaria’s Byzantine architecture, Romania’s vineyards, Odessa’s museums and Istanbul’s cosmopolitan culture. Travel to Bodrum’s honey-colored sands and the rugged Greek Islands, ringed by the ultramarine Aegean Sea. Finally, discover the best of the Eastern Mediterranean including Venice’s waterways, the walled city of Dubrovnik, the Colosseum in Italy, before soaking up the glamor of the French Riviera, and Gaudi’s surreal architecture in Barcelona, where this segment ends.

Amenities Included in your adventure

Wash & fold service

Deluxe beverage package

Voom Surf & stream

Abbey of Senanque

The Western Mediterranean and the Adriatic

Cradles of Creativity

Packed with spectacular age-old landmarks and grand architecture, history comes thick and fast in the Western Med and the Adriatic. Journeying through Italy, wonder at the Colosseum and Pantheon - ancient reminders of Rome’s time as world’s largest empire - and wander Pompeii’s ruins, frozen-in-time after Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79AD. Against the bold blues and powder-white sands of the Adriatic, admire Slovenia’s Venetian-influenced buildings, the 4th-century pizazz of Split’s Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik’s dramatic Old Town, and Montenegro’s mighty forts. Whether genning up on the Knights of Malta in Valletta, discovering Napoleon’s childhood in Corsica, cruising along the French Riviera to Mallorca - where Arab and Balearic influences meet - or reveling in Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, you’ll be enthralled by history at every stop on this story-filled vacation.

Nice, France

The legacy of the Renaissance - a cultural movement borne in 14th-century Italy, which spread throughout Europe shaping intellectual life, art, architecture and the arts can be seen in abundance as you travel through the region’s most extraordinary cities. Discover the mind-blowing art of the Renaissance masters at Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice and Rome’s Galleria Borghese, a 17th-century villa which houses art, sculptures and antiquities. See first-hand why Michelangelo’s dreamy ceiling frescoes at the Sistine Chapel, and the famed corridors of Florentine mega-museum The Uffizzi deserve a spot on every art-lover’s bucket list. Just as compelling are Kotor’s Maritime Museum, which reveals the area’s fascinating seafaring history, and Malta’s National Museum of Archeology, which houses masses of prehistoric art and Neolithic pottery. Altogether more contemporary, is Cannes, renowned for its glamorous film festival.

A warm climate, fertile landscapes and teeming waters make for a rather delicious roll call as you sail through the Adriatic and the Western Mediterranean. Live La Dolce Vita - or sweet life - in Italy, where cafe culture reigns, and staples include fresh pasta, pizza, gelato , and lashings of olive oil and wine. Try pillowy-soft burrata cheese in Puglia, Sicilian eggplant and ricotta signature pasta alla norma , and classic Neopolitan-style Margherita pizza in its birthplace, Naples. Seafood’s a real Adriatic superstar; don’t miss Slovenian seafood rizota (risotto) - with a glass of local white rebula wine - and Dalmatian pašticada (beef stew) and rožata custard pudding in Croatia. Corsica’s signature civet de sanglier offers heartiness aplenty, while socca (chickpea pancakes) are a French Rivieran favorite, Marseille’s seafood bouillabaisse packs a liquorice-y kick thanks to fennel and  pastis , while Barcelona excels at seafood paella and crema catalana , a Catalan take on creme brûlée.

Alongside a serious hit of history and culture, awaken your senses exploring the region’s sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear bays and breathtaking volcanic, forested landscapes. Take invigorating dips in Bari’s bays or sun yourself on Torre Sant’Andrea whilst admiring its dramatic sea stacks. Dubrovnik’s an adventure junkie’s dream; try cliff diving, kayaking, or scuba dive to see the Taranto wreck, and its quirky submerged tractors. Get your heart rate going hiking in Portofino Regional Park’s lush network of trails, and wonder at Mount Etna’s volcanic vineyards and lava pits in Sicily. For more natural thrills, travel to Corsica’s Scandola Nature Reserve to spot eagles soaring over stunning rock formations, or discover the Cuevas del Drach - Mallorca’s dragon caves - an underground lair full of limestone stalactites and stalagmites.

A rip-roaring journey packed with exhilarating through-the-ages adventures, the Ultimate Middle East & Med segment is a vacation that cannot fail to set your imagination on fire. Whizz up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world for unrivalled city views, be moved as the history of age-old civilizations - of the Nabateans, the Pharaohs and Ancient Greeks and Romans - comes to life before your very eyes in pink-hued Petra, the wild Egyptian desert, dominated by the Pyramids of Giza, and Rome’s Colosseum and Athens’ Acropolis. Along the way you’ll connect with religious heartlands and sacred shrines, revel in Renaissance art and regal architecture and enjoy relaxing at a multitude of sun-kissed beaches, taking blissful dips in transformative turquoise waters.

Temple

Barcelona, Spain

Segment 3 World Wonder

The Colosseum

Tales of armored gladiators, intense battles and frenzied spectators fuel the history of The Colosseum. Constructed in 80 A.D., this 80,000-seat amphitheater perfectly represents the power and spectacle of ancient Rome — and remains in impressively good shape. Just know that photos truly can’t compare to the emotion of exploring this World Wonder for yourself.

Explore Highlights

A rip-roaring journey packed with exhilirating through-the-ages adventures, the Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med Expedition cannot fail to set your imagination on fire. Whizz up Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world for unrivalled city views, be moved as the history of age-old civilisations - of the Nabateans, the Pharaohs and Ancient Greeks and Romans - comes to life before your very eyes in pink-hued Petra, the wild Egyptian desert, dominated by the Pyramids of Giza, and Rome’s Colosseum and Athens’ Acropolis.

Along the way you’ll connect with religious heartlands and sacred shrines, revel in Renaissance art and regal architecture and enjoy relaxing at a multitude of sun-kissed beaches, taking blissful dips in transformative turquoise waters.

Insider tips Good to know in every situation

When visiting religious sites such as churches, mosques or synagogues, dress modestly, particularly in the Middle East. Opt for long sleeves, and keep your shoulders, back and legs covered. A lightweight scarf or sarong can come in handy as a makeshift headscarf or coverup, which can be easily thrown on at the last minute if it’s unexpectedly required.

Sprawling ancient marvels and Europe’s cobblestone-lined, often narrow city streets are best explored on foot. To ensure you make the most of things, pack a well-worn-in pair of comfortable shoes, and some trusty blister plasters, just in case.

Temperatures in the Middle East and the Med can really soar, plus there’s plenty of time spent on beaches and in the desert on this segment, so invest in a decent wide-brimmed hat, eco-friendly sunscreen, and keep a refillable bottle of water with you as you explore.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Ultimate World Cruise segment?

The Ultimate World Cruise can be taken as a whole, or you can choose from the four available Ultimate Cruise segments to take a portion of the voyage instead. The names and dates of the four Ultimate Cruise segments that make up the Ultimate World Cruise are as follows:

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024, 64 Nights, 36 destinations

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024, 87 Nights, 40 destinations

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 39 destinations

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024, 63 Nights, 40 destinations

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise segments?

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

Ultimate Americas Cruise

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

Ultimate Middle East & Med Cruise

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Pyramids of Giza

Ready for an adventure?

rccl transatlantic cruise

Segment 4 Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

Why Royal Caribbean isn't going all in on massive cruise ships despite the wild success of its new Icon of the Seas

  • Royal Caribbean International has unveiled a swath of giant cruise ships over the past few years.
  • Its CEO said its new world's largest ship, the  Icon of the Seas,  is its "best-selling product" ever.
  • But the cruise line doesn't plan on going all in on megaships forever.

Insider Today

Earlier this year, guests at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island were the first to revel at the historic sight of the world's largest cruise ships, Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, docked side-by-side.

The vessels towered over their communal dock like skyscrapers, casting a dark shadow over their relatively tiny shared pier.

Together, they can accommodate about 19,250 people.

At 1,196 feet long and weighing 248,663 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is a sight to behold. When it launched in late January, the giant vessel upstaged its eight-foot shorter predecessor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's biggest.

At the time, it was no surprise: Every new Royal Caribbean ship seemed to dethrone another Royal Caribbean ship for this title.

But not for long.

The company's smaller ships, important for diverse trips, are aging.

The company is synonymous with its mega vessels. And they've been mega-hits: Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, has repeatedly called the Icon of the Seas the "best-selling product" in the company's history.

Related stories

Royal Caribbean is set to launch four more megaships by 2028 — representing about a third of its total fleet. So far, most of the megaships' scheduled sailings are in the Caribbean.

The other 21 smaller vessels tend to have more specialized itineraries, Patrick Scholes, the managing director of lodging and leisure-equity research at Truist Securities, told Business Insider.

Given their trimmer sizes, these vessels can operate more sailings outside the Caribbean , which often reel in high fares and customer satisfaction for the company, Jay Schneider, the chief product-innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters in January. Think of the Mediterranean, Alaska, and South Pacific itineraries — the latter are especially important as the cruise line continues to ramp up business in Asia.

But these destination-flexible cruise liners are aging as Royal Caribbean continues to unveil their giant counterparts. The company launched its four oldest Vision-class ships, with a maximum 2,730-guest capacity, between 1996 and 1998.

They're tiny and old compared to the 2-month-old, 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas .

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean plans to return to the basics: smaller cruise ships.

Despite the cruise line's success with mega-vessels, Schneider said Royal Caribbean is now considering a new class of ships that would start "smaller" — noting that he was "careful to say small, but less-than-large."

"The reality is, families want to go on vacations not just in the Western and Eastern Caribbean where a ship like Icon can get into," Schneider said. "They want to stay with our brand and journey to different destinations that require more versatility in ship size."

Desirable destinations such as French Polynesia and Venice, Italy, have limited visiting cruises , including size restrictions, to curb pollution and overcrowding. But, as Schneider said, small-vessel-enabled specialized itineraries are also important to travelers.

Giant mass-market floating resorts also often attract first-time cruisers, enamored by their family-friendly water parks and Broadway-style shows. But after a few good vacations at sea, these no-longer-new-to-cruising guests might start craving quieter ships or more bespoke itineraries.

"Alaska cruises tend not to be the first-time cruiser," Scholes told BI. "I don't really see Icon of the Seas doing a Norwegian Fjord or Alaska trip."

Plus, "there's probably only so much demand for these giant ships," Scholes said.

Royal Caribbean has already succeeded in the first part: bringing in a swath of new cruisers with its megaships. Now, it has to retain them.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

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Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Solo Cruises (With No Supplement Fare)
  • Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress
  • Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
  • Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 in New York.

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COMMENTS

  1. Transatlantic and Transpacific Cruises

    A transatlantic cruise lets you see the architectural and cultural influence of Europe on the Americas and then view the original masterpieces for yourself on the other side of the ocean. See the Cathedral of San Juan in Puerto Rico and the 14th-century Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria in Barcelona. Coast Beach.

  2. 14 Night Transatlantic Cruise

    The 14 Night Transatlantic Cruise visits Rome, Italy; Florence / Pisa, Italy; Valencia, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Málaga, Spain; Ponta Delgada, Azores; Cape Liberty, New Jersey. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.

  3. Find Transatlantic Cruises

    Search for Transatlantic cruises with Royal Caribbean. Start planning your next cruise vacation by finding the best travel destinations & departure ports.

  4. 16 Night Transatlantic Cruise

    16 Night Transatlantic Cruise. Itinerary Overview. Explore Harmony of the Seas. Day 1 - Galveston, Texas. Day 2 - 3 - International Date Line. Day 4 - Nassau, Bahamas. Day 5 - 12 - International Date Line. Day 13 - Seville (Cadiz), Spain. Day 14 - Málaga, Spain.

  5. 14 Night Transatlantic Cruise

    14 Night Transatlantic Cruise. Itinerary Overview. Explore Oasis of the Seas. Day 1 - Barcelona, Spain. Day 2 - Palma De Mallorca, Spain. Day 3 - Valencia, Spain. Day 4 - Cartagena, Spain. Day 5 - Málaga, Spain. Day 6 - 13 - International Date Line.

  6. Royal Caribbean International Transatlantic Cruises

    No matter how you spend the time between, your Transatlantic cruise with Royal Caribbean will be an unforgettable experience. Things to Do on a Transatlantic Cruise with Royal Caribbean . As you cross the grand Atlantic with Royal Caribbean, be sure to sample the ports-of-call along the way with a few shore excursions.

  7. Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruise Reviews

    1-10 of 953 Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruise Reviews. Old ship with mold in the cabins . Review for aTransatlantic Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas. Eva Jansson. 2-5 Cruises • Age 30s.

  8. Transatlantic Cruises and Holidays

    A transatlantic cruise lets you see the architectural and cultural influence of Europe on the Americas and then view the original masterpieces for yourself on the other side of the ocean. See the Cathedral of San Juan in Puerto Rico and the 14th-century Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria in Barcelona. Coast Beach.

  9. Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruise Reviews

    Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruises: Read 349 Royal Caribbean Transatlantic cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.

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  11. Royal Caribbean Cruises to Transatlantic

    Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of March 6th, 2024. Looking for Royal Caribbean cruises to Transatlantic? Find and plan your next Royal Caribbean cruise to ...

  12. I crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a cheap cruise ...

    Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience.

  13. Transatlantic Voyager of the Seas Transatlantic Cruise Reviews

    Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas Transatlantic Cruises: Read 10 Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas Transatlantic cruise reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan ...

  14. 6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

    Cunard Line. Courtesy of Cunard Line. Date: Departs May 5, 2024. Departure port: Brooklyn, New York. Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees) Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights. In ...

  15. The Best Transatlantic Cruising Planning Tips

    Cruise Lines that Offer Transatlantic Cruises. Lines that transfer ships between the Caribbean and Europe and offer Atlantic crossings, include: Royal Caribbean. Disney. Holland America. Princess ...

  16. A Complete Guide to Taking a Transatlantic Cruise

    On the other hand, Royal Caribbean offers select transatlantic cruises across several ships. For the most part, these cruises are 13 to 15 days in length sailing between FL or NJ to various ports in Europe. Starting prices for inside cabins on these Royal Caribbean trips range from around $600 to $1,000 pp.

  17. Transatlantic Cruises: 10 Things You Need To Know Before Going

    We will explain the 10 things you need to know before going on a Transatlantic cruise. There are cruises you can take in the spring or fall going to and from...

  18. Best transatlantic cruises for 2024 and 2025

    SILVERSEA CRUISES. 25-night Rome to Fort Lauderdale: Nov. 7-Dec. 2, 2025. Plan ahead to score a suite on the 25-night Rome to Fort Lauderdale transatlantic crossing in late 2025 aboard Silversea Cruises ' newest all-suite luxury ship, Silver Ray, debuting in summer 2024.

  19. Royal Caribbean Transatlantic Cruises

    Take a step back to a time when traveling was an adventure with a Transatlantic cruise on Royal Caribbean. Explore foreign ports and shores, while returning to the comfort of your stateroom every night. See the full schedule of departures below. Royal Caribbean Cruises offers many transatlantic voyages annually.

  20. Transatlantic Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Cruises to

    1 - 10 of 5,819 Transatlantic Cruise Reviews. 11 Days at Sea, Right Out of Dry Dock. Review for a Transatlantic Cruise on Norwegian Joy. pirokp. 10+ Cruises • Age 50s. Read More. Sail Date ...

  21. Transatlantic Cruise Itineraries

    Royal Caribbean offers a collection of engaging transatlantic cruises. Take a cruise that cultivates both the mind and body. Browse cruise itineraries.

  22. Your ship

    Royal Caribbean; Celebrity Cruises; Silversea {{countryName}} on from , The from , visits Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.

  23. Transatlantic Cruise Adventures

    Experience a Transatlantic Adventure. Royal Caribbean offers a collection of engaging transatlantic cruises. Take a cruise that cultivates both the mind and body. With more time at sea, special offers, and off-the-beaten-path ports of call, transatlantic cruises offer unique and enriching "wows"! Transatlantic Highlights:

  24. Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

    Cradles of Creativity. Packed with spectacular age-old landmarks and grand architecture, history comes thick and fast in the Western Med and the Adriatic. Journeying through Italy, wonder at the Colosseum and Pantheon - ancient reminders of Rome's time as world's largest empire - and wander Pompeii's ruins, frozen-in-time after Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79AD.

  25. How Is the Baltimore Bridge Collapse Impacting Cruises?

    The following Baltimore-based cruises for the 88,500-gross ton ship, which include an 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing on April 7 and a 12-night Transatlantic cruise from Baltimore to Barcelona ...

  26. Why Royal Caribbean's Wave of New Megaships Won't Last Forever

    Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean plans to return to the basics: smaller cruise ships. Royal Caribbean's oldest ship is the 2,440-guest Grandeur of the Seas, which first set sail on December 14, 1996.

  27. 6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

    Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a ... Cruise length: 14 nights. Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a ...

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    Baltimore also has a cruise terminal, serving ships operated by Royal Caribbean , Carnival and Norwegian . Cruises carrying more than 444,000 passengers departed from the port last year.