What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Transatlantic Cruise

Transatlantic cruises have transformed the way we travel around the world. After booking our first transatlantic cruise primarily for the unbeatable deal, we quickly learned that there’s a lot more to these ocean crossings than meets the eye. From cabin choices to internet connectivity, dining options to managing sea days, we made plenty of mistakes — but we also discovered invaluable tips that make every crossing better. After six transatlantic cruises and three more booked, we want to share everything we wish we knew before our first crossing, so you can sail smarter and enjoy more.

What Is a Transatlantic Cruise?

A transatlantic cruise is a type of repositioning cruise where cruise lines move their ships from the US market to Europe and back for the seasonal shift. This means the ship is essentially relocating, and travelers get a unique opportunity to book an extended voyage at significantly discounted prices. These repositioning cruises typically offer two-week itineraries or longer, making them perfect for travelers who want a relaxing, immersive sea experience without breaking the bank.

Unbeatable Value: Why Transatlantic Cruises Are a Smart Choice

One of the biggest draws of transatlantic cruises is the spectacular value. You can often find prices below $100 per person per night, which is incredible for cruises that last upwards of two weeks. And the best part? These deals are often available on brand-new ships, not just older vessels. For instance, we’ve sailed on the Celebrity Excel and Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas using these repositioning cruise hacks.

To put it in perspective, booking a balcony cabin on a new ship during a transatlantic cruise can cost less than $300 per day for two people. Compared to typical pricing on the same ships at other times, you’re saving 35-40% on average. These savings can allow you to upgrade to suites or try luxury cruise lines like Oceania, Explora, or Silversea for a fraction of the usual cost. This is a great time to step up your cruise experience without the usual price tag.

Maximizing Loyalty Points and Perks

One early mistake we made was not recognizing how valuable loyalty points can be on these long sailings. Spending 12-14 nights on a transatlantic cruise racks up a lot of loyalty credits, which can lead to perks like cabin upgrades, onboard credits, and special amenities.

Pro tip: Book a junior suite or higher because you earn double loyalty points for those nights, effectively boosting your status faster.

By focusing on one or two cruise lines and building loyalty with them, you can reach elite status more quickly. Many cruise lines also offer status matching, so your loyalty benefits can transfer if you switch lines. This strategic approach can save you money and enhance your cruise experience over time.

When to Book and How to Get the Best Deals

Timing is crucial for booking transatlantic cruises. Typically, ships sail eastbound from the US to Europe in the spring, and return westbound in the fall (October to November). The spring eastbound crossings tend to have calmer seas and better weather, as ships head towards the Mediterranean. The westbound return can be choppier, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider midship cabins for more stability.

Our biggest advice is to book early. We often get questions about how we find such great rates, and the truth is simple: early bookings lock in the best prices. Using a travel advisor can also yield perks like onboard credits, cabin upgrades, and special pricing. We personally assist travelers in getting these benefits and would love to help you plan your next cruise.

What’s Included—and What’s Not?

With transatlantic cruises, your accommodations, main dining, entertainment, access to public areas (like the gym), and transportation are included. However, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, extra internet packages, and gratuities usually come as add-ons. Many cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that bundle these extras for a better overall value.

If you’re savvy, your loyalty status might even cover some of these extras, like gratuities and Wi-Fi. We didn’t realize how quickly we could rack up these benefits early on, but with the right planning, you can sail nearly all-inclusive.

Handling Sea Days: Routine and Entertainment

Sea days are a major part of transatlantic cruises, often stretching five to seven days at a time. If you dislike long stretches at sea, these cruises may not be for you. But if you embrace slow travel and relaxation, you’ll find plenty to do onboard.

Our advice? Develop a routine. The days fly by with a full schedule of entertainment, activities, and amenities. Whether you want to catch up on work, stream your favorite shows, read, or participate in onboard events, the ship offers a packed itinerary to keep you engaged.

Internet Connectivity: Staying Connected at Sea

While some cruisers prefer to disconnect completely, on longer sailings like transatlantic cruises, having reliable internet can be important—especially if you work remotely or want to stay in touch with family. The quality of internet on cruise ships has improved dramatically, with many ships now using Starlink technology for faster, more stable connections.

Book your internet package early, preferably before boarding. You can often share one package between two devices by logging in and out, or buy a two-device package and share the login. If your itinerary includes several port stops at the beginning, you might delay purchasing an internet package and use international cellular data or an eSIM (we recommend Saley for its ease of use) while in port. This approach saves money and keeps you connected when needed.

Dining Tips: Spread Out and Vary Your Experience

With so many days at sea, don’t feel pressured to experience every dining option on day one. Instead, spread out your specialty restaurant visits and vary your meals to keep things interesting. Cruise lines often offer discounts on specialty dining during repositioning cruises, especially at lunch, which can be half the price of dinner for the same menu.

Choosing larger ships also gives you more dining options and venues, which helps avoid menu fatigue. On these crossings, the ship becomes your destination, and having a variety of culinary experiences enhances your overall enjoyment.

Choosing the Right Ship: Bigger is Often Better

We prefer sailing on larger ships for transatlantic cruises. They tend to be more stable in rough seas and offer more venues, restaurants, lounges, and activities. Even when weather is bad and everyone heads inside, the space on big ships like Ovation of the Seas ensures the ship never feels crowded.

While smaller ships can certainly do transatlantic crossings, if you haven’t tried one before, starting on a bigger ship will likely provide a more comfortable and varied experience. Once you enjoy that, smaller ships can be a great next step for a different vibe.

Cabin Choices: Why a Balcony or Suite Matters

Given the length of transatlantic cruises, cabin choice is important. Since these cruises cost 35-40% less than typical cruises, it’s a great opportunity to upgrade. We recommend booking at least a balcony cabin for your first transatlantic to enjoy fresh air and a private outdoor space. For those wanting to treat themselves, junior suites or suite class options are surprisingly affordable thanks to the discounts.

If budget is tight, inside or ocean-view cabins work too, but for your first crossing, a balcony can really enhance your experience and make those many sea days more enjoyable.

Benefits of Transatlantic Cruises: Relaxed Pace and Fewer Crowds

Transatlantic cruises generally feature 3-5 port stops along the way, including exciting destinations like Bermuda, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. These cruises often have fewer children onboard and a more relaxed pace, making them ideal for travelers seeking rest and relaxation.

The crew also has more time to get to know passengers personally, adding a warm, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the experience. This slower pace and less crowded environment are among the reasons we keep coming back for more.

Booking Tips: Early Reservations for Dining, Excursions, and Shows

Book everything early — this cannot be overstated. Dining reservations, shore excursions, and onboard shows often sell out quickly, especially on longer cruises with fewer port stops. Travel advisors can sometimes secure earlier booking windows, which is a huge advantage.

Also, consider third-party excursions, which can be less expensive than ship-organized tours but still sell out fast. Planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out and helps reduce stress once onboard.

Is a Transatlantic Cruise Right for You?

If you enjoy slow travel, aren’t in a rush to get to your destination, and like a mix of relaxation and onboard activities, a transatlantic cruise could be perfect. Many people initially unsure about these cruises end up loving them and booking more.

However, if the idea of several consecutive sea days makes you anxious or stir-crazy, you might want to skip these or try shorter repositioning cruises with fewer sea days, such as Panama Canal crossings or Caribbean cruises with just a few days at sea.

Final Tips: Choosing Your Cruise Line and Making the Most of the Journey

Choose the cruise line that suits your style and budget. Contemporary lines like Norwegian, Holland America, and Princess offer great transatlantic options. If you want to step up to luxury, this is an excellent time to try Viking, Silversea, or Oceania, often at a 35-40% discount.

Virgin Voyages is another fantastic choice, offering nearly all-inclusive experiences and multiple transatlantic sailings. Plus, since most transatlantic cruises are one-way, you only have one flight to worry about, potentially saving money and reducing jet lag.

Remember, the key rule is to book early to secure the best rates, perks, and reservations. With the right planning, a transatlantic cruise can be an unforgettable, value-packed adventure.

We hope these tips help you navigate your first transatlantic cruise with confidence. Whether you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Viking, or Virgin Voyages, these strategies will help you save money, enjoy your time at sea, and avoid the mistakes we made. Happy cruising!