TRANSATLANTIC CRUISE GUIDE
Crossing the Atlantic in Style
Transatlantic cruises offer the ultimate getaway for travelers who love relaxed days at sea, rich historical routes, and incredible value per night. Whether sailing eastbound during spring or westbound in fall, these repositioning voyages connect top ports in North America with iconic European destinations. At Paradigm Trips, we handle all the logistics from booking to departure so you can focus on the journey.
Did you know?
- Year Round Crossings: Cunard line is the only cruise line running year round ocean crossings.
- Mid Atlantic Stepping Stones: Almost all ocean crossings stop in the Azores or Madeira islands for a mid ocean break.
- Time Zone Perks: Sailing westbound in the fall means gaining an extra hour of sleep almost every single night.
- Unbeatable Value: Repositioning sailings are often under $100 per night for balcony accommodations.
Average Length: 12 to 16 nights
Primary Seasons: Spring (Eastbound) and Fall (Westbound)
Key Ports: New York, Miami, Galveston, Barcelona, Rome, Southampton
CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Dining on a transatlantic ocean crossing is an experience all its own. From specialty steak houses and fresh seafood venues to curated multi-course tasting menus, every meal is designed to make your time at sea truly memorable. Enjoy leisurely dinners with sweeping ocean views or grab a quick bite between daily enrichment activities.
Unwind & Explore at Your Own Pace
Sea days offer uninterrupted time to relax and recharge. Whether you prefer attending guest lectures, relaxing by the pool, visiting the onboard spa, or taking in live theatrical performances, your schedule is entirely up to you. Transatlantic routes give you the gift of time to enjoy everything the ship has to offer.
Iconic Stopping Ports & Islands
Ponta Delgada (Azores)
Volcanic lakes & lush gardens.
Funchal (Madeira)
Dramatic cliffs & famous wine
Gibraltar
Where the Atlantic meets the Med
Can you taste the local Madeira wine? Feel the Atlantic mist off Gibraltar? Now imagine adding Spain’s sun-drenched marinas and Bermuda’s candy-striped lighthouses to that dream. The three beauties above are just the opening scene. Below lies the complete port playbook, five stops that transform a simple crossing into an epic voyage of a lifetime. Don’t plan another mile without it.
Iconic Stops, Decoded
| Port & Location | Region / Specialty | Highlights & Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Ponta Delgada | Azores Islands | Top mid-Atlantic pitstop surrounded by volcanic crater lakes, lush green gardens, and historic architecture. |
| Funchal | Madeira, Portugal | Famous for dramatic cliffside ocean vistas, vibrant botanical gardens, and world-renowned local Madeira wine. |
| Gibraltar | British Overseas Territory | Iconic landmark and historic fortress standing right where Atlantic Ocean waters meet the Mediterranean Sea. |
| Southern Spain | Malaga & Cadiz | Historic Mediterranean coastal gateways packed with rich culture, historic sites, and vibrant culinary traditions. |
| Bermuda | King's Wharf | Ideal tropical island stop on western transatlantic crossing routes, known for pink sand beaches and crystal waters. |
Top Cruise Lines
Find the Ocean Crossing Built Around Your Style
Cunard Line
7 to 14 Nights • Traditional & Formal
The iconic ocean liner experience. Queen Mary 2 runs year round crossings between New York and Southampton with classic afternoon tea and gala nights.
Royal Caribbean
13 to 16 Nights • Mega-Ship Activities
Ideal for active travelers seeking endless onboard entertainment, Broadway shows, surf simulators, and expansive pool decks on mega ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
13 to 17 Nights • Freestyle Cruising
Relaxed schedules with no fixed dining times or formal dress codes. Features diverse specialty dining venues and great entertainment.
Princess Cruises
14 to 23 Nights • Northern Explorations
Known for scenic northern crossing routes with stops in Iceland, Greenland, and Scotland alongside classic southern transatlantic itineraries.
Celebrity Cruises
13 to 16 Nights • Modern Premium Luxury
Focuses on upscale culinary experiences, sleek luxury ship design, tranquil spa retreats, and exceptional personalized service.
Holland America Line
13 to 45+ Nights • Grand Voyages
Specializes in extended voyages and cultural enrichment. Perfect for travelers seeking longer itineraries with live music and guest lectures.
MSC Cruises
13 to 22 Nights • European Style & Value
Brings international flair and glitzy modern design with competitive pricing on long haul repositioning cruises.
Azamara
12 to 28 Nights • Small-Ship Destination Focus
Intimate boutique ships carrying under 700 guests. Access smaller hidden harbor ports with longer stays and overnight port calls.
Carnival Cruise Line
13 to 16 Nights • Carnival Journeys
Offers special long distance Carnival Journeys routes, extended casino options, and dedicated adults-only transatlantic sailings.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT ATLANTIC CROSSING?
Ready to Set Sail on Your Next Fantastic Voyage?
Let's Turn Your Ocean Dreams Into an Unforgettable Passage
Skip the endless search tabs, confusing deck plans, and booking headaches. Tell us what kind of transatlantic escape you’re dreaming of, whether it’s a classic eastbound crossing, a fall westbound adventure, or a northern route through Iceland and Greenland. We’ll handle every detail, from stateroom upgrades and onboard credits to curated shore excursions and 24/7 in-trip support.