Last updated: 22 October 2026

A transatlantic cruise is one of the great journeys of the world. For a week or more you leave airports behind, cross the ocean the way travellers did for centuries, and arrive in New York, Florida or the Caribbean rested rather than jet-lagged. This guide explains the transatlantic cruise options from the UK for 2026 and 2027, what they cost, and how they compare with a cargo ship crossing.

Types of transatlantic crossing

Transatlantic cruise lines

• Cunard: the only line running a regular, scheduled transatlantic service, on Queen Mary 2. Expect a classic ocean-liner experience with formal nights, a planetarium and a big library.
• Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, Norwegian and Princess: run seasonal transatlantic repositioning cruises, often from Southampton, Barcelona or Rome to Florida or the Caribbean.
• P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen and Ambassador: offer round-trip Caribbean voyages from the UK that cross the Atlantic in both directions.
• Disney Cruise Line: occasional transatlantic sailings when ships reposition.

Schedules for 2026 and 2027 are released well in advance. The most popular one-way dates and cabins sell out early.

Best time for a transatlantic cruise

• April–May (eastbound to Europe) et October–November (westbound) are peak repositioning months, with the most choice and often the best value.
• Summer suits Queen Mary 2 crossings, with long days and calmer seas.
• Winter crossings can be rough, but are often good value. Southern routes via the Canary Islands are usually calmer.

How much does a transatlantic cruise cost?

Remember to add the flight home, gratuities, drinks packages, travel insurance and hotel nights.

One-way transatlantic cruises: things to know

• You need a return plan. Most people fly back, so book open-jaw or one-way flights.
• US entry. Check that ESTA is valid for your sea arrival. Most major cruise lines are approved carriers, but always confirm.
• Luggage. Cruise ships have generous luggage allowances, which suits people relocating.
• Sea days. Expect five to seven days without land. Many people love it; some find it long.

Transatlantic cruise vs cargo ship

If you want something completely different, a container ship crossing offers silence, open decks, meals with the officers and a view of how global trade works. There are no shows or crowds, just the ocean. Read our guides to taking a boat from the UK to the USA et the fastest transatlantic crossing by ship.

Tips for booking

1. Book early for the best cabins on Queen Mary 2 and peak repositioning dates.
2. Watch for last-minute deals on repositioning cruises if you are flexible.
3. Choose your direction. Eastbound you gain an hour most nights, and westbound you get an extra hour of sleep.
4. Pick a stabilised, mid-ship cabin if you worry about seasickness. See our seasickness guide.

Frequently asked questions