Transatlantic crossings concentrate in spring (April-May) when ships reposition eastbound from the Americas to Europe, and autumn (September-November) when they return westbound. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 operates year-round scheduled crossings between Southampton and New York. Summer crossings (June-August) offer the calmest Atlantic conditions. Sea temperatures are coolest in spring; warmer weather arrives by late May onward. Repositioning fares often represent outstanding value.
A transatlantic voyage is the antithesis of a port-intensive itinerary — expect five to seven consecutive sea days, giving time to fully immerse in the ship's enrichment programme, spa, dining, and social life. Cunard's classic 7-night Southampton to New York crossing on Queen Mary 2 remains the gold standard, with black-tie gala evenings, a planetarium, and the largest dance floor at sea. Other lines offer 11-16 night crossings that break the ocean passage with calls at the Azores (Ponta Delgada), Bermuda, the Canary Islands, or Madeira. Routes vary — some sail Europe to the Caribbean via the Canaries, others link the Mediterranean to the US East Coast. The sense of scale crossing 3,000 nautical miles of open water, watching sunsets uninterrupted to the horizon, is profoundly memorable.
Our Transatlantic specialists can help you find the perfect voyage — from first-time cruisers to seasoned travellers.
