I’m about to embark on my first-ever transatlantic cruise, from Southampton to Miami. And preparing for this cruise got me thinking… There is definitely some extra planning involved for a one-way cruise with seven sea days in a row!
Transatlantic cruises are a type of repositioning cruise, which happens when ships move from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean in the spring then back again in the autumn.
They offer a fantastic opportunity to experience extended time at sea, visit ports off the beaten path, and enjoy significant savings compared to traditional cruises.
However, to make the most of your repositioning cruise adventure, there are several crucial mistakes to avoid.
Here are the nine key things you should not do on your transatlantic cruise.
1. Don’t Book Your Cruise Too Early
When it comes to transatlantic cruises, the early bird doesn’t always catch the worm.
Unlike traditional cruises, where early booking often secures the best deals, repositioning cruises can offer incredible last-minute bargains. These voyages typically have more cabins to fill, due to their unique itineraries and longer durations.
Cruise lines are keen to offset their relocation costs, which means they often slash prices as the departure date approaches.
Patient travellers can snag deals for as little as £30 per night for an inside cabin. That’s a steal when you consider all the amenities and experiences included!
However, this doesn’t mean you should wait until the eleventh hour to book. The key is to start monitoring prices about three to four months before your desired sailing date. Keep an eye out for significant price drops, and be ready to pounce when you spot a deal that fits your budget.
Suggested read: How Late Can You Book A Last Minute Cruise?
2. Avoid Neglecting Flight Arrangements
While you might score an amazing deal on your repositioning cruise, don’t forget about the other crucial component of your journey – flights. Remember, these cruises are one-way trips, which means you’ll need to arrange transportation to your departure port and from your final destination.
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is booking their cruise without checking flight availability and costs. You might save a bundle on your cruise fare, only to find that flights to or from your ports are exorbitantly priced.
Sometimes, the one-way flight can cost more than the cruise, so it’s vital to look at airfare prices before you book your cruise ticket.
If possible, be flexible with your travel dates to find the best combination of cruise and flight prices. You should also check out alternative airports. For example: my cruise arrives at Miami, but it’s much cheaper to hire a car, drive to Orlando, and fly home from there.
3. Don’t Leave Your Cabin Choice to Chance
On a repositioning cruise, where you might spend up to two weeks or more at sea, your cabin choice becomes even more crucial than on a shorter voyage.
While it might be tempting to opt for a guaranteed cabin assignment to save money, this strategy can backfire on longer journeys.
Consider your personal preferences and needs carefully:
- Prone to seasickness? An inside cabin might exacerbate this issue.
- Love watching the ocean? A balcony cabin could be worth the splurge for those long sea days.
- Sensitive to noise? Avoid cabins near lifts and stairwells, or underneath the pool deck.
Remember, your cabin is a home away from home. Balancing comfort with cost is key.
4. Don’t Forget to Pack Essential Items
Packing for a transatlantic cruise requires more thought than for a typical holiday. With extended time at sea and visits to various climates, you’ll need a diverse wardrobe and plenty of essentials.
One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make is forgetting crucial items and relying on onboard shops to fill the gaps. These shops often charge premium prices for basic necessities.
Make a comprehensive packing list well in advance, including items like:
- Medications (including seasickness remedies)
- Toiletries (razors, tampons, deodorant, sunscreen)
- Appropriate clothing for various climates and activities
- Entertainment items (books, e-readers, tablets)
- Power adapters and chargers
Don’t forget to pack some formal wear if your cruise line has dress codes for certain evenings.
And remember, while it’s important to be prepared, try not to overpack – you’ll want some room in your luggage for souvenirs!
Suggested read: 16 Things Pro Cruisers Pack That You Won’t Have Thought Of
5. Don’t Underestimate the Value of Good Entertainment
Repositioning cruises often involve multiple consecutive sea days, which means you’ll have ample time to relax and enjoy onboard activities. However, even the most extensive cruise ship entertainment programmes can feel repetitive after a week or two.
One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make is not bringing enough personal entertainment options. While ships usually have libraries, their selections can be limited.
Bring along several books or load up your e-reader with a variety of titles. Consider downloading movies, TV shows, or podcasts to your tablet or laptop for those quiet afternoons in your cabin.
If you have a hobby, like knitting or sketching, pack the necessary supplies. And bringing a card game like Uno is always a good idea.
These activities can be perfect for sea days, and can even help you connect with other passengers who share your interests.
Suggested read: 14 Best Games to Bring on a Cruise
6. Avoid Isolating Yourself from Fellow Passengers
Speaking of connecting with others, one of the unique aspects of repositioning cruises is the opportunity to form lasting friendships with fellow travellers. With extended time at sea and a more relaxed pace, these cruises foster a sense of community that’s harder to achieve on shorter voyages.
Don’t make the mistake of keeping to yourself throughout the journey. Engage in onboard activities like trivia games, dance classes or wine tastings. These events are great ice-breakers, and can lead to enjoyable social interactions.
Consider opting for open seating at meals, or joining a large table in the main dining room. This can be an excellent way to meet new people and share experiences.
Remember, many of your fellow passengers are likely to be experienced cruisers with fascinating stories to share.
7. Don’t Dismiss Onboard Activities and Classes
Repositioning cruises often feature unique enrichment programmes and activities that you might not find on standard itineraries.
These can include language lessons, cooking demonstrations, art classes, or lectures on the history and culture of your upcoming ports of call.
A common mistake is to overlook these offerings, assuming they’re not worth your time. However, these activities can add tremendous value to your cruise experience.
They’re excellent opportunities to learn new skills, explore different interests and prepare for your port visits.
Many cruise lines bring aboard guest lecturers or experts in various fields for these longer voyages. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain insights from professionals in areas like astronomy, marine biology or world history.
Suggested read: 69 Fun Things To Do On A Cruise Ship
8. Don’t Neglect Port Day Planning
While repositioning cruises are known for their extended sea days, they often include visits to less-frequented ports. It’s a mistake to arrive at these destinations without any plan or knowledge of what to see and do.
Research your port stops well in advance. These might include less touristy locations that require more planning to make the most of your visit. Look into the local attractions, cultural sites, and experiences that align with your interests.
Consider whether you want to book organised shore excursions through the cruise line or explore independently. If you choose the latter, ensure you’re aware of the ship’s all-aboard time and plan to return promptly.
Remember, some repositioning cruises include overnight stays in certain ports. These extended stops offer a chance to experience the nightlife or dine at local restaurants, so plan accordingly.
9. Don’t Fly Straight Home
After spending an extended period at sea and visiting fascinating ports, it can be a mistake to rush straight back home. Consider adding a few days at the beginning or end of your cruise, to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city more thoroughly.
This extension allows you to adjust to any time zone changes, reducing the impact of jet lag. It also provides a buffer in case of any travel delays before your cruise, ensuring you don’t miss the ship’s departure.
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The Bottom Line
By avoiding these nine crucial mistakes, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your repositioning cruise adventure. These unique voyages offer an unparalleled opportunity to combine relaxation, exploration and value for money.
With careful planning and the right mindset, your repositioning cruise could become one of your most memorable travel experiences.
Remember, the key to enjoying any cruise is to embrace the journey. Relish the extended time at sea, immerse yourself in onboard activities, forge new friendships and savour the unique ports of call. Happy cruising!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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