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Once the height of luxury travel, transatlantic cruises were the only way to cross the ocean in style. These days, most people hop on a plane – but the magic of crossing the Atlantic by ship hasn’t disappeared.

In fact, it’s still one of the most unique and surprisingly affordable cruise experiences you can have – if you know when to go and what to expect.

Here’s what today’s transatlantic cruises are really like, including how long you’ll be at sea and why this classic voyage still has a place in modern cruising.

What A Transatlantic Cruise Actually Is

A transatlantic cruise is one which sails across the Atlantic Ocean, either from Europe to the Americas or in the other direction. They can be direct between two ports, or they may include a selection of ports on either side of the ocean.

Regardless, you’re still going to spend a series of days at sea in a row, which isn’t for everyone. You need to be comfortable with the fact that you won’t be able to get off the ship for several days. 

On some of the larger ships in the world, this isn’t much of a problem at all – even on a transatlantic sailing, you don’t have time to experience everything that the ship has to offer.

But on smaller ships, you might find yourself with a bit more downtime, where you might need to be comfortable just lounging by the pool during the day. And bear in mind that the weather probably won’t be great, so an indoor pool is a huge bonus here!

That could be your idea of heaven, or you might find yourself with itchy feet wanting to get off and explore on land.

Transatlantic Cruises Still Exist

Transatlantic cruises still exist, but aren’t regular sailings that travel back and forth between Europe and the Americas. Instead, they’re usually repositioning cruises, or they form part of a wider world cruise itinerary.

The majority of transatlantic sailings are repositioning cruises. This is quite a dull-sounding word, but it’s pretty self-explanatory – a repositioning cruise is one where the ship is ‘repositioned’ – moved to another area for the next cruise season.

Cruises in Europe are most popular during the summer months, usually from around April until October. This is when the weather is more enjoyable, and more people want to sail around the ports of the Mediterranean or Northern Europe.

Suggested read: The Best Places To Cruise in October

But the other major cruise destination in the world – the Caribbean – has good weather year-round, and the November to March season tends to fall outside the typical hurricane season.

So many cruise ships will split their time between the two regions – sailing around Europe during the summer, and the Caribbean during the winter.

And it’s when the ships are being repositioned that they offer a transatlantic cruise. But it’ll be one-way, and you’ll have to fly either to the ship for embarkation, or on your return home.

At least, that’s normally the case. There is a very small selection of round-trip transatlantic sailings you can book, as we’ll discuss later in this article.

How Long A Transatlantic Cruise Takes

A transatlantic cruise will typically take between 7 and 16 nights, with some cruise lines averaging 11-12 nights and some offering exclusively 14+ night cruises. Very few cruises take fewer than 11 nights, and some last much longer.

The difference in how long a transatlantic cruise takes depends on the ports that are included. The fastest ones go direct from Southampton to New York with no stops, while others may call at ports further south on the US coastline, or they may travel to/from ports further east in Europe.

A cruise to Rome, for example, is, of course, going to take longer than one that stops at Barcelona – there’s at least another day or two of sailing involved to reach the destination.

And there are some ports along the way that a cruise ship may call at to break up the itinerary. These will extend the length of the cruise as well.

Where Transatlantic Cruises Go

Transatlantic cruises will sail between the home ports used by the bigger cruise lines – so typically from the ports of Florida or New York on the western side, and from Southampton, Barcelona or Rome on the eastern side. Some cruises will call at Ponta Delgada too.

Ponta Delgada is the largest port in the Azores, a collection of islands belonging to Portugal that are situated approximately a third of the way across the Atlantic if travelling from east to west.

It’s a popular port for transatlantic cruises because not only is the island lively and scenic, but it serves as a good resting port, breaking up the itinerary so that it’s not endless sea days, and giving guests the chance to go ashore and explore outside the confines of the ship.

Another popular port en route, mainly for cruises sailing through the Mediterranean, is Funchal on Madeira. Another Portuguese island, this one is further south, closer to the coastline of Morocco than it is to Portugal itself.

It’s not a port that would likely be included on a transatlantic sailing to or from Southampton, but for sailings to or from Rome or Barcelona, it’s often added to the itinerary.

The Shortest Transatlantic Cruise

The shortest transatlantic cruise is offered by Cunard, one of the only cruise lines that still specialises in this itinerary year-round. It lasts for 7 nights and sails directly between Southampton and New York, with no additional ports of call.

These Cunard transatlantic cruises all take place on the Queen Mary 2. When compared to the family-friendly ships of cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival or NCL, there are not that many different things to see and do on this ship.

But it is a luxury liner – a ship that harks back to the golden age of cruising, but with plenty of modern conveniences.

The appeal of a transatlantic cruise on Queen Mary 2 is the ability to enjoy a classical cruising experience with long days relaxing, excellent service and enrichment through daytime lectures and nighttime live entertainment.

Cunard is the main cruise line for round-trip transatlantic cruises on the same ship. You’re able to sail from Southampton to New York, enjoy a short time exploring the city, and then return on the same ship.

It does mean spending almost two weeks at sea, with only a stop in New York to break it up, but if you want to escape from the world for a little while, then this could be perfect.

The Cruise Lines That Offer Transatlantic Crossings

There are many cruise lines that offer transatlantic sailings as they move ships between Europe and the Caribbean/Americas.

Not all ships are repositioned. Some will stay in Europe year-round, and some will offer year-round Caribbean sailings, or other destinations on either side of the American continents.

But there are some great ships that you can traverse the Atlantic Ocean on, with transatlantic sailings offered by:

• Azamara Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Fred Olsen
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Virgin Voyages

P&O Cruises doesn’t call their cruises transatlantic, so don’t look for those sailings on their website – you won’t find them. Instead, look for Caribbean cruises, and you’ll find sailings that depart from Southampton and cross the Atlantic Ocean.

They’re also one of the other cruise lines that offer round-trip transatlantic sailings, but they are much longer, up to 35 nights in length.

To Conclude

Transatlantic cruises are still common, but normally during the repositioning times of the year only – so March/April, or October/November. And they’ll usually be one-way, meaning you’ll need to be happy flying either to the start of your cruise or once your cruise has finished.

There are alternatives – Cunard Line’s itineraries run year-round, including round-trips, while P&O do offer some longer round-trip sailings too.

But if you’re travelling with kids, you might want to try a one-way transatlantic cruise on a modern ship packed with fun things to see and do while at sea. 

P&O’s itineraries are long, and while Cunard welcomes families, they aren’t known for their exciting daytime activities for younger cruisers. If you just want to escape and enjoy classic cruising, though, they are perfect.

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me

Hawaii is a beautiful destination with some incredible scenery and culture to explore. But because of its location, it’s a little bit isolated – it’s not like the Caribbean where you can set sail from the US and be there within a day or two.

It’s worth knowing how long a cruise to Hawaii will take you, so that you can decide whether it’s right for you – are you happy with that number of sea days, or would you prefer to book an itinerary elsewhere?

Let’s take a look.

A typical round-trip cruise to Hawaii

Round-trip cruises to Hawaii tend to last for 14-15 nights and incorporate a number of sea days. It takes around five days of sailing for cruise ships to reach Hawaii from the US west coast, so most cruises are for 5 days of sailing, 5 days around Hawaii and then 5 days to return.

That’s quite a long time to spend at sea, so it’s important that you make sure you’re comfortable keeping yourself entertained during a cruise to Hawaii.

The cruise ships will of course be equipped with a lot of different things for you to see and do, but many people prefer the idea of stepping off the ship each day – that won’t be possible on a Hawaii itinerary.

The shortest cruises to Hawaii

The shortest cruises to Hawaii from a different destination tend to sail from either the US coast or from Canada and will last for 9 days. This gives the ship time to sail to the islands and then sufficient days to explore a couple of ports before guests disembark to fly home.

So if you were hoping to book 7 day cruises to Hawaii from California or other nearby destinations, you’re out of luck – by the time you get there, it’d be time to disembark.

These cruises will all be one-way and will require flights. The shortest cruises ‘around’ Hawaii are a little shorter and tend to last for 7 days, but these are fly-cruises where you will fly to Honolulu, board your ship, sail around the Hawaiian islands and then disembark in Honolulu to fly home.

If you’re comfortable with these options, this is often the best way to see Hawaii. You’ll get more time in the islands, seeing more of the ports and more of the scenery instead of a couple of quick port calls as part of a longer itinerary.

You can also combine a fly-cruise with a hotel stay on the islands, which is the ultimate way to sample Hawaii culture and soak up the atmosphere and sights either before or after your sailing.

There are also cruises that are a lot longer that incorporate Hawaii into their itineraries. Because Hawaii is quite a remote destination, ships will often use longer sailings to explore further afield destinations such as Western Samoa, Tahiti and other parts of French Polynesia.

These are sometimes offered as one-way itineraries either from the US or Canadian coastlines, although you can get return itineraries from the US – these will last around 28 days or so.

Cruises from California to Hawaii

Ports in California are the most common for cruises to Hawaii, with itineraries lasting anything from 14 nights up to epic longer journeys of 80 nights or sometimes even more. Cruises set sail from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, giving you plenty of choices.

That choice extends to the cruise lines as well. Cruises from LA depart from two different ports. Those from South Beach are limited to Carnival with most sailings taking place on Carnival Miracle, but the other ports offer more choice.

Los Angeles (San Pedro) has cruises to Hawaii with Princess Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises, so you can choose between premium and luxury options.

Hawaii cruises from San Francisco are available on Princess Cruises, Cunard, Carnival and Holland America ships. Cunard and Holland America cruises to Hawaii are longer itineraries that last at least 17 days, but Princess and Carnival offer shorter two-week cruises.

And from San Diego, you can choose between Holland America and Princess again, with shorter itineraries from both cruise lines available, including on the popular Koningsdam.

If you want to cruise to Hawaii from California, you need to settle on a port first and then decide which cruise line is the best fit. But despite California being one of the closest states, there still aren’t any short Hawaiian cruises available.

Cruises from Florida to Hawaii

Cruises from Miami to Hawaii are available, but they are not common. The long journey means they tend to be included on world cruises only, or at least a leg of those, for luxury cruise lines.

Regent Seven Seas has a ‘shorter’ option which lasts 21 nights, cruising to the western coast of Central America after traversing the Panama Canal and then onto Hawaii where the cruise ends.

A longer cruise is available with Seabourn, which incorporates Caribbean ports before the Panama Canal, and then sails back to California once the Hawaii leg is complete. This lasts for 42 days.

Cruises from Vancouver to Hawaii

The shortest cruises to Hawaii depart from Vancouver, lasting just 9 nights on a one-way sailing. Most cruises last two weeks, including some round-trip options, but longer cruises of up to 65 nights are also available.

Vancouver doesn’t just offer the best choice when it comes to itinerary length, but also cruise line too. From Vancouver, you can sail to Hawaii with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn.

Some itineraries are direct to Hawaii, while others will incorporate some Alaskan ports en route, giving you the chance to experience both extremes of nature’s scenery from glacial wonders to tropical greenery.

Cruises from Seattle to Hawaii

As Seattle is not a common departure port for many mainstream lines, cruises to Hawaii tend to be longer – from 22 nights to 63 nights. They are not generally offered as return cruises, instead ending either in Fiji, French Polynesia or Australia.

There are a handful of cruise lines offering these longer itineraries, including Carnival and Holland America. Seabourn is another option if you’d prefer a more luxurious cruise to the Hawaiian islands on your way to Australia, as one leg of a larger world cruise.

Suggested read: The Best Luggage Storage Places Near Seattle Cruise Terminal

Cruises from Australia to Hawaii

Cruises from Australia to Hawaii last for between 15 and 35 nights, depending on the itinerary. The cruises all depart from either Sydney or Brisbane, with shorter itineraries being one-way. Longer round trips are available.

Cruise lines offering these itineraries vary. Royal Caribbean used to, but there are none currently planned.

The time in Hawaii for these itineraries is short – sometimes there may not even be excursions available as the arrival is on the last day.

Longer itineraries are offered by Holland America and Princess Cruises, and will either be sailings from Australia to New Zealand via the Hawaiian islands, or they’ll continue on from Hawaii to the North American coastline. These tend to visit a couple of Hawaiian islands. 

To conclude

There are a lot of different options for cruises to Hawaii, but most of them spend a couple of days at most exploring the islands before moving onto somewhere else.

This is great if you want variety, but be aware that the high number of sea days does mean you’ll need to make sure the ship has enough for you to stay entertained.

If you want the best overall Hawaii experience, and you aren’t looking for a super-long cruise, then the recommended option would be a fly-cruise that departs from Honolulu and says exclusively around Hawaiian ports.

You’ll get more time to put yourself amongst the Hawaiian culture and you won’t be stuck at sea for long periods of time.

Related posts:

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.

Read more about me

Setting sail on a cruise can be an exciting adventure, but your journey begins long before you step onto the ship. 

The cruise port you depart from plays a crucial role in shaping the start and end of your cruise. While many US ports offer smooth sailing, some have gained notoriety for their challenges. 

I looked at real stories from cruise guests on Reddit to see what were the worst ports in the US for cruising, so that you can travel prepared.

1. San Francisco: Beauty marred by logistics

San Francisco’s cruise terminal is a sight to behold, with its stunning backdrop of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most impressive bridges you can sail under on a cruise.

However, the beauty of the Bay Area can’t mask the logistical hurdles that cruisers face when departing from this port.

The most significant issue plaguing San Francisco’s cruise port is its awkward traffic access. The city’s infamous congestion often leads to lengthy delays, turning what should be an exciting start to your holiday into a frustrating ordeal.

To avoid the worst of the traffic, consider arriving at the port early in the morning or later in the afternoon, outside of peak hours – as long as you make sure you arrive in time to board, of course!

Once you’ve navigated the traffic, you’ll face another challenge: limited elevator access. With only one elevator for embarkation and another for disembarkation, bottlenecks are common. This setup can lead to long queues and extended wait times, particularly for those with mobility issues or large amounts of luggage.

Recent years have seen an increase in wait times at the San Francisco cruise terminal. To mitigate this, arrive well before your scheduled boarding time and be prepared for a potentially lengthy check-in process. 

Consider packing a small carry-on with essentials, including entertainment and snacks, to make the wait more bearable.

Despite these challenges, the stunning views and vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco are pleasant and there are some excellent itineraries you can enjoy sailing from the port. 

By planning ahead and managing your expectations, you can still begin your voyage on a high note.

2. New York City: The Big Apple’s big cruise challenges

New York City, the city that never sleeps, offers a thrilling backdrop for the start of a cruise. However, the excitement of departing from this world-famous metropolis comes with its fair share of challenges.

The New York cruise experience is often described as chaotic, reflecting the bustling nature of the city itself. The sheer volume of passengers, combined with the port’s location in one of the busiest cities in the world, can lead to a frenetic embarkation process. 

To handle this chaos, arrive early and have all your documents readily accessible to streamline the check-in process. You definitely don’t want to show up to New York without being organised.

While boarding can be hectic, it’s the disembarkation process that truly tests passengers’ patience. Long queues, customs delays, and the challenge of finding transportation in the city can turn the end of your relaxing cruise into a stress-inducing experience. 

I’d recommend booking a private transfer in advance or allowing plenty of time if you’re catching a flight post-cruise.

Many cruisers compare New York unfavourably to ports like Port Canaveral in Florida, which is known for its efficiency and user-friendly layout. However, the unique experience of sailing out of New York harbour, past the Statue of Liberty, can make the hassle worthwhile for many.

To make the most of your New York cruise departure:

• Book a pre-cruise hotel stay to avoid day-of travel stress
• Allow porters to handle your luggage and navigate the terminal more easily (don’t forget to tip them!)
• Familiarise yourself with the port layout beforehand to reduce confusion

Remember, once you’re on board, the rewards of sailing from New York – including spectacular city views – can help you forget the embarkation challenges.

3. Charleston, South Carolina: A port in transition

Charleston, South Carolina, known for its southern charm and historic beauty, has been facing its own set of challenges when it comes to its cruise port. 

The port is currently undergoing significant construction and upgrades, which is great, but it has led to a disorganised and often slow boarding process.

The ongoing construction means that the port’s infrastructure is in flux, leading to confusion among both staff and passengers. 

Signage may be unclear, and temporary measures put in place to deal with the construction can result in longer walking distances and unexpected obstacles.

The slow boarding process is a particular pain point for many cruisers. With limited facilities to handle large numbers of passengers, queues can be long and move at a frustratingly slow pace. 

However, it’s not all bad news. The construction and upgrades are part of a larger plan to improve the cruise experience in Charleston. In the future, passengers can look forward to more modern facilities and a smoother embarkation process. Until then, patience and preparation are key.

It’s all due to be finished by March 2025 too, so not too long to go!

While the current state of Charleston’s cruise port may be challenging, you can start your cruise adventure on the right foot by being prepared in advance for a bit of confusion and stress. Go with the flow if you can!

4. Los Angeles: Distance dilemma at San Pedro

The ‘City of Angels’ might seem like a dream departure point for a cruise, but the reality can be less than heavenly. The main issue with LA’s cruise port, located in San Pedro, is its distance from the city’s main attractions and airports.

San Pedro port is situated approximately 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and even further from popular tourist areas like Hollywood or Beverly Hills. 

This distance can pose significant challenges for travellers, especially those flying in on the day of their cruise. Traffic in Los Angeles notoriously awful, and the journey from the airport to the port can easily take over an hour, even without heavy congestion.

For embarkation, the port works reasonably well. The terminal facilities are modern and can handle large numbers of passengers efficiently. 

However, as a port of call, San Pedro falls short. The immediate area around the port lacks major attractions, and the distance to LA’s famous sights makes short excursions challenging.

While the distance issue is a significant drawback, the allure of Los Angeles still attracts many passengers – and it’s one of the better options for a cruise from the West Coast.

The key is to plan ahead and manage your expectations regarding travel times and accessibility.

5. Miami: Chaos in the cruise capital

Miami, often dubbed the “Cruise Capital of the World,” is a major hub for cruise ships. However, its popularity comes at a price, with passengers often facing a chaotic and stressful embarkation experience.

One of the biggest challenges at Miami’s cruise port is the constant construction. The port is frequently undergoing upgrades and expansions to accommodate the ever-growing cruise industry. 

While these improvements are necessary, they can lead to confusion, detours, and delays for passengers trying to navigate the port. It’d be nice if it was ever just ‘done’, even if only for a few months!

The sheer volume of cruise traffic in Miami also contributes to the chaos. On busy days, multiple ships may be embarking and disembarking simultaneously, leading to congested roads, crowded terminals, and long queues. 

This can be overwhelming, especially for first-time cruisers or those unfamiliar with the port layout.

Many cruisers prefer nearby Port Canaveral for its more relaxed atmosphere and easier navigation, even though it’s often actually busier in terms of cruise ships. However, Miami’s position as a major cruise hub means it often offers a wider variety of itineraries.

To navigate Miami’s bustling cruise port efficiently:

• Arrive early to beat the worst of the crowds
• Use official port shuttles or taxis to avoid parking hassles
• Consider staying at a nearby hotel that offers cruise parking packages

Miami will always be one of the world’s most popular ports for cruise departures but that doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. Do your research on where you need to go before you travel, and don’t leave your arrival to the last minute.

Instead, I recommend arriving a day or two before, and taking advantage of the many things to do in Miami.

6. Galveston, Texas: Time-consuming Texan terminal

Galveston, Texas, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of cruise departures, but it’s a significant port for many Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean itineraries. 

Unfortunately, it’s also gained a reputation as one of the worst cruise ports in the US, primarily due to its notoriously long boarding times.

Many cruisers report that the embarkation process in Galveston can take upwards of three hours, significantly longer than at other major ports. This extended wait time can be attributed to several factors, including limited terminal space, inefficient processing systems, and occasional staff shortages.

The port’s location on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway can also lead to traffic congestion, particularly on busy cruise days. This can further extend travel times and add to the stress of embarkation.

While the long wait times can be frustrating, Galveston does offer some unique charms. The historic downtown area is worth exploring if you have time before or after your cruise, and the laid-back Texas atmosphere can be a pleasant start or end to your vacation.

7. New Orleans: The Big Easy’s not-so-easy port

New Orleans, famous for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere, unfortunately doesn’t always live up to its “Big Easy” nickname when it comes to its cruise port.

Many cruisers describe the experience as more akin to a crowded bus terminal than a gateway to a luxurious vacation.

The main issues at the New Orleans cruise port revolve around congestion and organisation. The terminal can feel cramped and overcrowded, especially during peak times when multiple ships are in port. 

This congestion can lead to long queues for check-in, security, and boarding, testing the patience of even the most easy-going travellers.

Organisation is another pain point, with some passengers reporting confusion about where to go and what to do. This can be particularly challenging for first-time cruisers or those unfamiliar with the port layout.

Having said that, the opportunity to spend time in this culturally rich city before or after your cruise can add significant value to your overall vacation experience.

Final word

While these seven ports may present challenges, it’s important to remember that with proper preparation and a positive attitude, you can still have a fantastic cruise experience. 

The key takeaways for dealing with these challenging US cruise ports are:

1. Plan ahead: Research your departure port and arrive prepared for potential issues.
2. Allow extra time: Whether it’s for traffic, long queues, or confusing layouts, extra time can reduce stress significantly.
3. Pack smart: Keep essential documents easily accessible and consider a small carry-on with entertainment and snacks for long waits.
4. Stay positive: Remember, once you’re on board, the cruise experience itself often makes up for any embarkation hassles.
5. Consider pre-cruise stays: Arriving a day early can eliminate much of the day-of travel stress.

By understanding what to expect at these ports and preparing accordingly, you can set yourself up for a smoother start to your cruise holiday. 

After all, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your vacation begins the moment you step out of your front door, not just when you board the ship. Happy cruising!

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me