Transatlantic
Transatlantic Cruise Adventure
Crossing the Atlantic once in a lifetime aboard a majestic ocean liner is a truly special experience – even for well-traveled globetrotters. Today, retracing the route of former emigrants from Hamburg via Southampton to New York is much faster and more comfortable. Still, nothing compares to the goosebump-inducing moment when, after ten days at sea, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline appear on the horizon.
A transatlantic cruise with Queen Mary 2 or another vessel from the Cunard Line fleet offers more than just an ocean crossing: it's about slowing down, being inspired, and enjoying the magnificent feeling of sailing across the second-largest ocean on Earth – just like Christopher Columbus once did.
Want to experience this for yourself? Take a closer look at our transatlantic cruise offers and be inspired by the tips and stories from our guests.
The Best Transatlantic Cruise Routes
Whether you choose a classic transatlantic voyage from Europe to America or prefer to cross the "big pond" in the other direction after a city trip to New York or a USA road trip, it’s all a matter of personal taste. Each of our transatlantic cruises has its unique charm – and perhaps you'll even want to experience both directions aboard a luxury cruise ship.
If you're setting out westbound from Hamburg, arriving in New York is a grand finale to your crossing. You’ll reach your destination relaxed and enriched by peaceful, inspiring days at sea aboard a unique luxury liner. With no jet lag to worry about, you can jump straight into exploring the city that never sleeps and fly home afterward.
Of course, you can also begin your transatlantic cruise with Queen Mary 2 in New York and end your American journey with comfort, first-class cuisine, and impeccable service in an elegant setting. Bonus: You can shop to your heart's content in the USA, as there are no airline weight restrictions when sailing back to good old Europe.
Which Transatlantic Cruise Route Is Right for You?
Whether you plan to use a transatlantic cruise as the start or end of your city trip, road trip, or RV adventure in North America is a highly personal choice. We've already shared some helpful pointers in the section above. If you’d like to relive the historic route from the Old World to the New in an authentic setting, we recommend looking for voyages from Hamburg or Southampton to New York.
Want to arrive in the U.S. as quickly as possible and wrap up your return journey with a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Then we recommend an eastbound transatlantic passage from New York. Peaceful days at sea with luxury and comfort are the perfect way to bring your U.S. adventure to a relaxed and stylish close – and ease back into everyday life, completely jet lag–free.
What Makes the Historic Route Aboard Queen Mary 2 So Special
Did you know that Cunard Line pioneered transatlantic crossings? When Samuel Cunard, founder of the legendary cruise line, launched the first chapter of modern cruise history in 1840, he likely never imagined that nearly 200 years later, transatlantic cruises with Cunard ships would still be considered legendary dream voyages.
Today, while the land of opportunity is easily and affordably accessible from any major German airport, a transatlantic flight offers little of the charm and grandeur of a luxury sea journey aboard one of Cunard’s majestic liners.
If you're looking to combine the relaxed travel spirit of the 19th century with the luxury and comfort of the 21st, a Cunard Line cruise ship is your perfect match.
Transatlantic Cruise vs. Flight – What You Should Know
A transatlantic voyage by cruise ship still takes time. While the very first Cunard ocean liner took 18 days to cross the Atlantic in 1840, today’s ships make the passage in just 9 or 10 days. So yes – for a trip to the Big Apple or a USA road trip, you’ll need more time than you would flying. If you're short on time and want to pack in as many highlights as possible, a classic flight might be more practical.
However, if you have at least two, ideally three or more weeks off, and your motto is “the journey is the destination,” then treat yourself to a luxury transatlantic cruise at least once in your life.
With the right amount of time and a spirit of discovery, you'll enjoy each day on the open sea – and disembark feeling refreshed and enriched, with a hint of longing for the voyage to continue.
Our Tip
Some of our guests book both their outbound and return journey to America as cruises. If you're flexible and prefer not to fly, it’s worth checking for affordable transatlantic cruise deals in both directions. Off-season or winter voyages can often be surprisingly budget-friendly.
Unforgettable Days on a Transatlantic Cruise
Worried the time at sea might get dull? That’s a common concern among cruise newcomers and travelers familiar with more excursion-heavy routes like the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or Norway.
Even without shore excursions, you certainly won’t be bored during your Atlantic crossing with Cunard Line. Your voyage includes:
Cultural events
Inspiring lectures by renowned experts
Themed workshops
Stargazing
Sports and fitness
Spa and wellness
Ballroom dance evenings
Theater performances
Live concerts
Multiple restaurants and bars
Each day aboard your ship becomes a unique and enriching experience. As you sail closer to your destination, you'll shape your days to suit your pace and preferences – cultured, relaxing, and unforgettable.
Everything is possible, nothing is required aboard Cunard’s luxury liners:
If you need peace and quiet, retreat to the ship’s library or your spacious, comfortable cabin or suite. Or take a walk on deck, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket on a deck chair, and enjoy the endless views of the open Atlantic. Goosebumps guaranteed!
On our transatlantic cruises, you’ll experience a journey that leaves you deeply relaxed and full of new impressions. Once you reach the shores of the New World, the time may feel like it has flown by – yet each moment will stay with you, as vivid and meaningful as life’s most treasured memories.
Guest Experiences Aboard a Transatlantic Cruise with Queen Mary 2
Holger and Marie (both 45, from Düsseldorf)
We had only ever flown to New York before, but this time we wanted to do it differently. Disconnect from everyday life and arrive relaxed and jet lag–free – that was the plan. Queen Mary 2 appealed to us because it isn’t just another cruise ship. Our first-ever cruise was a transatlantic crossing from Hamburg, and we were thrilled. Following the emigrants’ route from Europe to America gave it something extra.
Long story short: Our expectations were exceeded by far. Getting to know the ship and its elegant British charm more and more each day was a joy. From the gym and spa to dance classes and wine seminars – there was so much to do, we could have easily stayed longer.
Our spacious balcony suite was the perfect retreat after all the activities and evening events. Great food, great entertainment, and we’ve never arrived in New York this refreshed: would do it again in a heartbeat!
Ingrid (77 years old)
“I thought to myself: If not now, when?” I spotted the cruise ad in the paper and was intrigued. I wasn’t sure whether a transatlantic cruise would suit a senior traveler. I had done educational tours and Mediterranean cruises with my late husband, but we never made it to America.
A kind agent eased my concerns, and soon enough, I was standing at the port in Hamburg watching the stunning ship come in. I was about to spend a week aboard Queen Mary 2 and arrive in New York in style.
From the moment I stepped on board, I could tell this would be unlike any other cruise. Very refined, very British. The attentive staff, the exquisite cuisine, and the elegant atmosphere took me back to the golden age of ocean travel.
I enjoyed the lectures, delicious meals, and evening entertainment, and treated myself to English tea time with scones every day. I even did my daily walk on the top deck – rain or shine.
My personal highlights? Departing from Hamburg, the soothing sound of the Atlantic, and arriving in New York at dawn. Waking up early for that moment was worth it.
My advice: For active seniors, transatlantic cruises are perfectly doable. Without daily shore excursions, you have time to fully appreciate the luxury and charm of this style of travel. The organized excursions in New York afterward were also very well run and easy to manage. Everything was perfect.
Patrick and Jana (both 36) with Jonas (6) and Lea (4)
We were invited to a wedding in the U.S. and wanted to take one last big trip before Jonas started school. We stumbled upon a reasonably priced family-friendly transatlantic cruise that matched our dates perfectly. When we boarded, we were a bit nervous – everything felt so elegant and proper. Would we really be comfortable here with our kids?
Our modern, spacious family suite was a great start. “I could live here,” said Jonas. Everything is exciting for kids on a big ship. The children’s area was cheerful and age-appropriate, and the crew was very welcoming. Even though there weren’t many other preschoolers on board, we felt completely at home.
Sure, we sometimes felt a bit underdressed. The atmosphere aboard Queen Mary 2 is upscale, and that includes the guests’ appearance. But overall, it was a relaxed, varied voyage across the Atlantic that we’ll never forget. The vast ocean, the special way of arriving at one of our top destinations – it made the journey unforgettable.
Best Time for a Transatlantic Cruise
The best conditions for a transatlantic cruise in the Northern Hemisphere are during the summer months. Long days and good weather make it likely you’ll enjoy the sun deck. In fall and winter, it can get rough and stormy up on deck. But if you want to combine your crossing with Christmas shopping or New Year’s in New York, you may find surprisingly affordable cruise deals during the colder seasons.