Have you ever considered taking a transatlantic cruise? The fall is an excellent time to take one of these exciting sea voyages. Seasoned cruise passengers refer to the trip as “doing a crossing” – crossing the ocean that connects the new and old worlds, and making connections yourself along the way. The cruise ship serves a dual purpose. It is transportation, taking you from one exotic destination to another. But during the trip, it also serves as recreation. Good cruise lines offer a startling array of entertainment, social opportunities, and indulgences to keep passengers busy and happy in between ports of call.
Transatlantic cruises typically depart from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or New York. These cruises usually take place in October and November sailing from Europe to the U.S., and then again in April and May for cruises from the U.S. to Europe.
If you’re considering taking a transatlantic cruise, here are some of the best cruise lines to consider.
- Cunard Cruises. This company offers seven and 14-day cruises departing from either New York or Southampton, England, and longer cruises featuring ports of call in New England and Canada. While you’re en route, you’ll enjoy the many amenities on the Queen Mary 2. The ship boasts a planetarium, a spa, a ball room, and sports desks, fitness centers, and pools. Voyagers will also have the opportunity to enjoy lectures, art programs, plays, and readings. This exciting cruise will allow you to relax and be entertained while traveling and exploring the world. This is an excellent cruise option for couples and singles.
- Disney Magic. Disney Cruise Lines offers a 14 night cruise aboard their ship Disney Magic. This cruise departs from Galveston, Texas, and heads for Barcelona, Spain. Along the way, you’ll make several stops at thrilling locales: Castaway Cay in the Bahamas; Funchal, Portugal; and Gibraltar are all on the itinerary. While you’re at sea, you’ll enjoy movies, original Disney musicals, deck parties, fireworks, and much more. If you have children, this is a fantastic cruise to take with the family. Kids will love interacting with Disney characters, and the unique Disney atmosphere is nothing if not family friendly.
- Holland America Cruises. This cruise line offers passengers several options. They have larger vessels geared towards families, and smaller ships for seasoned cruise goers looking for a more intimate experience. They offer cruises of varying lengths to different destinations. Their 21-day Passage to the New World Collectors’ Voyage departs from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and has ports of call in selected cities in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The ship has lounges, nightclubs, a stellar library, themed bars, and boasts an impressive display of artwork.
Other cruise lines with Transatlantic voyages this fall & Spring 2013 including NCL, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. You have many choices available to you if you’re in the market for a transatlantic cruise, and with a little research, you should have no trouble finding the one that best suits your needs your needs and desires. A transatlantic cruise is an exhilarating experience, and you can usually get a great buy, so it’s worth looking into to.
