Transatlantics...highlights & tips...

**Ally** · 08-17-2006, 10:04 AM

Transatlantic cruises could be for you if you like lots of days at sea. Travelling across the Atlantic they may go direct to their destination port or cruise the destination region for a few days. In the main these are repositioning cruises and can offer excellent value for money.

UK to New York

The classic Cunard Southampton to New York or reverse 6 night transatlantic voyages are still available but there are other cruises from Northern Europe to East coast USA or Canada. These cruises may call at ports in Ireland, Iceland and Maritime Canada before arriving at their destination and are mostly ships repositioning for the winter or summer seasons.

To/From the Caribbean

Many cruise ships will be repositioned from Europe to the Caribbean for the winter. Cruises depart from the major European ports and will call at the Canaries, Madeira and/or the Azores before arriving in the Caribbean. Once there they will visit some eastern Caribbean islands before arriving at their destination - quite oftem Miami. These cruises can take two weeks and involve 4/5 day periods at sea. At the end of winter the ships will return to Europe offering cruising on the Eastern Caribbean before the transatlantic segment and often some European ports at the end of the cruise.

To/From South America

A similar repositioning takes place to South America for the northern winter although there are only a few cruises. The route followed by these cruises will take in some Mediterranean ports, then the Canaries and the Cape Verde Islands in the Atlantic before visiting the Brazilian coast and arriving in Rio de Janeiro or Santos. The cruise ships will return in the Spring.

When to go...

The classic transatlantic crossings can take place all year but most are from April to October. Relocation cruises sail in the Spring or Autumn. Weather conditions will depend on the route taken and time of year. It will be warmer if you are travelling southwest rather than crossing the Northern Atlantic.