About Transatlantic Cruises

Some veteran cruisers opt for a crossing because they enjoy all the days at sea and because usually these cruises cost less, since they're often light on ports. For example, on a repositioning cruise, a ship may depart Miami, cross the Atlantic Ocean, and visit a port in Portugal and one in Spain before settling into a new itinerary in another region.

If you get seasick or prefer to be in port every day, a transatlantic crossing probably isn't going to be your best choice. The open seas can get pretty bumpy and, depending on the number of sea days in a row, you may tire of the slower pace.

Don't worry that you'll be bored during days at sea. Ships provide lectures, shows, casinos, cooking and dancing lessons, as many as seven meals a day, Internet centers, nightclubs, movies, music, libraries, putting greens, table tennis and extensive spas and health centers.

If a five-day crossing on a Cunard ship out of New York is your choice of transportation to and/or from Europe, you'll avoid airport chaos and enjoy good food and entertainment and still have time to work (if you choose) during the days before you reach Europe. These are available nearly year-round.

Know yourself. If you're not a lover of all things nautical, you might opt instead for a Caribbean or European cruise on which you'll be in port daily. If you love cruising the seas of the world, sit back on your private verandah, have a cold drink and stare into the horizon.