I went into my first transatlantic cruise with basic expectations: lots of sea days, some time to relax, and maybe a few interesting ports. What I didn’t realize was how different this type of cruise is from the usual week-long Caribbean sailing — and how easy it is to make avoidable mistakes.
From booking mistakes that cost me hundreds to packing regrets I’m still cringing over, I learned fast that crossing the Atlantic isn’t like your typical island-hopping getaway. It’s slower, deeper, and in some ways, more rewarding — if you plan it right.
I made a few rookie errors that turned magical moments into minor disasters. So if you’re dreaming of that ocean crossing, here’s everything I wish I’d known before I ever stepped on board.
I Booked a Year Out—and Regretted It Immensely
Booking your transatlantic cruise too early might seem smart—but it could be a costly mistake. Unlike mainstream itineraries, these sailings often don’t sell out fast, and the best deals usually show up later.
Cruise lines roll out juicy perks like onboard credit, upgrades, or major price drops just months before departure to fill cabins. Hold off—and you could score serious savings without compromising your cabin choice.
One cruiser lamented, “I booked a year in advance, only to find my cabin type discounted with extras six months out!” To avoid this, aim to book around six to nine months before departure to balance perks and availability. Also, track promotions and consider a refundable deposit to stay flexible if better deals pop up.
An exception to this rule is when booking a Cunard transatlantic crossing. Cunard’s iconic sailings, especially on the Queen Mary 2, tend to fill up quickly. For these sailings, experienced cruisers advise booking early to secure your preferred cabin.
Seasickness Hit Hard—And I Wasn’t Ready
Think the Atlantic will be as smooth as your typical island hop? Think again. Transatlantic cruises often face moody seas and unpredictable weather—especially in spring and fall. Many first-timers regret not packing motion sickness meds when the waves roll in. Be ready, or you could miss out on half your cruise experience.
Suppose you’re prone to motion sickness and fear of experiencing discomfort during the voyage. In that case, book a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck where the ship is more stable.
One cruiser advised, “Think of the ship as a lever with the most stable point in the middle. Hang out there as much as possible.” Another experienced cruiser said, “Atlantic crossings hit waves on the first few days on the open ocean, but things usually calm down after. But I’d advise you to avoid spending time at the front of the boat.”
I Forgot One Thing—and Paid Triple for It Onboard
Forget a few essentials, and your wallet will feel it. On transatlantic cruises, there’s no quick stop at a pharmacy—and cruise ship shops charge eye-watering prices for basics like sunscreen, painkillers, and toothpaste. One small oversight can cost you triple. Pack smart, or pay big.
One cruiser recalled, “I forgot my sunscreen and ended up paying three times the price for a smaller bottle.” To avoid this scenario, ensure your luggage is well-stocked with everything from sunscreen and pain relievers to toothpaste and personal hygiene products.
Remember, don’t underestimate the little things—travel-size items can add up, especially when prices are inflated onboard prices and extortionate cruise ship mark-ups.
The Onboard Dining Mistake That Left Me With No Options
Think you can wait until you’re onboard to book dinner? Think again. On transatlantic cruises, those long sea days make specialty restaurants the hottest tickets on the ship—and they fill up fast.
One cruiser shared, “I waited until we boarded the QE2 to book Royal Afternoon Tea at the Queen’s Grill, but it was fully booked for the entire trip.” Experienced cruisers usually make dining reservations when booking the cruise.
Whether it’s the chef’s table, a seafood night, or a unique dining experience, securing those spots early will guarantee you enjoy the best flavors onboard.
Don’t Let Your Cruise End in a Frantic Dash
With transatlantic cruises, the journey doesn’t have to end when the ship docks. Don’t make the mistake of rushing to the airport—extend your stay and explore the final port city. You’ve crossed the ocean—why not squeeze in a few more unforgettable moments before heading home?
One seasoned cruiser said, “We added two days in Rome after our cruise, and it was the perfect way to transition back.” Consider extending your stay by a night or two at your final port—whether it’s exploring a new city or simply unwinding before the flight home. It’s the perfect end to your adventure.
A word of advice? Plan to arrive at the embarkation port at least a day early. That way, you avoid flight delays and missing the ship’s departure.
I Came for the Itinerary—But Stayed for the People
I thought I was signing up for scenic sea days and bucket-list ports—but what truly made my transatlantic cruise unforgettable were the people I met along the way.
With so much time at sea, there’s a rare chance to form real connections—whether it’s a new trivia buddy, a dinner companion who becomes a lifelong friend, or a fellow traveler who shares your sense of adventure.
One cruiser put it perfectly: “Some of my closest travel friends are people I met on transatlantic cruises. Those long sea days really bring people together.” So, be open—join a trivia game, hit up a group excursion, or share a drink at the bar. These friendships can turn your trip into something unforgettable.
Winging It on Port Day? Bad Idea
Winging it on port day? That’s one of the easiest ways to waste a rare and unforgettable stop on a transatlantic cruise. While you won’t be hopping from beach to beach like in the Caribbean, these sailings often begin or end in places packed with history, charm, and once-in-a-lifetime sights.
From storybook European towns to the sun-drenched Greek Islands, every port on your transatlantic cruise is a chance to turn a stop into a standout memory—if you plan it right. Don’t risk wandering aimlessly while others are uncovering hidden gems, charming alleys, or iconic ruins you didn’t even know you were missing.
One cruiser shared, “We thought we’d wing the shore excursion in Lisbon. But we missed out on visiting Sintra, which we heard is spectacular. Instead, we ended up wandering without really seeing much.”
Don’t make the same mistake—research the top sights, book must-do excursions and sketch out a loose itinerary.
Don’t Assume Your Cruise Will Go Exactly as Planned
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your transatlantic cruise will be all sunshine and smooth seas. With so many days at sea, surprises are bound to happen—whether it’s a sudden itinerary change, wild weather, or onboard emergencies. Plan for the unexpected, and you’ll be ready for anything the Atlantic throws your way.
The risk of unforeseen events in the open seas is a compelling reason to have cruise insurance.
Here are some of the most uncommon things on a cruise I read on one popular cruise forum:
- Rescuing refugees at sea
- Fire in the incinerator room
- Catching a dead whale in the bow
- Medical emergencies
I Packed Like It Was the Caribbean (Big Mistake)
Don’t let the Atlantic catch you off guard—packing for a transatlantic cruise means dressing for two seasons in one trip. These repositioning cruises often start warm and end chilly (or vice versa), and those crisp ocean winds? They’ll sneak up on you, even on sunny days.
A first-time cruiser on an Atlantic crossing confessed, “I thought I’d packed enough layers, but I ended up spending a small fortune in the cruise ship shop on extra sweaters and hoodies.”
To avoid packing too much bulky clothing or not enough, pack strategically. In my experience, packing layers is essential. Think of a warm jacket and versatile items of clothing that work when it’s sunny or chilly. It’s all about being prepared for whatever the Atlantic—and those unpredictable ports—might throw your way.
The Cabin Mistake I’ll Never Make Again
Leaving your cabin choice to chance on a transatlantic cruise? Big mistake. With many days at sea and few ports, that cabin becomes your private haven.
Pick the wrong cabin, and you’re stuck with noisy spots near the elevators or obstructed ocean views. Trust me—nothing kills the cruise experience like the constant shuffle of passengers outside your door.
One cruiser put it perfectly: “I figured any cabin would do—until I was sandwiched between the kids’ club and the galley.” Avoid the gamble by researching cabin locations before booking. Look for midship rooms for stability or splash out on a balcony to savor those endless Atlantic views. You’ll thank yourself every morning.
Avoid a “guarantee cabin” when booking. The deal may seem sweeter, but you could end up in a less desirable part of the ship. Remember, the ship’s forward and aft are most prone to movement—something to think about when mid-Atlantic in rough seas.
The Free Cruise Classes I Wish I’d Joined Sooner
Don’t let those sea days slip by—transatlantic cruises are a goldmine for once-in-a-lifetime onboard experiences.
With 10 to 12 days at sea, you’ve got the perfect window to dive into something new—whether it’s mastering mixology, learning to dance, or even fencing (yes, fencing!) on the Queen Mary 2. These free or low-cost enrichment classes aren’t just fun—they turn your cruise into an unforgettable personal upgrade.
One traveler shared, “I took a mixology class on my last transatlantic cruise and ended up making a ton of new friends. It really made the cruise special.” So, don’t just lounge by the pool—sign up early for the unique classes that catch your interest. Whether learning to make the perfect cocktail or brushing up on a new skill, these experiences add flavor to your voyage.
Don’t Sit Around the Whole Time—Seriously
Think you’ll be lounging nonstop on your transatlantic cruise? Think again. Seasoned cruisers know the secret: staying active is the key to feeling energized, sharp, and ready for every adventure onboard.
Skip the sluggish sea-day slump—and those sneaky extra pounds—by weaving in fun workouts, walks on deck, or dance classes. Your body (and your future photos) will thank you.
The Expensive Flight Lesson I Learned Too Late
Skip the flight planning, and your dream transatlantic cruise could turn into a pricey logistical mess. Since most repositioning cruises are one-way, flights can get complicated fast—and expensive.
Wait too long, and you could be stuck with sky-high fares or painful layovers that drain the joy from your trip. The smartest cruisers lock in flights early to save money, avoid stress, and keep the adventure smooth from port to plane.
One traveler shared, “I booked my cruise only to realize flights back home were either sold out or insanely expensive. Ultimately, my flights were the same price as the cruise ticket.” Unlike cruise promotions, airfare price drops are rare closer to departure.
Consider flying to cheaper, nearby airports. One experienced cruiser couple shared, “We saved a ton by flying into Orlando instead of Miami for our repositioning cruise. We spent a day at Orlando Universal Studios, traveled to Fort Lauderdale the next day, and sailed the day after. What an adventure.”
Don’t Expect the Ship to Entertain You All Day
Don’t make the rookie mistake of counting on the ship to keep you entertained the whole way. On transatlantic cruises with long stretches at sea, even the most packed activity schedule can start to feel stale by day five.
Smart cruisers come prepared—with books, movies, puzzles, and playlists—so every quiet moment feels like a win, not a drag. Bring your own fun, and you’ll turn downtime into some of your favorite cruise memories.
It’s a myth that transatlantic sailings are boring, and cruisers feel trapped. In my experience, it’s all down to planning. So, avoid what one cruiser shared, “I thought the ship’s activities would keep me busy, but how I wish I’d brought more options to stay entertained.”
My must-haves onboard include my Kindle, a tablet loaded with movies, and a sketchbook for doodling.
Transatlantic Cruise Q&A: What I Didn’t Know (But Really Should Have)
Here are the questions I wish someone had answered before my first transatlantic cruise—so you don’t learn the hard way like I did.
How can I plan shore excursions wisely on a transatlantic cruise?
Transatlantic itineraries often include unique, off-the-beaten-path ports that reward good planning. If you don’t have a strategy, you could overspend on tours—or worse, miss unforgettable experiences.
Weigh the pros and cons of ship-organized excursions versus exploring independently. Sometimes DIY adventures offer more freedom and better value, but in remote or unfamiliar areas, the convenience and reliability of a ship tour can be worth it.
How do I avoid blowing my budget on a transatlantic cruise?
With fewer port stops, you’ll likely spend more onboard—think drinks, specialty dining, and spa days. One cruiser admitted, “I went all-in on dinners and cocktails. I nearly fainted when I saw the bill.”
To stay in control, set a budget before you sail. Pre-purchase drink packages, limit spa visits, and track your spending throughout the trip so you can enjoy a few indulgences without guilt or surprises.
Which side of the ship should I book for the best views on a transatlantic cruise?
It depends on your direction of travel.
- Eastbound (North America to Europe): Book a starboard cabin to catch the most sun.
- Westbound (Europe to North America): Go with a port side cabin for maximum daylight.
More sun means warmer balcony time, better ocean views, and golden hour photo ops.
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