Register | Forgot Password? | Customer Service

During the golden era of cruising in the 1950s, there were more than 70 passenger ships plying trans-Atlantic routes, excluding the legendary SS France and Queen Elizabeth 2, both of which didn’t appear until the next decade. Back then, taking a luxury liner across the pond was literally the only way to cross from both a practical and social perspective.

But the growing popularity of airplanes began to take its toll, and for the first time ever more people crossed the Atlantic by air than by sea in 1958.  Over the next several years the passenger drain continued, and by 1965 most passenger lines had withdrawn from ocean-going transportation to focus on destination cruising.

However, over the past decade there has been a resurgence of interest in crossing the Atlantic by ship. And while the route will never return to its glory days of the 1950s, it is becoming an increasingly popular option for people who want to cross the Atlantic in style for a lot less hassle and money than anything approaching comparable comfort would cost on an aircraft.

The reason for the resurgence is five-fold.

First, Europe has become a more popular destination for North Americans over the last 10 years. In fact, the number of bed days available on cruise ships in the region has almost tripled over that period from just 10,000 in 2000 to more than 26,000 in 2009. And while these beds are not filled exclusively by North Americans, they do use the vast majority of cabins.

Second, all these North Americans have to get to and from Europe. They used to take airplanes without a second thought. But with limits on luggage, restrictions on carry-on items, long line-ups at airport security, cut-backs in flight frequency, grumpy check-in agents and escalating prices, flying is no longer the pleasure it used to be. And since cruise ships offer a variety of departure and arrival ports in both continents, it’s certainly a viable option, especially for a one-way trip.

Third, with so many North American-based ships spending summers in Europe, there is a tremendous amount of trans-Atlantic cabin inventory available each spring and fall as they cross the ocean to begin their next season. As a result, fares on these trans-Atlantic voyages offer fantastic value – sometimes starting as low as $900 for an 18-day cruise. Compare that price and comfort (a cabin with bed, meals, and entertainment) to the cost and amenities aboard an aircraft where you have to pay extra for food and earphones to hear the movie!

Fourth, the cruise lines have gotten a lot smarter about how to structure a more appealing trans-Atlantic itinerary. In the old days they would offer a seven to 10-day crossing that called at one or two ports. Now, many of them stretch the itinerary by another week and include half a dozen Mediterranean ports before the ship sails across the ocean.

And fifth, some cruise lines are now offering incredible incentives for people who book back to-back trans-Atlantic and European cruises. These incentives can include discounted pricing, onboard credits, and free airfare one way.

Of course, if you want to sail across the Atlantic outside of the main cruise ship repositioning seasons in the spring and fall, Cunard Line provides regular weekly service aboard the QM2 from April until November. Fares start at less than US$1,000 for a six-day voyage, and the ship sails between conveniently located ports in New York and Southampton.   

So the next time you decide to visit Europe and have the luxury of time, check what’s available in trans-Atlantic cruises before taking a cramped and crowded aircraft.  It may be one of the most economical and relaxing travel decisions you’ll ever make.

Comments