9 Mistakes To Avoid On A Transatlantic Cruise

My recent transatlantic cruise reminded me just how different these sailings can be. With several sea days in a row and a one-way itinerary, they need a little more planning than your average cruise.

Transatlantic cruises are usually repositioning cruises, with ships crossing between Europe and the Americas in spring and autumn. They can offer fantastic value and plenty of time to relax at sea, but there are a few mistakes that can make the experience less enjoyable.

Here are nine things to avoid on a transatlantic cruise.

1. Don’t Assume Booking Early Is Always Best

When it comes to transatlantic cruises, booking as early as possible doesn’t always guarantee the best price.

Repositioning cruises can sometimes offer excellent late deals, particularly if the cruise line still has plenty of cabins to fill. However, waiting comes with a risk, especially if you want a particular cabin type or sailing.

I prefer to keep an eye on prices and book when I see a deal I’m happy with rather than holding out for a last-minute bargain that might never appear.

And remember to check flight prices before you book. A cheap cruise isn’t such a bargain if getting to or from the ship costs a fortune.

Suggested read: How Late Can You Book A Last Minute Cruise?

2. Avoid Neglecting Flight Arrangements

While you might score an amazing deal on your repositioning cruise, don’t forget about the other crucial component of your journey – flights. Remember, these cruises are one-way trips, which means you’ll need to arrange transportation to your departure port and from your final destination.

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is booking their cruise without checking flight availability and costs. You might save a bundle on your cruise fare, only to find that flights to or from your ports are exorbitantly priced.

Sometimes, the one-way flight can cost more than the cruise, so it’s vital to look at airfare prices before you book your cruise ticket.

If possible, be flexible with your travel dates to find the best combination of cruise and flight prices. You should also check out alternative airports. For example, my cruise arrives at Miami, but it’s much cheaper to hire a car, drive to Orlando, and fly home from there.

3. Don’t Leave Your Cabin Choice to Chance

On a repositioning cruise, where you might spend up to two weeks or more at sea, your cabin choice becomes even more crucial than on a shorter voyage. 

While it might be tempting to opt for a guaranteed cabin assignment to save money, this strategy can backfire on longer journeys.

Consider your personal preferences and needs carefully:

• Prone to seasickness? An inside cabin might exacerbate this issue.
• Love watching the ocean? A balcony cabin could be worth the splurge for those long sea days.
• Sensitive to noise? Avoid cabins near lifts and stairwells, or underneath the pool deck.

Remember, your cabin is a home away from home. Balancing comfort with cost is key. 

4. Don’t Forget to Pack Essential Items

Packing for a transatlantic cruise requires more thought than for a typical holiday. With extended time at sea and visits to various climates, you’ll need a diverse wardrobe and plenty of essentials.

One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make is forgetting crucial items and relying on onboard shops to fill the gaps. These shops often charge premium prices for basic necessities.

Make a comprehensive packing list well in advance, including items like:

• Medications (including seasickness remedies)
• Toiletries (razors, tampons, deodorant, sunscreen)
• Appropriate clothing for various climates and activities
• Entertainment items (books, e-readers, tablets)
• Power adapters and chargers

Don’t forget to pack some formal wear if your cruise line has dress codes for certain evenings.

And remember, while it’s important to be prepared, try not to overpack – you’ll want some room in your luggage for souvenirs!

Suggested read: 16 Things Pro Cruisers Pack That You Won’t Have Thought Of

5. Don’t Underestimate the Value of Good Entertainment

Repositioning cruises often involve multiple consecutive sea days, which means you’ll have ample time to relax and enjoy onboard activities. However, even the most extensive cruise ship entertainment programmes can feel repetitive after a week or two.

One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make is not bringing enough personal entertainment options. While ships usually have libraries, their selections can be limited.

Bring along several books or load up your e-reader with a variety of titles. Consider downloading movies, TV shows, or podcasts to your tablet or laptop for those quiet afternoons in your cabin.

If you have a hobby, like knitting or sketching, pack the necessary supplies. And bringing a card game like Uno is always a good idea.

These activities can be perfect for sea days, and can even help you connect with other passengers who share your interests.

Suggested read: 14 Best Games to Bring on a Cruise

6. Avoid Isolating Yourself from Fellow Passengers

Speaking of connecting with others, one of the unique aspects of repositioning cruises is the opportunity to form lasting friendships with fellow travellers. With extended time at sea and a more relaxed pace, these cruises foster a sense of community that’s harder to achieve on shorter voyages.

Don’t make the mistake of keeping to yourself throughout the journey. Engage in onboard activities like trivia games, dance classes or wine tastings. These events are great ice-breakers and can lead to enjoyable social interactions.

Consider opting for open seating at meals or joining a large table in the main dining room. This can be an excellent way to meet new people and share experiences.

Remember, many of your fellow passengers are likely to be experienced cruisers with fascinating stories to share.

7. Don’t Dismiss Onboard Activities and Classes

Repositioning cruises often feature unique enrichment programmes and activities that you might not find on standard itineraries.

These can include language lessons, cooking demonstrations, art classes, or lectures on the history and culture of your upcoming ports of call.

A common mistake is to overlook these offerings, assuming they’re not worth your time. However, these activities can add tremendous value to your cruise experience.

They’re excellent opportunities to learn new skills, explore different interests and prepare for your port visits.

Many cruise lines bring guest lecturers or experts in various fields for these longer voyages. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain insights from professionals in areas like astronomy, marine biology or world history.

Suggested read: 69 Fun Things To Do On A Cruise Ship

8. Don’t Neglect Port Day Planning

While repositioning cruises are known for their extended sea days, they often include visits to less-frequented ports. It’s a mistake to arrive at these destinations without any plan or knowledge of what to see and do.

Research your port stops well in advance. These might include less touristy locations that require more planning to make the most of your visit. Look into the local attractions, cultural sites, and experiences that align with your interests.

Consider whether you want to book organised shore excursions through the cruise line or explore independently. If you choose the latter, ensure you’re aware of the ship’s all-aboard time and plan to return promptly.

Remember, some repositioning cruises include overnight stays in certain ports. These extended stops offer a chance to experience the nightlife or dine at local restaurants, so plan accordingly.

9. Don’t Fly Straight Home

Consider adding a few days at the beginning or end of your cruise to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city more thoroughly.

Arriving early also gives you a buffer against flight delays before the cruise, while staying afterwards means you don’t have to rush straight from the ship to the airport. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to turn your transatlantic cruise into a longer holiday.

The Bottom Line

Transatlantic cruises can be fantastic value, but the long stretches at sea and one-way itineraries mean they’re worth planning a little differently from a typical cruise.

Sort your flights carefully, choose a cabin you’ll be comfortable in and come prepared for those consecutive sea days. Get those things right, and crossing the Atlantic can be one of the most relaxing ways to cruise.

Related Posts:

• How Long Is A Transatlantic Cruise?
• The Things You Can & Can’t Take On A Cruise Ship
• How To Upgrade Your Cruise Cabin After Purchase
• The 12 Biggest Sea Day Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)