Transatlantic & Repositioning Voyages
Cross an ocean the slow way, with days of open sea between continents.
Get Crossing QuotesVoyages Between Continents
For many travelers, the best part of a voyage is the open ocean itself: days with no ports, long lunches, lectures, books and a horizon in every direction. Crossings and repositioning voyages offer more of that than any other kind of cruise.
There are two main types. A scheduled crossing is a regular line voyage between two continents. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, an ocean liner built for the North Atlantic, sails between Southampton and New York in about seven nights, with crossings scheduled through 2026 and 2027. A repositioning voyage happens when a ship moves between seasonal regions, such as from Florida to Europe in spring and back in autumn. Repositioning routes may call in Bermuda, the Azores, Madeira or the Canary Islands.
Is a Crossing Right for You?
You will love it if…
You enjoy sea days, reading, lectures, spas and long dinners, and you do not need a new port every day.
Think twice if…
You get restless without ports, are prone to seasickness or are traveling with young children who need constant activity.
Plan the flight
You will need a one-way flight home. Price it before you book, as it is part of the true cost of the trip.
Watch the clock
On an eastbound crossing you lose an hour on several nights; westbound you gain them. Westbound is easier on jet lag.
Pacific and Other One-Way Voyages
Repositioning also happens in the Pacific, as ships move between Alaska, Hawaii, Asia and Australia, and through the Panama Canal between the Caribbean and the West Coast. These voyages can be long and varied, combining sea days with unusual ports. Find current one-way sailings at Repositioning Cruises and Transatlantic Cruise Deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a repositioning cruise?
When a ship moves between seasonal regions — for example from the Caribbean to Europe in spring, or from Alaska to Asia or Australia in autumn — the cruise line sells the one-way voyage. These sailings usually have more sea days and fewer ports than a regular itinerary.
How long does a transatlantic crossing take?
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 crosses between Southampton and New York in about seven nights. Repositioning voyages that stop along the way, such as in Bermuda, the Azores or the Canary Islands, usually take around two weeks.
Why can’t I sail one-way between two US ports?
Under the US Passenger Vessel Services Act, a foreign-flagged ship cannot carry passengers one-way between two US ports unless the voyage calls at a distant foreign port. That is why some one-way itineraries begin or end in Canada or Mexico, or include a longer route.
Will I get seasick on a crossing?
Open-ocean crossings can bring swells, especially in spring and autumn. A midship cabin on a lower deck feels the least motion. Talk to your doctor about remedies before you sail.
Ready to Cross an Ocean?
Tell us your direction, month and how many sea days you would enjoy. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find crossings and repositioning voyages and send free quotes.
Get Crossing Quotes