Are you considering a transatlantic cruise but wondering what makes them unique? We’ve sailed multiple transatlantic voyages, and we’re excited to share our top 10 reasons why transatlantic cruises are truly special. Whether it’s the unbeatable pricing, incredible entertainment, or the deep connections with crew and fellow passengers, these cruises offer a one-of-a-kind experience.
1. Exclusive Special Entertainment 🎭
One of the best aspects of transatlantic cruises is the exclusive entertainment you won’t find on regular itineraries. Cruise lines often bring in world-class performers, such as the famous classical pianist John Paul (JP), who captivated audiences with not only his music but also the history behind each piece.
Another highlight was the crew talent show, where only the most talented crew members made it through auditions. The competition was fierce, and the final performances included singers, dancers, and even a magician who happened to be our assistant waiter! The event was judged by the captain, cruise director, and even a Pinnacle-level guest, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Beyond these, we enjoyed extra shows by the ship’s singers and dancers, as well as a special big band orchestra performance in one of the ship’s nightclub venues. These unique experiences made the journey feel like a floating theater festival!
2. Getting Into a Relaxing Rhythm 
With 8+ consecutive sea days, transatlantic cruises allow you to truly unwind. There’s time for reading (Crystal finished seven books on one voyage!), fitness routines, or simply relaxing by the pool. Unlike fast-paced itineraries packed with port stops, these cruises let you settle into a vacation rhythm and embrace the luxury of time.
3. Enriching Special Activities 
Transatlantic cruises are filled with enrichment opportunities. Some of our favorites included:
Guest lecturers on topics such as stress management and health.
A talk by a writer/producer of famous comedy shows who shared behind-the-scenes stories.
A guest choir, where passengers could practice daily and perform in a final concert.
These activities create an intellectually and culturally stimulating atmosphere that sets transatlantic cruises apart.
4. Unbeatable Cruise Pricing 
If you’re looking for the best value in cruising, transatlantic voyages often offer the lowest cost per day. Here’s a comparison from our recent sailings:
Miami to Amsterdam (12 nights) – Just over $70 per person per day.
Odyssey of the Seas (14 nights) – Around $75 per person per day.
Considering that some of these ships are among the newest and most advanced, the pricing is an incredible deal compared to standard cruises.
5. The Nostalgia of the Ocean Liner Era 
There’s something magical about retracing the routes of historic ocean liners. Transatlantic cruises harken back to a time when this was the only way to cross the ocean. The romance of sailing from one continent to another makes the experience feel like a living piece of history.
6. More Time to Explore Europe 
One major perk of transatlantic cruises is that they position you perfectly for extended travel in Europe. After disembarking:
We stayed in Amsterdam for a few days and celebrated Crystal’s birthday.
This year, we spent two days in Rome before taking a short flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
These post-cruise extensions make for an amazing combination of cruising and land exploration.
7. Maximizing Your Trip with Back-to-Back Cruises 
If you’re already flying across the Atlantic, why not extend your adventure with a back-to-back cruise? Many travelers book a European itinerary before or after their transatlantic voyage, maximizing their time abroad.
Spoiler Alert: We’re planning TWO transatlantic cruises in 2025, and one of them will be a back-to-back for a total of 24 days on Odyssey of the Seas!
8. Building Close Connections with Crew 
Spending two weeks at sea allows for deeper connections with the crew. We got to know:
Our waitstaff and bartenders, especially in the adults-only Solarium.
The captain, who was frequently seen chatting with guests.
Other passengers, creating a real sense of community on board.
Even the crew loves transatlantic crossings, as it marks a transition in their seasonal schedules. This shared excitement makes for interesting conversations and meaningful friendships.
9. Sampling Multiple European Ports 
For those new to European travel, a transatlantic cruise offers a taste of multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. In just two cruises, we’ve visited:
Portugal
France
Spain
Italy
England
The Netherlands
This approach helps you discover places you might want to visit again in-depth.
10. More Dining Options 
With so many sea days, the main dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—far more often than on typical cruises. Some unique offerings included:
Brunch menus on multiple days.
A wider variety of specialty restaurant experiences.
A non-repeating menu, unlike shorter cruises that repeat their meal options.
For food lovers, transatlantic cruises offer a richer and more varied dining experience.
Looking Ahead to More Transatlantic Adventures 
We truly love transatlantic cruises and are thrilled to have two booked for 2025:
April–May: Florida to Europe on Explorer of the Seas
October–November: Europe to the U.S. on Odyssey of the Seas (with a back-to-back!)
We know one of our subscribers is joining us—are you planning a transatlantic cruise? Let us know in the comments, and maybe we can meet up at sea!
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If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our YouTube channel: Cruising with Crystal and Marshall for videos on our past and upcoming adventures.
See you on the high seas! 