Most People Fly Across the Atlantic… But Cruising Could Be a Better Deal

Most people seem to assume flying is the only way to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

If you have the time, cruising offers a completely different experience. If you can find a cheap repositioning cruise or a winter Queen Mary 2 sailing, it can be as cheap as flying.

The Usual Way: Flying Across the Atlantic

Flying across is usually most people’s default for crossing the Atlantic.

It should usually be quick and efficient, with flights between London and New York averaging seven to eight hours.

You can pick from dozens of airlines and daily departures from many different airports.

The Alternative: Cruising Across the Atlantic

Many cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises, but often only in spring and late autumn when ships reposition between Europe and the Caribbean.

These are known as repositioning cruises, and offer real value for money.

Although you will be at sea for days on end, with few, if any port stops, they are a great way of relaxing, exploring the ship and using all the facilities she has to offer, sometimes at a fraction of the cost.

Find out more about repostitioning cruises here:

You Need To Take a Repositioning Cruise – Here’s Some Huge Reasons Why

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the exception to the rule. She sails transatlantic year-round, purpose-built for the crossing.

A voyage across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 typically takes eight nights.

Queen Mary 2 is the last Ocean Liner at sea, and a trip on her is an unforgettable experience.

The Cost Comparison

In some cases, a cheap inside cabin can cost about the same as an economy flight, or even less.

Unlike a flight, a cruise includes accommodation, meals, and entertainment for an entire week, or sometimes even longer.

Last Minute Examples:

In October 2025, an 11-night repositioning cruise onboard Norwegian Prima is being offered from £603 ($810) for an inside cabin. She is sailing from Southampton to New York via Ireland and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in Canada.

A one-way flight to New York with Virgin Atlantic, departing on the same date, costs from £615. ($826) With British Airways, it’s £577($755).

I know which one I would rather take!

Of course, you will need to find your way back again, but you could take this cruise as part of a longer journey, exploring the USA before sailing or flying home again.

Have a look at my ship tour of the Norwegian Prima in the video below. She is a lovely ship with great food and plenty of entertainment onboard.

If you would prefer a trip on the last Ocean Liner at sea, last-minute winter sailings in November 2025 start from £599 ($805), which works out at just £75 /$100 a night.

*Of course, the prices shown are only examples. Cruise fares, as well as airline fares, change frequently.

Why Doesn’t Everyone Do It?

The biggest drawback is time. A flight takes 8 hours, a cruise takes 7 days or more. Unless you are retired or work remotely, you probably won’t have the time available.

Even if you can work remotely, you can never rely on cruise ship internet. Mostly, it is fine, but it can’t be guaranteed – and of course, Wi-Fi will come at an additional cost.

Cruises don’t run as frequently as flights, so careful planning is needed to fit a repositioning cruise into your schedule.

You have to consider the weather. The cheapest scheduled weekly transatlantic crossings on Queen Mary 2 are usually in the winter.

The crossing may be rough, as I found out when I took a cheap crossing in January. I still had a wonderful trip, but as I get seasick, it wasn’t ideal for me. I am sure a summer crossing would have been far better.

Take a look at that memorable trip here:

The Benefits of Cruising Instead of Flying

You get a lot within your cruise fare. Accommodation, dining, and entertainment are all covered.

It is far more relaxing with no airport stress. Security and check-in at a cruise terminal is far easier than going through an airport. You can take more luggage too!

Many people have a fear of flying. They either avoid travelling or spend the whole time feeling anxious and stressed when they are at the airport or in the air. For them, this would be perfect.

Jet lag is easier to handle too. I had no jet lag at all when I sailed from New York to Southampton. At twelve noon on most days, the clocks went forward by an hour. I didn’t even notice the time changes.

Find out how that worked here:

My Cruise Skipped 12pm–1pm Most Days: Here’s Why

If you choose a transatlantic crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, you will experience something unique.

You travel on a classic Ocean Liner, as opposed to a cruise ship. She has a glamorous feel, Art Deco styling, spacious accommodation, and is different/faster/more stable at sea than other cruise ships.

Find out why Ocean Liners are different from regular cruise ships here:

Cruise Ships vs Ocean Liners – Measurable Differences You Need to Know.

Cruising across the Atlantic is great for slow travel enthusiasts. If you like to take your time and enjoy the journey, this might be for you.

And of course, there is the major bonus that you don’t have to sit in uncomfortable, cramped seats, or eat unpleasant airline food!

You will be following in the footsteps of many famous people if you sail on the Queen Mary 2.

Actors John Cleese, Carrie Fisher, Jane Seymour, Meryl Streep, and Audrey Hepburn have chosen the Queen Mary 2 (QM2) for transatlantic crossings, often due to a dislike of flying or because of the journey’s reputation for glamour and relaxation. 

The QM2 has hosted world leaders and dignitaries, including American President George H. W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and French President Jacques Chirac, who have all sailed on her.

Ed Sheeran recorded parts of his album ÷ (Divide) onboard the Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 because his producer, Benny Blanco, has a fear of flying. The two took a seven-night transatlantic crossing from New York to Southampton, during which time, staff set up a temporary recording studio on the ship for Sheeran to make and record music.

The real question is: would you rather spend 8 hours in an economy seat, or 7 days being wined, dined, and entertained on the open ocean? The choice is yours…

Before You Go

A trip on the Queen Mary 2 takes you back to the great days of Ocean Liner travel. Cruising has become far more popular in recent decades, but has that made it more affordable? Find out in the article below:

Was Cruising More Affordable in the 1990’s? Or Is It More Affordable Today?

I was very glad of the ship’s stabilisers when I sailed the Atlantic ocean in January! All modern ships have them, but some older ships do not. Find out more about that here:

How Cruise Ship Stabilisers Actually Work (And Why They Are Important To Me!)