Why Transatlantic Cruises Are One of the Best Travel Hacks Out There
In March 2025, I took my first transatlantic cruise—from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Rome, Italy. It was more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It was a full-blown adventure, a floating resort experience, and (here’s the kicker) an incredible travel hack that more people should know about.
For two weeks, my teenage son and I traveled on the Emerald Princess, a ship that would become our temporary home. We made stops in places I never would have seen on a direct flight—Funchal (Madeira), Gibraltar, Málaga, and Ajaccio (Corsica)—and spent nine full sea days crossing the Atlantic. And I loved it.
Here’s why I think transatlantic cruises are one of the smartest, most underrated ways to travel.
🛳️ 1. It's Transportation + Accommodation + Food + Entertainment
A one-way economy flight from North America to Europe can easily cost close to $1000 dollars per person. For around the same price, I spent two weeks being fed, entertained, and taken across the ocean, with a handful of amazing European layovers thrown in.
That’s the beauty of a repositioning cruise (which is what most transatlantic sailings are): cruise lines move ships between continents for the season, and travelers can hop aboard for a fraction of what that experience is truly worth.
You’re not just getting from North America to Europe. You’re getting a floating resort, complete with multiple restaurants, live shows, movie nights, and pools.
👨👦 2. It’s Surprisingly Great for Teens
One of the best surprises of the trip? The teen club on the Emerald Princess. My son spent most of his time there and absolutely loved it. Between games, hangouts, themed events, and just having a space of his own, it gave him freedom and fun—and gave me some quiet time to relax and recharge.
For families wondering whether teens will be bored on a long cruise: don’t worry. If the ship has a solid youth program (Princess definitely did), they’ll be more than fine. They might even make new friends from around the world.
🌊 3. Sea Days Are Actually Amazing
I’ll admit—I was a little nervous about nine straight sea days. Would I get bored? Would the ocean be rough?
As it turned out, the ocean was incredibly calm, and the sea days became my favorite part. They were a chance to slow down, disconnect, and enjoy a rhythm you just don’t get with air travel. I spent my days reading, relaxing, checking out shows, and trying different foods—while my son was off doing his own thing at the teen club. Win-win.
🛌 4. Inside Cabin? Tried It. Wouldn't Do It Again.
This was my first time cruising with Princess and my first time staying in an inside cabin. While it was fine in terms of comfort, I found it disorienting not being able to see outside. For future cruises, I’d at least go for a window—just to stay a bit more connected to time and space. (Balcony not necessary unless you're really into sunrises and fresh air.)
🏞️ 5. Bonus Destinations You'd Never Fly To
The itinerary made the journey even better. Here’s a snapshot of our ports of call:
- Funchal, Madeira – Took a walking tour through this charming island. Beautiful views and streets, but the CR7 (Cristiano Ronaldo) Museum was a bit underwhelming unless you're a hardcore fan.
- Gibraltar, UK – The people were so friendly! We took an e-bike tour which was both scenic and informative.
- Málaga, Spain – One of the best tapas lunches I’ve had. Great vibe and super walkable city.
- Ajaccio, Corsica – Picture-perfect hiking trails and gorgeous coastal views.
None of these would be obvious destinations if I were flying into Europe directly—but now they’re part of my travel story.
💡 6. It's the Jet Lag Cure You Didn’t Know You Needed
Flying east across the Atlantic often means losing 6–9 hours in a single overnight flight, which is a recipe for serious jet lag. On a cruise, however, you gain (or lose) time slowly—usually an hour every day or so. By the time we reached Europe, we were already adjusted to the time zone.
🎒 7. Practical Tips for First-Time Transatlantic Cruisers
- Pack for all climates: You’ll go from warm tropical weather to potentially chilly spring days in Europe. Layers are your friend.
- Choose your cabin wisely: If you need to see daylight, spring for a window or oceanview cabin.
- Plan port days: Research your stops. Booking walking or bike tours in advance often saves money and gives you more local flavor.
- Teens on board? Make sure the ship has a solid youth program—they’ll love the independence.
- Enjoy the downtime: Sea days are perfect for reading, writing, reflecting, and just being.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Would I do it again? Absolutely. I might upgrade my cabin, and I’d probably bring a few extra books, but this kind of slow, immersive travel completely changed how I think about getting from place to place.
So if you're dreaming of Europe but dreading the flight, consider cruising there instead. It’s one of the few travel hacks that’s not only cheaper—but also way more enjoyable, especially if you've got the time to enjoy it.
