Over the last half-century, the way we travel across the Atlantic Ocean has changed significantly. Today, numerous airlines operate daily flights between England and the USA. However, maritime routes remain less popular, with only a few vessels still taking this journey, while small yachts have long been excluded from the options. Currently, there are various sea travel options available, such as cruise liners, regular ferries, and freighters. Before opting for a sea route instead of a flight, it’s important to gather all necessary information. Below are some tips on how to plan your maritime journey from the UK to the USA.
Part 1
Step 1. Determine your travel budget.
Start by setting a budget for your trip. A transatlantic crossing can cost around $1,000, but the price can rise to $4,000 depending on the type of cabin you choose. Airfare from New York to major cities in the UK tends to be more affordable.
Step 2. Book a ticket with Cunard.
Book a spot on a Cunard cruise liner, which operates routes between Southampton and New York aboard the Queen Mary II. The summer months are the best time to travel from the UK to the USA.
- Note that cruises cannot be booked on cunard.com from January to March. If you're lucky and tickets are available, it's often best to buy them last minute, especially for individual cabins.
- Choose your cabin based on your budget. A standard inside cabin costs between $650 and $900 per person, while a suite can go up to $4,000 for a 7-night journey.
Step 3. Look for a ferry service.
Search for available spots on ferry services that regularly operate between Europe and the Caribbean. You can find suitable options on websites like cruises.com for routes from London or Southampton.
- These services often offer discounts since they don’t stop at ports. However, information about such cruises may not be available on most travel websites, so you may need to do some digging or call the company directly.
- Look for routes that take about 7 days; otherwise, they may include stops in the Caribbean.
Step 4. Explore traveling on freighters.
Inquire about availability on freighter ships that can accommodate up to 12 passengers without the need for medical staff. This means you can find tickets for $50-100 per night in a cabin with access to amenities and meals.
- Traveling on a freighter is different from a cruise. There are no entertainment programs, but sometimes passengers can join the captain and crew for dinners and cocktail evenings.
- To find a suitable vessel, visit the A La Carte Freighter Travel section on freighter-travel.com. The trip duration can vary from 9 to 130 days, and you pay for each night.
- Keep in mind that freighters may stop at ports for unloading, as their primary task is cargo transport. Stops can last anywhere from 12 hours to several days, so you will need to be flexible with your schedule.
- Check the conditions for passenger transport, as some ships may prohibit leaving the vessel in ports, and short trips may not include meals while in port.
