Transatlantic

The ultimate guide to Cunard transatlantic cruises: What to expect, why sail and FAQs

Iglu Cruise

23 Oct 2026 • 7 min read

Few travel experiences match the iconic crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by sea. While flying often means crowded terminals and jet lag, a transatlantic crossing with Cunard revives the golden age of ocean travel. Sailing between Southampton and New York, a 7-night voyage lets you slow down and embrace the luxury of time. With the ship’s clocks adjusting by just one hour a day, you will arrive in New York (on westbound crossings) refreshed, relaxed and ready to explore.

Whether you are seeking slow travel, world-class entertainment or a complete round-trip voyage without airport queues, here is everything you need to know about setting off on a timeless Cunard crossing.

Contents:

Why choose Cunard for a transatlantic crossing?
What to expect onboard: life at sea
Transatlantic cruise deals on Cunard
Frequently asked questions

Why choose Cunard for a transatlantic crossing?

Cunard has dominated the North Atlantic since Samuel Cunard was awarded the first transatlantic mail contract in 1839. Today, sailing the Atlantic with Cunard remains the gold standard for several reasons:

1. The world’s only purpose-built ocean liner

While standard cruise ships are designed for island-hopping in calm coastal waters, Queen Mary 2 is the world’s last true ocean liner. Engineered specifically for the open Atlantic, it delivers unparalleled comfort in any season:

Enhanced sea-keeping: Built with 40% more steel than a typical cruise ship, a sharp, streamlined bow and a hull that sits 34 feet deep in the water, Queen Mary 2 slices effortlessly through open ocean swells for a remarkably smooth ride.
Open-ocean speed: Powered to cut through adverse weather comfortably, Queen Mary 2 maintains a steady, dependable pace.

2. Four-legged guests welcome

Queen Mary 2 is the only passenger ship in the world with dedicated pet kennels. With 24 kennels, an indoor playroom, an owner’s lounge and an exclusive walking deck featuring a Liverpool lamppost and a New York fire hydrant, your dog or cat can cross the Atlantic in VIP style.

3. Handcrafted routes and event voyages

Beyond the classic 7-night non-stop crossing, Cunard offers a variety of voyage styles:

No-fly round-trip crossings: 14-15-night itineraries departing from and returning to Southampton. You will have a full day to explore New York without airport stress.
Transatlantic event voyages: Sailings themed around the arts, literature and music, featuring world-renowned authors, West End performers and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Discovery crossings: Routes that weave in port calls across the Azores, Bermuda, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland or Canada's Nova Scotia.
Continental gateways: Alternative departure ports connecting Hamburg, Le Havre, Barcelona and Miami.

What to expect onboard: life at sea

With 7 uninterrupted sea days, you can design each day exactly as you please on Queen Mary 2.

Unrivalled days at sea

Stay active: Deck 7 hosts a wide teak promenade deck where 3 laps equal roughly 1.1 miles. You will also find 2 swimming pools (plus the Minnows pool for children), a fully equipped gym and daily fitness classes ranging from yoga to dance workshops.
Feed your curiosity: The Cunard Insights enrichment programme invites maritime historians, astronauts, politicians and artists to deliver fascinating daily talks. If you prefer quiet solitude, settle into the 8,000-volume shipboard library.
Rest and rejuvenation: Mareel Wellness and Beauty Spa features an aquatherapy centre, sensory steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools and marine-based therapies.

Evenings of classic elegance

White-glove afternoon tea: Served daily in the Queens Room, where white-gloved waiters present warm scones, finger sandwiches and fine teas accompanied by a live harpist or string quartet.
Gala evenings: Pack your finest formalwear for Cunard's signature Gala Evenings, where the ship comes alive with tuxedos, evening gowns and champagne receptions.
West End entertainment: Enjoy theatrical productions in the Royal Court Theatre or late-night jazz and ballroom dancing.

Itinerary: New York | Liverpool (overnight onboard) | Cobh (Cork) | Southampton

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a transatlantic cruise take?

A direct, one-way crossing between Southampton and New York on Queen Mary 2 typically takes 7 nights. Round-trip voyages span 14 to 15 nights, giving you a full day to explore New York or Southampton between legs. Discovery routes featuring port calls in Iceland, Canada or the Caribbean extend from 8 to 21 nights.

What is the difference between a cruise ship and an ocean liner?

The main difference is in how the vessel is built. A cruise ship is designed like a floating hotel, built for calm seas and warm coastal waters. An ocean liner like Queen Mary 2 is engineered specifically for open-ocean transit:

Queen Mary 2 features a deep draft of around 10 metres and a pointed bow that cuts smoothly through ocean swells.
The hull is crafted from thicker, heavier-grade steel.
The bridge sits higher above the waterline to withstand North Atlantic waves, delivering a stable and quiet ride.

When is the best time of year to sail the Atlantic?

Cunard sails the North Atlantic throughout the year:

May to September: The most popular months, offering warm deck weather, long daylight hours and generally calmer seas.
April and October or November: Mild temperatures and crisp Atlantic air with fewer crowds, perfect for unhurried sea days.
December to March: Ideal for festive holiday crossings and dramatic winter seascapes. Queen Mary 2's specialised hull and stabilisers ensure a comfortable journey even in winter.

What wildlife and sights can you spot during the crossing?

Because you are crossing the open ocean, the Atlantic becomes a natural sanctuary for marine life. Guests regularly spot pods of dolphins, seabirds and migrating whales. The standout highlight is sailing into New York Harbour at dawn, gliding beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and past the Statue of Liberty.

What should I pack for a transatlantic cruise?

Pack a balanced mix of comfortable daytime layers and elegant eveningwear:

Daytime: Casual clothes such as trousers, knitwear, comfortable walking shoes for the promenade deck and a light waterproof jacket.
Evenings: Smart attire (collared shirts, jackets or dresses) for regular nights, and formalwear (tuxedos, dark suits, cocktail dresses or gowns) for Gala Evenings.
Seasonal layers: Bring warm hats and coats for autumn or winter deck strolls, or swimwear and sun hats for summer crossings.

Can I bring my dog or cat on a transatlantic cruise?

Yes. Queen Mary 2 is the only passenger ship offering pet travel across the Atlantic. The onboard kennels accommodate 24 pets and book up far in advance. A dedicated Kennel Master cares for and feeds your pets, whilst owners can spend time walking and exercising them on the designated deck during daily visiting hours.

Book your next exciting getaway with Iglu Cruise today

Whether you want to sail beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into New York or unwind during 7 peaceful days at sea, a Cunard transatlantic crossing is a true bucket-list holiday.

Explore our latest Cunard transatlantic cruise deals and flight-inclusive New York packages, or speak with our friendly cruise specialists today to start planning your voyage.

For even more expert advice and travel inspiration before booking your next trip, check out these recent articles from Iglu Cruise:

Why choose Cunard for a transatlantic crossing?

1. The world’s only purpose-built ocean liner

2. Four-legged guests welcome

3. Handcrafted routes and event voyages

What to expect onboard: life at sea

Unrivalled days at sea

Evenings of classic elegance

Transatlantic cruise deals on Cunard

1. The 10-night National Symphony Orchestra eastbound transatlantic crossing with New York stay

2. The 21-night transatlantic crossing, Iceland and Canada voyage

3. The 16-night Queen Mary 2 500th transatlantic crossing roundtrip

4. The 14-night transatlantic crossing and Canada voyage

5. The 12-night westbound transatlantic voyage to Florida

6. The 12-night Four Queens celebration crossing