When most people think of a cruise, they imagine hopping from port to port, rushing to squeeze in excursions, and barely having time to enjoy the ship itself. A transatlantic cruise flips that script entirely. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, you’re gifted with long stretches at sea—days designed for relaxation, indulgence, and discovery at your own pace.
Having taken two Virgin Voyages transatlantic sailings—one eastbound from Miami to Barcelona during May, and another westbound from Barcelona back to Miami during October/November—our experience has been that these journeys were some of the most rejuvenating travel experiences we’ve ever had. Each crossing offered its own unique rhythm, but both shared the same gift: time to slow down and savor the voyage itself.
Here’s why you may want to add a transatlantic cruise to your list of things to do next spring or fall. I should throw out a disclaimer now and mention that we’re a bit biased; I mean, my wife and I DID meet each other on a transatlantic cruise. But hey, that’s a story for another blog entry. 😉
1. The Gift of Time: Unplugging and Truly Relaxing
One of the greatest luxuries in modern life is time; time to slow down, breathe, and simply exist without a packed schedule. On both of our transatlantic cruises, we found that the days at sea became the highlight.
• On the May sailing, we spent mornings soaking in the warm Atlantic sun, coffee in hand, watching the horizon stretch endlessly.
• On the October/November return, cooler breezes made it perfect for cozy afternoons curled up with a book or napping in the cabin.
• Though we had great Wi-Fi from the ship, both crossings gave us the chance to unplug from the digital world and reconnect with ourselves and each other.
This slower pace is what makes a transatlantic cruise so different; it’s not about checking off destinations, but about savoring the journey.
2. A Culinary Playground: Time to Try Every Restaurant
The point of this entry wasn’t to push Virgin Voyages on folks that aren’t looking to sail with them, but our experiences were on Virgin so this section is unique to them. Other cruise lines also have great food options, but here’s my two cents about VV’s dining style and choices. If you didn’t know, Virgin Voyages is known for its innovative dining concept; no buffets, no main dining rooms, and no upcharges for specialty restaurants. Instead, the ship is filled with a ton of eateries, each with its own unique menu and atmosphere.
On both of our crossings, we had the luxury of trying them all:
• The Wake for elegant steak and seafood dinners. And brunch! If you haven’t tried The Wake for brunch, you’re missing out. And I would tell you more about Bottomless Mimosa brunches there but those details are fuzzy.
• Razzle Dazzle for playful twists on comfort food. During the May crossing, we got to also try Asian-inspired Lucky Lotus, which Razzle Dazzle turns into during the evenings. Wow! We l-o-v-e-d the food and super tasty cocktails.
• Gunbae, a lively Korean BBQ experience complete with drinking games. This was always one of the best spots to meet new people, as you’re typically seated with 4-6 more people, if you’re sailing as a couple.
• Extra Virgin, where handmade pasta stole the show. I always, always ate too much here.
• The Test Kitchen, an inventive, chef-driven dining adventure with tasting menus that change throughout the voyage. Definitely recommend the wine pairing menu here; wow!
• Pink Agave, a vibrant celebration of elevated Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and a stylish atmosphere. The steaks here are also really, really, good.
Because we weren’t rushing, we could linger over meals, order multiple courses, and even revisit favorites. Dining became an experience in itself, not just a necessity between activities.
3. A More Spacious Experience: Often Sailing at Around 80% Capacity
Another unique advantage of a transatlantic cruise is that these sailings often run with a reduced passenger capacity—typically around 80%. That difference is immediately noticeable in the onboard atmosphere and makes the entire experience feel more relaxed.
• Dining feels effortless: it’s easy to get a table at your preferred restaurant, and meals can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace without the sense of turnover.
• Shows are more accessible: with fewer guests onboard, you can find great seats without lining up early or worrying about sellouts.
• Pools and lounges stay comfortable: whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing with a drink, there’s always room to spread out.
• The spa and fitness areas feel serene: appointments are easier to book, and the thermal suite rarely felt overcrowded.
4. Lazy Days: Sleeping In and Ordering Room Service
One of our favorite indulgences was the ability to sleep in without guilt. On a port-heavy cruise, you’re often up early to disembark for excursions. On a transatlantic voyage, mornings are yours to enjoy however you like.
• Some days, we stayed in bed late and ordered room service breakfast; fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee delivered right to the cabin. Okay, and bacon…so much bacon.
• Other mornings, we wandered to the ship’s coffee shop for a latte and croissant.
• The lack of urgency made every day feel like a true vacation, not just a trip.
It’s a little thing, but having the freedom to wake up slowly set the tone for the entire experience. I say that, but one of us not named Steve frequently took advantage of the Sunrise Yoga that’s offered every morning, which made for a perfect way to start their days. So hey, something for everyone!
5. Spa Days Without the Crowds
The Redemption Spa on Virgin Voyages is a sanctuary at sea, offering everything from thermal suites to massages and facials. On both of our transatlantic cruises, there was ample opportunity to indulge.
• You can book multiple treatments throughout each voyage, without feeling like you have to fight for a spot.
• The thermal suite—complete with saunas, steam rooms, and a hydrotherapy pool—was blissfully uncrowded.
• With so many sea days, we could spread out our spa visits, making wellness a consistent part of the journey rather than a one-time splurge.
It felt like having a private retreat built right into the ship.
6. Entertainment at Your Own Pace
Virgin Voyages is of course known for its bold, innovative entertainment, from immersive theater to edgy cabaret. On shorter cruises, it can be tough to fit in all of the shows. But with a transatlantic itinerary, we had the chance to see everything we wanted, all without rushing.
• On our May sailing, we caught every major production, from high-energy dance shows to intimate performances.
• On our October/November return, we noticed most of the shows had been changed completely and all of the smaller acts were different, which was great! Not that we didn’t like the previous shows; it’s just fun to see new things.
• The variety kept evenings exciting, while the relaxed pace meant we never felt overscheduled.
It was the perfect balance of activity and leisure.
7. The Romance of the Ocean Crossing
There’s something undeniably romantic about crossing the Atlantic by ship. It just sort of connects you to a bygone era of travel, when the journey was the adventure.
• Watching the sun rise and set over the open ocean became a daily ritual.
• The vastness of the sea was humbling; I don’t know how else to put it.
• Unlike a flight, where the goal is simply to get from point A to point B, a transatlantic cruise makes the in-between moments magical.
Each direction offered its own charm: the excitement of heading east toward Europe in spring, and the cozy, reflective feel of sailing west toward the USA in autumn.
8. Exceptional Value for the Length of the Journey
One of the most surprising discoveries about a transatlantic cruise is just how much value it offers. While most people assume a longer cruise must cost significantly more, the opposite is often true.
• Our 14- to 16-night transatlantic Virgin Voyages sailings were priced at almost half the cost of some cruises that are only half as long.
• That means you’re not only getting more days at sea, but also more opportunities to enjoy the restaurants, shows, spa, and amenities, without stretching your budget.
• When you break it down to a per-day cost, a transatlantic voyage is one of the most affordable ways to experience a two-week vacation abroad.
It’s rare in travel to find an experience that combines both quality and value, but these crossings deliver exactly that. For anyone who loves the idea of slower paced travel, it’s an unbeatable deal.
9. Why Transatlantic Cruises with Virgin Voyages was Worth It for Us
When I think back on both of our transatlantic sailings, what stands out isn’t just the destinations; it’s the feeling of unhurried luxury.
• Time to rest, recharge, and reconnect.
• The ability to savor every meal, every show, every spa visit.
• A sense of calm that’s hard to find in everyday life.
For travelers who want more than just a vacation, a transatlantic cruise offers something deeper: the chance to slow down and truly enjoy the art of travel. I think it’s also important to select the right cruise line for your journey. For us, it was Virgin, though I really think there are other cruise lines we could also really enjoy a TA cruise with. There are some we probably we wouldn’t be a great fit for, though, and that’s why it’s important to make sure you match what you’re looking with the right cruise line. Two weeks is a long time to spend on a ship you don’t vibe with!
10. Is a Transatlantic Cruise Right for Everyone?
While we loved both of our crossings, it’s worth noting that a transatlantic cruise isn’t for everyone. Travelers who thrive on packed itineraries, daily port stops, and constant sightseeing may find the long stretches at sea too slow-paced. Those prone to restlessness or who prefer warmer, tropical climates might also struggle with the cooler weather that can arise on some crossing days. And if you’re someone who views the ship as simply a way to get from one destination to another, rather than the destination itself, you may not fully appreciate the beauty of this style of voyage. We really like port-intensive cruises ourselves, but sometimes we just want to unplug and chill.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on both of our transatlantic sailings, what stands out most isn’t just the destinations, but the rhythm of life at sea. Having the time to slow down, enjoy long meals, catch every show, and simply watch the ocean roll by was a rare gift. Each crossing—eastbound in spring and westbound in the fall—offered its own character, but both reminded us how meaningful it can be to embrace the journey itself. For travelers who appreciate unhurried days and the chance to truly disconnect, a transatlantic voyage can be a wonderfully rewarding way to travel. And hey, if you’re traveling solo, you may just meet your future someone. 🙂
