Peter Greenberg: Transatlantic Cruising

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-10-28

I would like to take a transatlantic crossing (by sea) but the choices seem to be repositioning cruises, which may be OK returning (September, not later), but the spring ones are too early. I don't want to be cold!! Note: I live in Colorado!! Are there any other choices besides Cunard? I am NOT a "formal wear at dinner" type.
-Fran, Denver

Hi, Fran–

You're right, there are very few options for pleasure cruise lines that go transatlantic in the warm seasons but don't require formal dress wear. Princess Cruises offers some summer roundtrips from Brooklyn with numerous stops in Europe, including London, Glascow, Scotland, and Torshanv, Denmark. The line does require two formal dress nights, but that's about the least amount you'll find for a cruise-liner.

Although Cunard requires three formal dress nights, the line offers more transatlantic options than Princess. And do keep in mind that you're not required to attend the formal dinners. There are other dining options that you can pursue instead. For example, on Cunard, the Kings Court is open every night with more casual, buffet-style eating experiences. So if you don't want to dress up on these cruises, you really don't have to.

Another option would be to take a freighter on a transatlantic tour. A freighter is a working ship, often carrying cargo, that accepts vacationing passengers. Though this may not be the luxury cruise you envisioned, the upside is that freighters have many transatlantic options with flexible departure dates, and they actually urge passengers to dress casually. Visit www.freightercruises.com, or www.freighterworld.com, for some good options.

If you want to learn more about freighter trips, read the article on the PeterGreenberg.com Web site at www.petergreenberg.com/2007/10/08/taking-the-slow-boat-freighter-trips.