For those seeking an alternative to flying, this comprehensive guide offers insights on how to travel from the USA to Europe by ship.
Introduction
Whether it’s for personal preference or environmental reasons, the desire to travel from America to Europe without taking a flight is not uncommon. This guide explores three different ship travel options to help you plan your journey across the Atlantic.
Cruises from the USA to Europe
Finding Transatlantic Cruises
Numerous travel companies offer transatlantic cruises from the United States to various European destinations. As of now, the website Seascanner lists 108 one-way cruises from the USA to different parts of Europe.
Departure Ports
Most transatlantic cruises from America leave from Florida, particularly Fort Lauderdale, a part of the Miami metropolitan area. New York also serves as a departure point, as well as Massachusetts (Boston), New Jersey (Boston), and even Texas (Galveston).
Popular Ports of Entry in Europe
For transatlantic cruises, Southampton in England, Barcelona in Spain, and Lisbon in Portugal are the top destinations. Other cruises also travel to countries like Germany, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Cost and Duration
The cost of a cruise from the USA to Europe starts at around $1100-1500 for a cabin, including meals. For example, the luxury cruise ship Queen Mary 2 offers 7-day voyages from New York to Southampton starting at approximately $1400.
The duration of the journey varies depending on the departure and arrival points. The fastest cruises from New York to Southampton take around 7 days, while cruises to Hamburg take two days longer. Cruises from Florida to Europe generally last about two weeks.
The Environmental Impact
While this guide focuses on flightless travel routes, it’s important to note that cruises and ferries may produce more CO2 emissions than commercial flights. However, sustainable options for crossing the Atlantic by ship do exist.
Travel on a Cargo Ship from the USA to Europe
Traveling on a Freight Ship
Traveling on a cargo ship from the USA to Europe is another option. Compared to cruises, freighter travel is considered nearly CO2 neutral. You can book a freighter voyage through specialized travel agencies or by contacting shipping companies directly.
COVID Restrictions
Due to the global pandemic, many freighter companies are temporarily not taking passengers. It is expected that passenger sailing will resume normally in January/February 2024.
Cost, Ports, and Duration
On average, traveling on a cargo ship costs $100-150 per day. A transatlantic journey typically takes around 10-15 days, resulting in a total cost between $1000-3000.
There are several popular ports of departure on the East Coast of the United States, such as Boston, New York, Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans, and Houston. Arriving in Europe, popular destinations for freighter voyages include Antwerp, Cork, Le Havre, Rotterdam, and Southampton.
Additional Considerations
Freighter travel offers a unique and sustainable way to explore the world. Meeting certain health and age requirements is necessary, and flexibility is key due to infrequent schedules. For more information and tips on preparing for traveling on a cargo ship, check out my guide “How to Prepare for Traveling on a Cargo Ship.”
Sailing from the USA to Europe
Boat Travel from America
While less common, traveling from the United States to Europe by boat is possible. However, it’s important to note that starting the journey from or making a stop in Bermuda is more typical than a direct boat travel from the USA to Europe.
Why East to West Travel is More Popular
The trade winds, which blow east-to-west near the equator, make sailing westward aided by the wind in a warmer environment. Sailing eastward against the wind entails enduring harsher weather in the north.
Traveling by Hitching a Ride
Even if you don’t own a boat, you can hitch a ride on a boat across the Atlantic. Websites such as Find a Crew and CrewSeekers connect captains with individuals willing to work as crewmates in exchange for the voyage. Yacht clubs in harbors may also have notice boards for those seeking a boat or a crew.
Departure and Duration
To start the journey, head to Bermuda, approximately 600 miles (~1000 kilometers) away from the US East Coast. Traveling to the Caribbean first before heading to Bermuda might be more convenient. The best time to sail to Bermuda is in May/June, when the weather is warm but the hurricane season hasn’t reached its peak yet.
The duration of the entire sailing journey from the USA to Europe takes approximately 4 weeks, including a week to Bermuda, two weeks or more from Bermuda to the Azores, and another week from the Azores to the coast of Portugal.
Further Resources
For more in-depth information on sailing across the Atlantic, refer to these recommended guides:
- How Long Does It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic? (Lifeofsailing.com)
- How to cross the Atlantic from the Caribbean to Europe: Everything you need to know (Yachtingworld.com)
- Sail Across the Atlantic: The Definitive Guide (DeepSailing.com)
Conclusion
Traveling from the United States to Europe by ship offers an exciting alternative to flying. In this guide, we’ve explored three different options: cruises, freighter travel, and sailing. Each option has its own benefits and considerations. Remember to plan ahead, consider your preferences, and enjoy the journey!
This guide was brought to you by DHPL Travels, your ultimate travel resource.
