What to expect, what to pack, and why a crossing might be the perfect trip for a solo traveler

If you’ve ever dreamed of long, lazy sea days, deep conversations with well-traveled strangers, and watching the ocean shift colors as you glide between continents, a Transatlantic cruise might be exactly what you’re looking for. I’ve now done several crossings—both east-to-west and west-to-east—on ships of different sizes, and each one has given me something new to love about this unique style of travel.

Whether you’re planning your first solo Transatlantic or you’re simply curious about what it’s really like out there in the middle of the Atlantic, here’s a down-to-earth guide built from what I’ve learned along the way.

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The Atlantic Has a Personality—But Modern Ships Handle It Well

Let’s get this out of the way: the Atlantic can get a little feisty. It doesn’t matter what time of year you sail—there can be movement. But stabilizers are miraculous little inventions, and most days feel far more comfortable than you might imagine.

If you’re prone to motion sickness (or unsure), talk with your doctor before the cruise and bring medication just in case. I always do—it’s cheap peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Cabin

If motion worries you, the golden rule holds true on pretty much every ship:

• Lower deck + middle of the ship = least movement
• Balconies are often surprisingly affordable on Transatlantics, which is why many solos (myself included) go for them. With so many sea days, it’s nice to have your own private outdoor space.

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Time Changes Actually Work in Your Favor

Most fall crossings go west to east (Europe → USA), which means you’ll gain an hour five times or so during the voyage. It’s like being handed extra sleep. Your days feel longer, meals stretch out leisurely, and jet lag is far easier to manage on arrival.

This simple little detail is one of the reasons Transatlantics are so relaxing.

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What to Pack for a Crossing (Hint: Everything)

The weather in the middle of the Atlantic is a choose-your-own-adventure. I’ve had days where I needed a sweater and windbreaker, followed immediately by afternoons warm enough for a swimsuit. It keeps things interesting.

I recommend packing:

• Sweaters or light jackets
• A mix of spring and summer attire
• Shorts and swimsuits (trust me, you’ll use them at least a few times)
• One “cocktail” outfit for evenings or special events

Ships do offer laundry services—and many have self-service laundromats—so you don’t need to overpack.

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A Budget-Friendly Sweet Spot for Solo Cruisers

One of the best-kept secrets in cruising: Transatlantic repositioning cruises can offer excellent solo pricing. You can often snag a balcony at a rate that feels almost too good to be true.

And because you have so many sea days, having that balcony becomes a real asset—coffee in the morning, reading in the afternoon, watching the stars at night… it all hits differently mid-ocean.

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Meeting Like-Minded Solo Travelers

Transatlantics attract a specific type of cruiser: curious, well-traveled, patient, social, and often repeat world explorers. It’s a great crowd for solo travelers.

On my current Azamara sailing, for example, there are over 80 solo travelers on a ship of roughly 590 passengers. On my last Azamara voyage, I met several solos I still keep in touch with today. The atmosphere is naturally welcoming.

You’ll also notice:

• Fewer children on mainstream lines like NCL
• More enrichment sessions, lectures, music, and daytime activities
• Plenty of unhurried spaces for conversation

These are days where you can be as social—or as solitary—as you choose.

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A Few Personal Transatlantic Stories

After three different crossings on three very different ships, here are a few snapshots from my experiences:

Azamara Journey (East to West, March)

This crossing had 2–3 days of interior sailing where decks were closed due to wind and weather. Even so, the ship kept everyone busy—lectures, games, music, trivia, you name it. Some seasoned cruisers weren’t feeling their best from the motion, but the crew handled everything with calm and grace.

Azamara Onward (West to East, November)

This was a dream crossing—fabulous weather, excellent Wi-Fi, fantastic food, and a warm, family-style atmosphere (without actual kids). It reminded me why I keep returning to Azamara for these longer voyages.

NCL Viva (West to East, November)

This was Viva’s first-ever Transatlantic, and it went incredibly well. A little movement here and there, a bit cool at times, but overall very smooth for a new ship on its maiden crossing. Plenty of food, plenty of entertainment, and all the usual NCL energy.

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The Food… Let’s Talk About the Food

Transatlantic cruising is basically one long floating brunch.

On Azamara alone:

• White Night (more on that below!)
• Two full brunches
• Daily lunches and dinners across multiple venues
• And on this sailing, an additional afternoon barbecue on deck with music, grilled favorites, and lots of little treats

You won’t go hungry.

White Night: Still One of the Best Parties at Sea

White Night on Azamara deserves its own paragraph. This deck party is a full celebration with:

• A massive outdoor buffet
• Grilled meats, seafood, and lobster
• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Buffet-style dishes
• Desserts (plural!)
• Drink service from waiters across all venues
• A crew parade featuring staff carrying flags from their home countries
• Every entertainer playing a part

I always sit on Deck 10 so I can see everything—the music, the energy, the parade… it’s just magical.

This remains one of my favorite cruise experiences of all time.

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Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend Transatlantics for Solo Travelers

A Transatlantic cruise gives you the gift of time. Time to rest, time to think, time to read, time to meet new people, time to let the ocean settle you into a rhythm you can’t get on a port-heavy itinerary.

These crossings are also uniquely well-suited for solo cruisers:

• Great pricing
• Private balconies
• Welcoming passengers
• Enriching activities
• Minimal pressure to “keep up” with busy days
• Plenty of space to unwind

If you’re looking for a trip that blends comfort, community, and quiet adventure, a Transatlantic crossing might just be your new favorite way to travel.