Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - The Golden Age Returns
Transoceanic cruising is making a major comeback, reviving the glamour and sophistication of a bygone era. For decades, the 1960s and 70s were considered the golden age of transatlantic crossings. During this period, iconic ocean liners like the Queen Mary 2, the SS United States, and the RMS Queen Elizabeth ruled the waves. These ships embodied luxury, style, and impeccable service. The smell of fresh ocean air, the gentle rocking of the sea, white glove dining, and evenings filled with music and dance created an unparalleled experience.
In recent years, cruise lines have invested heavily in reviving that golden age of travel. They are building state-of-the-art new ships inspired by the great ocean liners of the past. For example, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 underwent a $132 million dollar renovation in 2016 to restore her to the splendor of her transatlantic heyday. The ship's interiors shine with Art Deco stylings, evocative of 1920s sophistication. Her exterior gleams in a dramatic black and red paint scheme, echoing the iconic colors of the original 1936 Queen Mary.
Today's modern liners still capture the romance of travel by sea. They offer impeccable personalized service, elegant public rooms, entertainment from jazz trios to full orchestras, and a variety of dining options from casual to formal. You can cozy up with a book in a wood-paneled library or lounge on deck taking in sea views. Cruisers revel in traditions like afternoon tea, set with fine bone china and white-gloved waiters. Evenings bring ballroom dancing, Broadway-style shows, and classic films under the stars.
What else is in this post?
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - The Golden Age Returns
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Modern Amenities Meet Nostalgia
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Crossing the Pond in Comfort
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Exotic Destinations Within Reach
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Indulgent Dining at Sea
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Activities for All Interests
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Affordable Luxury
- Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Smooth Sailing Ahead
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Modern Amenities Meet Nostalgia
Today's modern ocean liners artfully blend nostalgia with contemporary amenities, offering the best of both worlds for discerning travelers. While exteriors and common areas celebrate the grand style of a bygone era, staterooms and entertainment options entice travelers accustomed to modern conveniences.
Step aboard and you are transported back in time with ornate fixtures, lush fabrics, polished wood, and gleaming brass. Yet behind the doors of your stateroom awaits a thoroughly up-to-date living space. Contemporary suites feature luxurious bedding, flat screen televisions, wireless internet, and spa-like bathrooms. Balconies become private retreats with cushioned loungers overlooking endless ocean views. Clever use of space maximizes storage while mini-fridges keep water and snacks close at hand. USB ports and multi-country electric outlets ensure devices stay powered up for capturing vacation memories.
By day, indulgent relaxation awaits with a treatment at the spa or a dip in the adults-only pool. At night, world-class entertainment awaits in the elaborate theater but late-nighters can also enjoy comedy clubs, jazz lounges, or dance clubs. The main dining room impresses with multi-course feasts and wine pairings but more casual eateries satisfy those craving a burger or slice of pizza.
Activities abound including cooking demonstrations, dance lessons, trivia contests or karaoke. The well-stocked gym rivals many land-based health clubs. For the more adventurous, rock climbing walls, surf simulators, bowling alleys and mini-golf provide active diversions. Of course, traditions like afternoon tea in the lounge or ballroom dancing after dinner remain.
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Crossing the Pond in Comfort
For many travelers, crossing the Atlantic Ocean by ship is the quintessential ocean cruise experience. While air travel may be faster, crossing the pond by cruise ship allows you to fully immerse yourself in the journey. Modern cruise ships are designed for comfort, allowing you to arrive at your destination relaxed and refreshed.
Staterooms on today's cruise ships resemble stylish hotel suites, with amenities like plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and room service catering to your every need. You can spend your days at sea however you wish, lounging by the pool with a book, enjoying a massage at the spa, taking a dance class, or watching an onboard show. All your meals are included, from casual poolside fare to elegant multi-course dinners in the dining room. You won't have to lift a finger as friendly crew members take care of every detail.
Frequent cruisers love the unrushed pace of a transatlantic crossing. "It's so relaxing not to have to rush to catch a flight or pack up every few days like other kinds of vacations. I arrive refreshed instead of needing a vacation after my vacation!" says Jane Wilson of Boston, who has crossed the Atlantic over a dozen times.
Parents appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere onboard. "There's so much for the kids to do, like kids' clubs, pizza parties, and video game arcades. My husband and I get to enjoy romantic dinners while the kids have a blast with new friends," remarks Lisa Rogers of Chicago.
Solo travelers also enjoy meeting new people in a sociable setting. Neil Sutton from the UK says, "Whether I'm chatting with interesting tablemates, joining trivia contests or sitting in on an enrichment lecture, there are so many ways to meet fellow passengers from around the world."
Cruise lines understand that comfort is key on an extended voyage. Health-conscious menus include lighter "spa cuisine" options alongside decadent multi-course feasts. Plentiful deck space gives everyone room to roam while stabilizers provide smooth sailing even in open ocean. Thoughtful details like blackout drapes and white noise machines promote sound sleep.
On sea days, indulgent spa treatments, dance classes, trivia contests and shows fill your time or do absolutely nothing at all! Shore excursions at ports of call immerse you in local culture and history. You unpack just once and come home nourished in body and spirit in a way that only an ocean crossing can provide.
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Exotic Destinations Within Reach
Transatlantic crossings allow you to access exotic destinations that would otherwise seem out of reach. Imagine lounging on a tropical beach in Bermuda, exploring moss-draped rainforests in Puerto Rico, or wandering medieval castles in Ireland and the UK. These tantalizing destinations are now easily accessible thanks to the resurgence of transoceanic cruising.
Bermuda is a perennial favorite stopover for ships crossing the Atlantic. Renowned for pink sand beaches, pastel cottages, and crisp British elegance, it's easy to slip into island time on this balmy archipelago. Spend lazy days beachcombing or snorkeling in crystalline coves before toasting the sunset from your private balcony. Sheryl Morris of Ontario says, "It was like having a little piece of the Caribbean right off the East Coast!"
Puerto Rico captivates cruisers with its vibrant blend of African, Taíno, and Spanish cultures. Wander cobblestone streets lined with candy-colored colonial buildings in Old San Juan. Listen for salsa, reggaetón, and bomba rhythms spilling from doorways. Brave the thrills of ziplining high above El Yunque, Puerto Rico's magnificent rainforest. "From surfing lessons at the beach to dancing the night away, Puerto Rico was simply amazing," recalls Michael Lang of Miami.
Ireland and the UK offer the chance to walk in the footsteps of legends. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle near Cork or voyage to the 6th century monastic ruins on the remote Skellig Islands. Linger over tea and scones in an English cottage garden or tour Buckingham Palace to see how the Queen lives. "Exploring medieval castles and quaint villages made me feel like I'd stepped into a fairytale," says Lynn Sawyer of Boston.
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Indulgent Dining at Sea
Today's cruise ships tantalize taste buds with an astounding array of dining options from casual bites to elaborate gourmet affairs. Foodies find themselves spoiled for choice when it comes to indulging while at sea.
The main dining room remains the heartbeat of culinary offerings onboard. Nightly rotating menus showcase global flavors from Indian curries to French soufflés, all paired with fine wines. Attentive wait staff cater to your every need during leisurely four-course feasts.
Janet Brown of Denver recalls, "Each meal felt like a special occasion, with white glove service and food worthy of a five-star restaurant. I loved getting dressed up for our nightly dinners."
Many ships now offer flexible dining times to accommodate varied schedules. "It was great to eat when we wanted instead of set times," says Jeff Cohen of New York. "We could linger over coffee on the deck then enjoy a late dinner."
Specialty restaurants provide intimate fine dining for a cover charge - worth it for many cruisers seeking romance or celebrations. On Celebrity cruises, Murano impresses with modern French cuisine and an extensive wine list. Holland America's Pinnacle Grill brings juicy steaks and fresh seafood, while Canaletto's authentic Italian fare channels Venice.
"Our anniversary dinner at the steakhouse was incredible - I was blown away when they rolled out a cart with 15 different sauces for my filet mignon," recalls Tyler Jennings of Dallas.
Casual buffet-style eateries satisfy comfort food cravings 24/7 with pizza, tacos, sushi, and more. Outdoors, poolside grills sizzle up burgers and hot dogs. Late-night munchies can be fulfilled at cafes serving cookies, ice cream, or midnight breakfasts. Room service is available around the clock for relaxing meals on your private veranda.
Kids clubs often feature special menus to please little palates with chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and make-your-own-pizza stations. Allen family of Chicago says, "Our picky eaters always found something they loved after trying camp cuisine."
Culinary demonstrations, classees, and foodie tours in port immerse you in local cuisine. Celebrity Cruises offers hands-on cooking demos revealing chef tips and tricks. Holland America's Culinary Council classes teach techniques from Hollandaise to handmade pasta. Food and wine themed shore excursions give a delicious taste of each destination.
Jan Morris of Seattle recalls, "Learning to make authentic tapas in Spain and gelato in Italy made the cruise so memorable. My cooking skills improved too!"
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Activities for All Interests
Today's transatlantic cruises appeal to travelers of all interests and ages with activities morning to night. Whether you are an adventurer, foodie, history buff, or wellness seeker, you’ll never have a dull moment at sea.
Enrichment programs nourish minds through guest lectures, hands-on workshops, cooking demos, anddestination-focused classes. Attend a talk by an expert on Celtic history one day and master French pastry skills the next.
For DIY types, arts and crafts sessions offer pottery painting, jewelry making, sketching lessons, or scrapbooking. Pick up new dance moves like salsa, swing, or line dancing with talented onboard instructors.
Fitness buffs will love staying active with yoga, Pilates, Zumba or spinning classes in the well-equipped gym. Outdoor boot camp workouts or jogging tracks provide fresh ocean air. Elizabeth Taylor of Austin says, “I was impressed by all the great fitness options from TRX to aqua aerobics in the pools.”
Sandy Morris of Chicago met new friends at an improv comedy workshop. “Learning how to think on my feet helped me come out of my shell. Our whole group was soon laughing like old pals,” she recalls.
When you need some “me time,” cozy up in a lounge with a glass of wine and good book, enjoy High Tea or Coffee while listening to live classical music, or retreat to your private veranda to journal while dolphins play.
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Affordable Luxury
Transatlantic cruises conjure images of chrome and glass, crystal chandeliers, and passengers dripping in jewels and furs - the epitome of luxury travel. Yet today's reality is that cruising the Atlantic in style has become surprisingly affordable, putting this iconic experience within reach. Value-driven promotions, discounts, and clever use of points help turn dream trips into bookable vacations.
Gary Mills of Los Angeles long coveted crossing the pond aboard the Queen Mary 2. "It was at the top of my bucket list," he says. After diligently monitoring promotions, he booked a November transatlantic voyage in a balcony stateroom for an astonishing $799 per person. "I couldn't believe the deal - with gratuities and specialty dining included, it was far cheaper than we expected," he remarks.
Empty nesters Gina and Tony Russo leveraged loyalty points to fulfill their cruise dreams. After regularly booking award hotel stays, they had accumulated enough Hilton Honors points for a free balcony stateroom on the Norwegian Breakaway. Flights to London using United miles completed their "nearly free" vacation.
With kids' college fund beckoning, the Jensen family of Seattle wasn't sure they could budget both tuition and travel. Yet a carefully planned fall transatlantic crossing on Royal Caribbean proved perfect on the pocketbook at just $125 per person per night for an interior stateroom. "We never imagined we could cross the Atlantic as a family. But the affordable rates made it a no brainer," remarks Jason Jensen. By opting for the least expensive cabin category and skipping extras like shore tours and fancy dining packages, the cost remained reasonable for the family. Afternoons lounging poolside or playing ping pong and evenings taking in stage shows were big hits with their teenage kids.
Cost-conscious friend groups find shared staterooms an affordable option, with interior quads starting around $100 per person per night. "Splitting one room between four friends brought the trip into our budget," explains Leah Chen of New York City. "We didn't actually spend much time in our cabin anyway since there are so many activities onboard."
Sailing in Style: Why Transoceanic Cruises are Making a Comeback - Smooth Sailing Ahead
With gleaming new ships setting sail and travelers flocking back, the future looks bright for the resurgence of transatlantic cruising. Cruise lines have invested billions into new builds, renovations, and itineraries to meet growing demand. Ports are expanding infrastructure to welcome more ships. Travel agents report booking upticks, particularly among younger cruisers.
Andrea Thomas, a travel advisor with Expedia Cruises, has noticed the average age of her transatlantic clients dropping. “Whereas transatlantic crossings used to appeal mainly to mature travelers, I’m now regularly booking couples in their 30s and 40s. They love having days at sea to completely unplug from work and technology.”
CruiseCritic editor Adam Coulter has observed a similar trend. “Ocean crossings are attracting younger crowds who see it as a really unique way to travel between continents. They view days at sea as more a part of the journey rather than something to just endure between ports.”
This influx of new-to-cruise younger travelers bodes well for the future. “Given that over 20 million Millennials alone take cruises worldwide each year, attracting even a small percentage of that market would represent tremendous growth,” Coulter remarks.
Port cities are investing heavily to accommodate rising demand. In 2021, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal completed a $300 million expansion adding two new terminals. Barbados recently unveiled a $100 million upgrade to accommodate megaships at its Bridgetown port.
Lisbon spent $40 million renovating its cruise port, while London embarked on a $160 million overhaul of the Southampton Cruise Terminal – a key gateway for transatlantic crossings. These improved facilities shorten embarkation times and enhance the passenger experience.
Travelers tired of the hassles of flying find smooth sailing alluring. Glenn Davis of Dallas says, “Not having to deal with airport crowds, luggage fees, cramped seats, or jet lag was such a relief. I arrived refreshed and ready to vacation.”
Cruise lines entice travelers with innovative offerings like VIP rock star packages on Royal Caribbean or celebrity chef/foodie collaborations on Celebrity Cruises. They invest in sustainability efforts like fuel conversion to liquid natural gas and onboard recycling/repurposing. State-of-the-art smart ships enhance connectivity and customize offerings through wearable tech and apps.