Why Transatlantic Cruises Should Be A Part Of Your Early Retirement Plan

Today we share why transatlantic cruises should be a part of your early retirement plan. We have been traveling the world full time for just over 6 years and we have been using transatlantic cruises as a part of our overall plan. Today we share the reasons why we use the transatlantic cruises in this way.

[@karengatz3022]

I am not retired but I love saving my vacation time so I can do a transatlantic cruise as often as I can.

[@DaveM-FFB]

So true. We took a 23-day transatlantic cruise in 2023 from Miami to Venice Italy on Oceania, and it was incredible. They also offered a 16-day option (Miami to Rome), but the additional 7 days were really inexpensive. I'll never forget the incredible sunsets over the Atlantic. FYI, some ships are at sea for up to 7 days, but we docked in Bermuda and the Azores in the Atlantic, so we maxed out at 4 sea days in a row. Our business class flight from Italy to Miami cost more than the cruise. That's nuts.

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

We've been looking at Oceania today, would love to know your thoughts on them!

[@DaveM-FFB]

​@@GroundedLifeCruises IMO the better Oceania experience is on their 1,200 passenger ships (Riviera, Marina, and Vista). These are newer and have much bigger staterooms. Their tagline "finest cuisine at sea" is no exaggeration. The atmosphere is country club casual - not stuffy. It's possible to come in around $300/day or less (Oceanview or Veranda) if you look hard enough, which sounds like a lot of money but it's actually on par with Princess or Celebrity once you account for Oceania inclusions like specialty dining, beer/wine with lunch/dinner, wifi, and some excursions. We go through a travel agent who often gets us enough shipboard credit to cover gratuities. Their best deals are repositionings.

[@DaveM-FFB]

@@GroundedLifeCruises If the ~$300/day is a budget killer and you still want to try Oceania, then you can book their smaller (older) ships for as little as $200/day for a repositioning cruise. The staterooms (more specifically the bathrooms and closets) are much smaller and you will have half as many options for the included specialty dining, but the food will still be incredible. These 680 passenger ships are referred to as the "R" Class ships. They've been nicely refurbished, but they're still ~20 years old. Personally, we prefer the newer ships even if that means we'll book fewer cruises due to the cost.

[@GroundedLifeFinances]

Thanks for the info! We've been looking at some of their repositioning cruises.

[@andylane8189]

QM2 is the only true TA ship in service today. If the weather is marginal, it is the ship to be on.

[@dlrmadison]

We have been on over15 TAs. We love them. We prefer to stay 2-3 weeks overseas when we are able. Our best deal was a suite for 7 days for $600 a piece ( plus tax and port charges) for a Southampton to NYC no port trip. Usually we are on board 14-23 days. We LOVE TAs. Crossed with RCCL, Princess, Celebrity and Carnival. Best bang for your buck. Love your channels.

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Thanks! Which line was your great deal on?

[@theinspiredhomedecor]

I went on a NCL transatlantic cruise solo for 14 days. It was one of the best cruises I have taken.

[@suewolf3279]

We have been on two transatlantic cruises from the US to Europe. The first one ended up in Copenhagen, and then we flew to Warsaw, Poland and spent a week between Warsaw and Krakow doing day trips to various places. Love love love love love love love Poland. The second transatlantic ended in Rome, and we then spent two weeks traveling all over Italy. Love Italy as well

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Both sound awesome!

[@sandieinatlanta9587]

We love the transatlantic cruises. Imagine a beach vacation, the ocean, great food, no dishes to wash and NO SAND...no sand getting into your toes and into the bed, etc. I take my travel sewing machine (12 pounds) and lots of precut fabric. Lots of quiet time in my room watching the ocean. Our airfare to Brazil to catch the ship was not too expensive , but the flight back to USA from Europe will be far more than the cost of the cruise on Azamara. I just cannot hang out in Europe for several months, awaiting a return ship to the States. But we are looking into it and hope we find an alternative to such high airfares..

[@kourtneyk7944]

I’ve been looking into round trip cruises. The queen Mary has some from New York around Europe and back

[@marie-louisewcislo6519]

Have done 3 transatlantic cruises and loved each one - ready to do more. We fly back the other way. One thing you have in retirement is time, so why not enjoy the North America to Europe trip a new way, instead of flying, the price of which seems to be rising dramatically.

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Yes, exactly!

[@preparingforretirement]

I have a daughter in Australia and we go there from the US once a year. The time change coming back KILLS us. We are down for several days. The change going isn't as bad (excited for grandkids) but 15 hrs... deadly. When I did Japan (other daughter) I never managed to adjust to the time change which made it easier. I was there 11 days and stayed on EST. It was weird. We have discussed cruising to Australia in a few years when we are retired - it's not cheap and the repositioning cruises don't seem to go from US to AUS and visa-versa. But it would be nicer than more than 24 hrs in a cramped plane.

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Yes from Australia you can do it one way, but not back to back as easy as a transatlantic.

[@ronaldjones996]

Flying to Norway next month and taking a smaller expedition trip to the artic circle for a couple of weeks. Later this year flying to Vancouver and then cruising to Hawaii and then flying to Tokyo. Then cruising around Japan and then repositioning to Singapore and then traveling around Asia. Working on the return to US after a long journey. We are mid 60 s and definitely don’t want long flights! We did do a transatlantic cruise in 2022 and stayed in Portugal and Spain for just over a month. It was a wonderful experience!

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

That's going to be amazing! Norway has to be one of our favorite places!

[@roxie0648]

WOW sounds amazing!!! Hubby and I retired a yr ago “58/59” and kicked off our travels…2024 is full with scheduled vacations…I am now planning 2025!! Your travel itinerary sounds like something I may want to consider in a few years😉

[@patsycathcart1]

Thank you for your videos. You offer so much information that I have to take notes. We are definitely looking at a transatlantic cruise in our near future.

[@Headed_Out_Again]

In addition to all the great points, you get more space on a cruise then you do on an airplane. Less screaming babies. Less children on transatlantic cruises. Would love you guys to do a follow-up video on the negative or cons of the same topic

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Great idea

[@juliebolduc802]

We haven’t been on one yet but definitely are planning to go on one in 2025! Get idea about cruising both ways!!

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

It's a great way to spend a month!

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

We are planning our first Transatlantic cruise for 2025. Hoping to go from Spain back to USA. Hoping to explore Spain for 10 days or so too prior to the cruise. Our first time in Europe! We are excited!!

[@romainemitchell8669]

Great information Thanks for the trips❤

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Have a great trip! Hope you put some videos up of it!

[@DaveM-FFB]

If you're departing from Barcelona, don't miss a tour of Sagrada Familia! You will definitely need to purchase your tickets in advance. Also, the subway is a cheap and easy way to get around town. FYI, all subway instructions and signage are in spanish only.

[@DOGGYDOG1167]

What cruise line have you used during your transatlantic cruise? What do you look for when booking?

[@MzBettyK]

This video was so very informative and interesting. I loved seeing parts of cruises as you explained the benefits. Good one, Allie and Rob.

[@Jennifer-ps7zt]

Hi Allie and Rob! I love your videos! Such great info and you two are a wonderful team! Where do you search for the best cruise deals?

[@autobotdiva9268]

this is an awesome idea! will put this in my retirement binder

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Awesome!

[@larryfinkel4102]

Doing 21 day trans Atlantic in October on the Regal Princess from Sourhamtonti Galvaston

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Have a great time!

[@paulinelinton3382]

I have been taking transAtlantic cruises prior to retirement. I take at least one a year. I live in Manhattan and look for at least one transatlantic returning to Manhattan or Bayonne cruise port.This Year I have two. I am flying to Brazil and sailing back to Bayonne and flying to Rome and also sailing back to Bayonne. Car Share to Bayonne is cheaper than car share to LaGuardia or JFK.

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Great tip, thanks. We like cruising out of NYC.

[@KaireLou]

Do you have a video you can point me to on how you handle getting mail or identifying an address you consider home for like tax purposes and other situations like that? Also point me to a video of the best websites to purchase your travels (hotel, cruise, train, cars, etc etc ). Thank you! I really enjoy your videos

[@suewolf3279]

The older you get the harder it is to overcome jet lag

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Yes, agreed

[@debbietummel5732]

Question. I would really love to cruise the British isles including Scotland and Ireland. Is there a cruise line you would recommend? Perhaps fly over and then reposition crews coming back?

[@calmyourmindmediation2571]

How is the weather on the TA? I fear the rough weather.

[@sherwinmackintosh6540]

We re on a celebrity Ascent transatlantic in April 24 Ft Lauderdale to Barcelona. This is our 2nd transatlantic. We just love being on the boat - we do the Persian Garden/Thermal Suite every day and this time will be aqua class with Blu restaurant. Spend a couple of weeks in Italy and then fly back out of Rome. The Flights by Celebrity is an amazing price and we used points to upgrade that. How would you do a cruise back to the US at that time (June)? Those transatlantics are usually in the Fall. So do you spend more time in Europe ??

[@roxie0648]

Doing our first TA cruise via NW Prima out of Italy to NY in November 2024 and wondered what is the Thermal Suite???

[@havasumom1618]

I have considered booking a TA cruise, since I don't enjoy flying but would like to visit Europe. Have you experienced rough seas on any of those cruises?

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

We had rough seas on 1 of our last 3 TA.

[@SomewhatRetired]

Currently looking at a spring cruise from Fla. to Italy or Spain and then fly to Greece. Do you recommend booking a cruise early or wait for possible price reduction closer to departure?

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

It's a tough one. We try to book early with a really low deposit, then if the price goes down we can adjust later. Not always possible to do.

[@MAB_Canada]

The idea of slowly adjusting to the time differences appeals. However, i immigrated to Canada via the North Atlantic…in a storm…in November when I was a child which has put me off doing repositioning cruises. The idea of going through that kind of weather again…absolutely not!🤮

[@ramonarendall3721]

Which cruiselines do you recommend for transatlantic sailings?

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

They would all be fine, but look for a ship with a good variety of food, that's one of our keys.

[@matthewhildebrandt1901]

Did I hear you correctly? You can walk from the cruise port in NYC to Moynihan Station?

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Yes, we've done it 3 or 4 times, even in the winter.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Our NYC cruise docked at the Brooklyn Port, which is quite far from the Amtrak station. :-(

[@Becca734]

Have never gone on a cruise. Thinking of taking one for the first time Ever next year with my mom (she's in her 80's). would you recommend taking a transatlantic cruise or just like a 9-11 night cruise to Europe/Mediterranean?

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

A transatlantic is nice if you don't want to fly

[@Becca734]

@@GroundedLifeCruises Thank you! would you say taking a transatlantic is cheaper then flying to the starting port and taking a cruise?

[@andariegos9466]

Is there a specific website for the different transatlantic cruises or do you check each cruise line individually? Very interested in doing this.

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

If you search on Expedia you can check a box that says just transatlantic or transpacific cruises. That is what we do. Then you see them all at once.

[@andariegos9466]

@@GroundedLifeCruises Awesome. That’s exactly what I was hoping for, to be able to see them ALL at once. Thank you!

[@DaveM-FFB]

Each cruise line offers a unique experience. You may love some cruise lines and dislike others even at similar price points. On a transatlantic cruise, you'll spend a LOT of time on the ship. Hopefully, you'll love your cruise ship experience. Do lots of research beyond the bottom line cost.

[@andariegos9466]

@@DaveM-FFB Yes. I plan on comparing what they each offer and deciding from there. Thank you 😃

[@dianashelton1371]

Ali, Please, Please do a wardrobe video

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Thanks for the idea

[@harveyh3696]

Got advice for someone without a spouse?

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Transatlantic could still work, more ships have solo cabins now.

[@thepartygals]

Also most likely less kids to

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

True

[@debbietummel5732]

If you go US to Great Britain transatlantic don't you have to fly back? I really wanted to do this but the air flight back is way expensive

[@raffinataonline]

I've been looking for a TA cruise that leaves from the US and returns to the US, maybe 2 weeks, with no luck. Seems like a simple thing, but it isn't.

[@GroundedLifeCruises]

Carnival Pride out of Baltimore goes to Greenland and back to Baltimore. Cunard has some that go to the UK and then back to the US.

[@debbietummel5732]

Heard of Cunard but not familiar

[@DaveM-FFB]

​@raffinataonline It would be close to 2 weeks each way, BUT they typically only go in one direction each season. USA to europe in the spring and the other direction in the fall. The only exception might be a new ship delivery. Those will be more expensive. The only other exception would be Cunard, which is very formal and also expensive.

[@raffinataonline]

@@DaveM-FFB Thank you

[@Fell214]

Two weeks surrounded by thousands of cruise enthusiasts sounds like Hell. Reno for people who like Reno.

[@two20john]

We had the misfortune to do a transatlantic on the new Regent Grandeur. We won't do another, or use Regent again. Three storms of varying force, the worst was last, and an average age in the eighties made for a (hopefully) forgettable experience.