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Traditionally, trans-Atlantic routes are passages between the Americas and Europe. The classic trans-Atlantic crossing takes place between Southampton, England, and New York, with no other port of call in between, and lasts six to seven days. Cunard Line regularly sails this route.

Many other cruise lines offer sailings that cross the Atlantic as part of repositioning a vessel to cruise in a new region. These repositioning cruises typically last at least 10 days and usually visit just a few ports along the way. The itineraries are more about relaxed, leisurely days at sea than exploring new shores.

Cruise lines offer many kinds of trans-Atlantic itineraries, from northerly routes that can stop in Iceland, Greenland and Canada’s Maritime Provinces to southerly paths that might include southern Europe, North Africa, Bermuda, the Bahamas or the Caribbean. Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Ponta Delgada in the Azores and Funchal on the island of Madeira frequently are featured on trans-Atlantic repositionings.