Transatlantic crossings are the most misunderstood itinerary type in cruising. Most people picture them as a way to get between continents rather than as a cruise vacation in their own right. That framing undersells what a transatlantic crossing actually is: five to seven days at sea with nothing visible in any direction but ocean, a ship fully in its natural state as a self-contained world, entertainment and dining programs with more time to develop and unfold, and the opportunity to reset and decompress in a way that a port-intensive itinerary cannot offer.
On a Virgin Voyages ship, the transatlantic crossing is one of the most compelling sailings available.
When Transatlantics Happen
Virgin Voyages ships cross the Atlantic twice annually as part of seasonal repositioning: eastbound in spring (typically April-May) as ships move from Caribbean homeports to Mediterranean homeports, and westbound in fall (typically October-November) as they return. Valiant Lady’s 2026-2027 schedule includes transatlantic crossings that add Greenland and Iceland to the routing — an extraordinary addition that takes the crossing from a transit to an exploration.
The Greenland & Transatlantic Itinerary
The 2026-2027 Valiant Lady transatlantic includes Greenland — Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is one of the most genuinely remote and extraordinary ports available on any mainstream cruise itinerary. The combination of Greenland’s arctic landscape, the Iceland and Nordic ports that may be included, and the Atlantic crossing makes this one of the most distinctive offerings in the Virgin Voyages fleet.
What the Sea Days Deliver
On a 7-14 day transatlantic with multiple consecutive sea days, the onboard programming has room to breathe in a way port-intensive sailings don’t. The Happenings Cast develops deeper relationships with Sailors across a longer voyage. The Thermal Suite becomes a genuine daily ritual. The restaurants get visited multiple times in multiple combinations. Sea days on a Virgin Voyages transatlantic are not idle time — they are the primary content of the voyage.
The Value Calculation
Transatlantic crossings are typically priced lower per night than equivalent peak Mediterranean sailings, because demand is lower and Virgin Voyages needs the ships to be positioned seasonally regardless. A well-timed transatlantic booking can deliver a long Virgin Voyages voyage at a per-night cost below standard Caribbean rates.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Do a transatlantic on your second or third Virgin Voyages sailing, not your first. First-time Sailors tend to prefer port-intensive itineraries. Transatlantic appreciation is developed by Sailors who already love the ship.
- The Greenland routing in 2026-2027 is extraordinary. Nuuk is one of the most genuinely remote ports accessible on a mainstream cruise line. This itinerary will generate significant buzz once Sailors who’ve done it start sharing their experience.
- Budget accordingly for Bar Tab on longer sailings. On a 10-14 night transatlantic, your drink budget changes significantly. Use the Bar Tab calculator and build in the right credit before you board.
Ready to Cross the Atlantic?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. Let them help you find the right transatlantic sailing and plan the sea day program that makes the crossing genuinely extraordinary.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and sail to the edge of the world
