How to Travel from UK to the US by Boat

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 10, 2020 References

Transatlantic travel has changed drastically in the last fifty years. Dozens of airlines make the voyage from the United Kingdom to the United States on a daily basis. Yet, there are fewer ships offering this itinerary, and boats no longer offer room and board in exchange for passage. However, there are still a number of options, including cruise ships, positioning cruises and freighters. You will need to do research and be more flexible when you choose sea travel over plane travel. Learn how to travel from the UK to the US by boat.

Steps

1
Calculate a travel budget. Travel across the Atlantic by boat is likely to cost around $1,000, but it can cost upwards of $4,000 per person, depending upon your cabin choice. Traveling between New York and major English cities is cheaper by plane.^{[1]
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2
Book a cruise with Cunard. This cruise company makes trips between Southampton and New York harbors with the Queen Mary II. If you want to book a boat trip between the UK and the US in the summer, this will be your best option.^{[2]
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- Cruises are not available between January and March through cunard.com. If there is availability, booking last minute cruises will yield the cheapest stateroom prices.
- Book your cabin according to your budget. Inside staterooms without windows cost between $650 and $900 per person. Suites can cost up to $4,000 per person per 7-night voyage.
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3
Reserve a seat on a positioning cruise. Every year, cruise lines relocate from Europe to the Caribbean. You can find a seat on one of these cruises.^{[3]
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Research source} Visit a website like cruises.com and look specifically for positioning cruises leaving from London or Southampton.
- Positioning cruises offer some discounts on fares, since they do not stop at ports. Most travel agents and online travel websites will not list these cruises. You should look online or call the cruise ships directly to inquire about availability.
- Look for cruises that are approximately seven days long, or they may include travel to the Caribbean.
4
Research passage on a freighter. Freighters can carry up to twelve passengers without hiring a doctor. This means that you can occasionally find a ticket that costs approximately $50 to $100 per night for a cabin, food and access to facilities.^{[4]
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- Freighter tickets are not like cruise ship tickets. They do not provide on-board entertainment. Occasionally, passengers are offered to attend meals and cocktail events with the captain and ship employees.
- Visit A La Carte Freighter Travel, at freighter-travel.com, to look for freighter options. Passage can extend from 9 to 130 days, and you will pay per night.
- Freighters make delivery stops, since their main duty is to deliver cargo. These stops can take twelve hours to a few days. You must be flexible with your schedule in order to travel this way.
- Make sure to specify which amenities will be provided on the ship. Some freighters do not allow you to exit the boat in port, but they may not provide meals in port for these shorter trips.
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Community Q&A

Question

I need to go to NJ but cannot fly. How else can I get there?

Community Answer

You may take a trans-Atlantic crossing on a ship from the UK.
Question

I'm an American living in England and I having been flying to North Carolina for 30 years. My arthritis in my knees and feet flares up during the night. Will I be more comfortable traveling by boat?

Community Answer

You may be, as those flare-ups can be aggravated by the plane's altitude.
Question

How do I transport my converted double decker bus to America?

Community Answer

You can call a shipper to transport your vehicle. Keep in mind that it's very expensive to change the vehicle from EU to US standards, however, if you want to keep it in the country for more than a year.
Question

How long does a boat trip take from the US to the UK?

Community Answer

Going by sea, you can expect the trip to take six or seven days.
Question

How long is a boat ride from London to New York?

Community Answer

About 6-7 days but maybe longer depending on stops. Check with specific companies, as each service will differ slightly.
Question

Can I move to the USA from the UK with my pets?

Anna Claspy

Community Answer

Yes, you can. There are a few ships that will let you bring your pets as cargo, although few, if any, will let you see your pets on board. Your pets will need to be microchipped, have a pet passport, and be vaccinated against rabies. If you don't have all of this, your pets can be quarantined for up to 4 months.
Question

Will my animals be able to stay in the cabin with me on the freighter?

Anna Claspy

Community Answer

No. Most ships do not allow animals on board, although there may be some exceptions. The Queen Mary 2 cruise ship seems to be the only ship that allows animals on board, although they have to stay in a kennel area. You can try checking with specific cruise lines and freighter companies, but pets generally aren't allowed in passenger areas.
Question

Some specifics please. Please can someone give me names of ships/liners/boats which cross the Atlantic? I don't want a cruise just an outward and return journey from UK. I do NOT want a cruise

Anna Claspy

Community Answer

Some freighter lines that offer passenger rooms include Maris, CMA CGM, PZM Polish Steamship Company, and Hamburg Sud. Visit the websites of these lines and look for information about passenger fares, or contact someone at the company to ask.