I have always felt a deep pull toward the wide, blue ocean. Europe is a dream for many people, but the price of a plane ticket often stays too high. I decided to find a different path. I wanted to see the world without the stress of an airport. My search led me to the world of Cheap Boat Travel To Europe. I discovered that a slow journey is often a much richer one. You can save a lot of money if you know where to look. First of all, I will share the secrets of the sea that I learned with my own eyes.
The Secret of Repositioning Cruises
A repositioning cruise is a one-way trip that happens when a ship moves from one part of the world to another. These ships change locations because the seasons change. For example, a ship might spend the winter in the warm Caribbean and then move to Europe for the summer. These “repo cruises” are some of the best travel deals in the world. I found that these trips have many days at sea in a row. Though some people might think this is boring, I found it very peaceful.
Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises Europe often have these types of trips. I once saw a deal for a mere $50 per night for an inside cabin. Imagine that. You get a room, all your food, and entertainment for less than a cheap hotel on land. These trips are great for anyone who wants a cheapest europe cruise. On top of that, you get to visit offbeat ports like the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic.
The Miami to England Crossing
I looked into a 13-day trip from Miami to England. This journey was on a high-quality ship called the Celebrity Silhouette. The cruise ship europe tour price was only $446 per person. This breaks down to about $34 per night. However, I had to be ready to leave in late April. This is a prime time for a europe cruise package because the ship is moving toward its summer home. The itinerary included stops in Bermuda, Ireland, and France.
Brazil to the Canary Islands with MSC
I found another incredible deal with MSC Cruises Europe. This was an 11-night trip from Brazil to the Canary Islands. The price was only $329. This means I paid only $30 per night. Gradually, I realized that the southern routes are often even cheaper than the northern ones. Similarly, a 13-night trip from Brazil to Portugal was priced at $349. These prices make it possible for almost anyone to reach Europe.
How to Find the Best Deals for 2026
I am already looking at cheap european cruises 2026. I noticed that April is a magical month for savings. In April 2026, there are 92 different transatlantic cruises available. Some of these start as low as $518 per person. Therefore, you should plan your vacation for the spring if you want the lowest price.
Additionally, October and November are also great months for deals. This is when the ships “fall down and fall back” toward the Americas. I saw 95 cruises listed for November 2026. The prices for these trips usually hover around $869. You can find a europe cruises 2026 all-inclusive deal if you book during these shoulder seasons.
The Brooklyn to Southampton Route
The Queen Mary 2 is a famous ship. It offers a 7-night eastbound crossing from Brooklyn to Southampton. The price for this trip in May 2026 starts at $1,019. It is a very formal and elegant way to travel. Though it is not the absolute cheapest, it is a classic experience. I felt like a movie star from the old days.
Traveling on a Cargo Ship
I never thought I would ride on a ship that carries giant metal boxes. However, cargo ship travel is a real thing. It is a very unique way to cross the ocean. I learned that most cargo ships only take about 12 passengers at a time. This means there are no crowds. It is just you, the crew, and the endless sea.
I found that the cost is usually between $100 and $130 per day. Plus, your food and a private cabin are always included. I spent about $1,400 for an 11-day trip from Miami to Spain. On top of that, there is no “single supplement” fee like on big cruise ships. This makes it a great deal for solo travelers.
New York to Southampton on a Freighter
I saw a route from New York to Southampton that takes 7 days. The cost was around $1,000. It is much slower than a plane, but it is a life-changing event. You must be someone who enjoys peace and quiet. I brought a Kindle full of books to keep me busy. Finally, I reached England feeling very relaxed.
The “Tramp” Ship Adventure
I also heard about “tramp” ships. These ships do not have a fixed schedule. They go where the work is. If you are very flexible, you can get a spot for as little as $80 per day. It is the most unpredictable way to travel, but it is very cheap. You might only get a two-week notice before the ship leaves.
Boat Hitchhiking: The Ultimate Budget Hack
I met a man named Tomislav Perko who hitchhiked across the Indian Ocean. He told me that it is possible to hitch a ride on a private yacht. You do not even need to know how to sail. However, you must be ready to work hard. I found that captains look for people who are hardworking and good company.
I used websites like Find a Crew and CrewSeekers to look for a ride. You can also just “walk the dock” at a marina. I went to the Canary Islands in November. This is the best place and time to find a boat crossing to the West.
Crossing the Atlantic as Crew
I found that many boats leave from Europe and go to the Caribbean. Around 1,800 boats make this trip every year. You might only have to pay for your own food. This costs about $10 to $15 per day. Later, I realized that some captains want a little more money for fuel or boat upkeep. Gradually, I saw that I could cross the entire ocean for about $1,000.
DIY Mediterranean Ferry “Cruises”
I saw a clever woman named Claire who made her own cruise using night ferries. She traveled Across the Western Mediterranean for four nights. She started in Barcelona and went to Majorca, then to France, and finally to Italy. This is a fantastic europe cruise package for someone on a budget.
The cost for her entire trip was about $459. If she had a partner to share a cabin, it would have been even cheaper at $375. This is much less than a traditional cruise ship europe tour price. I loved this idea because I could see a new city every single day.
Barcelona to Majorca
The first leg of her trip was a 7-hour crossing. She booked a shared cabin to save money. Additionally, she found that the ship was very quiet on a Wednesday in September. The room was modern and clean. I think this is a great way to see the Spanish coast.
Majorca to Toulon
The next night, she took a ferry to Toulon, France. She had a private cabin with a window this time. She slept for 10 hours and felt very refreshed. The shower was warm and the bed was comfortable. I would love to wake up in a new country like that.
Toulon to Corsica
Then, she sailed to the island of Corsica. The ship was very busy on a Friday night. She had to pay about $40 more because it was the weekend. However, she still found it to be a good deal. She spent the day exploring the clear waters of Bastia.
Corsica to Genoa
The last leg of her DIY trip was to Genoa, Italy. The mattress was a bit hard, but she still slept well. She saved a lot of money compared to a regular cruise. I am planning to try this myself very soon.
Local Ferries to Reach the Continent
I found that you can enter Europe from North Africa very easily by boat. There are many ferry routes between Spain and places like Morocco or Algeria. This is the easiest way to cross between the two continents.
Tangier to Tarifa
I took a ferry from Tangier, Morocco to Tarifa, Spain. It was a huge boat and only took 40 minutes to cross the Strait of Gibraltar. The ticket cost about $45. It was the fastest way to get back to Europe. I sat on the rooftop and enjoyed the sun.
Algeciras to Ceuta
There are also daily trips from Algeciras to Ceuta. The fastest trip takes only 1 hour. Tickets start as low as $30. This is a very cheap way to travel. You can even bring a pet or a car with you.
Almeria to Nador
I also saw a route from Almeria to Nador. This trip takes between 7 and 11 hours. The price starts at about $80. On top of that, some of these ferries even have a swimming pool on board. It feels like a mini vacation.
Essential Tips for Your Sea Journey
I learned many things the hard way during my travels. I want to help you avoid the same mistakes. First of all, do not book a repositioning cruise too early. I found that last-minute deals happen all the time. You can wait until a month before the ship leaves.
However, you must check your flight prices first. A cheap boat ticket is no good if the flight home costs a fortune. I always look for one-way flight deals before I book my cruise. Also, do not forget to pack your essentials. Things like sunscreen and toothpaste are very expensive in the ship store.
Choosing Your Cabin
I realized that your cabin choice is very important on a long trip. You will spend a lot of time in that room. If you can afford it, get a balcony room. On the contrary, if you want the absolute cheapest europe cruise, get an inside cabin. I found that I mostly used my room for sleeping anyway.
Managing Seasickness
I personally did not take seasickness seriously enough. Then the high seas hit me. I highly recommend getting medicine from a pharmacy before you go. Also, eat a light breakfast the day you start. Do not wait until you feel sick to take your pills.
The Joy of the Slow Journey
I found that life at sea has a special rhythm. I loved watching the sun rise over the water. Gradually, I stopped worrying about the time. You get an extra hour of sleep every few days when you travel west. This is a wonderful perk of boat travel.
I also made many new friends. People who take these long trips are often very adventurous. I met retirees who had traveled all over the world. They had incredible stories to share. Similarly, I met young digital nomads who were working from the ship.
Is Boat Travel Right for You?
I know that boat travel is not for everyone. You need to have plenty of time. A transatlantic crossing usually takes at least two weeks. Therefore, it is not a good choice if you only have a short vacation. But if you are on a sabbatical or a gap year, it is perfect.
I found that the value is unbeatable. You get your room, your food, and your travel all in one price. It is like a floating resort that takes you to a new continent. I will never forget the feeling of seeing the European coast for the first time from the deck of a ship.
FAQ
Is a cruise the cheapest way to see Europe?
Transatlantic cruise deals can be cheaper than the cost of a flight because they include food, accommodations, and entertainment in the base price.
Can you travel through Europe by boat?
Yes, you can travel via an extensive network of ferries and inland waterways including rivers, canals, and lakes.
How much does a 7 day cruise cost on average?
A 7-night eastbound transatlantic crossing from Brooklyn to the United Kingdom starts at approximately $1,019 per person.
Is 1000 euros enough for 2 weeks in Europe?
This budget might be tight depending on the region; for example, a one-week vacation for two people in Greece costs roughly $1,540.
Is $2000 enough for a cruise?
Yes, many transatlantic and repositioning cruises are available for between $400 and $1,200, leaving plenty of room in a $2,000 budget.
What is the cheapest month for a European cruise?
April is often the cheapest month for these voyages, with some fares listed as low as $518.
How much do 30 day cruises cost?
A 32-night cargo ship voyage from Cape Town is priced at €3,597 per person.
Which cruise line is best for Europe?
Highly-rated lines for European and transatlantic travel include Cunard Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
What is the best month to cruise in Europe?
Spring and fall are considered the best times because the weather is pleasant and you avoid the overcrowding and high rates of peak season.
Do I need a passport to travel by boat?
Yes, international boat travel requires a valid passport along with necessary visas and health documents.
How long is a boat trip to Europe?
Transatlantic crossings by ship typically last between 7 and 15 days, while sailing across the Atlantic takes about 4 weeks.
What’s the cheapest month to cruise?
The most abundant cheap repositioning routes occur during the seasonal changes in April, October, and November.
Can you go on a cruise for $500?
Yes, last-minute repositioning cruise deals have been offered for as little as $50 per night.
How much spending money for a 4 day cruise?
You should budget at least $10-$15 per person daily for mandatory gratuities, plus extra for drinks and shore excursions.
Concluding words
Boat travel to Europe offers a diverse range of affordable and unique experiences, from repositioning cruises starting at $50 per night to adventurous boat hitchhiking. These sea voyages can be cheaper than flying because they include accommodations and meals in the total fare.
By choosing shoulder seasons like spring or fall, travelers can visit exotic ports with fewer crowds. Whether using cargo ships, ferries, or luxury liners, traveling by water provides a leisurely pace and unforgettable memories.
