Sailing To The USA?

Al_Jolson

Can anyone advise me as to the cheapest way to sail to the USA?

My Dad is no longer able to fly to my wedding in New York next July, because of potential health risks due to the change in air pressure. So, I want to find another way for my parents to attend, which will have to be by sea.

Having spent a couple of hours Google-searching, I have discovered that almost all cruises seem to involve a cruise in one direction and a flight in the other.

What I'm after, I suppose, is just a one-way journey from the UK to the US, and then the same in the opposite direction- preferably for hundreds rather than thousands of pounds.

I would be immensely grateful for any advice.

Thanks.

hammy_the_hammer

i'm guessing a bit but it won't be hundreds ...it's got to be over a grand and some . with the health problem have you checked everything is ok regarding insurance?

jetboy

Try Cunard. I have recently noticed them advertising back to back sailings to NY on the QM and QE2 for next year. It's possible but it'll cost a bit. My guess is in the region of £1500-2000. If you find suitable cruise(s) don't book direct, try www.cruisecompete.com for a better quote.

Greta

Sites that might be of use:
http://www.seat61.com/UnitedStates.htm
http://www.freighterworld.com/places/transatl.html
http://freightertrips.com/

franklally

We sailed to NYC on the queen mary (cunard) this summer - fantastic experience - it was £799 including flights home (I have seen it for £499).
Try cruiseclassified.co.uk .
I think HTH is right though - check on the insurance.

Voyager2002

The simple solution: get married in the UK and have a honeymoon in New York.

satan666wayne

Voyager2002 wrote: »

The simple solution: get married in the UK and have a honeymoon in New York.

Not if it's all booked.

Al_Jolson

Hmmm. Never thought about the insurance issue. Thanks for that.

I'm really surprised by the small amount of cruise companies that go transatlantic. Looks like it's a choice between the height of expensive luxury, or stowaway status on a transit journey.

It seems very difficult to find cruises that don't already include a flight in the price. It would be good to be able to select cruise only.

Greta

This is an issue I looked into earlier this year, not because of I can't fly ... just my personal concerns of aviation environmental impact. Why should I add to demand etc? I have family living in the States, which is the prime reason for my travel across the pond.

I too was annoyed re lack options, and there seems to be one cruise that allows you travel both ways ... however, you come back the same day / few hours in NYC! No good. There has to be a demand. Freighter / cargo seemed to be the only option, and the pictures of the room looked okay but not cruise standard. (See links I gave above).

dzug

Al_Jolson wrote: »

Hmmm. Never thought about the insurance issue. Thanks for that.

I'm really surprised by the small amount of cruise companies that go transatlantic. Looks like it's a choice between the height of expensive luxury, or stowaway status on a transit journey.

It seems very difficult to find cruises that don't already include a flight in the price. It would be good to be able to select cruise only.

I'm sure if you contact Cunard or a proper travel agent direct they will be able to fix you up with return sailings. I suspect the demand for them is low, so they don't go out of their way to advertise them.

satan666wayne

The only other problem i can see is the time in Newyork. if you can get a return you would have to wait almost two week for the ship to come back.