The short answer: An ocean crossing is a one-way sailing from one continent to another, with several days at sea in the middle. It suits travellers who want the ship to be the destination. Crossings tend to cost less per day, can cut the airfare cost considerably, and give you the time to use everything on board. Before you book, check what your fare includes, because on a crossing you use those inclusions every day.
More than a way to get from one continent to another
An ocean crossing usually calls at a few ports as it leaves, spends three, four, five or six days at sea, and then calls at a few ports at the other end. Some travellers see the sea days as the price of getting across. I see them as the point.
Most seven- or ten-day sailings are port-intensive. You get up, get off the ship, explore, get back on and have dinner, and you spend very little time using the ship itself. On a crossing you get back-to-back days on board, so a daily rhythm forms and the pool, the spa, the gym and the restaurants all get used. A small ship is at its best when the ship is the point. My husband and I have our first transatlantic crossing booked for November 2027 to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
Why a crossing can cost less
There are two reasons, and I mention both whenever someone is looking at the price.
The first is the cost per day. With fewer port days, crossings tend to cost less per day than a port-heavy itinerary.
The second is the airfare. A crossing usually means a short flight within your home continent to the departure port and then one long flight home across the ocean. A round-trip cruise that starts and ends on the other continent means two long flights across the ocean. In my experience a crossing can cut the airfare cost considerably. For travellers who fly business or first class, that can be a substantial amount of money.
Time to meet the people around you
Without a new port every morning, you spend more time with your fellow passengers. You meet them around the pool, in the gym and the spa, at the restaurants and bars in the evening, over a puzzle on a table, and at the daily activities, because there is finally time in your day to join them. Crossings tend to be great for making friendships with people who travel the way you do, and some of those last.
Who a crossing suits
I love crossings for honeymooners and for travellers celebrating a big anniversary, and for anyone who wants to reconnect and unwind. The days are relaxed because they are not structured around ports, so you build your own routine.
They also suit people who have only ever taken beach resort holidays and are happy to sit by the pool and relax. In my experience a crossing offers the same unwinding in a more elegant setting, with better food and a higher standard of service. It can be a nice step into cruising.
First-time cruisers are often surprised to learn that a cruise can be very busy. On a seven-day itinerary with a port every day, you may be on the move from morning until night. A crossing is the opposite.
What to check before you book: inclusions and exclusions
On a voyage where you spend a lot of time on the ship, it is important to understand exactly what is and is not included. Three examples show why.
- Shore excursions. If your fare includes them and the ports are places you have already visited or have no interest in, the cost of those excursions is baked into your fare and may not be a good use of your money.
- Butler service. If it comes with every suite but you would never use a butler, you are paying for a service that does not appeal to you.
- Dining. Some lines include all of their specialty restaurants. On others only some are included. If you don’t know that in advance, you could step off at the end of the voyage with an unexpected bill for dinners you did not realize were extra.
Here is how that looks in practice, as of October 2026. Regent Seven Seas includes shore excursions, valet laundry and all dining. Silversea includes butler service in every suite, but not shore excursions or valet laundry. On the Silver Spirit and the Silver Moon, six of the nine restaurants are included, along with 24-hour in-suite dining, and three restaurants are extra. Neither approach is better. Which one suits you depends on how you like to travel.
Before you compare fares, ask the cruise line for the full list of what is included on your exact sailing.
Where I start
When someone tells me they are thinking about a crossing, I begin with what matters most to them. A great crossing for one traveller is a poor use of money for another, and that depends on how you want to spend your days.
If you’re considering a crossing, send me a message and we’ll start there.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ocean crossing?
An ocean crossing is a one-way cruise from one continent to another, such as Miami to Lisbon or Tokyo to Vancouver, with several days at sea in the middle. It usually calls at a few ports at each end.
How many days are spent at sea on a crossing?
Most crossings have a few ports as they leave, about three to six days at sea in the middle, and a few ports at the other end.
Are ocean crossings cheaper than other cruises?
They tend to cost less per day because there are fewer port days. A crossing can also cut the airfare cost considerably, because you usually take one long flight across the ocean instead of two. Prices vary by cruise line and suite, so compare the full cost, including flights.
Who is an ocean crossing best for?
Crossings suit honeymooners and travellers celebrating a big anniversary, anyone who wants to reconnect and unwind, and travellers who prefer a relaxed pace over a busy port every day. They can also be a good step into cruising for people who usually take beach resort holidays.
What should I check before booking a crossing?
Check what your fare includes. Shore excursions may be included for ports you have already visited, butler service may come with every suite whether or not you would use it, and some lines include only part of their specialty dining. When you work with me, we will go through the full list of exclusions and inclusions for your cruise choice as a part of the decision-making process, so nothing catches you off guard.
Is an ocean crossing a good first cruise?
It can be. A crossing is the opposite of a busy seven-day itinerary with a port every day, so you set your own routine. It depends on what matters most to you, which is where I start with every client.
What is included on Regent Seven Seas and Silversea crossings?
As of October 2026, Regent Seven Seas includes shore excursions, valet laundry and all dining. Silversea includes butler service in every suite but not shore excursions or valet laundry, and some restaurants carry an extra charge. Both cruise lines include drinks, taxes and gratuities. Inclusions vary by sailing, so confirm them for your exact voyage.
About the author
Helen King is a Certified Travel Advisor (CTA) and Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) who specializes in small ship ocean, expedition and river cruising. She has been sailing on small ships since 2012 and is the founder of The Small Ship Collective. TICO #5003172. She is a member of The Travel Agent Next Door, Travel Leaders Network, ACTA and CLIA.
Inclusions vary by cruise line and sailing and change over time. This article is general information. Please confirm all details for your exact sailing with the cruise line before you book.