How exciting to take part in a transatlantic cruise taking you through the Atlantic, from the Old World to the New World. In addition to enjoying the ship’s amenities and attractions, you have a splendid opportunity to observe several cities and towns along the way. Get ready to embark on a sea journey!
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Rotterdam today has almost nothing in common with its famous counterpart Amsterdam: this is a modern city gleaming with steel and glass of its skyscrapers. Following the tremendous devastation of WWII, the ancient city of Rotterdam experienced a revival that made it an important seaport and an economic center of the Netherlands it. The harbor of this city is a city in itself, with all its energy and action. Cutting-edge architecture is not the only thing worth looking at; between modern buildings, some pieces of history hide, making the exploration process even more enjoyable for a transatlantic cruise explorer.
Brugge
The charming town of Brugge is undoubtedly one of the most visited in Europe, all thanks to its amazing medieval architecture. Few know that the buildings that look as if they had been erected many centuries ago were built just in the 19th — early 20th century. At that time, Brugge was rediscovered by tourists following its downfall from when it was an important trading city belonging to the Hanseatic League. Then, the disrepair city was rebuilt in the traditional style that still attracts us today. Enjoy a walking tour and sip in the historic atmosphere on your transatlantic cruise.
Le Havre, France
The port town of Le Havre lies on the western coast of France, along the English Channel. Often, it becomes a starting point for a day trip to Paris; however lucrative this option might seem, do spend some time in Le Havre. Though the town suffered greatly during World War II, it remained a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to quality reconstruction. There is plenty to see around Le Havre, as well: from picturesque coasts to the beaches that witnessed historical events, and beautiful countryside—perfect for any transatlantic cruise route.
Isle of Portland, England
A «wild, natural, and ruggedly beautiful» island in Dorset welcomes you with its special atmosphere, which appears out of isolation, traditional villages, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Portland is also a water sports center where you can try windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, scuba diving, etc. Other options include hiking to the clifftops of the Jurassic Coast, absorbing spectacular sea views (over 900 routes are available), and visiting the neo-gothic Pennsylvania Castle or the Portland Castle, built in the 1540s during the rule of Henry VII to protect England against the French and the Spanish. This island is a gem along any transatlantic cruise.
Brest, France
The small medieval port town of Brest in Brittany is everything you can expect from a medieval town. Nowadays, it’s not just the castle and the port but also the place where the university is situated, making students a large part of the town’s population. Brest also suffered destruction during WWII, which left a significant mark in the town’s history. Though not much historical architecture remains, you can immerse in history by visiting the Musée de la Tour Tanguy (housed in the Tanguy Tower) or the Musée National de la Marine (National Navy Museum) de Brest (in an ancient castle). The area around Brest has excellent options for hiking the cliffs, sunbathing, windsurfing, and yachting. It is a perfect spot for those on a transatlantic cruise journey.
King’s Wharf (Royal Naval Dockyard)
One of Bermuda’s three ports, this dockyard contains two docks: Heritage Wharf and King’s Wharf. It is located in Dockyard Parish at the west end of Ireland Island. The British navy built King’s Wharf to possess a base close to the West Indies. During both World Wars, it served as a North Atlantic base. Since 1951, King’s Wharf was left uninhabited; sometime later, it was revived: a museum, an arts center, and a craft market were built. Now, this place offers even more activities, featuring dolphin swims, scuba diving, parasailing, and golf. Nearby, you can visit a historic Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, a 15th-century chapel at the Heydon Trust, the Clockwater Mall, the Bermuda Rum Cake Company, etc. Another fascinating stop on a transatlantic cruise.
Half Moon Cay
The island was bought by a cruise company in 1996; since then, it has been a private retreat for the line’s passengers on routes passing through the Caribbean. Before the purchase, the island used to be called Little San Salvador. Despite its small size, Half Moon Cay has a 2.5-mile-long beach, and it’s big enough to give every guest some solitude, making it a tranquil stop on a transatlantic cruise.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), USA
The city on Florida’s Gold Coast, between Miami and Palm Beach, is a moderate mix of both, offering plenty of tourist attractions. In the 1800s, Fort Lauderdale was founded as a means of protection against the Indians, and the swamps covering the lands in the area were turned into canals. Thus, more than 300 miles of waterways were created, gaining the city the nickname «Venice of America». Fort Lauderdale has a massive boating community, with 42,000 yachts registered. For previous decades, the city was known for its «college break» reputation; it is different now, with more options for families and boaters. One more pleasant detail is that the local beaches have been awarded the title of «Blue Wave Beach», having proven to be the cleanest and safest. Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic destination to begin or end your transatlantic cruise.
By joining this transatlantic cruise, you will have the opportunity to see many fantastic destinations, from European medieval towns to warm Caribbean islands. If you would like to stay in the port of departure or port of arrival, you need to find accommodation. Use a hotel price aggregator, hotelin.com, to search through hundreds of options, implementing various filters that are added to enhance the user experience. Find your perfect stay and have a marvelous sea journey!
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