Eastbound and Down: A Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise on the Norwegian Pearl

Every spring and fall, cruise ships reposition between continents, moving from their summer itineraries to their winter ones or vice versa. These voyages are called repositioning cruises, and they have become one of our favorite ways to travel.

In spring 2024, Josh and I sailed our first Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise on the brand-new Norwegian Viva, crossing from Miami to Lisbon. By the time fall rolled around, we were hooked. When we had the chance to book another crossing, this time on the Norwegian Pearl from Barcelona to Miami, we jumped at it.

It was our first time sailing on one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s smaller, older ships, and the experience was completely different from our Viva cruise. The Pearl’s size, itinerary, and atmosphere gave us a new perspective on crossing the Atlantic by cruise ship, and we loved every minute.

Why Choose a Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise?

The idea of crossing the Atlantic by cruise ship feels romantic in a Titanic-meets-modern-luxury kind of way. It is slower than flying, but that is the appeal. You have days to truly disconnect, read, nap, and enjoy the ship. You also get to explore ports that do not usually appear together on a typical itinerary.

If you are wondering how these trips work, my upcoming guide on What is a Repositioning Cruise? will cover the pros, cons, and what to expect.

For us, the route was a major selling point: Cartagena, Málaga, and Cádiz in Spain, then six relaxing sea days before a sunny stop in Bermuda, ending in Miami. We would get history, food, beaches, and time to just be, all in one trip.

Boarding in Barcelona

We flew into Barcelona before the cruise to adjust to the time change and enjoy some time in one of our favorite European cities. Embarkation day was smooth, and boarding the Pearl felt easy compared to the massive terminals we have navigated on bigger ships.

The Pearl has a more traditional cruise ship layout than Norwegian’s newer vessels, with a smaller pool deck, classic atrium, and fewer specialty dining venues. It felt cozy rather than overwhelming, a theme that carried through the entire sailing.

Port 1: Cartagena, Spain – A Tasty Walk Through Time

In Cartagena, we joined the Three Tapas Cartagena Walking Tour, a perfect blend of history and food.

We began at Parque Torres for panoramic views, visited the Roman Theatre, explored the Roman Forum District, and sampled local tapas like ensalada rusa and marinera. 

Port 2: Málaga, Spain – Gastronomic Charms and Magical Málaga

Through Norwegian, we booked the Gastronomic Charms & Magical Málaga Tour. We explored Atarazanas Market, toured the Picasso Museum, and tasted manchego cheese, fried anchovies, and sweet Málaga wine.

Port 3: Cádiz, Spain – Wandering on Our Own

Cádiz was our self-guided day. We walked the old town, explored Castillo de San Sebastian, gazed at the Cádiz Cathedral bell tower, and enjoyed a long walk along the coast.  

Six Days at Sea – Finding the Rhythm

After Cádiz came six consecutive sea days. Mornings started with coffee at the Atrium Café, then walks on deck. We played trivia, frequented the casino, and enjoyed specialty dining at Cagney’s Steakhouse. The weather was calm, making the ocean crossing feel peaceful and restorative.

Port 4: Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda – Rising Sun Catamaran Swim & Snorkel

In Bermuda, we joined the Rising Sun Catamaran Swim & Snorkel Tour. We sailed to a secluded bay, some brave folks swam and snorkeled (it was very cold in December), and enjoyed unlimited Rum Swizzles on the way back to port.

Comparing Norwegian Pearl vs Norwegian Viva on a Transatlantic Crossing

Since we had sailed a Norwegian Viva transatlantic cruise earlier in 2024, it was interesting to compare the experience with the Norwegian Pearl.

• Ship Size & Atmosphere: Viva is one of NCL’s newest and largest ships, with cutting-edge dining, entertainment, and modern staterooms. Pearl is smaller and older, but feels more intimate and easier to navigate.
  

• Entertainment & Dining: Viva has a wider variety of specialty restaurants and larger production shows. Pearl offers fewer options but delivers a more personal, less crowded experience.
  

• Sea Days: On both ships, the rhythm of sea days is similar, but on Pearl, it was easier to find quiet spaces. Viva’s public areas are busier simply due to its size and passenger count.
  

• Value: Pearl’s fall repositioning itinerary was slightly less expensive per day, and the smaller passenger load made the ship feel more relaxed.
  

Both ships delivered a memorable Norwegian Cruise Line transatlantic repositioning cruise, but if you want a cozier, slower-paced crossing, Pearl is a winner. For a flashier, entertainment-heavy experience, Viva takes the crown.

Disembarking in Miami

The final morning came too soon. Disembarkation was efficient, and we were at the airport for our flight back to Kansas City within hours. After nearly two weeks of slow travel, airport chaos felt like a shock to the system.

Final Thoughts – Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely. Whether on the ultra-modern Viva or the classic Pearl, a Norwegian Cruise Line transatlantic repositioning cruise offers a unique balance of culture, relaxation, and adventure. The Pearl proved that smaller ships can deliver just as rewarding an ocean crossing, and in some ways, an even better one.

Recommendations

Are you planning your next trip and looking for services that make travel smoother? Here are a few of my go-to recommendations:

• Stay Connected Abroad: I use Airalo eSIMs to avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards in every country.

• Protect Your Data: NordVPN keeps my internet connection safe when I’m on public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafés.

  
  

• Travel Europe by Train: I book through Trainline for easy tickets across Europe, including London, Italy, Spain, and France.

  
  

• Relax Before You Fly: Priority Pass gives you access to airport lounges around the world.

  
  

• Find the Right Stay: For vacation rentals, I like using VRBO.

  
  

• See the City with Ease: Hop-on, hop-off tours are a fun way to get oriented. Check out Big Bus Tours in Vienna, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, and Dubai.

  
  

• Book Tours and Transfers: I often use Get Your Guide and Viator to arrange activities, tickets, and transfers in advance.

  
  

• Hotels, Cars, and Flights: Expedia is one of my go-to sites for comparing and booking travel.

  
  

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase or booking through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me keep creating and sharing travel content here on From Lawrence with Love. Thank you for supporting the blog!