Bermuda Yacht Club

Back before commercial jet liners, getting to Europe meant boarding a steamer and spending a week crossing the Atlantic. These days, when time is the ultimate luxury, a trans-Atlantic cruise is an extravagance from another time.

But many trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises are terrific cruise bargains. In fact, they offer some of the lowest per diems at sea. So if you enjoy relaxing, leisurely dining, and taking advantage of shipboard amenities, you might want to consider one.

To relive the elegance of a bygone era, a London to New York crossing aboard the Queen Mary 2 is about as glamorous as it gets. Since launching in 2002, the QM2 has raised the bar with ten restaurants, a 20,000-square foot spa affiliated with Canyon Ranch, and a 500-seat planetarium for star gazing. One of the few ships that still has classes, QM2's Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations have their own dining rooms, lounges, and in some cases, sun decks.

Fares have been under $1,000 per person, which is one of the best cruise values for those looking for old-world luxury at an affordable price. The crossing takes six nights from Southampton and 7 nights from New York.

Golfers will enjoy the 14-night cruise on Crystal Symphony from London to Boston. This departure includes lots of special events, parties, and amenities to appeal to golfers. Plus the chance to play courses in Scotland, Iceland, and Nova Scotia.

MSC Cruises is a European line that's been experiencing tremendous growth. In March, 2010, the Lirica spends 17 nights sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Genoa. The ship calls at ports in Brazil, the Cape Verde and Canary Islands, Madeira, Morocco, Spain, and France before disembarking passengers in Genoa.

Also in March, Regent has a 10-night repositioning cruise aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. The ship departs from Fort Lauderdale and calls at Hamilton, Bermuda before sailing to Funchal, Maderia. With seven days at sea, there's plenty of time to enjoy the amenities of this lovely ship.

Travelers who act quickly and have plenty of time for travel can sail aboard the Seabourn Odyssey for about half price. The October departure leaves Athens, cruises the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean, calls at Funchall, Madeira, and arrives in Fort Lauderdale after 31 days.

What a lovely way to spend the month. Carrying just 450 passengers, the Odyssey is one of the roomiest ships afloat. You'll find private verandahs on 90% of the cabins. And the menus at The Restaurant were developed by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer.

The Seabourn Sprit also has 12-night cruises from Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale.

With space for just 110 passengers, Sea Dream Yacht Club's Sea Dream II is all about luxurious indulgence. Sunbathing topside on one of the Balinese Dream Beds is a hedonistic delight. Sea Dream II sails from Seville, Spain to San Juan Puerto Rico, calling at Funchall and Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands along the way. The 11-night cruise is selling for around $200 per person, per night.

If you have time and want to visit some Mediterranean ports, Holland America's mid-October voyage aboard the Noordam calls at Livorno, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona. The 16-night cruise leaves from Rome and disembarks passengers in Fort Lauderdale. Also on Holland America, their repositioning cruise aboard the Oosterdam leaves from Barcelona and calls at ports in Spain, Casablanca, and Portugal before arriving in Fort Lauderdale. Fares are currently about 50% off.

The 13-night trans-Atlantic cruise aboard Windstar's 312-passenger Wind Surf leaves from Lisbon. There's plenty of time to enjoy the amenities of this beautiful masted motor sail ship before arriving in Barbados.

Trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises are usually available in the spring and fall. Since they are one of the best cruise bargains, they're becoming more popular with savvy travelers who really want to relax.

Check out repositioningcruisesguide.com Look here for more great repositioning cruise ideas