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How do I get to US from UK in a boat?


I live in Wales, United Kingdom . I don’t want to fly on an airplane. I need to get to Puerto Rico for a May 23 2025 wedding. Do you have suggestion routes for me?

let me see what kind of travel agent support I can get from AI

ChatGPT 4o

To travel from Wales to Puerto Rico without flying, you’ll need a combination of trains, ferries, and possibly a cruise or private charter. Here’s a suggested route:

  1. Wales to Mainland Europe:
  • Take a train from Wales (e.g., Cardiff) to a port city like London, then connect to a Eurostar train to mainland Europe (Paris or Brussels).
  1. Europe to Spain:
  • From Paris, take a high-speed train to Spain (e.g., Madrid or Barcelona).
  1. Spain to the Canary Islands:
  • Catch a ferry from mainland Spain to the Canary Islands (typically from Cádiz). This ferry journey can take around 30-40 hours.
  1. Canary Islands to the Caribbean:
  • Look for a transatlantic cruise or private yacht charter that departs from the Canary Islands heading west. Some cruise lines offer repositioning cruises from Europe to the Caribbean in the spring, often including stops at islands like Puerto Rico.
  • If you opt for a private yacht, this could take around 10-14 days depending on speed and weather.
  1. Arriving in Puerto Rico:
  • Once in the Caribbean, make sure Puerto Rico is either a port of call on the cruise or arrange onward travel through local ferries or smaller charters.

This route requires significant time for planning, as ferry and cruise schedules vary. If you’re interested in specific cruise lines or private charters, I can help narrow down options closer to your travel date.

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Certainly! Traveling from Wales to Puerto Rico without flying is a significant journey that requires careful planning. Here’s a suggested route combining ground transportation and sea travel:

1. Wales to a UK Port City

  • Train or Bus: Travel from your location in Wales to Southampton or Liverpool by train or bus.

2. Transatlantic Crossing

  • Option A: Transatlantic Cruise
  • Cruise Lines: Companies like Cunard Line operate transatlantic cruises. The Queen Mary 2 offers regular crossings from Southampton to New York.
  • Duration: The crossing typically takes 7 days.
  • Booking: Check cruise schedules for spring 2025 and book well in advance.
  • Option B: Freighter Travel
  • Freighter Companies: Some cargo ships accept passengers for transatlantic voyages. Companies like Grimaldi Lines or CMA CGM might offer this service.
  • Duration: The journey can take 10–15 days or more.
  • Considerations: Accommodations are basic, and amenities are limited compared to cruise ships.

3. Arrival in North America

  • Disembark in New York or Another East Coast Port.

4. Overland Travel to Florida

  • Train: Use Amtrak services to travel from New York to Miami.
  • Route: The Silver Service/Palmetto line connects New York to Miami.
  • Duration: Approximately 28 hours.
  • Booking: Reserve seats or sleeper cabins in advance.

5. Sea Travel to Puerto Rico

  • Option A: Cruise from Florida to Puerto Rico
  • Cruise Lines: Look for cruises departing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral that include San Juan, Puerto Rico as a port of call.
  • Duration: Cruises to Puerto Rico typically last 3–7 days.
  • Booking: Check with cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Carnival for schedules in May 2025.
  • Option B: Cargo Ship
  • Freighter Travel: Some cargo ships travel from Florida to Puerto Rico and may accept passengers.
  • Considerations: Similar to transatlantic freighter travel with basic accommodations.

6. Alternative Route: Direct Cruise to the Caribbean

  • Repositioning Cruises: In the spring, some cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises from Europe directly to the Caribbean, sometimes stopping in Puerto Rico.
  • Departure Ports: Cruises may depart from Barcelona, Lisbon, or Southampton.
  • Duration: Approximately 14–16 days.
  • Benefits: Bypass the need to travel through the United States.

7. Planning and Considerations

  • Total Travel Time: Depending on the route, expect the journey to take 3–4 weeks or more.
  • Visas and Documentation:
  • United States: You will need a U.S. visa or an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program for transit.
  • Other Countries: Check visa requirements for any other countries you may pass through.
  • COVID-19 and Health Regulations:
  • Stay updated on any health advisories, vaccination requirements, or travel restrictions.
  • Cost:
  • Cruises: Can be more expensive but offer more amenities.
  • Freighter Travel: Generally less expensive but with basic facilities.
  • Booking Assistance:
  • Consider using a travel agent experienced in overland and sea travel.
  • Specialized agencies can help with freighter bookings, such as Voyages of Discovery or Freighter Travel specialists.

8. Sample Itinerary Overview

  1. Wales to Southampton: Train or bus.
  2. Southampton to New York: Transatlantic cruise (7 days).
  3. New York to Miami: Amtrak train (28 hours).
  4. Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico: Caribbean cruise (3–7 days).

Tips

  • Flexibility: Be prepared for limited departure dates and potential schedule changes.
  • Accommodation: Book accommodations near ports and stations as needed.
  • Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering long trips and multiple modes of transport.
  • Communication: Keep in touch with event organizers in Puerto Rico to update them on your travel plans.


By planning ahead and considering these options, you can make the journey to Puerto Rico without flying. Safe travels, and enjoy the wedding!

Claude Sonnet

Given your location in Wales and your desire to avoid air travel, reaching Puerto Rico for a wedding on May 23, 2025 will be challenging, but not impossible. Here’s a potential route you could consider:

  1. Train or car from Wales to Southampton, England.
  2. Transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York City. This typically takes about 7 days.
  3. Train or bus from New York City to Miami, Florida. This could take 1-2 days depending on the route and stops.
  4. Cruise from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico. This usually takes about 4-5 days.

This route would require careful planning and would take approximately two weeks one-way. You’d need to leave Wales by early May 2025 to arrive in time for the wedding.

Some important considerations:

  1. Timing: Ensure all connections align and allow buffer time for potential delays.
  2. Cost: This route will likely be more expensive than flying.
  3. Visa requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter the US, even for transit.
  4. Booking in advance: Cruises and long-distance trains often require early booking, especially for specific dates.
  5. Return journey: Plan your return trip similarly, accounting for the time needed.
  6. Alternative routes: You might also consider routes through other European ports that offer transatlantic crossings.

Given the complexity and duration of this journey, you might want to reconsider your stance on flying, as it would be significantly faster and potentially less complicated. However, if you’re committed to avoiding air travel, this sea and land route is a possible, albeit challenging, alternative.

Would you like me to elaborate on any part of this suggested route or explore other options?

Linksl

https://www.seat61.com/queen-mary-2-transatlantic.htm

email to Canadian Arctic Expedition Cruises 2023 | Polar Routes

Hi!
Thank you for providing your services. Ii hope to be able to use them. My wife and I have taken the Smyrll line MS Norrona to Iceland from Denmark twice and we have our sights set on getting to Tromso, Norway and other arctic areas. .

That said I have a project for 2025.. How to get to the US by boat, well really to Puerto Rico by May 23 2025.
I am breaking the problem down in parts and thought getting to North America would be a good start.

I am wondering if you be able to provide me with your companies options to get to North America.
We have a need to travel in suites ideally with our campervan but understand this may be highly unlikely outside of UK/Europe travel.

Thanks for reading this email. I hope it is an intriguing puzzle that you are curious to help out with.

Best regards,
Peter

Hi Peter,

Thank you for enquiring on our website. We specialise in expedition cruising to the Polar regions, unfortunately we do not have partners who offer Atlantic crossings with vehicles, so unfortunately will be unable to help with this trip.

Many Thanks

Charlie Mason

Elite Travel Specialist

Polar Routes

blog about container ship travel

https://www.bacheloroftravel.com/travel-on-a-container-ship

https://www.sovereigncruise.co.uk/contact-us

Hi there,

I’m writing to inquire about your company’s options for traveling to Puerto Rico by May 23, 2025. My son is getting married and has chosen a destination wedding. I am able to fly at this time and have always wanted to take a transatlantic sailing. I understand a direct route might not be an option but I am looking for options. 

My wife and I have previously taken the Smyrll line MS Norrona to Iceland from Denmark twice. I share that because we are open to getting to a location by vehicle to start the voyage.

We would like to travel in private suites.

I would appreciate it if you could provide me with information about your company’s options.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Peter

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