Bordeaux to New York by boat.... "NUTS"

Prinsendam from Holland America does that route but not until May. That's from an Interweb search I just did. When I was a child we regularly sailed Southampton New York or reverse at all times of year including in winter. Are you sure that transatlantic, north transatlantic, in December is really what you want? We did it but nobody enjoyed it. Really, nobody enjoyed it. You've never lived until you have experienced 40 to 60 foot waves crashing over the liner in freezing cold weather. You soon learn to stay off deck and keep the portholes closed. Maybe that's why you couldn't find a crossing...

Here's a list of ships making the crossing in December but none from Bordeaux: http://cruises.affordabletours.com/search/advanced_search/?destination=26&numnights=0&departuredate=12-2010&cruiseline=0&ship=0&price=0&port=&resident=0

What is the backstory? Why by sea? I'd love to do it sometime if I have the time.

We have gone to Europe 3x over past 6 yrs, each time by transatlantic cruise and have returned by ship, as well. The few cruise ships that cross during the winter months generally go to Central America or Brazil and are much more likely to leave from Barcelona or some other Spanish port or from Lisbon.

Another option are freighters. Some offer accomodations and meals but very little other frills. Bring your own entertainment.

There are freighters that also carry passengers from La Havre and Germany and Holland to the east coast. Google and you will be able to take your pick. On one site it noted no reservations within 1 month of departure.

tom, I thought that Cunard might have some sailings, but as Nigel pointed out, travel in the North Atlantic in winter is really NOT a good idea. Of their three ships on that route, the Queen Victoria seems to have a few sailings in January from Southampton. Your title line sounds like the same response provided by General McAuliffe during "The Battle of the Bulge" in WW-2? Good luck!

Just out of curiosity, what does a trans-Atlantic trip cost? I'm sure there is a wide variation, with cruise ships and freighters, but what is the fare range for 2 people?

Transatlantic crossings vary wildly in cost, depending on special deals, time of year,whether ship is repositioning to take advantage of cruising in more popular areas,etc. If airfare for 2 is about $800, figure that totalship cost could run between twice and four times that. It is, however, MUCH nicer than flying, tho time-consuming.