Heather,
I have crossed the Atlantic three times by ship. Basically, there are a couple of cruise ship companies that have very, every inexpensive prices from Caribbean ports when moving ships east in the spring and west in the autum. to Spain and/or Portugal. Think round trip for less than one way by air. And, of course, 3 meals, a comfortable bed, entertainment, and lots of opportunities to use the recreation facilities. Best of all, arriving without any jet lag ! So, no "down time" when arriving. Easy ship passage from Gibraltar and some other Iberian ports to N. Africa.
So, it will pay to wait for cruise travel to be safe.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.