How Long Does It Take to Cruise Across the Atlantic?

Quick Answer

7 days is the most common duration for a transatlantic cruise, with crossings ranging from 6–9 days depending on the route, ship speed, and weather conditions. The classic crossing from Southampton, England to New York City takes about 7 days. Repositioning cruises that include port stops along the way can take 10–16 days.

Popular Transatlantic Routes

Route	Typical Duration	Distance (approx.)
Southampton to New York	7 days	3,450 nautical miles
Barcelona to Miami	9–12 days	4,500 nautical miles
Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale	8–10 days	3,700 nautical miles
Copenhagen to New York	9–11 days	3,900 nautical miles
Civitavecchia (Rome) to Miami	12–14 days	5,000 nautical miles
Southampton to New York (with Azores stop)	9–10 days	3,450+ nautical miles

Cruise Lines Offering Transatlantic Crossings

• Cunard Line: The most iconic transatlantic operator. The Queen Mary 2 offers regular scheduled crossings between Southampton and New York (7 days), the only ship providing a true ocean liner service.
• Celebrity Cruises: Seasonal repositioning cruises, typically April/May (eastbound) and October/November (westbound).
• Royal Caribbean: Repositioning voyages of 12–16 days, often with Caribbean or Azores port stops.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Repositioning cruises with multiple sea days and port calls.
• Holland America Line: Known for longer itineraries with more port stops across 14–16 days.
• MSC Cruises: European line with seasonal transatlantic repositioning voyages.

Repositioning Cruises

Repositioning cruises happen when cruise lines move ships between seasonal deployment areas (e.g., Mediterranean in summer to Caribbean in winter). These offer excellent value:

• When: Primarily April–May (eastbound to Europe) and September–November (westbound to the Americas).
• Duration: 10–16 days, with port stops in the Azores, Canary Islands, Bermuda, or Madeira.
• Cost: Often 30–50% cheaper than a same-length Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise because demand is lower.
• Consecutive sea days: Expect 5–8 consecutive days at sea, which is ideal for relaxation but not for those who get restless.

Fastest Crossings

The transatlantic speed record is held by non-cruise vessels:

• Blue Riband record: SS United States crossed in 3 days, 12 hours, 12 minutes in 1952 (averaging 35.59 knots).
• Queen Mary 2: Cruises at approximately 26 knots and crosses in about 7 days. She is not designed for speed records but is the fastest active ocean liner.
• Modern cruise ships: Most cruise at 18–22 knots, which is why crossings take 7–9 days.

Best Time of Year

Season	Direction	Conditions
April–May	Eastbound (Americas to Europe)	Moderate seas, cool temperatures, occasional fog near Newfoundland
June–August	Both directions	Calmest seas, warmest weather, longest daylight hours; peak pricing
September–October	Westbound (Europe to Americas)	Good weather early; rougher seas increase through October
November–March	Limited availability	Roughest seas, highest risk of storms; fewest crossings offered

The North Atlantic is calmest from June through August, but transatlantic cruises run primarily in spring and fall due to repositioning schedules.

What to Expect on a Transatlantic Cruise

• Multiple consecutive sea days: Unlike port-heavy Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries, transatlantic cruises feature 5–8 straight days at sea.
• Enrichment programs: Lectures, workshops, cooking classes, and guest speakers are common to fill sea days.
• Formal nights: Cunard and other traditional lines schedule 2–3 formal dining evenings.
• Time zone changes: You will cross 5–6 time zones. Westbound, clocks go back one hour most nights (gaining an hour of sleep). Eastbound, clocks go forward.
• Weather variability: Pack layers; temperatures can range from 50°F to 75°F depending on route and season.
• Limited connectivity: Mid-ocean Wi-Fi is satellite-based, slow, and expensive ($15–$30/day).