Transatlantic crossings typically take 7 to 10 days, depending on the ship's speed and the exact route
A transatlantic cruise from the East Coast of the United States to Europe (or the reverse) covers roughly 3,000 to 3,600 nautical miles. Most modern cruise ships travel at 20 to 24 knots, which means the actual sailing time is usually 6 to 8 days of ocean. The total voyage length you see advertised—often 7 to 12 days—includes port time at the beginning and end, plus any stops along the way.
The exact duration depends on three things: which ports you leave from and arrive at, whether the ship stops in Bermuda or the Azores, and the ship's cruising speed. A direct crossing from New York to Southampton takes roughly 7 days of sailing. A crossing that includes a stop in Bermuda or a port in Portugal adds 1 to 2 days to the total voyage.
Key Takeaways
- Most transatlantic cruises last 7 to 10 days total, with 6 to 8 of those days spent actually crossing the ocean.
- Departure ports matter: New York to Southampton is faster than Miami to Southampton because the distance is shorter.
- Ships that stop in Bermuda or the Azores add 1 to 2 days to the voyage compared to a direct crossing.
- Westbound crossings (Europe to North America) sometimes take slightly longer because of prevailing Atlantic winds and currents.
Why crossing times vary between ships and routes
Not all cruise ships cross the Atlantic at the same speed. Older ships and some smaller vessels cruise at 18 to 20 knots, while newer megaships often travel at 22 to 24 knots. A ship moving at 24 knots covers the distance roughly 20 percent faster than one moving at 20 knots, which can shorten a crossing by a full day.
The route itself also matters. A ship leaving from New York has a shorter distance to Southampton than one leaving from Miami or Port Canaveral. Conversely, a ship crossing from Europe to New York may take a slightly different path than the eastbound route, especially if it's avoiding weather or following a traditional shipping lane.
Westbound crossings—from Europe back to North America—often take 8 to 10 days instead of 7 to 9 days eastbound. This is partly because prevailing Atlantic winds and the Gulf Stream current work against westbound traffic. Ships still arrive on schedule because captains account for this when planning the voyage.
Ports that add time to your crossing
Many transatlantic itineraries include a stop that breaks up the open ocean. Bermuda is the most common midway port for ships departing from the U.S. East Coast. A stop there adds roughly 1 to 2 days to the total voyage length, depending on how long the ship stays in port (usually 1 full day).
Some ships also stop in the Azores, a Portuguese island group roughly halfway across the Atlantic. This stop serves the same purpose as Bermuda—it gives passengers a break from sea days and adds 1 to 2 days to the voyage. A few itineraries include stops in Madeira or other Atlantic islands, which can extend the journey further.
If you prefer fewer sea days and more port time, look for itineraries that include these stops. If you want to spend more time crossing and fewer days in ports, choose a direct or near-direct route.
What happens during those sea days
The days spent crossing the Atlantic are not empty time. Cruise ships operate a full schedule of activities, entertainment, dining, and onboard experiences. You can attend shows, take fitness classes, visit the spa, eat at multiple restaurants, or straightforward relax in your cabin or on deck.
Sea days are also when the ship's crew performs maintenance and deep cleaning. You may notice the ship feels quieter during certain hours, or that some areas are temporarily closed. This is normal and part of keeping the ship running smoothly.
Many passengers find the sea days to be the most relaxing part of a cruise—there is no pressure to be anywhere, and the rhythm of the ship becomes your rhythm. Others prefer itineraries with more port stops and fewer consecutive sea days.
Seasonal differences in crossing times
Transatlantic crossings run year-round, but the season affects which routes are available and how long they take. Spring and fall crossings (April to May and September to October) are the most common and follow the standard 7 to 10 day pattern.
Summer crossings sometimes take slightly longer because ships may take a more northerly route to avoid Atlantic storms and because more traffic means less flexibility in scheduling. Winter crossings from the U.S. to Europe are less common, but when they do run, they may include stops in Bermuda or the Caribbean to avoid rough winter seas.
Repositioning cruises—when a ship moves from one region to another at the start or end of a season—sometimes offer longer transatlantic voyages with more stops. These can last 10 to 14 days and are often priced differently than standard crossings.
How to choose a crossing based on your schedule
If you have limited time, look for the shortest itineraries: direct crossings from New York to Southampton or similar major ports typically run 7 to 8 days total. These are usually the most expensive per day because you are paying for the crossing itself rather than port experiences.
If you want more time in ports and do not mind a longer voyage, choose an itinerary with stops in Bermuda, the Azores, or other Atlantic islands. These cruises often cost less per day because you are getting more port time, and they break up the ocean crossing into smaller segments.
Check the ship's itinerary carefully. The advertised length (7 days, 10 days, etc.) includes embarkation day and disembarkation day, so a "7-day" crossing actually gives you 5 full days at sea plus partial days at the start and end. Count the number of sea days listed separately if you want to know exactly how much time you will spend on the open ocean.
What to pack and prepare for a long crossing
A transatlantic crossing is longer than a typical Caribbean cruise, so plan accordingly. Bring medications and toiletries in quantities that will last the full voyage—you cannot easily resupply at sea. Pack layers of clothing because Atlantic weather can change quickly, and the ship's air conditioning varies by cabin location.
If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication or patches before you board. The open Atlantic can be rougher than sheltered Caribbean waters, especially in spring and fall. Talk to your doctor before the cruise if you have concerns.
Bring entertainment for sea days if you prefer quiet time: books, tablets, or headphones. Most ships offer free Wi-Fi in cabins now, though the connection can be slow and expensive data plans are available if you need faster speeds. Many passengers use sea days to catch up on sleep or straightforward disconnect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a transatlantic cruise faster than flying?
No. A flight from New York to London takes about 7 hours, while a cruise takes 7 to 10 days. However, a cruise includes accommodation, meals, and entertainment, whereas a flight does not. The value proposition is different—you are paying for the journey itself, not just the transportation.
Do transatlantic cruises run in winter?
Yes, but they are less common and may follow different routes. Winter crossings sometimes include stops in the Caribbean or Bermuda to avoid rough Atlantic seas. Spring and fall are the peak seasons for direct transatlantic voyages.
Can I get seasick on a transatlantic crossing?
It is possible, especially in spring and fall when Atlantic weather is more unpredictable. Modern ships have stabilizers that reduce motion, but the open ocean is rougher than sheltered waters. If you are concerned, bring seasickness medication or patches and talk to your cabin steward about cabin location—midship cabins on lower decks experience less motion.
What is the difference between eastbound and westbound crossings?
Eastbound crossings (U.S. to Europe) typically take 7 to 9 days, while westbound crossings (Europe to U.S.) often take 8 to 10 days because of prevailing winds and currents. Both arrive on schedule because ships account for these factors when planning the voyage.
Are there any stops between North America and Europe?
Most direct crossings do not stop, but many itineraries include Bermuda, the Azores, Madeira, or other Atlantic ports. These stops add 1 to 2 days to the total voyage. Check the specific itinerary to see which ports are included.