Short answer
Most transatlantic cruises take roughly 7 to 16 nights. A dedicated ocean liner crossing, such as Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 between New York and Southampton, takes about a week. Repositioning cruises, where ships move between the Americas and Europe for the season, often last 12 to 16 nights or longer because they include port stops. The exact length depends on the route, the ship and how many calls are scheduled, so always check the individual itinerary.
Crossing times by route
| Type of crossing | Typical length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York to Southampton on Queen Mary 2 | About 7 nights (some listed as 8 days) | Few or no port stops |
| Southampton to New York on Queen Mary 2 | About 7 nights | Return crossings are similar in length |
| Round trip across and back | Two weeks or more | Combines both crossings |
| Repositioning from Florida or the Caribbean to Southern Europe | Often 12 to 16 nights | May include Atlantic island stops |
| Repositioning from Lisbon or Spain to the US | Often around 11 to 15 nights | Spring and autumn sailings |
| Longer one-way voyages | 20 nights or more | Extended routes with many ports |
Durations in published schedules vary from year to year, and these ranges are only a guide.
Direct liner crossings on Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 is designed as an ocean liner, and her main transatlantic route links New York with Southampton. Crossings are usually about seven nights with no port calls, so the voyage is mostly sea days. For more about this route, including where you arrive and how to reach London or Paris, see transatlantic cruises from New York to France and England. Fares are covered in how much a Queen Mary 2 cruise costs.
For historical context, the original Queen Mary of the 1930s is remembered for record-setting speeds that cut the crossing to under four days. Modern cruise liners sail at a more relaxed pace.
Repositioning cruises
Many cruise lines move ships between the Caribbean or US East Coast and Europe in spring and autumn. These are generally longer than a Queen Mary 2 crossing, because the ships stop at ports on the way. Typical stops include the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Portugal and Spain. These cruises may have several consecutive sea days, often six or more, with a few port calls scattered through. Their length is often 12 to 16 nights, though they can run longer when they continue to Italy or Northern Europe.
Why durations differ
- Port stops: Every call adds time. A direct crossing skips them.
- Route: Southern routes via the Canaries or Madeira and northern routes via the Azores or the UK differ in distance.
- Ship speed and design: Ocean liners are built for faster, rougher-sea crossings than many resort ships.
- Start and end ports: Florida-to-Barcelona is a longer trip than New York-to-Southampton.
- Extra itinerary legs: Some voyages add Mediterranean or Northern Europe stops after the crossing.
By contrast, small sailing yachts that cross the Atlantic generally take several weeks, depending on route and weather, which shows how much faster a cruise ship is.
What a crossing is like day to day
Many consecutive sea days mean a different rhythm from a port-heavy holiday. Typical features include onboard lectures, classes, entertainment, spa time and reading. Clocks usually move an hour on many nights, so you gradually adjust to the time difference, which can help with jet lag. Weather on the open Atlantic can be rough at times, especially outside summer, so those prone to seasickness should plan accordingly, starting with cabin location, and speak to a doctor or pharmacist about options.
Choosing a length
- About a week: A straightforward liner crossing, with the shortest time away.
- Two weeks: A repositioning cruise with a few ports, a good compromise.
- Three weeks or more: For travelers who enjoy long voyages and plenty of ports.
For how crossings compare with other trip lengths, see how many days is ideal for a cruise.
If time is tight, a one-way crossing plus a flight home is a common solution. For choosing where in Europe to finish, see our guide to the best European cruise destination.