Isn’t it cool to watch people having fun on cruises, enjoying the rough waters? How fascinating! But it makes you think, “How fast does a cruise ship go?”
Well, it can vary! So continue reading and get the best cruise experience!
The Bigger They Are, The Slower They Go!
Most cruise ships don’t aim for speed but for pleasure, but the truth is, the bigger the cruise, the slower it goes.
That’s why big cruises have hotels and malls inside and travel at the same speed without causing too much vibration.
What is a Knot (Nautical Mile)?
Cruise ship speed is measured in knots, where one knot is equivalent to 1.15 mph. A nautical mile is longer than a mile on land.
How Fast Do Cruise Ships Go In mph(Miles Per Hour)?
The average speed of a modern cruise ship is around 20 to 22 knots (20 to 23 miles per hour), while the maximum speed reaches 25 knots (34.5 miles per hour).
How Fast Does a Cruise Ship Go In km?
A larger passenger cruise ship can travel around 21 to 24 knots, roughly 38.9 to 44.4 km/h.
Do Cruise Ships Travel Faster Than Ocean Liners?
Well, ocean liners are faster and better at cruising speed. Ships with slower speeds travel from one port call to another as they are not built for speed in particular.
The main reason for ships slowing down is to arrive at their scheduled time in port, as each hour a vessel is docked costs the cruise line money in docking fees.
2 Major Differences Between Cruise Ships & Ocean Liners
Both of these large passenger ships have different purposes. Let’s go through this section and learn how!
| Cruise Ships | Ocean Liners |
| Designed for pleasure and luxury in the 19th century | Designed for transportation in the 18th and early 19th century |
| Suitable for shorter trips | Ideal for transcontinental voyages |
|
Example: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, etc | Example: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary II, etc |
Cruise Ships Speed Up At Night: A Myth?
No, they don’t. Most ships sail around 18 to 20 knots, maintaining the same speed at night as during the day.
However, several factors impact the speed, including weather, fuel efficiency concerns, size, and itinerary.
How Far Can a Cruise Ship Travel in a Single Day?
A modern ship usually travels around 400 to 600 nautical miles per day, depending on the ship’s speed and other external factors.
What is the Top Speed of a Cruise Ship Ever Recorded?
The record for the fastest ship was set by SS United States in 1952, with a top speed of 38 knots.
5 Fastest Cruise Ship In The World? Updated 2024
Ever wondered which ship is the fastest worldwide? Keep reading to find interesting records and speeds!
SS United States
This retired record-breaking cruise with an unbelievable speed of 38 knots has broken the previous record of “Queen Mary.”
The record still holds, as no other ship could achieve above 34 knots.
Queen Elizabeth 2
Retired in 2008, this second-best ship has a speed of 34 knots and replaces Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
Today’s fastest ocean liner in the world, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, has a top speed of 30 knots, equivalent to 34.5 miles per hour.
Norwegian Gem
Built in 2007, this jewel-class ship has a speed of 26-27 knots.
Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas
The World’s largest cruise ship has a top speed of 25 knots and was considered the fastest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.