How Long Does It Take a Cruise Ship to Go From New York to Europe?

By Michael Ferguson

New York City is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, and it’s a popular embarkation point for cruises to Europe. But how long does it take to get from New York to Europe by cruise ship?

The length of a cruise from New York to Europe can vary significantly depending on the length of the cruise and the particular destinations within Europe. A typical transatlantic crossing between New York and a European port such as Southampton, England or Le Havre, France can take anywhere from seven to twelve days.

Shorter cruises that visit multiple cities can last as little as five days. Cruises that include more ports in Northern Europe may take up to two weeks or more.

Cruise ships typically depart from Manhattan’s West Side Piers, near Chelsea Piers or Pier 88, and follow a course along the eastern Atlantic seaboard before reaching the open sea. Depending on wind and weather conditions, ships either head south along the coast of North America before turning east across the Atlantic or they may go directly east from New York out into open ocean waters.

Once out in open sea, passengers settle into days of leisurely cruising with no land in sight for several hundred miles until they reach their destination in Europe. During this time passengers can enjoy all the amenities that modern cruise ships offer including spas, fitness centers, restaurants, bars and lounges, live entertainment and swimming pools.

At their destination port in Europe passengers disembark for sightseeing tours or independent explorations before returning to the ship for another day at sea with time enough to enjoy one more meal onboard before disembarking at New York City again at journey’s end.

In summary, a cruise from New York City to Europe can take anywhere from five days up to two weeks depending on the itinerary and length of voyage booked. Such voyages provide passengers with an exciting opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful cities while enjoying all the comforts and amenities onboard a modern cruise ship.

Conclusion: A voyage from New York City to Europe by cruise ship typically takes anywhere from five days up two weeks depending on the length of voyage booked and number of ports visited along the way.