How Long Would It Take a Cruise Ship to Sink?

By Robert Palmer

A cruise ship can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours or more to sink, depending on the size and condition of the vessel. Cruise ships are designed to be incredibly stable, but if they are damaged in a serious way, they can quickly start to take on water.

The Size of the Ship Matters

Cruise ships vary greatly in size and weight. Larger vessels are naturally more difficult to sink than smaller ones, since they have more buoyancy and stability. In general, it will take longer for a larger cruise ship to sink than it will for a smaller one.

The Extent of Damage

The amount of damage sustained by the cruise ship is also an important factor when it comes to how long it takes for the ship to sink. If the damage is relatively minor (such as a small puncture) then it could take much longer for the ship to sink as compared with a major incident such as running aground or hitting an iceberg, where large holes could be created in the hull of the vessel.

The Watertight Integrity of the Ship

Another factor that affects how long it takes for a cruise ship to sink is its watertight integrity. The vessel must be constructed with enough bulkheads and compartments that can be sealed off when damage occurs in order to prevent flooding throughout other parts of the ship. If these watertight compartments are breached or fail, then it could drastically reduce the time it would take for the cruise ship to sink.

Conclusion:

How long would it take for a cruise ship to sink? The answer depends largely on its size, extent of damage sustained and its watertight integrity — ranging from 20 minutes up two hours or more. Despite their immense stability, when large amounts of water enter a damaged vessel, sinking times become significantly shorter.