How Fast Can A Cruise Ship Travel?

Cruise ship speeds are measured in knots, with one knot equivalent to 1.15078 miles per hour on land. Royal Caribbean claims its cruise ships can reach speeds of 18 to 20 knots, depending on the specific ship and itinerary. The average speed for cruise ships today is anywhere from 20-24 knots, which translates to around 23 mph – 27 mph.

The maximum top speed of a cruise ship is around three knots faster than its real-life average cruising speed. The fastest cruise ship can typically reach a speed of around 30 knots, about two to three knots higher than its cruising speed. However, cruise ships rarely hit top speed and will usually travel at a speed of 20-25 knots (23-29 mph or 37-46 kmh).

Modern cruise ships can travel upwards of 400 or 500 nautical miles per day, equating to approximately 20-25 knots. Larger vessels may travel faster at anywhere from 21 to 24 knots. Royal Caribbean states that the average cruising speed is about 18 to 20 knots depending on the ship and itinerary.

Cruise ships travel relatively slowly, with an average speed of 18 to 22 knots (20 to 25 miles per hour). Ocean liners like Queen Mary 2 can reach speeds up to 30 knots or 34.5 mph. However, just because they can glide along that fast doesn’t mean they can go as fast as a car on the road.