Modern cruise ships are massive vessels that sail the oceans and provide family entertainment.
Many ocean liners weigh over 140 million pounds and yet manage to arrive at their destinations in prompt time.
One has to wonder: How fast can cruise ships go in the water? How much fuel does it take to transport a boatload of people?
Before you begin your vacation, take a second to read this article and learn some quick facts about cruise ships and their speed.
How Fast Do Cruise Ships Go?
The average cruise ship can travel as fast as 24 knots per hour. The engine’s power outlet and the ship’s weight are a few factors that affect the speed.
One common reason for the cruise ship’s speed is to arrive at the port on time. If the ship arrived at its destination early, then the company would pay extra docking fees. Reducing the speed saves money on port costs.
Also, cruise ships are primarily tourist attractions, so this speed is perfect for travelers. Vacation-goers are paying for comfort, which can’t happen with a fast-moving ship.
If rough waters or bad weather demand it, the cruise ship captain might order the ship to sail at a faster speed than normal.
However, those are for emergencies only. For everyone’s safety, you can expect a cruise ship to sail at a gentle pace.
What’s the Difference Between Knots and MPH?
In the sea, a nautical mile means the same as miles per hour. This measurement gauges the distance traveled through the water.
Knots measure the speed of a ship and equate to one nautical mile per hour. The term refers to 17th-century ships that used a rope with knots at regular intervals to measure their speed.
Both units of measure require in-depth training to survive in the sea. A nautical mile helps you coordinate with the earth’s longitude and latitude systems. A knot tells you how long it would take to get there.
The Maximum Speed of Cruise Ships
Most cruise ships can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots or more.
These speeds are possible by the electric engines run on diesel fuel and the industrial propellers that push the boats forward.
The fastest cruise ship in the world is the Queen Mary 2. Cruising a top speed of 35 knots an hour, this vessel relies on electric propulsion to cross the waters.
Why Don’t Cruise Ships Go Faster?
The reason why cruise ships travel at average speed is because of fuel consumption.
One cruise ship can exhaust 10 gallons of fuel to reach a few hundred feet. Ships that use a lot of diesel fuel will run out before reaching the final destination.
Captains also know that travelers pay for an entertaining ride, so they slow the ship down during sunsets and specific portions of the voyage.
Summary
Cruise ships can travel at an average speed of 25 knots an hour. Depending on external factors and the shape of the water, the traveling speed will vary.
