Each journey takes seven days and covers 3,150 nautical miles (3,625 statute miles). From port to port, sailing vessels and excursions from the United States to England usually take six to nine days. The majority of ships depart from New York City and dock in Southampton, England, with no stops in between.

A direct transatlantic cruise from New York to London (typically docking in Southampton, about 80 miles from London) usually takes 7 to 8 nights if it is a non-stop crossing. The most famous example is the Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2, which operates a regular "Transatlantic Crossing" taking exactly 7 nights. However, many other cruise lines offer "Repositioning Cruises" or "Northern Atlantic" itineraries that can last anywhere from 12 to 17 nights. These longer journeys often include scenic stops in Halifax (Canada), Reykjavik (Iceland), or Belfast (Northern Ireland) before arriving in the UK. Because the ship is traveling eastward across time zones, you "lose" an hour almost every night, which can make the journey feel faster than a westward return. Once the ship docks in Southampton, passengers typically take a 1.5-hour train or coach transfer to reach central London.