Transpacific Cruises
The long one-way crossings of the world’s biggest ocean.
Get Transpacific QuotesCrossing the Biggest Ocean
Transpacific cruises are the long one-way voyages ships make between North America and Asia or Australia. They are the Pacific counterpart of a transatlantic crossing, but longer, with more consecutive sea days and the International Date Line along the way.
The northern route usually links Vancouver or Seattle with Japan, following the arc of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The southern route links the West Coast or Hawaii with Australia and New Zealand through the South Pacific islands. Ships typically head west in autumn and return east in spring.
What 2027 Looks Like
Transpacific cruises for 2027 are already appearing. Listings we saw in October 2026 included spring Tokyo-to-Vancouver crossings from Oceania Cruises and Seabourn in April and from Silversea in May, and a Carnival repositioning from Sydney to San Francisco in April. Schedules change, so treat these as examples of the pattern rather than a full list; our cruise advisors check what is actually on sale.
The mix tells you something: luxury and premium lines dominate the northern route, while mainstream lines appear when they move a ship between Australian and American seasons.
Northern or Southern Route?
| Northern route | Southern route | |
|---|---|---|
| Ends | Vancouver or Seattle and Japan | The West Coast or Hawaii and Australia or New Zealand |
| Typical calls | Alaska ports and the Aleutians, then Japan | Hawaii, French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji or New Caledonia, depending on the line |
| Weather | Cool, often grey, with a chance of big swells | Warm, with tropical island days |
| Sea days | Long unbroken runs across the North Pacific | Broken up by island calls |
| Best for | Travelers who love sea days and want to reach Japan | Travelers who want a slow road to Australia with beaches on the way |
Whichever you choose, check the visa and entry rules for the end country and any ports along the way, as they differ by nationality.
Life on a Long Crossing
Clocks
Westbound, clocks go back an hour on many nights; eastbound, they go forward, which means shorter nights.
The Date Line
A day vanishes heading west and repeats heading east.
Weather
The North Pacific can be cool and rough; the southern route is warmer, with island stops.
Pacing
Expect long runs at sea; lines usually add lectures, classes and entertainment.
At the Asian end, our sister site Asia Shore Excursions covers shore excursions in Japan and beyond. For the reading of a long itinerary, from sea days to overnights, see Cruise Ship Itineraries. Pack for two climates; Cruising Checklist has lists.
Transpacific Cruise Questions
What happens when the ship crosses the International Date Line?
Sailing west, toward Asia or Australia, the calendar skips a day. Sailing east, toward North America, you live the same date twice. The ship announces it in advance.
How long is a transpacific cruise?
Many run around two to three weeks, depending on the route and the number of port calls.
Are transpacific cruises good value?
Often per night, but add the long-haul one-way flight before deciding. Ending in a city you want to explore makes that flight part of the trip rather than a cost.
Plan a Transpacific Crossing
Tell us which direction you want to sail and where you would like to end. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare transpacific cruises and send free quotes.
Get Transpacific Quotes