around the world cruises review

7 Incredible Around-the-World Cruises to Book Now

If you have time to spare and want to visit a treasure trove of destinations from the comfort of a ship, these global sailings are well worth the splurge..

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Sail to Hawai‘i, French Polynesia, Singapore, across Asia, and to the Middle East on the all-suite Seven Seas Mariner .

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

In 1922, Cunard Line inaugurated the first world cruise from England that circled the globe in 130 days and visited 22 ports. One hundred years later, the tradition continues—with some variations—and now numerous cruise lines offer these epic voyages.

World cruise itineraries vary widely, and in truth most do not actually completely circumnavigate the globe these days, which is the hallmark of a true world voyage. But regardless of whether they do a full around-the-world tour, they do tackle a large and impressive array of destinations.

Most around-the-world cruises begin in December or January. While you still may find some limited space for the 2022–2023 season, these months-long sailings typically need to be booked well in advance, especially if you want to stay in an upper-level suite. The pandemic has only increased the popularity of these spectacular sailings as travelers try to make up for lost time, hoping to visit a large swath of international destinations in one fell swoop. This is a good time to start planning for a world cruise that is even one or two years away—and to keep an eye out for when epic around-the-world cruises even further out open for bookings.

Given how much time you’ll be spending onboard, the type of ship you choose can make or break your experience. Luxury cruise lines offer posh accommodations on smaller ships with an emphasis on service and typically have many more inclusions (think, freely flowing champagne and caviar). Premium lines are slightly larger ships with more entertainment and good-quality service and food, but they aren’t necessarily as inclusive (you might pay extra for some food, beverages, and services). Big cruise ships offer a greater choice of staterooms, plenty of pools, gargantuan spas, and flashy live shows—you won’t get bored.

Regardless of the cruise line, a world cruise offers the convenience of unpacking only once and a balance of lazy sea days and busy port stops. These cruises are not just about the exotic ports of call; they also are filled with dozens of sailing days, often a week at a time. Cruisers have numerous options during sea days ranging from informative lectures to dance classes, but it’s important that passengers be mentally prepared for the longer stretches of time onboard.

These lengthy voyages aren’t cheap either, but if you’ve yearned to sail the globe in a style surpassing that of famed maritime explorer Ferdinand Magellan and want to earn some serious cruise bragging rights, there are numerous around-the-world cruise options for a range of tastes and budgets.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best luxury all-inclusive world cruise

The crystal clear waters of Fiji are on the agenda during Regent Seven Seas’ world cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ world cruises on the 700-pasenger Seven Seas Mariner have been known to sell out in hours. The only way to get on the 2023 cruise is via the wait list, and there is very little space on the 2024 and 2025 sailings—keep an eye out for 2026. The round trip from Miami cruise embarking on January 2, 2024, is a 132-night extravaganza that crosses three oceans to reach 31 countries on four continents with such highlights as crossing the Panama Canal, sunning in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, and sailing to Singapore and across Asia to the Middle East.

The following year’s 150-night sailing, embarking on January 7, 2025, is from Miami to San Francisco and covers South America, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, and Alaska—25 countries in total. The all-suite Mariner features three specialty restaurants, a spa and fitness center, a heated swimming pool, two whirlpools, a library, and a card room. While the sailings are quite an investment, the cruise fares include almost everything. Fares for the January 2024 sailing range from $73,499 to $199,999, including first-class airfare, some 440 shore excursions, gratuities, and dry cleaning, among other services. The 2025 cruise is priced from $86,999 to $249,999.

Best luxury cruise with a focus on Africa and the South Pacific

Explore the coastline of Senegal on a Seabourn world cruise.

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Space is limited for Seabourn’s extraordinary 140-night 2023 world cruise between Miami and Barcelona, visiting six continents. The itinerary on the 450-passenger Seabourn Sojourn spends quality time in the South Pacific, including a circumnavigation of Australia, and Africa—with port calls in the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Benin, Ghana, Togo, Gambia, Senegal, and Cape Verde. Embarkation is January 6, 2023. The line’s 145-day world cruise in 2024 on the same ship sails across the Pacific from Los Angeles and stops in 78 ports in 28 countries, with overnight stays in 20 destinations, with expansive exploration in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Embarkation is January 11, 2024.

Passengers are treated to exceptional fine dining via a partnership with celebrity chef Thomas Keller, along with spacious suite accommodations. An array of lectures includes talks focused on the destinations and on current events featuring laudable guest speakers. There are also “shopping with the chef” excursions in select ports to learn about local cuisines and markets. Fares start at $70,499 for the 2023 sailing and range from $79,399 to $294,399 for the posh Owner’s Suite on the 2024 sailing (including airfare, shore excursions, gratuities, butler service, laundry, and dry cleaning).

Best luxury cruise that includes Iceland and Greenland

Some sights—like the icebergs of Greenland—are best enjoyed from the vantage point of a cruise ship.

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There is only wait-list space for ultra-luxury line Silversea’s 2023 and 2024 world cruises . If you wait until 2025, you’re in for the treat of a 136-night, 20-country exploration on the 596-passenger Silver Dawn , newly launched in 2022. It’s the largest ship Silversea has ever assigned to a world cruise—a sign of the popularity of the expansive itineraries. The sailing will embark from Tokyo, explore southeast Asia and India, spend quality time in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Scandinavia and will then call in Iceland and Greenland. After that, the ship will travel to Canada and New England before ending in New York City. Fine dining and impeccable service are Silversea hallmarks. All passengers stay in a suite with butler service, and Silver Dawn offers an extraordinary opportunity to dive into the cuisine of various cultures with its immersive S.A.L.T. culinary dining and education program.

Space is already limited for the sailing, embarking January 13, 2025, with available fares from $92,000 to $98,000 (fancier suites are booked up), including business-class airfare, some select shore excursions, $1,000 in onboard spending credit per guest, gratuities, butler service, and laundry service.

Oceania Cruises

Best world cruise for UNESCO World Heritage sites

Oceania’s world cruise visits 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites including in Kyoto, Japan.

Upscale line Oceania Cruises has built a big fan base for its expansive 180-day world itineraries. You’ll need to join a wait list for the 2023 sailing from Miami but may have better luck with the voyage embarking Miami on December 29, 2024. The itinerary will take passengers through Central America and west across the Pacific to French Polynesia and the Samoan islands, New Zealand and Australia, with an extensive exploration of Asia. Then it’s off to the Middle East, Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and New England and concluding in New York. There are 24 overnight stops and 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way. Oceania is known for its impressive culinary offerings; the line’s consulting chef is the legendary Jacques Pépin, and menus include expansive vegan and vegetarian options, while cooking classes take place in a real test kitchen. Fares for this cruise start at $48,499 for an inside stateroom and can go as high as $189,999 for an Owner’s Suite, including airfare, internet, gratuities, and laundry, among other amenities.

Viking Cruise

Best world cruise for inclusive value

Circumnavigate the globe on Viking’s epic world cruise.

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises’ 930-passenger Viking Neptune sets sail on December 22, 2022, on an epic 137-night world cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Greenwich, United Kingdom, with explorations of Central America, the California coast, Hawai‘i, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Mediterranean. Overnight stays in 11 ports ensure time to explore and enjoy the local nightlife. You can also board in Los Angeles, for a shorter 120-night itinerary. The ship will sail a similar world cruise route that starts in December 2023. Sister ship Viking Sky will also cover the itinerary with a 120-night sailing departing Los Angeles in 2024. All staterooms on the Scandinavian-designed ships have balconies, and the line presents a value proposition that includes a complimentary tour in every port, complimentary water and soft drinks, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and free Wi-Fi. Another Viking perk is one of the best spas at sea with a thalassotherapy pool, steam sauna, dry sauna, snow room, and hot and cold plunge pools. Fares for the 120-day cruises start at $54,995 and at $199,999 for the top-level Owner’s Suite, including airfare.

Cunard Line

Best traditional world cruise

Travel back in time to the golden days of cruising with a world cruise on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 .

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line , the cruise line that started it all, is celebrating its centenary with a 117-night world voyage on the 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 ocean liner, embarking from Brooklyn, New York, on January 3, 2023. The itinerary includes Colombo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, replicating the RMS Samaria’s 1923 world sailing, as well as stops in Dubai, Sydney, and Cape Town. In 2024, the ocean liner will set sail from Brooklyn on a 123-night voyage to Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, with highlights including passage through the Suez Canal. The ship has a planetarium, hosts galas in an extravagant ballroom, and offers a daytime roster that includes dancing, acting, and fencing classes, plus Cunard’s famous white-glove afternoon tea service. Fares for the 2023 sailing are from $21,499; the 2024 sailing is priced from $20,699 for an inside stateroom and from $79,999 for top-category Queens Grill suites.

Holland America Line

Best world cruise for music lovers

Holland America Line’s world cruise sails the Amazon River deep into the Brazilian rainforest.

Holland America Line has more than 50 years’ experience operating around-the-world voyages. The line has a 128-night world cruise that embarks from Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 2024, destined for South America, Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, with such highlights as overnights in Tokyo, Kobe, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Petra, and Istanbul. The sailing takes place on the 1,848-passenger Zuiderdam , with a Lincoln Center Stage venue that highlights performances by classical musicians and a Billboard Onboard show featuring some of the most popular hits throughout the decades, as performed by dueling singing piano players. Fares run from $23,799 to $82,899.

Abbreviated world cruises

For those who aren’t able to spend months on a ship and would rather get a “taste” of a world voyage, there is the option with most lines of booking segments of a world cruise. That way, you can pinpoint a destination or region that’s appealing to explore for a month or however much time you have. Example: If you can’t do Seabourn’s entire 145-night sailing in 2024, book the 33-night segment that leaves from Sydney on February 20, 2024, to explore Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, with fares from $22,999 to $27,999 (fancier suites are all booked up for this one).

Anita Dunham-Potter contributed reporting. This story was originally published in December 2018, and was updated on September 7, 2022, to include current information.

Around-the-World Cruises Are Much Less Complicated Than You Think

By Janice Wald Henderson

If there's a recent trend in cruising—and there's always at least one— around the world cruises may be the hottest right now (right next to innovative expedition cruising ). “Cruise lines are investing heavily in world cruising, offering more sailings, longer voyages, new destinations—and making it a bucket list trip in and of itself,” says Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see younger travelers hit the seas to enjoy this form of world exploration.”

And why shouldn't they? World cruises lure adventurous travelers of any age who are after a trip that lets them go deep on a destination. These voyages pack in ports as far or untrodden as Easter Island or Papua New Guinea , and immersive outings that make you feel like anything but a tourist passing through. On the ships, check out activities as rich as language classes, cooking instruction, or the chance to meet famous authors and actors. Here, a few common world cruise myths debunked, with the details on their realities. Read on, because that lengthy sailing you once thought unattainable could be tantalizingly within reach.

Myth 1: You must book an entire world cruise

Few travelers have the deep pockets or accrued vacation time to devote to an entire world cruise, which can easily run three to four months or longer. That's why cruise lines allow you to simply book a segment of even a week or two. Smaller segments deliver a rich sampling of a world cruise vibe, allowing people with full-time jobs to participate. Plan on meeting other passengers with a hankering for travel and squeezing in many bucket-list places in a short time if you go this route.

Myth 2: World cruises feature long stretches of sea days

These cruises traverse countries and continents, so do expect several sea days—where you're not in port and free to lounge or relax on the ship all day—in order to do it; but they’re carefully spaced out, with often no more than one or two such days in a row. Take Viking's 161-day Miami to London world cruise on Viking Sun, departing December 14, 2020: You'll average just one sea day between ports, and some segments, such as Venice to Corfu, or Naples to Grenada, don't have any. And truth be told, on most cruises—especially a world cruise—you’ll welcome the down time after constant touring and other activities on land.

Myth 3: Those sea days are repetitive

On any cruise, a sea day can be as chill as you like: sleep in, read books, work out, dine late. But there's plenty of programming if you can't sit still. Learn to cook in hands-on culinary classes held onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises ’ and Oceania Cruises’ world voyages in professional-style kitchens. On Crystal Serenity’s 106-day Miami to Rome world cruise departing January 6, 2020, there will be distinguished guests (still TBD) like celebrated writers, scientists, diplomats, generals—even Olympians—to deliver interesting lectures. In the ship's own computer lab you can work on mastering some technical skills, like professionally editing your trip photos along the way, or learning to build and code a website. Or, hit up some workshops on subjects like wine or finance. Maybe you’ll even discover an inner flair for color and brushstroke in an art class.

Myth 4: World cruises literally sail around the world

Actually, they don’t always circumnavigate the globe. Instead, many will sail port-intensive itineraries visiting one or a few continents; conversely, they may visit all of them but not in the linear fashion you might expect. On Legends of Cruising , on Silversea Cruises' Silver Whisper, sailing 140 days departing January 6, 2020, passengers set foot on all seven continents—but they'll route from Ft. Lauderdale to Amsterdam .

Myth 5: World cruises get boring after a few days

Let the evidence speak for itself: Seabourn's 146-day jaunt from Miami to San Francisco on Seabourn Sojourn—the line's first world cruise in six years—departing January 4, 2020, crosses three oceans and visits 62 ports in 36 countries on five continents. Stock up on camera memory cards and up the cloud storage: you'll hit Abidjan on Africa’s Ivory Coast, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef , India’s Chennai, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Myth 6: World cruises aren't designed for active travelers

Cruise Critic’s McDaniel emphasizes that these trips are for everyone, no matter your vacation style. “You can take it as fast—or slow—as you like,” she says. Plus, baby boomers trend active. Count on treadmills, weight stations, and yoga classes that are as busy as your neighborhood gym. If you're especially drawn to an active vacation, check out Silversea's Expedition World Cruise on the Silver Cloud, for a 167-day trip that visits Ushuaia, Argentina and goes to Tromso, Norway , departing January 30, 2021, visiting 30 countries across six continents. Passengers explore each spot primarily by zodiac, calling on Easter Island, Australia’s Kimberley region, and the big get, Antarctica . Feel your heart pound while gawking at Luxor, photographing orangutans in Borneo, and searching for polar bears in Svalbard.

Myth 7: You can't take a world cruise if you have a full-time job

Internet speeds on ocean liners grow ever faster, and are even free on some lines, meaning you can work remotely while you sail. Seabourn ships nearly doubled their speed in the last two years. Silversea tripled its in the last three years. Crystal Cruises' internet bandwidth is now eight times the 2017 level. If you want to work, check with your cruise line, but chances are, beyond emailing you can plan for chats and video conferencing, and and reviewing and sending without much issue. (Caveat: In some especially far-flung or less-populated destinations where tech infrastructure isn't as widespread, you should plan to be a bit off the grid).

Myth 8: You'll gain weight on a cruise that long

You needn’t gain weight on a cruise of any length . Not only is there plenty to do on shore to get you moving, but ships today feature expansive, well-equipped fitness centers with a healthy lineup of workout classes, and even private trainers.

Plus, more cruise lines are embracing healthful dining. Oceania Cruises, with an Around the World in 180 Days on Insignia that departs next January, adds more than 200 new vegetarian menu selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner this October, well ahead of its Miami to San Francisco sail. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced a creative new plant-based menu added to standard offerings in advance of its 132-day January 2020 world cruises on Seven Seas Mariner (roundtrip Miami, departing January 6, 2020; or roundtrip San Francisco, departing January 24, 2020).

Myth 9: You have to mortgage your home to pay for it

World cruise price tags for luxury ship sails can be jaw-droppers. On Regent Seven Seas Mariner’s 132-day roundtrip San Francisco voyage, departing January 24, 2020, fares begin at $67,599 per person, double occupancy. But mainstream ocean liners, like MSC Magnifica, offer a whopping 117-day journey departing January 4, 2020 roundtrip from Rome (Civitavecchia) beginning at $14,999 per person, double occupancy. Visit 23 countries on five continents, including destinations like Bali , Mumbai, and Papua New Guinea. You won’t receive all the cushy inclusions provided on luxury ships (such as fancy digs and cuisine, premium airfare, and posh hotel stays), but you can count on some noteworthy amenities, including 15 complimentary shore excursions, mealtime drink packages in dining rooms, and eight overnight stays.

Another great option? The World Voyage on Cunard’s elegant ocean liner Queen Mary 2 , for a 100-day roundtrip from Southampton, England, departing January 10, 2020, with fares beginning at $14,149 per person, double occupancy. Sail to four continents, making memories galore in Dubai , Petra, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore , Cape Town , and Sydney, among the sensational ports.

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More From Forbes

Are around-the-world private jet cruises worth it.

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You can circumnavigate the world in just 24 days, if you’re willing to pay six-figure prices for the privilege. Here’s why more travelers are signing up.

Courtesy TCS World Travel

Fancy traveling around the world in a flying hotel with 50-odd other people? If yes, you’re not alone.

More travelers than ever are choosing to climb aboard airliners that have been reconfigured and refashioned as ultra-luxe private jets with sleek leather bar-lounges, lie-flat beds and tricked-out kitchens heavily staffed by a motley crew of pilots, flight attendants, engineers, doctors, cameramen, tour leaders and ‘expedition guides’ trained to help you make the most of it. After all, what’s a ‘round the world adventure without a few passepartout companions?

Apart from jaw dropping luxury, the air cruise appeal is all about time. These transcontinental tours offer curated itineraries and insider access to some of the world’s best hotels and experiences while eliminating the hassles (and considerable time loss) of flying commercially. What used to take months via 20th century ocean liners can now happen in a matter of weeks. For the privilege, passengers are willing to pay more than ever — from $80,000 to up to $215,000 per person. And prices are rising; Four Seasons’ ticket prices have increased over 80% since 2015 .

A kangaroo in Perth, Australia, a stop on Safrans du Monde's World Tour Special Edition 2024

Tour operator TCS World Travel was early to this rarefied airspace. The company operated its first group jet expedition in 1995, and has since clocked over 300 private tours in 200 destinations. Despite Covid-era border closures, rising fuel costs, and serious concerns surrounding the climate impact of private jet carbon emissions , TCS Chief Customer Officer Chris Kollas claims the following: “TCS is a profitable, self-sustaining company and our primary business continues to be operating group jet expeditions.”

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Eventually, hoteliers not only saw, but seized this opportunity. In 2015, Four Seasons launched its own Round-the-World tour (in partnership with TCS operators), pioneering the hotel brand/private jet mashup and entrenching brand loyalty in the process; on these tours, guests stay exclusively in Four Seasons properties. When I covered the launch for Bloomberg , much of the hype surrounded just how luxurious the on-board experience could be (Bose headphones? Bvlgari toiletries? Private chef? Check, check, check.) Since then, luxury entrants like Aman Resorts , Abercrombie & Kent , French travel agency Safrans du Monde , and adventure-travel outfits like National Geographic have been creating ever-more personalized and far-flung itineraries to satisfy the most discerning of guests. As ever, the proliferation of product is driven by demand.

In just a few weeks, Safrans du Monde will turn its Airbus A340 into a flying hotel, taking 50 passengers on its “ Special Edition ” tour, personally accompanied by the company’s French globetrotting founder and CEO, Guy Bigiaoui. The group will visit nine destinations in 24 days, including Hawaii, Fiji, Tasmania, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, the Maldives and Tanzania, before returning to Paris. “Part of the enrichment of this kind of trip is what you share with your fellow travelers. Clients understand that even before they start the trip; they know they like to travel as individuals, but they’re open to what this whole group experience will bring to them in terms of meaningful, memorable human exchanges,” says Bigiaoui.

Lie flat beds on the Airbus 340, reconfigured as a private jet for Safrans du Monde tours.

If you’re considering taking any of these trips, the observations of a few fellow travelers might help inform your decision, over-and-above the brochure. According to passengers who took ‘round the world tours in 2023, these are the top pros and cons:

• The Paperwork Is Sorted | Visas, insurance, and itineraries are all organized with impressive speed and efficiency. Not only is the full itinerary and all meals, drinks, accommodations, entertainment, and even tips pre-arranged, you don’t have to worry about your luggage. It will be waiting for you in each hotel room upon arrival. “If you can afford to do it, any of these places are accessible. The destinations themselves were not really the thing. Not having to do any of the research about the locations made it so easy, we didn’t have to think about it. Our hotels were phenomenal. That was a huge plus to us,” says Tony Staub, co-owner of Deer Creek Preserve in Maryland.
• The Plane Is Very Comfortable | Air cruise operators don’t own their aircraft. They are often leasing a commercial Airbus A321 (narrow body) or Airbus A340 (wide-body), rather than a Boeing . These jets can handle 300 passengers, but they’re redesigned with a “VIP configuration” to pamper fewer guests, with ample room to rest and sleep, or socialize and cavort at leisure. In an Airbus A340, there are two extra tanks for fuel and four engines, which means you can avoid having to land and refuel.
• Food and Drinks Are Unlimited (And Fancy) | Traveling with a group is much easier when you’re not worried about the bill at a restaurant. When you’re dining out, choose what you want to eat or drink. It's included in the price. On board Safrans du Monde , for example, appetizers, canapés, and 3-course meals are prepared by private chef Paul Caussé. While in-flight, guests can socialize at the on-board bar and enjoy an extensive list of fine wines, spirits and champagne, standard for around-the-world tickets.
• Events Are Unforgettable | “The parties and shows Safrans put on were surprising and amazing. They rented out the whole temple at Angkor Wat [a Buddhist temple in Cambodia], and had this extravagant, catered event. They’d brought in back up trailers, rented lights, generators, dancers, and fancy meals. There was a lot of decadence,” says Leslye Staub, Tony’s spouse and co-owner of Deer Creek Preserve. “Our first night in Brazil was unbelievable. The group that won Carnival that year came and did their competition performance for us in our hotel banquet hall! We would absolutely travel with Safrans again; they did a fantastic job with extra touches.”

Flying to the Maldives with Safrans du Monde.

• Not Enough Free Time | “We felt like we were not in any place long enough. It was a tiny little taste of the world. We just want more time in each location; even just half a day of free time. The problem is how much longer can you make the trip, and how much more expensive can it be before you scare people away? After 24 days, people were exhausted at the end,” says passenger Leslye Staub.
• Your Itinerary Can Change, Without Notice | Before Safrans took off on its October tour last year, war broke out between Israel and Palestine. The original itinerary included Jordan and Petra, but these visits were canceled. Organizers quickly rerouted to Jaipur, india. By all accounts, the Jaipur hotel and Bollywood party experience became a group favorite.
• Your Aircraft Can Change, Without Notice | In some locales, it’s simply not possible to land an Airbus. “We had to take a commercial flight to Bora Bora, and it was delayed by 5 hours, in a hot, sweaty airport. In Peru we had to take a commercial flight both ways to Cusco. Flight control said: this plane is too big, you can’t land here. So Safrans bought commercial tickets for everyone. Couples were broken up, our seats were scattered. It didn’t go over very well,” adds Staub. How often does this kind of thing happen and why? Danielle Shehab, Senior Passenger Charter Broker for Chapman Freeborn Airchartering , explains that aircraft carriers must obtain landing permits ahead of time. But when locations change, due to inclement weather, political unrest, or technical failures, obtaining new permits isn’t necessarily quick or easy. “The issue can come down to permits. We work backup options. The backup can be booking commercial tickets, or delaying the trip by a day, or even replacing the aircraft — but that’s not something that we’ve seen a lot of. The challenge is getting permits. There are ways to expedite that.”
• Rethink Your Luggage Situation | Between locations, you might suddenly be told to downsize. Small charter flights often can’t handle heavy weight, and passengers are asked to be flexible. Staub adds: “On Easter Island, at 10:30 at night, we get off the dinner bus and they tell us: oh, you can have one bag for Bora Bora for the next four days. You need to rethink your entire luggage situation. We didn’t know we needed to pack that way. In a couple different destinations, you can only have your carry-on. That was tricky. There’s a lot of repacking.”

A lemur takes the leap in Madagascar. (via TCS World Travel).

Despite the reroutes, the last-minute packing, and the exhaustion, these passengers say the pros outweigh the cons. They’re already booking their next ‘round the world trip.

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The Ultimate Guide to ‘Round the World Cruises'

• Visit multiple destinations without dealing with logistics
• Experience many different and unique cultures
• Forge lifelong friendships
• Enjoy the comfort of a home away from home
• Learn and grow as a global citizen

About the world cruise experience

World cruises have fast become a popular form of global travel. It is growing at the  fastest rate in the travel industry. Now, the highest demand is for complete ‘round the world cruises.

All you have to do is unpack your bags.

It's true! Yet the benefits of an all-inclusive world cruise do not stop there. We will cover them all in this ultimate guide to around-the-world cruises, designed to equip you with all the information you need (plus some insider tips and tricks). We will set you for an epic voyage towards South America, Northern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific?  Yep, around-the-world cruises can cover all seven continents of the world!

Reasons to go on a world cruise

1. it's the easiest way to travel the world.

The ultimate world cruise connects you to the best travel destinations around the world's oceans. However, unlike aviation, you do not have to deal with:

• Cramped airplanes
• Queuing at customs & immigration
• Delayed flights
• Transiting on and off multiple flights
• Checking in and out of several hotels
• Living out of a bag
• Continually packing and unpacking
• Travel planning and logistics
• Feeling unsettled in new places

2. Always feel settled

As fun and exciting as it is exploring exotic new places and local communities, knowing that you have your own familiar ‘home’ to return to back on board with familiar surroundings provides a real sense of security and comfort.

Conversely, while traveling the world by air and road can be an epic experience, it often feels unsettling to move from one accommodation to the next, living out of a suitcase. ‘Round the world cruising eliminates this.

3. Always feel safe

Strict measures and health and safety protocols have now been implemented within the cruise industry which means that it could become the   safest way to travel the world . The controlled environment is now considered a positive. Expect such safeguarding to include:

• Robust ventilation systems
• Extensive cleaning and sanitation

4. Work as you go

More people are making cruising their full-time lifestyle as remote working and communication technologies enable more people than ever before to  work from anywhere in the world. This includes satellite internet connectivity on board cruise liners. It is an exciting time, as global travelers are now presented with plenty of ways to hop on and off ships as they please, effectively living on board cruise ships.

Then there is the rise of the luxury residential ship, such as our very own Storylines MV Narrative , which allows adventure seekers to live on the ship part-time or full-time as it slowly circumnavigates the world every three years.  With the world more connected than ever before, the idea of   global citizenship  is on the rise.

5. It helps us grow

Traveling all around the globe aboard a cruise ship is an enriching travel lifestyle experience - one of lifelong learning and seeing the world from different perspectives through the diversity of various cultures.

Research shows that world travel has many mindset benefits :

• Improves mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and depression
• Enhances creativity
• Expands our cultural horizons
• Better understanding of society, humanity and the world at large
• Adds value to our lives through inspiration, motivation and participation

6. For the journey, not the destination

We’ve all heard, it’s about the journey, not the destination; especially when it comes to road trips. There’s a good reason for it. After all, the best thing about a road trip is  the journey because of the sense of adventure of hitting the open road for days, weeks or even months. Now, imagine instead of hitting the road, you set out on a vast ocean voyage to some faraway lands. Behind you, the mainland disappears over the horizon and exotic adventures await.

Frequently asked questions about world cruises

Are world cruises for me?

Do you enjoy long trips? World cruises are perfect for adventurous people including entrepreneurs with the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world, globetrotting families, and those looking for extended travel during retirement. If you would like to cruise to exciting destinations all around the world, there are a variety of cruise types and durations to choose from.

How long are world cruises?

Check the itineraries. In general, the shorter timespan allotted for circumnavigating, the more time the ship will spend at sea and less time in ports. A longer timeframe for circumnavigating means more time in ports and fewer sea days.

The last option, indefinite, refers to private residence ships. Residents of these unique ships embark and disembark at any ports they choose, coming and going as they please.

How much does an around the world cruise cost?

Depending on the type of travel and world cruise itinerary you are looking for, various ocean liners offer a wide range of cruise costs and durations. You have two options for the type of fare you want to pay:

• Traditional fare: More affordable option that allows guests to decide what they deem important and want to spend their money on; shore tours, alcoholic beverages, airfare, etc.
• All-inclusive cruise: This type of fare covers most costs which can include business class airfare, shore excursions, deluxe beverage packages, spa treatments, WiFi, etc.

For example, if you want to go the budget route, choosing a shorter world cruise on a mainstream cruise line with thousands of passengers would cost you between $20,000 to $30,000 per person for a mid-range basic fare with a limited itinerary. Often, many days of the itinerary are allotted to time at sea,  while time at port is limited to several hours.

At the other end of the spectrum; if additional comfort is what you seek (and can afford) in your global travel, a luxury cruise on a smaller ship could cost over $200,000 per person for a 116-night cruise in a penthouse suite. With exceptional offerings that accurately reflect onboard services , an all-inclusive world cruise at this rate allows you to travel without having to worry about additional expenses for the duration of the trip.

And then, of course, there is everything in between. Here is a general estimate of what you could expect to pay for world cruises:

101 day cruise

Inside/basic cabin - $15 000 USD

Seaside cabin - $25 000  - $30 000 USD

Deluxe cabin - $35 000 - $50 000 USD

180 day cruise

Inside/basic cabin - $20 000 USD

Seaside cabin - $35 000 - $50 000 USD

Deluxe cabin - $50 000 - $100 000 USD

360 day cruise

Inside/basic cabin - $30 000 USD

Seaside cabin - $40 000 - $80 000 USD

Deluxe cabin - $75 000 - $200 000 USD

• Regular cruisers get perks through loyalty programs and sometimes get discounts on double occupancy cabin rates or price reductions for additional guests.
• Also, be sure to keep a lookout for last-minute cruise deals for unsold or canceled cabins.

Types of world cruises

World cruise segment

World voyages are popular for having extensive itineraries that travel for three months or more. Some world cruises offer segments, which allow guests to choose a particular leg of the journey instead of a complete circumnavigation.

Perhaps you've always wanted to discover Barcelona's brilliant architecture. In that case, the Western Europe leg is right up your alley. Whether you dream of visiting the mysteries of Easter Island, then onto Costa Rica before passing through the Panama Canal in Central America, or crossing the Indian Ocean to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, there's a segment for fulfilling everywhere on your bucket list.

Additionally, if it's your first world cruise, a segment can be a good idea if you are still weighing your options. You can dip your toe in the water before completely taking the plunge. Some cruise segments even have themed itineraries that will allow you to visit destinations that cater to your interests; from astronomy to archeological tours, wine tastings, holistic well-being, unparalleled culture, or art and music appreciation as some examples. Therefore, there may be a certain journey that aligns with your travel interests, with like-minded folk on board!

Other world segments on residential ships are very flexible, as residents come and go as they please, hopping on and off at any ports that suit them, whether that be for tours, events or trips to their land-based homes.

Entire ‘round the world cruises

Choose this option if you want to circumnavigate the globe over an extended period. Expect to be cruising for 90 days or more, possibly visiting six continents. Personally, we believe 90 days isn’t long enough to see the entire world. Review the itinerary to make sure your voyage and time at port is not rushed.

As most world cruises continually circumnavigate the globe, you may be able to join a world cruise at many iconic cities and major ports, including (but not limited to):

• Miami & Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Cartagena (Spain)
• Montego Bay
• Rio de Janeiro

Liveaboard cruising

If you consider yourself a global citizen and you’re sure that a travel lifestyle is for you, then you may want to look into the liveaboard lifestyle.   Having a property aboard a private residence cruise ship is by far the most convenient way to enjoy the comforts of home while traveling the world. As a resident on the ship, your opinion matters in crafting the itinerary of your journey.

Whereas regular cruise ships are made for a high turnover of passengers, condo ships are equipped with every amenity you require for everyday life. This includes provisioning markets, business centers for remote workers, hospitals, banks and postal services. Storylines even has an education department for children living aboard.

Planning for your world cruise

With adequate research, planning and preparation, you can ensure that you get the most out of your world voyage. Setting your own expectations is important. So, ask yourself:

• What kind of onboard experiences and facilities do you want?
• What places do you want to visit?
• What’s your budget?
• How much space do you need to feel comfortable?
• Are you okay with an inside cabin or do you need a window or balcony?

Do thorough research and read online world cruise reviews. Explore world cruise blogs and world cruise passenger blogs. Read world cruise reviews written by travelers knowledgeable on the subject.

Be sure to secure the necessary travel visas and documentations required . Your cruise operator should assist you with these. Seeking the advice of a travel agent or experienced world cruiser can also be beneficial.

Health care considerations

One of the important things to consider before embarking on cruise holidays are the health and wellness options available onboard. This especially applies to those who intend to continue on a world voyage for months or even years. Beyond having an ample supply of your personal medications, daily exercise is also essential to staying healthy aboard the ship.

Most ships have many forms of facilities and activities, so make sure you choose a cruise that caters to your health and wellness needs including accommodating special dietary requirements. Some world cruise ships include walking/running tracks that encircle the ship. Complete   health and wellness centers  are also becoming more prominent on new ship-builds.

Finally, consider a ship with less capacity than a high occupancy ship if you are concerned about viruses.

Travel essential checklist for world cruises

• Necessary visas for all countries visited on your itinerary
• Travel insurance (for world travel)
• Medication (sufficient supply)
• Pre-loadable multi-currency cash card
• Phone & computer
• Batteries & chargers
• Back-up power bank
• Books & entertainment
• All weather clothes
• Formal wear

What to budget for

If you have opted for the entry level base fare, this will typically cover your accommodation and most meals. However, there are a number of items and activities that you may need to budget for:

• Shore excursions
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Alcoholic beverages
• Specialty dining
• Transportation to and from the ship (flights and ground transfers)
• Fitness classes
• Spa and salon services
• Onboard activities such as casino, arcades, bingo and certain classes/workshops
• Service fees for room service
• Babysitting
• Soft drink packages
• Specialty coffee
• Port taxes and fees

Types of people you can expect to meet on a world cruise

World cruises are a great way to connect with like-minded individuals. You will find most guests on a cruise are curious, adventurous, and lifelong learners like yourself. Aboard the ship or even in port days, you can expect to meet and connect with a vast array of interesting people:

Solo travelers

Roughly 20% of all world cruisers are solo travelers. Yes, it turns out many people prefer to go it alone on their travels, and world cruises happen to be a great way to meet like-minded adventurers to travel with. As such, you will find many solo travelers keen to reach out and make your acquaintance.

Location-independent entrepreneurs

There’s a lot to learn from these remote working explorers; usually freelancers, consultants, digital nomads and entrepreneurs. They have a good grasp of how to leverage technology to live a nomadic existence. The value they have for freedom and independence is admirable. As experienced global travelers, they may be able to advise on the most pristine natural beauty spots ashore, and be a good source of travel inspiration and information.

Early retirees  

Expect to meet many early retirees when you’re cruising around the world. If you like joining social events, you will most likely spend some time in their company. Many have spent their retirement years traveling to world wonders and diving headlong into other passion projects. Who else would know how to kick back, relax, and enjoy the present moment better than people enjoying an early retirement?

These guests are living and/or working in a country other than their nation of citizenship. Sometimes they are deployed abroad by their multinational employers for temporary or long-term assignments. Others are entrepreneurs or financially independent and living abroad for the cultural experience or the cost savings. They tend to fully immerse themselves in the culture, learning the language and feeling at home anywhere in the world.

As technology advances with the advent of remote and virtual learning, more families are choosing an alternative travel lifestyle for upbringing their children. The experience alone of seeing the world and its different cultures, along with becoming global citizens is perhaps the best education of all. Storylines is the first ship to have a youth education department onboard, providing a worldly education like no other.

Booking your world cruise

There are several ways in which to book your around the world cruise:

• Use a world cruise review site such as  Cruise Guru
• Book directly with the cruise liner company of your choice
• Book through a travel agent such as Avoya Travel.
• Reside in your own luxury apartment aboard a ship like Storylines  MV Narrative

Around the world cruise options

Consider the ship size when examining the pros and cons.

Smaller world cruise ships

If you’re searching for a more intimate cruise, then a smaller ship might be right for you. These ships typically have less than 900 passengers. An advantage of smaller cruises is they can access smaller waterways and ports that a larger ship may not be able to.

• Regent Seven Seas : Approx. 700 capacity
• Seabourne : 458 capacity
• Viking Ocean Cruises : 930 capacity
• Silversea : 388 capacity

Larger world cruise ships

Bigger ships usually have expanded amenities, facilities, and can give you more freedom to roam. They are also higher capacity, with generally 900+ passengers on board.

• Princess Cruises : 2200 capacity
• Cunard : 2620 capacity
• Holland America Line : 1964 capacity
• Oceania : 1238 capacity

Residential world cruise ships

Private residence ships offer residences for sale for those who want to travel long-term as a lifestyle, not a vacation. Some people live on board full time while others use their unit as a vacation home. As technology advances and more people have the freedom to work from anywhere, residential world cruises are fast becoming a lifestyle choice.

• Storylines : 1000 capacity
• The World : 500 capacity
• Blue World Voyages : 500 capacity
• Njord:  500 capacity
• Somnio : 500 capacity

Consider the amenities

Different cruises have different amenities which is why it is essential to compare offerings in making your decision. Make sure that it’s worth the splurge by choosing a cruise that can best complement your lifestyle.

Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote workers may prefer cruises that offer peaceful lounges, meeting rooms and high speed Wi-Fi. If meeting people or socializing is more to your liking, consider cruises with extensive leisure options, such as nightlife and theater entertainment.

What is your ultimate itinerary?  

Consider cruises that will allow you to tick certain destinations off your travel bucket lists; whether it be experiencing la dolce vita in Italy or wandering along a palm tree-lined tropical beach inTahiti. There are cruises exploring most parts of the world and there is sure to be an itinerary that suits your needs.  

To recap, when choosing your ‘round the world cruise, the main points to consider are:

• Amenities, facilities and activities
• Health & wellness

Bon Voyage! 

About Storylines

Storylines is a luxury liveaboard ship with a like-minded community of globally-conscious citizens traveling the world. We seek out unique experiences, cultural events, and community participation while practicing and promoting sustainable travel. To learn more,   visit our website .

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11 epic around-the-world cruises that will check off all your bucket list travel destinations

Imagine the joys of traveling seamlessly from one bucket list country to another without packing and unpacking, switching hotels, boarding countless flights or even doing laundry.

Think it's a fantasy? It's actually a world cruise, the nirvana of many ocean-going devotees. As a bonus, most of these around-the-world voyages include enviable perks, like pre-cruise hotel stays, alcohol, shipboard credit, exclusive-access shore excursions — and, yes, laundry service.

Retired, taking a job hiatus or working remotely? A world cruise is a safe, easy and exhilarating way to score a global adventure beyond compare. You might even make new lifelong friends sharing similar interests.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

So, pull out your travel wish list and find an itinerary for those coveted destinations.

Here, you can learn more about what's involved in an around-the-world cruise and drool over 11 terrific choices across a range of fares for an incredible monthslong voyage at sea.

What is a world cruise?

Never mind the moniker, a world cruise may visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports.

World cruises traditionally start in January and end around April or May. They sail round-trip from one American city, such as San Francisco or Miami, or offer a choice of starting points on both coasts, making access easy.

What to know about world cruises

With so few world cruises available, book far in advance. Bookings open roughly two years in advance, and some small-ship cruises sell out within hours. You'll need the extra time to make arrangements to leave your home for months. For that reason, this story will focus on 2025 world cruises.

Related: Hot cruises you'll need to book at least 1 year in advance — maybe even 2!

Around-the-world cruise cost

Such lengthy sailings cost plenty. The bigger ship lines offer the lowest fares, although extra fees for what's not included (such as shore excursions and alcohol) can add up quickly. If contemplating a big-ship voyage, read the inclusions carefully, as they vary among lines.

Luxury vessels bundle many costly amenities into the fare, like business- or first-class plane tickets and luxury hotel stays, and charge the most. They also deliver fine dining, pampering service, glam surroundings and impressive special events. (Silversea Cruises has previously rented out an entire island to entertain its world cruise guests.)

Thus, expect considerable price differences. Count on spending about $20,000 per person minimum to score an entry-level accommodation on the bigger ships and approximately $80,000 to $90,000 per person for an ultraluxury vessel.

Note that for the poshest lines, "entry-level" may mean a spacious, elegant suite with a veranda. For other lines, the most basic cabin is a small, windowless room.

Read on to discover where you can sail to in 2025 on a world cruise.

World Voyage

Thanks to an overwhelming response to its 2024 world cruise (which is currently waitlisted), Azamara announced itineraries for both 2025 and 2026, both aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward.

Azamara Onward is the newest ship to join the Miami-based line's four-vessel fleet. The ship's size provides an intimate experience and allows it to call on small towns bigger ships can't access.

For 2025, the 155-night, 37-country voyage begins in San Diego and ends in Southampton, England, with visits to exciting locales in French Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Italy, France and others.

Along the way, world cruisers can sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine; explore the unspoiled beaches and the lush rainforest on Stewart Island, New Zealand; and visit the world's largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.

The itinerary will include a pre-sailing welcome party, exclusive cultural events, concierge service and other upscale perks.

The 2026 world cruise sets sail from Miami and concludes in Barcelona. The itinerary for this 155-night expedition features some of the world's most iconic landmarks and sites.

Cruisers will have the opportunity to explore the great pyramid of Kukulcan and other ancient Mayan sites in Chichen Itza, Mexico; wander among Rio de Janeiro's architectural gems and experience the awe of Iguazu Falls in Brazil; sample Peruvian cuisine and soak in the landscape of Machu Picchu in Cusco; scale the Great Wall of China; and enjoy other bucket-list worthy adventures.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2025. Prices start from $89,001 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start from $85,141 per person.

World Cruise

If luxury and unparalleled personal service are important to you, consider Crystal 's 2025 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity .

The beloved upscale line went bankrupt and stopped sailing in 2022. However, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent acquired it and brought it back to life with a $150 million glow-up, starting with 740-passenger Crystal Serenity.

With newly renovated expansive suites, an array of social areas and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity offers ultimate comfort, quality and personalization. Every cabin comes with a butler ready to assist with reservations, laundry and any other needs you have during your global odyssey.

Beginning in Fort Lauderdale and concluding in Barcelona, the sailing spans 123 nights with visits to 31 countries. The cruise kicks off with a welcome celebration, and guests can enjoy themed onboard and shoreside events and gala dinners throughout the sailing.

Exciting destinations along the way include Belize, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Jordan. Passengers can get a close-up look at Argentine tango through performances, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events.

Custom excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours organized by Abercrombie & Kent are available along the way (for an additional cost).

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $66,200 per person.

Cunard Line

Be among the first to explore the world aboard Queen Anne, the line's first new ship in 12 years. Scheduled to launch in May 2024, the 2,996-passenger ship will take over Cunard 's world cruise duties in January 2025.

Queen Anne's maiden World Voyage in 2025 will span 111 nights, beginning and ending in Hamburg, Germany. Along the way, guests can explore historic churches in the Old Town of Lubeck, Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit the historic city of Antigua, Guatemala's original capital; and indulge in retail therapy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's bustling shopping hub.

Passengers will enjoy spectacular new elements on this ship. The vessel's main pool area, The Pavilion, is topped with a gorgeous retractable glass roof that will act as a showpiece and also a functional structure to keep poolgoers dry on rainy days.

If you're seeking the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences on board, book Princess or Queens Grill suites. Fares include outstanding amenities such as private dining rooms, coffee and specialty tea service, priority boarding, and a private outdoor lounge area.

Queens Grill suite passengers receive butler service, too. However, many lovely inclusions, such as white-gloved servers presenting complimentary daily tea, are available for all guests.

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $17,799 per person.

Holland America

Grand World Voyage

Holland America 's 124-day Grand World Voyage on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam cruises round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The enticing itinerary ventures far from Florida to must-visit cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore and Istanbul. The ship will also traverse the Panama Canal.

Many included overnights allow opportunities to dive deep into local cultures and experiences. Spend extra time in Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; and Singapore. As a bonus, Zuiderdam will take guests to incredibly remote locales, such as the Amazon.

On board, relish music venues like Billboard Onboard and BBC Earth in Concert, where a live orchestra plays before a huge backdrop of spectacular wildlife footage. Step One Dance Company presents works by noted choreographers. Count on a buzzy casino, fine dining at specialty restaurants and a professionally staffed fitness center.

Departs Jan. 4, 2025. Prices start from $24,999 per person.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is doing something a little different with its 2025 world cruise. It's offering a choice of four embarkation ports — Rome and Genoa in Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona. Passengers will return to the same port they left from.

The 2,550-passenger MSC Magnifica is the home base for the 116-night journey. The itinerary features port calls at 50 destinations across 21 countries in the Mediterranean, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia. Among the cities you'll explore are Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro; Casablanca, Morocco; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Phuket, Thailand; Broome, Australia; and Auckland.

Spend your port days ogling at Genoa's majestic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and Doge's Palace; exploring the peaceful mountaintop monastery in Montserrat, Spain; and wandering through the restored ceremonial village of Orongo, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a World Heritage Site.

Departs Jan. 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2025 (depending on your embarkation port). Prices start from $14,469 per person.

Oceania Cruises

Around the World Cruise

The lovely 656-passenger Insignia sails a whopping 200 days from Miami to New York for Oceania Cruises ' 2025 world cruise. It might seem a long way away, but inside cabins and some suites are already waitlisted for the sailing.

Prepare to tear up any bucket list on a cruise this long. The ship begins in the balmy Caribbean islands, ventures to the Brazilian Amazon, explores more of South America and then heads off to Africa and Asia. Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii and Latin America round out the itinerary before Insignia circles back to the Caribbean (different ports on this end) and sails triumphantly back to Miami.

Oceania Cruises is renowned for fine dining. Expect to eat and drink exceptionally well on board.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $54,099 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises promises an unforgettable journey on its 116-day world cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale (or Los Angeles, as an alternative embarkation port) on the 2,200-passenger Island Princess.

This ship delivers many onboard activities like cooking and dance classes, trivia contests, enrichment programs and games of basketball, volleyball and tennis on the sports court. A putting green ensures golf games stay sharp.

You can also expect outdoor movies, original musical productions and onboard wellness features such as a spa and fitness center.

World cruisers can visit 26 countries with 51 destinations across six continents; the exciting port of call include Lisbon; Bali; Naples, Italy; Milan; and Haifa, Israel. With late-night stays in 11 ports of call and a Dubai overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore.

For 2025, Princess offers two 116-day world cruise itinerary options on Island Princess, one round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and the other round-trip from Los Angeles.

From Fort Lauderdale: Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $16,225 per person.

From Los Angeles: Departs Jan. 20, 2025. Prices start from $16,298 per person.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Navigate the World

World cruises prove perpetually popular on this ultraluxe line. They often sell out in the blink of an eye.

Availability is limited on the 2025 150-night world cruise on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner, sailing round-trip from Miami to San Francisco. This itinerary includes cruising in Antarctica, the Chilean fjords, French Polynesia, Taipei and Bali.

Perhaps because its 2025 sailing is nearly sold out, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2026 world voyage, also on Seven Seas Mariner.

This journey will be the line's longest, sailing for 154 nights and visiting 77 ports in 41 countries across six continents. The itinerary includes three new ports of call for Regent, including Lifou Island and Mare of the Loyalty Islands in the New Caledonia archipelago. Count on visiting 47 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Robben Island in South Africa.

For all its around-the-world cruises, Regent piles on primo inclusions — first-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, luggage service, an open bar and a visa package are among countless amenities.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $87,999 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 10, 2026. Prices start from $94,999 per person.

Related: The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Grand Africa Voyage

Wander the majestic Grandmaster's Palace in Malta. Snorkel the pristine waters along the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Ogle the tropical beauty of the 115-island archipelago of the Seychelles. Soak up the beauty of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain.

You'll find many pinch-me moments on Seabourn 's 90-day, 26-country Grand Africa cruise in late 2024 and early 2025. It takes place onboard the 450-passenger all-suite Seabourn Sojourn and sails round-trip from Barcelona. (The line is not currently offering a more traditional world cruise in 2025.)

On the ultraluxurious vessel, you can expect exclusive VIP celebrations, like a Caviar in the Surf party. (Note that complimentary Champagne and caviar flow freely on board, too, adding to the happy vibe.)

There's much to love about Seabourn Sojourn. Its intimate size allows truly personalized service from a polished, attentive crew. Seabourn Square, a living room-like venue, is a magnet for affable passengers who quickly make new friends. Count on superb dining and 24-hour room service among a slew of upscale amenities.

Departs Nov. 30, 2024. Prices start from $38,999 per person.

Related: 7 extremely decadent things you can do on a luxury cruise vacation

Silversea Cruises

Controtempo

Silversea Cruises ' 2025 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn looks amazing. The around-the-world cruise is designed to visit far-flung and more remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.

This 136-day voyage sails from Tokyo to New York and explores 59 ports in 30 countries. Count on visiting enchanting cities, including Istanbul, Naples and Stockholm. Wonderfully remote ports, like Cochin, India; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Nuuk, Greenland, tempt travelers to come aboard for the long haul.

Silversea's world cruises are known for showcasing exceptional special-access events, and this sailing is no different. On this cruise, applause goes to a private tour of Cairo's 500-room Abdeen Palace and an inimitable evening at Versailles in lavish Marie Antoinette style (pre-guillotine, of course).

Silver Dawn is a wowser with a game-changer spa , all-suite accommodations, tux-clad butlers for all passengers and complimentary caviar service anytime, anywhere. Expect many fare inclusions, such as business-class flights, shore excursions and private transfers.

Departs Jan. 13, 2025. Prices start from $81,900 per person.

Viking World Voyage II

Imagine the joy of ticking many bucket list boxes on Viking World Voyage II, Viking 's 163-day world cruise on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky in 2025. Book quickly; availability is extremely limited, with many suites and penthouses already sold out.

The Los Angeles-to-New York voyage visits 29 countries and 78 ports.

Palm-tree ports are plentiful, including Moorea, French Polynesia; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You'll cross many seas, such as the Tasman, Arafura and Arabian, and take your pick of a plethora of possible excursions, including a visit to a Balinese Hindu temple in Indonesia and a tour of the ancient Elephanta Caves in India. You can pretty much do it all on this world cruise.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $74,995 per person.

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Home » Cruise Tips » The Expert’s Guide to World Cruises – Costs, Itineraries, Ships, Tips, and More

The Expert’s Guide to World Cruises – Costs, Itineraries, Ships, Tips, and More

In our expert's guide to world cruises, we discuss the costs, itineraries, ships, tips, and more to help you decide if one is right for you.

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World cruises have long been a huge bucket-list item for travelers who want to visit many cities and countries in a seamless and comfortable way. Visiting multiple continents and dozens of ports while only unpacking once sounds like a far-fetched idea, but that’s exactly the opportunity that a world cruise affords.

Here, we have a full guide to world cruises including how long they are, where they go, how much they cost, and lists of world cruises departing in 2024 and 2025.

Call to Book Your Next Cruise Now: 1-855-228-5584!

What is a world cruise?

When you think about a traditional cruise, you would typically think of a week-long voyage to a specific region like the Caribbean , Alaska , or Mediterranean . Maybe a short weekend getaway to a place like the Bahamas , or perhaps a 10+ day adventure through the Panama Canal or to Hawaii.

The vast majority of cruises are two weeks or less — getaways that most people with typical careers can easily take with some of their designated vacation time.

But what if you want to go all-out with your top bucket list trip, sailing on the sea and visiting dozens of ports for months on end? This is where world cruises come in. A world cruise is a months-long sailing that visits dozens of ports across multiple continents. Certainly not for everyone, world cruises tend to attract mostly retired travelers and those who can work remotely via the ship’s wifi.

Cruise lines usually deploy their smaller, older vessels for the task because these types of voyages are much more about the itinerary than the ship (therefore not as many flashy, new amenities on the ship are needed). And a smaller vessel means fewer guests and an easier time getting around — very helpful for a sailing that skews much older than the typical cruise passenger demographic.

Plus, these smaller ships can also visit more remote ports of call that can not accommodate larger vessels.

How long are world cruises?

A cruise typically isn’t billed as a full “world cruise” unless it’s at least a couple months long. The majority of world cruises range from 90 to 150 days. Though, it’s common to find some that are shorter or longer as well.

When searching for a world cruise, you may notice that there are many itineraries that are shorter than two months… and some that may even be shorter than one month. This brings us to a great option for sampling a world cruise without the full time and cost commitment: world cruise segments.

These shorter segments offer a portion of the world cruise itinerary and experience to more people and often attract a bit more of a diverse crowd . You won’t find every world cruise divided into segments, but many do have them as a booking option.

These segments typically focus on one region/continent. For example, if a 100+ day world cruise is traversing northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the South Pacific, there may also be segmented booking options for each of those regions.

If you really want to visit lots of ports in Asia and spend many weeks on a cruise ship doing so, you can look into boarding the ship just for the Asia segment of the world cruise.

This is a great option for those who want a taste of a world cruise without committing to the entire trip.

Where do world cruises go?

Where cruise ships can go, world cruises can (and pretty much will) go. Each world cruise is different. The exact itinerary is dependent entirely on the cruise line operating it, with considerations including the ship, its size, and environmental limitations; which destinations the cruise line’s guests most desire; costs and time constraints; as well as other factors.

To put it simply, if there’s a region you want to visit where there are facilities for cruise ships, chances are you’ll be able to find a world cruise that includes it. Some of the most popular places featured on world cruises are the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia, South America, Northern Europe, and the Panama Canal. Some also include visits to Antarctica .

EXCLUSIVE RATES: Get Deals on World Cruises Now!

Which cruise lines offer world cruises?

You may be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a few cruise lines that operate world cruises. If you’re loyal to a specific line, it’s worth keeping an eye out if you’re interested in their longest sailings.

Mainstream cruise lines that offer world cruises include Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , MSC Cruises , P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, and AIDA Cruises. Even Royal Caribbean has gotten into the game, as it’s currently operating its first-ever world cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas.

More premium and luxury lines tend to offer world cruises than mainstream ones. These include Azamara, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Viking, Silversea Cruises, and Seabourn.

British line Cunard also offers world cruises, including a 111-night one in 2025 that breaks the mold with its newest upcoming ship, Queen Anne, embarking on the adventure rather than an older ship.

How much does a world cruise cost?

The cost of a world cruise depends heavily on a few main factors: the cruise line, the length of the voyage, and the type of accommodation you choose. For the cheapest cabin on a mainstream or premium cruise line, expect to pay somewhere between $10,000 and $30,000 for the base fare per person. This means an interior stateroom with no windows or balcony. For an oceanview, balcony, or suite, the price goes up from there.

For a luxury cruise line, expect to pay between $30,000 and $125,000 per person for the cheapest cabin. This could be an interior, but many luxury ships are balcony or suite-only, so that would be the cheapest/lowest option.

Here’s a tip: if you’re looking for the best deal on a world cruise, go to a cruise aggregate website that allows you to search for a cruise from many different cruise lines. You’ll be able to sort based on your preferences and see options from mainstream to luxury all in one place.

Once there, narrow your preferences to ‘world cruise’ and then sort by ‘price per night, low to high.’ Cruiseline.com is a great place to do this. Keep in mind, though, that different cruise lines include different extras and amenities on their world cruises, so look into what’s included in the fare to help determine the value.

What’s included on world cruises?

Since we’re on the topic, you may be wondering what’s usually included in the base fare on a world cruise. It might be a pleasant surprise to learn that pretty much all world cruises include more in the fare than you’d get taking a regular cruise with the same company.

Each line varies slightly in their inclusions, but in general you can expect your world cruise fare to include these extras on top of what’s usually included in a mainstream cruise:

• Airfare to and from the cruise homeport (often in business class)
• A pre-cruise hotel stay and gala
• Transfers between the airport, hotel, and ship
• Laundry service and/or free use of self-service launderettes
• WiFi package
• Beverage package

Some world cruises even include shore excursions , which can be an enormous added value for those who like to take tours and do organized activities while in port.

Are world cruises worth it?

Asking whether a world cruise is worth it is highly subjective. First of all, you’re likely asking whether it’s worth the cost and/or time commitment. And like with most vacation bookings and extras, whether or not it’s worth it is entirely up to you.

The majority of people — and even many die-hard cruisers — are not willing to part with such a large amount of money at once for a trip. Although it is the adventure of a lifetime, it’s certainly not necessary to see different parts of the world. Along the same lines, many people flat-out can’t quit their jobs or work remotely, and not many have enough vacation time to take off work for several months in a row.

But if your situation is such that you can afford it both in terms of money and time, sit down with a digital spreadsheet or piece of paper and do the math to determine the price per night for the world cruises you’re interested in. Also, think about your everyday situation and determine if it would be feasible for you to leave your home, family/friends, etc. for an extended period of time.

If it doesn’t work now, consider whether you could do a world cruise a few years down the road. There are lots of considerations to be made when it comes to taking a very extended trip that could easily cost a good chunk of a year’s salary (or more!).

If the time commitment isn’t an issue and you see the value for the cost, it’s worth it to you… and that’s what matters most.

BOOK NOW: Get Discounts When Booking a World Cruise!

World Cruises Sailing in 2024

Here’s a list of world cruises that are departing in 2024:

Holland America

• 43-night Grand World Voyage on Zuiderdam from Honolulu to Singapore departing February 8th

Princess Cruises

• Roundtrip from Auckland on April 26th
• Roundtrip from Sydney on April 30th
• Roundtrip from Brisbane on May 2nd

Costa Cruises

• 130 nights roundtrip from Trieste on December 7th
• 122 nights roundtrip from Rome on December 11th
• 120 nights roundtrip from Savona on December 12th
• 118 nights roundtrip from Marseille on December 13th
• 116 nights roundtrip from Barcelona on December 14th

AIDA Cruises

• 117-night World Cruise on AIDAsol roundtrip from Hamburg departing on October 23rd (with segments available)

Crystal Cruises

• 125 nights from San Diego to Miami on February 3rd
• 141 nights roundtrip from San Diego on February 3rd
• 42-night Grand Journey on Crystal Serenity from Vancouver to Quebec City departing August 13th

• 123-night World Voyage on Queen Mary 2 roundtrip from New York City, departed on January 3rd (with segments available)
• 107-night World Voyage on Queen Victoria roundtrip from Southampton, departed on January 11th (with segments available)

Oceania Cruises

• 51-night Epic Northern Hemisphere on Insignia roundtrip from New York City departing July 12th
• 79-night Ultimate Pacific Traveler on Regatta from Los Angeles to Sydney departing October 3rd

P&O Cruises

• 99-night Western Circumnavigation on Arcadia roundtrip from Southampton, departed January 6th
• 116-night World Cruise on Seabourn Sojourn from Auckland to Piraeus (Athens) departing February 10th (with segments available)

• 137 nights from Fort Lauderdale to Greenwich
• 179 nights from Fort Lauderdale to New York City
• 61-night Longitudinal World Cruise on Viking Polaris from Milwaukee to Ushuaia departing October 1st

World Cruises Sailing in 2025

Here’s a list of world cruises that are departing in 2025:

• 124-night Grand World Voyage on Zuiderdam roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale departing January 4th
• 133-night Grand Voyage 2025: Pole to Pole on Volendam roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale departing on January 25th

MSC Cruises

• Roundtrip from Rome on January 4th
• Roundtrip from Genoa on January 5th
• Roundtrip from Marseille on January 6th
• Roundtrip from Barcelona on January 7th

• Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 5th
• Roundtrip from Los Angeles on January 20th
• Roundtrip from Auckland on May 31st
• Roundtrip from Sydney on June 4th
• Roundtrip from Brisbane on June 6th
• 155-night World Voyage on Azamara Onward from San Diego to Southampton departing January 6th
• 123-night World Voyage on Crystal Serenity from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona departing January 7th
• 111 nights roundtrip from Hamburg on January 7th
• 107 nights roundtrip from Southampton on January 9th
• 196-night Global Horizons roundtrip from Miami
• 180-night Around the World in 180 Days from Miami to San Diego
• 200-night Kaleidoscope of Your World from Miami to New York City
• 111-night Epic Continental Explorer on Nautica from Papeete to Barcelona departing on February 25th

• 99-night Western Circumnavigation on Arcadia roundtrip from Southampton departing January 3rd

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• 150 nights from Miami to San Francisco
• 168 nights roundtrip from Miami
• 116-night Grand Cultural Quest on Seven Seas Mariner from New York City to Barcelona departing July 10th (with a segment available)
• 84-night Grand Continental Sojourn on Seven Seas Navigator from Barcelona to Sydney departing October 31st

Silversea Cruises

• 136-night Controtrempo World Voyage on Silver Dawn from Tokyo to New York City departing January 13th
• 83-night Grand North Atlantic & Northern Europe on Silver Shadow roundtrip from New York City departing June 11th
• 120-night Viking World Journeys from Los Angeles to Greenwich
• 162-night Viking World Voyage from Los Angeles to New York City
• 68-night Longitudinal World Cruise on Viking Octantis from Buenos Aires to Mikwaukee departing on February 20th
• 61-night Longitudinal World Cruise on Viking Polaris from Milwaukee to Ushuaia departing September 15th

What’s your take on world cruises? If time and finances allowed, would you book one of these extended voyages? Drop us an anchor below to share your bucket list cruise destinations.

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What I like best is to prioritize refundable fares whenever possible a small world cup . This means we will get your deposit back if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel before the final payment.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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1. Would we be better flying to another country to start our cruise so we get more choice?

2. Are there any world cruise reviews sites (not just cruise reviews as we want to see what ships get the best reviews for 90 to 100 days etc..) but we can only find reviews on shorter cruises

3. Has anybody been on a 3 months plus cruise around the world from Southampton

4. Has anybody been on a 3 months plus cruise around the world via P&O

Our budget is not high end, more 10k to 15k maximum per person.

Another option would be flying as a friend suggested around the world ticket, that way we could spend longer in each country rather that one day offshore. But as mentioned we wanted to avoid sitting around in airports and kinda like the idea off sample days.

We are not of retirement age either and we're told most cruise lines are not for younger people? We get on with all age groups but would we be looked at as the odd couple 😆 🤣

Sorry for all the questions

Angie and Ryan

5 replies to this topic

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i10703-Cruises.html

And there is another website with a travel forum - CruiseCritic - which I recommend you check as well. You will likely get far more relevant and possible firsthand answers there.

Hi Thank you

Thanks though, I appreciate your help and I'll

keep looking on both of those you've given.

There are other choices that start in your area, and you don’t have to start at one specific port, you could do one flight at the start and one at the end to reposition yourself.

Really, because I saw more. Or maybe the answer is that there are not a lot of them around or seek a professional specialist travel agent.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/hub/world-cruises/

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/best-world-cruises-of-2023-2024-and-2025

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?port=137

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/674-world-cruising/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2474-transatlantic-transpacific-repositioning-trans-ocean-cruises/

I suspect that there aren't that many people who take around the world sailings, and that of those that do, few will blog or blog about it, or write comprehensive reviews.

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This 3-year Cruise Visits 135 Countries on 7 Continents — and It Might Cost Less Than You Pay in Rent

Welcome to the Work From Ship life.

Want to set sail and just keep going? Life at Sea Cruises just announced it’s accepting reservations on its first-ever, three-year cruise, which will travel 130,000 miles, visit 135 countries across seven continents, and stop in 375 ports of call, all aboard the MV Gemini .

At each port, the vessel will stay docked for multiple days to allow its passengers to explore at their leisure. It visits 13 wonders of the world, including Egypt's Pyramids of Giza and Mexico's Chichén Itzá, and more than 100 islands, including numerous Caribbean and Central American visits. The cruise also spends 98 days in South American and Antarctica.

Courtesy of Life at Sea

The ship provides everything one would need to live at sea for several years, including spacious cabins, dining and entertainment options, recreational areas like a wellness center, sun deck, and pool, and plentiful work spaces for those who want to live the digital nomad life at sea. That includes a business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, and a business library for all Zoom call needs. 

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” said Mikael Petterson, the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises, in a statement released to Travel + Leisure .

The ship also has other practical amenities, including a 24-hour hospital, which offers guests free medical visits, learning experiences for guests like lectures and classes, and volunteer opportunities at various ports. 

“Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home,” Irina Strembitsky, director of sales and marketing, added in the statement. “It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

The three-year voyage departs from Istanbul on Nov. 1, 2023, with additional pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami later in 2023. Pricing begins at $29,999 per year. The company also offers payment options starting from $2,499 per month, which includes food and beverage. Cabin options range from 130-square-foot interior rooms to 260-square-foot balcony suites. See more about the sailing and make your booking at lifeatseacruises.com . 

11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel." 

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic  cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an  inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them. 

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person. 

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours. 

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail. 

Read the original article on Explore .

All four corners, one epic voyage.

The Ultimate World Cruise

The most epic world cruise ever to set sail.

Get ready to see the world in a whole new light — introducing the Ultimate World Cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas®. You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents. Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — each an immersive voyage of 60+ nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination.

Or call your local travel advisor . For more information, call the Ultimate World Cruise Contact Line at 800-423-2100.

Dive deeper into the world's wonders

Ultimate world cruise.

Visit 150+ destinations and 8 World Wonders, across 7 continents and 60+ countries. The Ultimate World Cruise features four distinct segments that traverse the globe in one incredible journey.

Dec 10th – Feb 11th

Ultimate Americas Cruise

Feb 11th - May 9th

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

July 10th - Sep 10th

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

Chichén Itzá, Cozumel, Mexico

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Machu Picchu, Lima, Peru

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia

Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

The Taj Mahal, Cochin, India

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Berlin, Germany

Copenhagen, Denmark

New York, New York

Dec 10th 2023 – Feb 11th 2024

Venture across Three Continents

36 Destinations, 64 Nights

Arica, Chile

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins December 2023, embarking from in Miami on the first segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ — the Ultimate Americas Cruise. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores—including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena.

Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada.

Feb 11th 2024 - May 9th 2024

Far East. Down Under. And up for anything

40 Destinations, 87 nights

Taj Mahal, India

Venture miles from ordinary in Australia and Asia on this leg of the Ultimate World Cruise SM . Explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Set out for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. And discover the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo, then take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.

May 9th 2024 - July 10th 2024

Beauty beyond belief

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise

39 Destinations, 63 Nights

Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour

Explore the orange sand dunes of the world’s oldest desert in Namibia. Bask in the beauty of idyllic beaches in Cape Town. And hike mist-topped rainforests along the Ivory Coast. Plus, go back in time as you wander through the Colosseum in Rome and get lost in the Venetian-style streets of Corfu.

Then your journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and the cobblestoned streets of Barcelona, Cannes and Provence.

July 10th 2024 - September 10th 2024

Set a course for the north

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive cultural exploration starting in the Med heading north. Discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. Savor flavors across continents — like a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco.

Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.

Amenities Included in your entire adventure

Join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and amenities — all included in your adventure. So you can complement back-to-back discoveries onshore with all your favorite comforts onboard, plus thoughtful touches to elevate every moment.

*New World Wonders Shore Excursions included for Crown & Anchor® Society Platinum members & above

Business Class Airfare

Premium Transportation Between Airport, Hotel and Ship

Pre-cruise Hotel & Gala

New World Wonders Shore Excursion*

Deluxe Beverage Package

Wash & Fold Laundry Service

VOOM Surf & Stream

A World Wandering Fleet Favorite

Designed with acres of glass offering panoramic vistas of sea, sky and land, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect ship for scenery-scoping. Take in captivating views of Norway’s majestic fjords, gaze at glaciers in Antarctica, and soak up the sun and the sights while cruising through French Polynesia. In between adventures onshore, you can unwind poolside or tee off on the mini golf green. Settle in for dazzling entertainment or dance until dawn beneath the stars. And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise.

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Cruise Details & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultimate World Cruise?

The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024. The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, 150 ports of call, with 16 overnights and 8 World Wonders. More than 40 of the ports you’ll visit are either rarely available on our other itineraries or brand new to Royal Caribbean, so get ready for the exploration of a lifetime. Book The Ultimate World Cruise early to ensure the best accommodation throughout the entire voyage.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise and its 4 individual segments?

Ultimate World Cruise Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

Ultimate World Cruise Segments Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What are the 8 World Wonders the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments will visit, and on what dates?

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024

Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023

Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023

Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024

Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024

Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024

Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024

Colosseum: via Rome July 1, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024

There are no World Wonders visited during this Ultimate Cruise segment.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Will I receive the same stateroom for the entire duration of my Ultimate World Cruise or Ultimate Cruise segment?

Our Ultimate World Cruise team will ensure that you get the same stateroom for the entirety of the cruise when purchased within the exclusive booking window through November 2021. If you are purchasing your Ultimate World Cruise after the Ultimate Cruise segments have opened for sale, our team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire time onboard, based on the remaining available inventory.

What is the payment schedule for the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

To reserve a stateroom on the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments a non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment must be received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to cruise departure. For bookings created within 180 days prior to cruise departure, final payment must be received within 48 hours of booking.

How long do I have to place my deposit for the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

If outside of final payment, our Ultimate World Cruise and Ultimate Cruise segment guests are able to place a two-week hold to lock in their preferred stateroom and price before deposit is required. Your deposit must be placed within the two-week offer period to secure your selected stateroom.

Are there travel insurance options available on the Ultimate World Cruise or the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

There are travel insurance options available to guests who meet certain qualifications. For more information, please call 800-423-2100 or contact your Travel Advisor.

Why are the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments only offered as nonrefundable?

Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement. To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024, will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.

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1. Would we be better flying to another country to start our cruise so we get more choice?

2. Are there any world cruise reviews sites (not just cruise reviews as we want to see what ships get the best reviews for 90 to 100 days etc..) but we can only find reviews on shorter cruises

3. Has anybody been on a 3 months plus cruise around the world from Southampton

4. Has anybody been on a 3 months plus cruise around the world via P&O

Our budget is not high end, more 10k to 15k maximum per person.

Another option would be flying as a friend suggested around the world ticket, that way we could spend longer in each country rather that one day offshore. But as mentioned we wanted to avoid sitting around in airports and kinda like the idea off sample days.

We are not of retirement age either and we're told most cruise lines are not for younger people? We get on with all age groups but would we be looked at as the odd couple 😆 🤣

Sorry for all the questions

Angie and Ryan

5 replies to this topic

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g1-i10703-Cruises.html

And there is another website with a travel forum - CruiseCritic - which I recommend you check as well. You will likely get far more relevant and possible firsthand answers there.

Hi Thank you

Thanks though, I appreciate your help and I'll

keep looking on both of those you've given.

There are other choices that start in your area, and you don’t have to start at one specific port, you could do one flight at the start and one at the end to reposition yourself.

Really, because I saw more. Or maybe the answer is that there are not a lot of them around or seek a professional specialist travel agent.

https://www.cruisecritic.com/hub/world-cruises/

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/best-world-cruises-of-2023-2024-and-2025

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?port=137

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/674-world-cruising/

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/2474-transatlantic-transpacific-repositioning-trans-ocean-cruises/

I suspect that there aren't that many people who take around the world sailings, and that of those that do, few will blog or blog about it, or write comprehensive reviews.

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