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10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime

These world cruises offer the ultimate itineraries.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Want to island hop around French Polynesia, visit Africa's incredible cities, and cruise through Asia without ever switching hotels or repacking your bags? An around-the-world cruise provides the ultimate itinerary, packed with exciting international destinations (some even visit hard-to-reach destinations like Easter Island and Antarctica), and luxury cruise lines provide comfortable accommodations, specialty restaurants, and plenty to do on and off the ship.

There are two main things you need before booking a world cruise: plenty of time and some spare cash. Prices range from around $20,000 to upwards of $100,000 per person, and all our top picks are more than 100 days (one is even a whopping 275 days), so they're ideal for retired travelers looking for their next big adventure. Pack wisely for a range of destinations and climates, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime, filled with postcard-perfect destinations and new friends (because you're bound to meet a travel buddy or two after 100-plus days on a ship). If an around-the-world cruise is at the top of your travel list, you'll want to book sooner rather than later — these journeys frequently sell out because many cruise lines only offer a limited number of sailings.

Here are ten of the best around-the-world cruises you can take in 2023 and 2024.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking world cruise.

See 28 countries on the 138-day Viking World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London. After departing from Florida, the Viking Sky will sail the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, stopping in sunny destinations before crossing the Panama Canal to reach the Pacific. From there, the ship will visit destinations in Mexico and the continental United States, continuing on to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and India are among the ports in Asia, then it's on to the Middle East before traveling to Europe, where final destinations include Italy, Spain, and Portugal en route to London. Fares start at $59,995.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Moments in time: world cruise 2024.

Sail around the world in 132 nights aboard the Seven Seas Mariner on a round-trip journey from Miami. You'll spend the days at sea enjoying the luxury ship's amenities, including the spa and several restaurants and lounges, between stops in destinations like Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, UAE, Israel, and Italy, among others. This 2024 world cruise , with fares starting at $73,499, is officially sold out , but you can join a waitlist to be notified of cancellations.

Royal Caribbean

The ultimate world cruise.

Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops — and there are more than 150 of them — on this 274-night cruise to all seven continents. The itinerary aboard the Serenade of the Seas begins in Miami on December 10, 2023, and visits more than 60 countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, French Polynesia, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Romania, and Greenland, before ending in Miami on September 10, 2024. Travelers who don't want to commit to the entire cruise can book shorter segments. Fares start at $59,999 for this cruise that gives travelers the opportunity to visit 11 of the great wonders of the world, including the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and Chichen Itza.

World Cruise 2024

Enjoy 133 days on Silversea's Silver Shadow with this round-trip sailing from San Francisco. During that time, the ship will visit 65 ports in 14 countries, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and Canada. Fares start at $66,000 for this 2024 sailing, which currently has waitlist availability.

2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons

Climb aboard the Seabourn Sojourn for a 145-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, visiting 72 ports in 28 countries. The cruise departs Los Angeles and goes to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, and China — just to name a few places — before ending in Greece. Visit the website for booking details and shorter segments.

Oceania Cruises

Around the world in 180 days.

Travelers on Oceania's 180-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to New York aboard the Insignia will see some of the world's most impressive sights. Highlights include stops in stunning French Polynesia, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Spain, France, and Iceland. Fares start at $48,499 for the 2024 sailing .

MSC Cruises

Msc world cruise 2024.

The MSC Poesia will take guests to 56 destinations on this 120-day cruise starting in Rome. Countries visited during this journey include Argentina, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and Jordan. When you're not exploring each port, you can relax in the swimming pools and hot tubs, visit the many restaurants, bars, and lounges, or go to the spa. Fares start at $17,199 per person; find booking details on the MSC website.

Princess Cruises

111-day world cruise.

This round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on the Island Princess will visit 47 ports in beautiful places like New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Sri Lanka, UAE, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Bermuda, Mexico, and more. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $19,497.

Holland America Line

128-day grand world voyage.

Explore the world on this 128-day round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale on the Zuiderdam . This cruise's itinerary includes a trip down the Amazon River, stops in the Caribbean, a Panama Canal crossing, and stops in cities like Honolulu, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and more. Fares start at $23,599 for this 2024 cruise .

Azamara World Cruise

This 155-night itinerary to more than 40 countries kicks off in Fort Lauderdale and finishes in Barcelona. The itinerary features ports for experiencing some of the great wonders of the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, as well as Petra in Jordan and the Colosseum in Rome. Travelers can also choose to join segments of the cruise aboard the Azamara Onward for as few as 10 nights. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $36,379.

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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Press Releases

Royal caribbean introduces ultimate world tour, the farthest-reaching cruise to all seven continents.

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2021* – Adventurers seeking to travel far and wide can now set off on a world tour of their own. Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise , an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents , more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world . This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today , with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.

Travelers will sail to 57 destinations new to the cruise line and exclusive to the cruise itself. Highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.

“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International “Now more than ever, people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time. Royal Caribbean is making that a reality with the ultimate vacation that welcomes those seeking adventure and exploration to taste, dance and dream with us around the world. To travelers asking themselves where they should go next, we say everywhere.”

Guests ready to traverse the world can book the full Ultimate World Cruise today or choose from any of the four expeditions that will offer a wide range of destinations as soon as December 2021 – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe:

• Ultimate Americas Dec. 10, 2023 - Feb. 11, 2024 – Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders The once-in-a-lifetime journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for postcard-perfect Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to glacier-studded Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travelers can take in four of the world’s stunning wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer , in Rio de Janeiro – where they’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve – and the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu , awaits in Peru, while sunshine and glamour will welcome guests in Los Angeles.
• Ultimate Asia-Pacific Feb. 11 - May 9, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia and beyond on the cruise’s next showstopping leg. They can discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia, for sapphire blue skies and crystal-clear waters. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Pristine natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two of the most iconic manmade world wonders, the Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal , and gems of the South Pacific – from Vietnam to Malaysia. Rounding out the expedition are endless possibilities in Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
• Ultimate Middle East and Med May 9 - July 10, 2024 – Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders This expedition begins in glamorous Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and brings many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life. Adventurers can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s lost city of Petra , the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also less-traveled places to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey only continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.
• Ultimate Europe and Beyond July 10 - Sept. 10, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. At travelers’ fingertips is the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell , and savor new flavors across continents — such as an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums, theaters and galleries line the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, while larger-than-life fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their epic voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami.

Globetrotters will explore the world in style on board Serenade , thanks to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning experiences and amenities. And adventurers can stay close to the action with the ship’s acres of glass, which offer panoramic views, as they cruise from one destination, continent and world wonder to the next. From start to finish, guests who book the full Ultimate World Cruise can expect a seamless, world-class travel experience that includes business class airfare, premium transportation as well as an evening of festivities and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail. Plus, Crown & Anchor Society Platinum status members and above will receive a bonus Seven New World Wonders shore excursion package in addition to other perks, including a Deluxe Beverage package, VOOM Wi-Fi, laundry service and more.

Bookings for the entire Ultimate World Cruise open today for Diamond and above Crown & Anchor Society members. Guests interested in booking can call Royal Caribbean’s dedicated line for the Ultimate World Cruise at 800-423-2100 (US toll free) or their travel advisor.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay,  the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its  Healthy Sail Panel  of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit  www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates  or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

*February 2022 update

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8 Top World Cruises

Dream big and set sail on the monthslong trip of a lifetime.

Getty Images

Sailing for months on a luxurious cruise ship is an exciting way to travel the world.

If your ideal vacation involves spending months sailing around the world – exploring storied, faraway lands and learning the mysteries of ancient civilizations and cultures – then you should consider booking a world cruise. These epic voyages transport guests around the globe to some of the world's top historical and cultural attractions. You'll sample locally inspired cuisines from Asia, Europe and other diverse regions, plus enjoy special events on the ship and in port, including expert guest lectures, cultural programs and memorable themed nights. And best of all: You'll only have to pack and unpack once. Read on to learn why a world cruise may check all the boxes for your dream getaway – and get started on planning your next vacation.

When do world cruises depart, and how long do they last?

World cruises typically begin in January and end in April or May, but some lines, like Viking Ocean Cruises , offer voyages that embark in December. Therefore, full itineraries often last anywhere from around 100 to 150 days, though Royal Caribbean International recently launched the world's longest world cruise at 274 days. If you're not able to set sail for three to five months (or longer), some cruise providers also offer select, shorter segments of their full world cruise itineraries.

Are world cruises in high demand?

Before setting your sights on a particular itinerary, you should know that world cruises are very popular and usually sell out quickly. Post-COVID-19 shutdown, there's been even more pent-up demand for these cruises in the 2022 and 2023 cruising seasons. In fact, many 2022, 2023 and even 2024 world cruises sold out within an unprecedented amount of time this year. Oceania Cruises ' 2024 voyage sold out within 30 minutes of the line announcing the itinerary, and its 2023 cruise was completely booked within one week. Similarly, Viking's world voyages are sold out until the line's 138-day sailing on Dec. 20, 2023.

With so many world cruises booking up in record time, you may wonder what other options are available for travelers seeking a lengthy voyage. Howard Sherman, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises, advises, "In 2024, we are providing guests more extended voyage options to deeply and meaningfully rediscover the world." He adds, "While a globe-circling journey is the pinnacle of life-changing travel experiences, we have specially curated a set of Grand Voyages for seasoned and time-rich travelers to navigate storied seas, straits and oceans that boldly connect diverse and exotic corners of the globe." The line's grand voyages range from 72 to 82 days long.

Torstein Hagan, chairman of Viking, has this to say about Viking's world cruises: "We are delighted to once again offer explorers the opportunity to circumnavigate the world in comfort. Our previous world cruises sold out in a matter of weeks, and we are now seeing more interest in these extended voyages than ever before. Like me, our guests are curious people; we view travel as an opportunity to discover, learn and grow. With that Viking spirit of exploration, our seamless world cruises are possibly the greatest of all adventures."

President of Azamara , Carol Cabezas, agrees that travelers are excited and ready to set sail on a world cruise. She states, "Azamara is thrilled to offer its new World Voyage launching in 2024. As self-described curious travelers, our guests are eager to explore destinations further and make meaningful connections to each destinations' culture and people, spending more time in a given port." Cabezas adds, "Departing from our backyard in Fort Lauderdale , this once-in-a-lifetime World Voyage will take our curious guests to over 40 countries across six continents, giving them the time and opportunity to making these connections and explore the hidden gems and mystical wonders of the world, including the Great Wall of China , Great Pyramids of Giza , Chichén Itzá , Taj Mahal and more."

Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency in New York City, says, "World cruises are always sought after as clients make lifelong friends and travel year after year together. World cruises are the ultimate dream trip, especially for great celebrations such as retirements, special anniversaries and getting out of the cold for the winter!" She notes that some lines' upcoming world cruises may highlight new and unique events. For example, Silversea Cruises ' 2024 world voyage offers an overnight visit to the Buddhist and Hindu temples in Borobudur, Indonesia, two of the country's nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How does pricing work on a world cruise?

When planning a world cruise, it's important to note that fares can vary significantly between cruise lines. Some lines advertise cruise-only fares, which do not include meals at specialty restaurants, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, excursions, some entertainment or other expenses. On top of that, many cruise lines' base prices exclude port fees and taxes. Given the length of a world cruise, even small expenses can add up after several months on the ship and in ports around the globe. Typically, travelers can expect to spend a base fare of between $15,000 and $95,000 for their world cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' all-inclusive fares include almost everything you could need, including door-to-door luggage service, first- and business-class airfare, pre-cruise gala events, unlimited dry cleaning and laundry, prepaid gratuities, meals, open bars and lounges, unlimited Wi-Fi access and more. Other lines may use a mostly all-inclusive payment plan and include additional perks, like Viking's Silver Spirits beverage package. Still, others – like MSC Cruises – may include wine and beer at dinner, but charge extra for select beverages, some excursions and other items throughout the voyage.

Picking your world cruise

To help you choose which world cruise is right for you, U.S. News has compiled a list of some of the best sailings that are still available to book for 2023. Keep in mind, if you're interested in a world cruise that is fully booked, you shouldn't lose hope. Scully advises that there are usually cancellations when trips are booked this far in advance, and you may be able to get on a waitlist through a travel adviser or by contacting the cruise line directly. Otherwise, if you're ready to book your tickets and set sail on the trip of a lifetime, consider one of these eight upcoming world voyages.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Navigate the World

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Date: Jan. 7 to May 30, 2023 Length: 143 nights Price: Starts at $94,599 per person (deluxe veranda suite, double occupancy)

Starting on Jan. 7, 2023, 684 guests will call Regent's Seven Seas Mariner home for its 143-night Navigate the World cruise. The ship sails from Miami to Barcelona, with stops in enchanting destinations across South America and idyllic islands like Bora Bora in French Polynesia. There are also stops in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, India, South Africa, the Canary Islands and more.

The cruise fare includes up to 356 complimentary excursions, meals, open bars and other amenities and perks. Guests will also have access to exclusive shoreside experiences in several ports, such as the Moonscapes & Moonlight event in Namibia.

Seabourn Cruise Line: Extraordinary Discoveries

Courtesy of Seabourn

Date: Jan. 6 to May 27, 2023 Length: 140 days Prices: Starts at $71,299 per person (ocean-view suite, double occupancy)

Seabourn Cruise Line 's 140-day itinerary departs from Miami on Jan. 6, 2023. Guests aboard the 448-passenger Seabourn Sojourn will visit 61 faraway destinations in 32 countries across six continents. Highlights of the Extraordinary Discoveries voyage include stops in cities like Lima, Peru ; Sydney and Melbourne , Australia; and Casablanca, Morocco. There are also exotic ports of call in Seychelles and West Africa.

In the South Pacific, you'll visit magical locales like French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Easter Island and Papua New Guinea. While here, travelers can also experience an intensive exploration with a team of experts known as Ventures by Seabourn. These skilled professionals host optional Zodiac, snorkeling and trekking excursions in South Pacific destinations like Tonga and the Cook and Solomon Islands.

Other notable features of this itinerary include cruising the Panama Canal, crossing the equator and the international dateline and passing the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This incredible journey ends in Barcelona, Spain . Travelers who are interested in a shorter journey can also opt to sail certain segments of the full world cruise ranging from 21 to 30 days; abbreviated sailings travel through Australia, Indonesia, South Africa and more.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Date: Jan. 3 to May 12, 2023 Length: 128 days Price: Starts at $37,199 per person (veranda cabin, double occupancy)

Holland America Line 's 128-day Grand World Voyage departs on Jan. 3, 2023, and sails round trip from Fort Lauderdale. The extensive itinerary on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam features a Panama Canal transit and stops in exotic locales like Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea, the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Travelers will also visit ports of call in New Zealand and Australia, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Spain, Morocco, France, Northern Europe and more stunning places in the world.

Princess Cruises: World Cruise

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Dates: Jan. 5 to April 27, 2023; Jan. 19 to April 27, 2023; Jan. 19 to May 11, 2023 Lengths: 97 to 111 days Prices: Starts at $21,499 to $23,171 per person (interior cabin, double occupancy), depending on route

Princess Cruises offers a 111-day world cruise that sails round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 5, 2023, aboard the 2,200-passenger Island Princess . The itinerary includes 50 exotic ports of call, from Cartagena, Columbia, to destinations in Hawaii, French Polynesia and New Zealand. Guests on the world cruise will also visit the United Arab Emirates, transit the Suez Canal in Egypt and tour European cities like Venice, Italy , and towns in Croatia and Slovenia. You'll also enjoy the magical beauty of Provence in the South of France.

Other options for the 2023 world cruise on Island Princess include a 97-day sailing from Los Angeles on Jan. 19, 2023, that returns to Fort Lauderdale. This itinerary features 43 ports of call. Travelers can also hop aboard the ship on the same date in Los Angeles for a longer 111-day round-trip voyage.

If you'd like to sail a shorter section of this world cruise, keep in mind a one 14-day segment is available. This itinerary embarks from Fort Lauderdale and ends in Los Angeles, visiting the Panama Canal, Columbia, Costa Rica , Nicaragua and Mexico along the way.

MSC Cruises: World Cruise

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Date: Jan. 4 to April 30, 2023; Jan. 5 to May 1, 2023; Jan. 6 to May 2, 2023; Jan. 7 to May 3, 2023 Length: 116 nights Price: Starts at $15,549 per person (interior cabin, double occupancy)

This Jan. 4, 2023, world cruise sailing on the 3,013-passenger MSC Magnifica departs from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, for a 116-night voyage around the globe. Other possible departure ports include Genoa, Italy (Jan. 5); Marseille, France (Jan. 6); or Barcelona, Spain (Jan. 7). The transatlantic itinerary boasts 43 incredible destinations, including cities in South America like Ushuaia, Argentina; Punta Arenas, Chile; and Lima, Peru. Guests will also cross the South Pacific Ocean, visiting locales along the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. The ship will then transit through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea before returning to Genoa.

Cruise fares include 15 complimentary shore excursions, as well as a Dine & Drink package that features a selection of wines, draught beer, sparkling water and other nonalcoholic beverages in the main restaurants during lunch and dinner. There is also a 30% discount on laundry services. Guests can enjoy themed evenings, guest speakers and language classes while on board.

If you're interested in a shorter voyage along this route, consider booking a 22- to 94-day segment in a region of your choosing. Options include Rome to Sydney, Genoa to Singapore, Barcelona to Sydney and more.

Planning a Mediterranean getaway? See the top  Mediterranean cruises on GoToSea .

Cunard Line: The Centenary World Voyages (Queen Mary 2)

Dates: Jan. 3 to April 30, 2023; Jan. 11 to April 23, 2023 Lengths: 102 or 117 nights Prices: Starts at $20,029 to $21,299 per person (Britannia inside cabins, double occupancy), depending on route

Cunard Line 's Queen Mary 2 departs round trip from Southampton, England, for a 102-night voyage on Jan. 11, 2023. This world voyage travels to Asia, Australia and Africa, while paying homage to the 100th anniversary of Cunard's maiden world sailing. Highlights of this voyage include transiting the Suez Canal and visiting Luxor, Egypt . The ship will also call on Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, plus Muscat, Oman, before heading to Asia, Australia, South Africa, Namibia and Spain.

Cruisers can also opt to depart round trip from New York City on a 117-night voyage from Jan. 3 to April 30, 2023. Or, if you'd rather sail a select segment of this world cruise itinerary, opt for a 9- to 67-day sailing in a region of your choosing. Options include New York City to Southampton, England; Dubai to Singapore; Hong Kong to New York City; Cape Town to Southampton and more.

Cunard Line: The Centenary World Voyages (Queen Victoria)

Dates: Jan. 9 to April 25, 2023; Jan. 11 to April 23, 2023; Jan. 20 to April 23, 2023 Lengths: 92 to 105 nights Prices: Starts at $18,499 to $21,699 per person (Britannia inside stateroom, double occupancy), depending on route

Cunard Line's 105-night Centenary World Voyage aboard the 2,061-passenger Queen Victoria departs round trip from Hamburg, Germany, on Jan. 9, 2023. Other embarkation ports include Southampton, England, on Jan. 11 for a 101-night voyage or New York City on Jan. 20 for 92 nights. Highlights of the journey include spectacular beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with stops across Hawaii, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Middle East, Europe and more.

Meals in the main dining room, most onboard entertainment, gala evenings, afternoon tea and other activities are included in the cruise fare. Special wine events and tastings, as well as extras like exercise classes, are an additional cost. Travelers who are interested in booking a portion of this world cruise can opt for a voyage lasting between 12 and 75 days. These segments include routes like San Francisco to Southampton, England; Sydney to Dubai; Dubai to Hamburg and more.

P&O Cruises: World Cruise

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Date: Jan. 3 to April 13, 2023 Length: 99 nights Price: Starts at $16,388 per person (ocean-view cabin, double occupancy)

P&O Cruises' world cruise departs round trip from Southampton, England, on Jan. 3, 2023. The 99-night sailing on the 2,094-passenger, adults-only Arcadia features international cities, exotic islands, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning coastlines. Ports of call include stops in the Caribbean and Mexico, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, before heading to Asia and the Middle East. All meals and some nonalcoholic beverages are included in the fare.

Travelers can opt to sail on one segment of the longer itinerary, ranging from 11 to 60 days. Shorter route offerings include Hong Kong to Dubai; Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Fort Lauderdale to Sydney and more.

Looking for a Caribbean escape? See the top  Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

You might also be interested in:

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World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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What To Expect From Ultimate World Cruise

Get ready to visit all seven continents, 65 countries, over 150 ports of call, and 11 world wonders..

By Robert Schrader | Published on October 18, 2023

1. Are You The Ideal World Cruise Traveler?

Looking at Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise℠ itinerary, you might be surprised by the sheer volume of bucket-list sites, even if you consider yourself a seasoned traveler. The great explorers of history spent this long — the full cruise lasts 274 days — on a single sailing across the sea, never mind going to all corners of the globe.

Your epic journey around the world, of course, is sure to come with plenty of new-to-you destinations. From world wonders such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China to sun-dappled islands from French Polynesia to Greece, the array and diversity of horizons you sail to is unparalleled. This isn't a cruise — it's the  cruise to top all other cruises.

2. Do You Want To Minimize Flights?

3. Is This Trip Too Good To Be True?

It might sound unbelievable that you'll be able to spread your arms out under Argentina's Christ the Redeemer statue and sip cocktails beneath the Sydney Opera House on the same sailing, but on this epic journey around the world, you can. The key to making the most of each port is to pace yourself — this is a long trip, in the best way possible.

Some stops along the Ultimate World Cruise℠ will invite more hiking and exploration (Jordan's ruins of Petra, for example), while the colorful waterfronts of European idylls like Bergen, Norway, are better for sitting down for a meal or drink. What makes this vacation unique is the luxury of time and space, which allow you to truly relax and explore many sides of yourself. You might consider yourself a total beach bum as you reach the sandy shores of Oahu but feel like a history buff as you take in the Taj Mahal. You might feel like an explorer as you explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá in Mexico on foot, then opt to take a camel when you reach the Pyramids of Giza.

4. How Much Does It Cost?

As you can imagine, this once-in-a-lifetime epic journey around the world is highly customizable. The ticket price for the 274-night journey ranges from $59,999 per person for an interior stateroom to $117,599 for a junior suite on the 2,476-passenger Serenade of the Seas® .

You might think that if you travel the world for almost a year, you'll need to bring your whole home with you, but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, you'll want to err on the side of bringing less rather than more. You'll have laundry services (among other complimentary treats)  included in your fare, and can buy almost anything you need at ports. Focus on bringing a basic wardrobe built for laying in different climates, and any special items you know you can't easily buy, as well as medications and other need-to-haves. You won't want forget to pack bathing suits for Mexico, for example, or a coat for colder destinations.

So, is this the best way to travel the world? That's somewhat a matter of personal preference. Sailing the world with many of the same passengers offers an unprecendented bonding experience with like-minded travelers. The guests and crew become very much like a family on a world cruise, which can be a real joy to watch unfold — especially if you follow cruise etiquette and are considerate of others during the voyage. And the itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ 2023 is so extensive it's almost impossible to imagine. Certainly, if you love cruising and want to see much of the world as possible in one fell swoop, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to check many travel icons off your bucket list.

5. Do You Really Set Sail For ... Everywhere?

It's important to note that you can opt for the whole cruise, or stay onboard for however long you want. Each of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Med and Europe & Beyond — can be booked a la carte, with business class airfare between your home and wherever you start and end included in the price. Or, pick one of the 17 sailings (ranging from nine to 29 nights) that make up the cruise and visit the sites that are most exciting to you.

Then again, if you can find the time, it's tempting to complete most of your bucket list in a single, epic trip when you circumnavigate the globe onboard a cruise ship. The iconic world wonders you'll see are only the beginning on this epic adventure.

Want to learn more? Check out the thrilling itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ .

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35 Around-the-World Cruises You Can Take Through 2026

W hile Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise , a nine-month voyage that started in December 2023, made a lot of noise on social media, it’s certainly not the only around-the-world cruise on the market right now. Far from it. There are 35 world cruises departing in 2024, 2025, and 2026 across 11 cruise lines, all with varying itineraries, durations, and prices, allowing you to take your pick. Because if you want to take a very long vacation, or travel while working remotely, there are few better ways than boarding a ship that circumnavigates the globe and stops in dozens of destinations, sometimes even covering all seven continents.

Holland America’s Grand World Voyages

Holland America has two around-the-world cruises (known as Grand World Voyages) scheduled for the next two years:

• A 124-day sailing on board the Zuiderdam that will start on January 4, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and end on May 9, 2025, in the same location. The cruise will include stops in 32 countries and will include 10 overnight stays. This around-the-world cruise starts at $24,999.
• A 132-day voyage on board the Volendam that will depart on January 4, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and end in the same port. The cruise will include stops in 39 countries across all seven continents, including four days in Antarctica. The starting price is currently unavailable. Bookings for this cruise will open in May 2024.

Viking’s World Cruises

Map: Viking

Viking has no less than five world cruises scheduled for the next two years: two departing in December 2024, two in January 2025, and one in January 2026. The longest of the five is the 180-day (nearly six months) V iking World Voyage I which will start on December 19, 2024, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and end on June 17, 2025, in New York City. This voyage will cover 37 countries and include stops in the Arctic, namely in Greenland, Svalbard, and along the coast of Norway. This around-the-world cruise starts at $111,999.

Oceania Cruises’ World Cruises

Map: Oceania

Oceania Cruises currently has a total of six around-the-world cruises scheduled for 2025 and 2026, ranging from 120-day to 200-day sailings. Of those six cruises, three will take place on Insignia, and three will take place on Vista, the cruise line’s newest and most luxurious ship. Both these vessels are small ships: Insignia, refurbished in 2018 can carry up to 670 passengers, while Vista, built in 2023, can carry up to 1,200 passengers. The longest of the world cruises offered by Oceania is a 200-day voyage starting in Miami on January 5, 2025, and ending in New York City on July 23, 2025. The trip will cover 38 countries, make 103 stops, and include sailing around the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, to reach the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic Ocean, as well as two days in the magical island of Madagascar. This around-the-world cruise starts at $49,799.

Cunard’s Full World Voyages

Map: Cunard

Cunard, the cruise line operating the famous Queen Mary II, the last transatlantic ocean liner in service, offers seven around-the-world cruises scheduled in the next two years. Six of the seven world cruises currently listed will be taking place on board the cruise line’s newest ship, the Queen Anne, launching in May 2024, and one will take place on board the Queen Mary II. The longest of the world cruises (called Full World Voyages by Cunard) is a 116-day sailing on board the Queen Anne that will depart on January 6, 2026, from Hamburg, Germany, and end in the same port on May 2, 2026. The trip will cover 26 countries, make 37 port calls, include several stops in the Middle East, and will take passengers around the southernmost tip of Africa. This around-the-world cruise starts at $20,118.

Silversea’s World Cruises

Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea currently has two around-the-world cruises scheduled:

• Controtempo , a 136-day sailing on board the Silver Dawn departing from Tokyo, Japan, on January 13, 2025, and arriving in New York City on May 29, 2025. This cruise will cover 30 countries, make stops in 59 ports, and include port calls in Saudi Arabia and Greenland. The all-inclusive, door-to-door price of this around-the-world cruise starts at $81,900
• The Curious and the Sea , a 140-day sailing also on board the Silver Dawn, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 6, 2026, and ending in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 27, 2026. This cruise will cover 37 countries, make a total of 70 port calls, and include a multitude of stops throughout the Mediterranean, in the South Pacific, and on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The all-inclusive, door-to-door price of this around-the-world cruise starts at $89,900

MSC’s World Cruises

MSC Cruises will take adventurous passengers on two world cruise in the next two years, both of which will take place on MSC Magnifica:

• A 116-night sailing departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) on January 4, 2025, and ending in the same port. This around-the-world cruise will cover 21 countries on five continents, make 50 port calls, and take passengers across the Atlantic with one stop in Cabo Verde on the way, as well as across the Pacific with multiple stops, including one on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). This around-the-world cruise starts at $11,989.
• A 119-day sailing from January to May 2026 departing from Civitavecchia (Rome). This around-the-world cruise will cover 32 countries, include a crossing of the Panama Canal, as well as the Suez Canal, and make overnight stops in Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Dubai, and Tokyo, among others. This around-the-world cruise starts at $13,439.

Princess’ Around-the-World Cruises

Princess Cruises has five world cruises scheduled, including two in 2024, two in 2025, and one in 2026, the longest of them being a 116-day sailing on board the Island Princess departing in January 2025. This around-the-world cruise will depart and end from both Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Los Angeles, California (you take your pick), making 48 port calls in 26 countries across six continents. Passengers will get to cross both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans during this trip, and will make stops in dreamy destinations like Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and more. This around-the-world cruise starts at $24,298.

Azamara’s World Cruises

There are two world cruises currently on Azamara Cruises’ schedule: One in 2025 and one in 2026, and both of them are 155-night voyages.

• The 2025 Azamara World Cruise will start in San Diego, California, on January 6, 2025, and end in Southampton, England, on June 11, 2025. Passengers on board this world cruise will visit 37 countries and spend 46 late nights or overnights in the destinations visited. Port calls include four days in Hawaii, five days in French Polynesia, 10 days in New Zealand, and more. This around-the-world cruise starts at $39,999.
• The 2026 Azamara World Cruise will start in Miami, Florida, on January 6, 2026, and end in Barcelona, Spain, on June 11, 2026. This sailing covers 36 countries and includes 55 late nights or overnights in the port calls. This voyage includes once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Pitcairn Island, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, and more. This around-the-world cruise starts at $38,999.

Crystal’s World Cruise

Map: Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises has only one world cruise planned for the next few years, but it’s an extraordinary voyage full of bucket-list destinations and events. The 124-day sailing on board the Crystal Serenity will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 7, 2025, and end in Barcelona, Spain, on May 10, 2025. Passengers on board this around-the-world cruise will get to visit 63 destinations in 31 countries, go through both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, stop in the remote Atlantic island of St. Helena, and visit Petra, Jordan. The starting price of this around-the-world cruise is not available on Crystal Cruises’ website. We have reached out to Crystal Cruises for more details and will update the piece if we obtain a response.

Fred. Olsen’s World Cruise

Map: Fred. Olsen Cruises

UK-based cruise line Fred. Olsen Cruises has planned an epic 106-night around-the-world cruise for 2025. The Bolette (the largest ship in the fleet, able to accommodate 1,338 guests) will leave the port of Southampton, England, on January 6, 2025, and circumnavigate the globe westward via Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, and Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, until it reaches England again on April 22, 2025. During this trip, passengers will be able to visit remote islands such as Robinson Crusoe Island, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Pitcairn Island, and St. Helena. This around-the-world cruise starts at $20,493 for an Ocean View cabin with two portholes. The price for the interior cabins are not currently available.

P&O’ World Cruise Holidays

British cruise line P&O has two around-the-world cruises (known as World Cruise Holidays) on their schedule for 2025 and 2026, both of which are complete circumnavigation of the globe on board Arcadia.

• Western Circumnavigation , a 99-night sailing that will depart from Southampton, England, on January 3, 2025 and return to the same port on April 13, 2025. The cruise will include stops in the Caribbean, in Hawaii, in islands of the South Pacific, and throughout Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This around-the-world cruise starts at $12,295.

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2026 AROUND THE WORLD CRUISE ABOARD VISTA

2 for 1 cruise fares plus free first-class roundtrip airfare* and free amenities reservations now open.

• Aboard Vista
• The Journey

Featured Cruise Ports

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Vista: A New Era of Global Exploration

There have been many global voyages before, but never before has a new luxury ship sailed on a world cruise as epic as this. The time has come – our 2026 Around the World journey will be the very first aboard our newest ship, Vista. With more than 100 unique and exotic destinations in 180 days, more gourmet dining options than ever before, fresh new enrichment and entertainment programs , our signature personalized service, and some of the most luxurious accommodations that have ever been offered on an Around the World journey, the bar for global exploration has been raised ever higher. This is the rare chance to experience your world from an entirely new perspective – and the future of global cruising.

An Epic Journey Beyond

On January 6, 2026, Vista will set sail from Miami on an incredible 180-day circumnavigation that elevates global travel to new heights. From South America and the South Pacific to the far reaches of Asia and top ports of call across Europe, this journey is filled with awe-inspiring destinations and travel experiences that will change the way you see the world. Cultural immersions, captivating natural wonders, top historical sites and local secrets – it's all part of this once-in-a-lifetime voyage. For more flexibility and greater choice, additional options include a 120-day voyage departing from San Diego as well as a 197-day voyage departing from Los Angeles. Regardless of which departure you choose, Vista will become your ultimate home at sea as you discover what lies beyond the horizon.

2026 Around the World Cruise Itinerary Highlights

• Continents visited: 6
• Countries visited: 43
• Ports visited: 101
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites Accessible: 81
• Largest Population: Mumbai, India
• Smallest Population: Whitsunday Island, Australia

View 2026 Around the World Cruise

Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.

The Four Corners of the Globe

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

January 23-25, 2026.

Valparaíso, Chile

February 15, 2026.

Lima/Machu Picchu (Callao), Peru

February 21, 2026.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

March 14, 2026.

Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia

March 19, 2026.

Nouméa, New Caledonia

April 6, 2026.

Cairns, Australia

April 15, 2026.

Bali (Benoa), Indonesia

April 22-23, 2026.

Cochin (Kochi), India

May 5, 2026.

May 13-14, 2026

Luxor (Safaga), Egypt

May 22-23, 2026.

Granada (Motril), Spain

June 4, 2026.

Bordeaux, France

June 9-10, 2026.

Isafjordur, Iceland

June 24, 2026.

Exclusive Shoreside Events

Each year, our Exclusive Shoreside Events on our Around the World journey are meticulously designed by our passionate Destination Specialists to tell the unique story of fascinating locations around the globe. These one-of-a-kind events bring the local culture and history to life through jubilant and immersive experiences that are simultaneously a celebration of the global nature of this exceptional journey. Likewise, these private events are reserved only for the select cadre of world cruise guests choosing to join us for the complete world journey. Details on the 2026 Exclusive Shoreside Events will be forthcoming soon.

Multi-Day, In-Depth Mid-Cruise Overland Programs

Sample mid-cruise overland programs.

As the 2026 Overland Programs are currently being meticulously designed to offer you immersive, unforgettable adventures around the world, here is a selection of Mid-Cruise Overland Programs emblematic of the dozens of uniquely curated experiences that will be offered.

Thundering Iguazú Falls

Joyous Java

Jewels of Luxor

Taj Mahal: The Eternal Masterpiece

Arabian Desert Extravagance

United arab emirates.

Inspirational Iceland

Ode to Andalusia

From the oceania cruises blog.

INTRODUCING OUR 2025 AROUND THE WORLD VOYAGE & EARLY-RELEASE GRAND VOYAGES

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Grand World Voyages

There’s no trip in the world like an around the world cruise. Holland America Line Grand Voyages invite passengers to deeply connect with every destination. Guests of these superb world voyages will luxuriate in exceptional cuisine from renowned chefs, an enhanced enrichment program, and exclusive entertainment. Come see why travelers vote these expeditions as the best around-the-world cruises.

Coming Soon: 2026 Grand World Voyage

Early Booking Benefits Promotion

Download 2025 Grand World Voyage Planner  (PDF)

Grand World Voyage Featured Ports

Reykjavik, Iceland

Komodo Island, Indonesia

Antarctic Experience

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Featured shore excursions.

World Cruises

There is no better way to see the world than on a silversea world cruise.

The world has so much to offer, and so do we. A Silversea World Cruise is the occasion to see our wonderful planet in ultra-luxury . Experience diverse cultures, enjoy unique gastronomy, see iconic sights - each one of our Luxury World Cruises is a singular story that we invite you to join. Sail with us and discover remote and remarkable destinations across all seven seas . See why we have been crowned "Best World Cruise" on multiple occasions. From impeccable service to superb gastronomy and luxurious suites to small ship intimacy , our World Cruises put the excel into excellent. Not forgetting extraordinary events designed to emphasise the beauty of the places you visit, and you have the journey of a lifetime. The world awaits.

The Curious and the Sea - World Cruise 2026

Controtempo - World Cruise 2025

Experience silversea's world cruise 2026.

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Achieve countless travel milestones on an epic World Cruise as you visit the world’s most iconic cities and rewarding small towns. Our signature cultural immersion, destination insights and great value place the entire globe within reach. There really is no easier way to travel than unpacking once, and then watching the changing scenery from the comfort of your stateroom veranda. Your award-winning Viking ocean ship will take you closer to your destinations, accessing ports that large cruise ships cannot.

Viking World Cruise

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NEW! Viking World Voyage I

NEW! Viking World Voyage II

Highlights of world cruises.

Viking World Cruises are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see the world through a wider lens. Uncover fascinating art and architecture around the globe, savor regional delicacies and marvel at the most breathtaking corners of the world. These extensive itineraries can also provide the gift of additional time to absorb even more of each region’s culture. Here are some of the endless discoveries you can make on just one itinerary:

•  Experience the cultural diversity of as many as six of the world’s continents
•  See colorful Caribbean marine life by snorkel, scuba or kayak
•  Experience the excitement of crossing the Panama Canal, sailing through its locks and across Gatun Lake
• Discover the lush, picturesque rainforests of Costa Rica
• Delve into World War II history on the floating USS Arizona Memorial
• Cross the International Date Line, a time-honored travel milestone
• Marvel at New Zealand’s spectacular fjords and the traditional dances of the Māori
• Take in views of the iconic Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Encounter a Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth
• Observe French colonial influences in Ho Chi Minh City
• See Mumbai’s temples and glamorous Taj Mahal Palace hotel
• Discover priceless treasures inside of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

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Explore every ocean and continent in luxurious comfort. As an owner aboard The World , you’re part of a unique international community of adventurers living aboard the largest private residential yacht on Earth.

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The ultimate guide to the round-the-world cruise

T he Royal Caribbean International cruise line has never been one to do things by halves. Not content with building the world’s biggest ships, it is now a month into a 274-night voyage around the world – an epic journey that has sent Tik-Tokers into a spin, with several pointing out that it’s long enough to have a baby.

The Serenade of the Seas is one of a dozen or more vessels – big and small, super luxurious and rather less posh – that set sail every January, taking thousands of cruisers on a voyage around the world (or a rough approximation of it). Cunard Line has also rolled out new itineraries, including two simultaneous world cruises to depart in January 2026.

Most are a more modest three or four months, which is still time to switch off and enjoy life in the slow lane, where cooking, cleaning and shopping is done for you. Better still, you skip the UK’s winter chill, returning when spring is in the air.

Whether you are a budding Phileas Fogg who has multiple cruises under their belt or you are yet to set foot on a ship, here’s our ultimate guide as to what you can expect on a voyage around the world –  from how much they cost to what to pack.

Skip ahead:

Before you book

• Life on board 

Before you go

Five of the best round-the-world cruises, where can i go.

Most world cruises follow a westbound route, taking passengers from the UK or US to the Caribbean, South America, across the Pacific to Australia and New Zealand, then steaming through Asia and the Middle East, transiting the Suez Canal and arriving in the Mediterranean before returning to their departure port.

While ports of call vary, Honolulu and Tahiti are often in the mix, and you can expect to stay two days in A-list cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Singapore and Dubai. Ho Chi Minh City is another favourite – as is Hong Kong. Most itineraries transit the Panama Canal at the start or end of the voyage.

A few westbound cruises zigzag in order to include South Africa, Japan and the Indian Ocean, stopping at Cape Town, Yokohama and Osaka. 

How much does a world cruise cost?

It doesn’t have to break the bank. Settle for an inside cabin and you can have 99 nights on P&O Cruises’ 2025 world cruise from £9,699pp – that’s 33 destinations for less than £100 per day. If there’s more money in the kitty, Princess Grill suites on Cunard’s Queen Anne cost from £39,199pp for 111 nights. 

If you have the means and inclination to really splash out, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have suites from £155,000pp for 136 days and £129,929pp for 168 nights respectively. They are not the best rooms in the house (they are long gone), but you do get practically everything included.

What types of world cruises are available?

Some of January 2025’s crop of world cruises don’t actually circumnavigate the globe but still rack up plenty of destinations.

Crystal is skipping Australia and New Zealand and instead taking passengers on a 123-night journey from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Barcelona via South America, South Africa and the Indian Ocean. Seabourn is circling the Pacific Rim while Silversea is going against the usual beat by starting in Tokyo.

Holland America Line has a traditional world cruise but also has a 133-day Pole to Pole extravaganza with scenic cruising in Antarctica, a voyage up the Amazon River and calls in to Iceland and Greenland.

Are world voyages different to one- or two-week cruises?

Short cruises are a holiday; on world cruises the ship becomes a village where friendships blossom and gossip is rife – think St Mary Mead meets Midsummer Murders , only without the body count. 

Can I do a portion of a world cruise?

Most cruise lines offer portions of a world cruise for those who don’t have the time or money to do a complete circumnavigation. These can be anything from two weeks to a month or more – sailing from the UK to Australia, for instance, or from Asia back to the UK. These usually go on sale after the world cruise.

What facilities are on board?

All cruise ships have main dining rooms and self-service buffets where food is included in the price. They also have pools, spas, gyms and multiple bars and lounges.

Many vessels include specialty restaurants serving everything from steaks to Asian favourites. These are included in the price with ultra-luxury lines such as Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as well as Oceania Cruises and Viking. On Azamara ships, speciality dining is free for those in suites, but everyone else pays extra.

How big are the ships?

The ships offering world cruises in 2025 range from around 700 passengers (Azamara Onward) to 2,996 (Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne), and 3,223 (MSC Magnifica). There are also plenty in between, such as Nicko Cruises’ Vasco da Gama (1,000), Silversea’s Silver Dawn (596) and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette (1,339).

Where do they moor?

It depends entirely on the port – in some destinations you can get straight into town, while in others you can be a distance out. For example, Sydney’s main cruise port is in Circular Quay, directly underneath the harbour bridge. However, if it’s a busy day you might end up further out, in Johnstons Bay. A similar setup can be found in Hong Kong. Some cruise lines provide free shuttles between the ship and main town if it is deemed too far for most people to comfortably walk. 

How do I choose between ships?

Make a checklist of what you would like on board and find a ship to match. Things to consider include whether you want a big or small ship, assigned seating or open dining, dressy formal nights or something more casual. Consider also if you would like a British ship or one with an American vibe, and if you want all-inclusive luxury or on a pay-as-you-go deal.

How do I choose a cabin?

The most luxurious ships have all-suite accommodation, mostly with balconies. The rest have a choice of inside (no windows), oceanview (a window that doesn’t open) and balcony cabins, as well as suites.

It is tempting to opt for the cheapest one. Don’t! On most ships that means an inside cabin with no window, which may be fine for a week or two but not for several months. Instead splash out on the biggest and best room you can afford as it will be your home away from home. It doesn’t have to be a suite, although that would be nice, but a private balcony where you can escape fellow globetrotters now and then is a good investment.

Cabin location is another important consideration. Rooms at the front take the brunt of the movement if there is a heavy swell; those lower down in the centre of the ship are more stable. Cabins near lifts can be noisy as people return to bed late at night, while those at the back are handy for the restaurants as these are all invariably at the aft end of the ship.

Are world cruises all-inclusive?

All meals in the dining room, self-service and pool-side grills are included, as is entertainment. After that, all lines do things differently. Go with Silversea or Regent and almost everything is wrapped into the price – flights, transfers, shore excursions, drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, the lot. 

Oceania Cruises includes flights, transfers, Wi-Fi, tips, drinks with lunch and dinner and a credit towards excursions, while MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises include tips. Spa treatments are always extra no matter who you cruise with; on some ships there is also a charge for using the thermal suites and participating in fitness classes.

Who will my fellow passengers be?

World cruises appeal mostly to retired people who have the time and means for several months away. Most will be seasoned cruisers but you’ll probably also meet a few people who have never set foot on a ship and for whom doing a world cruise is a dream come true.

You’ll be almost exclusively with fellow Brits on P&O Cruises’ and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships; a mix of Brits and Americans on Cunard; Europeans, including plenty of Italians, on MSC; and a majority of Germans on Nicko Cruises’ Vasco da Gama. On other ships, expect a majority of North Americans.

How mobile do I need to be?

All cruise ships have lifts and can accommodate mobility scooters, but there may be a limit to how many are permitted. Those with poor mobility should consider a smaller ship so there is less walking to do once on board. Getting into tenders (small boats used when the ship is unable to dock) to go ashore and navigating some destinations (especially those with poor infrastructure), can also be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Is a round-the-world cruise a good retirement plan?

As yet, no one has come up with a year-long world cruise. The closest that any line has come is Royal Caribbean with its nine-month cruise. However, you could put two of Oceania Cruises’ six-month round-the-world voyages together. It will be an expensive year, but if you can afford 12 months of seeing the world while being waited on hand and foot, why not?   

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Life on board

What is the average day like.

Sea days on the world cruises soon lapse into a gentle routine of waking, eating, snoozing and joining activities such as line-dancing classes, cookery demonstrations, book clubs, talks, lectures and swimming. Evenings usually involve a few drinks with new-found friends and a live evening show.

Breakfast is generally served from about 6.30am in the buffet (a bit later in the main dining room) until mid-morning, when it segues into lunch. By 4pm it’s time for afternoon tea. Dinner starts at around 6pm, but sometimes earlier. 

On port days the first tours usually depart between 8am and 9am to make the most of the morning or day. If you’re doing your own thing, feel free to take your time.

Do I have to go ashore at every port?

Everyone can do whatever they want; join a tour, go ashore independently or stay on board and enjoy the peace and quiet once most people have gone off exploring. 

What are excursions like?

They vary enormously, from city or scenic sightseeing by coach to practising yoga on the beach. Oenophiles can go wine-tasting while foodies can sign up for a cookery class ashore. There might be a mix of more diverse options, such as white-water rafting, snorkelling, nights at the opera, visits to national parks and more. Silversea and Regent include most tours, while Viking includes one free basic excursion per port. Oceania Cruises gives passengers up to $8,200 (£6,445) cruise credit per cabin to put towards excursions.

Is dining a formal affair or can I eat when I want?

Most lines on the world cruise circuit offer open seating, allowing passengers to eat whenever they want. Cunard, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and P&O Cruises have open seating but also offer assigned seating for those who prefer it. On formal nights, the dress code will be in force in the main dining room.

Is there any entertainment?

Entertainment is one of the most important ingredients of a world cruise as it keeps the ships rocking (figuratively at least) well into the night. A resident troupe of singers and dancers will put on live performances most evenings, while singers, comedians, musicians and magicians will be flown in and out to keep the entertainment fresh and different.

Do I have to fly to the ship?

It all depends on the cruise you pick, the line you sail with and the departure point. If you’d prefer to keep things simple, Fred Olsen Cruises, Cunard and P&O Cruises all offer world cruises that start and end in the UK. Apart from the ease of simply getting to the port and setting sail, there is the added bonus of not having to worry about over-packing as you can take as much as you want on board.

Can I cruise solo?

Cruising is great for lone travellers as there is a ready-made family of other passengers waiting for you. Guided tours ashore can help break the ice for those nervous of going alone; a world cruise simply offers more time for friendships to bloom. It’s not unheard of for friendships to be forged on such trips that see groups returning together again and again.

Fred Olsen is a favourite with solo travellers as its ships have lots of solo cabins and suites without supplements. P&O Cruises and Cunard have a sprinkling on their ships. Nicko doesn’t have solo cabins but its single supplement is just 20 per cent.

Can I keep active?

All ships have free-to-use gyms full of hi-tech equipment to get passengers running, lifting, stretching and stepping their way to fitness. There are also classes (extra cost) for those who need a Mr Motivator-style trainer to get the beat going. There are also outdoor jogging tracks for any who want to enjoy sea views while keeping in shape.

Will I get seasick, and is there a doctor on board?

Ocean-going cruise ships are not allowed to sail unless there is a doctor on board. As for getting seasick, some people feel ill if the sea is like a millpond; others can enjoy a five-course dinner in a storm and wonder what the fuss is all about. Ship stabilisers (like small arms that project out from the hull) help keep vessels on an even keel but if you are prone to seasickness, keep tablets close to hand or try patches. Some people swear by them. 

Should I use a travel agent?

It’s recommended. This is a big-ticket purchase and you want to get it right. Cruise specialist agents know their stuff and will help you find the ship, itinerary and cabin that suits. They can also arrange flights if needed, generally look after your booking and step in if there are problems. Many can also secure better prices from cruise lines and might also throw in a few little perks of their own.

What to pack

You will need something for casual nights, and also formal evenings if your ship has them; although many lines these days have formalwear as optional so you can join in or not depending on your personal preference. 

You’ll also need a variety of clothing – for warm, cold and wet weather. If you’re cruising from the UK in January, sailing out of Europe could be chilly, while the Caribbean will be warm, Australia will be hot and Asia might be steaming, but also in the midst of a rainy season.

Rather than over-packing, use accessories to give clothes you have worn multiple times a new lease of life, and plan to replenish your wardrobe as you sail. There are laundry services on board and usually self-service washers and dryers so you can keep on top of the washing.

If cruising from the UK, there are no luggage limits; if flying to or from your ship there will be airline weight limits to consider.

Do your research

Take some time to read up on the various cruise lines and ships so that you have some idea of what to look for when choosing your world cruise. You will be away for several months so this is one purchase you want to get right.

Read the itineraries carefully; there are usually more sea days than port calls and they are not always listed so it might seem as though you’ll visit myriad exotic places, one after the other, when actually there’s a week at sea in between.

Ring of fire

Duration: 129 days

Cruise line: Seabourn

Circling the Pacific in 2026 on a world voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Seabourn’s cruise circumnavigates much of New Zealand and Australia and ticks off multiple ports in Japan. It crosses the equator twice and includes overnights in Melbourne, Hong Kong and Yokohama.

Book it: The Ring of Fire: Hidden Gems world cruise departs Los Angeles. From £73,709pp including drinks and tips; January 6 2026 (0344 338 8615; seabourn.com ).

In the wake of Napoleon

Duration: 106 nights

Cruise line: Fred.Olsen

Following a similar route to that taken by the explorer Magellan in 1519, Bolette is off on a westward voyage round-trip from Southampton to Australia and back again in 2025. The ship calls into Chile’s Robinson Crusoe Island and St Helena, the island to which Napoleon was exiled in 1815.

Book it: A Voyage of Exploration around the World departs Southampton. From £12,499pp; January 6 2025 (01473 746 175; fredolsencruises.com ).

Do things differently

Duration: 124 days

Cruise line: Holland America

Why follow a standard westbound round-trip from Fort Lauderdale when you can zigzag around a bit? Once through Asia, Zuiderdam sails south through the Indian Ocean to Cape Town for a couple of nights before reaching the Mediterranean via Tanzania, Kenya and the Suez Canal.

Book it: The Grand World Voyage departs Fort Lauderdale. From £24,549pp;  January 4 2025 (344 338 8605; hollandamerica.com ).

Journey of discovery

Duration: 121 days

Cruise line: Viking

Overnights in Auckland, Sydney, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Yangon, Colombo and Mumbai await as Viking Sky circumnavigates the globe in 2025, following a westward course from Los Angeles to Greenwich, London.

Book it: Viking World Journey departs Los Angeles. From £42,990pp including flights, tips and drinks with lunch and dinner; January 5 2025 (0800 298 97 00; vikingcruises.co.uk ).

Down under wonder

Duration: 116 days

Cruise line: Princess

Transit through the Panama and Suez Canal, enjoy five port calls in Australia and delight in a day of scenic cruising off New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park aboard Island Princess.

Book it: The westward round-the-world jaunt round-trip departs Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles. From £14,649pp; January 5 2025 (0344 338 8670; princess.com ).

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See what life is like aboard Royal Caribbean's wild $60,000 nine-month around-the-world cruise sailing to 65 countries

• Royal Caribbean's 274-night Ultimate World Cruise set sail on December 10, 2023.
• The ongoing around-the-world sailing has attracted plenty of internet attention.
• Take a look at the ship these travelers will be living on for the next nine months, the Serenade of the Seas.

Imagine living on a cruise ship for nine months as it sails around the world. For travelers aboard Royal Caribbean's ongoing 274-night "Ultimate World Cruise," that's reality.

If you're even somewhat on TravelTok , you've probably heard about this wild cruise itinerary. The global voyage set sail from Miami on December 10, 2023. From then through September 10, the Serenade of the Seas will visit more than 150 destinations across 65 countries, making it one of the longest world cruises on the market, its operator touts.

If you’re curious about what life will be like for these seafaring globetrotters, let’s take a closer look at the vessel they’ll be staying on for most of the 2024.

Just don't expect a sparkly new ship like the upcoming Icon of the Seas.

The 965-foot-long Serenade of the Seas joined Royal Caribbean’s fleet in 2003.

The cruise giant refreshed the 20-year-old ship in 2022 after a previous $29 million three-week refurbishment in 2012.

Despite its operator's reputation, the Serenade of the Seas isn't massive.

The ship's 1,073 staterooms can accommodate up to 2,476 guests. The least expensive interior cabins started at $60,000.

The people calling this 13-deck ship their home for the next few months will inevitably face several sea days with no land in sight.

To help pass the time, these guests can head to leisure facilities like the pool under a retractable glass ceiling.

Active travelers might enjoy the onboard mini-golf course, sports court, or 40-foot-tall rock climbing wall.

For those who prefer the classic cruise amenities, the ship also has the obligatory spa, pool deck with hot tubs, casino, and theater.

Younger guests can spend their free time in the water play area, arcade, or teen and children clubs.

Travelers on this global expedition include a two-year-old and several teenagers who will be attending remote schools, a Royal Caribbean representative told Business Insider in 2021.

But those looking to stay far away from these youngsters can instead relax in the adults-only Solarium, a staple on many Royal Caribbean ships.

Like the Solarium, several of the Serenade's specialty dining venues may look familiar to the brand's fans.

The ship’s Italian Giovanni’s Table, steakhouse Chops Grille, and Japanese Izumi are also available across the cruise giant’s fleet.

So is Chef's Table, a more luxurious 16-guest dining room. Like any Royal Caribbean cruise , be prepared to pay extra to dine at these floating restaurants.

At least the main dining room, classic American Windjammer, and casual sandwich and salad hot spot Park Cafe are complimentary.

The cruise line says its menus will include regional dishes that reflect the itinerary's destinations.

It wouldn’t be a cruise without booze: The ship has 10 bars and lounges.

Alcohol is included in the fare.

But not everyone is sailing around the world for the full nine months.

Instead, the Ultimate World Cruise could've been booked in four segments — or shorter voyages within these segments — for those who can't stomach 274 nights at sea.

The most expensive cabins, the suites, have already been called for on the second and third segments, a representative told Business Insider.

Only interior cabins — and one ocean view — are still available in the final leg, a sign that travelers are still spending big on their vacations at sea .

• Main content

MSC WORLD CRUISE 2026

Wake up to a world of marvel, discover the msc world cruise 2026 itinerary, start your journey and discover america's beauties.

Your around the world cruise in 2026 starts in Italy , with a grand Mediterranean tour of heritage highlights. Sailing across the Atlantic , you'll discover Madeira 's coastlines and the azure bays of Barbados, Grenada, Bonaire and Curaçao .

Be whisked to South America 's astonishing buzz stopping by Colombia 's emerald shine, sailing through the awe-inspiring Panama Canal to Costa Rica , Nicaragua , Guatemala and Mexico . From there, the US beckons as you encounter San Diego 's and San Francisco .

Feel the Hawaiian vibes, explore Oceania and Asia

MSC World Cruise 2026 continues for a change of pace, plunging into Hawaiian heaven , Tahiti 's Polynesian pleasures and the palm-fringed lagoons of Samoa and Fiji .

Next, you'll make a great escape to New Zealand and Australia 's stunning shores. After stops in Auckland , Sydney and the Australian Gold Coast, you’ll stop by the incredible Great Barrier Reef before heading north to stroll through Manila ’s mystique and soak up Japan 's kaleidoscopic best on Okinawa Island and Tokyo .

Live the Far East charm, be amazed by the Middle East

Once you've savored Tokyo ’s charm, the World Cruise will sail towards South Korea's Busan , the sultry charm of Shanghai and the high-rise heights of Hong Kong . Then tap into even more tropical climes with stops in Vietnam , Singapore , Malaysia and Sri Lanka ’s boundless beaches.

It’s then time to head back to Europe via the Red Sea through Dubai , Oman , and the Suez Canal to uncover the ancient treasures of Jordan and Egypt before stopping by Greece on the return to Italy .

DIVE INTO DISCOVERY: INCLUDED EXCURSIONS AND OVERNIGHTS

The MSC World Cruise 2026 includes 15 free shore excursions designed by MSC Cruises to provide you with the ultimate experience as you journey around the globe.

The World Cruise also includes 7 incredible overnight stays in some of the most iconic destinations of your global odyssey: San Francisco, Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Manila, Tokyo, and Dubai.

Your magnificent home as you travel the world

Msc magnifica: the perfect base for your 2026 world cruise.

Indulge in the comfort of MSC Magnifica while adventuring worldwide crossing oceans, cultures and horizons of wonderful beauty. Whether you opt for the complete 2026 World Cruise itinerary or tailor your trip by choosing a shorter segment, the MSC Magnifica is a perfect ship for your adventure. Designed for unbeatable comfort, with cabins meticulously designed to offer you the utmost ease, the ship lives up to its name with its memorably magnificent design that stays true to travel's golden age.

A fabulous destination itself, there’s plenty of opportunity to live life to the full onboard this immaculate home-from-home. Toast new friendships in one of the 12 bars and enjoy stunning meals in one of five gourmet restaurants as you celebrate the flavours of the places you visit. Unwind in the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa and open-air pool complex , be entertained in a 1,200-seat theatre, keep active in the tennis club and gym or take advantage of inclusive drinks and laundry packages.

The best accommodation for your journey

Embarking on an adventure around the world while enjoying the utmost comfort is truly a remarkable experience. MSC Magnifica lives up to its name and ensures magnificently comfortable hospitality offering a wide variety of cabin accommodation for your world cruise. From sea view cabins to suites, there is the perfect accommodation to suit your every need.

A balcony cabin is flawlessly tailored for fully experiencing the phenomenal views your round-the-world journey. Whether its a Premium, Deluxe or Junior balcony, each day, you can gaze upon a different horizon and be inspired by ever-changing skies, all within the captivating sea ambiance.

Treat yourself with our Dining Experience

The 2026 world cruise is not just a stunning odyssey around the globe, but also a journey through the world’s flavors, aromas, and delicacies! Included in the World Cruise is the Dine&Drink package, which allows you to devour a variety of drinks, such as wines, beers, soft drinks, which can be consumed at lunch and dinner in the main restaurant and at the buffet. MSC Magnifica also offers an unparalleled culinary experience, savoring international delights in its 5 gourmet restaurants . Whether you choose to savor the flavors of Asian traditions, from Japanese to Chinese cuisine, or indulge in the recipes of the finest European traditions, from Italian to French cuisine, MSC Magnifica will cater to every palate! Embark on a culinary journey where taste knows no boundaries.

Marvel at the spectacular entertainment

On board MSC Magnifica, entertainment is guaranteed throughout your world cruise, ensuring an inspiring journey of non-stop enjoyment. Be entertained in the magnificent 1,200-seat Royal Theatre , ensuring outstanding shows and live music that will add an extra layer of wonder to the marvels you will experience while crossing continents. Entertainment continues with the panoramic T32 Disco , a fantastic bowling, a thrilling 4D cinema and a range of unmissable onboard activities, from themed parties to language classes. Discover a vibrant atmosphere filled with unforgettable moments and endless opportunities for enjoyment on board MSC Magnifica.

START PLANNING YOUR MSC WORLD CRUISE 2026

EMBARK ON A LIFETIME JOURNEY

msc world cruise 2026 FAQ

Which drink package is included.

The Dine&Drink package is included . This package offers guests the chance to enjoy beverages at the Main restaurant onboard for Lunch and Dinner opening hours, along with the Buffet area during Lunch and Dinner hours only. The package includes a range of wines served by the glass, such as white, red, rose & sparkling wines, draught beer, mineral water, fountain-soda, and fruit juices.

The Buffet area is open for Lunch from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM and for Dinner from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.

Please note that the Dine&Drink package is not valid for use at any specialty restaurant or bar outside of the Buffet area.

Is a discount for laundry services included?

Which activities are included, how long is the 2026 world cruise.

MSC's World Cruise 2026 lasts 118 nights and 119 days , starting on January 5th and concluding on May 3rd. You can choose to book the entire round-the-world tour or a shorter segment: First Segment - January 5th – February 5th From Genoa to San Francisco in 31 night/32 days.

Second Segment - February 5th – March 23rd From San Francisco to Tokyo in 46 night/47 days.

Third segment - March 23rd - May 3rd From Tokyo to Genoa, in 41 night/42 days.

How many overnights are included?

The World Cruise 2026 includes seven overnights :

• San Francisco (United States)
• Honolulu (Hawaii)
• Auckland (New Zealand)
• Sydney (Australia)
• Manila (Philippines)
• Tokyo (Japan)
• Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Which shore excursions are included?

The 2026 World Cruise includes the following 15 free shore excursions :

Funchal, Portugal : PANORAMIC CABO GIRAO & RIBEIRA BRAVA (FUN18W) Cartagena, Colombia : CARTAGENA HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR & SHOPPING (CAR07W) Puerto Limon, Costa Rica : THE TORTUGUERO CANALS (PLI02W) Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala : MARVELS OF COLONIAL ANTIGUA (PRQ01W) San Francisco, United States : SAN FRANCISCO & GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE (SFO02W) Honolulu, Hawaii : PEARL HARBOR (HDH01W) Auckland, New Zealand : AUCKLAND MUSEUM & CITY SIGHTS (AKL02W) Sydney, Australia : DISCOVERING SYDNEY (SDY07W) Manila, Philippines : MARVELLOUS METRO MANILA, OLD AND NEW (MNL01W) Tokyo, Japan : A GLIMPSE OF TOKYO (TYO01W) Da Nang, Viet Nam : HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS OF DA NANG (DNG10W) Port Klang/Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia : HIGHLIGHTS OF KUALA LUMPUR (PKG11W) Colombo, Sri Lanka : COLOURS OF COLOMBO TOUR WITH TRADITIONAL SHOW (CMB21W) Dubai, United Arab Emirates : NEW WONDERS OF DUBAI (DXB01W) Heraklion/Crete, Greece : KNOSSOS PALACE AND SHOPPING (IRK02W)

Which Terms & Conditions apply to the MSC World Cruise 2026?

The product will not be combinable with the Promo Target Discounts (Brochure); The product will not be combinable with Claims Discount Vouchers; The laundry discount will be not combined with other similar discounts and with onboard packages Regular or Express;

Single Surcharge: 180% Inside Outside Balcony and 200% Suite; Find below Cancellation Policy related to the MSC World Cruise - full itinerary and the relative sell cruises:

Booking Flexibility: Name change permitted; Change departure date: Any change request related to the World Cruise shall be permitted exclusively for another World Cruise and, in such case, will trigger the loss of the non refundable deposit equal to 15% of the price of the Package paid by the passenger.

For general bookings terms & conditions, inclusions, cancellation charges and other information please click here .

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Ready to See the World in 2026? We Are!

Book your 2026 World Cruise first and score (Princess® guests get one-week early booking + an unbeatable offer!)

There are a million reasons to take a World Cruise – like exploring 6 continents on 1 voyage – but the reason to book one now is our richest offer yet. And our loyal guests have seven days to take advantage to book before we open these sailings to the public. 

Book a Full World Cruise

and you'll enjoy all these great benefits:

✓ Princess Premier® bundle . Learn More

✓ FREE Princess EZair® airfare for first two guests

✓ $1,000 off for Princess Captain's Circle® members

✓ $500 onboard spending money per guest

✓ FREE specialty dining once a week for up to 16 days

Or Book a World Cruise segment

Receive up to $200 in onboard spending money per guest.

Segments By Destination:

View Panama Canal Segments

View Mediterranean Segments

View Australia Segments

View South Pacific Crossing Segment

2026 World Cruise at a Glance

Why you’ll love the 2026 world cruise with princess:, the places you’ll go.

Travel to 52 destinations in 28 countries across 6 continents and only unpack once.

The wonders you’ll see

Take your pick of 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring some of the world’s most legendary landmarks.

The extra time you’ll have to explore

Do and see more with More Ashore late nights in 14 ports plus an overnight stay in Hong Kong.

The maiden calls you’ll have

Witness Princess’ first visit to Boracay (Philippines) and the first time a World Cruise stops in Puerto Chiapas (Mexico) and Ponta Delgada (Azores Islands).

The immersive experiences you’ll get on board

With everything from destination expert talks to local folkloric shows, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of these ports.

And everything else Princess is known for

From the personalized MedallionClass® vacation and award-winning shore excursions to world-class dining and entertainment, you’ll sail in style – and comfort – aboard your large ship.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

GENERAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL OFFERS (“Offer(s)”):  Unless otherwise indicated in an Offer’s terms, Offers only available to legal residents of North America. Offers only available for new bookings, on select cruises, on a limited availability, are capacity controlled (regardless of stateroom availability), and may not be combined with other offers or promotions (aside from those listed herein). Other exclusions may apply; void where prohibited. Changes or refunds may not be permitted. Offers and their parts (if any) are not transferable, not substitutable, and not redeemable for cash. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. (“PCL”) is not responsible or liable for any printing errors. Offers may be changed or revoked at any time. A deposit is required for all stateroom guests and amount of deposit varies according to the cruise length, stateroom type, and number of stateroom guests.

Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses of $415-$2,430 are additional. Fares are per guest and apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom only. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests. This offer has limited space. Fares and all other values quoted in USD.

$500 Onboard Spending Money per stateroom. Offer is applicable to applicable to guests 1 and 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book the 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale, 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Los Angeles, or 98-Day Full World Cruise Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale. $200 Onboard spending money per guest is applicable to guests 1 and 2 on voyages 16 to 81 days for 2026 World Cruise Segments only. Onboard Spending Money is awarded as a credit (“Credit”) that is applied to the guest’s folio and is awarded in the currency corresponding to the ship’s onboard currency. Offer does not apply to additional guests than guests indicated above. Guests with single occupancy may receive double the per guest Credit amount. Credit must be used on the single voyage that it was awarded in connection with (and will expire at the end of such voyage), is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used in the casino, and is not applicable during the land portion of cruisetours.

^^General Princess Premier Terms & Full World Cruise Offer: Qualifying guests that book a 98-114 day full world cruise will receive the Princess Premier package (and its parts) at no additional charge beyond the base cruise fare (applicable taxes & fees not included). In the even of an eligible cancellation, guest would only be refunded for the amount paid for the base cruise fare. The original Princess Premier package consists of Premier Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, Specialty Dining, Photo Package, and Princess Prizes; the upgraded ($80 USD / $95 AUD) Princess Premier package includes all of the foregoing original package items plus Medallion Shipping and Accessory, Premium Desserts, Fitness Classes, Juice Bar, Reserved Seating in Theater, select Casual Dining with Prix-Fixe Meals, and Included One-Time Delivery Access Fee. These full terms apply to both packages, except for language set off with a *, which only apply to such upgraded Princess Premier package. One guest’s participation in Princess Premier may be dependent on the other guest in his/her stateroom’s participation, as determined by booking method. Princess Premier may be capacity controlled on select cruises. Princess Premier and its parts are non-transferable, are not redeemable for cash and may not be combinable with other offers. Drinks, Wi-Fi, Specialty Dining, Photo Package, Princess Prizes and Crew Appreciation are not applicable to land portion of cruisetours and expire at the end of each cruise. Premier Beverage Package is valid only for guests who are 21 years or older. Guests under 21 booked under Princess Premier will receive the Zero-Alcohol Drink Package and will not receive any refund for the difference. The Premier Beverage Package includes all beverages priced up to $20.00 USD/$30 AUD each as listed on Princess’ menu(s). Any bottle of wine, one-liter bottles of water purchased on board with the Premier Beverage Package will receive a 25% discount. The Premier Beverage Package does not include mini bar items, beverages offered via self-service or vending machines, tobacco, food items or souvenir glassware. A daily limit on alcoholic beverages will apply. Bar service charge is only included in the package and is paid on behalf of the guest for qualifying beverages included in the Premier Beverage Package. Exclusions apply, see full terms & conditions for Premier Beverage Package. Wi-Fi included for 4 devices per guest. All internet usage is subject to standard Wi-Fi policies, which may limit browsing of sites due to network security and bandwidth usage and is subject to change with or without notice. Crew Appreciation paid on behalf of the guest varies based on stateroom type (up to 4 guests per stateroom). Princess Premier does not include other service charges. Although Crew Appreciation is listed as part of the Princess Premier package, on Australia and New Zealand voyages Crew Appreciation is already included in the cruise fare and therefore all guests, regardless of whether they book the Princess Plus package, will receive Crew Appreciation and no substitution or refund will be provided for such part of the package. Sixteen Specialty Dining meals are available per each Princess Premier guest. Each specialty dining meal consumed by a guest in a stateroom with this package will have the meal credited against the entire stateroom. It is recommended that guests make the Specialty Dining reservations pre-cruise using Dine My Way in the MedallionClass app. Princess Cruises reserves the right to pre-assign Specialty Dining times and location. The Specialty Dining included in Princess Premier does not include items with extra charges on the menus. Availability of Specialty Dining might be limited on certain cruises. Photo package includes digital downloads of images taken by onboard Princess photographers featuring the guest and three prints, up to 8x10 size of such photos or photos supplied by the guest. The photo package does not apply to Platinum Studio, weddings, portraits or group special events. Participation in Princess Premier constitutes guests’ opt-in to Princess Prizes. At the close of each promotional period, Princess Cruises will make available the list of winners per prize category. Please see full Terms and conditions for Princess Prizes. *Medallion Shipping and Included Accessory: Shipping will be offered to U.S. residents only and will be shipped via ground shipping. Must book package with ample time for the Medallion to arrive to guest via ground shipping or such package part shall be forfeited. Accessory provided will be determined by PCL in its sole discretion; only available while supplies last. Accessory is not transferrable, substitutable, or redeemable for cash. Accessory will be available in guest’s stateroom once on board. *Premium Desserts are only available during the voyage during open hours of the venue at which dessert is available. Excludes SMiZE premium ice creams. Gratuities included; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. *Juice Bar: Only available at breakfast and lunch during the opening hours of the World Fresh Market place/other adjacent location at which juice is served; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. *Fitness Classes: Applies only to in-person classes, must sign up for class on-board by visiting the fitness center. Exact class type, length, timing, schedule, availability, and other details will be determined by the ship type and by Princess in its sole discretion. *Reserved Seating in Theater: PCL will reserve a group of seats for Princess Premier guests for “production show” presentations (Broadway-style shows with singers and dancers) during the voyage; such guests must arrive at the Theater between 15 and 30 minutes before show time to select seats (no saving seats will be allowed). Reserved seats are subject to availability, are first come, first served, and only available to guests booked with Premier package. PCL will determine, in its sole discretion the location of reserved seats. PCL not responsible if Premier guest does not get a reserved seat. Such seats will be released to all voyage guests starting 15 minutes prior to show time. *Casual Dining with pre-fixe meals are available at the ship's casual dining venue locations. This package allows the guest to enjoy unlimited price fixe meals at Casual Dining venues that otherwise carry a charge not included in your cruise fare. At the included meals, guest will be able to select one option from each menu section on the price fixe menu (for example, one starter, one entrée, one dessert) per seating; no substitutions, revisions, or other changes will be permitted to such menu. Exact meal options, availability, and other details will be determined by the casual dining venue. Any unused casual meal will not be credited or refunded to guest. *Included One-Time Delivery Access Fee covers the one-time fee of $14.99 USD/$22.99 AUD for each guest for delivery orders placed through the Princess® MedallionClass® app (OceanNow®). Orders for delivery through the stateroom phone or stateroom breakfast order cards are also included for guests with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. All delivery based on availability and may be subject to additional terms. 

EZAir ® of Up to $2,000 airfare credit applies to guests 1 and 2 who book a Mini-suite or Suite. $1,000 one way and a total of $2,000 roundtrip for flights. First Class airfare offer applies to first class, round-trip flights within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Bermuda for the first and second-berth guests booked in a Mini-suite or Suite. Up to $1,000 airfare credit applies to guests 1 and 2 who book a Balcony cabin. $500 one way and a total of $1,000 roundtrip for flights. Economy airfare offer applies to economy, round-trip flights within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Bermuda for the first and second-berth guests booked in a Balcony cabin. Airfare must be booked through EZAir ® 120 days prior to sailing to qualify. Also includes complimentary transfers to/from LAX, FLL or MIA when booking our company air offer. Airline imposed personal charges such as baggage fees may apply. Note that airfare is available for booking 330 days from voyage disembarkation.  Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Launch Savings: $1,000 USD per person discount is applicable to guests 1 & 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book the 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale, 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Los Angeles, or 98-Day Full World Cruise Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale in all categories and combinable only with Launch Fares and Group Fares. $500 USD per person discount is applicable to guests 1 and 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book 18 to 81 day 2026 World Cruise Segment voyages in all categories and combinable only with Launch Fares and Group Fares. $100 USD per person discount is applicable to guests 1 & 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book the 16-day Panama Canal Segment voyages in all categories and combinable only with Launch Fares and Group Fares. Specific discount amounts vary by itinerary and cruise length. Regional and other past guest promotions or “new booking only” promotions are not combinable with the discount. Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Launch Savings is not applicable to third- and fourth-berth guests. Refer to your travel advisor or princess.com for additional terms, inclusions and restrictions that apply.    Promo Code: NRW/MOB Captain Circle: PA1  Expiration: October 31, 2024

The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

Adam Turner , CN Traveller

Connor Sturges , CN Traveller

Olivia Morelli

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

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