Compare & book World cruises(604)
What are world cruises?
A world cruise – sometimes called an around-the-world cruise – is a long-haul sailing that visits multiple continents over an extended period. Most itineraries last around three to six months, though routes and overall duration vary significantly.
These longer voyages are designed for travellers who want to see a wide sweep of the globe in one continuous journey, with the ease and comfort of life at sea between destinations.
All said, it’s one of the most bucket-worthy ways to travel, with some world cruises visiting seven continents, calling at upwards of 50 ports and effectively circumnavigating the planet in a single journey.
What are the best lines for world cruises?
A wide range of cruise lines offer world cruises, ranging from mainstream operators to ultra-luxury ones. It’s often a matter of selecting an option that suits your specific travel style.
For instance, Oceania Cruises and Seabourn are strong picks for foodies, while Explora Journeys has a wellness-led philosophy. P&O Cruises is well-suited to Brits looking for home comforts while travelling, compared to MSC Cruises, which prides itself on a European, multi-lingual atmosphere on board.
Some of the differences are plainly practical. Viking is an adults-only line, while Princess Cruises is family-friendly with kids’ clubs and amenities to match. Windstar Cruises is known for its intimate, yacht-style vessels, while Royal Caribbean International's megaships feel like small floating cities.
Cunard Cruises
MSC Cruises - Cruise Line Guide
Oceania Cruises
Holland America Line
P&O Cruises
Azamara Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Explora Journeys Cruises
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Seabourn Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking - Ocean Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Where do world cruises go?
World cruises are globe-spanning extravaganzas that can encompass all seven continents. Depending on the specific itinerary, it may include Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South America, North America and the Caribbean. Some even sail from pole to pole, visiting both the Arctic and Antarctica.
As a result, guests can experience a huge swathe of natural wonders, ranging from the Norwegian fjords to the Great Barrier Reef, encounter wildlife from penguins to flamingos, and call at the world’s most compelling cities.
Cruises from/to Tokyo
Cruises from/to Cape Town
Norwegian Fjords Cruises
Antarctica Cruises
Cruises from/to Rome
Cruises from/to Rio de Janeiro
Cruises from/to Auckland
Cruises from/to Cozumel
Barbados Cruises
Cruises from/to Athens
Jamaica Cruises
Cruises from/to Marseille
Cruises from/to Naples
Cruises from/to Istanbul
Cruises from/to Alicante
Amalfi Coast Cruises
St. Lucia Cruises
Cruises from/to Ocho Rios
Cruises from/to Buenos Aires
FAQs
How long are world cruises?
World cruises are the longest in the industry. While itineraries can vary in length, they tend to be between three and six months, or around 90 to 180 days.
That said, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some are even longer. Take Royal Caribbean International’s legendary 2023-24 Ultimate World Cruise. The headline-making voyage covered over 60 countries across 274 days – a full nine months at sea.
Do I have to join for the whole time?
No, you do not. Often, cruise lines offer guests without the time, budget or inclination to make the entire journey the option to join a segment cruise instead. This is a shorter leg of the journey that typically focuses on one geographical region, such as South America or Southeast Asia, or a specific route, such as the UK to South Africa or the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. These voyages last anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more.
How much does a world cruise cost?
The honest answer is it depends. The cruise line, cabin category and add-on packages you choose all make a difference.
That said, travelling for this length of time doesn’t come cheap, though for many, a world cruise offers surprisingly strong value.
At the more accessible end of the spectrum, you might spend roughly between £120 and £150 per night, working out to about £12,000 to £15,000 for 100 nights at sea. When you factor in travel, accommodation, full board, entertainment and perks, few land-based journeys of a similar calibre and length can compete.
However, at the higher end of the market, luxury and ultra-luxury world cruises can cost tens of thousands of pounds more, frequently upwards of £80,000 per person. At the very top tier? Two guests are spending around £1.2 million on a 140-night stay in the most exclusive suite aboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship.
Needless to say, there’s plenty of room along the spectrum, and lots of ways to tailor the experience so it works with your budget.
What is included in a world cruise?
This varies significantly depending on the cruise line and cabin category you select, but the following tend to come as standard: your stateroom, towels, basic toiletries, access to onboard amenities, entertainment, port taxes and full board, though speciality restaurants and alcoholic drinks are frequently excluded.
The inclusion of perks, such as Wi-Fi packages, shore excursions, gratuities and so on, differs from line to line. Many operate on an à la carte basis, letting you pick and pay for the extras that matter most to you.
However, ultra-luxury lines take a more all-inclusive approach, so you can relax knowing high-end extras are already built into the fare. In some cases, this extends to luxuries like butler service or free-flowing caviar and champagne. Select lines even splash out on special commemorative gifts created for that specific journey.
What is the best time to take a world cruise?
Most world cruises tend to run from winter to spring. Many itineraries start off in January, meaning you can skip the worst of British winter and return just as the weather begins to warm again.
While some cruise lines do offer world cruises outside of this timeframe, such departures are atypical and not necessarily cheaper.
How far in advance do I need to book a world cruise?
Typically, world cruises are announced around 18 to 24 months before they depart, and the most sought-after ones sell out long before they sail. Booking 12 to 18 months ahead of time is a savvy move. That’s particularly true if you’ve got your eye on a suite, solo cabin or more affordable inside room, given the highest and lowest categories often sell out first.
Another key reason to book well in advance is the opportunity to snag an early booking promotion. Launch offers sometimes include onboard credit or complimentary upgrades.
What kind of cabin should I choose for a world cruise?
You might opt for the cheapest option, which is a perfectly acceptable choice if your priority is budget and you plan to spend most of your time in public areas.
That said, it’s worth weighing up comfort over the long haul. You don’t necessarily need to splurge on a suite, but at least consider whether an inside cabin without natural light will still feel like the smartest move three months into a six-month sailing.
It’s also worth studying the ship’s deck plan before booking. If you’re a light sleeper who prefers early nights, for instance, you’ll want to avoid cabins directly above or below bars or theatres. If you’re prone to seasickness, aim for a midship cabin on a lower deck – they tend to be more stable.
What kind of travellers take world cruises?
World cruises tend to attract travellers with two things most people struggle to find in tandem: time and money. That makes them popular with retirees, many of whom have been planning their voyage for years, if not decades.
However, if you’re not retired, don’t worry about sticking out too much. Today’s world cruise passengers come from a wide range of backgrounds, and you’ll find people on sabbaticals, parents with grown-up children and younger families, though they might just join for a specific segment.
World cruises are also popular with solo travellers because they offer a safe, sociable and well-organised way to see many destinations in one go. Given how much time you’re spending at sea, you’re also very likely to strike up genuine friendships with fellow cruisers.
