For those dreaming of circumnavigating the planet without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking, a world cruise presents an ideal solution. These extended voyages, typically lasting between 90 and nearly 200 days, offer the chance to visit multiple continents and iconic destinations such as the Panama Canal and the Great Wall of China.
Choosing the Right World Cruise
Both budget-friendly and luxury cruise lines operate global itineraries, but prices naturally increase with the duration at sea. Selecting the appropriate cabin type is crucial, as you will be living in it for several months. Interior cabins are the most economical but lack natural light, while balcony cabins and suites provide more space and fresh air at a higher cost. Some world cruise fares include extras like Wi-Fi, excursions, gratuities, and even flights, which can significantly affect the overall value. Early booking is essential, as the best cabins often sell out years in advance.
Best Value Global Cruise: MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises offers a 132-night voyage aboard the recently refurbished MSC Magnifica, which accommodates 2,550 passengers. The ship now features an upscale MSC Yacht Club, a new spa, and a gym. Departing from Genoa, the itinerary includes a memorable transit through the Panama Canal. The fare covers 15 complimentary excursions, extended shore stays, and seven overnight stops in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Sydney. Additional perks include a 30% discount on laundry services. Shorter segments of 34 or 51 nights are also available. Departs 5 January 2027, from £16,474 per person.
Best for Traditional Cruising: Cunard
Cunard's world cruise aboard the Queen Victoria, carrying 2,061 passengers, embodies classic ocean travel with white-gloved service, ballroom dancing, and formal dress codes. The 109-day journey starts and ends in Southampton, ideal for British travellers. Unique ports include Dakar, Senegal, and Manila, Philippines. Guests enjoy theatre shows, an onboard library, commemorative gifts, cocktail parties, a gala dinner ashore, a dedicated concierge, and a private lounge. Shorter legs are available. Departs 10 January 2027, from £13,199 per person.
Best for Culture: Viking
Viking's world cruise offers Scandinavian elegance aboard a ship that departs from Los Angeles and heads across the Pacific to Australia. The itinerary includes 27 countries with an excursion in every port, 15 overnight stays, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Great Barrier Reef and the Statue of Liberty. The fare includes business-class flights, a drinks package, Wi-Fi, and complimentary spa access. The voyage ends in London. Departs 14 January 2028, from £50,790.
Best for Longest World Cruise: Azamara
Azamara's small-ship brand offers the longest world cruises at 188 nights. Aboard the 710-passenger Azamara Quest, the journey departs from San Francisco and visits 37 countries, 103 destinations, and five continents. It features 50 late-night stays and 15 overnight stops in cities like Tokyo and Cartagena. The ship's size allows access to smaller ports, such as transiting the Kiel Canal in Germany or docking at The Bund in Shanghai. The voyage ends in Copenhagen on 12 July. Departs 5 January 2027, from £44,209 per person.
Best for Luxury: Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas offers a 141-day luxury cruise aboard the all-suite Seven Seas Splendor. Departing from Miami on 11 January 2027, the itinerary covers 40 countries, six continents, and 71 ports of call, ending in New York. The fare includes Wi-Fi, gratuities, drinks, spa access, and shore excursions. Guests in penthouse suites enjoy personal butler service, and the ship boasts a crew of 567 for just 750 guests. From £72,619 per person.
Best for British Touch: P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises' Arcadia, carrying 2,094 passengers, embarks on the line's longest-ever world cruise in 2028, lasting 124 nights. The voyage visits all four corners of the globe and conveniently departs and returns to Southampton. Onboard features include afternoon tea with scones, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White's Ocean Grill, and British-Indian cuisine at Sindhu. Highlights include an overnight stay in San Francisco and a Panama Canal transit. Departs 6 January 2028, from £21,239 per person.
Best for Premium Price: Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises' 129-day world cruise aboard Coral Princess covers 60 ports, focusing on the Pacific region to keep costs lower. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and ending in Los Angeles, the 2,000-passenger ship offers outdoor movie screenings and wearable technology for easy navigation and ordering. Departs 6 January 2027, from £15,819 per person.
Best for Culinary Cruising: Oceania Cruises
The newly revamped Oceania Aurelia, accommodating 500 guests, offers a 180-day world cruise in 2028. Departing from Miami, the ship sails through the Panama Canal to the Pacific, visits Hawaii, spends over two weeks in French Polynesia, and includes an overnight in Sydney, two weeks along Japan's coast, and exploration of India. The voyage concludes with a transatlantic crossing to New York. Known for its dining, Oceania features menus inspired by the regions visited, with venues like The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, and Toscana. Guests can enjoy mixology at the Founders Bar and cooking workshops at the Chef's Studio. Departs 18 January 2028, from £42,999 per person.
This article is regularly updated with the latest information.
