round the world cruise map

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World Cruises

This is CruiseMapper's World Cruise schedule where you can compare itineraries, departure dates, ports, and destinations. For more detailed information on "Around The World" cruise ships - just follow the ship links from the below table. This page is integrated with our Suez Canal cruise ship transits and Transatlantic cruises ( repositioncruises.com ).

Vacationers on cruises around the world are able to experience culture-rich opportunities while sightseeing on multiple continents. Combine exciting land tours with leisurely days at sea. Fulfill your dreams and book a world cruise to explore the globe!

You are not alone in your dream to discover what lies there, beyond the horizon... It has been a part of human nature since immemorial time. It was not until 1922 when the first passenger circumnavigation was made by Cunard Line that adventurous souls could follow Magellan's way around the world.

"Around the World Cruise"

"Around The World" cruises are the perfect voyages for those who want it all. This type of cruise vacations is an opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, and wildlife on earth. As they last as long as 110 days, dock at upwards of thirty ports, round the world cruises take guests to the globe's most exciting destinations in comfort and style. Another option for travelers who think it's much time at sea is taking just an itinerary section (one of the smaller segments), so as to explore one region only.

Cruisers who look for stunning landscapes, histories, exotic wildlife, fine beaches, or first-class cuisine are certain to find the ideal destination on round the world itineraries. The main World Voyage attraction is that they allow you to visit far-flung destinations in one package, for example- the Mediterranean & the South Pacific, without the typical travel drawbacks. Go and see exotic locations, and then return to your ship for dinner and entertain yourself. And imagine this goes on and on for so many days... Sounds like perfectly splendid to me!

Around The World voyages itinerary routes

• Australia - Sydney Harbour; tropical Queensland; the Great Barrier Reef;
• the Pacific - Pacific islands; the islands of Fiji, French Polynesia & Hawaii;
• Asia - Vietnam coastline, rich with monuments & temples;
• the Middle East - heading through the Suez Canal at Egypt - Aqaba, Luxor, Muscat. The alternative route- down Africa's east coast with stops at Cape Town or Mombasa;
• West America - the cosmopolitan USA cities; the ports of Mexico, with ruins of ancient Mayan cultures.
• South America - the Brazilian rainforest; the magnificent city of Rio de Janeiro.
• Europe - Athens- the ancient capital, and the architecturally amazing Barcelona.

List of popular cruise ports on Around The World voyages

Round the World voyages usually from some of the world's largest major port cities, such as Southampton , Tilbury-London , NYC New York , Los Angeles , Miami , Fort Lauderdale , Sydney Australia . A lot of cruise vacations run from Singapore or Sydney to Pacific islands, west to Europe, and around the Asian ports, either round Africa (via Cape Town) or through the Suez Canal (transition) . Some of the lines take guests west, down the USA coast through the Panama Canal (transition) , after which- across to Dubai . If you are interested in the subject of the world circumnavigation in general - this is the Wikipedia article about it.

Shorter around the world itineraries (segments) may start in Melbourne Australia , Brisbane Australia , Singapore , Hong Kong China , Cape Town (South Africa) .

Is the World Cruise cost worth it?

There are people who really love the endless lazy days at sea with little to do. For others, the joy of cruising is to be able to visit different new places all around the world in a short time.

What about Around The World cruise ship offers, then? Will you survive after experiencing all the long days at sea (for example, an Australia-Southampton sector lasts 40 days)? If your answer is "not sure", better book two shorter voyages instead- thus you'll have more call ports and more new impressions. Just look carefully at the new-issued itineraries before you book a world cruise.

The atmosphere onboard Round The World cruise ships is very different from Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise vacations, so choose the world cruise line very carefully! Lots of people believe that you have to be old enough and retired to set sail on a Grand Voyage. True, and not so true. There are plenty of still working people onboard who have persuaded employers to give some months off. And all of them are mid-class and above, and most of them are really really really affluent.

Before committing to a World Voyage of three or more months away from home, bear in mind a few things first:

• World Cruises deals present a great chance to see interesting parts of the globe, but better work out the number of sea days included in cruise deals, first. With more ports of call in your itinerary, you will be swept off your feet by the exotic sites and forget to think about the long days at sea in between.
• If you don’t have the money and time for sailing all the way around, better book a segment! Companies have an amazing organization - some passengers get off here, others board there.
• Around-the-world cruises attract older people just because they have the time (and money, of course) to be away for several months. Do you want to show the kids new cultures? Forget about world cruising and book two shorter cruises instead!
• The irony about "Around The World" voyages is that actually they don't sail fully round the world. On the other hand, it is true that these voyages, lasting from more than seventy, and up to 116 nights, offer vacationers the chance to see diverse cultures wrapped into one single voyage. Even those who cannot commit to a full voyage can participate through the popular "segment" option, ranging from a week to more than one month.
• Most "world cruise ships" usually start their Grand Voyages in January and the itineraries end in March-April-May. However, after Australia became a hot ship travel vacation destination in 2015, some of the companies offer roundtrip "World Cruise" deals from Sydney Australia. These itineraries often start in May, and even in July.

World Cruises 2024-2025-2026 ships schedule

Note: In the following table, all links are internal (CruiseMapper) redirecting to the ship’s itinerary schedule where you can compare dates and prices per person (double occupancy rates).

At the following tag-link are listed all CruiseMapper's news related to world voyages .

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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.

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2025 AROUND THE WORLD CRUISE

2 for 1 cruise fares plus free first-class roundtrip airfare* and free simply more amenities, overnight cruise ports.

• Shoreside Events

Overland Programs

• Onboard Lifestyle

A Rare East-to-West Circumnavigation

This world journey sets sail in January 2025 on an exceedingly unique east-to-west circumnavigation designed for those seasoned explorers seeking their next epic adventure on the horizon. The 180-day odyssey will be filled with a kaleidoscope of destinations, immersive excursions and indelible moments that will remain with you long after the journey ends. Cultural treasures spanning the ages will captivate your mind, stunning natural wonders in all four corners of the globe will stir your spirit, and local encounters everywhere you sail will awaken your heart.

2025 Around the World Cruise Itinerary Highlights

• Continents visited: 5
• Countries visited: 32
• Ports visited: 89
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites Accessible: 46
• Overnights Including Two-Night Stays: 21
• Largest Population: Shanghai, China
• Smallest Population: Tristan da Cunha

View 2025 Around the World Cruise

Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance.

This globe-spanning journey includes an incredible array of opportunities to deepen and enrich your travel experience. In addition to the Exclusive Shoreside Events and optional Mid-Cruise Overland Programs, there are overnight stays in coveted destinations that are a true traveler’s dream. You’ll have ample time to leisurely tour, savor dinners ashore, discover top UNESCO World Heritage sites and explore in the ways you find most meaningful. Enjoy the many pleasures of Cape Town and the nearby picturesque Cape Winelands, delve into Bali’s fascinating traditions and treasures at greater length, and experience the spectacular diversity of the landscapes that surround Auckland.

Featured Overnight Cruise Ports

Manaus (Amazon River), Brazil

1 overnight | january 16-17, 2025.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

1 overnight | january 26-27, 2025.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

1 overnight | january 31-february 1, 2025.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

1 overnight | february 13-14, 2025.

Cape Town, South Africa

1 overnight | february 17-18, 2025.

Richards Bay, South Africa

1 overnight | february 22-23, 2025.

Mahé, Seychelles

1 overnight | march 2-3, 2025.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

1 overnight | march 10-11, 2025.

Yangon, Myanmar

2 overnights | march 15-17, 2025.

Singapore, Singapore

1 overnight | march 22-23, 2025.

Bangkok, Thailand

1 overnight | march 26-27, 2025.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam

1 overnight | march 30-31, 2025.

SHANGHAI, CHINA

1 overnight | april 7-8, 2025.

Bali (Benoa), Indonesia

1 overnight | april 26-27, 2025.

Adelaide, Australia

1 overnight | may 10-11, 2025.

Sydney, Australia

1 overnight | may 19-20, 2025.

Auckland, New Zealand

1 overnight | may 28-29, 2025.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

1 overnight | june 13-14, 2025.

Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia

1 overnight | june 16-17, 2025.

Honolulu, Oahu

1 overnight | june 25-26, 2025.

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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.

ESTANCIA ASADO & CULTURAL IMMERSION

Montevideo, uruguay | january 30, 2025.

STARLIT DESERT DINNER WITH NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR

Walvis bay, namibia | february 13, 2025.

MAGICAL NIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF WONDERS

Singapore, singapore | march 22, 2025.

LAVISH EVENING OF INDONESIAN CULTURE

Bali, indonesia | april 26, 2025.

QUINTESSENTIAL BAROSSA VALLEY WINE EXPERIENCE

Adelaide, australia | may 10, 2025.

As the 2025 Overland Programs are currently being meticulously designed to offer you immersive, unforgettable adventures around the world, below is a small selection of Mid-Cruise Overland Programs emblematic of the dozens of uniquely curated experiences that will be offered. Please check back often here for confirmed program offerings; dates and descriptions will be added as Overland Program details become available.

Sample Overland Programs

Amazon Rainforest Experience

African Safaris

South africa.

Taj Mahal: The Eternal Masterpiece

Ancient Temples of Bagan

Discover Angkor Wat

Terracotta Warriors

Small Ship Luxury

Our signature Small Ship Luxury, Exquisitely Crafted Cuisine and Curated Travel Experiences, along with our warm and welcoming service, all come together in an inspired harmony to create once-in-a-lifetime global odysseys. From the luxuriously tranquil Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and cozy English-style library to the multiple open-seating gourmet restaurants and lively bars and lounges, you’ll discover all the comforts of home aboard our ships. Insignia 's chic ambiance and stylish accommodations create an ideal sanctuary to rest, relax and rejuvenate as you sail to the world’s most far-flung and remote locales, exploring one incredible destination after another on your Around the World cruise.

From the Oceania Cruises Blog

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

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Matador Original Series

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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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.

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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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11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

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

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

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

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

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

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

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

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

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

Regent: World Cruise

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

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

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

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

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

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

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

Cunard: Full World Voyage

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

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

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

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

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

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

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

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

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

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

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

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

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

Azamara: World Voyage

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

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

Freighter Cruises

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

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

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

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

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

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

Read the original article on Explore .

I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.

• I booked a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships.
• For $2,000 a week, the 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and a view.
• I thought I'd feel cramped in the room, but it had everything I needed and left no space unused.

In April 2022, I cruised on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas . At the time, it was the largest cruise ship in the world , but the title has since been replaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas .

During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas .

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000. Take a look inside the 179-square-foot space.

My room was a mid-tier cabin at the front of deck eight.

I booked a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms , which have no window. It's a category below staterooms with a balcony , and two steps below a suite.

My cabin was on the same deck as Central Park, an outdoor space with 20,000 plants.

I thought it was the most relaxing area on the ship, so I enjoyed being close by.

When I stepped inside my stateroom, I was surprised at how big it felt.

Right away, I thought the cabin made great use of a small space.

To operate most of the electricity in the room, I had to insert my room key into a slot on the wall.

I appreciated the energy-saving system.

On one side of the room, I had a mirror and a desk with several outlets to charge electronics with USB, American, and European ports.

I thought the desk was useful for eating, as well as storing daily flyers about the day's events.

Next to the desk, a set of drawers included a cabinet with a minifridge inside.

The desk drawers were mostly empty aside from a hair dryer, which I didn't end up using.

Across from the desk, I had a couch positioned in between two closets.

Inside each closet, I found a rack of hangers, shelving, and a small safe. I thought it was plenty of space for a weeklong journey

Next to the couch and desk area, a small bathroom used clever storage hacks, like placing the trash can and toilet paper under the counter.

In the bathroom, there were two glasses, a bar of soap, and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

At the top of the shower, a pullout clothing line was useful for drying my bathing suits.

Each night, my stateroom attendant replenished towels and brought flyers and schedules for the next day.

Sometimes, the towels were folded creatively to look like animals.

I noticed that my king-size bed at the back of the room was actually two twin beds pushed together.

All Royal Caribbean cabins come with this configuration, according to its website , so they may be separated for additional guests. I often woke up in the crevice.

A large flat-screen TV was mounted across from the bed with storage hooks below.

Skinny nightstands on either side of the bed held lamps, charging ports, and a room phone on one side.

Because I booked an ocean-view room, I was able to look out over the front of the ship from a window above my bed.

The window was equipped with an electronic shade that could be opened during the day for grand views and closed when I was ready to sleep.

While I thought the room might have been a tight space for a couple with a lot of luggage or a family, it was just right for me.

And watching the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea from the comfort of my room was the best part.

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