Hey big spender: the best around-the-world cruises to book

Typically world cruises set sail in January – meaning you’ll get to avoid soaring gas bills and plummeting temperatures in Britain – and end in April/May, although there are exceptions.

As a rule of thumb, world cruises attract an older clientele due to the time and money involved. Passengers also tend to be regular cruisers accustomed to stretches of days at sea. Make no mistake: on a world cruise, ports are often several days apart as you are, after all, crossing the world’s oceans.  

However if you can't commit to a full world cruise, you can often book a ‘segment’ of a voyage. These typically range from a few weeks to a couple of months in length.

Giant ships – such as Cunard’s' Queen Mary 2 – offer everything from daily dance classes to the largest library at sea, a planetarium and evening performances to help keep any on-board boredom at bay. On smaller ships, sea days are about relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie of the crew and other guests.

Regardless of the size of the ship, pick the biggest and best cabin you can afford. You’ll need somewhere to store all your luggage for starters (world cruisers need to pack for sea days, snow days, shore days, and for both warm and cold weather climates), plus you might appreciate a little ‘me-time’ away from fellow passengers after a couple of months together at sea.

If by now you’re dreaming of ditching the routine of everyday life and sailing around the world next year, here are five of the best world cruises to book...

Experience the Seven Wonders of the World with Azamara
The small-ship cruise line’s 2026 world cruise is a golden ticket to explore over 35 countries and take in the Seven Wonders of the World.

Departing from the Magic City of Miami on January 6, 2025 and concluding in buzzy Barcelona, the cruise encompasses 55 late nights and overnights so that passengers can truly immerse themselves in their destination du jour.

Standout shore excursions and overnight experiences include Chichen Itza; the iconic Christ the Redeemer; timeless Taj Mahal; Machu Picchu; the architectural marvel that is the Colosseum; The Great Wall of China; and the desert city of Petra in Jordan.

Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, told World of Cruising: “We are thrilled to welcome our world cruisers on this journey of a lifetime. Our 2026 World Cruise offers our guests the unique opportunity to uncover a new perspective on a wide variety of cultures and visit all seven wonders of the world, while enjoying some of the most exclusive and specially curated events throughout this exciting itinerary.”

Departs January 6, 2025. From £23, 793 per person.
 

Around the world with Cunard
Looking to start the New Year in style? Queen Anne, the first Cunard launch in 14 years, is setting sail out of Hamburg on January 6 or Southampton on January 11, 2026 for over 100 unforgettable nights on its second world voyage.

You’ll soon find yourself walking on warm shores in Atlantic islands, including Madeira, Tenerife, and Cape Verde. From here you’ll circumnavigate the shores of Africa, stopping at warm and welcoming ports along the way, before sailing on to destinations in Asia, Australia, and the Americas. 

And in between exploring there’s plenty of time to relax, enjoy the camaraderie of the crew and your fellow passengers, or try a new activity during the days at sea.

Even better? You’ll get to wave goodbye to the cold winter weather and be back in Britain as spring hits: the world cruise concludes in Southampton on April 30, or Hamburg on May 2.

Departs January 6 or 9, 2025. Prices from £10,999 per person.

Take five with Holland America Line
The Seattle-based line’s 2026 ‘Grand World Voyage’ journeys across five continents, visiting 20 countries along the way in 133 days.

You'll get to trace the rugged coastlines of South America, Australia, Asia, and North America and, arguably the icing on the cake, cross the legendary Drake Passage to spend four days amid Antarctica’s spectacular ice-scapes.

Other highlights include Easter Island, the South Pacific, Australia, Singapore, and the Maldives while on land, there will be overnight stays in charismatic cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Sydney and Singapore.

Short on time? Holland America is offering seven Grand World Voyage segments ranging from 21-72 days in length.

Departs January 4, 2026. From £24,199 per person (for the full trip).

Pacific Ring of Fire with Seabourn
The sole focus of Seabourn’s 129-night Ring of Fire voyage onboard the elegant, 458-passenger Seabourn Sojourn is the Pacific.

Departing from Los Angeles on January 6, 2026, you'll visit 63 destinations, covering 28,000 nautical miles and crossing the international date line twice before ending in Vancouver.

Seven overnight stays are included, together with late-evening departures from seven other ports, allowing for true destination immersion.

If you're time poor and don't have four months to spare, the following segments are available to book individually: Los Angeles to Sydney (48 nights), Sydney to Hong Kong (38 nights), Hong Kong to Tokyo (21 nights).

Departs January 6, 2026. From £70,699 per person.

Affordable world cruising with P&O Cruises
Contrary to popular perception, world cruising doesn’t have to break the bank. Choose an inside cabin and you can enjoy 100 nights on P&O Cruises’ 2026 world cruise from £9,599 per person – that works out at less than £100 per day.

Sailing from Southampton onboard P&O Cruises' adult-only Arcadia, your cruise will encompass the Mediterranean,Middle East, Indian Ocean, southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Next up is the Pacific, west coast of the US, Panama Canal and the Caribbean before Arcadia crosses the Atlantic to Southampton.

Departs January 6, 2026. From £9,599 per person.