World cruises explained: what they cost and which to pick
What is a world cruise – and are they worth it? We unpack the experience, the price range and why some travellers spend over £1 million to go.
At a glance
- World cruises typically last from three to six months
- You can join for the whole world cruise or one segment of the journey
- Prices can vary significantly, but start at roughly £10,000
- The high season for world cruises is winter through spring
- It’s best to book 12-18 months in advance
- Your cabin type is one of the most important decisions you’ll make
What this guide covers
- What is a world cruise?
- How long are world cruises?
- Do I have to go for the whole time?
- How much does a world cruise cost?
- What is included in a world cruise?
- What is the best time to take a world cruise?
- How far in advance do I need to book my world cruise?
- What cabin type should I choose for my world cruise?
- Who takes world cruises?
- What are five of the best world cruises?
What is a world cruise?
A world cruise – sometimes called an around-the-world cruise – is a long-haul sailing that visits multiple continents, often over several months. These extended itineraries 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.
Routes vary widely, but all offer a more immersive way to explore. Rather than a whirlwind tour, this is marathon travel: unhurried, far-reaching and packed with moments you won’t find on shorter cruises.
How long are world cruises?
World cruises are the longest itineraries in the industry, typically lasting between three and six months – or around 90 to 180 days.
Some are even longer. Take Royal Caribbean International’s 2023-24 Ultimate World Cruise, for example. This headline-making sailing covered 60 countries over 274 nights – a full nine months at sea. The voyage captured global attention as videos from passengers went viral on social media.
Do I have to go for the whole time?
No, you do not. While full world cruises can span several months, many cruise lines offer the option to join for a segment cruise instead. These shorter legs typically focus on one geographical region or a well-known route. They can last anywhere from a few weeks to a month or more.
For example, you could embark on a Princess Cruises world cruise in New York and disembark in Sydney, letting the ship sail on without you.
World cruise segments are ideal for cruisers who don’t have the time, budget or inclination to make the entire journey. They are useful for first-time cruisers who love the idea of a world cruise but want to ensure it’s the right fit for them before committing.
How much does a world cruise cost?
The honest – and slightly frustrating – answer is: it depends. With a wide range of cruise lines offering world cruises, prices vary significantly depending on the ship, itinerary, cabin type and level of luxury.
What’s certain is that travelling for this length of time doesn’t come cheap – but for many, it offers surprisingly strong value.
At the more accessible end, you could spend around 100 days at sea for between £10,000 and £15,000 – roughly £100 to £150 a day. When you factor in accommodation, food, entertainment and the sheer number of destinations, you’ll be hard-pressed to find long-term travel of a similar calibre for less. A business class round-the-world flight ticket alone can cost upwards of £5,000 – and that’s without hotels.
However, at the top end of the scale, luxury world cruises can run into the tens of thousands. On ultra-luxury lines, prices for longer itineraries can cost upward of £70,000.
And at the very top tier? Two guests will spend over £1.2 million for a 140-night stay in the most exclusive suite aboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship in 2027 – an eye-watering sum few could imagine spending on a single holiday.
Needless to say, there is plenty of room along the spectrum – and lots of ways to tailor the experience to your budget.
What is included in a world cruise?
It varies – sometimes significantly – depending on the cruise line and cabin type.
Typically, all meals are included as standard, though that doesn’t necessarily include every dining venue on board. On more mainstream cruise lines, speciality restaurants and drinks packages frequently come at an extra charge.
Other extras, such as gratuities, Wi-Fi and shore excursions, may be included, depending on your cruise line or fare type.
Even on the same cruise, inclusions can differ across cabin categories. Guests in suites sometimes receive extra perks like exclusive dining options or laundry included.
On ultra-luxury cruise lines like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, the fare tends to be more inclusive. Pre-voyage business class flights, premium Wi-Fi, shore excursions and gratuities are often bundled into the price, though always check the specifics.
The main exclusion across most cruise lines? Spa treatments are almost always charged separately, regardless of how high-end a world cruise is.
When is the best time to take a world cruise?
World cruise high season runs from winter to spring. Many itineraries, such as those offered by Cunard and MSC Cruises, set off in January, making for an exhilarating way to chase away the post-Christmas blues.
Best of all, you get to skip the worst of British winter and return just as the weather starts to warm up for spring or summer.
Some cruise lines do offer world cruises departing in the off-season – such as summer and autumn months – but these sailings are less common and not necessarily more affordable. Pricing of world cruises tends to reflect factors like onboard inclusions and the complexity of the itinerary, as opposed to the time of year.
How far in advance do I need to book my world cruise?
Put simply: the sooner, the better. This is especially true if you’re hoping to secure a specific cabin type or take advantage of early pricing.
World cruises are typically announced around two years ahead of sailing, and the most sought-after ones sell out well in advance. Booking 12 to 18 months ahead is a savvy move, particularly if you’ve got your eye on a suite, solo cabin or a more affordable inside room. Remember, it’s often the highest and lowest categories that go first.
Booking early can also unlock added perks like onboard credit or complimentary upgrades, depending on the cruise line’s launch offers.
What cabin type should I choose for my world cruise?
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when booking your world cruise – after all, your cabin will be your home away from home for three months or more. While it can be tempting to automatically opt for the cheapest option, it’s worth weighing up comfort and practicality over the long haul.
You don’t necessarily have to splurge on a suite, but consider if an inside cabin without natural light is the right choice for you. You might find it perfectly manageable on a weeklong cruise, but less so over 180 days.
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 might want to avoid cabins directly above or below restaurants, bars or theatres.
If you’re prone to seasickness, aim for a midship cabin on a lower deck – these are the most stable rooms.
Who takes 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.
But if you’re not retired, don’t worry that you'll stick out like a sore thumb. Today’s world cruisers come from a wide range of backgrounds. You’ll find people on sabbatical and the odd digital nomad making the most of Wi-Fi at sea, which is improving, though still something of a gamble.
You’ll also meet couples, friends and families travelling together. Some parents cruise with their grown-up children, while others have toddlers or teens in tow. Families with school-age kids tend to join for a particular segment during the school holidays.
World cruises are also especially appealing to solo travellers, offering a safe, sociable and well-organised way to see multiple far-flung destinations. Plus, the amount of time at sea means the ships often foster a real spirit of community. Friendships aren’t just possible but likely.
What are five of the best world cruises?
Epic World Explorer by P&O Cruises
This 106-night adults-only world cruise departs from Southampton in January 2027. It stands out as one of the best-value full world cruises available, with inside cabins from £10,499 per person at the time of writing. It covers 29 ports and 34,500 nautical miles, visiting far-away destinations ranging from Fiji to Cape Town.
Full board dining across three venues is included, though extras, such as speciality restaurants and drinks packages, come at an additional cost. Pricing is in pounds on board, adding to the distinctly British feel of the ship.
An Ode to the Moment by Silversea Cruises
This 132-day ultra-luxury world cruise sets sail from Miami in January of 2028, aboard the intimate Silver Shadow, and concludes in Nice in May.
This journey encompasses 58 destinations across 29 countries, including access to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include experiencing the Rio Carnival with exclusive Sambódromo seating, exploring the Chilean fjords and visiting far-flung locales like St. Helena and the Seychelles.
Fares start from around £75,500 per person (subject to change), with all the trimmings you’d expect at that price point: butler service, shore excursions, laundry, premium Wi-Fi and more.
Azamara World Cruise 2027
Azamara’s most ambitious voyage to date, this 188-night world cruise aboard Azamara Quest departs from San Francisco in January 2027 and ends in Copenhagen after visiting 37 countries and 103 ports across five continents. The itinerary includes a diverse array of destinations, from world-class cities like Seoul to the rugged coastline of Alaska.
With 65 late-night and overnight visits, it’s designed for visitors who want to experience destinations after dark.
Fares start, at the time of writing, from around £41,059 per person for an interior cabin. The price includes generous perks like onboard and shore excursion credit, a pre-voyage hotel stay and laundry.
Cunard Full World Voyage, 111 Nights
Sailing from Southampton in January 2027 aboard Queen Victoria, this voyage is a classic world cruise in every sense. It calls at iconic destinations including New York, Singapore and Aruba, with inside cabins starting from around £13,499 per person, depending on when you book.
Expect the signature elegance Cunard is known for – think sweeping staircases, spacious decks and white-gloved service. Onboard, guests can enjoy insight programmes featuring speakers from the worlds of science, music and the arts, plus enrichment classes in pursuits like painting and fencing. There’s even a grand library on board – one of the largest at sea.
MSC World Cruise 2027
This 121-night journey aboard MSC Magnifica departs from Genoa in January 2027 and spans five continents, 25 countries and 45 destinations – including hard-to-reach highlights like Easter Island and the Cook Islands. The itinerary features seven overnight stays and crosses the International Date Line twice.
Fares start from around £14,254 per person based on early booking. A dine-and-drink package is included, along with 15 shore excursions. Speciality dining is extra.
Is a world cruise worth it for you? If so, all that’s left to do is book and start writing your packing list.
