Around the World Cruises For A Trip of a Lifetime

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing around the world, waking up to new horizons every morning, and exploring different cultures without the hassle of multiple flights and hotel bookings, then an around the world cruise is your ultimate adventure. This is not just any holiday, it’s a bucket list experience. Promising unparalleled luxury, adventure, and the joy of seamless travel. So, let’s dive into the details of some of the best world cruises, where they’ll take you, and what you can expect onboard.

What is an Around the World Cruise?

An around the world cruise is an extended voyage, typically lasting between three to six months, that takes passengers on a once in a lifetime journey across multiple continents. These cruises stop at some of the world’s most iconic ports, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in a variety of cultures while enjoying world class amenities on board.

The Top Around the World Cruises

Cunard’s World Cruise

• Duration: 108 nights
• Departure From: Southampton, UK
• Onboard Experience: Expect refined British elegance, black tie gala evenings, West End-style performances, and exquisite afternoon teas.
• Destinations: The itinerary includes New York, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the west coast of the USA, Hawaii, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean before returning to Southampton.

 Key Destinations:

1. New York, USA – Iconic skyline views, Broadway shows, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Cold in January, around -3°C to 6°C.
2. Caribbean (e.g., St. Kitts, Barbados) – White sandy beaches, snorkelling, and colonial history. Warm, 25°C to 30°C.
3. Panama Canal, Panama – A feat of engineering; lush rainforests surround the locks. Hot and humid, 28°C to 32°C.
4. Los Angeles, USA – Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory. Mild temperatures, 15°C to 20°C.
5. Hawaii – Pearl Harbour, volcanic landscapes, and hula dancing. Pleasant weather, 22°C to 28°C.
6. Sydney, Australia – Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the Harbour Bridge. Summer, around 20°C to 30°C.
7. Singapore – Futuristic cityscape, Gardens by the Bay, and hawker food markets. Hot and humid, 27°C to 32°C.
8. Dubai, UAE – Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and gold souks. Warm, 20°C to 28°C.
9. Mediterranean Ports (e.g., Rome, Barcelona, Athens) – Ancient ruins, rich history, and stunning coastal scenery. Spring-like weather, 12°C to 18°C.

Viking World Cruise

• Duration: 138 days
• Departure From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Onboard Experience: A sophisticated, adults-only atmosphere with all-inclusive fine dining, cultural lectures, and Scandinavian-style spas
• Destinations: South America, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

 Key Destinations:

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, and vibrant Carnival atmosphere. Warm, 25°C to 32°C.
2. French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora) – Crystal-clear lagoons, overwater bungalows, and coral reefs. Hot and tropical, 27°C to 30°C.
3. New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin) – Rugged landscapes, Maori culture, and the Lord of the Rings filming locations. Summer, 20°C to 28°C.
4. Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang) – War history, bustling markets, and delicious pho. Warm, 22°C to 30°C.
5. Egypt (Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria) – Pyramids of Giza, Nile River cruises, and ancient temples. Warm, 18°C to 25°C.
6. Portugal (Lisbon, Porto) – Cobbled streets, pastel de nata, and breathtaking ocean views. Mild, 10°C to 18°C.

MSC World Cruise

• Duration: 120 nights
• Departure From: Genoa, Italy
• Onboard Experience: A lively, family-friendly environment with a mix of international cuisines, a casino, Broadway-style shows, and plenty of onboard activities. Including the newly introduced MSC cliffhanger on selected cruises.
• Destinations: Over 50 destinations across Europe, South America, the Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

 Key Destinations:

1. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Tango music, steak dinners, and colourful La Boca district. Summer, 25°C to 33°C.
2. Chile (Santiago, Valparaíso, Punta Arenas) – Andean landscapes, colourful street art, and the gateway to Antarctica. Varies, from 10°C in the south to 28°C in the north.
3. Australia (Perth, Sydney, Cairns) – Outback adventures, Great Barrier Reef, and indigenous culture. Summer, 25°C to 35°C.
4. South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth) – Table Mountain, safaris, and stunning vineyards. Summer, 20°C to 28°C.

Princess Cruises

• Duration: 111 days
• Departure From: Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles
• Onboard Experience: Offers world class dining, live theatre productions, enrichment programmes, and outdoor movie screenings under the stars.
• Destinations: Includes stops in Central America, South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

 Key Destinations:

1. Fiji – Soft coral diving, lush jungles, and traditional kava ceremonies. Hot and humid, 28°C to 32°C.
2. Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) – Cherry blossoms, futuristic cityscapes, and ancient temples. Cool in March, 5°C to 15°C.
3. Greece (Santorini, Mykonos, Athens) – Whitewashed villages, ancient ruins, and beautiful sunsets. Spring-like, 12°C to 22°C.

Holland America Line Grand World Voyage

• Duration: 128 nights
• Departure From: Fort Lauderdale
• Onboard Experience: Known for immersive cultural experiences, world-class culinary options, and an elegant onboard atmosphere.
• Destinations: A global adventure covering South America, the Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 Key Destinations:

1. Antarctica (scenic cruising) – Icebergs, penguins, and dramatic frozen landscapes. Cold, -10°C to 0°C.
2. Bali, Indonesia – Temples, rice terraces, and traditional dance performances. Hot, 27°C to 32°C.
3. Cape Verde – Colourful Creole culture, volcanic landscapes, and music festivals. Warm, 22°C to 28°C.

Regent Seven Seas World Cruise

• Duration: 150 nights
• Departure From: Miami, Florida
• Onboard Experience: All inclusive luxury with free shore excursions, gourmet dining, unlimited beverages, and spacious suites.
• Destinations: Spanning six continents, this ultra luxury cruise stops at over 97 ports in 25 countries.

 Key Destinations:

1. India (Mumbai, Cochin, Goa) – Taj Mahal, Bollywood glamour, and street food delights. Warm, 25°C to 35°C.
2. Sri Lanka (Colombo, Galle) – Tea plantations, ancient fortresses, and elephant safaris. Hot and humid, 28°C to 33°C.
3. Canada (Vancouver, Quebec City, Halifax) – Stunning natural parks, French-Canadian culture, and whale watching. Spring temperatures, 5°C to 15°C.

Silversea World Cruise

• Duration: 140 nights
• Departure From:San Francisco, California
• Onboard Experience: Ultra luxury, all suite accommodations, personalised service, fine dining, and enriching cultural excursions.
• Destinations: Includes stops in the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 Key Destinations:

1. Papua New Guinea – Tribal culture, rainforests, and incredible biodiversity. Hot and tropical, 26°C to 30°C.
2. Norway (Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø) – Fjords, the Northern Lights, and Viking heritage. Cold in March, -5°C to 10°C.

Oceania Around the World in 180 Days

• Duration: 180 nights
• Departure From: Miami, Florida
• Onboard Experience: Gourmet dining with no surcharge, an intimate atmosphere, and a strong focus on immersive travel experiences.
• Destinations: An extensive journey visiting more than 90 ports across six continents.

 Key Destinations:

1. Easter Island, Chile – Mysterious moai statues, remote beaches, and Polynesian culture. Warm, 22°C to 28°C.
2. Dubai – See the world’s tallest building, luxury shopping, and desert excursions. Warm, 20°C to 30°C.

Azamara World Cruise

• Duration: 155 nights
• Departure From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Onboard Experience: Destination focused World Cruise cruising with immersive shore excursions, exceptional dining, and a boutique hotel style atmosphere.
• Destinations: An in depth exploration of Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa with longer port stays.

 Key Destinations:

1. Malta (Valletta) – Baroque architecture, ancient fortresses, and Mediterranean beaches. Mild, 15°C to 20°C.
2. Vietnam (Hoi An, Halong Bay) – Traditional lantern festivals and stunning limestone formations. Warm, 22°C to 30°C.

Celebrity Cruises – Ultimate World Cruise

• Duration: 274 nights
• Departure From: Miami, Florida
• Onboard Experience: Stylish modern luxury, world class entertainment, spa facilities, and award winning dining.
• Destinations: An incredible journey covering all seven continents, including Antarctica.

 Key Destinations:

1. Antarctica – Icy wilderness, wildlife encounters, and an expedition-style adventure. Freezing, -10°C to 0°C.
2. Galápagos Islands – Unique wildlife, giant tortoises, and pristine nature. Warm, 22°C to 28°C.

What to Expect Onboard

Regardless of which cruise line you choose, life on a world cruise is an indulgent and enriching experience. Here’s what you can typically enjoy:

• World Class Dining: Gourmet restaurants offering everything from steak and seafood to sushi and French cuisine.
• Entertainment & Activities: Broadway-style shows, live music, dance classes, and guest lectures from renowned speakers.
• Wellness & Relaxation: Spas, saunas, fitness centres, and yoga sessions with breathtaking ocean views.
• Cultural Enrichment: Language classes, cooking demonstrations, and port talks to help you make the most of each destination.
• Themed Nights & Gala Events: Expect masquerade balls, white parties, and even James Bond themed evenings.

Is an Around the World Cruise Worth It?

If you have the time and budget, absolutely! World cruises offer incredible value for money when you consider the number of destinations, the all inclusive nature of the trip, and the luxury of unpacking just once while travelling the world. They also attract a mix of adventurous retirees, remote workers, and travel enthusiasts, making for a diverse and friendly onboard community.

An around the world cruise is more than just a holiday, it’s an unforgettable journey that allows you to experience the best of global travel with the comfort and luxury of an all-inclusive floating resort. Whether you choose the elegance of Cunard, the refined luxury of Viking, the vibrant atmosphere of MSC, or the opulence of Regent Seven Seas, this is one adventure that will stay with you forever.