Do the maths on world cruises and you might find they’re the most economical way to visit multiple destinations – and all without the travel hassles.
January is the start of the world cruise season, when ships sail out of the US or Europe on ambitious world voyages that typically last more than 120 days, sometimes much more, and are considered the ultimate in cruising.
The world cruise on Oceania’s Regatta starts from $99,990 a person, but that’s just $270 a day over 371 nights.
Demand is rising, with companies from Azamara to Cunard adding extra world cruises in coming years. Royal Caribbean’s recent first world cruise, a 274-day round-trip from Miami, proved a huge success, and the company has hinted at a reprise.
World cruises are getting longer and more ambitious. Silversea’s 149-day Three Oceans voyage in 2027, for example, will visit more ports than any other voyage the company has made.
The term “world cruise” is loosely applied, since few return to their port of departure. More typically, world cruises (sometimes called grand voyages) visit three or more continents without circumnavigating the globe, such as Viking’s 2026 world cruise between Los Angeles and London over 121 days.
The cost of a world cruise depends on its length, luxury levels, cabin category and inclusions. The cheapest I’m aware of is a 100-day Eastern Circumnavigation return from Southampton in 2026 with P&O Cruises UK, priced from £9599 ($18,700) a person twin share.
At the other end of the scale, Regent Seven Seas’ 140-night world cruise departing Miami in January 2027 costs a cool $2.5 million for two in its top-category Regent Suite.
Whatever your budget, world cruises are better value than booking several separate cruises. The per-day rate is lower, and cruise lines offer enticements, from inclusive business-class flights to unlimited drinks and laundry. World cruisers also get exclusive benefits such as special events and shore excursions.
Consider the latest offering from My Cruises (part of Flight Centre Travel Group), which is offering the world’s longest cruise to date: six continents and 220 ports over 371 nights between Rome and Southampton.
