The 10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime

Imagine setting sail on a grand adventure around the world! Picture yourself gliding across vast oceans, exploring diverse cultures, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. To embark on such an extraordinary journey, you’ll need to prepare thoughtfully.

First, ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and travel insurance, especially considering the remote areas you might visit​​. Money matters on such a trip. Having a mix of cash and cards will help you navigate different currencies in the many countries you’ll visit.

Packing is an art for world cruises. You’ll need clothes for various climates, so include warm layers and rain gear. And, since formal events are a part of the cruising experience, bring a mix of formal and casual attire but don’t overpack​​.

Choosing the right cruise line and ship size is crucial. Smaller ships offer a more intimate experience and can dock at unique ports, while larger ships provide more amenities and entertainment but might dock farther from city centers​​. 

So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and set sail on a journey that will take you around the globe, discovering the wonders of the world.

Around-the-world Cruises

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises
Credits: Princess Cruises/Facebook
Princess Cruises

Set sail with Princess Cruises on an epic 111-day journey around the globe. Embarking from Fort Lauderdale, you’ll traverse through the Caribbean, cross the Panama Canal, and journey along the Pacific Coast of Central America.

The Island Princess, a ship refurbished in 2017 with a capacity for over 1,000 guests and equipped with Princess MedallionClass® technology, will be your haven. Discover Hawaii’s paradisiacal islands before heading to New Zealand and Australia.

The adventure continues through Asia with highlights in Bali and Singapore, and you’ll have the chance to visit the historical city of Petra and the Suez Canal before exploring the Greek Isles, Turkey, and the Western Mediterranean.

Finally, you’ll return to Fort Lauderdale, completing this extraordinary voyage. Prices for this cruise start from £15,999 per person for an inside cabin, with options like the Princess Plus promotion for added benefits

Silversea 

Silversea Cruises
Credits: Silversea Cruises/Facebook
Silversea Cruises

Embark on a luxurious 132-night voyage with Silversea’s World Cruise 2024, titled “Far East-West.” Setting sail from San Francisco, this journey aboard the Silver Shadow ship invites travelers to explore the vast Pacific, touching the shores of 65 destinations in 14 countries.

You’ll experience a blend of east and west, from the tranquil Pacific islands to the dynamic coasts of Australia and New Zealand. The cruise offers an extensive exploration of Asia, including Southeast Asia, Japan, China, and a rare journey to the Russian Far East.

For the first time on a World Cruise, Silversea will take you through Alaska’s wild beauty. Prices for this extravagant adventure range from USD 66,000 to 276,000 per passenger, with double occupancy, providing an all-encompassing experience of luxury and discovery.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises
Credits: Oceania Cruises/Facebook
Oceania Cruises

Embark on a sweeping 180-day journey with Oceania Cruises, starting at $48,500 per person. The “Around the World in 180 Days” itinerary for 2024 departs from Los Angeles, heading to New York, and encompasses 96 destinations in 34 countries.

The cruise on the 684-passenger Insignia sails across the Pacific to the Hawaiian Islands, French Polynesia, and the Samoan Islands, then heads towards the fjords of New Zealand and Australia.

In Asia, immerse yourself in the cultures of Bali, Kyoto, Tokyo, Ha Long Bay, and Yangon, before exploring India, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, and finally crossing the Atlantic to New York.

This itinerary includes over 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with 24 overnight stays and numerous special onshore events​.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises
Credits: Viking Ocean Cruises/Facebook
Viking Ocean Cruises

Set sail with Viking Ocean Cruises on an unforgettable 138-day journey! This voyage, on the Viking Neptune, explores 28 countries and 57 ports, promising a culturally rich experience.

The journey begins in Ft. Lauderdale, traverses through the Panama Canal, and visits various stunning locations like Hawai’i, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and ends in London.

Unique features include overnight stays in cities like Sydney, Haifa, and Istanbul, allowing for deeper immersion into local cultures.

The Viking Neptune, designed for 930 passengers, boasts all-veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, and even has an onboard Spa with a Snow room. Your journey also includes educational enrichment through lectures and entertainment, ensuring an enlightening experience​​​​​​.

Seabourn

Seabourn
Credits: Seabourn/Facebook
Seabourn

Seabourn’s 2024 World Cruise, named “Extraordinary Horizons,” promises an epic 132-day exploration spanning multiple continents and oceans. This cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the world’s most spectacular destinations, from vibrant cities to remote islands.

Guests will enjoy Seabourn’s signature luxury and attention to detail as they sail across the globe, visiting a diverse array of countries and experiencing the unique cultures, cuisines, and landscapes each has to offer.

The itinerary is meticulously crafted to include both popular destinations and hidden gems, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Seabourn’s World Cruise is perfect for travelers seeking an all-inclusive, luxury cruising experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Credits: Regent Seven Seas Cruises/Facebook
Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Immerse yourself in a 132-day grand adventure with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This luxurious journey aboard the Seven Seas Mariner departs from Miami and promises an unforgettable exploration of the globe.

Traverse four continents and 31 countries, including enchanting stops at 66 ports of call. You will experience a diverse array of cultures in places like Central America, the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, South Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. 

This journey is not just about the destinations but the experience itself. With 442 free shore excursions and 12 overnight stays, including visits to 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, every day promises a new adventure. Exclusive shoreside experiences and optional land programs add even more depth to your voyage.

Starting at $73,499 for a Deluxe Veranda Suite, this all-inclusive trip encapsulates luxury, with first-class flights, unlimited Internet, medical services on board, and a plethora of other amenities to make your world cruise truly magnificent.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line
Credits: Holland America Line/Facebook
Holland America Line

Get ready to embark on Holland America Line’s impressive 128-day Grand World Voyage aboard the Zuiderdam. This fascinating journey takes you across various continents and seas, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.

Setting sail from Fort Lauderdale, the itinerary is filled with diverse destinations, from the Caribbean’s tropical beaches to the cosmopolitan allure of Dubai.

The voyage showcases an array of cultural and natural wonders across 47 ports in 25 countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, French Guiana, Brazil, Mexico, Hawaii, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, India, United Arab Emirates, and European destinations like Greece, Italy, and Spain.

This world tour balances historical sites with bustling markets, serene beaches, and remote fishing villages, all against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes and modern cityscapes.

For those who can’t commit to the full duration, segment Grand Voyage cruises are available, varying from 27 to 94 days, offering experiences such as circling Africa, exploring Australia and New Zealand, or delving into South America with a touch of Antarctica​​​​.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean
Credits: Royal Caribbean/Facebook
Royal Caribbean

Set off on the Ultimate World Cruise with Royal Caribbean, a groundbreaking 274-night global journey. Embark from Miami and embark on an epic exploration of all seven continents, encompassing 65 countries and over 150 ports of call.

This voyage is a mosaic of diverse landscapes and cultures, featuring visits to 11 World Wonders, including Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Great Wall of China.

The journey is segmented into four distinct parts, each offering a unique experience. The Ultimate Americas, Ultimate Asia-Pacific, Ultimate Middle East & Med, and Ultimate Europe & Beyond.

Travel in comfort and style aboard the Serenade of the Seas, which has been specially renovated for this voyage. The cruise includes business-class airfare, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and exclusive amenities like a deluxe beverage package, laundry service, and Wi-Fi.

Prices start from $59,999 per person for an interior stateroom, reaching up to $760,000 for a Royal Suite. This once-in-a-lifetime cruise not only offers a journey across the world but also an unparalleled luxury experience on the seas.

Azamara

Azamara
Credits: Azamara/Facebook
Azamara

Embark on an extraordinary 155-night voyage with Azamara’s World Cruise, which starts in Fort Lauderdale and concludes in Barcelona. This journey takes you to over 40 countries, featuring iconic sites like Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.

Not to be missed are the architectural marvels of Rome, including the Colosseum. Experience a range of cultures, landscapes, and wonders in places like Trinidad and Tobago, Dubai, and various ports in the Mediterranean.

The Azamara Onward serves as your luxurious home for this journey, with options for shorter segments of the cruise starting from just 10 nights. Fares for this captivating cruise begin at $36,379, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the world’s greatest wonders in one continuous journey.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises
Credits: MSC Cruises/Facebook
MSC Cruises

Get ready to explore the world with MSC Cruises’ 2024 World Cruise, offering a 121-day itinerary that takes you through 52 destinations across 31 countries. This grand adventure begins in the Mediterranean, including stops in Spain, Italy, and Malta, before heading to Cyprus and overnighting in Haifa, Israel.

The journey continues through the Suez Canal to the Red Sea, unveiling the ancient wonders of Luxor and Petra. After experiencing the culture and history of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the voyage takes you to the crystal waters of Zanzibar, the Seychelles, and Mauritius.

In South Africa, you will visit Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. The journey crosses the South Atlantic to the Brazilian Amazon, navigating the Amazon River to Manaus. Explore the sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife in Rio de Janeiro, then sail to the Caribbean, North America, Greenland, and Iceland, ending in Southampton.

This voyage is priced starting at £10,999 per person for an inside cabin and includes a dining package, a selection of shore excursions, gratuities, and a 30% discount on laundry​.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on an around-the-world cruise is like opening a book filled with endless stories. Each voyage, whether it’s Holland America’s 128-day journey or Azamara’s 155-night adventure, offers a mosaic of cultures, natural wonders, and historical sites.

From the majestic Christ the Redeemer in Rio to the ancient Petra in Jordan, these cruises span continents, oceans, and countless experiences.

The fares, starting around $10,999 and reaching upwards of $36,379, reflect the depth and breadth of these extraordinary journeys. Imagine the tales you’ll gather, the memories you’ll create, and the horizons you’ll broaden on these trips of a lifetime!