The ultimate guide to round-the-world cruises

Everything you need to know about round-the-world cruises – from how much they cost to what to pack

Every January a flotilla of ships big and small sets sail from the UK, taking thousands of cruisers on a once-in-a-lifetime round-the-world cruise.
What a great escape! Three, four, even six months away from home travelling in comfort and style to numerous countries and remote islands where they can go ashore to try new tastes and learn about different cultures.
For the Brits, how wonderful to wave goodbye to winter and be back in Old Blighty just as spring is in the air.
These journeys promise world-famous sights and great cities. True, passengers only get a few hours in each, maybe an overnight if they are lucky, but it is a perfect taster. They can always go back to their favourites for a longer stay.
And in between there’s plenty of time to relax, make new friends and learn a new skill during the days at sea as their ship crosses continents. 
Whether you are a budding Phileas Fogg with multiple cruises under their belt or are yet to set foot on a ship, here’s our ultimate guide to what you can expect on a voyage around the world –  from how much they cost to what to pack.
In this guide:
Most world cruises follow a westbound route, taking passengers from the UK or US to the Caribbean, South America, across the Pacific to Australia and New Zealand, then steaming through Asia and the Middle East, transiting the Suez Canal and arriving in the Mediterranean before returning to their departure port.
Or at least that is the plan.
Attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and the on-going conflict in Gaza and now Lebanon has forced cruise lines to change itineraries and take the long route around Africa to the Mediterranean. The ships still spend time in the Med before returning to their departure ports.
While ports of call vary, Honolulu and Tahiti are often in the mix, and you can expect to stay two days in A-list cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Singapore and Dubai. Ho Chi Minh City is another favourite – as is Hong Kong. Most itineraries transit the Panama Canal at the start or end of the voyage.
A few westbound cruises zigzag in order to include South Africa, Japan and the Indian Ocean, stopping at Cape Town, Yokohama and Osaka.
It doesn’t have to break the bank. Settle for an inside cabin and you can have 100 nights on P&O Cruises’ 2026 world cruise from £9,599pp – that’s 29 destinations for less than £100 per day. If there’s more money in the kitty, Queens Grill suites on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 world voyage in 2026 cost from £42,999pp for 108 nights.
If you have the means and inclination to splash out, Silversea has suites from £83,400pp for 136 days in 2025 or hang on until 2027 to indulge with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (£84,384 for 141 nights). You won’t get the best rooms in the house on either line (they are long gone), but everything from air fares to shore excursions and tips is included.
A westbound route around the globe might be the favourite but a few cruise lines stray from the norm to ring the changes.
MSC Cruises is skipping the Panama Canal on its 120-night journey from Civitavecchia (Rome) and back in 2025 and instead taking passengers around Cape Horn, with calls into Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Ushuaia in Argentina along the way.
Crystal is lingering longer than most in the Indian Ocean on its 2026 world voyage, with calls into Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga, two-day stays in the Marquesas Islands and Noumea in New Caledonia, and three days in Papeete in Tahiti.
Others don’t actually circumnavigate the globe but still rack up plenty of destinations. Seabourn is circling the Pacific Rim while Silversea is going against the usual beat by starting in Tokyo.
Holland America Line has a traditional world cruise but also has a 133-day Pole to Pole extravaganza with scenic cruising in Antarctica, a voyage up the Amazon River and calls in to Iceland and Greenland.
Short cruises are a holiday; on world cruises the ship becomes a village where friendships blossom and gossip is rife – think St Mary Mead meets Midsummer Murders, only without the body count.
Most cruise lines offer portions of a world cruise for those who don’t have the time or money to do a complete circumnavigation. These can be anything from two weeks to a month or more – sailing from the UK to Australia, for instance, or from Asia back to the UK. These usually go on sale after the world cruise.
All cruise ships have main dining rooms and self-service buffets where food is included in the price. They also have pools, spas, gyms and multiple bars and lounges.
All vessels have specialty restaurants serving everything from steaks to Asian favourites. These are included in the price with ultra-luxury lines such as Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and the premium lines Oceania Cruises and Viking. On Azamara ships, speciality dining is free for those in suites, but everyone else pays extra.
The ships offering world cruises in 2025 range from around 700 passengers (Azamara Onward) to 2,996 (Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne), and 3,223 (MSC Magnifica). There are also plenty in between, such as, Silversea’s Silver Dawn (596), Crystal’s Serenity (740) and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette (1,339).
It depends entirely on the port – in some destinations you can get straight into town, while in others you can be a distance out. For example, Sydney’s main cruise port is in Circular Quay, directly underneath the harbour bridge. However, if it’s a busy day you might end up further out, in Johnstons Bay. A similar setup can be found in Hong Kong. Some cruise lines provide free shuttles between the ship and main town if it is deemed too far for most people to comfortably walk.
Make a checklist of what you would like on board and find a ship to match. Things to consider include whether you want a big or small ship, assigned seating or open dining, dressy formal nights or something more casual. Consider also if you would like a British ship or one with an American or European vibe, and if you want all-inclusive luxury or on a pay-as-you-go deal.
The most luxurious ships have all-suite accommodation, mostly with balconies. The rest have a choice of inside (no windows), oceanview (a window that doesn’t open) and balcony cabins, as well as suites.
It is tempting to opt for the cheapest one. Don’t! On most ships that means an inside cabin with no window, which may be fine for a week or two but not for several months. Instead splash out on the biggest and best room you can afford as it will be your home away from home. It doesn’t have to be a suite, although that would be nice, but a private balcony where you can escape fellow globetrotters now and then is a good investment.
Cabin location is another important consideration. Rooms at the front take the brunt of the movement if there is a heavy swell; those lower down in the centre of the ship are more stable. Cabins near lifts can be noisy as people return to bed late at night, while those at the back are handy for the restaurants as these are all invariably many are at the aft end of the ship.
All meals in the dining room, self-service and pool-side grills are included, as is entertainment. After that, all lines do things differently. Choose the door-to-door or ultimate all-inclusive fares offered by Silversea or Regent and almost everything is wrapped into the price – flights, transfers, shore excursions, drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, the lot.
Oceania Cruises includes speciality dining, tips and Wi-Fi, while MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises cover your tips. Spa treatments are always extra no matter who you cruise with; on some ships there is also a charge for using the thermal suites and participating in fitness classes.
World cruises appeal mostly to retired people who have the time and means for several months away. Most will be seasoned cruisers but you’ll probably also meet a few people who have never set foot on a ship and for whom doing a world cruise is a dream come true.
You’ll be almost exclusively with fellow Brits on P&O Cruises’ and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ ships; a mix of Brits and Americans on Cunard; and Europeans, including plenty of Italians, on MSC. On other ships, expect a majority of North Americans.
All cruise ships have lifts and can accommodate mobility scooters, but there may be a limit to how many are permitted. Those with poor mobility should consider a smaller ship so there is less walking to do once on board. Getting into tenders (small boats used when the ship is unable to dock) to go ashore and navigating some destinations (especially those with poor infrastructure), can also be challenging for those with mobility issues.
So far the closest any line has come to that is Royal Caribbean International, which has just completed a nine-month world cruise. Oceania Cruises’ 200 and 197-day voyages sailing in January and December 2025 respectively are not so epic but six months away seeing the world while being waited on hand and foot is a pretty good alternative.
A new company, Villa Vie Residences, has come on the scene with the promise of a three-and-a-half-year round the world voyage. It was supposed to depart in May but at the time of writing its ship, Villa Vie Odyssey, remains in the Belfast shipyard where it has been for the past four months, leaving its wannabee passengers wondering if it will ever sail.
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Sea days on world cruises soon lapse into a gentle routine of waking, eating, snoozing and joining activities such as line-dancing classes, cookery demonstrations, book clubs, talks, lectures and swimming. Evenings usually involve a few drinks with new-found friends and a live evening show.
Breakfast is generally served from about 6.30am in the buffet (a bit later in the main dining room) until mid-morning, when it segues into lunch. By 4pm it’s time for afternoon tea. Dinner starts at around 6pm, but sometimes earlier.
On port days the first tours usually depart between 8am and 9am to make the most of the morning or day. If you’re doing your own thing, feel free to take your time.
Everyone can do whatever they want; join a tour, go ashore independently or stay on board and enjoy the peace and quiet once most people have gone off exploring.
They vary enormously, from city or scenic sightseeing by coach to practising yoga on the beach. Oenophiles can go wine-tasting while foodies can sign up for a cookery class ashore. There might be a mix of more diverse options, such as white-water rafting, snorkelling, nights at the opera, visits to national parks and more. Silversea and Regent include most tours, while Viking throws in one excursion per port.
Most lines on the world cruise circuit offer open seating, allowing passengers to eat whenever they want. Cunard, Holland America Line and P&O Cruises have open seating but also offer assigned seating for those who prefer it. On formal nights, the dress code will be in force in the main dining room.
Entertainment is one of the most important ingredients of a world cruise as it keeps the ships rocking (figuratively at least) well into the night. A resident troupe of singers and dancers will put on live performances most evenings, while singers, comedians, musicians and magicians will be flown in and out to keep the entertainment fresh and different.
It all depends on the cruise you pick, the line you sail with and the departure point. If you’d prefer to keep things simple, Fred Olsen, Cunard and P&O Cruises all offer world cruises that start and end in the UK. Apart from the ease of simply getting to the port and setting sail, there is the added bonus of not having to worry about over-packing as you can take as much as you want on board.
Cruising is great for solo travellers as there is a ready-made family of other passengers waiting for you. Guided tours ashore can help break the ice for those nervous of going alone; a world cruise simply offers more time for friendships to bloom. It’s not unheard of for friends to do the world cruise together year after year.
Fred Olsen is a favourite with solo travellers as its ships have lots of solo cabins and suites without supplements. P&O Cruises and Cunard have a sprinkling on their ships.
All ships have free-to-use gyms full of hi-tech equipment to get passengers running, lifting, stretching and stepping their way to fitness. There are also classes (extra cost) for those who need a Mr Motivator-style trainer to get the beat going. There are also outdoor jogging tracks for any who want to enjoy sea views while keeping in shape.
Ocean-going cruise ships are not allowed to sail unless there is a doctor on board. As for getting seasick, some people feel ill if the sea is like a millpond; others can enjoy a five-course dinner in a storm and wonder what the fuss is all about. Ship stabilisers (like small arms that project out from the hull) help keep vessels on an even keel but if you are prone to seasickness, keep tablets close to hand or try patches. Some people swear by them.
It’s recommended. This is a big-ticket purchase and you want to get it right. Cruise specialist agents know their stuff and will help you find the ship, itinerary and cabin that suits. They can also arrange flights if needed, generally look after your booking and step in if there are problems. Many can also secure better prices from cruise lines and might also throw in a few little perks of their own.
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You will need something for casual nights, and also formal evenings if your ship has them (many lines these days have formal wear as optional so you can join in or not depending on your personal preference).
You’ll also need a variety of clothing – for warm, cold and wet weather. If you’re cruising from the UK in January, sailing out of Europe could be chilly, while the Caribbean will be warm, Australia will be hot and Asia might be steaming, but also in the midst of a rainy season.
Rather than over-packing, use accessories to give clothes you have worn multiple times a new lease of life, and plan to replenish your wardrobe as you sail. There are laundry services on board and usually self-service washers and dryers so you can keep on top of the washing.
If cruising from the UK, there are no luggage limits; if flying to or from your ship there will be airline weight limits to consider.
Take some time to read up on the various cruise lines and ships so that you have some idea of what to look for when choosing your world cruise. You will be away for several months so this is one purchase you want to get right.
Read the itineraries carefully; there are usually more sea days than port calls and they are not always listed so it might seem as though you’ll visit myriad exotic places, one after the other, when actually there’s a week at sea in between.
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Cruise line: Seabourn
Circling the Pacific in 2026 on a world voyage from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Seabourn’s cruise circumnavigates much of New Zealand and Australia and ticks off multiple ports in Japan. It crosses the equator twice and includes overnights in Melbourne, Hong Kong and Yokohama.
Book it: The Ring of Fire: Hidden Gems world cruise departs Los Angeles. From £65,699pp including drinks and tips; January 6 2026 (0344 338 8615; seabourn.com).
Cruise line: Fred Olsen
Following a similar route to that taken by the explorer Magellan in 1519, Bolette is off on a westward voyage round-trip from Southampton to Australia and back again in 2025. The ship calls into Chile’s Robinson Crusoe Island and St Helena, the island to which Napoleon was exiled in 1815.
Book it: A Voyage of Exploration around the World departs Southampton. From £12,499pp; January 6 2025 (01473 746 175; fredolsencruises.com). Here’s everything you need to know before booking a Fred Olsen cruise.
Cruise line: Holland America
Why follow a standard westbound route round-trip from Fort Lauderdale when you can zigzag around a bit? Once through Asia, Zuiderdam sails south through the Indian Ocean to Cape Town for a couple of days before heading into the Mediterranean via Namibia, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands.
Book it: The Grand World Voyage departs Fort Lauderdale. From £19,589pp; January 4 2025 (0344 338 8605; hollandamerica.com). Here’s everything you need to know before booking a Holland America cruise.
Cruise line: Viking
Overnights in Tahiti, Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Colombo, Mombasa, Zanzibar and Cape Town await as Viking Sky circumnavigates the globe in 2026, following a westward course from Los Angeles to Greenwich, London.
Book it: Viking World Journey departs Los Angeles. From £44,990 including flights, tips and drinks with lunch and dinner; January 5 2025 (0800 298 97 00; vikingcruises.co.uk). Here’s everything you need to know before booking a Viking cruise.
Cruise line: Princess
Learn to salsa in Cartagena, cook in Puerto Vallarta and kayak in Namibia as you circumnavigate the world round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on Island Princess. You’ll transit the Panama Canal, have five port calls in Australia and a day of scenic cruising off New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park.
Book it: The World Cruise departs Fort Lauderdale. From £16,744pp; January 5 2025 (0344 338 8670; princess.com).
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This article was first published in February 2024 and has been revised and updated.