How to take a trip around the world
Spending over 100 nights on a cruise ship might not be for everyone. But for those who long to see the world from pole to pole or sea to sea, these once-in-a-lifetime journeys may be just the thing.
Imagine seeing the world without the need to get on an airplane. That’s exactly what around-the-world cruises are offering to travelers who want to see far-fetched places and only want to unpack their suitcases once.
"My clients also see this type of cruise as a safe and reliable way to see the world,” says Tim Elrod, a vice president at Travelmation. And while some may think world cruises are just for retirees, the travel style is really for anyone who has the time and budget. This is especially true as more mainstream brands, like Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises, tap into the market.
Not all lines or itineraries are built the same, though. “Both mid-range and higher-end luxury cruise lines offer world cruises,” explains Elrod. “However, when you look at world cruises with higher-end, luxury cruise lines, typically more is included. For instance, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas both offer world cruises where shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, and even butler service come included in the price. This really enhances the value of the world cruise. If you choose a more budget-friendly cruise, just remember that anything that's not included can add up quickly when you're at sea for months at a time."
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Some cruise lines allow travelers to book specific segments of a world cruise, benefiting those on a smaller budget or with less available free time. This allows potential cruisers to see one part of the world that they may be particularly interested in, but may not have the time for a sailing of more than 100 days.
So what are the best world cruises to take in 2026 and beyond? Here are five options from a variety of cruise lines to fit most travel styles and budgets.
Princess Cruises 2026 Circle Pacific World Cruise
Travelers looking to sail on a mainstream line may enjoy the Princess Cruises 131-Day Circle Pacific-Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles cruise, which visits 67 ports in 19 countries, including Honolulu, Hawaii; Apia, Western Samoa; Melbourne, Australia; Singapore; and Ketchikan, Alaska. The cruise begins January 5, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and ends on May 16, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Throughout the journey, guests will learn about each destination through onboard enrichment sessions like local performances and classes. Nighttime destination-themed deck parties are also a hit. With interior rooms starting at just over $20,000, it’s on the lower cost side when it comes to world cruises.
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Cunard 2026 Full World Voyage
Cunard is known for its old-world charm and exceptional service, which can be experienced for nearly a third of the year on the cruise line’s Full World Voyage. The 108-night sailing on the Queen Mary 2 takes place from January 19, 2026, through May 8, 2026, and makes a full circle around the world, starting and ending in New York City. During the cruise, passengers will be able to transit through the Panama Canal, explore New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, venture into Namibia, and see the charming French port town of Le Havre before heading back to New York. Onboard the iconic flagship, guests can toast each day’s adventures at the Champagne bar, take fencing classes, or go to the spa for a rejuvenating massage. Fares start at just under $16,000 for an inside cabin.
Crystal Cruises 2027 World Cruise, Stories of the South Seas
Luxury line Crystal Cruises is hosting a 139-night world cruise on Crystal Serenity from the Americas to Asia and back. The world cruise starts in San Diego, California, on January 8, 2027, and culminates in Vancouver, Canada, on May 27, 2027. It will visit 29 countries and 83 destinations, including Lima, Peru; Wellington, New Zealand; Bangkok, Thailand; Hiroshima, Japan; and have a glacier-viewing day in Alaska. The cruise is divided into four segments, so you can choose to do all of the legs or just one. When it’s time to get off the ship to explore, guests can partake in exclusive shore excursions curated by Abercrombie & Kent, like fire-walking in Fiji and culinary tours in Ho Chi Minh City. To learn about pricing, potential cruisers should request a quote through Crystal’s website.
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Regent Seven Seas World of Splendor 2027 World Cruise
If a world cruise isn’t in the cards for 2026, then maybe 2027 is the year to sail around the world in luxury with Regent Seven Seas. The 140-night world cruise, dubbed “World of Splendor,” starts January 11, 2027, in Miami, Florida, and ends in New York City on June 1, 2027. The line's Seven Seas Splendor vessel will visit six continents, 40 countries, and 71 ports. There are 486 shore excursions included in the cost of the cruise, including exclusive experiences like a day at Carnival in Panama City, Panama; taking part in a Sri Lankan Street Festival in Colombo, Sri Lanka; and an event dedicated to the 1920s in Málaga, Spain. Those interested in this world cruise can request pricing online.
Azamara Cruises 2027 World Cruise
For those who think sailing the world for over half of the year sounds enticing, then Azamara Cruises’ 2027 World Cruise may be the right pick. The 188-night cruise starts in San Francisco, California, on January 5, 2027, and ends in Copenhagen, Denmark, on July 12, 2027. During the voyage, guests will visit 37 countries and have 65 ports of call where the ship will stay late into the night or even overnight. Some of the destinations the cruise will call upon are Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; and London, England. The journey is divided into 12 segments, so cruisers can enjoy all 188 nights or just parts of the trip. Those sailing for the entire world cruise enjoy a host of benefits, including $5,000 in onboard credit and $3,500 for shore excursions. Interior rooms start at over $54,000.
