yacht cruise around the world

12 epic around-the-world cruises that will check off all your bucket list travel destinations

Imagine the joys of traveling seamlessly from one bucket list country to another without packing and unpacking, switching hotels, boarding countless flights, or even doing laundry.

Think it's a fantasy? It's actually a world cruise, the nirvana of many oceangoing devotees. As a bonus, most of these around-the-world voyages include enviable perks, like precruise hotel stays, alcohol, shipboard credit, exclusive-access shore excursions — and, yes, laundry service.

Retired, taking a job hiatus or working remotely? A world cruise is a safe, easy and exhilarating way to score a global adventure beyond compare. You might even make new lifelong friends sharing similar interests.

So, pull out your travel wish list and find an itinerary for those coveted destinations.

Here, you can learn more about what's involved in an around-the-world cruise and drool over 12 terrific choices across a range of fares for an incredible monthslong voyage at sea.

What is a world cruise?

Never mind the moniker, a world cruise might visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports.

World cruises traditionally start in January and end around April or May. They sail round-trip from one American city, such as San Francisco or Miami, or offer a choice of starting points on both coasts, making access easy.

What to know about world cruises

With so few world cruises available, book far in advance. Bookings open roughly two years in advance, and some small-ship cruises sell out within hours. You'll need the extra time to make arrangements to leave your home for months. For that reason, this story will focus on 2026 world cruises.

Related: Hot cruises you'll need to book at least 1 year in advance — maybe even 2!

Around-the-world cruise cost

Such lengthy sailings cost plenty. The lines with bigger ships offer the lowest fares, although extra fees for what's not included (such as shore excursions and alcohol) can add up quickly. If contemplating a big-ship voyage, read the inclusions carefully, as they vary among lines.

Luxury vessels bundle many costly amenities into the fare, like business- or first-class plane tickets and luxury hotel stays, and charge the most. They also deliver fine dining, pampering service, glam surroundings and impressive special events. (Silversea Cruises has previously rented out an entire island to entertain its world-cruise guests.)

Thus, expect considerable price differences. Count on spending about $20,000 per person minimum to score an entry-level accommodation on the bigger ships and approximately $80,000 to $90,000 per person for an ultraluxury vessel.

Note that for the poshest lines, "entry-level" might mean a spacious, elegant suite with a veranda. For other lines, the most basic cabin is a small, windowless room.

Read on to discover where you can sail to in 2026 on a world cruise.

World Voyage

Thanks to an overwhelming response to its previous world cruises (2025 is currently sold out), Azamara announced the itinerary for 2026 aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward.

Azamara Onward is the newest ship to join the Miami-based line's four-vessel fleet. The ship's size provides an intimate experience and allows it to call on small towns bigger ships can't access.

For 2026, the 155-night, 36-country voyage begins in Miami and ends in Barcelona, with visits to exciting locales in Ecuador, Chile, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Dubai, Greece and others.

Along the way, world cruisers can sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine; explore the unspoiled beaches and lush parks of Tauranga, New Zealand; and take in the diverse landscape and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

The itinerary will include a presailing welcome party, exclusive cultural events, concierge service and other upscale perks.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $85,822 per person for an inside cabin.

World Cruise

If luxury and unparalleled personal service are important to you, consider Crystal 's 2026 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity .

The beloved upscale line went bankrupt and stopped sailing in 2022. However, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent acquired it and brought it back to life with a $150 million glow-up, starting with 740-passenger Crystal Serenity.

With renovated expansive suites, an array of social areas and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity offers ultimate comfort, quality and personalization. Every cabin comes with a butler ready to assist with reservations, laundry and any other needs you have during your global odyssey.

Beginning in Los Angeles and concluding in Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), the world cruise spans 135 nights with visits to 27 countries. The cruise kicks off with a welcome celebration, and guests can enjoy themed onboard and shoreside events and gala dinners throughout the sailing.

Exciting destinations along the way include Fiji, New Zealand, Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Greece. Passengers can savor the unspoiled beaches of Fiji, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events.

Custom excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours organized by Abercrombie & Kent are available along the way (for an additional cost).

Departs Jan. 11, 2026. Prices start at $69,120 per person for an ocean-view cabin.

Cunard Line

Explore the world aboard Queen Anne, Cunard's first new ship in 12 years. The 2,996-passenger vessel debuted in May 2024 and will host one of two Cunard world cruise sailings in January 2026. (Queen Mary 2 will also carry travelers across the globe in 2026.)

Queen Anne's 2026 World Voyage will span 116 nights and begin and end in Hamburg, Germany. Along the way, guests can explore historic churches in the Old Town of Lubeck, Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit traditional Thai and Buddhist temples in Penang, Malaysia; and spy leopards, rhinos and lions at a wildlife reserve in Durban, South Africa.

Passengers will enjoy spectacular new elements on this ship. The vessel's main pool area, The Pavilion, is topped with a gorgeous retractable glass roof that's not just a showpiece. The functional structure will keep poolgoers dry on rainy days.

The 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 sails round-trip from Southampton, England, on a 108-night world cruise . During the journey, passengers can witness firsthand the maritime marvel of the Panama Canal, explore the pristine Bay of Islands in New Zealand and tour the tombs of Egypt's ancient kings, among other memorable experiences.

If you're seeking the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences on board either ship, book Princess Grill or Queens Grill suites. Fares include outstanding amenities such as private dining rooms, coffee and specialty tea service, priority boarding, and a private outdoor lounge area.

Queens Grill suite passengers receive butler service, too. However, many lovely inclusions, such as white-gloved servers presenting complimentary daily tea, are available for all guests.

The world cruise aboard Queen Anne departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $17,999 per person for an inside cabin.

The world cruise aboard Queen Mary 2 departs Jan. 11, 2026. Prices start at $18,789 per person for an inside cabin.

Holland America

Grand World Voyage

Holland America 's 132-night Grand World Voyage on the 1,432-passenger Volendam cruises round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The enticing itinerary ventures far from Florida to must-visit cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore and Istanbul. The ship will also traverse the Panama Canal.

Many included overnights allow opportunities to dive deep into local cultures and experiences. Spend extra time in Rio de Janeiro; Papeete, French Polynesia; Sydney; Safaga, Egypt; and Singapore.

On board, relish music venues like BBC Earth in Concert, where a live orchestra plays before a huge backdrop of spectacular wildlife footage. Step One Dance Company presents works by noted choreographers. Count on a buzzy casino, fine dining at specialty restaurants and a professionally staffed fitness center.

Departs Jan. 4, 2026. Prices start at $30,354 per person for an inside cabin.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers something a little different with its 2026 World Cruise — a choice of three embarkation ports. Passengers can board in Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France; or Barcelona. They will return to the same port they left from. The 2,550-passenger MSC Magnifica is the home base for the 118-night journey.

The itinerary features port calls at 47 destinations across 33 countries in Europe, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia. Among the cities you'll explore are Barcelona; Cartagena, Colombia; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Auckland; Tokyo; Penang, Malaysia; and Aqaba, Jordan (the port for Petra).

Spend your port days exploring New Zealand's Waitomo Caves, ogling at Jordan's ancient site of Petra, and wandering through the historic streets of Melaka and George Town's central old quarter in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Departs Jan. 5, 6 and 7, 2026 (depending on your embarkation port). Prices start at $17,922 per person for an interior cabin.

Oceania Cruises

Around the World Cruise

Travelers can explore the world in style on Oceania Cruises ' newest vessel, the lovely 1,200-passenger Vista . It will sail a whopping 179 nights round-trip from Miami for the line's 2026 world cruise , calling at 101 ports in 43 countries.

Cruisers will also have additional world cruise options for shorter and longer versions of this sailing. You can choose a 119-night cruise departing from San Diego or a 196-night voyage departing from Los Angeles. (The latter technically begins in late 2025.)

Prepare to tear up any bucket list on a cruise this long. You'll start off sailing to a handful of ports in Mexico and the Caribbean, venture to the Brazilian Amazon, explore more of South America, and then head off to Africa and Asia. Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Latin America and Europe round out the itinerary before Vista returns to Miami.

Oceania Cruises is renowned for fine dining. Expect to eat and drink exceptionally well on board.

Departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $63,099 per person for a veranda cabin.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises promises an unforgettable journey on its 113-night world cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale (or Los Angeles, as an alternative embarkation port) on the 2,000-passenger Coral Princess.

World cruisers can visit 28 countries with 52 destinations across six continents. Exciting ports of call include Lisbon; Fiji; Naples, Italy; Hong Kong; and Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia. With late-night stays in 13 ports of call and a Hong Kong overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore.

Beyond onboard activities typical of a Princess sailing (cooking and dance classes, enrichment programs, and musical productions), passengers can enjoy special activities unique to this voyage. Among them are themed deck parties and special entertainment reflecting the history and folklore of the countries you visit.

You can also expect outdoor movies and onboard wellness features such as a spa and fitness center.

From Fort Lauderdale: Departs Jan. 5, 2026. Prices start at $26,959 per person for an interior cabin.

From Los Angeles: Departs Jan. 21, 2026. Prices start at $27,389 per person for an interior cabin.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Navigate the World

World cruises prove perpetually popular on this ultraluxe line. They often sell out in the blink of an eye.

For 2026, Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' 154-night world cruise on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner will sail round-trip from Miami. This journey will be the line's longest sailing, visiting 77 ports in 41 countries across six continents. The itinerary includes port calls in Guatemala, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Mozambique and South Africa. Count on visiting 47 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Robben Island in South Africa.

For all its around-the-world cruises, Regent piles on primo inclusions. First-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, luggage service, an open bar and a visa package are among countless amenities.

If you want to plan beyond 2026, Regent is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2027 world voyage aboard Seven Seas Splendor . The 127-night sailing departs from Miami and ends in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 10, 2026. Prices start at $94,999 per person for a veranda suite.

The 2027 world cruise departs Jan. 11, 2027. Prices start at $81,799 per person for a veranda suite.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Ring of Fire

While most world cruises circumnavigate the globe, this itinerary sails around the Pacific. You can explore Busan, South Korea's Beomeosa Temple, with a rich heritage that dates back over 1,300 years. Snorkel the sapphire waters of Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Ogle at the dichotomy of Hong Kong's modern buildings and historic communities.

You'll find many pinch-me moments on Seabourn 's 128-night, 14-country Ring of Fire world cruise in 2026. It takes place on board the 450-passenger all-suite Seabourn Sojourn and sails the long way from Los Angeles to Vancouver, British Columbia. You'll visit 63 destinations, including seven overnights at Auckland; Melbourne, Australia; Hong Kong; and other exciting cities.

On the ultraluxurious vessel, you can expect exclusive VIP celebrations, like a Caviar in the Surf party. (Note that complimentary Champagne and caviar flow freely on board, too, adding to the happy vibe.)

There's much to love about Seabourn Sojourn. Its intimate size allows truly personalized service from a polished, attentive crew. Seabourn Square, a living room-like venue, is a magnet for affable passengers who quickly make new friends. Count on superb dining and 24-hour room service among a slew of upscale amenities.

Departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $86,999 per person for an ocean-view cabin.

Related: Extremely decadent things you can do on a luxury cruise vacation

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' 2026 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn takes a different approach. It's designed to visit far-flung and remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.

This 139-night around-the-world cruise sails from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon and explores 70 ports in 37 countries. Count on visiting enchanting medieval cities, including Dubrovnik and Hvar in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro. Wonderfully remote port calls to rarely visited destinations such as Easter Island, with its mysterious moai statues, and Nukualofa, Atuona and Fakarava (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) in French Polynesia tempt travelers to come aboard for the long haul.

Silver Dawn is a wowser with a game-changer spa , all-suite accommodations, tux-clad butlers for all passengers and complimentary caviar service anytime, anywhere. Expect many fare inclusions, such as business-class flights, shore excursions and private transfers.

Departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $87,900 per person.

The Three Oceans

Silversea also offers an 80-destination world cruise for 2027, also aboard Silver Dawn.

Departing from Los Angeles for a 148-night voyage , the ship will visit 35 countries and five continents before ending in Copenhagen. The itinerary features 80 port calls, more than any sailing in Silversea's history, and it will also include 20 new destinations for the line.

Passengers can enjoy extended time in select ports with 11 overnight calls in Honolulu; Cairns, Australia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Cape Town; and Bordeaux, France, among others.

The Three Oceans cruise departs Jan. 8, 2027. Prices start at $78,900 per person.

Viking World Journeys

Imagine the joy of ticking many bucket list boxes on Viking World Journeys, Viking 's 120-night world cruise on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky in 2026. Book quickly; availability is extremely limited, with many suites and penthouses already sold out.

The Los Angeles-to-London voyage visits 25 countries and 53 ports. The cruise takes a southerly route around Africa, across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and through the Pacific islands (including several stops in Australia and New Zealand) before it swoops up to Hawaii and terminates in California.

Palm-tree ports are plentiful, including Moorea, French Polynesia; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; and Ho Chi Minh City. You'll cross many seas, such as the Tasman, Arafura and Timor, and take your pick of a plethora of possible excursions, including a visit to a Balinese Hindu temple in Indonesia and a tour of the ancient Elephanta Caves in India.

Departs Jan. 5, 2026. Prices start at $54,995 per person for a veranda cabin.

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The 11 top world cruises for 2025.

Dream big and set sail on the monthslong voyage of a lifetime.

The Top World Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

If your ideal vacation involves spending months sailing around the world – exploring storied, faraway lands and learning the mysteries of ancient civilizations and cultures – then you should consider booking a world cruise. These epic voyages transport guests around the globe to some of the world's top historical and cultural attractions . You'll sample locally inspired cuisines from Asia, Europe, South America and other diverse regions, plus enjoy special events on the ship and in port, including expert guest lectures, cultural programs and memorable themed nights. And best of all: You'll only have to pack and unpack once.

To help you choose which world cruise is right for you, U.S. News has compiled a list of some of the best sailings that are available to book for 2025. Keep in mind: If you're interested in a world cruise that is fully booked, you shouldn't lose hope. When trips are booked this far in advance, there are usually some cancellations; you may be able to get on a waitlist through a travel adviser or by contacting the cruise line directly. Otherwise, if you're ready to book your tickets and set sail on the trip of a lifetime, consider one of these 11 upcoming world voyages. (Note: All starting rates were accurate at the time of writing.)

Find your perfect cruise

Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking World Voyage I

Dates: Dec. 19, 2024, to June 17, 2025

Duration: 180 days

Starting rate: $85,995 per person (Deluxe Veranda Stateroom, double occupancy)

Viking Ocean Cruises' epic 180-day voyage on Viking Sky departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2024 and ends in New York in June 2025. The cruise is nearly sold out, including the least expensive Veranda Stateroom at $79,995 per person. Guests will visit 37 countries on six continents and have 83 guided tours in far-flung locales, from the South Pacific to Asia to the Middle East. Cruisers will also have overnights in some of the world's most fascinating cities, including London, Istanbul and Singapore.

This world cruise includes Viking 's mostly all-inclusive amenities. Fares cover all meals; wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner; one complimentary excursion in every port; free Wi-Fi access; access to the spa and fitness center; enrichment lectures and destination performances; and other amenities. The line also runs world cruise promotions that may cover free business airfare and transfers, shore credits, shipboard credits, a beverage package and other perks.

A shorter, 138-day segment of the world cruise is also available. This voyage has the same departure date and port as the 180-day option, but guests will disembark on May 6, 2025, in London. This cruise includes ports of call in 28 countries and 57 guided tours. The lowest fare is $59,995 per person (double occupancy) for a Veranda Stateroom.

Holland America Line: 124-Day Grand World Voyage

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Dates: Jan. 4 to May 9, 2025

Duration: 124 days

Starting rate: $24,999 per person (Inside Stateroom, double occupancy)

In January 2025, Holland America Line will sail simultaneous world cruises of longer than 120 days for the first time in the line's history: this 124-day sailing and a 133-day "Pole-to-Pole" Grand World Voyage. The shorter 124-Day Grand World Voyage sails round-trip from Fort Lauderdale.

The extensive itinerary on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam features 32 countries and 10 overnight stays, as well as bucket list destinations like Machu Picchu, Easter Island and the Great Barrier Reef. The voyage includes a Panama Canal transit and stops in exotic destinations such as several islands in French Polynesia. Travelers will also visit ports of call in Australia, Asian countries like Indonesia and Sri Lanka, African destinations such as Madagascar and Tanzania, places in Western Europe like Italy and France, and many others. After traveling to so many incredible destinations on this itinerary, the ship crosses the Atlantic Ocean and returns to Florida.

Holland America offers a limited-time promotion where guests will receive a Surf Wi-Fi package, prepaid gratuities and other amenities when they book this voyage.

MSC Cruises: World Cruise

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Jan. 5 to May 1, 2025

Duration: 116 nights

Starting rate: $17,239 per person (Interior Stateroom, double occupancy)

The world cruise voyage on the 3,223-passenger MSC Magnifica departs round-trip from Genoa (Portofino), Italy, in January 2025 for a 116-night voyage around the globe. This incredible journey with MSC Cruises includes 52 ports of call, with stops in southern France; Spain; Morocco; ports in South America; Cape Verde, Africa; and more. Guests will also visit the Falkland Islands, the dreamy isles of Tahiti, the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, numerous Asian countries and Egypt before returning to Italy.

Cruise fares include 15 complimentary shore excursions, as well as the Dine & Drink package that features a selection of wines, draught beer, sparkling water and other nonalcoholic beverages in the main restaurants and the buffet during lunch and dinner. There is also a 30% discount on laundry services. Cruisers will enjoy themed evenings, guest speakers and language classes while on board.

Oceania Cruises: Around the World in 180 Days

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Dates: Jan. 5 to July 3, 2025

Starting rate: $48,799 per person (Inside Stateroom, double occupancy)

This extensive 180-day world voyage with Oceania Cruises aboard the intimate 670-passenger Insignia embarks from Miami in January 2025. The sailing includes 89 ports in 32 countries across five continents, 46 accessible UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 21 overnight stays.

This cruise, with its unique east-to-west circumnavigation, features incredible cultural and immersive experiences across the globe. Guests will cruise the Amazon River in Brazil and visit bustling South American cities like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Then, they'll set sail for alluring locales in destinations like Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, China and more. Other destinations on the long journey include New Caledonia; Mystery Island, Vanuatu; Fiji; American Samoa; French Polynesia; and Hawaii. Guests disembark in San Diego in July 2025.

Oceania's " simply MORE" offer for the world cruise includes two-for-one cruise fares; round-trip airfare and transfers; $8,200 in shore excursion credit; free Champagne, wine and other beverages; complimentary specialty dining; and unlimited Wi-Fi access.

Princess Cruises: 116-Day World Cruise

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Dates: Jan. 5 to May 2, 2025 (round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida) or Jan. 20 to May 17, 2025 (round-trip from Los Angeles)

Duration: 116 days

Starting rate: $18,998 per person (Interior Stateroom, double occupancy)

There are two embarkation options for Princess Cruises ' 116-day cruise in January 2025. Guests can choose the earlier date departing from Fort Lauderdale or join the ship later in the month in Los Angeles. Both voyages aboard the 2,200-passenger Island Princess include 43 ports of call, with the earlier voyage transiting the Panama Canal before reaching Los Angeles.

Highlights include stops in Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia and Cape Verde. Then, it's off to exciting ports in the Mediterranean, such as Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Montenegro. After visiting magical European cities like Rome and Florence in Italy, the ship heads to southern France, Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands before sailing across the Atlantic to Florida. Guests on the later voyage will then transit the Panama Canal and visit Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico before disembarking in Los Angeles.

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Azamara: World Voyage

Courtesy of Azamara

Dates: Jan. 6 to June 11, 2025

Duration: 155 days

Starting rate: $39,999 per person (Club Interior Stateroom, double occupancy)

Azamara's 2025 world voyage embarks in January 2025 from San Diego aboard Azamara Onward . The immersive journey includes 10 segments covering 37 countries, 15 overnights and 31 late stays in port before disembarking in Southampton, U.K.

Guests will be treated to a kickoff welcome party in San Diego, 13 exclusive cultural events, round-trip business class airfare, a pre-cruise hotel stay, all transfers and a $4,000 onboard credit. In addition, the price covers the line's Experience More Essentials Package, which offers a $3,000 credit for shore excursions, unlimited Wi-Fi access for one device and an upgraded premium beverage package for two guests. Azamara 's pricing also includes food, drinks, gratuities, concierge service, weekly laundry and more.

Highlights of the itinerary include ports of call in the stunning islands of Hawaii, French Polynesia, American Samoa and Fiji. You'll also visit New Zealand, Australia and a wide variety of Asian destinations, including Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Thailand and India, before sailing to the Middle East, the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. After an extended time in Europe, the ship will disembark in the U.K.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Navigate the World (Away in Wonder)

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Dates: Jan. 7 to June 6, 2025

Duration: 150 nights

Starting rate: $95,949 per person for the all-inclusive fare (Deluxe Veranda Suite, double occupancy)

In January 2025, 700 guests will call Regent's Seven Seas Mariner home for its 150-night Navigate the World cruise. The ship sails from Miami to San Francisco across three oceans, visiting 97 ports of call in 25 countries over five continents. Stops include enchanting destinations across South America and idyllic islands like Bora Bora and Moorea in French Polynesia. The extensive Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage will also take guests to places like Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, the Falkland Islands, Alaska and more.

Two new ports of call for the line are Muroran on the Japanese island of Hokkaido and the remote Robinson Crusoe Island off the coast of Chile. The voyage also includes a crossing of the infamous Drake Passage and three days of scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula . The cruise fare covers up to 395 complimentary excursions, meals, open bars, and other amenities and perks. Guests will also have access to exclusive shoreside experiences in several ports, such as the "Li-Khe & Thai Tradition" in Bangkok and "A Maori Engagement" in Auckland, New Zealand.

Crystal: World Cruise

Courtesy of Crystal

Dates: Jan. 7 to May 10, 2025

Duration: 123 nights

Starting rate: $66,500 per person (Double Guest Room with Ocean View, double occupancy)

Crystal's 123-night world cruise embarks from Fort Lauderdale in January 2025 aboard its 740-guest luxury ship, Crystal Serenity . The Crystal voyage will transport passengers to 62 destinations in 31 countries around the globe, including Caribbean islands, Mexico, South American destinations like Argentina and Brazil, and African countries such as Mozambique and Kenya. Guests will also visit far-flung locales like the Seychelles and Maldives before sailing on to destinations in the Middle East, including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan. After visiting Greece and several ports in Italy, the ship will disembark in Barcelona in May 2025.

Exclusive onshore events during the voyage include an evening of "Tango Through the Ages" in Buenos Aires, Argentina; a Sri Lankan extravaganza with dinner and a traditional Kandyan Ves dance performance; and "An Evening with the Gods on Mt. Olympus" in Athens, Greece.

Crystal's cruise fares are all-inclusive and cover meals (including dinner at chef Nobu's Umi Uma); all beverages, including premium wines and spirits; luxurious amenities; butler service and gratuities; and 24-hour in-suite dining. Additional benefits with the world cruise include a business class airfare allowance or credit; $1,500 in shipboard credit; private transfers; luggage valet; exclusive onshore events; themed evenings on the ship; an exclusive gala dinner; a send-off celebration; and other perks.

Cunard Line: Maiden World Voyage (Queen Anne)

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Dates: Jan. 7 to April 29, 2025

Duration: 111 nights

Starting rate: $17,519 per person (Britannia Inside Stateroom, double occupancy)

Cunard Line's 111-night Maiden World Voyage aboard the new 3,000-passenger Queen Anne departs round-trip from Hamburg, Germany, in January 2025. The new ship, the 249th vessel to sail under the Cunard flag, debuted in May 2024. The addition of Queen Anne to the fleet marks the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships sailing at sea. Highlights of the historic journey include spectacular beaches, dazzling cities and cultural sites, with stops in North and South America (including Mexico and Hawaii), New Zealand, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and more.

Meals in the main dining room, most onboard entertainment, gala evenings, afternoon tea and other activities are included in the cruise fare. Full World Voyage benefits also encompass a welcome reception, cocktail parties, a special shoreside event, use of a private lounge, the services of a World Voyage concierge, a commemorative gift, onboard credit and prepaid gratuities.

Travelers who are interested in booking a portion of this Cunard Line world cruise can opt for a voyage lasting between 17 and 107 days. These segments include routes like New York to Sydney; San Francisco to Auckland; Sydney to Hong Kong; and more.

Silversea Cruises: Controtempo

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Dates: Jan. 13 to May 29, 2025

Duration: 136 days

Starting rate: $79,520 per person (Vista Suite, double occupancy)

Silversea's 2025 world cruise, Controtempo, embarks in January 2025 from Tokyo aboard the ultra-luxury 596-guest Silver Dawn . The voyage includes 60 ports in 34 countries on the line's flagship. Guests of the journey from Tokyo to New York will have immersive bespoke events created exclusively for the cruise, including an incredible gala dinner, a "sky-high" extravaganza in Singapore, a Bollywood experience, a Marie Antoinette-inspired evening at Versailles and a private tour of an Egyptian palace.

Highlights of this Silversea Cruises itinerary are numerous ports of call in Asia, including Japan, China, Thailand and India, as well as stops along the west coast of Africa before the ship sails on to Western Europe. In France, guests can sip fine wines in Bordeaux and visit the magical walled city of Saint-Malo in Brittany. After sailing to Northern Europe to visit the cities of Stockholm and Oslo, Norway, Silver Dawn will then call on the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland before heading to Canada and the East Coast of the U.S. The ship will disembark in New York in May 2025.

Silversea's fares are all-inclusive and include luxurious suites, pre-and post-cruise benefits, all food and beverages, butler service, shore excursions, and other perks with the line's door-to-door service.

Holland America Line: 133-Day Grand Voyage: Pole-To-Pole

Matthew Dodd | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Dates: Jan. 25 to June 7, 2025

Duration: 133 days

Starting rate: $26,399 per person (Inside Stateroom, double occupancy)

Holland America's 133-day grand voyage is believed to be the first-ever pole-to-pole round-trip sailing from the U.S. The voyage aboard the 1,432-passenger Volendam will sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Costa Rica before transiting the Panama Canal. Other ports of call in South America include Ecuador, Peru and Chile, where guests will get to experience scenic cruising in the Chilean fjords. The journey also offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cross the infamous Drake Passage and see the surreal beauty of Antarctica.

After a stop in the Falkland Islands, the ship will return to South America with calls in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. After several ports of call in Africa and the Canary Islands, Volendam sails to Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The ship will then navigate the waterways in Northern Europe, the North Cape, Iceland, Greenland and Canada, before sailing along the East Coast of the U.S. toward Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Full itineraries for world cruises typically last anywhere from around 100 to 180 days, though Royal Caribbean International 's Serenade of the Seas is currently sailing the longest world cruise at 274 days. If you're not able to set sail for three to five months (or longer), some cruise lines also offer select, shorter segments of their full world cruise itineraries or grand voyages, which are typically two to three months in length.

World cruise fares can vary significantly between cruise lines. Some lines advertise cruise-only fares, which do not include meals at specialty restaurants, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, excursions, some entertainment, or other expenses. On top of that, many cruise lines' base prices exclude port fees and taxes. Given the length of a world cruise, even small expenses can add up after several months on the ship and in ports around the globe. Typically, travelers can expect to spend a base fare of about $15,000 for an inside cabin and as much as $90,000 (or more) for luxury accommodations and an all-inclusive fare.

If you're considering sailing beyond 2025, Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently announced its 140-night 2027 world cruise, World of Splendor, sailing from Miami to New York. The voyage embarks on Jan. 11, 2027, aboard Seven Seas Splendor , and prices start at $91,499 per person. If you want to reserve the over-the-top Regent Suite, you'll need to budget an unheard-of $1.7 million for two guests ($839,999 per person, to be exact).

Regent Seven Seas' all-inclusive fares include almost everything you could need, including door-to-door luggage service, first and business class airfare, pre-cruise gala events, exclusive shoreside experiences, unlimited dry cleaning and laundry, prepaid gratuities, meals, open bars and lounges, unlimited Wi-Fi access, and more. Silversea also offers door-to-door pricing that includes private executive transfers, international business class flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and transfers, baggage valet, all meals and beverages, butler service, bespoke special events, and other amenities.

Depending on the cruise line, you may receive many additional perks when booking a full world cruise, including shore excursions. All-inclusive luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas offer a list of complimentary shore excursions in every port. In addition, Silversea hosts a bon voyage reception, a private dinner and an overnight hotel stay for world cruise guests. It also features exclusive world cruise cultural events in ports around the globe. If you're sailing with Regent Seven Seas, you'll also have pre-cruise gala events and exclusive shoreside experiences throughout the cruise.

Special inclusions, upgrades and other amenities are available with other lines that are not all-inclusive. For example, guests on boutique cruise line Azamara's 2025 world cruise will receive $25,000 in benefits, including $3,000 for shore excursions, 13 exclusive events and much more. Oceania's " simply MORE" offer includes $8,200 in shore excursion credit, as well as many other amenities.

If you're sailing with a larger cruise line, it's also possible to find deals that may include shore excursions or onboard credit you can use for booking tours. Holland America Line offers guests an early booking bonus that includes a list of additional perks, including one complimentary shore excursion, $2,000 per person in onboard credit ($4,000 for solo travelers) and more. MSC Cruises includes 15 free shore excursions and other perks when you book its world cruise.

You may want to consult with a travel agent specializing in cruises to see what additional perks they can offer if you book your world cruise through their agency.

Royal Caribbean International's 274-night Ultimate World Cruise, which set sail in December 2023, will visit all seven continents before guests disembark in September 2024.

Holland America Line's 132-day Grand World Voyage cruise aboard Volendam in 2026 will also visit seven continents, circumnavigating the globe. The epic journey will include a four-day Antarctic experience.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Snake and Columbia rivers, traditional masted sailing yachts, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica, crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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Around the World Cruise

The journey of a lifetime — on the best world cruise

Embark on an unbeatable World Cruise experience with Princess Cruises and prepare for a journey like no other. Experience a life-changing journey as you set sail aboard our luxurious fleet of amazing cruise ships we know you’ll love. With Princess Cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of exploration and discovery, spanning continents and showcasing the richness of diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes.

Voted “Best Cruise Itineraries” 12-Times

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Embark on a Princess World Cruise and experience the globe’s marquis ports and hidden gems. With carefully crafted itineraries to the most sought-after destinations, there’s no better escort to guide you through your travel bucket list than Princess Cruises.

2025 World Cruise From Los Angeles or Ft. Lauderdale

Our longest voyage ever sets sails in January 2025 as Island Princess embarks on an epic 116-day roundtrip World Cruise from both Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, visiting 51 destinations in 26 countries across 6 continents . This adventure includes our first ever visits to historic Bar, Montenegro, and Taranto, Italy. Also maiden for our North American World Cruises are stops to the idyllic Greek islands of Patmos and Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.

2025 World Cruise from Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney

Embark on the Crown Princess® for an unparalleled 113-day World Cruise, spanning 40 destinations across 25 countries and five continents. Explore iconic destinations like Tahiti, the historic cities of Europe, vibrant New York City, and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. This epic journey covers over 35,000 nautical miles and showcases UNESCO World Heritage sites and must-see attractions. Discover the world with Princess Cruises® and create memories to last a lifetime.

There are more options to explore if you want a shorter itinerary while still be able to visit far-flung destinations. Learn more about our expertly curated itineraries for your next extraordinary adventure.

Why Take a World Cruise?

Collect a world of countless stories as you sail from continent to continent

Adventure of a lifetime

There are a million reasons to take a World Cruise – like exploring 6 continents on 1 voyage – but the reason to book one now is our richest offer yet. Nothing can beat the experience of a World Cruise. The camaraderie among guests, the shared experiences in fascinating ports across the globe, and the parties and celebrations on board and ashore all make this a true adventure that everyone should embark on at least once in their lifetime.

Exclusive experiences

Enjoy special activities unique to this epic voyage. Over 50 international guest entertainers keep you smiling; attend cocktail parties and themed deck parties, watch local folkloric shows, savor special officer dinners, commemorative take-home menus, cooking classes with Princess Cruises Chefs, and much more.

Fresh flavors & global tastes

Our cuisine is designed fresh — prepared from scratch, using regionally sourced ingredients. In addition to the delicious signature dishes that Princess® is known for, you'll be treated to flavors and influences from the traditional cuisines of the destinations you are visiting, bringing a bit of the tantalizing tastes of the world on board.

Unforgettable ports of call

Not only will you encounter some of the world’s most revered sites and cities from Dubai to Sydney, but you’ll also have the opportunity to step ashore in lesser frequented ports, maiden calls, and first-time-ever calls for Princess. Encounter some of the world’s most revered sites and cities from Kuala Lumpur and Sri Lanka to Bali, and Singapore. Volos (Meteora), and Athens.

Now Available: 2025 World Cruises . Learn more

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Epic Voyages

Sail to the ends of the earth.

The best way to explore the world’s exotic ports and visit far-flung destinations is to take a Princess® Epic Voyage. On these expertly curated and award-winning itineraries, you will visit cities and towns full of character in South America, discover a harmony of ancient wonders and modern metropolises in Asia, see the mesmerizing northern lights, and marvel at the beauty of the Norwegian and Icelandic fjords, or embark on an unforgettable journey that crosses oceans, countries, and continents.

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Around-the-World Cruises: Everything Travelers Need to Know About These Epic Voyages

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An around-the-world cruise is often thought of as the pinnacle of a  sailing vacation . Some cruisers treat these multi-month journeys as once-in-a-lifetime trips; others are frequent guests, a world cruise but one piece of their annual travel plans. There are also the enduring tales of older travelers who elect for extended world voyages as an unconventional retirement plan . (Though as onboard WiFi becomes more reliable, it's now possible to work remote from many cruise ships, as well.)

Whatever the reason, the allure of this mode of travel is strong. Why not unpack once, enjoying fairy godmother-like service, exemplary amenities, and always-changing views for months on end? Plenty of cruisers with time and money on their hands do exactly that, choosing an extended at-sea lifestyle for at least a portion of the year. Around-the-world cruises often run from early January through March or April, although new off-season itineraries are being introduced.

If an epic voyage across multiple oceans and continents fits into your future, be prepared to plan the trip far in advance. World cruises have a strong following among cruisers—many of the sailings can sell out up to a year before departure. Travelers can also book shorter “segments” joining the ship for only a portion of the journey, but cruise lines often add significant value-adds to those booking the entire voyage—everything from free business class airfare to other exclusives like special parties and invite-only shore excursions.

Here's everything travelers need to know about taking an around-the-world cruise, including tricks from veteran world cruisers, booking tips, and some of the best itineraries in 2025 and beyond.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Booking tips for around-the-world cruises

How much is a cruise to go around the world.

World cruises, which may not actually circumnavigate the globe entirely, but are generally in a category that covers at least three continents and lasts from 90 to 150 days, generally start around $140 per passenger per night based on double occupancy. All in all, the cost of 100-plus day world cruise can range from $16,000 to over $800,000 per person, depending on the line and cabin type.

Is an around the world cruise worth it?

That’s certainly subjective, but travelers already accustomed to cruising—who appreciate the amenities of a ship and the lifestyle of a new port to view through the window every few days—will likely consider world cruises good value.

How much does a 180-day cruise around the world cost?

The longest world voyages we found generally lasted up to 140 to 150 days at their upper limits, although Oceania Cruises world cruises can be 180 days or more, starting at $48,799 per passenger.

Advice from frequent world cruisers

Roger Foenander and his partner David Mutton—loyalists to Viking Cruises —note the lack of pressure to see and do things within a tight timeframe on longer journeys, which provides plenty of freedom to relax. That might mean attending onboard enrichment lectures, spending the afternoon playing cards with fellow passengers, or dipping into the onboard spa and sauna before cocktail hour.

Linda Wiseman, who has traveled with Cunard , suggests new faces can help get ahead of any monotony: “In the dining room, we tell the maître d’ not to seat us with another couple who is sailing the whole thing—that way, our seat mates switch every few weeks, and we can meet different people.”

New Orleans-based philanthropist and veteran world cruiser Phyllis Taylor observes that these sailings are a class set apart, without the frenzied pace of shorter itineraries: “The difference between a short cruise and a  world cruise  is night and day, storm and calm, fleeting thought and thoughtfulness. I enter the bar in the evening, in no time my favorite song is being played, my favorite drinks sit before me. I go to dinner and my favorite table is waiting for me, and my waiter has already served the iced water with lemon just as I like it."

But the real value of a world cruise, Taylor says, is the chance to fully immerse in and savor the experience: “With an extended cruise you absorb the lifestyle of life at sea; with the great advantage of having a crew and staff that treats you like royalty.”

The best around-the-world cruise itineraries

You can book world cruises in their entirety or join one leg of the journey for a shorter voyage.

Silversea’s 136-day sailing onboard their newest ship, Silver Dawn , will embark in Tokyo in January 2025. Called Controtempo , the cruise will sail in the opposite direction and season of many world cruises, taking in Japan and China in January before heading to Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives , and Seychelles in February. The ship will spend the spring making its way up Africa’s Atlantic Coast—arriving in the Baltic Sea before cruising to Iceland and Greenland (an uncommon call for World Cruises), then tracing Newfoundland and New England to New York.

Fares start at $77,560 “Port-to-Port” or $79,060 “Door-to-Door,” which includes business class airfare and transfers—including pickups and drop-offs in the traveler’s home city.

Princess Cruises

Most world cruises departing from North America head to sea in January, but in 2026 Princess Cruises will be offering 114-day World Cruises during the northern summer. Departing in early May from Auckland, New Zealand; or Sydney or Brisbane, Australia (mid-autumn in the Southern Hemisphere), the sailings are timed to arrive in Western and Northern Europe during the peak of summer, promising endless sunny days.

The sailing also has a number of long stretches of sea days for cruisers who like time to unwind and enjoy the amenities of the ship, Crown Princess . Some of the longer ocean crossings, like Brisbane to Bali and Colombo, Sri Lanka to Aqaba, Jordan will take a week or longer, while three other ocean crossings are at least four days.

Inside cabins start at $15,588 per passenger or from $22,248 for Princess Plus fares, which includes beverages, WiFi, and onboard gratuities.

Crystal’s land partnerships with parent company Abercrombie & Kent are front and center during their 2025 World Cruise , a 123-night sailing departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 7 onboard the Crystal Serenity —fresh off a complete refurbishment that reduced the total number of cabins, which now all offer butler service in every room or suite category.

With port calls in South America, Africa, India, the Middle East, and Europe, Crystal will offer guests a number of overland packages in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent—think multi-night side trips to the Galápagos Islands , Machu Picchu, the Serengeti, Taj Mahal, or Karnak Temple.

Guests booking Crystal's full World Cruise will have included Business Class airfare, $1,500 shipboard credit, luggage valet, and airport transfers. Fares start at $66,500 per passenger based on double occupancy in an Ocean View Deluxe stateroom.

Regent's luxury world cruises tend to sell out far in advance.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has already opened their 2027 world cruise for booking—and they have a tendency to sell out quickly. It will be the first year a larger Explorer Class ship, the Seven Seas Splendor , will undertake the world voyage, calling at 71 ports en route from Miami to New York in January 2027.

The routing will take the ship from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast of Mexico via the Panama Canal, Hawaii, several ports in French Polynesia (calling twice at both Moorea and Bora Bora), Australia, Southeast Asia, India, the Persian Gulf, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, and Bermuda before arriving in New York.

Early bookers will get a long list of added amenities, including first class airfare, a pre-cruise gala in Miami, exclusive shoreside experiences in Panama City, Colombo, and Málaga , unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages, gratuities, transfers, door-to-door luggage service, and unlimited laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing. Fares start at $91,449 per passenger and go up to $839,999 per passenger for the ship’s most luxurious suite.

Oceania Cruises

Many world cruises depart in January and sail in the 100- to 140-day range, mostly wrapping up by April or May. Oceania’s 180-day world cruises last until midsummer, and are often “true” around-the-world sailings, ending in the same port they first embarked from.

Oceania’s 2025 Global Horizons sailing lasts a whopping 196 days onboard Insignia , roundtrip from Miami. The sailing includes several destinations in the Eastern Caribbean, and—extraordinary for a world voyage—a week of scenic cruising along the Amazon River . The voyage continues in South America before crossing the Atlantic to the remote islands of Tristan de Cunha, a British Overseas Territory, before making landfall again in Namibia , tracing the African coast through South Africa, Mozambique, and the French department of Mayotte (another rare stop for a cruise), island-hopping in the Indian Ocean before calling in India.

The sailing covers a lot of ground in Asia—Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Japan, the Philippines, Brunei, and Indonesia—before cruising the west and south coasts of Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Hawaii. Crossing the Pacific to San Diego the ship then hops down the coasts of Mexico and Central America through the Panama Canal before returning to Miami in mid-July.

Oceania’s 2026 Around the World in 180 Days sailing is also roundtrip from Miami. Sailing westbound, the itinerary covers the east and west coasts of South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, and much of the Middle East before transiting the Mediterranean to spend significant time in northwestern Europe and the Baltic Sea before crossing the far north Atlantic via Iceland and Canada before returning to Miami.

Starting fares for each of the world voyages currently range from $48,799 to to $57,999, including a number of value-adds like roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, plus a number of added onboard amenities.

Matador Original Series

35 around-the-world cruises you can take through 2026.

W hile Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise , a nine-month voyage that started in December 2023, made a lot of noise on social media, it’s certainly not the only around-the-world cruise on the market right now. Far from it. There are 35 world cruises departing in 2024, 2025, and 2026 across 11 cruise lines, all with varying itineraries, durations, and prices, allowing you to take your pick. Because if you want to take a very long vacation, or travel while working remotely, there are few better ways than boarding a ship that circumnavigates the globe and stops in dozens of destinations, sometimes even covering all seven continents.

Holland America’s Grand World Voyages

Holland America has two around-the-world cruises (known as Grand World Voyages) scheduled for the next two years:

• A 124-day sailing on board the Zuiderdam that will start on January 4, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and end on May 9, 2025, in the same location. The cruise will include stops in 32 countries and will include 10 overnight stays. This around-the-world cruise starts at $24,999.
• A 132-day voyage on board the Volendam that will depart on January 4, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and end in the same port. The cruise will include stops in 39 countries across all seven continents, including four days in Antarctica. The starting price is currently unavailable. Bookings for this cruise will open in May 2024.

Viking’s World Cruises

Map: Viking

Viking has no less than five world cruises scheduled for the next two years: two departing in December 2024, two in January 2025, and one in January 2026. The longest of the five is the 180-day (nearly six months) V iking World Voyage I which will start on December 19, 2024, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and end on June 17, 2025, in New York City. This voyage will cover 37 countries and include stops in the Arctic, namely in Greenland, Svalbard, and along the coast of Norway. This around-the-world cruise starts at $111,999.

Oceania Cruises’ World Cruises

Map: Oceania

Oceania Cruises currently has a total of six around-the-world cruises scheduled for 2025 and 2026, ranging from 120-day to 200-day sailings. Of those six cruises, three will take place on Insignia, and three will take place on Vista, the cruise line’s newest and most luxurious ship. Both these vessels are small ships: Insignia, refurbished in 2018 can carry up to 670 passengers, while Vista, built in 2023, can carry up to 1,200 passengers. The longest of the world cruises offered by Oceania is a 200-day voyage starting in Miami on January 5, 2025, and ending in New York City on July 23, 2025. The trip will cover 38 countries, make 103 stops, and include sailing around the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas, to reach the Indian Ocean from the Atlantic Ocean, as well as two days in the magical island of Madagascar. This around-the-world cruise starts at $49,799.

Cunard’s Full World Voyages

Map: Cunard

Cunard, the cruise line operating the famous Queen Mary II, the last transatlantic ocean liner in service, offers seven around-the-world cruises scheduled in the next two years. Six of the seven world cruises currently listed will be taking place on board the cruise line’s newest ship, the Queen Anne, launching in May 2024, and one will take place on board the Queen Mary II. The longest of the world cruises (called Full World Voyages by Cunard) is a 116-day sailing on board the Queen Anne that will depart on January 6, 2026, from Hamburg, Germany, and end in the same port on May 2, 2026. The trip will cover 26 countries, make 37 port calls, include several stops in the Middle East, and will take passengers around the southernmost tip of Africa. This around-the-world cruise starts at $20,118.

Silversea’s World Cruises

Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea currently has two around-the-world cruises scheduled:

• Controtempo , a 136-day sailing on board the Silver Dawn departing from Tokyo, Japan, on January 13, 2025, and arriving in New York City on May 29, 2025. This cruise will cover 30 countries, make stops in 59 ports, and include port calls in Saudi Arabia and Greenland. The all-inclusive, door-to-door price of this around-the-world cruise starts at $81,900
• The Curious and the Sea , a 140-day sailing also on board the Silver Dawn, departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 6, 2026, and ending in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 27, 2026. This cruise will cover 37 countries, make a total of 70 port calls, and include a multitude of stops throughout the Mediterranean, in the South Pacific, and on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). The all-inclusive, door-to-door price of this around-the-world cruise starts at $89,900

MSC’s World Cruises

MSC Cruises will take adventurous passengers on two world cruise in the next two years, both of which will take place on MSC Magnifica:

• A 116-night sailing departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) on January 4, 2025, and ending in the same port. This around-the-world cruise will cover 21 countries on five continents, make 50 port calls, and take passengers across the Atlantic with one stop in Cabo Verde on the way, as well as across the Pacific with multiple stops, including one on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). This around-the-world cruise starts at $11,989.
• A 119-day sailing from January to May 2026 departing from Civitavecchia (Rome). This around-the-world cruise will cover 32 countries, include a crossing of the Panama Canal, as well as the Suez Canal, and make overnight stops in Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Dubai, and Tokyo, among others. This around-the-world cruise starts at $13,439.

Princess’ Around-the-World Cruises

Princess Cruises has five world cruises scheduled, including two in 2024, two in 2025, and one in 2026, the longest of them being a 116-day sailing on board the Island Princess departing in January 2025. This around-the-world cruise will depart and end from both Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Los Angeles, California (you take your pick), making 48 port calls in 26 countries across six continents. Passengers will get to cross both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans during this trip, and will make stops in dreamy destinations like Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and more. This around-the-world cruise starts at $24,298.

Azamara’s World Cruises

There are two world cruises currently on Azamara Cruises’ schedule: One in 2025 and one in 2026, and both of them are 155-night voyages.

• The 2025 Azamara World Cruise will start in San Diego, California, on January 6, 2025, and end in Southampton, England, on June 11, 2025. Passengers on board this world cruise will visit 37 countries and spend 46 late nights or overnights in the destinations visited. Port calls include four days in Hawaii, five days in French Polynesia, 10 days in New Zealand, and more. This around-the-world cruise starts at $39,999.
• The 2026 Azamara World Cruise will start in Miami, Florida, on January 6, 2026, and end in Barcelona, Spain, on June 11, 2026. This sailing covers 36 countries and includes 55 late nights or overnights in the port calls. This voyage includes once-in-a-lifetime destinations such as Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Pitcairn Island, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea, and more. This around-the-world cruise starts at $38,999.

Crystal’s World Cruise

Map: Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises has only one world cruise planned for the next few years, but it’s an extraordinary voyage full of bucket-list destinations and events. The 124-day sailing on board the Crystal Serenity will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 7, 2025, and end in Barcelona, Spain, on May 10, 2025. Passengers on board this around-the-world cruise will get to visit 63 destinations in 31 countries, go through both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, stop in the remote Atlantic island of St. Helena, and visit Petra, Jordan. The starting price of this around-the-world cruise is not available on Crystal Cruises’ website. We have reached out to Crystal Cruises for more details and will update the piece if we obtain a response.

Fred. Olsen’s World Cruise

Map: Fred. Olsen Cruises

UK-based cruise line Fred. Olsen Cruises has planned an epic 106-night around-the-world cruise for 2025. The Bolette (the largest ship in the fleet, able to accommodate 1,338 guests) will leave the port of Southampton, England, on January 6, 2025, and circumnavigate the globe westward via Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, and Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, until it reaches England again on April 22, 2025. During this trip, passengers will be able to visit remote islands such as Robinson Crusoe Island, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Pitcairn Island, and St. Helena. This around-the-world cruise starts at $20,493 for an Ocean View cabin with two portholes. The price for the interior cabins are not currently available.

P&O’ World Cruise Holidays

British cruise line P&O has two around-the-world cruises (known as World Cruise Holidays) on their schedule for 2025 and 2026, both of which are complete circumnavigation of the globe on board Arcadia.

• Western Circumnavigation , a 99-night sailing that will depart from Southampton, England, on January 3, 2025 and return to the same port on April 13, 2025. The cruise will include stops in the Caribbean, in Hawaii, in islands of the South Pacific, and throughout Oceania, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This around-the-world cruise starts at $12,295.

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What To Expect From Ultimate World Cruise

Get ready to visit all seven continents, 65 countries, over 150 ports of call, and 11 world wonders..

By Robert Schrader | Published on October 18, 2023

1. Are You The Ideal World Cruise Traveler?

Looking at Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise℠ itinerary, you might be surprised by the sheer volume of bucket-list sites, even if you consider yourself a seasoned traveler. The great explorers of history spent this long — the full cruise lasts 274 days — on a single sailing across the sea, never mind going to all corners of the globe.

Your epic journey around the world, of course, is sure to come with plenty of new-to-you destinations. From world wonders such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China to sun-dappled islands from French Polynesia to Greece, the array and diversity of horizons you sail to is unparalleled. This isn't a cruise — it's the  cruise to top all other cruises.

2. Do You Want To Minimize Flights?

3. Is This Trip Too Good To Be True?

It might sound unbelievable that you'll be able to spread your arms out under Argentina's Christ the Redeemer statue and sip cocktails beneath the Sydney Opera House on the same sailing, but on this epic journey around the world, you can. The key to making the most of each port is to pace yourself — this is a long trip, in the best way possible.

Some stops along the Ultimate World Cruise℠ will invite more hiking and exploration (Jordan's ruins of Petra, for example), while the colorful waterfronts of European idylls like Bergen, Norway, are better for sitting down for a meal or drink. What makes this vacation unique is the luxury of time and space, which allow you to truly relax and explore many sides of yourself. You might consider yourself a total beach bum as you reach the sandy shores of Oahu but feel like a history buff as you take in the Taj Mahal. You might feel like an explorer as you explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá in Mexico on foot, then opt to take a camel when you reach the Pyramids of Giza.

4. How Much Does It Cost?

As you can imagine, this once-in-a-lifetime epic journey around the world is highly customizable. The ticket price for the 274-night journey ranges from $59,999 per person for an interior stateroom to $117,599 for a junior suite on the 2,476-passenger Serenade of the Seas® .

You might think that if you travel the world for almost a year, you'll need to bring your whole home with you, but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, you'll want to err on the side of bringing less rather than more. You'll have laundry services (among other complimentary treats)  included in your fare, and can buy almost anything you need at ports. Focus on bringing a basic wardrobe built for laying in different climates, and any special items you know you can't easily buy, as well as medications and other need-to-haves. You won't want forget to pack bathing suits for Mexico, for example, or a coat for colder destinations.

So, is this the best way to travel the world? That's somewhat a matter of personal preference. Sailing the world with many of the same passengers offers an unprecendented bonding experience with like-minded travelers. The guests and crew become very much like a family on a world cruise, which can be a real joy to watch unfold — especially if you follow cruise etiquette and are considerate of others during the voyage. And the itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ 2023 is so extensive it's almost impossible to imagine. Certainly, if you love cruising and want to see much of the world as possible in one fell swoop, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to check many travel icons off your bucket list.

5. Do You Really Set Sail For ... Everywhere?

It's important to note that you can opt for the whole cruise, or stay onboard for however long you want. Each of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Med and Europe & Beyond — can be booked a la carte, with business class airfare between your home and wherever you start and end included in the price. Or, pick one of the 17 sailings (ranging from nine to 29 nights) that make up the cruise and visit the sites that are most exciting to you.

Then again, if you can find the time, it's tempting to complete most of your bucket list in a single, epic trip when you circumnavigate the globe onboard a cruise ship. The iconic world wonders you'll see are only the beginning on this epic adventure.

Want to learn more? Check out the thrilling itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ .

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10 of the best luxury yacht cruises for 2024 & 2025

Published 25th April 2024 in Cruise Advice By Claire Benktander /cruise-news/cruise-advice/best-yacht-cruises

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We've seen a definitive boom of yacht-style cruise ships launching over the past few years, with cruise lines keen to capitalise on the burgeoning demand for a smaller, intimate cruising experience. No longer a holiday reserved for the rich and famous, on board these superyachts you can expect sleek interiors, limited guest numbers and the ability to dock where larger ships cannot for a more exclusive experience. These are some of the best luxury yacht cruises and cruise lines offering yachts and yacht-style cruise ships.

Scenic's stunning 228-guest Scenic Eclipse and just-launched sister ship Scenic Eclipse II are certainly more reminiscent of luxury superyachts than traditional cruise ships, with cool and contemporary décor on board.

This sits alongside gadgets like a helicopter, seven-seater submarine, fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkelling and scuba diving gear that allow guests to immerse themselves among the likes of Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as classic warm-weather yachting destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

2. SeaDream Yacht Club

It's in the name! SeaDream Yacht Club aim to offer an intimate, yacht-like experience - in their own words, 'it's yachting, not cruising'. This is reflected in the al fresco and casual experience on offer, with an unpretentious style - don't expect flashy interiors - and service that is second to none.

These 100-guest ships are able to access the most exclusive yachting harbours and coves across the world, from St Barths to Positano, and on board, guests enjoy the likes of Balinese double sunbeds, movies under the stars and a marina at the back of the ship with kayaks, paddle boards, a slide, jetskis and Laser sailboats.

3. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The luxury Ritz-Carlton brand's first foray into cruising exceeded expectations with the first of their three yachts, Evrima, launched in October 2022. These superyacht-style cruises place an emphasis on cutting edge design, intimate spaces and lots of outdoor space, with just 149 luxurious suites, and offer voyages to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond.

The Marina at the back of the ship offers direct access to the water, comfortable loungers, and extended wings to create even more outdoor space on what feels like your own personal superyacht. Ilma & Luminara, the second and third yachts from Ritz-Carlton, are set to join the fleet in 2024 and 2025 respectively, and are a little larger with 228 suites, all with private terrace.

4. Windstar's Star Breeze, Legend and Pride

Formerly the 'Yachts of Seabourn', these lovely little 312-guest ships offer a chance to live the yacht life, with relaxed and informal days, refined yet comfortable evenings and a friendly and welcoming crew, and a marina on the back to ensure you can enjoy the complimentary watersports when anchored in hidden bays and tiny coves.

These sociable ships have plenty of outdoor deck space, perfect for soaking up the sun in warmer destinations like the Caribbean and the Greek islands . A romantic outdoor restaurant on deck under the stars enhances the al fresco yacht feel, and guests can enjoy deck barbecues with music and entertainment.

All of Ponant's vessels offer an intimate experience but their Explorer ships , named after six of France's most famous explorers, have a real yacht-style feel, with just 92 all-balcony suites decked in a chic Scandi style, ample outdoor space and an state-of-the-art hydraulic marina at the back of the ships for easy boarding and zodiac embarkation.

The innovative Blue Eye Lounge is the spectacular centrepiece, with two oversized portholes reinforced with 18 layers of glass looking out into the deep blue sea on voyages around the world, from French Polynesia to the Norwegian Fjords.

6. Emerald Cruises

Emerald Azzurra is Emerald's first luxury yacht, with a striking profile and stylish decor, set to be joined by sister ship Emerald Sakara in 2023. The ships' intimate sizes allow you to explore smaller ports and hidden coves designed to cruise warm weather destinations such as the Dalmatian Coast and the Greek Islands.

These 100-guest small ships offer suites that almost all feature a private balcony, and itineraries have been designed to showcase smaller ports that the bigger ships can't reach, with facilities including a watersports marina, infinity pool and wellness area.

7. Four Seasons Yachts

The prestigious hotel brand Four Seasons is entering the cruise industry with Four Seasons Yachts and its first ship, Four Seasons I.

Setting sail at the start of 2026, the luxurious first yacht by Four Seasons will aim to showcase the same high-spec accommodation and exceptional service as the hotel chain in the 95 all-suite yacht, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, with fabulous dining, an exquisite spa and one of the largest pools in the cruise industry.

8. Expedition ships: Silversea

Several expedition cruise lines now also offer their fair share of yacht-like ships, such as Silversea's 100-guest Silver Origin, which feels like an intimate yacht experience as you get to know like-minded guests while discovering the fascinating Galapagos region.

Offering a similar onboard experience in Antarctica, 200-guest Silver Endeavour features state-of-the-art technology that allows for access to some of the most remote locations of the globe in a yacht-like atmosphere.

9. Expedition ships: Seabourn

Seabourn's new 264-guest Venture and Pursuit both offer sleek, modern interiors, with all veranda, all ocean-front suites and stylish dining combined with a range of equipment to help you explore, from the polar regions to the Pacific Islands, including two custom-built six-person submarines, Zodiacs, double sea kayaks, mountain bikes and e-bikes.

The cosy Expedition Lounge is the heart of the ship, with craft cocktails from master mixologist Brian Van Flandern, while the outdoor Sky Bar has two whirlpools and fantastic views of your surroundings.

10. Expedition ships: Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions offer a truly boutique feel in their luxurious superyachts. 30-guest Aqua Blu is designed to explore the Indonesian archipelago; a former Royal Navy ship transformed into a superyacht designed to explore the fascinating islands of the Indonesian archipelago include the evocative Spice Islands, Komodo National Park, with its pink sand beaches and famous dragons, and the snorkelling and diving paradise of Raja Ampat.

Aqua also offer the first true superyacht in the Galapagos: the just-launched, bijou Aqua Mare, accommodating just 16 lucky guests. She is spacious for her size and offers an amazing 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, with watersports equipment on board includes double kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear.

Claire is Marketing Manager at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for nearly two years and in travel for over 8 years. Most recently she's cruised on Seabourn and has also sailed with Ponant and Uniworld. Her favourite destination is Sweden however she's also enjoyed cruises in the the Galapagos, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Greek Isles and the Far East. When she’s not travelling she loves weekends away in the countryside.

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Breaking news, obnoxious youtubers, little privacy and all-you-can-eat lobster – what life is really like on a nine-month world cruise.

People left their homes, quit their jobs and cashed in living inheritances for the adventure of a lifetime.

Around 650 travelers ponied up between $59,999 and $117,599 for a nine-month-long around the world cruise of a lifetime, with stops in more than 150 destinations .

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise featured amazing sites and custom-made cuisine – including Subway sandwiches and Cincinnati-style chili – for the homesick; but also bouts of nausea, a fire, a flood a couple of rude social media posts and plenty of drama aboard the 962-foot Serenade of the Seas ocean-liner.

Through all 276 days, sources interviewed by The Post had a swimmingly good time.

Cruisers took off in December 2023 and finally docked for good this past week – though not everyone made it home – two customers perished at sea.

“The average age on this trip was pretty high,” Joe Martucci, 67, who was so proud of his seven-continent voyage he found himself irked by those who hopped on for just a segment but still swanned around in World Cruise tee shirts, told The Post. “So we’re going to have people who died.”

A woman, he remembered, “was with her daughter, son and husband. She stood up from going to the bathroom and just [collapsed].” Her passing lowered the head count by one.

Another passenger, Andrew Kenney, 27, pegged the average age on board as “like in their 70s.”

While plenty of locations were must-sees – Martucci was particularly taken with the Antarctic, of which he said, “The pureness was just amazing” – even the most enviable site-seeing can turn into a grind.

“When we got to Europe, after about five-and-a-half months, it started to feel like a job … leaving the boat at 8:00 in the morning and returning at 5:00,” said Martucci who took the mega voyage, along with his wife Audrey, as a retirement present to himself.

“It was 20 days without a sea day, so every day you were in a port and felt like you had to see what was there.”

Adding to the travel fatigue, some of the stops felt forced. “We’d get off the boat and wonder why we were there,” he said, recalling a less-than-memorable city in Spain. “We were there on a Monday – but Monday is the day when everything is closed.”

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told The Post they do not comment on specific issues relating to their cruises.

Then there was a delay caused by protestors in Amsterdam – “They chained themselves to a bridge,” said Kenney, “protesting over-tourism and [damage to] the environment” – and a rerouting due to conflicts in the Middle East.

Remaining boat-bound for bum excursions, of course, was an option. But Martucci felt compelled to not miss out on things he had paid for. “You spent the money, you planned on seeing things, so you went. But some ports were disappointing.”

Besides, extended periods of time on the ship did not always feel like a pleasure cruise.

While closing in on the Antarctic, temperatures were too frigid for passengers to spend much time on deck. So most of them gravitated to the Centrum, the central space on the boat.

“Normally we were spread out in different locations,” Kenney, a professional videographer , told The Post. “But for those days, most of us were in the same place. So, you’d have people wanting to quietly drink morning coffee while other were doing loud Zumba. Then there would be an egg drop competition and guitar music.”

For Kenney, retreating to his cabin was not always an option: “If your room is at the front of the ship, then you are most susceptible to movement from rough seas. We had that room. I got pretty sick at the beginning, and there were a couple days when I walked in the room and I was, like, ‘I have to get out. I can’t stay here.’”

Being jammed up with souvenirs might not have helped. Magnets from various places were stuck to the metal walls, and, according to Andrew’s wife Ale Kenney, 30, “we’re big Disney fans. We hit every park on the trip – Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris. Of course we bought [Disney’s] specialty popcorn containers and souvenirs from the Olympics in France. Then there was the sound-bath equipment from India. It just grows.”

One thing that did not expand was Martucci’s love of lobster. Prior to shoving off, it ranked among his favorite delicacies. “I probably had lobster 20 times on the cruise; it was just too much,” he said, acknowledging that he’s not sure when he will crack crustacean shells again.

Getting frisky with other passengers might have been an option – upside down pineapples, a cruise symbol to signify a cabin’s occupants are open to swinging, were apparently affixed to some of the doors – but a desire to get soused while aboard only got passengers so far.

“We had a term called ‘getting watered,’” said Andrew. “Basically [when passengers were becoming overly tipsy], the bartenders would stop giving them drinks and start giving them bottles of water. They were very polite with it; and it was not a hard cut off. But we all took care of each other.”

At least most of them did. It was not long into the trip before the public became curious about the super cruise and what went on aboard the boat. While a few dozen of the passengers innocently took to posting on social media – Martucci’s tongue-in-cheek handle: Spendingourkidsmoney – there were at least two who got carried away in the name of bulking up their followings.

One, Martucci remembered, tried to take advantage of the on-board deaths. “A social media person dramatized the whole thing,” he said. “She posted that she walked down the hallway and saw [the deceased lady] being taken out of a cabin. That was not true. Her TikTok [about the incident] was taken down.”

That may have been forgivable, but another TikTok rip was not. Despite best watering efforts, one passenger managed to get what Andrew characterized as “very drunk” and made a TikTok post in which he “said a lot of racist things about minorities. I don’t think he had a very good time on the boat after that.”

On the other hand, Brandee Lake , cruising with her sister Shannon and their parents, was unstoppable in her quest for good times. Brandee – who cashed in her living inheritance so she could join the family on Serenade of the Seas – rode a train to the Taj Mahal, got her hair braided in an African beauty parlor, ran with the bulls in Pamplona and took pasta making lessons in Tuscany.

“This trip was a dream come true,” Brandee, who quit her advertising-agency job right before shoving off and gave up her apartment in Los Angeles, told The Post.

“My favorite part is that this was a family trip and that my parents are both in good enough health for it to happen.”

While Lake says she’s game to hop another trip around the world, not everyone feels that same. “Nine months is way too long,” said Martucci, leaving the impression that his days as a deep sea marathoner are over.

That said, however, none of the passengers interviewed by The Post are turned off on cruising as a concept. In fact, they can’t wait to do it again. “As soon as they announced the reunion cruise,” said Kenney, “we booked!”

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The Best Yacht Charters You Can Book Around the World

Whether you’re looking for seven decks of entertainment, a family-friendly trip, or a diving-focused Caribbean voyage, you’ll find it here.

There are few experiences as luxurious and awe-inspiring as a yacht charter . You can explore the world at your leisure, spend quality time with friends and family in an intimate setting, and the service is second to none. We've rounded up the most exceptional new yacht charters to book around the world. They're sure to inspire your next voyage, whether you want to relax along the Amalfi Coast or explore remote corners of the globe.

In the yachting world, Loon is known for an exceptional array of water toys — perhaps the best in her class. There's a FunAir inflatable slide that goes from the third deck straight into the ocean, an in-water pool, and a luxurious 43-foot Everglades tender. You can hop on paddleboards, sea kayaks, Waverunners, or a Seabob to explore nearby islands and coves.

The adventurous can try kite surfing or Lift e-Foil surfboards, which seems effortless when you watch the crew fly past, but is actually quite challenging. Loon is also a scuba diver's dream. The crew has several master divers and dive instructors who can take you out each morning, and they have all of the equipment you need onboard. They can also certify new divers during the trip.

The 180-foot yacht has a staggering 1,100 gross tons of living space, elegant design, and an amiable and attentive crew. Loon has two master staterooms, including a unique one on the upper deck. It has wraparound windows that offer unparalleled views of the surroundings. There are two salons, including one with recliners and a projector for movie night, plenty of spaces for dining alfresco, and an oversized infinity-edge Jacuzzi with a wet bar nearby. Fancy a workout? Loon has a treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, and free weights in the beach club. You'll be hard-pressed to find better workout views than this.

The crew is absolutely lovely and specializes in setting up unique experiences. You might have a pizza night on board, a barbecue on a private beach, or sundowners at the Instagram-famous Loon Bar. The crew will even take you to a picture-perfect sandbar and serve you drinks as you loll in the warm water.

Loon is available for charter from IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during the winter months and in the Mediterranean in the summer months. Rates begin at $325,000 a week plus expenses.

Nansen Explorer

For the ultimate Antarctica adventure, you can't beat a voyage aboard Nansen Explorer . This former research vessel has all of the technical features needed to safely explore one of the world's most remote and dramatic landscapes and, thanks to a retrofit in 2021, an ultra-luxe interior design that wouldn't look out of place in St. Tropez. For exploration, Nansen Explorer has an Ice-1A classed 236-foot hull and an ice-experienced captain and bridge team, which means she can go deeper into the ice than other polar-classed superyachts. There's a heli-deck with onboard fueling capabilities, so you can see the vast landscape from the sky, or even go heli-skiing. There are plenty of toys that allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife and nature, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dive equipment, and Zodiacs.

The interiors are so stylish, modern, and well-appointed that you'll forget you're in the middle of Antarctica rather than at a swanky hotel. The ship originally accommodated 60 passengers, but now it holds just 12 guests in seven cabins, including an owner's suite and a VIP suite. Each cabin has large windows that showcase the stunning vistas outside the ship. The sumptuous Scandanavian-inspired decor features shades of grey and white, which reflect the surrounding environment. There's a cozy lounge with a bar and a fireplace, perfect for warming up after an excursion to see penguins or whales.

Nansen Explorer is available for charter from Plan South America in Antarctica. Rates begin at $340,000 a week and are all-inclusive.

Yachting in French Polynesia is always a blissful experience, but Dardanella takes relaxation to the next level with bespoke, wellness-focused charters planned by onboard wellbeing facilitator Ayumi Gallagher. The wellness experience is all-encompassing, including fresh, detoxifying food, mindfulness workshops, yoga sessions, Pilates, meditation, and massages alongside traditional yacht activities, like diving, surfing, and tender safaris exploring the pristine waters and nature of French Polynesia. The captain is also a qualified marine biologist and ecologist, so he's the perfect person to show you this unique environment. There are two dive instructors, 12 sets of dive gear, a Nitrox dive compressor, and underwater photography equipment, so you can capture the beauty underwater, too. As an expedition yacht, Dardanella is well-suited for exploring remote destinations. The 121-foot yacht was refit in 2018 and has five luxurious cabins.

Dardanella is available for charter from 37south in French Polynesia. Rates begin at $100,000 a week plus expenses.

With seven decks, there's something for everyone aboard Wheels . This massive yet elegant yacht measures 249 feet, weighs almost 2,000 gross tons, and has lots of standout amenities including a spacious cinema for eight guests, a huge aquarium, massage room with a dedicated onboard masseuse, air-conditioned gym, and the main salon converts to a disco complete with lights and a smoke machine for those late-night dance parties. The split-level master suite has panoramic views, a study, and plenty of space, and there are four spacious guest suites on the main deck. Outside, there are plenty of relaxation areas, including sunpads, a hot tub, several dining areas and bars, and an enviable water sports area with two Jet Skis, four wave runners, three seabobs, a luxurious tender, and plenty more toys. The crew is very active and can teach you to wakeboard, kitesurf, sail the new Hobie cat catamaran, or scuba dive. They can also lead yoga and fitness classes.

Wheels is available for charter from Fraser Yachts in the Caribbean. Rates begin at $680,000 a week plus expenses.

Inside the €775,000-a-Week Superyacht That Was the Talk of Monaco Yacht Show

It's not uncommon for yacht charterers to "upgrade" their yachts year after year, chasing newer and bigger boats, which is makes Big Sky 's number of repeat bookings even more impressive. The 157-foot yacht has been a charter favorite since 2010, and she recently underwent a refit leaving her in immaculate condition. Big Sky can accommodate 10 guests in five staterooms, including a full-beam master that spans the width of the yacht, and there's plenty of room onboard to relax, including the main salon with large windows and a state-of-the-art TV system. The sky lounge is perfect for entertaining — it has an onyx bar and sliding windows that make you feel as if you are outside. Of course, if you do want to relax outdoors, there are three teak decks with space for dining and a large sundeck with a Jacuzzi, sun pads, couches, and a bar.

Big Sky is available for charter from Northrop & Johnson in the Bahamas. Rates begin at $180,000 a week plus expenses.

This glamorous new superyacht caused quite a stir when she debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2021. It's rare for a brand-new superyacht of this size to be available immediately for charter, so book your trip on Tatiana early. This 263-foot yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests, who are guaranteed impeccable service from the 20 crew members. She has a great selection of water accoutrements and a stunning design with a large amount of interior space, including a deck dedicated to the owner's suite. There are also two VIP staterooms, four double cabins, and a twin cabin. While away any rainy days in the movie room or shooting some pool. Tatiana also has a fabulous beach club with a large bathing platform, bar, and outdoor lounge.

Tatiana is available for charter from IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during the winter months and in the Mediterranean in the summer months. Rates begin at €775,000 a week plus expenses.

Nour El Nil Meroe

Step back in time aboard Nour El Nil Meroe , a traditionally inspired Egyptian yacht full of modern amenities and luxurious design. Meroe is available for charter through Black Tomato, a top luxury travel company known for its expertly curated trips with exclusive experiences and a focus on local culture. Meroe is styled like a classic dahabiya boat, with authentic decor featuring whitewashed walls and linens alongside Parisian decor details. The VIP cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Nile — we can't think of a more fabulous way to have breakfast in bed — while the other cabins have large windows. The shaded roof terrace has plenty of spots for lounging and dining alfresco, and there's a cheery indoor salon with red-and-white striped decor and cozy couches. On your charter, you'll slowly sail down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. You can charter just the yacht voyage or book the Ultimate Egypt trip , which includes adventures on land as well as the yacht charter (think: private tours of the pyramids, exploring temples, or taking a jeep safari around Siwa).

El Nil and the Ultimate Egypt trip can be booked through Black Tomato . Rates begin at $5,800 a person.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

One of 2022's most anticipated travel launches is the new The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . While this is technically a small-ship cruise, every element has been designed to make you feel as if you are aboard a superyacht. The fleet will ultimately have three custom-built yachts, each with 149 suites. However, in 2022, the collection will launch with their first luxury vessel: Evrima . The suites all have private terraces, which isn't something you can expect aboard even the largest superyacht. And of course, the amenities are incredible. It has a beautiful spa, stunning marina terrace (set up like a yacht beach club), an infinity-edge pool, a large gym, and plenty of entertainment. The dining options are seemingly endless, including the main restaurant, the Evrima Room, S.E.A., which features a menu by acclaimed chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, Talaat Nam, a Southeast Asian spot, and several casual options.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's inaugural voyage is set for May 2022 and pricing is dependent on the itinerary. Learn more about the trips here .

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