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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 ocean-going devotees. As a bonus, most of these around-the-world voyages include enviable perks, like pre-cruise 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.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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 may 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 2025 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 bigger ship lines 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" may 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 2025 on a world cruise.

World Voyage

Thanks to an overwhelming response to its 2024 world cruise (which is currently waitlisted), Azamara announced itineraries for both 2025 and 2026, both 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 2025, the 155-night, 37-country voyage begins in San Diego and ends in Southampton, England, with visits to exciting locales in French Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Italy, France and others.

Along the way, world cruisers can sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine; explore the unspoiled beaches and the lush rainforest on Stewart Island, New Zealand; and visit the world's largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.

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

The 2026 world cruise sets sail from Miami and concludes in Barcelona. The itinerary for this 155-night expedition features some of the world's most iconic landmarks and sites.

Cruisers will have the opportunity to explore the great pyramid of Kukulcan and other ancient Mayan sites in Chichen Itza, Mexico; wander among Rio de Janeiro's architectural gems and experience the awe of Iguazu Falls in Brazil; sample Peruvian cuisine and soak in the landscape of Machu Picchu in Cusco; scale the Great Wall of China; and enjoy other bucket-list worthy adventures.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2025. Prices start from $89,001 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start from $85,141 per person.

World Cruise

If luxury and unparalleled personal service are important to you, consider Crystal 's 2025 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 newly 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 Fort Lauderdale and concluding in Barcelona, the sailing spans 123 nights with visits to 31 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 Belize, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Jordan. Passengers can get a close-up look at Argentine tango through performances, 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. 7, 2025. Prices start from $66,200 per person.

Cunard Line

Be among the first to explore the world aboard Queen Anne, the line's first new ship in 12 years. Scheduled to launch in May 2024, the 2,996-passenger ship will take over Cunard 's world cruise duties in January 2025.

Queen Anne's maiden World Voyage in 2025 will span 111 nights, beginning and ending in Hamburg, Germany. Along the way, guests can explore historic churches in the Old Town of Lubeck, Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit the historic city of Antigua, Guatemala's original capital; and indulge in retail therapy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's bustling shopping hub.

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 will act as a showpiece and also a functional structure to keep poolgoers dry on rainy days.

If you're seeking the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences on board, book Princess 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.

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $17,799 per person.

Holland America

Grand World Voyage

Holland America 's 124-day Grand World Voyage on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam 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 Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; and Singapore. As a bonus, Zuiderdam will take guests to incredibly remote locales, such as the Amazon.

On board, relish music venues like Billboard Onboard and 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, 2025. Prices start from $24,999 per person.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is doing something a little different with its 2025 world cruise. It's offering a choice of four embarkation ports — Rome and Genoa in Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona. Passengers will return to the same port they left from.

The 2,550-passenger MSC Magnifica is the home base for the 116-night journey. The itinerary features port calls at 50 destinations across 21 countries in the Mediterranean, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia. Among the cities you'll explore are Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro; Casablanca, Morocco; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Phuket, Thailand; Broome, Australia; and Auckland.

Spend your port days ogling at Genoa's majestic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and Doge's Palace; exploring the peaceful mountaintop monastery in Montserrat, Spain; and wandering through the restored ceremonial village of Orongo, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a World Heritage Site.

Departs Jan. 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2025 (depending on your embarkation port). Prices start from $14,469 per person.

Oceania Cruises

Around the World Cruise

The lovely 656-passenger Insignia sails a whopping 200 days from Miami to New York for Oceania Cruises ' 2025 world cruise. It might seem a long way away, but inside cabins and some suites are already waitlisted for the sailing.

Prepare to tear up any bucket list on a cruise this long. The ship begins in the balmy Caribbean islands, ventures to the Brazilian Amazon, explores more of South America and then heads off to Africa and Asia. Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii and Latin America round out the itinerary before Insignia circles back to the Caribbean (different ports on this end) and sails triumphantly back to Miami.

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

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $54,099 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises promises an unforgettable journey on its 116-day world cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale (or Los Angeles, as an alternative embarkation port) on the 2,200-passenger Island Princess.

This ship delivers many onboard activities like cooking and dance classes, trivia contests, enrichment programs and games of basketball, volleyball and tennis on the sports court. A putting green ensures golf games stay sharp.

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

World cruisers can visit 26 countries with 51 destinations across six continents; the exciting port of call include Lisbon; Bali; Naples, Italy; Milan; and Haifa, Israel. With late-night stays in 11 ports of call and a Dubai overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore.

For 2025, Princess offers two 116-day world cruise itinerary options on Island Princess, one round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and the other round-trip from Los Angeles.

From Fort Lauderdale: Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $16,225 per person.

From Los Angeles: Departs Jan. 20, 2025. Prices start from $16,298 per person.

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.

Availability is limited on the 2025 150-night world cruise on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner, sailing round-trip from Miami to San Francisco. This itinerary includes cruising in Antarctica, the Chilean fjords, French Polynesia, Taipei and Bali.

Perhaps because its 2025 sailing is nearly sold out, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2026 world voyage, also on Seven Seas Mariner.

This journey will be the line's longest, sailing for 154 nights and visiting 77 ports in 41 countries across six continents. The itinerary includes three new ports of call for Regent, including Lifou Island and Mare of the Loyalty Islands in the New Caledonia archipelago. 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.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $87,999 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 10, 2026. Prices start from $94,999 per person.

Related: The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Grand Africa Voyage

Wander the majestic Grandmaster's Palace in Malta. Snorkel the pristine waters along the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Ogle the tropical beauty of the 115-island archipelago of the Seychelles. Soak up the beauty of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain.

You'll find many pinch-me moments on Seabourn 's 90-day, 26-country Grand Africa cruise in late 2024 and early 2025. It takes place onboard the 450-passenger all-suite Seabourn Sojourn and sails round-trip from Barcelona. (The line is not currently offering a more traditional world cruise in 2025.)

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 Nov. 30, 2024. Prices start from $38,999 per person.

Related: 7 extremely decadent things you can do on a luxury cruise vacation

Silversea Cruises

Controtempo

Silversea Cruises ' 2025 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn looks amazing. The around-the-world cruise is designed to visit far-flung and more remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.

This 136-day voyage sails from Tokyo to New York and explores 59 ports in 30 countries. Count on visiting enchanting cities, including Istanbul, Naples and Stockholm. Wonderfully remote ports, like Cochin, India; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Nuuk, Greenland, tempt travelers to come aboard for the long haul.

Silversea's world cruises are known for showcasing exceptional special-access events, and this sailing is no different. On this cruise, applause goes to a private tour of Cairo's 500-room Abdeen Palace and an inimitable evening at Versailles in lavish Marie Antoinette style (pre-guillotine, of course).

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.

Controtempo departs Jan. 13, 2025. Prices start from $81,900 per person.

The Three Oceans

Silversea recently announced a new 80-destination world cruise for 2027, also aboard Silver Dawn.

Departing from Los Angeles for a 149-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, South Africa; and Bordeaux, France, among others.

The Three Oceans cruise departs Jan. 8, 2027. Prices will be available beginning from June 10, 2024.

Viking World Voyage II

Imagine the joy of ticking many bucket list boxes on Viking World Voyage II, Viking 's 163-day world cruise on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky in 2025. Book quickly; availability is extremely limited, with many suites and penthouses already sold out.

The Los Angeles-to-New York voyage visits 29 countries and 78 ports.

Palm-tree ports are plentiful, including Moorea, French Polynesia; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You'll cross many seas, such as the Tasman, Arafura and Arabian, 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. You can pretty much do it all on this world cruise.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $74,995 per person.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

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.

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World Cruise 2026

Ready to explore the world in 2026 we are..

Book your 2026 World Cruise first and score early-bird benefits. 

From January to April 2026, enjoy a World Cruise and sail on a Coral Princess for 114-nights or 98 depending on your preference. 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.

Are you one of our Princess ® guests? 

Not a Princess ® guest? No problem, create an account today to take advantage of this offer. 

World Cruise Early Booking Benefits

Offers expire on October 31, 2024

Book a Full World Cruise

and you'll enjoy all these great benefits:

✓ Princess Premier® bundle . Learn More

✓ FREE Princess EZair® airfare for first two guests

✓ $1,000 off for Princess Captain's Circle® members

✓ $500 onboard spending money per guest

✓ FREE specialty dining once a week for up to 16 days

Or Book a World Cruise segment

Receive up to $200 in onboard spending money per guest.

Segments By Destination:

View Panama Canal Segments

View Mediterranean Segments

View Australia Segments

View South Pacific Crossing Segment

See the World Cruise 2026 benefits flyer to learn more

World Cruise 2026 at a Glance

Why you’ll love the world cruise 2026 with princess:, the places you’ll go.

Travel to 52 destinations in 28 countries across 6 continents and only unpack once.

The wonders you’ll see

Take your pick of 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring some of the world’s most legendary landmarks.

The extra time you’ll have to explore

Do and see more with More Ashore late nights in 14 ports plus an overnight stay in Hong Kong .

The maiden calls you’ll have

Witness Princess’ first visit to Boracay (Philippines) and the first time a World Cruise stops in Puerto Chiapas (Mexico) and Ponta Delgada (Azores Islands) .

The immersive experiences you’ll get on board

With everything from destination expert talks to local folkloric shows , you’ll come away with a greater understanding of these ports.

And everything else Princess is known for

From the personalized MedallionClass® vacation and award-winning shore excursions to world-class dining and entertainment , you’ll sail in style – and comfort – aboard your large ship.

Sign in  and book your Princess World Cruise 2026.

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.

World Cruise 2026 FAQ

•  Book full World Cruise (98 or 114-Day) by 10/31/2024 to receive Princess Premier (highest level all-inclusive package)
•  Princess Elite Members receive complimentary laundry services and shoe polishing.
•  All onboard activities including sailaway celebrations, deck parties, themed trivia, theatrical productions, and destination speakers and ambassadors are included.
•  The longest full 2026 World Cruise is 114-Days .
•  Princess offers shore excursions at each port with brand rand endorsements from: Animal Planet (exclusive or recommended), Bon Appetite (exclusive or recommended), Discovery (exclusive or recommended), and Discovery Family in the following categories:  Activities & adventure, Culinary & beverage, Culture & history, Nature & wildlife, Sightseeing (best of, easy, family, on your own, and ultimate).
•  1 Overnight stay in Hong Kong (13 More Ashore late-night stays).

GENERAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL OFFERS (“Offer(s)”):  Unless otherwise indicated in an Offer’s terms, Offers only available to legal residents of North America. Offers only available for new bookings, on select cruises, on a limited availability, are capacity controlled (regardless of stateroom availability), and may not be combined with other offers or promotions (aside from those listed herein). Other exclusions may apply; void where prohibited. Changes or refunds may not be permitted. Offers and their parts (if any) are not transferable, not substitutable, and not redeemable for cash. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. (“PCL”) is not responsible or liable for any printing errors. Offers may be changed or revoked at any time. A deposit is required for all stateroom guests and amount of deposit varies according to the cruise length, stateroom type, and number of stateroom guests.

Fares are per guest and apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space available basis at time of booking. Fares for other categories may vary. Fares are non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom only. These fares do not apply to singles or third/fourth-berth guests.  All cruise fares are inclusive of government-imposed taxes and fees. Government-imposed taxes and fees include but are not limited to any and all fees, tolls and taxes imposed by a governmental authority such as wharfage, head taxes, dockage, Panama canal tolls, US Customs fees, immigration and naturalization fees, government inspection fees, hotel or VAT taxes as part of a land tour, air taxes, and similar government-imposed taxes and fees for the performance of the cruise. Government-imposed taxes and fees are subject to change and PCL reserves the right to collect any increases in effect at the time of sailing even if the fare has already been paid in full.  

$500 Onboard Spending Money  per guest is applicable to guests 1 and 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book the 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale, 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Los Angeles, or 98-Day Full World Cruise Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale.  $200 Onboard spending money  per guest isapplicable to guests 1 and 2 on voyages 16 to 81 days for 2026 World Cruise Segments only. Onboard Spending Money is awarded as a credit (“Credit”) that is applied to the guest’s folio and is awarded in the currency corresponding to the ship’s onboard currency. Offer does not apply to additional guests than guests indicated above. Guests with single occupancy may receive double the per guest Credit amount. Credit must be used on the single voyage that it was awarded in connection with (and will expire at the end of such voyage), is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used in the casino, and is not applicable during the land portion of cruisetours. 

^^General Princess Premier Terms & Full World Cruise Offer:  Qualifying guests that book a 98-114 day full world cruise will receive the Princess Premier package (and its parts) at no additional charge beyond the base cruise fare. In the event of an eligible cancellation, guest would only be refunded for the amount paid for the base cruise fare. The original Princess Premier package consists of Premier Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, Crew Appreciation, Specialty Dining, Photo Package, and Princess Prizes; the upgraded ($80 USD / $95 AUD) Princess Premier package includes all of the foregoing original package items plus Medallion Shipping and Accessory, Premium Desserts, Fitness Classes, Juice Bar, Reserved Seating in Theater, select Casual Dining with Prix-Fixe Meals, and Included One-Time Delivery Access Fee. These full terms apply to both packages, except for language set off with a *, which only apply to such upgraded Princess Premier package. One guest’s participation in Princess Premier may be dependent on the other guest in his/her stateroom’s participation, as determined by booking method. Princess Premier may be capacity controlled on select cruises. Princess Premier and its parts are non-transferable, are not redeemable for cash and may not be combinable with other offers. Drinks, Wi-Fi, Specialty Dining, Photo Package, Princess Prizes and Crew Appreciation are not applicable to land portion of cruisetours and expire at the end of each cruise. Premier Beverage Package is valid only for guests who are 21 years or older. Guests under 21 booked under Princess Premier will receive the Zero-Alcohol Drink Package and will not receive any refund for the difference. The Premier Beverage Package includes all beverages priced up to $20.00 USD/$30 AUD each as listed on Princess’ menu(s). Any bottle of wine, one-liter bottles of water purchased on board with the Premier Beverage Package will receive a 25% discount. The Premier Beverage Package does not include mini bar items, beverages offered via self-service or vending machines, tobacco, food items or souvenir glassware. A daily limit on alcoholic beverages will apply. Bar service charge is only included in the package and is paid on behalf of the guest for qualifying beverages included in the Premier Beverage Package. Exclusions apply, see full terms & conditions for Premier Beverage Package. Wi-Fi included for 4 devices per guest. All internet usage is subject to standard Wi-Fi policies, which may limit browsing of sites due to network security and bandwidth usage and is subject to change with or without notice. Crew Appreciation paid on behalf of the guest varies based on stateroom type (up to 4 guests per stateroom). Princess Premier does not include other service charges. Although Crew Appreciation is listed as part of the Princess Premier package, on Australia and New Zealand voyages Crew Appreciation is already included in the cruise fare and therefore all guests, regardless of whether they book the Princess Plus package, will receive Crew Appreciation and no substitution or refund will be provided for such part of the package. Sixteen Specialty Dining meals are available per each Princess Premier guest. Each specialty dining meal consumed by a guest in a stateroom with this package will have the meal credited against the entire stateroom. It is recommended that guests make the Specialty Dining reservations pre-cruise using Dine My Way in the MedallionClass app. Princess Cruises reserves the right to pre-assign Specialty Dining times and location. The Specialty Dining included in Princess Premier does not include items with extra charges on the menus. Availability of Specialty Dining might be limited on certain cruises. Photo package includes digital downloads of images taken by onboard Princess photographers featuring the guest and three prints, up to 8x10 size of such photos or photos supplied by the guest. The photo package does not apply to Platinum Studio, weddings, portraits or group special events. Participation in Princess Premier constitutes guests’ opt-in to Princess Prizes. At the close of each promotional period, Princess Cruises will make available the list of winners per prize category. Please see full Terms and conditions for Princess Prizes. *Medallion Shipping and Included Accessory: Shipping will be offered to U.S. residents only and will be shipped via ground shipping. Must book package with ample time for the Medallion to arrive to guest via ground shipping or such package part shall be forfeited. Accessory provided will be determined by PCL in its sole discretion; only available while supplies last. Accessory is not transferrable, substitutable, or redeemable for cash. Accessory will be available in guest’s stateroom once on board. *Premium Desserts are only available during the voyage during open hours of the venue at which dessert is available. Excludes SMiZE premium ice creams. Gratuities included; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. *Juice Bar: Only available at breakfast and lunch during the opening hours of the World Fresh Market place/other adjacent location at which juice is served; not valid using OceanNow feature within the MedallionClass app. *Fitness Classes: Applies only to in-person classes, must sign up for class on-board by visiting the fitness center. Exact class type, length, timing, schedule, availability, and other details will be determined by the ship type and by Princess in its sole discretion. *Reserved Seating in Theater: PCL will reserve a group of seats for Princess Premier guests for “production show” presentations (Broadway-style shows with singers and dancers) during the voyage; such guests must arrive at the Theater between 15 and 30 minutes before show time to select seats (no saving seats will be allowed). Reserved seats are subject to availability, are first come, first served, and only available to guests booked with Premier package. PCL will determine, inits sole discretion the location of reserved seats. PCL not responsible if Premier guest does not get a reserved seat. Such seats will be released to all voyage guests starting 15 minutes prior to show time. *Casual Dining with pre-fixe meals are available at the ship's casual dining venue locations. This package allows the guest to enjoy unlimited price fixe meals at Casual Dining venues that otherwise carry a charge not included in your cruise fare. At the included meals, guest will be able to select one option from each menu section on the price fixe menu (for example, one starter, one entrée, one dessert) per seating; no substitutions, revisions, or other changes will be permitted to such menu. Exact meal options, availability, and other details will be determined by the casual dining venue. Any unused casual meal will not be credited or refunded to guest. *Included One-Time Delivery Access Fee covers the one-time fee of $14.99 USD/$22.99 AUD for each guest for delivery orders placed through the Princess® MedallionClass® app (OceanNow®). Orders for delivery through the stateroom phone or stateroom breakfast order cards are also included for guests with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. All delivery based on availability and may be subject to additional terms.  


EZAir ® of Up to $2,000 airfare credit applies to guests 1 and 2 who book a Mini-suite or Suite. $1,000 one way and a total of $2,000 roundtrip for flights. First Class airfare offer applies to first class, round-trip flights within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Bermuda for the first and second-berth guests booked in a Mini-suite or Suite. Up to $1,000 airfare credit applies to guests 1 and 2 who book a Balcony cabin. $500 one way and a total of $1,000 roundtrip for flights. Economy airfare offer applies to economy, round-trip flights within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Bermuda for the first and second-berth guests booked in a Balcony cabin. Airfare must be booked through EZAir ® 120 days prior to sailing to qualify. Also includes complimentary transfers to/from LAX, FLL or MIA when booking our company air offer. Airline imposed personal charges such as baggage fees may apply. Note that airfare is available for booking 330 days from voyage disembarkation.  


Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Launch Savings: $1,000 USD  per person discount is applicable to guests 1 & 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book the 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale, 114-day Full World Cruise roundtrip Los Angeles, or 98-Day Full World Cruise Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale in all categories and combinable only with Launch Fares and Group Fares.   $500 USD per person discount is applicable to guests 1 and 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book 18 to 81 day 2026 World Cruise Segment voyages in all categories and combinable only with Launch Fares and Group Fares. $100 USD per person discount is applicable to guests 1 & 2 in the same stateroom for guests who book the 16-day Panama Canal Segment voyages in all categories and combinable only with Launch Fares and Group Fares. Specific discount amounts vary by itinerary and cruise length. Regional and other past guest promotions or “new booking only” promotions are not combinable with the discount. Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Launch Savings is not applicable to third- and fourth-berth guests. Refer to your travel advisor or  princess.com for additional terms, inclusions and restrictions that apply. 

Promo Code: NRW/MOB Captain Circle: PA1  Expiration: October 31, 2024

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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.

You might also be interested in:

• Bucket-List Cruise Itineraries
• The Top Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• Cruise Packing List
• The Best Cruise Insurance Options

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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The world has so much to offer, and so do we. A Silversea World Cruise is the occasion to see our wonderful planet in ultra-luxury . Experience diverse cultures, enjoy unique gastronomy, see iconic sights - each one of our Luxury World Cruises is a singular story that we invite you to join. Sail with us and discover remote and remarkable destinations across all seven seas . See why we have been crowned "Best World Cruise" on multiple occasions. From impeccable service to superb gastronomy and luxurious suites to small ship intimacy , our World Cruises put the excel into excellent. Not forgetting extraordinary events designed to emphasise the beauty of the places you visit, and you have the journey of a lifetime. The world awaits.

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Royal caribbean introduces ultimate world tour, the farthest-reaching cruise to all seven continents.

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2021* – Adventurers seeking to travel far and wide can now set off on a world tour of their own. Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise , an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents , more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world . This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today , with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.

Travelers will sail to 57 destinations new to the cruise line and exclusive to the cruise itself. Highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.

“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International “Now more than ever, people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time. Royal Caribbean is making that a reality with the ultimate vacation that welcomes those seeking adventure and exploration to taste, dance and dream with us around the world. To travelers asking themselves where they should go next, we say everywhere.”

Guests ready to traverse the world can book the full Ultimate World Cruise today or choose from any of the four expeditions that will offer a wide range of destinations as soon as December 2021 – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe:

• Ultimate Americas Dec. 10, 2023 - Feb. 11, 2024 – Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders The once-in-a-lifetime journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for postcard-perfect Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to glacier-studded Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travelers can take in four of the world’s stunning wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer , in Rio de Janeiro – where they’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve – and the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu , awaits in Peru, while sunshine and glamour will welcome guests in Los Angeles.
• Ultimate Asia-Pacific Feb. 11 - May 9, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia and beyond on the cruise’s next showstopping leg. They can discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia, for sapphire blue skies and crystal-clear waters. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Pristine natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two of the most iconic manmade world wonders, the Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal , and gems of the South Pacific – from Vietnam to Malaysia. Rounding out the expedition are endless possibilities in Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
• Ultimate Middle East and Med May 9 - July 10, 2024 – Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders This expedition begins in glamorous Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and brings many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life. Adventurers can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s lost city of Petra , the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also less-traveled places to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey only continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.
• Ultimate Europe and Beyond July 10 - Sept. 10, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. At travelers’ fingertips is the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell , and savor new flavors across continents — such as an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums, theaters and galleries line the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, while larger-than-life fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their epic voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami.

Globetrotters will explore the world in style on board Serenade , thanks to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning experiences and amenities. And adventurers can stay close to the action with the ship’s acres of glass, which offer panoramic views, as they cruise from one destination, continent and world wonder to the next. From start to finish, guests who book the full Ultimate World Cruise can expect a seamless, world-class travel experience that includes business class airfare, premium transportation as well as an evening of festivities and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail. Plus, Crown & Anchor Society Platinum status members and above will receive a bonus Seven New World Wonders shore excursion package in addition to other perks, including a Deluxe Beverage package, VOOM Wi-Fi, laundry service and more.

Bookings for the entire Ultimate World Cruise open today for Diamond and above Crown & Anchor Society members. Guests interested in booking can call Royal Caribbean’s dedicated line for the Ultimate World Cruise at 800-423-2100 (US toll free) or their travel advisor.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay,  the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its  Healthy Sail Panel  of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit  www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates  or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

*February 2022 update

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Journey to All 7 Wonders Of The World

By Robert Schrader | Published on December 13, 2021

You could spend a lifetime trying to see the 7 wonders of the world. From ancient pyramids built by man to towering statues, these stunning sites embody the history of our world. The good news is that if you're ambitious and have lots of time on your hands, you could theoretically visit all of these places on a single, epic cruise around the world .

As a determined independent traveler, it's taken me over a decade to tick all 7 world wonders off my list. Many are in far-flung corners of their respective countries and continents, but the journey there is as beautiful as the destination as you wander through big cities and tiny villages, meeting incredible people along the way.

Marvel At The Mayan Ruins Of Chichen Itza

As is the case when traveling to any of the world wonders , it's difficult to describe the sense of awe you'll feel when arriving at Chichen Itza for the first time. Although it's been centuries (specifically around 15 of them) since this towering pyramid sat at the center of Mayan civilization, an atmosphere of majesty and glory pervades. This is particularly the case if you happen to visit on either the first day of spring or autumn, around March 21 and September 21, respectively. The Mayans were gifted astronomers and built the pyramids so they would cast snake-like shadows during these equinoxes.

After you finish exploring El Castillo (meaning "the castle," which locals refer to the main pyramid as), you can visit Cenote Ik Kil, an underground swimming hole filled with cold, clear water. Walking through the thick humidity of the Chichen Itza jungles left me delirious; I was feeling like I had stepped back into the fourth or fifth century. Taking a dip in the icy cenote shocked me right back to the modern-day! If you intend to do this yourself, make sure to wear a swimsuit under your clothes (there's nowhere discreet to change).

Explore The Christ The Redeemer, Take A Trip To Rio

Unlike some of the other 7 wonders of the world, Christ the Redeemer literally looms over you the moment you arrive in Rio de Janeiro. Whether you're sunning yourself on Ipanema Beach or exploring the lush Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens, you can't avoid the gaze of this majestic, iconic symbol. As far as what precisely it symbolizes? Brazilians I spoke with varied in their impressions. Some saw the statue's arms to embody a welcoming to all, while others saw it as a reminder of Brazil's strong Catholic beliefs. However, you can draw your own conclusions as you make the journey to the top of Corcovado to see Cristo Redentor up-close and personal — trust me, it's worth it.

In addition to getting your classic arms-out selfie in front of the statue, which was built in the 1920s as a timeless totem of the Art Deco movement, this will allow you to take in one of the best city panoramas in the world. Speaking of amazing city panoramas, I also stood at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and peered out over the city and spotted all of the places I've been in Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon and beyond. This city is so wild and exciting, and this bird's eye view was a way to make sense of it all.

Live The Legend As You Hike Machu Picchu

Some tourists reach the summit of Machu Picchu via a grueling four to five-day hike along the infamous Inca Trail; others take a short bus ride up from the hot springs town of Aguas Calientes. I, on the other hand, took a middle path, trekking three hours (half of them in the dark) up a rocky trail from town, arriving at the ancient Inca capital right as the sun was rising over the Andes.

Machu Picchu was the dominant power in western South America between the 15th and 16th centuries. Once the hub of Inca civilization, this glorious city is now "lost." No matter how you get to Machu Picchu, and whether or not you get in early enough to ascend the even higher Huayna Picchu viewpoint, you'll be overcome with a rush of emotions (and a rush of altitude sickness — have some coca leaves at the ready!) when you set foot here and feel the energy of these ancient ruins.

Llamas roaming about and the enchanting songs of indigenous pan-flute players make the experience all the more surreal. The llamas live inside the protected historic and natural Sanctuary of Machu Picchu where they have become accustomed to human interactions; they will even join you on your hike. I was truly surprised by how friendly the experience was when hiking Machu Picchu with llamas. As I slowly approached them, they warmed right up to me and let me pose for selfies with them! After this expedition, I wandered the streets of the small town of Aguas Calientes, where I relaxed in one of their many soothing thermal baths. It was a perfect end to an adventurous day.

Walking The Great Wall Of China In A Timeless Moment

I was surprised to find that visiting the Great Wall of China is so convenient. The popular Badaling, Mutianyu and Simatai sections are just over an hour away from Beijing by taxi, which means you can visit them on a day trip from the Chinese capital. I recommend going as early as possible so you can beat the crowds. Although no number of people can detract from the majesty of history's greatest defense project, silence will allow you to connect better with the voices of history.

There's an energy that courses through the stones of the wall, harkening back to ancient China. "This wall is important," I overheard a guide tell a neighboring group of tourists. "But ironic. Although the first emperor of unified China built it to keep out Mongol invaders, Chinggis Khan was sitting in Beijing's Forbidden City 1,000 years later, signifying Mongolian control of China."

If you do decide to visit Simatai, which is my favorite of the easily accessible sections of the wall, consider riding the cable car on the way down. This allows you to gain another perspective on the wall, and also saves your knees the stress of making your way down the stone steps, which were definitely not built with modern travelers in mind!

Go To India, Fall In Love With The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal isn't just postcard-perfect — it actually looks like a postcard (or a painting, more accurately), even when you're standing right in front of it. It's just too massive and ornate to grasp that it's real. The story of the mausoleum, built in the mid-17th century by then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, makes the experience of being here even more emotional.

What sets the Taj Mahal apart from the other ten wonders of the world you can cruise to is that it's literally a monument to love. Jahan had it built over a period of 22 years to commemorate the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The sense of sadness really came over me once I walked inside the mausoleum, which is just as gorgeous inside as it is out. If you're mourning your own loss — as I was— be sure to bring some tissues with you! Also, note that in the "tombs" there are cenotaphs. They represent the bodies of Mumtaz Mahal and Shaj Jahan, but their bodies are not held inside them.

The Taj Mahal in India is a Muslim site, it is important to be respectful inside the mausoleum. Women must cover their legs, shoulders and hair. If you forget a shawl or headscarf, you can find vendors outside selling them.

Find Adventure In The Lost City Of Petra

If you've never visited Petra, you might not have heard about the Nabataean civilization, which built the not-so-lost-anymore city in modern-day Jordan, around 400 years before Christ. Even once you do visit, and look upon the rock-hewn Al Khazneh "Treasury" with your own eyes, you may be too distracted by the majesty of the red-rose sandstone to think much about specific historical details.

When I got up to the main Petra viewpoint, my mind's eye went even further back than the Nabataeans — 7,000 years back — when the very first humans are said to have settled here. The entire scene was all the more astonishing, given the harsh, hot climate in which it exists. Only a truly tough and exceptional culture could've carved out a city here, let alone left a legacy that lasts to this day. Petra is hot and almost always sunny, so make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to protect your skin from the blazing sun. Drink plenty of water and don't hesitate to take a break if you feel exhausted. Instead, take it slow and soak in the incredible history you're standing before.

Visit The Roman Colosseum In The Eternal City

Some places live up to the hype — and some places go way beyond the hype. Every time I step into the Roman Colosseum, no matter how many other tourists there are there with me, I hear the echoes of cheers and screams and feel the thrills and terrors of a time long since passed as if it's happening again.

No matter how many times I return — and I have returned nearly a dozen times over two decades — the thrill of looking upon the Colosseum or setting foot into it never dissipates. This sensation pervades as I walk westward along the Via dei Fori Imperiali toward the Tiber River. I pass fallen Roman columns, medieval Christian churches, and the tombs of heroes and martyrs and everymen. It's impossible not to feel the "eternity" that courses through Italy's Eternal City. For a stunning panorama of the Colosseum surrounded by the ancient Roman cityscape, head to the viewpoint just behind Campidoglio — a hilltop piazza designed by Michaelangelo.

Travel The World While Enjoying The In-Between Moments

What was the best part about traveling the world to visit all 7 wonders of the world? All the possibility that fills the spaces between these important entries on your itinerary. When you plan to see the wonders, you know you'll get postcard-perfect shots of Chichen Itza, the Great Wall of China and all of the other world wonders. However, you'll also meet fascinating people, enjoy incredible foods, discover new cultures, and take selfies with llamas along the way. Feel the magic that can only happen once you take the leap and begin your journey.

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11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel." 

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic  cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an  inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them. 

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person. 

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours. 

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail. 

Read the original article on Explore .

13 Cheap and Free Things to Do In Montréal Year Round

Updated : August 07, 2024 |

AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome

Montréal is filled with fun things to do, including scenic natural parks, excellent museums and exciting attractions. But if you're wondering how to make the most of your time in the city without breaking the bank, have no fear. There are plenty of free things to do in Montréal that double as some of the city’s best tourist experiences. 

Check Out the Art Scene

Every city has its creatives, and you don’t want to miss Montréal’s museums, artists, and performers. Whether you prefer classic painters or modern dance, there’s something for everyone. 

1. Get Inspired at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts

With five pavilions featuring Québec and Canadian art, ancient and modern international art, decorative arts and design and more, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts is a must for art lovers visiting the city. If your trip includes the first Sunday of the month, you're in luck—admission is free, and it's always free for kids up to age 20. Admission is half-price on Wednesdays after 5 p.m. for the museum's major exhibition. 

2. Enjoy Murals on St. Laurent Boulevard

Graffiti is celebrated as an art form in Montréal — in fact, the city holds an annual MURAL festival in June that brings artists from around the world to create murals at intersections along St. Laurent Boulevard. This is the city’s main drag, dividing east and west, and it’s lined with shops and restaurants that are fun to check out as you look for the giant, colorful works of art between Sherbrooke and Mont-Royal avenues.

3. See Contemporary Art at the Belgo Building

The Belgo Building downtown is Montréal’s go-to stop for contemporary art. It’s currently home to 13 galleries and the city's largest center for visual arts. Visit to discover new artists, plan a trip to an art show, or attend an artist workshop for a hands-on art experience. 

4. Join the Circus

Montréal is the circus capital of North America . Home to the National Circus School, Cirque du Soleil, and several independent circus companies, Montréal offers high-flying performances year-round. Many are paid, but there are chances to catch free shows at events and special showings. 

Enjoy Some Fresh Air

The city has plenty to see inside and outside all year round. You’re likely visiting during the warmer months when Montréal is most active. So rent a bike, lace up your tennis shoes, and enjoy the great outdoors. 

Of course, there are beautiful seasonal fall colors and plenty of winter activities to keep you warm in the snow. So don’t hesitate to explore all Montréal offers. 

5. Take in the City From Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park)

Escape into nature along miles of scenic trails that wind throughout Parc du Mont-Royal Park (Mount Royal Park) and lead up to lookouts offering spectacular views of the surrounding city. A welcome center on the ground level of Smith House offers information about the park as well as an exhibit about the mountain’s history. 

If you're not up for a hike to the summit, take advantage of one of several bus routes that travel to the welcome center throughout the day.

6. See the Sights in Downtown Montréal

Visit Saint Catherine Street to experience all downtown has to offer. There’s plenty of window shopping and restaurants, and the busy street often features street performers and musicians. This nine-mile stretch weaves through multiple iconic neighbors and has several metro stops, so you can easily travel to your next destination. 

7. Play In the Parks As a Family

Local parks and green spaces are a great way to relax outside of your hotel room and let the kids have some fun. Montréal has acres of parks and miles of trails to explore in every corner of the city. 

Parc La Fontaine is an excellent stop between shopping trips in Saint-Denis. The park has plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including an ice skating rink in the winter. 

Are you more interested in blooming gardens? Try Parc Maisonneuve, which features multiple gardens and even sheep grazing on the north side. Plus, the park is conveniently situated next to the Montréal Botanical Garden .

Take in the History

Montréal was established over 300 years ago, in 1642, so there’s plenty for the history buffs to enjoy. Take in stunning architecture, visit the city’s top history museums, and learn something new before you head home. 

8. Travel Through Old Montréal

Strolling along the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal is an essential experience during a trip to this destination. It's filled with historical buildings, museums, cozy restaurants and quaint shops—some dating back to the 17th century. 

Pro tip: Don't drive here—parking is scarce. Take the metro and be sure to stop by the tourism office for a map of a self-guiding tour so you don't miss any key attractions. Free guided tours are available from Free Montréal Tours; phone (514) 613-1940.

9. Learn at the Redpath Museum

The Redpath Museum is a fascinating natural history museum on the McGill University campus. The unique Greek Revival building houses one of the oldest museums in Canada and displays a vast collection ranging from dinosaur skeletons and ancient sea creatures to Egyptian mummies. Admission is by voluntary donation, and children and students are admitted free.

10. See Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Said to be the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph , this Catholic sanctuary sits atop Mont-Royal and offers spectacular panoramas from its front steps. 

The grounds feature the Garden of the Road of the Cross and a forest preserve. Inside, you'll find a votive chapel with thousands of candles. For a $4 admission fee, you can visit a museum featuring nativity scenes from around the world as well as works reflecting the religious heritage of Québec. This is a must-see destination for our three-day Montréal tour . 

Free Events Year Round

Montréal loves a good festival, so there are plenty of annual events to catch if you’re in town — especially if you’re visiting during the popular summer months. 

11. Dance at Montréal En Lumières

This winter festival kicks off in February and features a variety of local and traveling musicians, from folk to symphonic. New restaurant pop-ups keep visitors fed while creative light installations dazzle the senses. This is just one of the amazing things to do in Montreal that both kids and adults can enjoy. 

12. Open Up to Opera

Montreal’s Little Italy shuts down the neighborhood for one week every August to celebrate live opera. Free performances outdoors near the Notre-Dame-de-la-Défense Church are the main attraction, but there’s also plenty of food and shopping. 

13. Walk the Summer Street Fairs

Local markets and fairs feel like hidden gems — these are excellent ways to get a sense of a city and its culture. Montréal isn’t an exception, with multiple streets closing to traffic to host artists, makers, and market stalls of every variety. Buy your souvenirs, enjoy local art, and connect with the locals all in one stop. 

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Cruising is a popular option for many vacationers nowadays, and for good reason. Cruising is an easy and affordable way to see the world, from the comfort and safety of a large (or sometimes small) luxury liner. Cruising allows you to visit multiple destinations on a single vacation, and to customize your experience to maximize your personal preferences. It’s all-inclusive, so food, beverages, and entertainment on board are all generally part of the package. From the Mediterranean to the Mexican Riviera, your options for cruising are endless.

If you love a tropical vacation, filled with never-ending sunshine, balmy temps, lazy waves, and powdery sand, a Caribbean cruise is a perfect choice for you. The islands of the Caribbean are a bevy of tropical hot-spots, generally offering laid-back vibes, a friendly atmosphere, and cool cultural experiences. A Caribbean cruise allows you the ease and flexibility of departing from a domestic port, so you can skip the hassle and cost of international airfare. You’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from a warm-weather paradise on a floating piece of heaven.

The Caribbean is full of intrigue, history, and definitely mystery. Originally populated by various indigenous tribes, most of the islands were colonized by various European powers beginning in the late-15th century. England, Spain, France, and the Netherlands all vied for power in the region, and many of the islands are dotted with remnants of historic colonialism, from crumbling forts to rotting sugarcane plantations. If you love history (and a good mystery or two), there are tons to be found on the Caribbean isles. From slave rebellions and voodoo to mafia hideaways and unexplained disappearances, there is no shortage of curiosities to be discovered.

Why cruise the Caribbean?

Obviously cruising isn’t the only way to vacation in the Caribbean. You could just pick an island, book airfare, and settle into a comfortable beachfront resort for a week or two. There is nothing wrong with that, if that’s your cup of tea. Staying put in one destination allows you the freedom to explore that island from top to bottom, without a ship’s horn calling you back onboard to sail away after a single day’s exploration. However, visiting a single island at a time (presuming you take one big vacation a year) could make it take a lifetime to explore the entirety of the Caribbean, and unless you’re a gazillionaire, you likely don’t have the time or dollars to make that possible.

On the flip side, taking a Caribbean cruise can help you check multiple islands and ports off your bucket list each time you cruise, and if you pick a different itinerary each time, before you know it you’ll have visited all the major Caribbean ports of call. There are cruise options to fit every vacation budget, cruise lines that cater to different preferences, and a port of call to tickle every vacationer’s fancy. And don’t forget, most large cruise ships have 24-hour dining options, over-the-top entertainment, and enough swimming pools to hold an entire army. When compared to a week spent at a single resort, a cruise is sounding better and better.

When do Caribbean cruises run?

Unlike certain regions of the world, where cruises are seasonal only, in the Caribbean you’ll find year-round options for cruising. Some parts of the world are too cold to be enjoyable during the winter months, but not the Caribbean — you can still expect sunshine and daytime temps in the 80s in January, and possibly warmer the closer you get to the equator. You’ll often find more sailings in the colder months than in the warmer, because the cold months get extra cruise ships that are rerouted from places like Alaska, New England, and the Baltic, where it’s too cold for winter sailings. The bottom line when it comes to Caribbean cruises is that you can sail anytime you want.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that August and September are at the peak of hurricane season for the Caribbean, so you may find cheaper sailings during those months, but there is risk involved. Not to worry, though — cruise lines are well aware of how tropical storms and hurricanes work and are generally quick to reroute your vessel to be out of harm’s way. If this occurs, your ports of call will shift to destinations not in the hurricane’s path. While this may be disappointing, it’s not a common occurrence.

Caribbean cruise route options.

With minor variations, there are three common Caribbean cruise routes to choose from: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. Each has a unique set of islands that it hits, and which route you choose will depend greatly on what you’re looking to see. Cruise itineraries generally are concentrated on a single region, but if you select a longer itinerary, you may see additional ports added from multiple regions, as well as places like the Bahamas or Florida, which fall outside any of the regions. Here is what you can expect with each of the three main routes:

Eastern Caribbean.

Eastern Caribbean cruises are popular with first-time cruisers, because they tend to depart from easy-to-reach destinations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Cape Canaveral (near Orlando). Eastern Caribbean cruises run anywhere from four to 12 nights, with seven being the most common itinerary length. Common islands visited are St. Thomas, St. Martin, Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, and a visit to the cruise line’s private island or a stop in the Bahamas may also be on the itinerary. Eastern Caribbean cruises tend to center around ports of call where world-class beaches and duty-free shopping are the focal point.

Western Caribbean.

Western Caribbean cruises are also popular with first-time cruisers, for the same reason as Eastern Caribbean cruises — they tend to depart from easy-to-reach domestic ports. Western Caribbean cruises also run four to 12 nights, with seven being the most common itinerary length. Common islands visited are Jamaica and Grand Cayman, with at least one port in Mexico, although you will find variations that drop down to Central American ports in Belize or Honduras. Longer itineraries may include stops at a cruise line’s private island and/or the Bahamas as well. Western Caribbean cruises are great for travelers who are interested in Mayan or Mexican culture and history, as well as offering access to world-class beaches and other cultural attractions.

Southern Caribbean.

Southern Caribbean cruises tend to be preferred by seasoned cruisers who’ve already explored the other regions, primarily because the islands visited on this itinerary are farther away from domestic ports and often depart directly from an island port. This can mean the purchase of international airfare and require a passport. Southern Caribbean cruises generally run a minimum of seven nights, although eight nights or longer are very common for this route. Common islands visited are Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique, and Grenada. Because these islands are farther from the U.S. they tend to have less cruise traffic, meaning less crowding and more exclusivity. Southern Caribbean cruises offer everything the other routes do, from amazing beaches to unique historical sites and more.

Caribbean cruise line options.

There are literally dozens of cruise lines that offer Caribbean sailings, and it can be tough to know which one to pick. Most major cruise lines operate in the Caribbean, and which one to choose will be based primarily on two things: your budget and your preferred onboard experience. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian cruise lines are the region’s big three, and they’re a good jumping off point for cruise newbies. Each offers large luxury liners full of onboard experiences like water slides, casinos, movie theaters, roller coasters, and more, and each will have a myriad of itinerary and date options to fit most travelers’ needs. Celebrity, Princess, and Disney cruise lines all offer a higher-end experience, and smaller cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent offer a more intimate luxury experience, with fewer onboard activities but a whole host of ways to spoil you rotten while you sail.

Top Caribbean cruise tips.

These top travel-industry tips will help make planning your Caribbean cruise a fun and stress-free experience.

• If you can be flexible with your sail dates, you can almost always find a great deal on a Caribbean cruise.
• If you have specific date requirements, it is best to book as far in advance as possible — a nine-month minimum if you can. The farther out you book, the more options you’ll find.
• If you live near or can drive to a departure port, you can often find a screamin’ deal on last minute cabins within a few weeks of departure. These Caribbean cruises will often be bookable for discounts of 50% off or more.
• January and February are known as “wave season” in the cruise industry and these are the times that the best promotions are offered on Caribbean cruises, so if you can book in January or February, your wallet will thank you.
• Although not always required (depending on your ports of call), it is always a good idea to bring a passport along on a Caribbean cruise. It may come in handy if you have an emergency and have to disembark in a foreign port of call.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen. If you think you have enough, pack an extra bottle because you will run out and it’s expensive to purchase onboard. The sun is very strong in the Caribbean, and you’ll find yourself needing to reapply more often than you may be used to. You get a bonus point if you remember to opt for reef-safe sunscreen!
• A sunhat and/or moisture-wicking clothing are also smart things to pack. Anything you can do to prevent personal discomfort on vacation is always a good idea.
• Plan to arrive a day earlier than your cruise’s departure date. It’s always risky to fly or drive in the same day your ship departs. Depending on your departure port, your club may have a resort you can take advantage of for a night or two ahead of sailing.

WorldMark by Wyndham Travel, your Caribbean cruise connoisseurs.

WorldMark by Wyndham Travel , your exclusive full-service owner travel agency, can turn any dream vacation into a reality, and their friendly Travel Guides are truly Caribbean cruise connoisseurs. If you need advice or assistance on booking your Caribbean cruise, visit their online booking page or give them a call. They can save you time and money (and they’re really nice, too). There’s no better way to plan your Caribbean cruise than with WorldMark by Wyndham Travel.

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The World’s Most Powerful Passports, Top Bucket List Vacations And More Travel News

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The World’s Top Bucket List Trips

Bucket list experiences are of course subjective, but to determine which ones hold the most appeal, the adventure travel company Skyhook recently surveyed travelers from around the world about which three activities would be at the top of those lists. From climbing Kilimanjaro and hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, Turkey to gorilla trekking and embarking on an Antarctica cruise, here are the bucket list adventures travelers dream of the most.

Inside Southwest Airlines’ Big Changes

Last week, Southwest Airlines announced major changes to many of its signature protocols in an effort to please customers and stave off an activist investor. In addition to ending its open seating policy after more than 50 years, Southwest will also convert roughly a third of its seats into premium seating with extended legroom and will finally begin offering red-eye flights. One change that Southwest didn’t make? Passengers can still fly with two free checked bags.

This is the published version of Forbes’ Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

A new extreme hotel takes adventure travel to new heights.

For those who appreciate a room with a view, the accommodations at Ovo Patagonia are transparent capsules hanging off a rock wall nearly 900 feet up. To access those rooms involves a mountain hike within Argentine Patagonia that requires helmets, harnesses and plenty of courage. “We want to make once-in-a-lifetime experiences in contact with heights and in contact with our most intimate experience of being out of our comfort zone,” says Ezequiel Ruete, cofounder of the hotel. “That’s actually our slogan: Get out of your comfort zone in comfort.”

In 2014, the United States shared the No. 1 spot with the United Kingdom on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world’s most powerful passports according to the number of countries holders can visit without a visa. In the most recent Henley ranking, the U.S. continued its decline, falling to No. 8 with access to 186 nations. Singapore is now the No. 1 passport—offering visa-free access to 195 destinations out of 227 around the world.

Aboard the AI-Generated Tiffany & Co. Cruise Ship

Ever wondered what a Tiffany & Co. cruise ship would look like? Grant Dudson did—and the London-based experiential art designer used the generative AI software Midjourney to create the lavish Tiffany Jewel . Fine Tiffany china and crystal chandeliers accent the ship’s restaurants, while staterooms are decorated with silks, cashmeres and high-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and the balconies offer sweeping views of the ocean. If only it were real.

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Party-packed weekend vs family trip: How the world's biggest cruise ships compare

• Royal Caribbean launched its second biggest cruise ship, Utopia of the Seas, on July 19.
• Utopia is targeted more towards a slightly younger crowd that wants to escape for a 3 or 4 day weekend.
• Both ships feature a similar eight-neighborhood layout, but along with Surfside, other new additions to Icon such as the AquaDome and the adults-only Hideaway didn’t make their way onto Utopia.

Royal Caribbean International broke records this year when it launched the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas .

Six months later, the cruise line is back with the second-biggest. Utopia of the Seas launched July 19 from Florida’s Port Canaveral.

But while the two vessels have a lot in common, there are key distinctions between them. “Besides the overall feel of the Utopia not being quite as ‘ginormous’ as the Icon (in the way that a 36oz steak is not as large as a 48oz one), there are other important differences,” Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure analyst with Truist Securities, said in a report earlier this month.

Here’s how to know which one is right for you.

Party-packed weekend vs. family vacation

Royal Caribbean billed Icon as “the ultimate family vacation” ahead of its launch, while Utopia’s tagline is “the world’s biggest weekend.”

Icon offers weeklong itineraries from Miami, while Utopia sails shorter three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral. “Notably, while the Icon is geared more towards families, the Utopia is targeted more towards a slightly younger (a bit more millennial, slightly less Gen X) crowd that wants to escape for a three- or four-day weekend, and the length of the Utopia’s itineraries are structured as such,” Scholes said. 

With less time for passengers to spare, Utopia leans into the weekend theme. A stacked schedule of parties – planned well into the early morning hours, with some exclusive to that ship – offers guests ways to let loose at nearly any time of day.

Those different identities are evident elsewhere, too. Icon – the first in the Icon Class – launched with Surfside, the line’s first neighborhood designed for young families. But Utopia, the sixth in the Oasis Class, has the same nostalgic-feeling Boardwalk as its predecessors.

That said, both are prime products for multigenerational families. Icon has plenty of parties of its own, and Utopia has a wide range of kid-friendly activities (including in the Boardwalk, which like Surfside is anchored by a full-size carousel).

The different itinerary lengths have pros and cons, too. The extra days Icon’s sailings offer count on ships that big; I was still getting lost even on my third day aboard Utopia. But Utopia can serve as a lower-commitment teaser for longer Royal Caribbean cruises.

“The volume of new-to-cruise (passengers) is significantly higher on short products than it is on longer products for very logical reasons. … It's just a much easier product to purchase,” the line’s president and CEO Michael Bayley said during an earnings call on Thursday. “It's only a few days, it’s less investment of time for new-to-cruise.”

Is Utopia or Icon more expensive?

Pricing per day on Utopia is similar to Icon, Scholes told USA TODAY in an email. But given the shorter Utopia itineraries, its sailings are likely to cost less.

Cruises through the end of the year on Utopia start at $764 to $819 per person based on double occupancy, according to Royal Caribbean’s website , and starting prices for Icon range from $1,382 to $1,402.

What does a cruise ship godmother do?: Meghan Trainor helps launch Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas

How else do they compare?

Both ships feature a similar eight-neighborhood layout, a design type that originated with the Oasis Class. But along with Surfside, other additions to Icon such as the AquaDome and the adults-only Hideaway didn’t make their way onto Utopia – though the Solarium, an area for passengers 18 and older enclosed in glass and steel at the front of the ship with loungers, whirlpools and a bar, offers elements of both.

The ship also has fewer new venues than Icon overall, relieving some of the pressure to try all the latest spots.

And while Icon borrowed elements of the Oasis Class, Utopia incorporates some features that launched with Icon, such as smart elevators that allow passengers to select their floor from outside and help cut down on crowding, and Izumi in the Park, a walk-up companion to Japanese restaurant Izumi that serves sushi, dumplings and more.

They also both feature many Royal Caribbean staples, such as the Chops Grille steakhouse, Schooner Bar and the Windjammer buffet.

Though each ship has its own personalities, each offers a something-for-almost-everyone vacation experience. Bayley said during the earnings call that the line has “a really good, strong range of products that we can offer the customer, and they're booking it.”

The reporter on this story received access to Utopia of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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22 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States

Head to these prime leaf-peeping destinations, from Vermont to New Mexico.

Picture it: bright, crisp days and cool nights, hot apple cider and doughnuts, and, best of all, leaves in brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red.

Fall foliage is often associated with the Northeast, and no list of where to see the changing leaves would be complete without classics like Stowe, Vermont, or North Conway, New Hampshire, within the White Mountain National Forest. But there are plenty of other places to see spectacular fall foliage throughout the United States, from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington all the way southeast to Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. We've selected prime leaf-peeping destinations around the country.

• Best tourist destination: Stowe, Vermont
• Underrated hidden gem: Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
• Best for families: Plum Orchard Lake, West Virginia
• Best for couples: Catskill Mountains, New York
• Best for solo travelers: Aspen, Colorado

Read on for the rest of our recommended fall foliage hot spots.

Best Places to Travel in October

Stowe, vermont.

It's no wonder Stowe is called "Fall's Color Capital." One of the best small towns in the U.S. to see fall foliage , the charming spot typically showcases dazzling hues from mid-September through mid-October. The surrounding area is a fun place to hike and bike, with trails of varying levels of difficulty. And if the Vermont weather gets chilly, you can still take a scenic drive along the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road.

Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia

Amicalola Falls State Park is home to Georgia's tallest waterfall. At 729 feet, it can be seen from many different trails along the park; the bottom of the falls gives visitors a beautiful view of maple and oak trees, which turn red, yellow, and orange in autumn. The park is about a 90-minute drive from Atlanta, and you can stop in one of the nearby small towns like Dahlonega for lunch.

Plum Orchard Lake, West Virginia

Take in a gorgeous panorama of fiery fall foliage from a boat on 202-acre Plum Orchard Lake . If fishing is your thing, this is a popular spot for catching channel catfish and largemouth bass. Otherwise, you can bring your own kayak or rent a rowboat, then paddle out onto the lake for perfect photos of the red, orange, and yellow-leafed trees reflected in the glassy water.

Catskill Mountains, New York

New York State boasts some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the U.S., and the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York are practically the perfect fall landscape. Take in the scenery on a hike, drive, or bike ride before checking out great restaurants, cideries, and breweries in towns like Livingston Manor and Woodstock. You'll also find stylish hotels in this neck of the woods — another reason the Catskills are ideal for a fall getaway .

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen , Colorado, is named for its gorgeous aspen trees that turn the perfect yellow-gold in fall. Before the ski season sets in — and when accommodation costs are far lower in Aspen than they are in winter — visitors can partake in all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy the gorgeous views. Biking and hiking are most popular, especially up to the Maroon Bells, two peaks that overlook gorgeous, reflective Maroon Lake.

Bar Harbor, Maine

In mid-October, Bar Harbor is a hotbed of activity for tourists who are itching to get their fill of salty sea air while also seeing the gorgeous colors of autumn. There are quaint shops to browse downtown, and since fall is one of the best times to visit Acadia National Park , many visitors head to the coastal green space to soak up the scenery from a kayak or hiking trail.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod , Massachusetts, may be a popular summer destination, but leaf-peepers can enjoy its autumnal charms. Check out a cranberry bog or go pumpkin picking and see the beautiful changing colors of the Northeast. Some years there's even overlap in fall foliage and beach weather, so pack your swimsuit just in case.

Franklin, Tennessee

In early November, bright fall colors come in full force to Tennessee. The area's poplar, maple, oak, and hickory trees make the city come alive with color. A brisk walk in Franklin's tree-lined, 16-block downtown historic district or a drive along the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway is perfect for leaf chasers.

Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

Ozark National Forest has more than 1.2 million acres of spectacular scenery. Fall foliage is at its peak during October, inviting you to stroll among trees filled with leaves in hues of gold, orange, and red. Plus, there are plenty of mountains, springs, rivers, and breathtaking vistas to photograph.

Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota

Cavan Images

Pack a picnic and take a drive along the mighty Mississippi, backed by hillsides packed with ash, oak, and maple trees in shades of gold, orange, and red. The colors tend to peak between mid-late September and early October. Pull off at one of the area's two state parks, Frontenac  or  Great River Bluffs , for their scenic overlooks. Frontenac has easy hiking routes, like the Sand Point Trail, and a calm, sandy beach; Great River Bluffs has a nearby winery, Bluff Top Vineyard .

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Forming the border between Washington and Oregon, the Columbia River Gorge is home to more than 90 waterfalls. They're lovely in summer, but during October and November, the area's rolling green hills and mountains become a symphony of fall colors. Hike or bike your way along the trails to get incredible views and great foliage shots.

Eastern Shore, Maryland

Surrounding Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula is Maryland's Eastern Shore. Take a relaxing walk around Elk Neck State Park to see the gorgeous colors before (or after) chowing down on some Maryland crabs.

Huntington, New York

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, on a peninsula extending into the Long Island Sound, has more than 1,500 acres and an extensive multiuse trail system. Maples, tulips, hickory, sassafras, and dogwoods are some of the trees in this beautiful area, making it an exciting place to hike as the leaves change.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Tucked within the White Mountain National Forest is the Kancamagus Highway, more than 34 miles of roadway on which leaf peepers can enjoy beautiful vistas starting in early October. New Hampshire has some of the prettiest fall foliage, but that's not its only attraction; when you're done hiking, biking, or rock climbing, retreat to one of the area's cozy restaurants.

Lenox, Massachusetts

Hike or bike to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary around mid-October to see the beautifully vivid colors of this Massachusetts town. The Berkshires are a charming New England alternative to New Hampshire or Vermont. Culture-rich towns like Lenox put you in the heart of the action and have plenty of charming small hotels in which to stay.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains stretch around gently winding roads that are perfect for fall foliage chasers. Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack makes a wonderful road trip for anyone looking for relaxing, autumnal views. Leaves begin to turn in mid-September and peak in October.

Taos, New Mexico

While most people associate leaf peeping with the Northeast, the Southwest deserts also have seasonal colors. New Mexico's landscape is a must-see in the fall, especially along one of America's most scenic drives: The Enchanted Circle. This 84-mile drive connects the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa — and it contains some spectacular views.

New York City

There are plenty of places around NYC's urban jungle to immerse yourself in vivid foliage. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers beautiful woodland, with maple, tulip, beech, oak, and hickory trees lining the paths. If you're heading to the city's coolest borough , take in the colors of fall at the 52-acre Brooklyn Botanic Garden . From around mid- to late October, be dazzled by the yellow leaves of the Ginkgo Allée and the vivid red and orange maples of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden.

Cape May, New Jersey

This Victorian-era seaside resort town turns into an autumn haven starting in mid-October and through November. The historic lighthouses of the area give visitors the perfect view of the changing fall colors, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Cape May Point State Park.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Along the Wisconsin River is a strikingly beautiful, glacier-formed gorge known as the Wisconsin Dells. During the fall, the Dells are particularly peaceful, which is ideal for leaf peepers who want to snag the perfect shot of the changing foliage without crazy crowds. Boat tours, river walks, and sightseeing in Devil's Lake State Park are some of the most popular attractions there.

Massapequa Preserve, New York

The Massapequa Preserve on Long Island is one of the best places to experience fall foliage without trekking too far from New York City. This is also a nice place to ride bikes with kids — a section of the 13.4-mile Bethpage Bikeway cuts through the preserve. Late October into early November is the best time to enjoy the vibrant foliage here.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington

When it comes to leaf peeping, who isn't going to be drawn to somewhere with "maple" in the name? The foliage along the Lake Ann/Maple Pass Loop Trail in the enormous Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (a cool 3.8 million acres) peaks in mid-October. Be dazzled by gorgeous forests of yellow, red, and orange leaves, with glittering Lake Ann as a fantastic backdrop to this autumnal view.

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