Cruise holidays are a great way of exploring a whole host of different destinations in one trip - but there are some sailings which majorly up the stakes.
World cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years. It's not difficult to see why they attract those after once-in-a-lifetime holidays; they sail for months at a time, visit multiple continents and usually feature around 40-50 different ports of call.
Unsurprisingly these types of holidays often come with eye-watering price tags, but that hasn't stopped them from being a hit with adventure-seekers. In fact, one cruise recently sold out in a day despite costing £144,669.
So, what makes these world cruises so popular? We take a look at just what passengers can expect on these lavish holidays...
Why are world cruises so popular?
Well for a start, the itineraries are obviously appealing. You could be visiting some of the highlights of Europe, Asia and South America all in one trip, ticking off bucket list destinations such as Rome, Venice, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and sites such like Machu Picchu, Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal all in one trip.
For example, Princess Cruises offers a world cruise from Los Angeles which sails for 111 days to 31 countries, with the itinerary boasting 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean recently announced a brand new Ultimate World Cruise which will visit over 150 destinations across 65 countries, on a 274-night sailing. During the voyage, passengers will get to tick off an impressive array of once-in-a-lifetime holiday spots such as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, The Great Wall of China, Chichen Itza, the Pyramids of Giza and Rome' Colosseum, to name a few.
Oh, and MSC Cruises has a dreamy itinerary for 2023 including the likes of Tokyo, San Francisco, Honolulu, Sydney, and Singapore.
Which cruise lines offer world cruises?
- Princess Cruises has an 111-days sailing on Island Princess - find out more here.
- P&O Cruises has a world cruise planned for 2023 - find out more here.
- MSC Cruises has a World Cruise planned for 2023 - find out more here.
- Royal Caribbean has launched a new 274-night Ultimate World Cruise - find out more here.
- Cunard has a World Voyage for 2023 including options to book specific legs - find out more here.
- Regent Seven Seas has a 125-days sailing for 2023/2024 - find out more here.
- Viking Cruises offers sailings for 2023 and 2024 - find out more here.
Bookings for world cruises open years in advance, with most cruise lines already offering up the itineraries for 2023/2024.
There does seem to be an appetite too - since the pandemic, cruise lines have seen bookings soar for once-in-a-lifetime sailings with Brits opting for longer holidays to far-flung destinations. In fact, Viking Cruises already put its 2023/2024 sailings on sale because it saw "strong demand among guests" back in August.
How much is a world cruise?
You'd expect that the hefty price tags that come with these holidays would put cruise fans off, but world cruises are known to sell out quickly; one £54,000 cruise sold out in one day.
There are varying rates depending on the cruise line too; P&O Cruises has fares from £11,919pp for its 2023 world cruise, Cunard has sailings from £16,499pp and Viking Cruises has voyages from approximately £40,342pp.
However, for those who want to experience part of the cruise, a lot of companies offer up bookings for specific legs of the journey.
For example, Cunard has a 30-day leg for its 2023 world voyage if you want an epic holiday but don't want to commit to the full sailing and £16,499 price tag.
Meanwhile, those enticed by Royal Caribbean's new Ultimate World Cruise can opt to book in specifically for one of the four legs, or 'expeditions' as the cruise line calls them, whether it's the 'Americas and Antarctica' expedition that appeals, the 'Wonders of Asia and the Pacific', 'Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med' or 'Capitals of Culture'.
For those who can afford a cruise around the world, there is some value for money to be had. Fares usually include all of your travel, your cruise itself and therefore your accommodation, and in the case of extra luxurious trips, your food and drink, and excursions.
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