10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime

By Patricia Doherty
February 08, 2019
Courtesy of MSC Cruises

It took Phileas Fogg’s hot air balloon 80 days to float around Earth in Jules Verne’s 1873 novel and in several “Around the World in 80 Days” films. Today, the International Space Station covers the same distance in about 90 minutes. For those who want to travel around the globe a bit closer to its surface — and in more luxurious surroundings — many cruise companies offer around-the-world sailings. Exciting ports of call, curated shore excursions, and relaxing days at sea are attracting more travelers than ever to spend months aboard ocean liners exploring the world.

Related: 11 Trips You Need to Take as Soon as You Retire

Around-the-world cruises take guests to a series of well-planned destinations without the need to change hotels, arrange tours, book transfers, or — perhaps among the most attractive benefits — pack and unpack at every stop. They don’t have to worry about practical details like medical care in far-flung ports, laundry service, or currency exchanges. While on board, guests may choose to learn about their upcoming destinations or even try a new hobby from an expert in fields like photography, wine tasting, bridge, or art. Nightly entertainment, gourmet food, spa treatments, and fitness classes fill the time between ports.

Related: This Action-packed Alaska Cruise Lets You Explore the Wilderness by Ship, Kayak, and Dogsled

Naturally, an around-the-world cruise requires planning, time, and money. The cruises range from 100 days to 245 days, although most companies allow travelers to choose one or more segments of a full cruise. Based on which ports will be visited and where to embark or disembark, many guests select just part of a world cruise. Among the many details to consider are time in each port, days at sea, amenities, stateroom, vessel size, weather, and what is included in the cost. It’s important to book early to secure desired dates and accommodations, with many of these cruises reserved years in advance.

We’ve looked at some around-the-world cruise offerings from major companies for anyone who sees a voyage in their future. Costs, itinerary, and availability might change, but these examples should provide enough detail to inspire the imagination.

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Viking Cruises: 'Ultimate World Cruise'

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Aboard the Viking Sun, guests on the full cruise will visit six continents, 59 countries, and 112 ports. The world cruise is composed of two segments: “Viking World Treasures” (127 days, London to Los Angeles) and “Viking World Wonders” (119 days, Los Angeles to London)

Aug. 31, 2019 – (245 days) London – London (from $89,990 per guest based on double occupancy), vikingcruises.com

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Crystal Cruises: 'Epic Empires and Idyllic Isles'

Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Aboard the Crystal Serenity, this southern hemisphere journey will start in Miami and explore destinations that include passage through the Panama Canal, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Israel, Suez Canal, Petra, Sicily, and Rome.

Jan. 6, 2020 – April 20, 2020 (105 days) Miami – Rome (from $30,922 per guest based on double occupancy), crystalcruises.com

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Crystal Cruises: 'Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders'

Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Guests will board the Crystal Serenity in Miami and experience ports that include Puerta Vallarta, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Australia, Vietnam, China, Japan, India, Dubai, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and France.

Jan. 21, 2021 – May 11 2021 (110 days) Miami – London (from $36,004 per guest based on double occupancy), crystalcruises.com

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Silversea: 'Legends of Cruising – World Cruise 2020'

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

The Silver Whisper will take guests to 62 ports including Buenos Aires, Valparaiso, Easter Island, Tahiti, Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Mumbai, Rome, Lisbon, Dublin, and Amsterdam.

Jan. 6, 2020 - May 25, 2020 (140 days) Fort Lauderdale – Amsterdam (from $62,000 per guest based on double occupancy), silversea.com

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Regent Seven Seas: 'Navigate the World'

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Seven Seas Mariner will visit ports that include Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Dubai, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Bermuda, Florida, Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Jan. 24, 2020 – June 4, 2020 (131 nights) San Francisco – San Francisco (from $66,799 per guest based on double occupancy), rssc.com

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Seabourn Cruises: 'Tracing the Equator'

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

The Seabourn Sojourn will make stops that include Cartagena, Barbados, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Madagascar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.

Jan. 4, 2020 – April 29, 2020 (116 days) Miami – Sydney (from $52,999 per guest based on double occupancy), seabourn.com

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Cunard: 'The World Voyage'

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Aboard the Queen Mary 2, guests will visit ports in Portugal, Italy, Egypt (Suez Canal), Petra, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Australia, and South Africa.

Jan.10, 2020 – April 18, 2020 (99 nights) Southampton, England – Southampton (from $17,390 per guest based on double occupancy), cunard.com

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Princess Cruise Lines: 'Pacific Princess World Cruise'

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

The Pacific Princess World Cruise offers shorter segments with various ports of embarkation that include Hawaii and Fort Lauderdale. Ports include Honolulu, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, France, South Africa, England, Fort Lauderdale, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Jan. 20, 2020 - (111 days) Los Angeles – Los Angeles (from $23,999 per guest based on double occupancy), princess.com

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Oceania Cruises: 'Around the World in 180 Days'

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Aboard the Insignia, guests will visit ports that include Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, L.A., Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Korea, Japan, Russia, Canada, and Oregon.

Jan. 8, 2020 – July 5, 2020 (180 days) Miami – San Francisco (from $37,799 per guest based on double occupancy), oceaniacruises.com

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MSC Cruises: 'World Cruise 2020'

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

The MSC Magnifica will take guests to 43 destinations including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and Oman.

Jan. 5, 2020 – April 30, 2020 (116 nights) Genoa, Italy – Genoa (from $37,199 per guests based on double occupancy), msccruiseusa.com

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