Unforgettable World Cruises That Will Take You to Every Destination on Your Bucket List

World cruises are the ultimate travel experience — you unpack once and wake up in a new corner of the globe almost every day.

What Is a World Cruise?

A world cruise is a long voyage that visits multiple continents. These trips typically run anywhere from 90 to nearly 200 days. You can check off bucket-list spots like the Panama Canal and the Great Wall of China — all on one trip.

Both budget-friendly and luxury cruise lines offer world cruises. The more time you spend at sea, the higher the price tag. That said, many fares bundle in extras like Wi-Fi, excursions, gratuities, and even flights.

One important tip: book early. The best cabins on world cruises sell out fast — sometimes years in advance.

Here’s a look at some of the top world cruises available for 2027 and 2028.

Best Value World Cruise: MSC Cruises

If you want a world cruise without breaking the bank, MSC Cruises is worth a close look. The recently updated MSC Magnifica holds up to 2,550 guests. The ship now features an upscale MSC Yacht Club area, a new spa, and a refreshed gym.

This 132-night voyage starts in Genoa, Italy and includes a trip through the Panama Canal. MSC throws in 15 free shore excursions with your fare. You’ll also get extended time ashore and seven overnight stops in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Sydney.

Bonus perks include 30% off laundry service — a small but handy detail on a trip this long. Not ready to commit to the full voyage? Shorter segments of 34 or 51 nights are also available.

Departs: January 5, 2027 | Starting price: From £16,069 per person

Best for Traditional Cruising: Cunard

Cunard is the gold standard for classic ocean travel. Think white-gloved waiters, ballroom dancing, and formal evening attire. If you love old-school elegance at sea, this is your cruise line.

The voyage sails aboard the Queen Victoria, which carries around 2,061 passengers. The 109-day itinerary features some unique stops, including Dakar, Senegal and Manila in the Philippines. You can also enjoy theater shows or curl up with a book from the ship’s library.

World voyage guests enjoy special perks like cocktail parties, a gala dinner ashore, a commemorative gift, and access to a private lounge with a dedicated concierge. Shorter segments are available if you can’t do the full trip.

Departs: January 10, 2027 | Starting price: From £12,899 per person

Best for Culture: Viking

Viking brings a calm, Scandinavian feel to world cruising. The ship departs from Los Angeles and heads straight into the Pacific toward Australia. The vibe is relaxed and refined — no casinos, no kids’ clubs, just adults enjoying the world.

Every port visit comes with an included shore excursion across 27 countries. The itinerary features 15 overnight stays, including stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Great Barrier Reef. The voyage even ends in London.

The fare includes business-class flights, a drinks package, Wi-Fi, and complimentary spa access. For culture lovers who want a well-rounded, all-inclusive experience, Viking is tough to beat.

Departs: January 14, 2028 | Starting price: From £44,490 per person

Best for the Longest World Cruise: Azamara

If you want the longest world cruise on the market, Azamara takes the crown at 188 nights. The ship is the Azamara Quest, a smaller vessel with capacity for just 710 guests. It departs from San Francisco and visits 37 countries, 103 destinations, and five continents.

The small ship size is a big advantage here. The Quest can dock in ports that larger ships can’t reach — like sailing into the heart of Shanghai to dock right along The Bund. Highlights include 15 overnight stops in destinations like Tokyo and Cartagena, Colombia.

The voyage wraps up in Copenhagen in mid-July. That means you leave in the winter and arrive home just in time for summer.

Departs: January 5, 2027 | Starting price: From £44,242 per person

Best for Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For travelers who want the best of everything, Regent Seven Seas delivers 141 days of true luxury. The Seven Seas Splendor departs from Miami and visits 40 countries across six continents. The voyage ends in New York, making it a great round-trip option for American cruisers.

Everything is included in the fare — Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities, spa access, and shore excursions. Guests in penthouse suites and higher even get their own personal butler. The ship carries around 750 guests and has roughly 567 crew members on board, so the service ratio is excellent.

With 71 ports of call, you’ll rarely feel like you’re sitting still. This is world cruising at its finest.

Departs: January 11, 2027 | Starting price: From £72,619 per person

Best for a British Touch: P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is launching its longest-ever world cruise in 2028. The ship is the Arcadia, carrying up to 2,094 guests. The 124-night voyage visits all corners of the globe and sails round-trip from Southampton.

The onboard experience has a distinctly British feel. Expect afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches, plus dining options like celebrity chef Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill. There’s also a Sindhu specialty restaurant serving British-Indian cuisine.

Cruise highlights include an overnight stay in San Francisco and a transit through the Panama Canal. For British-American travelers who appreciate familiar comforts mixed with world adventures, this one checks a lot of boxes.

Departs: January 6, 2028 | Starting price: From £17,789 per person

Best Mid-Range Price: Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a 129-day world cruise that visits 60 ports around the globe. The voyage sails aboard the Coral Princess and departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It ends in Los Angeles, California — making it very convenient for American travelers on both coasts.

The itinerary leans heavily toward the Pacific, with more time spent around Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This focus helps keep overall costs lower than many other world cruises. The ship holds up to 2,000 guests but won’t feel as packed as a mega-ship.

Fun onboard features include outdoor movie screenings under the stars. Guests also get access to wearable tech that helps you navigate the ship and order food and drinks from anywhere on board. It’s a smart, tech-friendly touch for a long voyage.

Departs: January 6, 2027 | Starting price: From £15,819 per person

Tips Before You Book a World Cruise

• Book early. Top cabins and popular itineraries fill up fast — sometimes years ahead of departure.
• Check what’s included. Some fares cover Wi-Fi, excursions, drinks, and tips. Others don’t. Read the fine print carefully.
• Think about your cabin. You’ll be living in it for months. A slightly bigger room or better location on the ship is worth considering.
• Look at shorter segments. Several cruise lines let you join for part of the voyage — a great option if you can’t commit to the full trip.
• Factor in flights. Some fares include airfare. If yours doesn’t, be sure to add that cost to your budget.

A world cruise is one of the most memorable travel experiences you can have. Whether you’re drawn to luxury, culture, or value, there’s an option out there that fits what you’re looking for.