Top World Cruises for Checking Off Your Bucket List Destinations

World cruises are the ultimate travel adventure — you visit dozens of countries while unpacking just once. Here’s a look at the best world cruises for 2027 and 2028.

What Is a World Cruise?

A world cruise is a long voyage that takes you to multiple continents on a single trip. These sailings typically last anywhere from 90 to nearly 200 days. You can visit bucket-list destinations like the Panama Canal and the Great Wall of China — all on one ticket.

Both budget and luxury cruise lines offer these epic voyages. The longer time at sea means higher prices, so planning ahead is key. The best cabins can sell out years in advance, so don’t wait too long to decide.

Things to Consider Before Booking

Think carefully about the cabin type you’ll be living in for several months. Some fares include Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities, and even flights. Adding those perks up can make a higher-priced fare a better value in the long run.

Best World Cruises for 2027 and 2028

Best Value: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers a 132-night world cruise aboard the recently renovated MSC Magnifica. The ship now features an upscale MSC Yacht Club section, a new spa, and a refreshed gym. The voyage begins in Genoa, Italy, and includes a passage through the Panama Canal.

The fare includes 15 free shore excursions, extended port stays, and seven overnight stops. Those overnight stops include Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Sydney, and other exciting destinations. You also get 30% off laundry service during the voyage, which is a nice perk on a long trip.

Shorter segments of 34 or 51 nights are available if you can’t commit to the full sailing. Departs January 5, 2027. Fares start around $20,000 per person.

Best for Traditional Cruising: Cunard

Cunard is the gold standard for classic, elegant ocean travel. Think white-gloved waiters, ballroom dancing, and formal evening dress codes. The cruise line’s 109-day world voyage sails aboard Queen Victoria, which carries about 2,061 passengers.

The itinerary includes unique stops like Dakar, Senegal, and Manila, Philippines. World voyage guests enjoy cocktail parties, a gala dinner ashore, a commemorative gift, and access to a private lounge. Shorter voyage segments are also available.

Departs January 10, 2027. Fares start around $16,000 per person.

Best for Culture: Viking

Viking offers a culturally rich world cruise with a relaxed Scandinavian style. The voyage departs from Los Angeles and heads straight into the Pacific toward Australia. It covers 27 countries with one included shore excursion at every port.

The itinerary features 15 overnight stays at destinations across the globe. You’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Great Barrier Reef and the Statue of Liberty in New York. The fare includes business-class flights, a drinks package, Wi-Fi, and free spa access.

Departs January 14, 2028. Fares start around $55,000 per person.

Best for the Longest Voyage: Azamara

If you want the longest world cruise available, Azamara delivers with an impressive 188-night itinerary. The sailing departs from San Francisco aboard the small-ship Azamara Quest, which holds just 710 guests. The voyage visits 37 countries, 103 destinations, and five continents.

The ship’s smaller size is a major advantage. It can access ports that larger ships simply cannot reach, like the Kiel Canal in Germany or docking right at The Bund in Shanghai. The voyage includes 50 late-night stays and 15 overnight stops in cities like Tokyo and Cartagena.

You leave in January and return to Copenhagen in July — just in time to enjoy summer. Departs January 5, 2027. Fares start around $55,000 per person.

Best for Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas offers 141 days of all-inclusive luxury cruising aboard Seven Seas Splendor. The sailing departs from Miami and wraps up in New York, covering 40 countries, six continents, and 71 ports of call. Everything is included — Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities, spa access, and shore excursions.

The ship carries just 750 guests but employs around 567 crew members. That ratio means you get exceptional service throughout the voyage. Guests staying in penthouse suites and above also receive their own personal butler.

Departs January 11, 2027. Fares start around $90,000 per person.

Best Pacific-Focused Voyage: Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a 129-day world cruise aboard Coral Princess. The voyage departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and ends in Los Angeles, California. It visits 60 ports around the world, with extra time devoted to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Focusing on the Pacific region helps keep the overall cost lower than some other world cruise options. The ship holds about 2,000 guests but won’t feel as crowded as today’s massive megaships. Fun features include outdoor movie screenings and wearable tech that helps you navigate the ship and order food and drinks from anywhere on board.

Departs January 6, 2027. Fares start around $20,000 per person.

Ready to Plan Your World Cruise?

A world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. The key is knowing what’s included in your fare and choosing the right ship for your travel style. Whether you love luxury, culture, or just a great deal, there’s a world cruise option on this list for you.

• Book early — the best cabins sell out fast, sometimes years ahead
• Compare what’s included — excursions, flights, and Wi-Fi add up quickly
• Consider shorter segments if a full world cruise doesn’t fit your schedule or budget
• Think about departure and arrival ports that work best for U.S. travelers