Guide to around-the-world cruises

There’s a certain romance to the word “circumnavigation”, which recalls the golden Age of Sail or the grand tours of the Victorians. Round-the-world cruises offer the best parts of those bygone eras, balanced out with modern comforts like luxury suites and expert guides.

Here, we’ve collected some of the most frequently asked questions about world cruising to help you sort through the many options. If you’re curious about any other aspects of these voyages, our cruise specialists can help you unravel exactly what you’re looking for.

Do round-the-world cruises go around the world?

It depends. Some actually make the full circumnavigation, while most start in the UK or the USA and make their way to somewhere in the Pacific. But each individual cruise line has its own route, which usually changes from year to year.

You might, for instance, transit the Panama Canal or head round Chile’s Cape Horn to glimpse Magellanic penguins and glaciers. Some lines opt to go around Africa to the south, while others bypass it by threading through the Suez Canal (or, in some cases, both).

Do I have to take the whole route?

Not at all. Every line allows passengers to sail on specific legs or segments, only taking in the west coast of South America or the islands of the Pacific, for example. Many of these legs are designed around themes — cultural festivals, perhaps, or wildlife watching.

How long does a round-the-world cruise take?

If you’re sailing the whole route, it’s usually several months, but if you choose to take part in just one leg, you’re likely to travel for two weeks or so. That said, some lines offer shorter routes, with fewer stops — a good option if you’re limited on time.

How are world cruises different from shorter ones?

A short one- or two-week cruise is a lovely trip, but those who take the long world cruises say they love the sense of community that forms among the guests on board. Additionally, it’s a rare chance to see dozens of countries quickly and easily, while only unpacking once.

What kind of experiences might I have on a world cruise?

On-shore experiences are a big part of the attraction of a world cruise and, of course, they vary from one ship to another. You can probably expect a range of options at each port of call, some of which need to be booked well in advance (and might require an extra fee).

There are often active experiences, like whipping through the rainforest canopy on a zip-line in Costa Rica or cycling down a mountainside in New Zealand. Cultural activities might include an opera performance in Venice, a cooking class in Cochin, or a shrine tour in Tokyo. Guided tours, sometimes on foot, provide a good introduction to cities, and vineyard visits, with tastings, are common in wine regions.

There are often options if you have restricted mobility, including coaches and smaller vans to help you navigate uneven terrain. On some lines, you can also opt for a private tour of the port, tailored to you.

How do I choose a ship or route for my world cruise?

The right ship and route for you depends on so many things: when and where you want to sail, how long you’ll spend at sea, your preferred style of cabin and amenities, your budget, and your style of shore experiences, just to name a few of the factors.

With so many choices, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide, which is why our cruise specialists can help. They’ve personally visited the ships and are intimately familiar with the cruise lines and routes, so they can narrow down your scope to a handful of options.

How do I choose my cabin for the world cruise?

Again, your specialist will be your guide here. They have detailed information on each category of cabin or suite and will help you choose the one that suits you best. That said, most world cruises are fairly long, and you’ll want the best option possible, making it worth a slight splurge if you can.

Can I extend my cruise with time on land?

Whether you’re doing an entire world cruise or just one segment, your specialist can add time before or after (or both) for on-land explorations. As always, we’ll build your trip around your passions. That might mean a week packed with cooking classes, wine tastings, and food tours in Lisbon, or it might be a private tour of San Francisco's Chinatown and an after-hours visit to Alcatraz.

Are world cruises a good idea for solo travelers?

With a ready-made community of fellow travelers, not to mention an abundance of structured social opportunities on the ship, world cruises are an excellent option for those who want to go it alone.

Are world cruises worth it?

A world cruise is a rare opportunity to see dozens of cities, including some of the most popular sights in the world, in one fell swoop. It’s arguably the most efficient way to see the highest number of countries in the least amount of time and with the least amount of effort. If that sounds like something you’ll enjoy, a world cruise might be a great option for you.

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