Best For Itinerary Collectors: Silversea
Silver Whisper resumes her feted World Cruise in 2022: a lovelysize for exploration, with 388 guests in an elegant and low keyenvironment perfect for the sophisticated traveller. Spacioussuites, most with their own verandah, ensure that you can escape toyour private space at any time. Sister ship Silver Shadow, alsoaccommodating just 388 guests, takes up the baton for the 2023World Cruise.
Meanwhile, new for 2022 is the truly exciting first everExpedition World Cruise, on the 254-guest Silver Cloud. This voyagewas originally due to sail in 2021 and had completely sold out, buthas now been rescheduled for 2022. Exploring way off the beatentrack, this promises to be a truly unique journey of discovery.
Best For Luxury Value: Crystal Cruises
The lovely Crystal Serenity, a World Cruise veteran, carries amaximum of 980 guests in comfortable sea view accommodation. Werecommend you select the Penthouse category or higher to give youlots of extra space. Dining stands out on Crystal, and you can alsoexpect an excellent and busy daytime programme for those days atsea, along with some outstanding and varied eveningentertainment.
You have two departures to choose from in 2022 and 2023, and ifyou are ready to plan for 2024, that will be on sale soon too!
Msc Cruises Genoa To Warnemnde
Best for;FamiliesNumber of days;127The ship;This Italian-owned cruise line loves children. MSC Poesia is one of its smaller ships, carrying 908 passengers, and while parents take time out in the spa, little ones can let off steam in the dinosaur-themed play area and childrens clubs. Handy connected family cabins sleep up to four.The itinerary;Circumnavigate from Genoa to Warnemünde with stops including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Sydney.Departs;January 2022
The Mauretania Suite on Cunards Queen Victoria
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Some Final World Cruise Tips
Below are some simple tips from crew that have served on multiple world cruises:
- “Of course the food is good, but on long voyages people start to want home cooking. Just ask for fried eggs and chips, or sausage and mash — it isn’t a problem!”
- “If you are on a ship with fixed seating, change tables during each segment. You’ll want to see new faces.”
- “Stay away from negative complaining people!”
- “Keep a diary that states what you are wearing each day so that when you go back through your pictures you know where you were. Ports tend to blur into each other otherwise.”
- “At the first cocktail party find an officer and make friends. Do the same with the Maitre d’. They can always add some extras in such as hosted officer tables, etc. for nice passengers.”
- “Remember, it is your holiday. So if you are not happy with something, say so straight away, and not at the end. Just do it in a nice way.”
Holland America Line Round
Best for;Wildlife fansNumber of days;127The ship;Holland America Line has partnered with BBC Earth to entertain and educate passengers on the Zaandam. Throughout the cruise, guests will be transported closer to the ocean and natural world through insightful films and concerts. Elsewhere, products using naturally-sourced ingredients are used for treatments in the Greenhouse Spa.The itinerary;Fort Lauderdale round-trip with stays in Tahiti, Adelaide and Cape Town.Departs;January 2023
Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity in Stockholm
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The Cost Of A World Cruise
Several cruise lines already booking short in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, California coast or Mexico have also entered the world-cruise market. Among those companies embarking on world cruises are Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, P & O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seaborn Cruise Line, and Silversea Cruises.
Of that group, the most expensive are Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seaborn Cruise Line, and Silversea Cruises while you can find more affordable fares on Holland America, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises.
Here are two types of itineraries:
This 111-day world cruise round-trip from Los Angeles on Princess Cruises visits 48 ports . Cost: $18,499+
This 180-day world cruise from Los Angeles to New York City on Oceania Cruises travels to Hawaii, French Polynesia, Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, India, South Africa, Namibia, Gambia, Senegal, Spain, France, U.K., Netherlands, Ireland, and Canada. Cost: $39,999+
How To Pick A Cabin
A lot depends on your budget for this one, but if you are going to be at sea for several months, it’s worth splurging on the biggest and best room you can afford. If nothing else, you need plenty of space to store all your clothes.
A suite would be lovely but isn’t necessary. However, if you can afford it, a balcony cabin is probably worth the splurge so you have somewhere to hide away from your fellow globetrotters for those moments of “me” time.
The usual rules apply if you are able to pick your specific cabin. The lower rooms in the center of the ship are the most stable if the sea turns nasty. If you can’t bear being near the water line, choose a cabin higher up but still in the center of the ship. Conversely, cabins at the front and back take the brunt of the movement in a heavy swell, but those at the rear often have wonderful views over the ship’s wake .
Cabins near elevators can be noisy as people return to bed late at night. Staterooms at the back are handy for the self-service buffet on the top deck and the restaurants on the lower decks, which are invariably at the aft end of the ship.
For general tips on how to choose a cabin, read our feature.
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Himalayan Kingdom Of Nepal
3 nights FROM COCHIN, INDIA
Place your palms together and say, ânamasteâ tothe tiny kingdom of Nepal. This breathtaking countrycovers diverse landscapes from the Himalayan Mountainsin the north to the flat expansive plains in the south.Deep gorges, towering mountains, vibrant cultureand charismatic people, Nepal is the ideal destinationfor world travelers. Home to eight of the worldâs 10tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest, and the UNESCOWorld Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the holiestHindu temples, this is one of the most fascinating placeson Earth. As the birthplace of the Buddha, you arecertain to feel a sense of peace as you explore the cityand meet the locals.
Oceania Miami To New York
Best for;Spending most of the year at seaNumber of days;218The ship;A complete bow-to-stern refit has given Oceania Cruises Oceania Insignia ship a lighter, brighter feel. Budding painters can brush up their skills with expert-led sessions in the Artist Loft, while music lovers can extend their repertoire with classical concerts under the stars.The itinerary;Sail around the world starting in Miami and ending in New York with a Panama Canal transit.Departs;December 2022
An MSC Cruises massage room
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World Cruises & Grand Voyages
Achieve countless milestones on an epic World Cruise visiting the worlds most iconic cities and lesser known towns. Equally rewarding yet shorter, Grand Voyages combine two or more itineraries on one seamless journey. Our signature cultural immersion, destination insights and great value place the entire globe within reach.
Luxury World Cruise Itineraries
Many world cruises begin in the USA, sailing from either Florida or California, depending on the route the ship will take. For luxury world cruise itineraries, enjoy tours, hotels and more paired with ultra-luxury cruise lines. With unforgettable scenery to watch pass on your ship and cruise ships to enjoy the finest cuisines, relaxing spas and more, a luxury world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Crystal Cruises Miami To Venice
Best for;Far-flung destinationsNumber of days;127The ship;Relax on Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity with butler service for every cabin. Oenophiles will have plenty of time to hone their skills in the cosy private wine-tasting dining room with a choice of 230 vintage bottles to sip from the ships 10,000-bottle cellar.The itinerary;Miami to Venice across the Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific, South Pacific and Indian Ocean visiting 70 Unesco-listed sites along the way.Departs;January 2023
Egypts Renowned Relics: Luxor & The Pyramids
1 night FROM LUXOR , EGYPT
Expand your mind and indulge your sensesas you experience some of ancient historyâs mostrenowned relics during this unforgettable tour of Egypt.Cross the mighty Nile to the magnificent Valley ofthe Kings and witness the nearby Hatshepsut Temple,built for the second woman to reign as an Egyptianpharaoh. Continue on to the massive statuesof the Colossi of Memnon and tour the renownedLuxor Temple. In Cairo, youâll tour the EgyptianMuseum of Antiquities and enjoy an exquisite lunchbefore experiencing the singular beauty of the GreatPyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
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What Is A World Cruise
A world cruise is a travel experience like no other. Few people get to enjoy the unique pleasures of months of adventure aboard a luxury cruise ship sailing the seven seas.
From the comfortable elegance of your preferred ship to a wide range of activities and entertainment options, your favourite world cruise memories may even be the ones you create on board. Make lifelong friends along the way who share your passion for art, history, culture and travel.
Every cruise ship has its own unique ambience and every world cruise its own itinerary. For some, a full 90 or 120-day world cruise itinerary may not work but thats where we step in. Were here to help find your preferred sector of the journey. Either way, youll experience the ultimate celebrity lifestyle, savour fine dining from dusk til dawn, enjoy attentive service and sleep soundly, soothed by gentle waves before waking to yet another magical destination.
The Value Of A World Cruise
Some world cruises take you to a dozen countries, which is impressive if youre trying to rack up passport stamps. What would it cost if you independently visited six of these countries, including booking airfare to all of those destinations? Say you live in or near Los Angeles and you plan to visit the countries on the Princess Cruises itinerary mentioned above. This means buying plane tickets to two U.S. states and 24 countries. As airfare costs fluctuate greatly, lets say each ticket to a destination is $500 one-way. Youve just spent $13,000 on airfare. This makes the $18,449 world-cruise fare suddenly more affordable, right? And this is before factoring in lodging or food.
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Navigating The Nitpickers: Social Life Onboard
World cruises take on a different rhythm and character with so many passengers onboard for an extended time. This is both a blessing and a curse, and tackling social life on a world cruise is entertainment all to itself.
Dedicated lounges, concierges or events for those making the full cruise make meeting fellow travelers particularly easy. Also, world cruisers are full of loyal repeaters, sometimes booking the same ship and same cabin year after year. Even before the ship sails, there are circles of friends reuniting after nine months apart.
Often, world cruises lead to some great friendships. Schaper says, “I saw some real lasting friendships develop between people who attended regular activities. On the Queen Victoria, the ladies who always attended my needlework corner were so sweet and kept in touch afterwards.”
Beware, though, there can be too much of a good thing. Cliques invariably form. Full world cruisers often stick together and playfully, and sometimes not quite so playfully, look down upon those on for just a segment as “interlopers.”
Or, newfound friends turn sour after a few months onboard. It isn’t uncommon to see minor slights turn into disagreements or outright unpleasantness. And, while a world cruise seems exciting and stimulating, ennui inevitably settles in, passengers become a bit more disgruntled, and complaining becomes a well-practiced art form.
Silversea Fort Lauderdale To Copenhagen
Best for;Luxury cruisingNumber of days;136The ship;With a ratio of 302 staff to 388 guests, there are few requests that wont be met on Silverseas Silver Whisper. This ultra-luxurious all-suite ship is akin to a floating boutique hotel and will tempt you with 24-hour gourmet dining, butler service and fares covering all drinks, tips and some shore excursions in every port of call.The itinerary;Sail from Fort Lauderdale to Copenhagen taking in Antarctica, South Africa and Iceland.Departs;January 2022
Regent Seven Seas Seven Seas Mariner
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Best For Yachting Style: Seabourn
Seabourn don’t always operate a world cruise, usually choosingto offer a selection of grand voyages instead, so when it doeshappen you know it’s going to be particularly special. SeabournSojourn offers 458 guests the chance to travel the world inlaid-back luxury, with a fantastic combination of contemporarystyle and expert hospitality.
Best Cruise Lines For Around The World Cruises
Although there currently are more than twenty major cruise lines in the world, only a select number of them are known for their amazing world cruises. So, if youre looking for, or already planning, an unforgettable around the world cruise, we hereby present you the best cruise lines for world cruises.
Note: Although many do, not all world cruises actually sail around the whole planet, from and to the same port. Some are extended one-way cruises with a different departure and arrival port, while others focus on a specific, large region of the planet, for example, the entire Pacific Ocean. Please review each itinerary carefully with one of our agents.
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The Best World Cruises
Jeannine Williamson
Wednesday May 19 2021, 15:10pm
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Best for;A sense of occasionNumber of days 100The ship;Join the 100th anniversary celebrations of Cunards first world voyage aboard Queen Victoria. Relax on classic steamer chairs by day before donning your best bib and tucker for the gala balls, themed evenings and ballroom dancing that epitomise this luxury line.The itinerary;Round-trip from Southampton with overnight stays in New York, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.Departs;January 2023
Main photo: MSC Cruises, Genoa to Warnemünde on the MSC Poesia
The pool deck on Silverseas Silver Whisper
The Best World Cruises In 2022 And 2023
Those magical words ‘World Cruise’ represent for many theultimate holiday of a lifetime.
Imagine ticking off your whole ‘must see’ bucket list in thecourse of one trip – and without having to pack and unpack. Inthese strange times, a further benefit lies in not having tonegotiate multiple airports and tricky connections, while youtravel in what is going to be one of the safest environments in theworld.
The ships we prefer, with a small passenger complement of under1,000 guests, are perfect if you enjoy lots of space, no queues andhigh standards of attention to detail in all aspects of your trip.As a full World Cruiser , youwill also find that lots of extra treats and bonuses are thrown in,to make your journey extra special.
Don’t wait for prices to go down – they won’t! So book as earlyas you can to get exactly the accommodation to suit you for allthose days away. You will get the best fares, and often there arelots of extra inclusions, such as business class flights.
Not all ‘World Cruises’ are circumnavigations, and there is asurprising variety in itineraries, so take the time to work outyour priorities, and have your expert Mundy cruise consultantadvise you on which will be perfect for you – this is an investmentafter all, so you need to choose well.
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A Hack To Make It Affordable
Ever consider renting out your house or apartment via sites like Airbnb.com or VRBO.com? Imagine raking in cash while sipping margaritas on your private patio in the open ocean. Airbnb.com listings in New York City command between $80 and $144 per night, on average, more during peak season, so if you hosted for the duration of a world cruise, you might put $8,000+ back in your bank account to cover your rent or mortgage.
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Make sure you check about city ordinances, however, as some allow 30-night minimums per reservation. You can always stipulate that in your listing, too. Some condo and apartment buildings are not too keen on long-term guests so its best to check with the landlord or condo association. Another option to find a long-term renter is to contact local universities for leads on graduate students or visiting faculty.
Or, if youre lucky enough to be pondering a movewhether in the same town or out of stateconsider moving your items into a storage unit for rent and mortgage-free living.
Best For Ex Uk: Saga Cruises
Saga Cruises have launched two new sister ships, Spirit ofDiscovery and Spirit of Adventure, which they refer to as’boutique’ ships, with just under 1,000 passengers each.Purpose-built for the British market, they sail year round from theUK. Special features include private transfers from your home tothe ship, interesting dining options, and insurance included inyour fare. All cabins have their own balcony, with dedicated singlecabins for solo travellers.
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