Best Around-the-World Cruises to Get Your Money’s Worth

Around-the-world cruises are ideal for those looking to explore unique parts of the world without the hassle of planning multiple trips to get there. Whether you’re staying onboard for a segment of the cruise or the full several months, you’ll have the opportunity to visit multiple destinations, all while traveling by sea. 

Enjoy luxurious onboard amenities and unique off-board excursions as you experience some of the most beautiful wonders in the world. Read on to discover the best around-the-world cruises to embark on in 2025 and 2026.

Princess Cruises Set the Standard for Unmatched Value 

Princess Cruises, founded nearly 60 years ago, has established itself as a leader in international cruising. It's a great cruise line for all travelers, including those traveling with kids and families. Additionally, the World Cruises offered by Princess Cruises has been voted 'Best Cruise Itineraries' 12 times by Recommend Magazine. 

Those traveling on the World Cruises can experience benefits such as the MedallionClass® experience, high-class entertainment and dining options, as well as Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages for an additional cost.

1. World Cruise [2025] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Crown Princess 
• Days: 113
• Countries: 28 
• Destinations: 49
• Price: Starting at $15,249 

The 2025 World Cruise itinerary spans 113 days, covering 28 countries and almost 50 destinations across six continents. The cruise departs from and returns to Sydney, Australia, making it necessary for travelers from the United States to plan for embarkation. During the trip, passengers will traverse Indonesia, Asia, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

The Crown Princess, the largest cruise ship to host a World Cruise for Princess Cruises, is ideal for travelers seeking ample onboard entertainment and opportunities to meet fellow travelers. The 2026 World Cruise follows a similar itinerary to the 2025 voyage but extends to 114 days and includes visits to 31 countries.

Royal Caribbean Delivers Innovation at Sea 

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines for teens and adults, offering maturely curated world cruises for travelers seeking extensive journeys to explore numerous destinations in one trip. Passengers on Royal Caribbean World Cruises can enjoy exclusive benefits and amenities such as business-class airfare, premium transportation and deluxe beverage packages.

2. Ultimate World Cruise [2025] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Serenade of the Seas 
• Days: 274 nights
• Countries: 67
• Destinations: 150
• Price: Starting at $59,999

The Ultimate World Cruise is the longest voyage on our list, spanning over 274 nights and visiting more than 60 countries. This nearly year-long cruise is divided into four segments, giving cruisers the flexibility to join one or all four segments. 

During the Ultimate World Cruise, passengers will be able to visit eight world wonders, including the Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer and The Colosseum. Notably, 40 of the ports of call visited are either rarely visited by Royal Caribbean or brand new to the cruise line.

Feel Culturally Immersed With Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises is renowned for its intimate cruising experience and exploration programs that are fit for those with the travel bug—that’s why it’s one of the most popular cruise lines for adults. Offering the most around-the-world cruises on our list, Viking provides four itineraries for 2025. 

While some trips are still available for 2024, bookings are limited. All Viking's World Cruises have exclusive benefits for travelers, including Business Class Air, free visa services and a Silver Spirits beverage package.

3. Viking World Voyage II [2025] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Viking Sky 
• Days: 163
• Countries: 29
• Destinations: 78
• Price: Starting at $74,995

The 2025 Viking World Voyage II spans 163 days and covers 78 destinations across the globe. Cruisers can visit some of the world’s most popular destinations, each offering unique excursions and cultural intrigue. 

The cruise itinerary begins in Los Angeles and then continues to French Polynesia and Australia. Afterward, travelers will explore Southeast Asia and India before concluding the journey with travel throughout Europe, ultimately ending the trip in New York City.

4. Viking World Cruise [2025]

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Viking Sky 
• Days: 138
• Countries: 28
• Destinations: 85
• Price: Starting at $59,995

The Viking World Cruise features a comprehensive itinerary spanning the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Europe and even North America. With overnight stays in 11 ports, passengers can immerse themselves fully in several destinations. 

The journey begins in Fort Lauderdale and concludes in London (Greenwich), England, with the option to continue traveling through Europe if desired.

5. Viking World Journeys [2025 + 2026] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Viking Sky 
• Days: 121
• Countries: 23
• Price: Starting at $54,995

The Viking World Journeys is the shortest of the three voyages at 121 days and covers 23 countries. However, it’s still jam-packed with amazing destinations and experiences, including sailing the Coral Sea, seeing the Borobudur Temple in Java, Indonesia and touring the Hanging Gardens in Haifa, Israel.

Azamara Changes the Way You See the World

Azamara is currently offering bookings for its 2025 and 2026 around-the-world cruises. While aboard, passengers can indulge in various exclusive amenities, such as bonus onboard credit, transportation transfers, cultural and special events and weekly laundry service valued at $22,000. The cruise itineraries feature immersive experiences, optional shore excursions and land programs to book while aboard. 

6. World Voyage [2025]

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Azamara Onward 
• Days: 155
• Countries: 37 
• Destinations: 75 
• Price: Starting at $39,999

The 2025 Azamara world voyage begins in San Diego and concludes in Southampton, United Kingdom, spanning a total of 155 nights and visiting 37 countries. Throughout the journey, passengers will be able to explore numerous breathtaking destinations, including Athens, Greece and Bora Bora in French Polynesia.

The cruise is divided into ten segments, with an optional pre-extension trip available. Travelers can choose to embark on the entire voyage, experiencing all ten segments or join the cruise at one of its ports of call for a segment of the world voyage.

7. World Cruise [2026]

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Azamara Onward  
• Days: 155
• Countries: 36
• Destinations: 75
• Price: Starting at $38,999

The 2026 world cruise is just as exciting, with an itinerary spanning 155 days starting in Miami, Florida and concluding in Barcelona, Spain. While aboard, passengers will have the opportunity to witness incredible wonders, including Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal. Similar to the 2025 voyage, cruisers can join the world cruise for a segment, several segments or the entirety of the voyage.

Cunard Redefines Ocean Travel

Cunard is one of the oldest cruise lines with a rich history of offering amazing world cruises. While travelers can embark on longer world voyages, Cunard additionally offers shorter voyages ranging from 85 to 17 nights for travelers looking to explore the world on a smaller scale. 

Passengers embarking on a World Cruise with Cunard can enjoy exclusive benefits such as access to a private lounge and dedicated World Voyage concierge service. Notably, Cunard provides several departure points for its world cruises. Early bookers have the option of departing from United States ports, including New York City, while also several European ports are available as starting points for the cruises.

8. Maiden World Voyage [2025] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Queen Anne  
• Days: 111
• Destinations: 30
• Price: Starting at $16,149

The Maiden World Voyage for 2025 marks the inaugural journey of the ship, Queen Anne. This is Cunard's first new cruise ship in 12 years, promising impeccable detail and luxurious environments onboard. Passengers can embark either in Hamburg on January 7, 2025, or in Southampton on January 9th. 

The voyage will follow a transatlantic route, including transit through the Panama Canal, and continue through the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Middle East before transiting the Suez Canal and returning through the Mediterranean to either Hamburg or Southampton.

Holland America Provides Extraordinary Experiences for Guests

Holland America offers a yearly Grand World Voyage trip, traditionally known for its immersive experience. While their world cruises in the past lasted 37 days, shorter compared to some, it still provides a substantial journey for passengers seeking a longer cruise without committing to a several month-long trip. Passengers can enjoy exclusive full-cruise benefits, including air credit, onboard credit and complimentary laundry services. 

9. Grand World Voyage

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Zuiderdam 
• Days: 124
• Countries: 32
• Destinations: 46
• Price: Starting at $24,999

The 2025 Grand World Voyage spans 124 days and will visit 46 ports in 32 countries, with nine overnight stays. The journey begins in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and continues through the Panama Canal to the South Pacific. 

Passengers will then explore the Australian Coast, including the Great Barrier Reef, before visiting ports throughout Southeast Asia and the eastern coast of Africa, followed by transit through the Suez Canal. Finally, the voyage concludes with a journey through the Mediterranean before returning to Ft. Lauderdale.

Additionally, Holland America offers a 55-day version of the Grand World Voyage for passengers preferring a shorter trip. Holland America is also set to announce the 2026 Grand World Voyage soon, which will be the longest cruise yet, spanning 132 days and visiting all seven continents.

Oceania Cruises Excels in Culinary Expertise 

Oceania Cruises currently offers two distinctly different world cruises for 2025 and 2026, each with its unique destinations and routes. However, as a small luxury cruise line, you can expect similar amenity offerings on both cruise ships, including free shore excursions, laundry services, unlimited Wi-Fi and gourmet specialty dining.

10. A Rare East-to-West Circumnavigation [2025]

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Insignia  
• Days: 180
• Countries: 32
• Destinations: 89
• Price: Starting at $54,099 

The 2025 Oceania Cruise offers travelers an unforgettable journey from East to West, exploring cultural wonders, breathtaking sights and engaging excursions. Cruisers will have the opportunity to visit 32 countries, including 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

The cruise itinerary includes 21 nights, with multiple two-night stays in popular destinations such as Cape Town and Auckland. The journey commences in Miami and spans six months, concluding in New York City.

11. A New Era of Global Exploration [2026]

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Vista 
• Days: 180
• Countries: 43
• Destinations: 101
• Price: Starting at $41,999

The 2026 Oceania World Cruise stands out for its unique itinerary, taking cruisers to all four corners of the globe. Spanning over six months, the world cruise covers 32 countries, including 81 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 101 ports of call. 

The journey begins in Miami, Florida, where passengers embark on a six-week voyage through South America and then travel up the western coast to North America. 

Afterward, the cruise continues through the South Pacific to Southeast Asia, with explorations in destinations such as Australia, French Polynesia and Indonesia. The journey concludes with a cruise through the Mediterranean Sea, British Isles and the Nordic region before returning to Miami.

Regent Seven Seas Leads in Luxury Cruising

Regent Seven Seas offers some of the most luxurious around-the-world cruises. Both the 2025 and 2026 cruises start in January, perfect for kickstarting the New Year. The world cruise packages include exclusive amenities, such as 2-in-1 all-inclusive fares, round-trip first-class air and free luxury amenities. While onboard, cruisers have plenty of fun things to do, like evening entertainment options.

12. Navigate the World (Away in Wonder) [2025]

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Seven Seas Mariner 
• Days: 168 days
• Number of countries: 25 
• Destinations: 97 
• Price: Starting at $89,149

The 2025 'Navigate the World (Away in Wonder)' cruise package offers two routes: Miami to San Francisco and Miami to Miami. On both routes, you’ll sail aboard the Seven Seas Mariner for 150 to 168 nights, depending on your package. From Miami to San Francisco, you’ll visit nearly 100 ports of call across 25 countries spanning five continents.

13. The Sense of Adventure [2026]

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Seven Seas Mariner 
• Days: 154 days
• Countries: Over 40 
• Destinations: 45
• Price: Starting at $96,599

The 2025 cruise is likely filling up; therefore, Regent Seven Seas is now offering bookings for its 2026 world cruise, “The Sense of Adventure.” Traveling aboard the Seven Seas Mariner, you'll embark on a 154-day journey covering six continents, with over 40 countries and more than 75 ports of call. Destinations include 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and popular ports such as Lisbon, Portugal and Cape Town, South Africa.

Seabourn Provides a Refined All-Inclusive Experience 

The luxury cruise line Seabourn offers around-the-world cruises that are so popular that all four 2024 cruise trips are sold out. Known for its small ship cruising, Seabourn provides a variety of luxurious amenities for its guests to enjoy while aboard their cruise ships. 

This is especially true for their world voyages, where guests are offered above-and-beyond luxuries such as an upgraded Wi-Fi package, increased shipboard credits, medical services packages and a two-night hotel stay before boarding.

14. Ring of Fire [2026] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Seabourn Sojourn  
• Days: 129 
• Countries: 14
• Destinations: 63
• Price: Starting at $80,999

The Seabourn World Cruise for 2026 offers a unique journey through the Ring of Fire—a tectonic string of volcanoes and earthquakes in the Pacific Ocean. Spanning 40,000 kilometers, the Ring of Fire boasts 452 volcanoes along its horseshoe-like shape. During the cruise, you'll visit 63 destinations in 14 countries, covering 28,000 nautical miles. 

The cruise ship will navigate through the volcanic islands of the South Pacific, then proceed along the coasts of Australia and the islands of Japan before crossing the North Pacific to explore the Alaskan coastline.

Silversea Shines in Ultra-Luxury 

Silversea offers a world cruise every year, each distinguished by its exploration, discovery of hidden gems and unique navigation paths. For frequent cruisers, Silversea promises a fresh traveling experience coupled with luxurious amenities exclusive to the cruise line. 

Upon booking a World Cruise ticket, passengers can enjoy benefits such as shore excursions, private executive transfers and exclusive onboard events that are solely for those participating in the World Cruise.

15. Controtempo [2025] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Silverdawn 
• Days: 136
• Countries: 30 
• Destinations: 59 
• Price: Request a quote

Named the Controtempo, the Silversea 2025 World Cruise is said to be “off-beat” for its off-season schedule and off-the-beaten-path destinations. The 136-day voyage encompasses 59 ports across 30 countries, allowing travelers to explore remarkable large cities such as Osaka, Istanbul and Lisbon. 

Additionally, passengers will have the opportunity to discover smaller gems like the Faroe Islands and Nuuk.

16. The Curious and the Sea [2026] 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

• Ship: Silverdawn 
• Days: 140
• Countries: 37
• Destinations: 70
• Price: Starting at $104,600

The Curious and the Sea, the 2026 Silversea World Cruise, is ideal for well-seasoned travelers eager to explore rarely-visited spots like Easter Island in French Polynesia. Cruisers will stay onboard for 140 days, making stops at 70 ports throughout Australia, French Polynesia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. 

Whether witnessing the beautiful blue waters of the Cook Islands or marveling at the mysterious Moai statues on Easter Island, Chile, this voyage promises unforgettable experiences.

FAQ

Below are commonly asked questions about around-the-world cruises.

How Much Would It Cost to Cruise Around the World?

The average fare for an around-the-world cruise depends on the cruise line, accommodations and the amenities package you choose. However, by averaging the starting prices listed above, we estimate it to cost approximately $55,000, with a common range between $40,000 and $60,000. 

What Is the Highest Quality Cruise Line?

The most luxurious cruise line in our list of around-the-world cruises is Silversea. The fares are set at a higher price point, starting at $104,600. Silversea is a small luxury cruise line with ships ranging from 100 to 600 passengers. 

Cruisers will enjoy a more intimate experience with a higher crew-to-guest ratio. Plus, the pricing is all-inclusive, granting passengers access to excursions at the ports, as well as beverages and fine dining onboard.

Cruise Around the World With AAA 

Ready to set sail on an unforgettable cruising adventure? Book the best world cruises with AAA and ensure you’ll have peace of mind during your once-in-a-lifetime trip. With a AAA Membership, you'll enjoy other perks onboard, including select discounts and onboard spending credits.