Expanding World Voyage Options: More Cruise Lines Join the Trend
The world of cruising is witnessing an exciting expansion, with more cruise lines adding extensive world voyage options to their itineraries. This trend, which was once the exclusive realm of the most upscale cruise lines, now spans a range of market segments, including luxury, premium, mainstream, and even expedition cruising.
Royal Caribbean International’s Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night journey which began in December, marked a significant shift in the industry, appealing to a broader audience beyond traditional seven-day cruisers. This diversification indicates a growing interest in more extended and immersive cruise experiences.
World cruises generally operate between January and April, often spanning from East Coast to West Coast ports in the U.S. or vice versa. However, recent years have seen innovative itinerary changes, such as longitudinal cruises traveling from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and circumnavigations starting outside the U.S., in Europe or Asia.
World cruise durations vary, with average voyages lasting over 100 days. However, shorter segments are available for those unable to commit to the full itinerary. Prices range widely, with fares starting at around $15,000 per person and reaching up to $100,000, depending on the cruise line.
Highlights of 2025 World Cruises:
- Azamara: A 155-night world cruise departs San Diego on January 6, ending in Southampton on June 11 aboard Azamara Onward. The journey includes 46 late-night port stays or overnights in 37 countries, with fares starting at $39,999 per person.
- Cunard: The 111-night world cruise on Queen Anne sails roundtrip from Hamburg, featuring over 30 ports and nine overnights, with fares starting at $17,869 per person.
- Holland America: Offers two itineraries, a 124-day and a 133-day cruise, departing from Fort Lauderdale and visiting dozens of countries, with fares starting at $24,999 and $26,399 respectively.
- MSC: A world cruise of up to 116 nights on MSC Magnifica begins on January 4 and ends on May 1, calling at 50 ports in 21 countries, with fares starting at $15,079 per person.
- Oceania: A 180-day east-to-west circumnavigation on Insignia, visiting 89 ports in 32 countries, with fares starting at $48,399 per person.
- Princess: Two world cruises scheduled, including a 116-day voyage on Island Princess and a 113-day adventure on Crown Princess, with fares starting at $19,998 and $15,248, respectively.
- Regent Seven Seas: A 150-night world cruise, the longest in the company’s history, embarking from Miami, with two-for-one fares starting at $90,699.
- Silversea: A 136-day “Controtempo” world cruise on Silver Dawn, visiting 59 ports in 30 countries, with fares starting at $81,900 per person.
- Viking: An 87-day longitudinal world cruise “From the Arctic to Antarctica” on Viking Octantis, with fares starting at $74,995 per person.
This expansion in world voyage options reflects a growing desire among travelers for longer, more in-depth cruise experiences, catering to a diverse range of preferences and budgets. Cruise lines are responding to this trend by offering a variety of itineraries, ensuring that the world cruise experience is more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.