11 Best Around the World Cruise Lines for the Trip of a Lifetime in 2025 and 2026

Around-the-world cruises are ideal for those who want to see multiple locations and 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 of the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit multiple destinations while traveling by sea. For these longer voyages, be prepared to spend more time on the ship in between ports.

With the extended time you’ll be spending onboard, you’ll have more of an opportunity to enjoy your ship’s luxurious amenities and unique off-board excursions as you experience some of the most beautiful wonders in the world with your cruise itinerary. Read on to discover the best around-the-world cruise lines setting sail in 2025 and 2026.

Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean 
Viking Ocean Cruises
Azamara
Cunard
Holland America
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas
Seabourn 
Silversea
Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises was founded nearly 60 years ago and 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 World Cruises can enjoy benefits such as the MedallionClass® experience, high-class entertainment and dining options and Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages at an additional cost.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

For sailors in the United States, the 2025 World Cruise departing from either Los Angeles or Fort Lauderdale will be most convenient, especially with embarkation options from both coasts. The cruise itinerary spans 116 days in ports in 51 destinations within 26 countries. Your specific route and itinerary will depend on your port of departure. Those leaving Los Angeles will first experience Hawaii, Fiji and New Zealand, while those departing Fort Lauderdale will first venture to Colombia, the Panama Canal and Costa Rica. 

The Island Princess ship has a capacity of 2,200 guests and 900 crew members. It is ideal for travelers interested in a variety of activities, entertainment and dining options onboard. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The 2025 World Cruise itinerary departing from and returning to Sydney, Australia, spans 113 days, covering 28 countries and almost 50 destinations across six continents. As a passenger traveling from the United States or any other country, you’ll also need to arrange international flights to Australia — working with a travel agent makes these additional plans easier. 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.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The Circle Pacific World Cruise itinerary offers travelers the chance for a longer stay at sea for a total of 131 days when boarding in Fort Lauderdale, with the additional journey through the Panama Canal. Other travelers who want a slightly shorter trip can board the ship in Los Angeles for a 115-day around-the-world cruise. 

Guests will travel on the Coral Princess ship, which was built specifically to sail through the Panama Canal. With a 2,000-guest capacity and 895 crew members, the ship is slightly smaller than other Princess Cruise ships yet still offers many options for dining, entertainment and activities.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The 2026 World Cruise from Auckland, Brisbane or Sydney follows a similar itinerary to the 2025 voyage from Sydney but extends to 114 days and includes visits to 31 countries. Travelers in 2026 will still embark on their journey on the large and luxurious Crown Princess. 

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

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

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The Ultimate World Cruise is the longest voyage on our list, spanning over 274 nights and visiting more than 60 countries, making this 9-month cruise itinerary ideal for travelers who can work remotely or are retired. This nearly year-long cruise is divided into four segments, giving cruisers the flexibility to join one or all four segments. With such a long time at sea and various segments, add-ons like cruise insurance should be strongly considered. 

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

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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. Viking provides itinerary options for world cruises in 2025 and 2026. 

All Viking's World Cruises offer travelers exclusive benefits, including Business Class Air, free visa services and a Silver Spirits beverage package.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

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 of pre and post-tour extensions if desired.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The Viking World Journeys is the shortest of the voyages at 121 days and covers 25 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. Viking World Journeys sold out before the 2025 embarkment, so be sure to secure your spot for 2026 relatively soon, if interested.

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara is currently offering bookings for its 2026 around-the-world cruise. 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. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

Enjoy the 2026 Azamara World Cruise with an exciting itinerary spanning 155 days. You’ll start in Miami, Florida and conclude your adventure in Barcelona, Spain. While traveling, passengers can witness incredible wonders, including Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal and onboard can enjoy $22,000 worth of inclusions. Cruisers also have the option to join the world cruise for a segment, several segments or the entirety of the voyage.

Courtesy of Cunard Luxury Cruise

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 17 to 85 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 several European ports are also available as starting points.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The Maiden World Voyage for 2025 also 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 and the Middle East before transiting the Suez Canal and returning through the Mediterranean to either Hamburg or Southampton.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Full World Voyage 2026 offers cruisers a shorter yet just as fulfilling option compared to the Queen Anne. Embark from the initial departure location in Southampton, England or join onboard in New York. 

The Queen Mary 2 is Cunard’s flagship vessel, which embodies luxury with plenty of space to enjoy the many activities and dining options available. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The 2026 Queen Anne Full World Voyage is nearly a week longer than the inaugural journey. Travelers can embark from Hamburg, Germany, to sail for the entirety of the itinerary or board the ship in Southampton, England, for a 110-night cruise. 

This journey is similar to the inaugural voyage’s itinerary but takes the opposite transpacific route to destinations. 

Shutterstock / EWY Media

Holland America offers a yearly Grand World Voyage trip, traditionally known for its immersive experience. While their world cruises were shorter in the past, they’ve since become 120+ day voyages, providing a substantial journey for passengers seeking a longer cruise. Passengers can enjoy exclusive full-cruise benefits, including air credit, onboard credit and complimentary laundry services. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The 2025 Grand World Voyage spans 124 days and will visit 46 ports in 34 countries, with six 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. The voyage then transits through the Suez Canal. Finally, it 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. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

For a completely unique experience among cruises around the world, embark on Holland America’s 2025 Pole-to-Pole Grand Voyage. Instead of traveling east and west, this special voyage takes a south and north route. This allows passengers to experience truly once-in-a-lifetime destinations like Antarctica.  

Cruise At-a-Glance:

Holland America’s 2026 Grand World Voyage offers travelers almost 10 more days of the journey than the 2025 version of the trip. Follow a similar itinerary as you explore the world’s wonders and check visiting all seven continents off of your bucket list.

Shutterstock / Nancy Pauwels

Oceania Cruises currently offers four different around-the-world cruises for 2025 and 2026, each with 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.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The 2025 Around the World Oceania Cruise offers travelers an unforgettable journey, traveling from East to West while exploring cultural wonders, breathtaking sights and engaging excursions. Cruisers will be able 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. If you’re interested in booking, act fast, as departure is soon, on January 5, 2025. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

Oceania’s World Odyssey Around the World Cruise 2026 takes you from Los Angeles to Miami. Embark on Oceania’s brand-new luxury ship — the Vista — on your 197-day journey while you visit islands, villages, mountains and iconic landmarks.

While the bulk of this trip occurs in 2026, it does depart on December 20, 2025. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The 2026 Around the World in 180 Days cruise stands out for its unique itinerary, taking cruisers to all four corners of the globe. The world cruise spans over six months and covers 43 countries, including 81 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 101 ports of call, all on the brand-new Vista. 

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, exploring 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.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

Oceania’s Global Wanderlust is the shortest version of their 2026 Around the World Cruise. That said, Global Wanderlust is still a four-month-long journey venturing west-to-east.

This itinerary is ideal for those who want to see the wonders of the world in a shorter amount of time. Cruisers on Global Wanderlust will also experience the luxury of Oceania’s brand-new Vista ship. 

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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, including 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.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The 2025 'Navigate the World (Away in Wonder)' cruise package travels from Miami to San Francisco, where you’ll sail aboard the Seven Seas Mariner for 150 nights. You’ll visit nearly 100 ports of call across 25 countries spanning five continents.

Regent Seven Seas also hosts travelers for an exclusive pre-cruise gala event and offers exclusive shoreside experiences in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Auckland, New Zealand and Bangkok, Thailand. 

Cruise At-a-Glance:

Regent Seven Seas is now offering bookings for its 2026 world cruise, “The Sense of Adventure,” departing and returning to Miami. Traveling aboard the Seven Seas Mariner, you'll embark on a 154-day journey covering six continents, with 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.

Like their 2025 World Cruise, Regent Seven Seas will host an exclusive pre-cruise gala event and offer exclusive shoreside experiences, this time in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bali, Indonesia and Lisbon, Portugal. 

Photo courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

The luxury cruise line Seabourn offers around-the-world cruises that are so popular that all four 2024 cruise trips were sold out. Now, after a break in 2025, they’re back for a World Cruise in 2026.

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.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

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 — which departs from Los Angeles and has a final destination in Vancouver — 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. 

Shutterstock / eric laudonien

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 and luxurious amenities exclusive to the cruise line. Their 2025 World Cruise: Controtemo is sold out with a waitlist, so booking soon for 2026 is advised. 

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

Cruise At-a-Glance:

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, stopping at 70 ports throughout Australia, French Polynesia, the Mediterranean and North Africa. 

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

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruise Line is joining the list of around-the-world cruises for the first time. This popular cruise line is entering long-term sailing with its 2026 Grand Voyage.  

The Grand Voyage includes three overnight stays, allowing travelers to experience local nightlife. Cruisers will also visit bucket list destinations on their journey.

Cruise At-a-Glance:

The Grand Voyage is a shorter option for those interested in around-the-world cruises without a lengthy stay on board. This three-and-a-half-month-long journey includes three overnight stays, allowing travelers to experience local nightlife. Destination highlights include the Hubbard Glacier in Alaska, Honolulu, Hawaii and Hobart, Tasmania. 

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

The average fare for an around-the-world cruise depends on your cruise line choice, your accommodations and the amenities package. However, by averaging the starting prices listed above, we estimate it to cost approximately $49,254, with a common range between $40,000 and $60,000.

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.

Ready to set sail on an unforgettable cruising adventure? Book the best around-the-world cruise 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.