Everything you need to know about world cruises

A world cruise is one of the most extraordinary ways to travel. Rather than choosing between countries, continents and bucket-list destinations, you can experience many of them as part of one incredible journey, all while returning to the familiarity and comfort of your ship at the end of each day. However, spending several months travelling around the world is often very different from preparing for a traditional cruise holiday. From choosing a ship you’ll be happy to call home for an extended period to arranging visas, travel insurance and everything you’re leaving behind, there’s plenty to think about before you set sail. Whether a world cruise has been on your wish list for years or you’re only just beginning to explore the possibilities, we’ve put together a helpful guide detailing everything you need to know about world cruises.

A world cruise is an extended cruise itinerary that visits numerous countries and regions, often crossing several continents and oceans along the way. These remarkable voyages give you the opportunity to experience a huge variety of destinations as part of one holiday, without having to repeatedly pack your suitcase or arrange separate flights, hotels and transport between each place. 

World cruises are considerably longer than the average cruise holiday. You’ll find that some voyages last around three to four months. However, there is no set duration, and itinerary lengths can vary significantly. The length often depends largely on the route, number of destinations, and time spent in individual ports. 

You don’t necessarily have to spend several months away to experience the best of a world cruise. Some cruise lines divide their world voyages into shorter sectors or segments, which can be booked individually. A world cruise sector could take you through a particular region or between a few major cities, allowing you to experience part of the wider voyage without committing to its full duration. Availability varies between cruise lines and sailings, so it’s worth exploring the options if a complete world cruise isn’t suitable for you. 

One of the many joys of a world cruise is discovering just how much of the globe can be experienced during one journey. Routes differ significantly, but many combine famous destinations with places that are harder to fit into a traditional holiday.

Australia and New Zealand are regular highlights of world cruise itineraries, with cities such as Sydney and Auckland often appealing alongside spectacular coastal scenery. Across Asia, Singapore, Hong Kong and destinations in Japan are among the many possibilities, while Southeast Asia can introduce you to fascinating cultures, cuisine and landscapes. 
World cruises may also journey through the South Pacific, calling at idyllic islands in destinations such as French Polynesia and Fiji. Elsewhere, itineraries can explore the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and much more. Exactly where you can travel depends on your chosen voyage, making the itinerary one of the most important things to consider when comparing world cruises. Some place greater emphasis on particular regions, while others are designed to cover as much of the globe as possible.

The itinerary will naturally play a major part in your decision, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. On a shorter cruise, you might spend a week or two aboard your chosen ship. On a world cruise, it could become your home for several months. So, it’s a good idea to think carefully about how you enjoy spending your time at sea and what you want from your everyday onboard experience. From your accommodation and dining choices to entertainment, activities and opportunities to relax, the right ship can make an enormous difference to your overall journey. 

Having somewhere comfortable to return to is important on any holiday, but your accommodation takes on even greater significance during a world cruise. When choosing a cruise line or ship, it may be worth researching what the accommodation is like. Consider how much space you would like and how you expect to use your room. Storage can be particularly useful when travelling with clothes for different climates and occasions, while a private balcony may appeal if you enjoy having your own outdoor space. If you’re looking for a more luxurious escape with a range of added exclusive benefits, a suite could be the perfect option for you. 

When you’ll be onboard for several months, variety can make all the difference. Look beyond the number of restaurants and consider the types of cuisine available, whether menus change regularly, and what casual dining choices are offered alongside main restaurants. Depending on the cruise line and ship, you might find speciality restaurants, cafés, poolside dining, afternoon tea and room service alongside your everyday dining options. 

World cruises often feature plenty of evenings at sea, so explore what your prospective ship offers after the sun goes down. Depending on the cruise line, evenings could feature theatre productions, live music, guest performers, comedy, dancing, cinema screenings and more relaxed entertainment in lounges and bars. Programmes can evolve throughout an extended voyage, with different performers joining the ship along the way, helping to keep evenings varied as you travel around the globe.

Sea days are an integral part of a world cruise, and the activities available onboard can become an important part of your routine. You might spend your time attending lectures, taking part in quizzes, joining classes or learning a new skill. Enrichment programmes can be particularly rewarding on a world cruise, with destination experts and guest speakers helping you learn more about the history, culture and places you’re visiting.

Naturally, there will most likely be days when you want to do very little at all, so spaces dedicated to relaxation are worth considering. Depending on your ship, you could spend time beside the pool, visit the spa for a soothing treatment, settle into a comfortable lounge or simply find a peaceful spot on deck and watch the world go by. If keeping active is important to you, look at the ship’s fitness facilities too. Gyms, fitness classes, walking or jogging tracks, pools and sports facilities can all help you maintain your usual routine while you’re away.

With so many destinations to experience, it’s also worth considering how you want to explore them. Cruise lines generally have a wide range of shore excursions available to book. These often cater to all interests and can range from visiting major landmarks and cultural sites to active adventures and food-tasting tours. Look at the types of experiences offered and whether there are particular destinations where you’d like to arrange something special. On a journey of this scale, planning some of your must-do experiences in advance can help you make the most of your time ashore.

Perhaps one of the hardest things to imagine before embarking on a world cruise is what everyday life will actually feel like. Unlike a shorter holiday where you might try to fit as much as possible into every day, a world cruise gives you time to settle into a different rhythm. Your ship becomes more than simply a way of getting from one destination to another. It becomes your home, with favourite places to eat, familiar faces and routines that develop as your journey progresses. 

Sea days provide a welcome contrast to busy days exploring ashore. With no port to rush off to, the day is yours to spend however you choose. You might start with breakfast overlooking the ocean, attend a talk about an upcoming destination, head to the gym, enjoy a leisurely lunch, read beside the pool or join one of the activities taking place around the ship. There’s no need to fill every moment. Part of the appeal of a world cruise is having enough time to enjoy the ship at your own pace.

After time at sea, arriving somewhere new brings a completely different energy to the day. One morning you could wake to the skyline of a major city and, several days later, find yourself looking out over a tropical island or dramatic coastline. Some itineraries feature longer stays or overnight calls in selected ports, giving you more opportunity to experience destinations beyond a few hours of sightseeing. You might spend the day on an organised excursion, explore independently or simply wander from the ship and see where the day takes you.

Travelling together for several months naturally creates opportunities to get to know the people around you. You may find yourself recognising familiar faces at breakfast, chatting to fellow guests on excursions or getting to know people through activities and events. Friendships can develop naturally over the course of such a long voyage. That doesn’t mean a world cruise has to be constantly sociable. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy your own company, and you can choose how much or how little you want to participate in organised activities.

Preparing for several months of travelling requires more organisation than getting ready for a typical holiday. Alongside deciding what to take with you, you’ll need to think about documentation, insurance, health requirements and what needs to be arranged at home while you’re away. Starting early gives you plenty of time to work through everything without leaving important tasks until the last minute.

Packing for a world cruise can feel daunting. You could encounter tropical sunshine, cooler climates and everything in between, as well as needing clothes for days exploring ashore, relaxing onboard and evenings around the ship. Layers and versatile pieces can be particularly useful, and it’s worth checking your cruise line’s dress code before deciding what to bring. Laundry facilities or services can also reduce the amount of clothing you need to pack. You’ll find plenty more advice in our world cruise packing guide.

Check your passport well before departure to make sure it meets the requirements for your entire itinerary, including any necessary validity beyond your return date. Visa and entry requirements can vary by nationality and the countries you’re visiting. With a world cruise potentially calling at numerous destinations, you may need to consider several different requirements. Check the latest official information for every destination on your itinerary and make sure you understand which documentation you are responsible for arranging.

Appropriate travel insurance is important for any cruise and especially worth careful consideration when you’ll be travelling for several months and visiting numerous countries. Make sure your policy covers the full duration of your trip, every relevant destination and cruise travel. Consider the level of medical and repatriation cover, as well as protection for cancellation, personal belongings, and any activities you intend to take part in. Always check the policy wording carefully so you understand what is and isn’t covered.

If you take regular medication, speak to an appropriate healthcare professional well before travelling to discuss what you’ll need for the duration of your trip. Some medicines may be restricted in certain countries, so check the rules for the destinations on your itinerary and carry any required supporting documentation. Also check official health guidance for the countries you’ll visit, including whether any vaccinations or other precautions are recommended or required.

It’s easy to become so focused on where you’re going that you forget about everything you’re leaving behind. Think about bills, direct debits and any regular payments that will need to continue while you’re away. Make sure you can access your banking securely overseas, and consider letting relevant providers know about your travel plans where appropriate. Decide how you’ll keep in touch with family and friends and check what your mobile phone provider offers for international travel. If you normally receive important post, you might decide to arrange for someone you trust to collect it or consider an alternative arrangement. It’s also worth thinking about home security, pets, plants, vehicles and any regular appointments or commitments that fall during your time away. Making a checklist several months before departure can help you identify anything that needs arranging and give you time to put plans in place.

A world cruise can be an incredible choice if you’re keen to visit a substantial part of the world in one unforgettable journey. Rather than navigating multiple airports, hotels and transfers as you travel between countries, your accommodation travels with you. You can unpack, settle in and watch an ever-changing world arrive outside your window. However, it’s important to consider whether you’re comfortable with the length of the voyage, how you feel about consecutive sea days and whether your chosen ship offers enough variety to keep you happy throughout your journey. If all of that sounds appealing, a world cruise offers something few other holidays can: the chance to make travelling the world part of everyday life.

What is included on a world cruise?

What’s included in the price of a world cruise varies considerably between cruise lines, individual voyages and the fare or promotion you book. 

How far in advance should you book a world cruise?

Planning ahead can be particularly beneficial when booking a world cruise. It’s always recommended to book as early as possible to ensure you secure your preferred suite or cabin. 

Are world cruises suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, world cruises can suit solo travellers, and spending an extended period onboard can provide plenty of opportunities to meet other guests through dining, activities, excursions, and social events. Some ships also offer accommodation designed specifically for solo guests; however, availability may vary.

Is laundry available on a world cruise?
Laundry facilities or services are available on many ships undertaking world cruises, although exactly what is offered varies by cruise line and ship. You may find self-service launderettes, paid laundry and dry-cleaning services, or complimentary laundry included with certain accommodation categories, loyalty benefits, or world cruise fares. Check what your chosen cruise includes before travelling.

How much luggage can you take on a world cruise?
Luggage allowances vary by cruise line and how you travel to and from the ship. If flights are involved, airline baggage restrictions may determine how much you can bring even if the cruise line itself permits more. Check the allowances for every stage of your journey before packing.

Do you need travel insurance for a world cruise?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for a world cruise and may be required by your cruise line. Look for a policy that covers cruising, the entire duration of your holiday and all relevant destinations, and check that you have appropriate medical, repatriation and cancellation cover. Always check your cruise line's requirements and the terms of your chosen policy before travelling.