The idea of escaping everyday life inspires many vacation plans, but it’s often harder to achieve than imagined. Frequently, as soon as “all” feels distant, the trip ends and reality returns.
A world cruise changes that. The generous time at sea lets passengers truly leave the familiar behind and discover new interests and rhythms to replace it.
PHOTO: © OCEANIA CRUISES
First-time world cruisers Vanessa and Todd Marino, both in their 50s, planned a cross-country move to be closer to family. Having left their jobs to make the move possible, a world cruise was the perfect way to begin their new life. They boarded Oceania Cruises’ Insignia for an Around the World in 180 Days voyage. Vanessa was drawn to the itinerary because it included many bucket-list destinations. “Asia and Africa were especially appealing,” she said.
Oceania’s Around the World luxury cruise highlights the Hawaiian Islands, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Asia, India and the Mediterranean, and includes more than 100 stops at UNESCO World Heritage sites across 96 destinations.
These world cruises tend to attract people with time to spare and a passion for exploration, said Erik Elvejord, public relations director at Holland America Line. “Guests like that appreciate unpacking once and then settling into the journey.”
When pandemic restrictions eased, many travelers rushed to visit long-awaited destinations. Vanessa Marino tried to book their January 2022 voyage in October 2021 but found many cabins sold out. As sailing approached, COVID rules still kept some countries closed. “Because New Zealand and Australia were still closed, some cabins opened up,” Vanessa said. While the Insignia was in Tahiti, the ship learned Asia would remain closed. To ease disappointment, Oceania offered passengers who continued a 15 percent discount on their fare. The Marinos stayed on board and enjoyed extended time around the Hawaiian Islands, which they called terrific.
Vanessa and Todd expected to be amazed by six months of travel, and they were—but they were also surprised by the friendships they formed. “We made such good friends on the boat,” Vanessa said. “We’re even stopping to see some of them as we drive cross-country for our move.”
Oceania’s 2024 Around the World sailing sold out quickly; bookings opened in March 2022 and were claimed within 30 minutes. “The response to our 2024 world cruise clearly illustrates the resiliency, enthusiasm and passion that drive our guests to travel the world,” said Howard Sherman, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises.
Seasoned world cruisers such as Patricia Neidhardt, CEO of the travel agency Cruises-N-More, travel regularly. “We’ve been to all seven continents and visited the Seven Wonders of the old and new worlds,” she said. Neidhardt has sailed nine world cruises and plans to continue yearly, valuing the chance to reconnect with global friends.
PHOTO: © REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Travelers seeking high-end luxury often choose lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which markets itself as an ultra-luxury fleet. For 2025, Regent introduced the Away in Wonder itinerary aboard the all-suite Mariner, which features an ocean balcony in every cabin.
“World cruises grant seamless access to hard-to-reach places,” said Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas. “Regent’s 2025 Away In Wonder cruise sails three oceans over 150 nights, visiting 97 ports in 25 countries on five continents, with highlights including South America, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Alaska.”
One of the greatest benefits of an extended itinerary is the freedom to enjoy the journey without managing every detail. “Regent has curated 395 complimentary shore excursions and 16 overnight stays in ports that allow for deeper exploration of destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Bora Bora and Ho Chi Minh City,” Montague said. The itinerary also offers special access to 48 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island and the Sydney Opera House.
These long cruises are still relatively uncommon. “They’re a fantastic sabbatical from life,” said Neidhardt.
“Ships on these sailings are often more intimate in size,” explained Chris Mastrippolito, director of global research at Cruise Lines International Association. “Long voyages tend to be offered by higher-end brands that operate smaller vessels with higher crew-to-guest ratios.” Once travelers commit to a world cruise, they must decide which style of ship suits them.
For example, Celebrity Edge’s Grand Journey offers a 52-night passage from Rome to Sydney with expansive suites, two-story villas, floor-to-ceiling glass and infinity verandas. The ship features innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet, a floating deck that moves between levels and provides outdoor seating, live music and a bar. Top chefs create memorable meals and onboard fitness options help guests stay active.
Another unique option is river-based circumnavigation. Uniworld’s Rivers of the World tour spans two continents and nine countries over 46 days aboard four ships. The journey begins on the Nile aboard the S.S. Sphinx with guided excursions by an Egyptologist to UNESCO sites like Abu Simbel, then continues with flights and river cruises through Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungary, France and the Douro Valley in Spain and Portugal. The itinerary emphasizes local experiences and includes many details in the fare.
PHOTO: © ANDREA KLAUSSNER
Travelers interested in conservation can choose Pole to Pole expeditions with Hurtigruten Expeditions, which blends exploration with sustainability. These voyages start near the Arctic Circle and travel routes that can include the Northwest Passage, the Panama Canal and Antarctic landings, visiting a dozen countries over roughly 100 days. Hurtigruten emphasizes environmental responsibility with hybrid battery-powered ships and robust citizen-science programs that invite guests to participate in research alongside professional scientists.
Strong demand for extended itineraries has prompted many lines to expand offerings. Oceania added new Grand Voyages of 72 to 82 days, and other companies—Holland America Line, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Peace Boat, Phoenix Reisen, Silversea and Viking Ocean Cruises—also offer around-the-world or extended global voyages.
Vanessa Marino has been captivated by her first world sailing and has already booked a 77-day Grand Voyage that visits Asian and African countries that were closed during her earlier trip. The comment from that voyage’s captain stayed with her: “You’re not cruisers,” he said. “You’re travelers. You’re here because you want to see the world.”