When Ferdinand Magellan attempted the first circumnavigation nearly 500 years ago, he did not survive the ordeal. Today, however, modern travelers can circle the globe in comfort aboard a range of luxurious cruise ships.
Cunard Line launched the first passenger world cruise in 1922, a tradition it continues. With sufficient time and budget, travelers can replicate Magellan’s feat in a fraction of the original voyage’s duration. In 2015, Cunard’s 2,092-passenger Queen Elizabeth offers a 112-day world cruise round-trip from Southampton, departing Jan. 10 and calling at the Panama Canal, Hawai’i, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, China, India, Dubai, İstanbul, Malta and Portugal. Prices range roughly from $14,000 to $66,000 per person. Cunard’s 2,620-passenger Queen Mary 2 runs a 113-day world voyage, also from Southampton and departing the same day, on a slightly different route that includes Spain, Italy, Egypt, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Australia, Madagascar, Namibia and the Canary Islands.
Passengers who prefer shorter trips can book select segments of these world cruises, with options from 10 to 34 nights. Those who commit to the full circumnavigation will see new travelers join at various ports along the way. For cruise enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate the onboard service and amenities like Cunard’s signature White Star service, a full world cruise is appealing. Long days at sea make onboard facilities and diversions important, as do the chosen ports of call and the time allotted for shore excursions. A world cruise offers a unique chance to experience many cultures and exotic destinations while unpacking just once and avoiding repeated air travel.
P&O Cruises also sails two world cruises from Southampton in 2015. Departing Jan. 8, the 1,868-passenger Aurora visits 38 ports in 17 countries over 105 days. The 2,064-passenger Arcadia, departing Jan. 6, spends 106 days visiting 28 countries and 41 ports, including Pago Pago, Borneo, Ho Chi Minh City and Muscat. Both itineraries transit the Panama Canal and complete a global circuit. P&O traces its long-haul history back to steamship voyages between London and India in the 19th century — a pedigree that contributes to the luxurious character of today’s world cruises.
Several major lines schedule world cruises departing from U.S. ports in 2015. Holland America’s 1,380-passenger ms Amsterdam departs Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 5 for a 114-day voyage that crosses the Panama Canal and visits Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Bali, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Mumbai, Egypt and the Mediterranean before returning.
Princess Cruises’ 688-passenger Pacific Princess leaves Los Angeles on Jan. 23 for a 111-day round-the-world voyage. Its itinerary includes Hawai’i, Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Oman, Aqaba, the Suez Canal, Nice, Madeira, Pompeii, Rome, Bermuda, the Panama Canal and Costa Rica. The Pacific Princess is scheduled to run a similar global circuit in 2016, touching six continents.
Silversea Cruises’ world voyage on the 388-passenger Silver Whisper starts Jan. 5, 2015, in Los Angeles and concludes May 1 in Fort Lauderdale. Although it’s not a strict circumnavigation, this itinerary calls on 50 ports in 30 countries, including destinations in Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Malaysia and South Africa. Fares for 2015 begin around $58,950 per person and rise to higher tiers; many stateroom categories were already sold out. The Silver Whisper returns with another world cruise in 2016 and offers perks for early bookers such as business-class airfare credits and onboard spending allowances.
Crystal Cruises’ 1,090-passenger Serenity departs Miami on Jan. 14 for a 108-day round-the-world voyage that is already wait-listed. The itinerary includes a Panama Canal transit, a visit to Easter Island and calls across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa and South America. Crystal’s lengthy sea days are typically filled with lectures, workshops and live entertainment designed to engage travelers between port visits.
Oceania Cruises offers one of the longest full circumnavigations in 2015: two 180-day world cruises aboard the 684-passenger Insignia, departing Miami on Jan. 10 and July 8. The January voyage features 15 overnight port calls and crosses the Caribbean, Brazil and Africa before reaching Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, then returns via Hawai’i, Mexico and the Panama Canal. The July itinerary includes extended calls in Canada, Greenland and northern Europe, then moves through the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and on to Asia, finishing the circuit back to Miami. Oceania continues similar 180-day cruises into 2016, with fares starting near $41,999 per person and typically including first-class airfare and onboard laundry and Internet services.
Travelers seeking more budget-conscious options can consider Costa Cruises’ 115-day world voyage from Savona, Italy, aboard the 2,260-passenger Costa Deliziosa. Calling on roughly 40 ports across five continents, this itinerary offers fares in a lower price tier compared with ultra-luxury alternatives.
World cruises commonly depart in January and usually require advance booking. No matter the line or price point, a world cruise remains a defining experience for many travelers. While Jules Verne imagined a fictional 80-day global trip in the 19th century, today’s cruise passengers often choose longer voyages to enjoy modern stateroom comforts, fine dining, attentive service, varied itineraries and an immersive way to see the world without the hassle of constant packing and airport transfers.