around the world cruise review

7 Incredible Around-the-World Cruises to Book Now

If you have time to spare and want to visit a treasure trove of destinations from the comfort of a ship, these global sailings are well worth the splurge..

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Sail to Hawai‘i, French Polynesia, Singapore, across Asia, and to the Middle East on the all-suite Seven Seas Mariner .

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

In 1922, Cunard Line inaugurated the first world cruise from England that circled the globe in 130 days and visited 22 ports. One hundred years later, the tradition continues—with some variations—and now numerous cruise lines offer these epic voyages.

World cruise itineraries vary widely, and in truth most do not actually completely circumnavigate the globe these days, which is the hallmark of a true world voyage. But regardless of whether they do a full around-the-world tour, they do tackle a large and impressive array of destinations.

Most around-the-world cruises begin in December or January. While you still may find some limited space for the 2022–2023 season, these months-long sailings typically need to be booked well in advance, especially if you want to stay in an upper-level suite. The pandemic has only increased the popularity of these spectacular sailings as travelers try to make up for lost time, hoping to visit a large swath of international destinations in one fell swoop. This is a good time to start planning for a world cruise that is even one or two years away—and to keep an eye out for when epic around-the-world cruises even further out open for bookings.

Given how much time you’ll be spending onboard, the type of ship you choose can make or break your experience. Luxury cruise lines offer posh accommodations on smaller ships with an emphasis on service and typically have many more inclusions (think, freely flowing champagne and caviar). Premium lines are slightly larger ships with more entertainment and good-quality service and food, but they aren’t necessarily as inclusive (you might pay extra for some food, beverages, and services). Big cruise ships offer a greater choice of staterooms, plenty of pools, gargantuan spas, and flashy live shows—you won’t get bored.

Regardless of the cruise line, a world cruise offers the convenience of unpacking only once and a balance of lazy sea days and busy port stops. These cruises are not just about the exotic ports of call; they also are filled with dozens of sailing days, often a week at a time. Cruisers have numerous options during sea days ranging from informative lectures to dance classes, but it’s important that passengers be mentally prepared for the longer stretches of time onboard.

These lengthy voyages aren’t cheap either, but if you’ve yearned to sail the globe in a style surpassing that of famed maritime explorer Ferdinand Magellan and want to earn some serious cruise bragging rights, there are numerous around-the-world cruise options for a range of tastes and budgets.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best luxury all-inclusive world cruise

The crystal clear waters of Fiji are on the agenda during Regent Seven Seas’ world cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ world cruises on the 700-pasenger Seven Seas Mariner have been known to sell out in hours. The only way to get on the 2023 cruise is via the wait list, and there is very little space on the 2024 and 2025 sailings—keep an eye out for 2026. The round trip from Miami cruise embarking on January 2, 2024, is a 132-night extravaganza that crosses three oceans to reach 31 countries on four continents with such highlights as crossing the Panama Canal, sunning in Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, and sailing to Singapore and across Asia to the Middle East.

The following year’s 150-night sailing, embarking on January 7, 2025, is from Miami to San Francisco and covers South America, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, and Alaska—25 countries in total. The all-suite Mariner features three specialty restaurants, a spa and fitness center, a heated swimming pool, two whirlpools, a library, and a card room. While the sailings are quite an investment, the cruise fares include almost everything. Fares for the January 2024 sailing range from $73,499 to $199,999, including first-class airfare, some 440 shore excursions, gratuities, and dry cleaning, among other services. The 2025 cruise is priced from $86,999 to $249,999.

Best luxury cruise with a focus on Africa and the South Pacific

Explore the coastline of Senegal on a Seabourn world cruise.

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Space is limited for Seabourn’s extraordinary 140-night 2023 world cruise between Miami and Barcelona, visiting six continents. The itinerary on the 450-passenger Seabourn Sojourn spends quality time in the South Pacific, including a circumnavigation of Australia, and Africa—with port calls in the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Benin, Ghana, Togo, Gambia, Senegal, and Cape Verde. Embarkation is January 6, 2023. The line’s 145-day world cruise in 2024 on the same ship sails across the Pacific from Los Angeles and stops in 78 ports in 28 countries, with overnight stays in 20 destinations, with expansive exploration in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Embarkation is January 11, 2024.

Passengers are treated to exceptional fine dining via a partnership with celebrity chef Thomas Keller, along with spacious suite accommodations. An array of lectures includes talks focused on the destinations and on current events featuring laudable guest speakers. There are also “shopping with the chef” excursions in select ports to learn about local cuisines and markets. Fares start at $70,499 for the 2023 sailing and range from $79,399 to $294,399 for the posh Owner’s Suite on the 2024 sailing (including airfare, shore excursions, gratuities, butler service, laundry, and dry cleaning).

Best luxury cruise that includes Iceland and Greenland

Some sights—like the icebergs of Greenland—are best enjoyed from the vantage point of a cruise ship.

Photo by Shutterstock

There is only wait-list space for ultra-luxury line Silversea’s 2023 and 2024 world cruises . If you wait until 2025, you’re in for the treat of a 136-night, 20-country exploration on the 596-passenger Silver Dawn , newly launched in 2022. It’s the largest ship Silversea has ever assigned to a world cruise—a sign of the popularity of the expansive itineraries. The sailing will embark from Tokyo, explore southeast Asia and India, spend quality time in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Scandinavia and will then call in Iceland and Greenland. After that, the ship will travel to Canada and New England before ending in New York City. Fine dining and impeccable service are Silversea hallmarks. All passengers stay in a suite with butler service, and Silver Dawn offers an extraordinary opportunity to dive into the cuisine of various cultures with its immersive S.A.L.T. culinary dining and education program.

Space is already limited for the sailing, embarking January 13, 2025, with available fares from $92,000 to $98,000 (fancier suites are booked up), including business-class airfare, some select shore excursions, $1,000 in onboard spending credit per guest, gratuities, butler service, and laundry service.

Oceania Cruises

Best world cruise for UNESCO World Heritage sites

Oceania’s world cruise visits 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites including in Kyoto, Japan.

Upscale line Oceania Cruises has built a big fan base for its expansive 180-day world itineraries. You’ll need to join a wait list for the 2023 sailing from Miami but may have better luck with the voyage embarking Miami on December 29, 2024. The itinerary will take passengers through Central America and west across the Pacific to French Polynesia and the Samoan islands, New Zealand and Australia, with an extensive exploration of Asia. Then it’s off to the Middle East, Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and New England and concluding in New York. There are 24 overnight stops and 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way. Oceania is known for its impressive culinary offerings; the line’s consulting chef is the legendary Jacques Pépin, and menus include expansive vegan and vegetarian options, while cooking classes take place in a real test kitchen. Fares for this cruise start at $48,499 for an inside stateroom and can go as high as $189,999 for an Owner’s Suite, including airfare, internet, gratuities, and laundry, among other amenities.

Viking Cruise

Best world cruise for inclusive value

Circumnavigate the globe on Viking’s epic world cruise.

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises’ 930-passenger Viking Neptune sets sail on December 22, 2022, on an epic 137-night world cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Greenwich, United Kingdom, with explorations of Central America, the California coast, Hawai‘i, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Mediterranean. Overnight stays in 11 ports ensure time to explore and enjoy the local nightlife. You can also board in Los Angeles, for a shorter 120-night itinerary. The ship will sail a similar world cruise route that starts in December 2023. Sister ship Viking Sky will also cover the itinerary with a 120-night sailing departing Los Angeles in 2024. All staterooms on the Scandinavian-designed ships have balconies, and the line presents a value proposition that includes a complimentary tour in every port, complimentary water and soft drinks, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and free Wi-Fi. Another Viking perk is one of the best spas at sea with a thalassotherapy pool, steam sauna, dry sauna, snow room, and hot and cold plunge pools. Fares for the 120-day cruises start at $54,995 and at $199,999 for the top-level Owner’s Suite, including airfare.

Cunard Line

Best traditional world cruise

Travel back in time to the golden days of cruising with a world cruise on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 .

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line , the cruise line that started it all, is celebrating its centenary with a 117-night world voyage on the 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 ocean liner, embarking from Brooklyn, New York, on January 3, 2023. The itinerary includes Colombo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, replicating the RMS Samaria’s 1923 world sailing, as well as stops in Dubai, Sydney, and Cape Town. In 2024, the ocean liner will set sail from Brooklyn on a 123-night voyage to Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, with highlights including passage through the Suez Canal. The ship has a planetarium, hosts galas in an extravagant ballroom, and offers a daytime roster that includes dancing, acting, and fencing classes, plus Cunard’s famous white-glove afternoon tea service. Fares for the 2023 sailing are from $21,499; the 2024 sailing is priced from $20,699 for an inside stateroom and from $79,999 for top-category Queens Grill suites.

Holland America Line

Best world cruise for music lovers

Holland America Line’s world cruise sails the Amazon River deep into the Brazilian rainforest.

Holland America Line has more than 50 years’ experience operating around-the-world voyages. The line has a 128-night world cruise that embarks from Fort Lauderdale on January 3, 2024, destined for South America, Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, with such highlights as overnights in Tokyo, Kobe, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Petra, and Istanbul. The sailing takes place on the 1,848-passenger Zuiderdam , with a Lincoln Center Stage venue that highlights performances by classical musicians and a Billboard Onboard show featuring some of the most popular hits throughout the decades, as performed by dueling singing piano players. Fares run from $23,799 to $82,899.

Abbreviated world cruises

For those who aren’t able to spend months on a ship and would rather get a “taste” of a world voyage, there is the option with most lines of booking segments of a world cruise. That way, you can pinpoint a destination or region that’s appealing to explore for a month or however much time you have. Example: If you can’t do Seabourn’s entire 145-night sailing in 2024, book the 33-night segment that leaves from Sydney on February 20, 2024, to explore Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, with fares from $22,999 to $27,999 (fancier suites are all booked up for this one).

Anita Dunham-Potter contributed reporting. This story was originally published in December 2018, and was updated on September 7, 2022, to include current information.

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What it’s really like to go on a round-the-world cruise

Royal caribbean has announced its longest world cruise: 150 destinations over nine months. a world cruise veteran explains what it’s really like on board and answers all the important questions.

I n December 2023, Royal Caribbean ’s Serenade of the Seas will set sail from the docks in Miami. Rather than simply bearing south for a pootle around the Caribbean, this ship will be embarking on the most ambitious itinerary ever attempted: 150 destinations, in 65 countries, across seven continents — in nine months. That’s a total of 274 nights on board. French Guiana, Brazil, Antarctica, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan, India and Egypt are just a handful of the destinations on the slate. Even by the hyperbolic standards of cruise marketing, this is a voyage that truly deserves the adjective “legendary”.

Round-the-world cruises might be anathema to some, but I live for these lengthy voyages. I love exploring different lands from the comfort of a cruise ship, and meeting new people along the way.

I’ve taken two round-the-world cruises. The first was a 108-night itinerary aboard Fred Olsen ’s Black Watch in 2018; this was followed by a 168-night adventure from Dover to South Africa, Asia and Australia that ended on March 19, 2020, just days before the UK was pushed into lockdown. I’ve been desperate to escape back to one of these floating homes ever since.

I’m not your typical world-cruiser. Embarking Black Watch — which sailed to the Caribbean, South America and the Pacific — at 37 years old, I was the youngest passenger booked for the entire sailing and it was the same for my 168 nights on Fred Olsen ’s Boudicca a year later. Most people who sail for the duration tend to be newly retired or cruise enthusiasts that spend days — rather than months or years — at home between sailings.

Main photo: Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas arrives in Seattle

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These long sailings are endearingly popular, especially for solo travellers. During my days aboard I’ve met people who spend more time at sea than they do at home; the ship becomes home for them. These cruisers will often all book the same journey, knowing that their friends will be there too. Everybody is a close-knit group, and the crew becomes part of their extended family. It’s a wonderful relationship to watch grow and since my own lengthy stints on board, I too have taken on an extended family — people from all over the world I keep in touch with via Facebook. We call ourselves the “all-rounders”, because we stay for the whole cruise.

The world’s biggest cruise ships

Best cruises for first-timers

Those who just come on a small portion of a round-the-world cruise — what we call a segment, which can be anywhere from two to six weeks — are the “newbies”. Us “all-rounders” never like the start of a segment because it means new people are embarking. We have established our friendships and we know where certain people enjoy spending their time — we even have our own little circles and areas on board that we unofficially claim. We come “home” from a day ashore to find someone unfamiliar lounging in a chair that we’d claimed as our own for the previous two or three months. For a few days it feels like our home is being invaded. Then, naturally, they too become part of our group. Cruise ships are social places, after all.

One of the irrational fears about cruising is that you’ll be stuck on a ship with nothing to do. That’s certainly not my experience. For starters, there are port days. On my two world cruises I’ve visited Mumbai, Phuket, Bali, the Whitsunday Islands, Lima, Malé, Fremantle, Komodo Island, Cape Town and Yangon. I fell in love with Asia on my first global voyage and can’t wait to explore every inch of the region.

Then back aboard, there’s always something happening: quizzes, meet-ups, physical activities, gaming lessons or gin-tasting sessions. I will admit that sea days with bad weather can be tedious, as people are spilling into every indoor area they can find. I spend my sea days enjoying the sun and looking for marine life, but one of my favourite things to do is sit on one of the aft decks at dusk, cocktail in hand, as I watch the sun disappear into the ocean.

Talking of sundowners: you need to monitor your eating. It’s so easy to overindulge within those first few weeks and then spend your time regretting it for the next three months. When tempting food is on offer 24/7, balance is a must for anyone doing a round-the-world cruise. I would give myself “treat days” or “treat evenings” and I did as much walking in port as I could. If you ignore this advice, you will leave a few stone heavier, with an entire new wardrobe of “whatever you could get your hands on” in various ports.

I usually pack for these voyages as if I’ll never see land again. If you’re embarking your ship in the UK, you can basically pack as much as you can fit in your cabin. I left my last world cruise with 27kg of hand luggage — I could barely breathe by the time I made it through immigration — but if you’re on board for months at a time, the shopping at some ports is too good to pass up…

Tempted? Here is a selection of epic round-the-world cruises from Times Travel partners to book now.

This 102-night voyage sails from Lisbon to Asia and Australia via the Middle East and Sri Lanka, before venturing across the southern Indian Ocean to Mauritius and South Africa. Expect lively evening performances and gala balls.

Princess Cruises

How much does an around the world cruise cost.

Costs vary depending on the cruise line, type of cabin and duration but on average a world cruise starts upwards of £45,000.

Best cruises in the USA

Take me there

Inspired to go on a around the world cruise but yet to book your trip? Here are the best Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Imagine Cruise Lines , as well a selection of the best worldwide tours The Times trusted travel operators.

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The Ultimate Guide to ‘Round the World Cruises'

• Visit multiple destinations without dealing with logistics
• Experience many different and unique cultures
• Forge lifelong friendships
• Enjoy the comfort of a home away from home
• Learn and grow as a global citizen

About the world cruise experience

World cruises have fast become a popular form of global travel. It is growing at the  fastest rate in the travel industry. Now, the highest demand is for complete ‘round the world cruises.

All you have to do is unpack your bags.

It's true! Yet the benefits of an all-inclusive world cruise do not stop there. We will cover them all in this ultimate guide to around-the-world cruises, designed to equip you with all the information you need (plus some insider tips and tricks). We will set you for an epic voyage towards South America, Northern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific?  Yep, around-the-world cruises can cover all seven continents of the world!

Reasons to go on a world cruise

1. it's the easiest way to travel the world.

The ultimate world cruise connects you to the best travel destinations around the world's oceans. However, unlike aviation, you do not have to deal with:

• Cramped airplanes
• Queuing at customs & immigration
• Delayed flights
• Transiting on and off multiple flights
• Checking in and out of several hotels
• Living out of a bag
• Continually packing and unpacking
• Travel planning and logistics
• Feeling unsettled in new places

2. Always feel settled

As fun and exciting as it is exploring exotic new places and local communities, knowing that you have your own familiar ‘home’ to return to back on board with familiar surroundings provides a real sense of security and comfort.

Conversely, while traveling the world by air and road can be an epic experience, it often feels unsettling to move from one accommodation to the next, living out of a suitcase. ‘Round the world cruising eliminates this.

3. Always feel safe

Strict measures and health and safety protocols have now been implemented within the cruise industry which means that it could become the   safest way to travel the world . The controlled environment is now considered a positive. Expect such safeguarding to include:

• Robust ventilation systems
• Extensive cleaning and sanitation

4. Work as you go

More people are making cruising their full-time lifestyle as remote working and communication technologies enable more people than ever before to  work from anywhere in the world. This includes satellite internet connectivity on board cruise liners. It is an exciting time, as global travelers are now presented with plenty of ways to hop on and off ships as they please, effectively living on board cruise ships.

Then there is the rise of the luxury residential ship, such as our very own Storylines MV Narrative , which allows adventure seekers to live on the ship part-time or full-time as it slowly circumnavigates the world every three years.  With the world more connected than ever before, the idea of   global citizenship  is on the rise.

5. It helps us grow

Traveling all around the globe aboard a cruise ship is an enriching travel lifestyle experience - one of lifelong learning and seeing the world from different perspectives through the diversity of various cultures.

Research shows that world travel has many mindset benefits :

• Improves mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and depression
• Enhances creativity
• Expands our cultural horizons
• Better understanding of society, humanity and the world at large
• Adds value to our lives through inspiration, motivation and participation

6. For the journey, not the destination

We’ve all heard, it’s about the journey, not the destination; especially when it comes to road trips. There’s a good reason for it. After all, the best thing about a road trip is  the journey because of the sense of adventure of hitting the open road for days, weeks or even months. Now, imagine instead of hitting the road, you set out on a vast ocean voyage to some faraway lands. Behind you, the mainland disappears over the horizon and exotic adventures await.

Frequently asked questions about world cruises

Are world cruises for me?

Do you enjoy long trips? World cruises are perfect for adventurous people including entrepreneurs with the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world, globetrotting families, and those looking for extended travel during retirement. If you would like to cruise to exciting destinations all around the world, there are a variety of cruise types and durations to choose from.

How long are world cruises?

Check the itineraries. In general, the shorter timespan allotted for circumnavigating, the more time the ship will spend at sea and less time in ports. A longer timeframe for circumnavigating means more time in ports and fewer sea days.

The last option, indefinite, refers to private residence ships. Residents of these unique ships embark and disembark at any ports they choose, coming and going as they please.

How much does an around the world cruise cost?

Depending on the type of travel and world cruise itinerary you are looking for, various ocean liners offer a wide range of cruise costs and durations. You have two options for the type of fare you want to pay:

• Traditional fare: More affordable option that allows guests to decide what they deem important and want to spend their money on; shore tours, alcoholic beverages, airfare, etc.
• All-inclusive cruise: This type of fare covers most costs which can include business class airfare, shore excursions, deluxe beverage packages, spa treatments, WiFi, etc.

For example, if you want to go the budget route, choosing a shorter world cruise on a mainstream cruise line with thousands of passengers would cost you between $20,000 to $30,000 per person for a mid-range basic fare with a limited itinerary. Often, many days of the itinerary are allotted to time at sea,  while time at port is limited to several hours.

At the other end of the spectrum; if additional comfort is what you seek (and can afford) in your global travel, a luxury cruise on a smaller ship could cost over $200,000 per person for a 116-night cruise in a penthouse suite. With exceptional offerings that accurately reflect onboard services , an all-inclusive world cruise at this rate allows you to travel without having to worry about additional expenses for the duration of the trip.

And then, of course, there is everything in between. Here is a general estimate of what you could expect to pay for world cruises:

101 day cruise

Inside/basic cabin - $15 000 USD

Seaside cabin - $25 000  - $30 000 USD

Deluxe cabin - $35 000 - $50 000 USD

180 day cruise

Inside/basic cabin - $20 000 USD

Seaside cabin - $35 000 - $50 000 USD

Deluxe cabin - $50 000 - $100 000 USD

360 day cruise

Inside/basic cabin - $30 000 USD

Seaside cabin - $40 000 - $80 000 USD

Deluxe cabin - $75 000 - $200 000 USD

• Regular cruisers get perks through loyalty programs and sometimes get discounts on double occupancy cabin rates or price reductions for additional guests.
• Also, be sure to keep a lookout for last-minute cruise deals for unsold or canceled cabins.

Types of world cruises

World cruise segment

World voyages are popular for having extensive itineraries that travel for three months or more. Some world cruises offer segments, which allow guests to choose a particular leg of the journey instead of a complete circumnavigation.

Perhaps you've always wanted to discover Barcelona's brilliant architecture. In that case, the Western Europe leg is right up your alley. Whether you dream of visiting the mysteries of Easter Island, then onto Costa Rica before passing through the Panama Canal in Central America, or crossing the Indian Ocean to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, there's a segment for fulfilling everywhere on your bucket list.

Additionally, if it's your first world cruise, a segment can be a good idea if you are still weighing your options. You can dip your toe in the water before completely taking the plunge. Some cruise segments even have themed itineraries that will allow you to visit destinations that cater to your interests; from astronomy to archeological tours, wine tastings, holistic well-being, unparalleled culture, or art and music appreciation as some examples. Therefore, there may be a certain journey that aligns with your travel interests, with like-minded folk on board!

Other world segments on residential ships are very flexible, as residents come and go as they please, hopping on and off at any ports that suit them, whether that be for tours, events or trips to their land-based homes.

Entire ‘round the world cruises

Choose this option if you want to circumnavigate the globe over an extended period. Expect to be cruising for 90 days or more, possibly visiting six continents. Personally, we believe 90 days isn’t long enough to see the entire world. Review the itinerary to make sure your voyage and time at port is not rushed.

As most world cruises continually circumnavigate the globe, you may be able to join a world cruise at many iconic cities and major ports, including (but not limited to):

• Miami & Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Cartagena (Spain)
• Montego Bay
• Rio de Janeiro

Liveaboard cruising

If you consider yourself a global citizen and you’re sure that a travel lifestyle is for you, then you may want to look into the liveaboard lifestyle.   Having a property aboard a private residence cruise ship is by far the most convenient way to enjoy the comforts of home while traveling the world. As a resident on the ship, your opinion matters in crafting the itinerary of your journey.

Whereas regular cruise ships are made for a high turnover of passengers, condo ships are equipped with every amenity you require for everyday life. This includes provisioning markets, business centers for remote workers, hospitals, banks and postal services. Storylines even has an education department for children living aboard.

Planning for your world cruise

With adequate research, planning and preparation, you can ensure that you get the most out of your world voyage. Setting your own expectations is important. So, ask yourself:

• What kind of onboard experiences and facilities do you want?
• What places do you want to visit?
• What’s your budget?
• How much space do you need to feel comfortable?
• Are you okay with an inside cabin or do you need a window or balcony?

Do thorough research and read online world cruise reviews. Explore world cruise blogs and world cruise passenger blogs. Read world cruise reviews written by travelers knowledgeable on the subject.

Be sure to secure the necessary travel visas and documentations required . Your cruise operator should assist you with these. Seeking the advice of a travel agent or experienced world cruiser can also be beneficial.

Health care considerations

One of the important things to consider before embarking on cruise holidays are the health and wellness options available onboard. This especially applies to those who intend to continue on a world voyage for months or even years. Beyond having an ample supply of your personal medications, daily exercise is also essential to staying healthy aboard the ship.

Most ships have many forms of facilities and activities, so make sure you choose a cruise that caters to your health and wellness needs including accommodating special dietary requirements. Some world cruise ships include walking/running tracks that encircle the ship. Complete   health and wellness centers  are also becoming more prominent on new ship-builds.

Finally, consider a ship with less capacity than a high occupancy ship if you are concerned about viruses.

Travel essential checklist for world cruises

• Necessary visas for all countries visited on your itinerary
• Travel insurance (for world travel)
• Medication (sufficient supply)
• Pre-loadable multi-currency cash card
• Phone & computer
• Batteries & chargers
• Back-up power bank
• Books & entertainment
• All weather clothes
• Formal wear

What to budget for

If you have opted for the entry level base fare, this will typically cover your accommodation and most meals. However, there are a number of items and activities that you may need to budget for:

• Shore excursions
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Alcoholic beverages
• Specialty dining
• Transportation to and from the ship (flights and ground transfers)
• Fitness classes
• Spa and salon services
• Onboard activities such as casino, arcades, bingo and certain classes/workshops
• Service fees for room service
• Babysitting
• Soft drink packages
• Specialty coffee
• Port taxes and fees

Types of people you can expect to meet on a world cruise

World cruises are a great way to connect with like-minded individuals. You will find most guests on a cruise are curious, adventurous, and lifelong learners like yourself. Aboard the ship or even in port days, you can expect to meet and connect with a vast array of interesting people:

Solo travelers

Roughly 20% of all world cruisers are solo travelers. Yes, it turns out many people prefer to go it alone on their travels, and world cruises happen to be a great way to meet like-minded adventurers to travel with. As such, you will find many solo travelers keen to reach out and make your acquaintance.

Location-independent entrepreneurs

There’s a lot to learn from these remote working explorers; usually freelancers, consultants, digital nomads and entrepreneurs. They have a good grasp of how to leverage technology to live a nomadic existence. The value they have for freedom and independence is admirable. As experienced global travelers, they may be able to advise on the most pristine natural beauty spots ashore, and be a good source of travel inspiration and information.

Early retirees  

Expect to meet many early retirees when you’re cruising around the world. If you like joining social events, you will most likely spend some time in their company. Many have spent their retirement years traveling to world wonders and diving headlong into other passion projects. Who else would know how to kick back, relax, and enjoy the present moment better than people enjoying an early retirement?

These guests are living and/or working in a country other than their nation of citizenship. Sometimes they are deployed abroad by their multinational employers for temporary or long-term assignments. Others are entrepreneurs or financially independent and living abroad for the cultural experience or the cost savings. They tend to fully immerse themselves in the culture, learning the language and feeling at home anywhere in the world.

As technology advances with the advent of remote and virtual learning, more families are choosing an alternative travel lifestyle for upbringing their children. The experience alone of seeing the world and its different cultures, along with becoming global citizens is perhaps the best education of all. Storylines is the first ship to have a youth education department onboard, providing a worldly education like no other.

Booking your world cruise

There are several ways in which to book your around the world cruise:

• Use a world cruise review site such as  Cruise Guru
• Book directly with the cruise liner company of your choice
• Book through a travel agent such as Avoya Travel.
• Reside in your own luxury apartment aboard a ship like Storylines  MV Narrative

Around the world cruise options

Consider the ship size when examining the pros and cons.

Smaller world cruise ships

If you’re searching for a more intimate cruise, then a smaller ship might be right for you. These ships typically have less than 900 passengers. An advantage of smaller cruises is they can access smaller waterways and ports that a larger ship may not be able to.

• Regent Seven Seas : Approx. 700 capacity
• Seabourne : 458 capacity
• Viking Ocean Cruises : 930 capacity
• Silversea : 388 capacity

Larger world cruise ships

Bigger ships usually have expanded amenities, facilities, and can give you more freedom to roam. They are also higher capacity, with generally 900+ passengers on board.

• Princess Cruises : 2200 capacity
• Cunard : 2620 capacity
• Holland America Line : 1964 capacity
• Oceania : 1238 capacity

Residential world cruise ships

Private residence ships offer residences for sale for those who want to travel long-term as a lifestyle, not a vacation. Some people live on board full time while others use their unit as a vacation home. As technology advances and more people have the freedom to work from anywhere, residential world cruises are fast becoming a lifestyle choice.

• Storylines : 1000 capacity
• The World : 500 capacity
• Blue World Voyages : 500 capacity
• Njord:  500 capacity
• Somnio : 500 capacity

Consider the amenities

Different cruises have different amenities which is why it is essential to compare offerings in making your decision. Make sure that it’s worth the splurge by choosing a cruise that can best complement your lifestyle.

Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote workers may prefer cruises that offer peaceful lounges, meeting rooms and high speed Wi-Fi. If meeting people or socializing is more to your liking, consider cruises with extensive leisure options, such as nightlife and theater entertainment.

What is your ultimate itinerary?  

Consider cruises that will allow you to tick certain destinations off your travel bucket lists; whether it be experiencing la dolce vita in Italy or wandering along a palm tree-lined tropical beach inTahiti. There are cruises exploring most parts of the world and there is sure to be an itinerary that suits your needs.  

To recap, when choosing your ‘round the world cruise, the main points to consider are:

• Amenities, facilities and activities
• Health & wellness

Bon Voyage! 

About Storylines

Storylines is a luxury liveaboard ship with a like-minded community of globally-conscious citizens traveling the world. We seek out unique experiences, cultural events, and community participation while practicing and promoting sustainable travel. To learn more,   visit our website .

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8 Top World Cruises

Dream big and set sail on the monthslong trip of a lifetime.

Getty Images

Sailing for months on a luxurious cruise ship is an exciting way to travel the world.

If your ideal vacation involves spending months sailing around the world – exploring storied, faraway lands and learning the mysteries of ancient civilizations and cultures – then you should consider booking a world cruise. These epic voyages transport guests around the globe to some of the world's top historical and cultural attractions. You'll sample locally inspired cuisines from Asia, Europe and other diverse regions, plus enjoy special events on the ship and in port, including expert guest lectures, cultural programs and memorable themed nights. And best of all: You'll only have to pack and unpack once. Read on to learn why a world cruise may check all the boxes for your dream getaway – and get started on planning your next vacation.

When do world cruises depart, and how long do they last?

World cruises typically begin in January and end in April or May, but some lines, like Viking Ocean Cruises , offer voyages that embark in December. Therefore, full itineraries often last anywhere from around 100 to 150 days, though Royal Caribbean International recently launched the world's longest world cruise at 274 days. If you're not able to set sail for three to five months (or longer), some cruise providers also offer select, shorter segments of their full world cruise itineraries.

Are world cruises in high demand?

Before setting your sights on a particular itinerary, you should know that world cruises are very popular and usually sell out quickly. Post-COVID-19 shutdown, there's been even more pent-up demand for these cruises in the 2022 and 2023 cruising seasons. In fact, many 2022, 2023 and even 2024 world cruises sold out within an unprecedented amount of time this year. Oceania Cruises ' 2024 voyage sold out within 30 minutes of the line announcing the itinerary, and its 2023 cruise was completely booked within one week. Similarly, Viking's world voyages are sold out until the line's 138-day sailing on Dec. 20, 2023.

With so many world cruises booking up in record time, you may wonder what other options are available for travelers seeking a lengthy voyage. Howard Sherman, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises, advises, "In 2024, we are providing guests more extended voyage options to deeply and meaningfully rediscover the world." He adds, "While a globe-circling journey is the pinnacle of life-changing travel experiences, we have specially curated a set of Grand Voyages for seasoned and time-rich travelers to navigate storied seas, straits and oceans that boldly connect diverse and exotic corners of the globe." The line's grand voyages range from 72 to 82 days long.

Torstein Hagan, chairman of Viking, has this to say about Viking's world cruises: "We are delighted to once again offer explorers the opportunity to circumnavigate the world in comfort. Our previous world cruises sold out in a matter of weeks, and we are now seeing more interest in these extended voyages than ever before. Like me, our guests are curious people; we view travel as an opportunity to discover, learn and grow. With that Viking spirit of exploration, our seamless world cruises are possibly the greatest of all adventures."

President of Azamara , Carol Cabezas, agrees that travelers are excited and ready to set sail on a world cruise. She states, "Azamara is thrilled to offer its new World Voyage launching in 2024. As self-described curious travelers, our guests are eager to explore destinations further and make meaningful connections to each destinations' culture and people, spending more time in a given port." Cabezas adds, "Departing from our backyard in Fort Lauderdale , this once-in-a-lifetime World Voyage will take our curious guests to over 40 countries across six continents, giving them the time and opportunity to making these connections and explore the hidden gems and mystical wonders of the world, including the Great Wall of China , Great Pyramids of Giza , Chichén Itzá , Taj Mahal and more."

Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond, a luxury travel agency in New York City, says, "World cruises are always sought after as clients make lifelong friends and travel year after year together. World cruises are the ultimate dream trip, especially for great celebrations such as retirements, special anniversaries and getting out of the cold for the winter!" She notes that some lines' upcoming world cruises may highlight new and unique events. For example, Silversea Cruises ' 2024 world voyage offers an overnight visit to the Buddhist and Hindu temples in Borobudur, Indonesia, two of the country's nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How does pricing work on a world cruise?

When planning a world cruise, it's important to note that fares can vary significantly between cruise lines. Some lines advertise cruise-only fares, which do not include meals at specialty restaurants, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, excursions, some entertainment or other expenses. On top of that, many cruise lines' base prices exclude port fees and taxes. Given the length of a world cruise, even small expenses can add up after several months on the ship and in ports around the globe. Typically, travelers can expect to spend a base fare of between $15,000 and $95,000 for their world cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' all-inclusive fares include almost everything you could need, including door-to-door luggage service, first- and business-class airfare, pre-cruise gala events, unlimited dry cleaning and laundry, prepaid gratuities, meals, open bars and lounges, unlimited Wi-Fi access and more. Other lines may use a mostly all-inclusive payment plan and include additional perks, like Viking's Silver Spirits beverage package. Still, others – like MSC Cruises – may include wine and beer at dinner, but charge extra for select beverages, some excursions and other items throughout the voyage.

Picking your world cruise

To help you choose which world cruise is right for you, U.S. News has compiled a list of some of the best sailings that are still available to book for 2023. Keep in mind, if you're interested in a world cruise that is fully booked, you shouldn't lose hope. Scully advises that there are usually cancellations when trips are booked this far in advance, and you may be able to get on a waitlist through a travel adviser or by contacting the cruise line directly. Otherwise, if you're ready to book your tickets and set sail on the trip of a lifetime, consider one of these eight upcoming world voyages.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Navigate the World

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Date: Jan. 7 to May 30, 2023 Length: 143 nights Price: Starts at $94,599 per person (deluxe veranda suite, double occupancy)

Starting on Jan. 7, 2023, 684 guests will call Regent's Seven Seas Mariner home for its 143-night Navigate the World cruise. The ship sails from Miami to Barcelona, with stops in enchanting destinations across South America and idyllic islands like Bora Bora in French Polynesia. There are also stops in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, India, South Africa, the Canary Islands and more.

The cruise fare includes up to 356 complimentary excursions, meals, open bars and other amenities and perks. Guests will also have access to exclusive shoreside experiences in several ports, such as the Moonscapes & Moonlight event in Namibia.

Seabourn Cruise Line: Extraordinary Discoveries

Courtesy of Seabourn

Date: Jan. 6 to May 27, 2023 Length: 140 days Prices: Starts at $71,299 per person (ocean-view suite, double occupancy)

Seabourn Cruise Line 's 140-day itinerary departs from Miami on Jan. 6, 2023. Guests aboard the 448-passenger Seabourn Sojourn will visit 61 faraway destinations in 32 countries across six continents. Highlights of the Extraordinary Discoveries voyage include stops in cities like Lima, Peru ; Sydney and Melbourne , Australia; and Casablanca, Morocco. There are also exotic ports of call in Seychelles and West Africa.

In the South Pacific, you'll visit magical locales like French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Easter Island and Papua New Guinea. While here, travelers can also experience an intensive exploration with a team of experts known as Ventures by Seabourn. These skilled professionals host optional Zodiac, snorkeling and trekking excursions in South Pacific destinations like Tonga and the Cook and Solomon Islands.

Other notable features of this itinerary include cruising the Panama Canal, crossing the equator and the international dateline and passing the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. This incredible journey ends in Barcelona, Spain . Travelers who are interested in a shorter journey can also opt to sail certain segments of the full world cruise ranging from 21 to 30 days; abbreviated sailings travel through Australia, Indonesia, South Africa and more.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Date: Jan. 3 to May 12, 2023 Length: 128 days Price: Starts at $37,199 per person (veranda cabin, double occupancy)

Holland America Line 's 128-day Grand World Voyage departs on Jan. 3, 2023, and sails round trip from Fort Lauderdale. The extensive itinerary on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam features a Panama Canal transit and stops in exotic locales like Papeete, Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea, the Society Islands in French Polynesia. Travelers will also visit ports of call in New Zealand and Australia, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Spain, Morocco, France, Northern Europe and more stunning places in the world.

Princess Cruises: World Cruise

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Dates: Jan. 5 to April 27, 2023; Jan. 19 to April 27, 2023; Jan. 19 to May 11, 2023 Lengths: 97 to 111 days Prices: Starts at $21,499 to $23,171 per person (interior cabin, double occupancy), depending on route

Princess Cruises offers a 111-day world cruise that sails round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 5, 2023, aboard the 2,200-passenger Island Princess . The itinerary includes 50 exotic ports of call, from Cartagena, Columbia, to destinations in Hawaii, French Polynesia and New Zealand. Guests on the world cruise will also visit the United Arab Emirates, transit the Suez Canal in Egypt and tour European cities like Venice, Italy , and towns in Croatia and Slovenia. You'll also enjoy the magical beauty of Provence in the South of France.

Other options for the 2023 world cruise on Island Princess include a 97-day sailing from Los Angeles on Jan. 19, 2023, that returns to Fort Lauderdale. This itinerary features 43 ports of call. Travelers can also hop aboard the ship on the same date in Los Angeles for a longer 111-day round-trip voyage.

If you'd like to sail a shorter section of this world cruise, keep in mind a one 14-day segment is available. This itinerary embarks from Fort Lauderdale and ends in Los Angeles, visiting the Panama Canal, Columbia, Costa Rica , Nicaragua and Mexico along the way.

MSC Cruises: World Cruise

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Date: Jan. 4 to April 30, 2023; Jan. 5 to May 1, 2023; Jan. 6 to May 2, 2023; Jan. 7 to May 3, 2023 Length: 116 nights Price: Starts at $15,549 per person (interior cabin, double occupancy)

This Jan. 4, 2023, world cruise sailing on the 3,013-passenger MSC Magnifica departs from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, for a 116-night voyage around the globe. Other possible departure ports include Genoa, Italy (Jan. 5); Marseille, France (Jan. 6); or Barcelona, Spain (Jan. 7). The transatlantic itinerary boasts 43 incredible destinations, including cities in South America like Ushuaia, Argentina; Punta Arenas, Chile; and Lima, Peru. Guests will also cross the South Pacific Ocean, visiting locales along the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. The ship will then transit through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea before returning to Genoa.

Cruise fares include 15 complimentary shore excursions, as well as a Dine & Drink package that features a selection of wines, draught beer, sparkling water and other nonalcoholic beverages in the main restaurants during lunch and dinner. There is also a 30% discount on laundry services. Guests can enjoy themed evenings, guest speakers and language classes while on board.

If you're interested in a shorter voyage along this route, consider booking a 22- to 94-day segment in a region of your choosing. Options include Rome to Sydney, Genoa to Singapore, Barcelona to Sydney and more.

Planning a Mediterranean getaway? See the top  Mediterranean cruises on GoToSea .

Cunard Line: The Centenary World Voyages (Queen Mary 2)

Dates: Jan. 3 to April 30, 2023; Jan. 11 to April 23, 2023 Lengths: 102 or 117 nights Prices: Starts at $20,029 to $21,299 per person (Britannia inside cabins, double occupancy), depending on route

Cunard Line 's Queen Mary 2 departs round trip from Southampton, England, for a 102-night voyage on Jan. 11, 2023. This world voyage travels to Asia, Australia and Africa, while paying homage to the 100th anniversary of Cunard's maiden world sailing. Highlights of this voyage include transiting the Suez Canal and visiting Luxor, Egypt . The ship will also call on Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, plus Muscat, Oman, before heading to Asia, Australia, South Africa, Namibia and Spain.

Cruisers can also opt to depart round trip from New York City on a 117-night voyage from Jan. 3 to April 30, 2023. Or, if you'd rather sail a select segment of this world cruise itinerary, opt for a 9- to 67-day sailing in a region of your choosing. Options include New York City to Southampton, England; Dubai to Singapore; Hong Kong to New York City; Cape Town to Southampton and more.

Cunard Line: The Centenary World Voyages (Queen Victoria)

Dates: Jan. 9 to April 25, 2023; Jan. 11 to April 23, 2023; Jan. 20 to April 23, 2023 Lengths: 92 to 105 nights Prices: Starts at $18,499 to $21,699 per person (Britannia inside stateroom, double occupancy), depending on route

Cunard Line's 105-night Centenary World Voyage aboard the 2,061-passenger Queen Victoria departs round trip from Hamburg, Germany, on Jan. 9, 2023. Other embarkation ports include Southampton, England, on Jan. 11 for a 101-night voyage or New York City on Jan. 20 for 92 nights. Highlights of the journey include spectacular beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with stops across Hawaii, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Middle East, Europe and more.

Meals in the main dining room, most onboard entertainment, gala evenings, afternoon tea and other activities are included in the cruise fare. Special wine events and tastings, as well as extras like exercise classes, are an additional cost. Travelers who are interested in booking a portion of this world cruise can opt for a voyage lasting between 12 and 75 days. These segments include routes like San Francisco to Southampton, England; Sydney to Dubai; Dubai to Hamburg and more.

P&O Cruises: World Cruise

Courtesy of P&O Cruises

Date: Jan. 3 to April 13, 2023 Length: 99 nights Price: Starts at $16,388 per person (ocean-view cabin, double occupancy)

P&O Cruises' world cruise departs round trip from Southampton, England, on Jan. 3, 2023. The 99-night sailing on the 2,094-passenger, adults-only Arcadia features international cities, exotic islands, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning coastlines. Ports of call include stops in the Caribbean and Mexico, Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, before heading to Asia and the Middle East. All meals and some nonalcoholic beverages are included in the fare.

Travelers can opt to sail on one segment of the longer itinerary, ranging from 11 to 60 days. Shorter route offerings include Hong Kong to Dubai; Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Fort Lauderdale to Sydney and more.

Looking for a Caribbean escape? See the top  Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

You might also be interested in:

• The Most Anticipated New Cruise Ships
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Biggest Cruise Ships
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Europe Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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All four corners, one epic voyage.

The Ultimate World Cruise

The most epic world cruise ever to set sail.

Get ready to see the world in a whole new light — introducing the Ultimate World Cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas®. You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents. Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — each an immersive voyage of 60+ nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination.

Or call your local travel advisor . For more information, call the Ultimate World Cruise Contact Line at 800-423-2100.

Dive deeper into the world's wonders

Ultimate world cruise.

Visit 150+ destinations and 8 World Wonders, across 7 continents and 60+ countries. The Ultimate World Cruise features four distinct segments that traverse the globe in one incredible journey.

Dec 10th – Feb 11th

Ultimate Americas Cruise

Feb 11th - May 9th

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise

May 9th - July 10th

Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise

July 10th - Sep 10th

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise

Chichén Itzá, Cozumel, Mexico

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Machu Picchu, Lima, Peru

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia

Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

The Taj Mahal, Cochin, India

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Berlin, Germany

Copenhagen, Denmark

New York, New York

Dec 10th 2023 – Feb 11th 2024

Venture across Three Continents

36 Destinations, 64 Nights

Arica, Chile

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey begins December 2023, embarking from in Miami on the first segment of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ — the Ultimate Americas Cruise. Go from postcard-perfect Caribbean shores—including the ABC islands —to viewing abundant wildlife like sea lions, penguins and whales roaming glacier-studded Antarctica as you round Cape Horn. Along the way, discover World Wonders in South America, including man-made marvels and extraordinary natural phenomena.

Take in the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Behold the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls near Buenos Aires. And explore Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic symbols of Peru’s ancient Inca heritage. Then sail up to the Yucatàn Peninsula to discover hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas before exploring Ensenada.

Feb 11th 2024 - May 9th 2024

Far East. Down Under. And up for anything

40 Destinations, 87 nights

Taj Mahal, India

Venture miles from ordinary in Australia and Asia on this leg of the Ultimate World Cruise SM . Explore Hawaii and discover the crystal-clear waters of Mo’orea and Tahiti in unspoiled French Polynesia. Set out for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Trek from pristine natural beauty in Bali to one of the most iconic man-made World Wonders, the Great Wall of China. And discover the unparalleled culture and modern architecture of Tokyo, then take in one of the most breathtaking sights in the world — The Taj Mahal.

May 9th 2024 - July 10th 2024

Beauty beyond belief

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise

39 Destinations, 63 Nights

Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour

Explore the orange sand dunes of the world’s oldest desert in Namibia. Bask in the beauty of idyllic beaches in Cape Town. And hike mist-topped rainforests along the Ivory Coast. Plus, go back in time as you wander through the Colosseum in Rome and get lost in the Venetian-style streets of Corfu.

Then your journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and the cobblestoned streets of Barcelona, Cannes and Provence.

July 10th 2024 - September 10th 2024

Set a course for the north

40 Destinations, 63 Nights

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive cultural exploration starting in the Med heading north. Discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Gaudi’s Sagrada Família. Savor flavors across continents — like a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco.

Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.

Amenities Included in your entire adventure

Join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and amenities — all included in your adventure. So you can complement back-to-back discoveries onshore with all your favorite comforts onboard, plus thoughtful touches to elevate every moment.

*New World Wonders Shore Excursions included for Crown & Anchor® Society Platinum members & above

Business Class Airfare

Premium Transportation Between Airport, Hotel and Ship

Pre-cruise Hotel & Gala

New World Wonders Shore Excursion*

Deluxe Beverage Package

Wash & Fold Laundry Service

VOOM Surf & Stream

A World Wandering Fleet Favorite

Designed with acres of glass offering panoramic vistas of sea, sky and land, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect ship for scenery-scoping. Take in captivating views of Norway’s majestic fjords, gaze at glaciers in Antarctica, and soak up the sun and the sights while cruising through French Polynesia. In between adventures onshore, you can unwind poolside or tee off on the mini golf green. Settle in for dazzling entertainment or dance until dawn beneath the stars. And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise.

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Cruise Details & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultimate World Cruise?

The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024. The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, 150 ports of call, with 16 overnights and 8 World Wonders. More than 40 of the ports you’ll visit are either rarely available on our other itineraries or brand new to Royal Caribbean, so get ready for the exploration of a lifetime. Book The Ultimate World Cruise early to ensure the best accommodation throughout the entire voyage.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise and its 4 individual segments?

Ultimate World Cruise Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

Ultimate World Cruise Segments Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What are the 8 World Wonders the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments will visit, and on what dates?

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024

Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023

Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023

Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024

Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024

Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024

Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024

Colosseum: via Rome July 1, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024

There are no World Wonders visited during this Ultimate Cruise segment.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Will I receive the same stateroom for the entire duration of my Ultimate World Cruise or Ultimate Cruise segment?

Our Ultimate World Cruise team will ensure that you get the same stateroom for the entirety of the cruise when purchased within the exclusive booking window through November 2021. If you are purchasing your Ultimate World Cruise after the Ultimate Cruise segments have opened for sale, our team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire time onboard, based on the remaining available inventory.

What is the payment schedule for the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

To reserve a stateroom on the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments a non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment must be received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to cruise departure. For bookings created within 180 days prior to cruise departure, final payment must be received within 48 hours of booking.

How long do I have to place my deposit for the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

If outside of final payment, our Ultimate World Cruise and Ultimate Cruise segment guests are able to place a two-week hold to lock in their preferred stateroom and price before deposit is required. Your deposit must be placed within the two-week offer period to secure your selected stateroom.

Are there travel insurance options available on the Ultimate World Cruise or the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

There are travel insurance options available to guests who meet certain qualifications. For more information, please call 800-423-2100 or contact your Travel Advisor.

Why are the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments only offered as nonrefundable?

Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement. To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024, will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.

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This Luxury Cruise Line Is Putting Its Best Ship on a 180-day World Cruise — and It Visits 43 Countries and 81 World Heritage Sites

Oceania Cruises is pulling out all the stops for its newest trip around the world.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Nick Tortajada/Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

The company recently announced its 2026 world cruise, which is scheduled to visit an astonishing 101 ports in 43 countries, over 180 days.

What’s more, Oceania will offer this epic trip aboard its newest ship, Vista , a 1,200-passenger vessel that launched in 2023. That’s a major change for the industry, which typically operates super-long world cruises using older ships.

“It’s a very unconventional idea,” said Oceania president Frank A. Del Rio, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . “We never thought of putting Vista towards a world cruise.”

Del Rio said his perspective changed after talking to guests aboard Vista last year. The ship, which was the line’s first new vessel in more than a decade, is also one of the largest in the Oceania fleet — which in turn means it has more space, more amenities, and even bells and whistles like a pickleball court .

“All of our guests really like this ship,” Del Rio explained. “They said, ‘If you put Vista on a world cruise, maybe we can talk.’”

The result of that informal survey is the 2026 trip, a six-month odyssey that will start in Miami, circumnavigate South America, cross the Pacific Ocean, and spend extended time in Australia and Southeast Asia. The voyage then continues to India and the Middle East — current plans call for visits to Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — before transiting the Suez Canal. The final few months of the grand voyage take in the Mediterranean Sea and the British Isles, before an Atlantic Ocean crossing brings Vista back to Miami.

“It’s just an awesome itinerary,” Del Rio said, pointing out that the trip takes in an eye-popping 81 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. “We try to mix it up as much as possible.”

While many world cruisers are retirees who have the time — and budget — to make the trip, Del Rio said Oceania has had some early interest from younger guests.

“People are seeing that this is the most effective way to see the world,” explained Del Rio. “You're starting to hear people in their fifties and sixties say, ‘I'm selling everything and I'm going to spend the rest of my life on a cruise.’”

Or, at the very least, 180 days.

Rates for Oceania’s 2026 world cruise start at $58,000 per person.

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Top 6 Reasons to Join Vista’s 2026 Around the World Cruise

Our annual Around the World voyage is the ultimate global circumnavigation. In 2026 the bar is being raised even higher – you can cruise for up to 197 days aboard Vista , our newest ship, which debuted in the summer of 2023. Never before has a new luxury ship sailed on a world cruise as epic as this one. With the 180-day journey departing Miami on January 6, 2026, this journey of discovery will visit 43 countries on six continents and more than 100 fascinating ports. Two additional departure options offer additional choice and flexibility – the 197-day journey departing from Los Angeles on December 20, 2025, and the 120-day voyage departing from San Diego on March 7, 2026.

Below is our list of top reasons to join this incredible 2026 Around the World cruise.

• Discover Destinations in Depth For many, a world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list vacation. Our 2026 itinerary promises to be a truly immersive adventure. Our seasoned team of itinerary planners has included a number of extended port stays and overnight visits to provide extra time for in-depth shoreside discoveries. A number of optional Mid-Cruise Overland Programs will be offered, providing ample opportunity to explore each destination even more extensively. Perhaps you will journey to Luxor and the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes from Safaga. Delve deeper into one of the world’s most celebrated wine-producing regions: Bordeaux. Explore Ayers Rock and the Australian outback from the port of Darwin. Or just appreciate a glorious sunset from a seaside café in Santorini, Pago Pago or Honolulu.

• Explore 81 UNESCO Sites From the uninhabited former penal colony of Devil’s Island in the French Caribbean to Mumbai, India’s bustling metropolis of 23 million residents, one of the top reasons to choose a world cruise is the sheer diversity of cultural experiences and natural wonders to behold. There are more than 80 must-see UNESCO World Heritage sites that are accessible within driving distance of our ship. Whether you are lured by the legendary rainforests in Brazil and Costa Rica or the opportunity to island hop from one idyllic South Pacific and Caribbean atoll to the next, this voyage offers a kaleidoscopic array of destinations, both near and far, including ancient treasures, scenic splendor, coveted coastal resorts and iconic world capitals throughout Asia, South America and Europe. Even better, a multitude of shore excursions will be offered to make the best of your time in every port.
• Indulge in Luxury Aboard Vista Our stunning new Vista is ideally sized to navigate the world’s vast oceans in comfort. With a crew of 800 staff and carrying just 1,200 guests, you will be pampered with personalized service. The bartender will most assuredly remember whether your martini is shaken or stirred and if you prefer olives or a twist. The accommodations are incredibly luxurious, resplendent with every five-star luxury, including ample storage and spacious bathrooms. Yes, your home away from home for six amazing months.

• Savor Multiple Dining Sensations Whether you are new to Oceania Cruises or are a loyal Oceania Club member not familiar with Vista , the epicurean experiences are a culinary tour de force. And wherever you dine, all of the cuisine is prepared à la minute, our hallmark and the reason we are renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea® . Your gourmet dining experiences aboard Vista include:
• The Grand Dining Room, for memorable multi-course meals
• Red Ginger, our popular Pan-Asian specialty restaurant
• Polo Grill, our classic steakhouse specializing in steaks and seafood
• Toscana, serving indulgent Italian regional dishes
• Ember, where the focus is on elevated American classics with a modern twist
• Aquamar Kitchen, offering wellness-inspired, yet indulgent, breakfast and lunch selections
• Terrace Café, featuring a world of options and both indoor and al fresco seating
• Waves Grill, an open-air eatery with Wagyu burgers, filet mignon and lobster for lunch and late afternoon dining
• The Pizzeria at Waves Grill, an authentic Neapolitan trattoria serving up hand-tossed pizzas, dry-rubbed wings, burrata and more for dinner
• The Bakery at Baristas, serving freshly baked French and Italian pastries

Depending on your preferred palate pleaser, you can join a range of wine and spirits tastings and immersive mixology experiences throughout the voyage. An array of wine pairing lunches and dinners are also on offer to mark special moments or simply celebrate the journey.

• Enjoy Compelling Onboard Enrichment While the destinations are no doubt the main attraction of this voyage, the experiences on board this ship have also been thoughtfully curated. By day you might opt to participate in a hands-on cooking class in The Culinary Center or watch one of our chefs demonstrate their mastery. The Artist Loft is where you might join a painting class or create a special memento inspired by a recent destination you explored. Passionate Guest Speakers will be on board to share insights on history and culture of the destinations to enrich your journey between ports.

In the evenings, Vista comes alive. Our energetic ensemble of singers and dancers will entertain you with lively cabaret-style shows, featuring a variety of music, song and dance performances. Throughout the world cruise, musicians will regale you with classical, jazz and dance music. And the line-up will surely feature guest comedians, headliners and local performers.

• Save With Complimentary Amenities Your six-month adventure will be complemented by a host of complimentary amenities for the ultimate globe-roaming luxury voyage. Our valuable simply MORE™ amenities include Champagne, wine and beer during lunch and dinner at onboard restaurants, a shore excursion credit of up to $9,600 per guest and free unlimited Starlink WiFi. Plus, Around the World cruise guests will enjoy free first-class roundtrip air transportation and free airport transfers.

Moreover, you will also receive the generous amenities included with the Exclusive Prestige Package such as a free one-night luxury hotel stay before the cruise, free laundry services, a free Visa package, free luggage delivery, free pre-paid gratuities, free exclusive shoreside events and more.

All of this is in addition to our always-included amenities, such as free dining at gourmet specialty restaurants, free room service 24 hours a day, free fitness classes and so much more.

Will 2026 be the year you take Oceania Cruises’ life-changing Around the World voyage? Preview our new world cruise and start planning now.

• 2026 World Cruise Aboard Vista - A Closer Look
• In Conversation with Leslie Jon: What Travelers Can Expect on Our 2025 Around the World Cruise
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• Introducing Our 2025 Around the World Voyage & Early-Release Grand Voyages
• Top 10 Highlights: 2024 Around the World & Early-Release Grand Voyages
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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.

Posted: April 20, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

• Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas  in January.
• My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar.
• I've yet to see most of the amenities on my list on other cruise ships.

There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings .

The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting.

But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Take a look at what made the cut.

1. The six-slide waterpark

It wouldn't be a roundup of Icon of the Seas' best amenities without a mention of its waterpark.

Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft.

However, if you don't like the feeling of your stomach dropping, I'd advise skipping the 46-foot-tall drop slide.

2. The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs. As a kid-fearing adult, I loved the grown-ups-only suspended infinity pool.

I spent my time there perched at one of its in-water loungers, contently splashing my legs around the water, wondering if I actually hated cruises.

While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

3. The Crown’s Edge thrill 'ride'

There's no need to grab coffee before harnessing up for the part-zipling, part-agility Crown's Edge course. You'll be jolted awake when the floor drops from beneath your feet, leaving you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before the zipline kicks in.

Unfortunately, it comes with two costs: $49 and a spike of anxiety.

4. The 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Aqua Action!' shows

If you hate cruise shows, Icon of the Seas could make you change your mind.

The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

For something less traditional, the semi-circle AquaDome theater hosts a compelling multi-disciplinary swim, dive, and aerial show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites.

5. The live jazz bar

Ya like jazz? So do I.

Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

6. The customizable Mediterranean-style wrap at the five-stall food hall

The mega-ship's food hall wasn't nearly as diverse or exciting as the one on Norwegian Prima .

But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent.

The Cava -like meal was balanced, succulent, and filling. Ending it with a strawberry nutella crepe from one of the vendors didn't hurt either.

7. The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

Everyone takes a picture inside the Pearl . But few people know that the best part about the glittering structure isn't what's inside it — it's what's behind it: the Pearl Café.

Admittedly, the food wasn't standout.

But it's 2024. In this era, we don't dine for food. We dine for vibes . And the Pearl Café was definitely "serving" (even with its mediocre sandwiches).

At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. It turns out it's a great place to get some work done.

8. The lounging pods that tower above passerbys

Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome.

If you want to feel like you're drinking in a nest atop a tree, bring your coffee-infused cocktail from nearby Rye and Bean to one of the elevated pods. .

Just don't drink too much. What goes up must come down. And to get down from the pods, you'll have to take the stairs.

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Roush Review: ‘Tattooist of Auschwitz’ Etches a Portrait of Love Amid the Hell of the Holocaust

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

In Nazi concentration camps, tattoos were etched on prisoners’ arms in an attempt to erase their humanity, turning them into numbers. The Tattooist of Auschwitz , a wrenching but ultimately uplifting six-part series adapted from the non-fiction novel by Heather Morris, corrects this atrocity by repeatedly presenting a stark gallery of somber faces, among the millions lost to history but burned into the memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau survivor Lali Sokolov (an affecting Harvey Keitel ).

Still overcome with anger, grief and guilt in 2003, more than a half-century after the Holocaust, the recently widowed Lali recounts the horrors to novice writer Morris ( Melanie Lynskey ), framing his account as the most unlikely of love stories. It was in Auschwitz, assigned to tattoo numbers onto incoming prisoners—“It’s worse if you’re gentle,” he’s told—that the cautious Lali (mournful Jonah Hauer-King as the younger man) meets and is instantly smitten by new arrival and future wife Gita (the luminous Anna Próchniak ). She jokes about whether he can do her tattoo in pink, and from that moment on, they’ll go to any lengths to spend time together.

They embark on a dangerous, forbidden affair, stealing clandestine moments of desperate intimacy, bribing guards and carrying on under the nose of Lali’s cruel SS handler Baretsky ( Deutschland 83 ’s remarkable Jonas Nay ), who forms a twisted brotherly bond with his captive. “We’ll get through this. I’m here for you,” Baretsky tells his appalled puppet, who shrinks from his touch. The ghost of his jailer continues to haunt and taunt Lali, who often sees visions of the Nazi in his otherwise cozy Melbourne, Australia home while unsettling the sympathetic Morris with his stories.

“I don’t know if I’m capable of writing it. I’m actually terrified,” she tells Lali when the accumulation of soul-crushing detail begins to be too much. (The viewer may well feel the same way in this unflinching dramatization.) Lali’s narrative is also affected by his bitter knowledge that because of the status provided by his work duties, he was better off than many in the camp. And yet, as a fellow inmate counsels him, “In this hell we’re in, we are only given two choices: the bad choice and the worst one.”

Jonah Hauer-King on the 'Extraordinary' Love Story of 'Tattooist of Auschwitz'

Lali also shares details of Gita’s struggles, including a nearly fatal infection that, if detected and untreated, could spell her doom. She works alongside a woman who indulges the unwanted affections of a German officer and tells her more romantically inclined acquaintance, “There is no love here, only hate and pain.”

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, for all of its horror, would beg to differ as it offers the overarching message that “Love Will Survive”—which is also the title of the soulful new song Barbra Streisand sings over the end credits.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Limited Series Premiere (six episodes), Thursday, May 2, Peacock

Anna Próchniak

Barbra streisand, harvey keitel, jonah hauer-king, melanie lynskey.

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Everything you can ask your cruise ship butler to do, from the sublime to the ridiculous

My husband and I were on board a luxury river ship in Europe trying to open a fancy bottle of French wine we had purchased on shore — we were struggling with the corkscrew.

I'd had this issue once before in a hotel, and the result was red wine splashed around the room. Fearing a repeat, I called for our butler, who arrived promptly, opened the bottle with ease and then went off to find a cheese he said would pair perfectly with the wine.

Cruise ship butlers are trained to pamper, after all, and that means no request is too ridiculous.

If you book a suite with butler service, this person can be a trusted adviser. He or she will serve up surprises, offer tips to make your cruise even more enjoyable and handle requests with aplomb.

What does it take to be a butler?

First, get the "Downton Abbey" image out of your head. Butlers are not necessarily British or male. They come from around the world, including India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Eastern Europe and Italy. That said, some are trained in the English style of butler service.

For instance, on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships, butlers are trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

Your butler will likely have studied wine presentation (right down to where to place the Champagne bucket) and learned how to interact with guests. The training includes both classroom instruction and role-playing.

A cruise ship butler once told me the necessary skills are humor, being super organized, having enough confidence to offer advice and being able to intuit guest needs. Your butler will study your habits and think ahead on ways to please.

Which cruise ships have butler service?

At ultra-luxury line Silversea Cruises , every guest stays in a suite with butler service. Other lines with butlers for top suites include Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Azamara Cruises , Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as well as river line Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

For those staying in Star Class suites on select Royal Caribbean ships, the butler role is fulfilled by a Royal Genie, as in, "Your wish is my command."

Whether you have a butler or a genie, the idea is the same.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise

What can my butler do for me?

If you're wondering what your butler can do for you, you're not alone. After all, very few guests in cruise ship suites have a butler at home. Here are a few ways to take advantage of butler service on your next cruise.

Unpack luggage

Your butler won't force any services on you. But if you want your clothes neatly tucked away, your shoes shined, wrinkles removed from your ballgown, your laundry whisked away or even a button replaced, these are some of the services your butler is available to perform.

If you forgot to pack your dress shoes, your zipper breaks (or you can't reach the zipper on the back of your dress), your mascara is too gooey or you just need advice on what to wear on a particular night on the ship, call your butler.

Your butler will also be available to help you pack up at the end of your cruise.

Serve breakfast in bed

Want your butler to bring you breakfast in bed? All you need to do is ask. You can also order other meals in your cabin.

If you do dinner in your suite, your butler will likely bring you the dining room menu so you can make your meal choices, and your selections will be delivered course by course, so nothing is tepid (unless it's supposed to be).

Once, after a long day ashore, my husband and I just wanted a hamburger and fries for a quiet in-room movie date night. Our butler arranged everything and suggested we order brownies for dessert. He delivered our burgers on a silver tray.

Your butler can also bring you afternoon canapes to go with your cocktails, which he or she can prepare — in addition to keeping your minibar stocked with your favorite beverages. You can also request afternoon tea or a cappuccino whenever you like.

Want popcorn while you watch a movie, have a caviar craving or need a midnight snack? Call the butler.

You can also ask your butler for service outside your suite. For instance, on a cruise on Silver Origin in the Galapagos, a pal and I watched the sunset in a hot tub while our butler served us chilled sparkling wine.

Related: Cruise ship room service: A line-by-line guide to in-cabin dining

Book reservations and shore excursions

Your butler's focus is great service, and he or she may enlist other crew members to help fulfill your requests. Depending on the ship, your butler might help you arrange dinner times, spa treatments and even shore excursions — or refer you to a concierge who can help make reservations.

It's my experience that butlers really know the best things on the ships and often in the ports as well. For instance, if you have questions about whether the seafood lunch buffet is worth attending, ask your butler. If you want to dine in port and aren't sure where, ask your butler that question, too.

Rearrange your cabin furniture

You might have heard your butler can have your furniture rearranged — and it's true.

For instance, if you're not a fan of decorative pillows, you can ask the butler to have them removed. You could also request a chair or have lamps added to your cabin.

One regular guest in Cunard's Queens Grill suites asks for an extra dresser for storage, has the couch moved and the chairs turned around, and, since she prefers showers, has a wall-to-wall rod hung above the tub so she has extra space for hanging clothes.

Host a party

Want to throw a little party? Butlers can help you entertain guests. For example, on my Silver Origin cruise, one guest wanted to have friends over to her suite before dinner. Her butler removed furniture to make space, added extra chairs and supplied several bottles of sparkling wine and four kinds of empanadas.

When my husband and I decided to throw a cocktail party on our Asia honeymoon cruise, the butler went all-out arranging nibbles, from nuts and cheese to cold shrimp and crab.

If your suite has a large enough dining table, you can also have your butler arrange a dinner party.

On all-inclusive ships, there is typically no extra charge for these extravagances, and that might be the case on other ships as well, as cruise lines often want to pamper their big-spending passengers in the fanciest suites.

Your butler can also help you celebrate a special occasion. Butlers will have experience preparing celebrations ranging from birthdays and anniversaries to marriage proposals. They can help you come up with over-the-top ideas, whether that means filling a room with roses or balloons or arranging a secret spot for you to get down on one knee.

Be ship guides (but not dance partners)

Your butler might offer you a tour to help familiarize you with the ship. Some lines, such as Celebrity Cruises, have the butler meet you at the pier and escort you on board.

The butler will also be available to lend an arm as you head to dinner, an activity, a cocktail hour or a show but will not stay and sit with you. If you want a dance partner, you'll need to rely on your ship's dance hosts .

What won't a butler do?

Your butler won't make your bed or clean your cabin. Your room steward will do that.

Butlers also don't babysit or provide any nursing services. If you need that, you'll have to bring your own assistant.

Can I call my butler at any hour?

Cruise ship butler service is available every hour of every day. That said, when your butler is on a break, his or her colleagues will handle your requests.

Your butler will carry either a telephone or pager. However, it's important to remember when making requests that your butler is not yours alone. Cruise ship butlers typically cover the needs of 12 to 16 suites, meaning 24 or more guests per cruise.

Should I tip my butler?

The decision to tip your butler is very personal. I tend to leave a cash tip at the end of the cruise, along with a thank you note.

It's important to note that not all daily service charges include butler gratuities. Check with your cruise line for information on whether they will receive a portion of the daily tips which will be added automatically to your onboard bill.

On all-inclusive ships with gratuities included in the cruise fare, I still leave a thank-you tip.

Related: 13 best all-inclusive cruise lines

Bottom line

When you're on a cruise and have access to a butler, the opportunities for moments of surprise and delight are boundless — and butlers will tell you that's what makes their job truly enjoyable. One Uniworld butler, for example, had a particular trick up his sleeve: He'd surprise guests by sabering a Champagne bottle.

My favorite surprise was on a Silversea ship when my husband and I returned from a desert excursion in Wadi Rum, Jordan. Our butler, with assistance from our cabin steward, had prepared a bubble bath complete with floating flowers. There must have been some radioing ahead as the water was perfectly hot and the bubbles perfectly frothy when we entered our cabin.

Also, on a Regent Seven Seas sailing, one butler went all-out for a couple celebrating their golden anniversary by shooting a video with family members on board and having friends send in clips online, too. The couple's favorite songs were added as background music. When they returned to their suite on their anniversary, they found balloons and a banner, a cake, Champagne and the video ready to play on their TV.

According to the butler, the guests responded with happy tears.

Whether you want help with something as simple as getting acquainted with the ship or as elaborate as throwing an unforgettable soiree, butler service on a cruise ship can be a sublime experience. In fact, the most frequent request butlers say they hear from guests is, "Can you come home with me?"

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Earth Day: How a senator’s idea more than 50 years ago got people fighting for their planet

FILE - Climate activists hold a rally to protest the use of fossil fuels on Earth Day at Freedom Plaza, April 22, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

FILE - Activists display prints replicating solar panels during a rally to mark Earth Day at Lafayette Square, Washington, April 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File)

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Millions of people around the world will pause on Monday, at least for a moment, to mark Earth Day. It’s an annual event founded by people who hoped to stir activism to clean up and preserve a planet that is now home to some 8 billion humans and assorted trillions of other organisms.

Here are answers to some common questions about Earth Day and how it came to be:

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE EARTH DAY?

Earth Day has its roots in growing concern over pollution in the 1960s, when author Rachel Carson’s 1962 book “Silent Spring,” about the pesticide DDT and its damaging effects on the food chain, hit bestseller lists and raised awareness about nature’s delicate balance.

But it was a senator from Wisconsin, Democrat Gaylord Nelson, who had the idea that would become Earth Day. Nelson had long been concerned about the environment when a massive offshore oil spill sent millions of gallons onto the southern California coast in 1969. Nelson, after touring the spill site, had the idea of doing a national “teach-in” on the environment, similar to teach-ins being held on some college campuses at the time to oppose the war in Vietnam.

Nelson and others, including activist Denis Hayes, worked to expand the idea beyond college campuses, with events all around the country, and came up with the Earth Day name.

WHY WAS APRIL 22 CHOSEN FOR EARTH DAY?

A history of the movement by EarthDay.org, where Hayes remains board chair emeritus, says the date of the first Earth Day — April 22, 1970 — was chosen because it fell on a weekday between spring break and final exams and the aim was to attract as many students as possible.

IS EARTH DAY A REAL HOLIDAY?

It’s not a federal holiday. But many groups use the day to put together volunteer events with the environment in mind, such as cleanups of natural areas. You can see a list of events worldwide , or register your own event, at EarthDay.org.

HAS IT HAD AN IMPACT?

It has. The overwhelming public response to the first Earth Day is credited with adding pressure for the U.S. Congress to do more to address pollution, and it did, passing landmark legislation including the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. More broadly, it’s seen as the birth of the modern environmental movement. In later years, Earth Day expanded to become a truly global event. It now claims to have motivated action in more than 192 countries.

In 2000, Earth Day began taking aim at climate change, a problem that has grown rapidly more urgent in recent years.

WHAT’S THE THEME THIS YEAR?

This year’s Earth Day is focusing on the threat that plastics pose to our environment, with a call to end all single-use plastic and find replacements for their use so they can quickly be phased down.

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