A world cruise is the most ambitious and extraordinary itinerary available in ocean travel — a continuous voyage spanning the entire globe, typically departing from Southampton, New York or Sydney and returning to the same port after circumnavigating the earth over 100 to 150 days. These voyages are offered by a small number of prestigious cruise lines — Cunard, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas and Viking among the most celebrated — and represent the pinnacle of ocean travel for those who have the time and means to experience it.

A world cruise typically calls at 40 to 60 ports across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Asia-Pacific and Americas. The itinerary might include transits through the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca — three of the world’s great maritime gateways — as well as calls at iconic ports including Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Dubai, Cape Town, Buenos Aires and New York. Particularly prized are the overnight stays and extended port calls that allow for more meaningful exploration of each destination.

Life aboard a world cruise ship is highly organised and surprisingly social — passengers who spend three to five months together develop genuine friendships, and the onboard enrichment programmes of lectures, cooking classes, language lessons and cultural immersion activities create a floating university atmosphere. Shore excursions are comprehensive and expertly guided; many passengers also book independent touring or hire local guides in specific ports of personal interest.

World cruises are typically offered in two booking options: the full circumnavigation or ‘sector’ legs of varying lengths for those who want a portion of the journey. They are best booked 12 to 18 months in advance, as they sell out quickly. They’re the travel experience of a lifetime for those who qualify.