Embarking on a world cruise offers the unparalleled opportunity to explore multiple continents while unpacking just once. With voyages spanning from 90 to nearly 200 days, these extended journeys allow travellers to tick off bucket-list destinations such as the Panama Canal and the Great Wall of China. Both budget-friendly and luxury cruise lines provide global itineraries, but prices tend to be higher due to the extended time at sea. It is crucial to consider cabin types and what is included in the fare, as some packages cover wifi, excursions, tips, and even flights. Booking well in advance is essential, as the best cabins often sell out years ahead. Here is a detailed selection of the top world cruises for 2027 and 2028.
Best Value Global Cruise: MSC Cruises
Sail aboard the recently remodelled MSC Magnifica, which accommodates 2,550 passengers and features an upmarket MSC Yacht Club space, a new spa, and gym. This 132-night itinerary begins in Genoa and includes a memorable passage through the Panama Canal. The fare includes 15 free excursions, extended shore stays, and seven overnight stops in cities like Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Sydney. Additional perks include a 30% discount on laundry services. Shorter segments of 34 or 51 nights are also available for those seeking a more compact journey. Departing on 5 January 2027, prices start from £16,069 per person.
Best for Traditional Cruising: Cunard
Experience classic sailing with Cunard aboard Queen Victoria, which caters to 2,061 passengers. This 109-day voyage starts and ends in Southampton, ideal for British guests, and features unique stops in Dakar, Senegal, and Manila, Philippines. Enjoy white-gloved waiters, ballroom dancing, and strict evening dress codes. The cruise offers theatre shows, an onboard library, and shorter leg options. World voyage guests receive a commemorative gift, cocktail parties, a gala dinner ashore, a personal concierge, and access to a private lounge. Departing on 10 January 2027, fares begin from £12,899 per person.
Best for Culture: Viking
Explore the world in Scandinavian style with Viking, embarking from Los Angeles and heading into the Pacific towards Australia. This cruise includes an excursion in every port across 27 countries, with 15 overnight stays at UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Great Barrier Reef and the Statue of Liberty. The fare covers business class flights, a drinks package, wifi, and complimentary spa access. The journey concludes in London. Departing on 14 January 2028, prices start from £44,490 per person.
Best for Longest World Cruise: Azamara
Azamara offers the longest world cruise at 188 nights aboard the 710-capacity Azamara Quest. Departing from San Francisco, it visits 37 countries, 103 destinations, and five continents, with 50 late-night stays and 15 overnight stops in locations such as Tokyo and Cartagena. The small ship size allows access to smaller ports, like transiting the Kiel Canal in Germany or docking at The Bund in Shanghai. The sailing ends in Copenhagen on 12 July, providing a winter departure and summer return. Departing on 5 January 2027, fares begin from £44,242 per person.
Best for Luxury: Regent Seven Seas
Indulge in 141 days of luxury with Regent Seven Seas aboard Seven Seas Splendor. This all-suite cruise departs from Miami on 11 January 2027, covering 40 countries and six continents with 71 ports of call, and ends in New York. Everything is included: wifi, tips, drinks, spa access, and shore excursions. Penthouse suite guests enjoy a personal butler, and with 567 crew members serving 750 guests, service is exceptional. Prices start from £72,619 per person.
Best for British Touch: P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises' Arcadia, with a capacity of 2,094, embarks on its longest-ever world cruise in 2028, lasting 124 nights. The voyage visits all four corners of the globe and conveniently starts and ends in Southampton. Enjoy British touches like afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches, plus dining at Marco Pierre White's Ocean Grill and the Sindhu speciality restaurant. Highlights include an overnight stay in San Francisco and a transit through the Panama Canal. Departing on 6 January 2028, fares begin from £17,789 per person.
Best for Premium Price: Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers a 129-day world cruise aboard Coral Princess, focusing on the Pacific region with 60 ports. Departing from Ft Lauderdale and ending in Los Angeles, it provides extended time in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, helping to keep costs lower. The 2,000-capacity ship features outdoor movie screenings and wearable technology for navigation and ordering. Departing on 6 January 2027, prices start from £15,819 per person.
