Just the sheer idea of the longest cruise around the world—a whopping 274 nights, nearly ten months at sea—sounds so preposterous that it is almost impossible to believe it could be real. Some might even say it sounds ridiculous.
Who on earth has the time, money, and willingness to get on a ship and not return home for almost a year? But then again—why not do it? The more you think about such an adventure, the more it feels… strangely captivating.
It’s not merely the epic scale of such a trip but also the idea that you can get on a boat and disappear for almost a year that is truly awe-inspiring. No work, rent, mortgage, annoying neighbors, or taxes to think about—just ports to explore and buffets to enjoy.
Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas set sail in December 2023 for a journey that lasted until September 2024—an adventure that’s honestly hard to wrap your head around. Covering seven continents and over 150 ports, this was a truly literal cruise around the world. It’s nothing like the typical week-long cruises you might be familiar with in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or North Sea. According to reports, this epic voyage is set to happen again sometime in late 2025 or 2026.
The Radiance-class cruise ship is practically a slow floating city that carries you to every corner of the globe. It’s impossible not to imagine yourself sipping coffee on deck as the ship glides past Antarctica’s icy edges, sampling street food in Vietnam after days at sea, or standing beneath the shadow of the pyramids in Egypt. That is what a cruise around the world truly looks like, and it is real.
What would it even feel like to have the entire world as your next destination? Would you grow accustomed to it, or would the beauty eventually lose its shine? Or might such an experience fundamentally change something deep within you?
A cruise around the world isn’t the kind of modern adventure you might expect
The idea of circling the Earth predates the glossy brochures of modern cruise liners; it’s as old as human ambition itself. Back in 1519, Magellan set sail for the Spice Islands, chasing dreams of wealth and glory. He didn’t live to see the end of the journey—meeting his fateful end in the Philippines—but one of his ships made it back home, having completed the impossible: the first circumnavigation of the planet. Today, instead of facing mutiny and scurvy, travelers contend with all-you-can-eat buffets and the occasional dodgy Wi-Fi signal.
This almost proposterous world cruise that set off from Miami in December 2023 spiraled outward in every direction imaginable. It swept across South America, offering the opportunity to explore Rio or admire Patagonia’s dramatic peaks. It slipped past glaciers en route to Antarctica and then drifted towards New Zealand and Australia.
From there, passengers wandered through the stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia—Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore—before tracing the coasts of India and the Red Sea. Petra awaited them in Jordan, followed by Rome, Corfu, and Olympia in Greece, then Lisbon in Portugal—and, somehow, even Reykjavik in Iceland. Then came New York. Then the Caribbean. And finally…well, then they were back to Miami.
It’s often said that the best part of travel isn’t the destination itself; it’s the journey. It’s the space you put between yourself and your everyday life, the goodbyes, the quiet anxiety over whether you packed enough. And that moment, maybe three days in, when you finally stop checking your phone and just exist where you are.
So what happens when you stretch that feeling across 274 days—when the in-between becomes the whole point and your entire existence for practically a whole year? Who do you become after you’ve seen temples and deserts and glaciers and favelas and fjords? What stories do you tell over breakfast when the view is constantly changing?
You’ll visit places Europe, Africa, Oceania. You’ll feel the traces of history, the stones, the sea walls, the spice markets, and so many other places.
So…how much does it cost?
The full Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise had varying price points depending on the desired room category. Interior staterooms generally started at around $59,999 per person. For those desiring a room with a view, ocean view staterooms began at around $64,999 per passenger, while balcony staterooms typically started at about $83,000 per person.
Luxury travelers opting for a Junior Suite could expect prices starting at approximately $118,000 per person, with larger or more exclusive suites potentially reaching over $300,000 per passenger. These figures covered the cruise fare alone; additional taxes, fees, and port expenses added roughly $4,700 per person. However, the full world cruise fare included substantial perks: round-trip business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel stays, premium ground transportation, a deluxe beverage package, Wi-Fi for two devices, gratuities, and laundry service.
Beyond the widely publicized Royal Caribbean offering, many other cruise lines also operate around-the-world voyages, each with its own style and pricing. For instance, Viking Ocean Cruises regularly offers world cruises lasting over 120 days, with fares typically starting at around $59,995 per person and easily exceeding $100,000 for higher-tier accommodations or extended itineraries.
Oceania Cruises provides comprehensive “Around the World” experiences, with 180+ day cruises starting at approximately $58,000 per guest for interior staterooms, while suite prices can easily exceed $100,000. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises feature highly inclusive world cruises, with fares starting at around $81,000 to $99,900 per person—and soaring to over $1.3 million for their most opulent accommodations,such as the Regent Suite on the luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Splendor.
So, what are you waiting for?