How much does a world cruise cost?

World cruises let you see multiple countries and continents in a single trip. While these cruises aren't cheap, they might be more affordable than you think when you break down what's included.

Prices start at around 10,000 USD per person for basic accommodations and can reach up to nearly 1 million USD for ultra-luxury experiences, depending on the cruise line and the cabin you choose.¹

Let's dig deeper so you know what to expect.

What is a world cruise?

A world cruise is a cruise that takes you around the globe. You'll visit multiple continents, countries, and famous landmarks on one trip, making it a great option for travelers who want to experience many different cultures relatively quickly.

These voyages typically last between 100 to 180 days, though some can be longer.² During the journey, you'll typically visit between 30 to 60 ports across 25 to 35 countries.

World cruises often include more overnight stays in ports than regular cruises, giving you more time to explore each destination. They also usually have special perks like exclusive shore excursions and extra amenities unavailable on shorter cruises.

How much does it cost to go on a world cruise?

Prices vary a lot, but you can expect to pay around 15,000 USD to 25,000 USD for a mainstream cruise, and between 60,000 USD and 100,000 USD if you want a more luxurious experience.³

Cruise line

Your world cruise cost will largely depend on the cruise line you choose. Also, some cruise lines don't list their world cruise prices directly on their websites - you'll typically need to request a quote.

Here’s a breakdown of a few popular lines with world cruises.

Fees correct at time of writing - 12.09.2024

Silversea Cruises stands at the luxury end with their "The Curious and the Sea" voyage. Starting at 101,600 USD per person, you'll visit rarely-seen places like Easter Island with its famous Moai statues and explore UNESCO sites in French Polynesia. There are also 8 high-end restaurants on board.⁴

Crystal Cruises offers a slightly more affordable luxury option at 84,000 USD per person for 135 nights on their 2026 World Cruise. You'll get exclusive experiences like after-hours museum access and the only Nobu restaurant at sea.⁵

Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise is the longest option available. You'll be traveling for 274 nights and visiting over 60 countries. Royal Caribbean's world cruise price starts at 59,999 USD per person, so while it's a longer commitment, the per-night cost is actually lower than at the ultra-luxury lines (but it ultimately depends on the room you choose, more on that later).⁶

Holland America Line is one of the more affordable around the world cruise options, starting at 22,354 USD per person for their 124-day Grand World Voyage. You'll visit sites like Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and the Great Barrier Reef, plus get six overnight stays in ports.⁷

MSC Cruises has the lowest cruise around the world cost on this list, starting at 15,800 USD per person for their 18-night experience. This cruise might not have all the luxury extras, but you'll get to see the world without breaking the bank.⁸

Duration

World cruises typically last between 100 to 180 days, but some mini-cruises can be as short as just a couple of weeks.² Naturally, longer cruises cost more, but they might be more affordable than you think when you break down the daily cost.

When you're on a world cruise, you're essentially living in a floating all-inclusive hotel. Typically, your room, meals, entertainment, and even gym access (if your cruise ship has one) are all included in the price.

If you compare this to paying separately for hotels, restaurants, flights between countries, and entertainment over several months, a world cruise starts to look like a pretty good deal.

Room type

Just like hotels, cruise ships offer different room types at different price points.

For example, you can expect the following room prices at the Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise:⁶

These prices don't include taxes, fees, and port expenses of 4,667 USD per person.⁶

As you can see, there's a big price difference between room types. Interior rooms (no windows) are the most affordable option, and you'll have to pay almost double for a junior suite.

Onboard costs

Most world cruises are all-inclusive, which means most of your onboard expenses are covered in the ticket price. This typically includes:

• All your meals at the main restaurants
• Basic beverages (water, coffee, tea)
• Entertainment shows and activities
• Gym access (if there's one)
• Room service
• Basic WiFi

You might have to pay for premium dining at specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, SPA treatments, and shopping at onboard stores. You may also have to pay for the laundry service, but many luxury lines include it.

Generally speaking, the more luxurious your world cruise is, the more amenities are included (hence the higher price).

Offboard costs

World cruises often include some shore excursions in their base price, but you'll likely have additional expenses when you're in port, such as eating out. More specialized or premium excursions (for example, with private guides) usually cost extra, too.

When you're not on organized excursions, you'll want to budget for local restaurants and cafes, transportation, shopping, and any other activities you want to do. Especially with overnight stays, you might spend a hefty amount when you're offboard.

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When should I book a world cruise?

World cruises are typically open for booking over a year in advance. Popular cruises often sell out quickly, especially the most popular room types. So, booking early usually gives you the widest choice of cabins, and sometimes access to early booking promotions.

You'll also have longer to make payments. Cruises often need a deposit to reserve your spot, and the final payment is usually due a few months before sailing.

An around-the-world cruise isn't cheap, and it's also a significant investment of your time because you're going to spend multiple months traveling.

Depending on the cruise line, room type, and duration, you can find a world cruise for as low as 10,000 USD per person.

Luxurious world cruises cost tens of thousands of dollars per person - for example, a 140-day experience with Silversea Cruises starts at 101,600 USD per person.⁴

This might seem expensive at first glance, but when you break it down per day and consider everything that's included - accommodation, transportation between countries, meals, entertainment, and many excursions - it can actually offer good value compared to traveling the same route independently.

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