4 incredible around the world cruises to put on your wish list

Are you waiting for the adventure of a lifetime? Then an around the world cruise could not be a better holiday opportunity for you. Imagine taking to the seas, settling into a comfortable, well-appointed suite, and taking in the sunrise and sunset over the ocean from your own private balcony. And then picture doing that everyday, waking up in an entirely different, entirely stunning location. 

Some world cruises allow you the rare opportunity to spend anywhere from a little over a month to four entire months at sea. This means you can strike a balance between unwinding onboard with all the amenities including fitness centres, pools, restaurants, and theatres, and stretching your legs on land to experience the tomb of Tutankamun in Egypt, the biodiversity haven that is the Galapagos Islands, the cherry blossoms of Japan, and so much more.

World cruises are unlike any other kind of holiday. Here are some of our favourite voyages you can take:

South America and the Antarctic

• Duration: 79 days
• Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen
• Major destinations: Azores, Bermuda, Havana, Panama Canal, Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Puerto Chacabuco, Antarctica (Elephant Island),  Falkland Islands, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro
• Price: From £8,499pp

Hop on board Balmoral, one of Fred. Olsen’s smaller vessels, and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime passage through the beautiful biodiversity havens of the Pacific Ocean including the Galapagos Islands. Prepare to also marvel at the vast, unspoilt wilderness of the Antarctic peninsula.

You will have a sensational 78 nights at sea, with plenty of time to see ancient wonders such as Machu Picchu, sample the delicious cuisine of Cuba, and cut through the historic Panama Canal.

A highlight of this 2.5 month journey is be the Chilean portion, where you can take in the Patagonian Fjords, surrounded icy peaks and call in at Puerto Chacabuco, the entry point to the scenic mountains of Lower Patagonia and the Andes. 

All the while, you can relax in modern, well-equipped cabins and enjoy five-course à la carte meals and lunch buffets (plus late-night snacks for those with cravings!) and a full programme bursting evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music.

Japan, Hawaii, and Egypt in 80 days

• Duration: 80 days
• Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen
• Major destinations: Lisbon, Brindisi, Suez Canal, Safaga, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Yokohama, Honolulu, San Francisco, Acapulco, Ponta Delgada
• Price: From £11,499pp

This round the world cruise will give you a taste of the good life. It’s possibly the most adventurous pick of the bunch, with opportunities to explore destinations including Lisbon, Goa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Honolulu and even Acapulco. 

Back on deck, you will have access to a wonderful range of cruise leisure facilities, including swimming pools, jacuzzis and gym. There is no shortage of things to do onboard this beautiful Fred. Olsen vessel.

Christmas in the West Indies

• Duration: 39 days
• Cruise Line: Ambassador
• Major destinations: Amsterdam, Portuguese Leixoes, Madeira, Sao Vincente, Bridgetown, Mayreaux, Aruba, Curaçao, Antigua, Azores
• Price: From £3,129pp
• Link: Book here

Could there be anything more comforting than farewelling the English winter for some sun and warmth? After stops in the canal-filled Amsterdam and garden island of Madeira, Ambassador’s Ambition sails through the Atlantic to even sunnier destinations. 

On this 39-day trip, you can flee to the isles of the Caribbean, including Aruba, Curaçao, St Kitts and Antigua, and also have the rare chance to spend Christmas Day on the seven seas, and head into Barbados for a beachy Boxing Day.

From the Netherlands to Africa in four months

• Duration: 121 days
• Cruise Line: Ambassador
• Major destinations: Rotterdam, Bora Bora, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Lombok, Singapore, Phuket, Colombo, Cape Town, Rio De Janeiro, Casablanca, Lisbon
• Price: From £9,839pp
• Link: Book here

From London Tilbury, set off on an incredible four-month international adventure including three exciting Atlantic crossings. This bucket-list journey will see you soaking up sunshine in the Caribbean and Polynesian island nations, exploring five Australasian cities, including Auckland and Sydney, enjoying delicious street food in Singapore, and spotting rare wildlife on an African safari. You will never want to go home.

Ready to set off on a long-term voyage at sea? Check out our selection of grand voyage cruises today.