100 day world cruise cost

11 epic around-the-world cruises that will check off all your bucket list travel destinations

Imagine the joys of traveling seamlessly from one bucket list country to another without packing and unpacking, switching hotels, boarding countless flights or even doing laundry.

Think it's a fantasy? It's actually a world cruise, the nirvana of many ocean-going devotees. As a bonus, most of these around-the-world voyages include enviable perks, like pre-cruise hotel stays, alcohol, shipboard credit, exclusive-access shore excursions — and, yes, laundry service.

Retired, taking a job hiatus or working remotely? A world cruise is a safe, easy and exhilarating way to score a global adventure beyond compare. You might even make new lifelong friends sharing similar interests.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

So, pull out your travel wish list and find an itinerary for those coveted destinations.

Here, you can learn more about what's involved in an around-the-world cruise and drool over 11 terrific choices across a range of fares for an incredible monthslong voyage at sea.

What is a world cruise?

Never mind the moniker, a world cruise may visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports.

World cruises traditionally start in January and end around April or May. They sail round-trip from one American city, such as San Francisco or Miami, or offer a choice of starting points on both coasts, making access easy.

What to know about world cruises

With so few world cruises available, book far in advance. Bookings open roughly two years in advance, and some small-ship cruises sell out within hours. You'll need the extra time to make arrangements to leave your home for months. For that reason, this story will focus on 2025 world cruises.

Related: Hot cruises you'll need to book at least 1 year in advance — maybe even 2!

Around-the-world cruise cost

Such lengthy sailings cost plenty. The bigger ship lines offer the lowest fares, although extra fees for what's not included (such as shore excursions and alcohol) can add up quickly. If contemplating a big-ship voyage, read the inclusions carefully, as they vary among lines.

Luxury vessels bundle many costly amenities into the fare, like business- or first-class plane tickets and luxury hotel stays, and charge the most. They also deliver fine dining, pampering service, glam surroundings and impressive special events. (Silversea Cruises has previously rented out an entire island to entertain its world cruise guests.)

Thus, expect considerable price differences. Count on spending about $20,000 per person minimum to score an entry-level accommodation on the bigger ships and approximately $80,000 to $90,000 per person for an ultraluxury vessel.

Note that for the poshest lines, "entry-level" may mean a spacious, elegant suite with a veranda. For other lines, the most basic cabin is a small, windowless room.

Read on to discover where you can sail to in 2025 on a world cruise.

World Voyage

Thanks to an overwhelming response to its 2024 world cruise (which is currently waitlisted), Azamara announced itineraries for both 2025 and 2026, both aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward.

Azamara Onward is the newest ship to join the Miami-based line's four-vessel fleet. The ship's size provides an intimate experience and allows it to call on small towns bigger ships can't access.

For 2025, the 155-night, 37-country voyage begins in San Diego and ends in Southampton, England, with visits to exciting locales in French Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Italy, France and others.

Along the way, world cruisers can sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine; explore the unspoiled beaches and the lush rainforest on Stewart Island, New Zealand; and visit the world's largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.

The itinerary will include a pre-sailing welcome party, exclusive cultural events, concierge service and other upscale perks.

The 2026 world cruise sets sail from Miami and concludes in Barcelona. The itinerary for this 155-night expedition features some of the world's most iconic landmarks and sites.

Cruisers will have the opportunity to explore the great pyramid of Kukulcan and other ancient Mayan sites in Chichen Itza, Mexico; wander among Rio de Janeiro's architectural gems and experience the awe of Iguazu Falls in Brazil; sample Peruvian cuisine and soak in the landscape of Machu Picchu in Cusco; scale the Great Wall of China; and enjoy other bucket-list worthy adventures.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2025. Prices start from $89,001 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start from $85,141 per person.

World Cruise

If luxury and unparalleled personal service are important to you, consider Crystal 's 2025 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity .

The beloved upscale line went bankrupt and stopped sailing in 2022. However, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent acquired it and brought it back to life with a $150 million glow-up, starting with 740-passenger Crystal Serenity.

With newly renovated expansive suites, an array of social areas and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity offers ultimate comfort, quality and personalization. Every cabin comes with a butler ready to assist with reservations, laundry and any other needs you have during your global odyssey.

Beginning in Fort Lauderdale and concluding in Barcelona, the sailing spans 123 nights with visits to 31 countries. The cruise kicks off with a welcome celebration, and guests can enjoy themed onboard and shoreside events and gala dinners throughout the sailing.

Exciting destinations along the way include Belize, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Jordan. Passengers can get a close-up look at Argentine tango through performances, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events.

Custom excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours organized by Abercrombie & Kent are available along the way (for an additional cost).

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $66,200 per person.

Cunard Line

Be among the first to explore the world aboard Queen Anne, the line's first new ship in 12 years. Scheduled to launch in May 2024, the 2,996-passenger ship will take over Cunard 's world cruise duties in January 2025.

Queen Anne's maiden World Voyage in 2025 will span 111 nights, beginning and ending in Hamburg, Germany. Along the way, guests can explore historic churches in the Old Town of Lubeck, Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit the historic city of Antigua, Guatemala's original capital; and indulge in retail therapy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's bustling shopping hub.

Passengers will enjoy spectacular new elements on this ship. The vessel's main pool area, The Pavilion, is topped with a gorgeous retractable glass roof that will act as a showpiece and also a functional structure to keep poolgoers dry on rainy days.

If you're seeking the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences on board, book Princess or Queens Grill suites. Fares include outstanding amenities such as private dining rooms, coffee and specialty tea service, priority boarding, and a private outdoor lounge area.

Queens Grill suite passengers receive butler service, too. However, many lovely inclusions, such as white-gloved servers presenting complimentary daily tea, are available for all guests.

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $17,799 per person.

Holland America

Grand World Voyage

Holland America 's 124-day Grand World Voyage on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam cruises round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The enticing itinerary ventures far from Florida to must-visit cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore and Istanbul. The ship will also traverse the Panama Canal.

Many included overnights allow opportunities to dive deep into local cultures and experiences. Spend extra time in Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; and Singapore. As a bonus, Zuiderdam will take guests to incredibly remote locales, such as the Amazon.

On board, relish music venues like Billboard Onboard and BBC Earth in Concert, where a live orchestra plays before a huge backdrop of spectacular wildlife footage. Step One Dance Company presents works by noted choreographers. Count on a buzzy casino, fine dining at specialty restaurants and a professionally staffed fitness center.

Departs Jan. 4, 2025. Prices start from $24,999 per person.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is doing something a little different with its 2025 world cruise. It's offering a choice of four embarkation ports — Rome and Genoa in Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona. Passengers will return to the same port they left from.

The 2,550-passenger MSC Magnifica is the home base for the 116-night journey. The itinerary features port calls at 50 destinations across 21 countries in the Mediterranean, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia. Among the cities you'll explore are Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro; Casablanca, Morocco; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Phuket, Thailand; Broome, Australia; and Auckland.

Spend your port days ogling at Genoa's majestic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and Doge's Palace; exploring the peaceful mountaintop monastery in Montserrat, Spain; and wandering through the restored ceremonial village of Orongo, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a World Heritage Site.

Departs Jan. 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2025 (depending on your embarkation port). Prices start from $14,469 per person.

Oceania Cruises

Around the World Cruise

The lovely 656-passenger Insignia sails a whopping 200 days from Miami to New York for Oceania Cruises ' 2025 world cruise. It might seem a long way away, but inside cabins and some suites are already waitlisted for the sailing.

Prepare to tear up any bucket list on a cruise this long. The ship begins in the balmy Caribbean islands, ventures to the Brazilian Amazon, explores more of South America and then heads off to Africa and Asia. Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii and Latin America round out the itinerary before Insignia circles back to the Caribbean (different ports on this end) and sails triumphantly back to Miami.

Oceania Cruises is renowned for fine dining. Expect to eat and drink exceptionally well on board.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $54,099 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises promises an unforgettable journey on its 116-day world cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale (or Los Angeles, as an alternative embarkation port) on the 2,200-passenger Island Princess.

This ship delivers many onboard activities like cooking and dance classes, trivia contests, enrichment programs and games of basketball, volleyball and tennis on the sports court. A putting green ensures golf games stay sharp.

You can also expect outdoor movies, original musical productions and onboard wellness features such as a spa and fitness center.

World cruisers can visit 26 countries with 51 destinations across six continents; the exciting port of call include Lisbon; Bali; Naples, Italy; Milan; and Haifa, Israel. With late-night stays in 11 ports of call and a Dubai overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore.

For 2025, Princess offers two 116-day world cruise itinerary options on Island Princess, one round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and the other round-trip from Los Angeles.

From Fort Lauderdale: Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $16,225 per person.

From Los Angeles: Departs Jan. 20, 2025. Prices start from $16,298 per person.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Navigate the World

World cruises prove perpetually popular on this ultraluxe line. They often sell out in the blink of an eye.

Availability is limited on the 2025 150-night world cruise on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner, sailing round-trip from Miami to San Francisco. This itinerary includes cruising in Antarctica, the Chilean fjords, French Polynesia, Taipei and Bali.

Perhaps because its 2025 sailing is nearly sold out, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2026 world voyage, also on Seven Seas Mariner.

This journey will be the line's longest, sailing for 154 nights and visiting 77 ports in 41 countries across six continents. The itinerary includes three new ports of call for Regent, including Lifou Island and Mare of the Loyalty Islands in the New Caledonia archipelago. Count on visiting 47 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Robben Island in South Africa.

For all its around-the-world cruises, Regent piles on primo inclusions — first-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, luggage service, an open bar and a visa package are among countless amenities.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $87,999 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 10, 2026. Prices start from $94,999 per person.

Related: The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Grand Africa Voyage

Wander the majestic Grandmaster's Palace in Malta. Snorkel the pristine waters along the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Ogle the tropical beauty of the 115-island archipelago of the Seychelles. Soak up the beauty of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain.

You'll find many pinch-me moments on Seabourn 's 90-day, 26-country Grand Africa cruise in late 2024 and early 2025. It takes place onboard the 450-passenger all-suite Seabourn Sojourn and sails round-trip from Barcelona. (The line is not currently offering a more traditional world cruise in 2025.)

On the ultraluxurious vessel, you can expect exclusive VIP celebrations, like a Caviar in the Surf party. (Note that complimentary Champagne and caviar flow freely on board, too, adding to the happy vibe.)

There's much to love about Seabourn Sojourn. Its intimate size allows truly personalized service from a polished, attentive crew. Seabourn Square, a living room-like venue, is a magnet for affable passengers who quickly make new friends. Count on superb dining and 24-hour room service among a slew of upscale amenities.

Departs Nov. 30, 2024. Prices start from $38,999 per person.

Related: 7 extremely decadent things you can do on a luxury cruise vacation

Silversea Cruises

Controtempo

Silversea Cruises ' 2025 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn looks amazing. The around-the-world cruise is designed to visit far-flung and more remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.

This 136-day voyage sails from Tokyo to New York and explores 59 ports in 30 countries. Count on visiting enchanting cities, including Istanbul, Naples and Stockholm. Wonderfully remote ports, like Cochin, India; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Nuuk, Greenland, tempt travelers to come aboard for the long haul.

Silversea's world cruises are known for showcasing exceptional special-access events, and this sailing is no different. On this cruise, applause goes to a private tour of Cairo's 500-room Abdeen Palace and an inimitable evening at Versailles in lavish Marie Antoinette style (pre-guillotine, of course).

Silver Dawn is a wowser with a game-changer spa , all-suite accommodations, tux-clad butlers for all passengers and complimentary caviar service anytime, anywhere. Expect many fare inclusions, such as business-class flights, shore excursions and private transfers.

Departs Jan. 13, 2025. Prices start from $81,900 per person.

Viking World Voyage II

Imagine the joy of ticking many bucket list boxes on Viking World Voyage II, Viking 's 163-day world cruise on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky in 2025. Book quickly; availability is extremely limited, with many suites and penthouses already sold out.

The Los Angeles-to-New York voyage visits 29 countries and 78 ports.

Palm-tree ports are plentiful, including Moorea, French Polynesia; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You'll cross many seas, such as the Tasman, Arafura and Arabian, and take your pick of a plethora of possible excursions, including a visit to a Balinese Hindu temple in Indonesia and a tour of the ancient Elephanta Caves in India. You can pretty much do it all on this world cruise.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $74,995 per person.

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The Ultimate Voyage: How Much Does A World Cruise ACTUALLY Cost

Embarking on a world cruise is akin to stepping into a realm of unparalleled adventure and luxury, often considered the zenith of seafaring voyages.

These grand expeditions, while not always encircling the globe completely, offer an extensive journey through multiple continents, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in a tapestry of global cultures and breathtaking vistas—all from the comfort of a floating haven.

However, the allure of navigating the world’s waters from port to exotic port does come with a notable price tag.

As we delve into the world of these majestic journeys, we’ll uncover what it truly costs to set sail on such a dream voyage and the myriad of options available for those yearning to turn this dream into their reality.

Table of Contents

How Much Does A World Cruise Cost?

The cost of a world cruise varies significantly depending on the cruise line, length of the journey, and the type of accommodations chosen. Prices can start from around $14,719 and soar up to $105,500 per person, based on double occupancy, excluding taxes and port fees .

This wide range reflects the diverse range of itineraries, services, and levels of luxury available to travelers seeking to circumnavigate the globe by sea.

Factors Affecting Price

The cost of a world cruise is influenced by several key factors, each contributing to the overall pricing structure and offering potential passengers a range of choices to suit their budget and preferences.

Duration is a primary factor; longer cruises, often extending up to six months or more, naturally incur a higher cost due to the extended provision of accommodation, meals, and onboard amenities.

The length of the journey directly correlates with the price, as a more extended cruise offers a more comprehensive exploration of the world but requires a greater financial commitment.

Another critical factor is the choice of cruise line and the type of stateroom selected. Luxury cruise lines, known for their exceptional service, exquisite dining options, and spacious accommodations, command higher prices.

Within each cruise, the selection of staterooms—from interior cabins to lavish suites with ocean views or balconies—also plays a significant role in pricing.

Suites, offering enhanced comfort and amenities, are priced at the premium end of the spectrum.

Additionally, what’s included in the cruise fare varies by company; some cruises are more inclusive, covering extras like shore excursions, Wi-Fi, drinks, and specialty dining, which can offer added value and affect the overall cost perception.

The itinerary itself, including the number and type of ports visited, can also impact the cost. Cruises that include more exclusive or remote destinations often have a higher price due to the logistical costs associated with such ports.

Moreover, the timing of the cruise—whether it falls in peak travel seasons or off-peak times—can influence pricing, with peak season voyages typically being more expensive.

Together, these factors combine to shape the cost of a world cruise, offering a spectrum of pricing that accommodates a range of travel budgets and preferences, making the dream of circumnavigating the globe accessible to a diverse array of travelers.

How Long Does A World Cruise Take?

The duration of a world cruise can vary widely, typically ranging from about 100 to 180 days, although some exceptional itineraries extend even longer. These extensive voyages are designed to offer an in-depth exploration of multiple continents and oceans, visiting dozens of ports across the globe.

The specific length of a world cruise depends on the cruise line, the itinerary’s complexity, and the number of destinations included, allowing travelers to experience a comprehensive journey around the world.

What Is The Best World Cruise?

The “best” around-the-world cruise is subjective and depends on individual preferences, including the level of luxury, range of destinations, and onboard amenities desired. Some travelers might prefer the comprehensive itineraries and inclusive luxuries offered by lines like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea, known for their ultra-luxury experiences.

Others may opt for cruises offered by Viking or Oceania, which are celebrated for their cultural enrichment and extensive port visits.

Ultimately, the best cruise is one that aligns with your travel style, budget, and the regions of the world you’re most eager to explore.

How many countries does a world cruise visit?

The number of countries a world cruise visits can vary significantly depending on the itinerary and the cruise line. Typically, a world cruise can cover anywhere from 20 to 40 or more countries, offering a wide array of cultural experiences, landscapes, and climates.

These itineraries are meticulously planned to include a mix of popular destinations and hidden gems across different continents, providing an extensive exploration of the globe.

The exact number of countries visited allows passengers to immerse themselves in a diverse range of cultures and environments, making each world cruise a unique and enriching experience.

Can you book segments of a world cruise or do you have to do the whole thing?

Yes, you can book segments of a world cruise instead of committing to the entire journey. Many cruise lines offer this flexibility, allowing passengers to experience a portion of the cruise that interests them the most, both in terms of destinations and duration.

These segments can range from a few weeks to over a month, providing a taste of the world cruise experience without the extensive time and financial commitment of the full voyage.

This option caters to travelers with limited time or those who wish to focus on specific regions, making world cruising accessible to a broader audience.

Can you get off a cruise to tour for a few days and rejoin the ship in its next port?

Yes, it’s possible to disembark from a cruise ship to explore a destination for a few days and then rejoin the ship at its next port of call. This arrangement, often referred to as a “port visit” or “shore excursion,” requires careful planning and coordination with the cruise line.

Passengers must inform the cruise line of their plans in advance and ensure they meet the ship at the agreed-upon time and location.

It’s also important to be aware of any visa requirements or travel restrictions for the destinations you plan to visit. While not all cruise lines may offer this flexibility, many do accommodate such requests to enhance the passenger experience.

What To Consider Before Going On A World Cruise?

Embarking on a world cruise is a significant investment, not just financially but also in terms of time and preparation. Before setting sail on this monumental journey, several factors require careful consideration to ensure the experience aligns with your expectations and desires.

One of the foremost considerations is the itinerary. A world cruise offers an opportunity to explore numerous countries and cultures, so it’s essential to choose a voyage that visits destinations you’re genuinely interested in.

You’ll want to consider the duration of the cruise and how it fits with your lifestyle and commitments, as these journeys can last several months. Budget plays a critical role in planning for a world cruise.

Beyond the initial cost of the cruise, which can vary widely based on the cruise line and type of accommodation, potential travelers should account for additional expenses such as shore excursions, onboard spending, and travel insurance.

Some cruises are more inclusive, covering gratuities, drinks, and even flights, which can provide better value.

Evaluating what’s included in the fare versus what will be paid out of pocket can help in selecting a cruise that matches your financial comfort level.

Another vital aspect to ponder is the living conditions aboard the ship. The size and type of your stateroom, the amenities offered onboard, and the ship’s overall environment will significantly impact your daily life during the cruise.

For such an extended period at sea, comfort, and personal space become paramount. Therefore, deciding whether to splurge on a larger room with a view or balcony might enhance your experience. Additionally, understanding the ship’s facilities, dining options, and entertainment can help set the right expectations.

Lastly, consider the social and physical aspects of a world cruise. The demographic of fellow passengers, the opportunity for social interaction, and the type of activities and excursions offered should align with your social preferences and physical capabilities.

Furthermore, staying healthy and active is crucial, so investigate the ship’s medical facilities and wellness options, including fitness centers, pools, and recreational activities.

By thoroughly considering these elements, travelers can embark on a world cruise that not only meets but exceeds their dream vacation criteria, ensuring an unforgettable global adventure.

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10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime

These world cruises offer the ultimate itineraries.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Want to island hop around French Polynesia, visit Africa's incredible cities, and cruise through Asia without ever switching hotels or repacking your bags? An around-the-world cruise provides the ultimate itinerary, packed with exciting international destinations (some even visit hard-to-reach destinations like Easter Island and Antarctica), and luxury cruise lines provide comfortable accommodations, specialty restaurants, and plenty to do on and off the ship.

There are two main things you need before booking a world cruise: plenty of time and some spare cash. Prices range from around $20,000 to upwards of $100,000 per person, and all our top picks are more than 100 days (one is even a whopping 275 days), so they're ideal for retired travelers looking for their next big adventure. Pack wisely for a range of destinations and climates, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime, filled with postcard-perfect destinations and new friends (because you're bound to meet a travel buddy or two after 100-plus days on a ship). If an around-the-world cruise is at the top of your travel list, you'll want to book sooner rather than later — these journeys frequently sell out because many cruise lines only offer a limited number of sailings.

Here are ten of the best around-the-world cruises you can take in 2023 and 2024.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking world cruise.

See 28 countries on the 138-day Viking World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to London. After departing from Florida, the Viking Sky will sail the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, stopping in sunny destinations before crossing the Panama Canal to reach the Pacific. From there, the ship will visit destinations in Mexico and the continental United States, continuing on to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia. Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and India are among the ports in Asia, then it's on to the Middle East before traveling to Europe, where final destinations include Italy, Spain, and Portugal en route to London. Fares start at $59,995.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Moments in time: world cruise 2024.

Sail around the world in 132 nights aboard the Seven Seas Mariner on a round-trip journey from Miami. You'll spend the days at sea enjoying the luxury ship's amenities, including the spa and several restaurants and lounges, between stops in destinations like Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, UAE, Israel, and Italy, among others. This 2024 world cruise , with fares starting at $73,499, is officially sold out , but you can join a waitlist to be notified of cancellations.

Royal Caribbean

The ultimate world cruise.

Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops — and there are more than 150 of them — on this 274-night cruise to all seven continents. The itinerary aboard the Serenade of the Seas begins in Miami on December 10, 2023, and visits more than 60 countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Nicaragua, French Polynesia, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Romania, and Greenland, before ending in Miami on September 10, 2024. Travelers who don't want to commit to the entire cruise can book shorter segments. Fares start at $59,999 for this cruise that gives travelers the opportunity to visit 11 of the great wonders of the world, including the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and Chichen Itza.

World Cruise 2024

Enjoy 133 days on Silversea's Silver Shadow with this round-trip sailing from San Francisco. During that time, the ship will visit 65 ports in 14 countries, including Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and Canada. Fares start at $66,000 for this 2024 sailing, which currently has waitlist availability.

2024 World Cruise: Extraordinary Horizons

Climb aboard the Seabourn Sojourn for a 145-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Athens, visiting 72 ports in 28 countries. The cruise departs Los Angeles and goes to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Japan, and China — just to name a few places — before ending in Greece. Visit the website for booking details and shorter segments.

Oceania Cruises

Around the world in 180 days.

Travelers on Oceania's 180-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to New York aboard the Insignia will see some of the world's most impressive sights. Highlights include stops in stunning French Polynesia, Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Spain, France, and Iceland. Fares start at $48,499 for the 2024 sailing .

MSC Cruises

Msc world cruise 2024.

The MSC Poesia will take guests to 56 destinations on this 120-day cruise starting in Rome. Countries visited during this journey include Argentina, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, and Jordan. When you're not exploring each port, you can relax in the swimming pools and hot tubs, visit the many restaurants, bars, and lounges, or go to the spa. Fares start at $17,199 per person; find booking details on the MSC website.

Princess Cruises

111-day world cruise.

This round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on the Island Princess will visit 47 ports in beautiful places like New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Sri Lanka, UAE, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Bermuda, Mexico, and more. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $19,497.

Holland America Line

128-day grand world voyage.

Explore the world on this 128-day round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale on the Zuiderdam . This cruise's itinerary includes a trip down the Amazon River, stops in the Caribbean, a Panama Canal crossing, and stops in cities like Honolulu, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and more. Fares start at $23,599 for this 2024 cruise .

Azamara World Cruise

This 155-night itinerary to more than 40 countries kicks off in Fort Lauderdale and finishes in Barcelona. The itinerary features ports for experiencing some of the great wonders of the world, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, as well as Petra in Jordan and the Colosseum in Rome. Travelers can also choose to join segments of the cruise aboard the Azamara Onward for as few as 10 nights. Fares for this 2024 sailing start at $36,379.

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

How much does it cost to go on a world cruise

World Cruises are expensive.   You could probably find a deal on an inside cabin in the $50K per cabin range or up to $500K per cabin if you want to travel in the Pinnacle suite.    Please note all the prices here will be PER CABIN – not PER PERSON – except where noted.

Many people planning their first world cruise focus on the base cruise cost only, which even for the least expensive cabin will cost around  $50,000, and this amount is before you buy a single drink or go on a single tour.   Even the $50K number will seem a little high if you only look at the giant print on the HAL website. The lowest fare listed for an Inside Cabin on the 128 days 2022 World Cruise is $22.499 – If you double that in your head, you think – Hey, I can go on a world cruise for $45,000. Still a nice chunk of change, but will that be your total cost once the smoke clears and you are staring at your final bill in April, the day before Fort Lauderdale? No, of course not, and everyone knows there are always additional charges, but how much will they be?

Is a world cruise simply 16 one week Alaska cruises back to back? Do you spend more per day or less per day than on other cruises? What is the total cost of a world cruise, and how can you estimate your total world cruise cost?

In my example above, the $45,000 fare in the giant print on the website quickly becomes $41,273 after you add in the port fees and taxes ($3,450) and the Hotel Service Charge ($2,825). After some discounts and other incentives with shipboard credits, you could probably get this price back down to the $36,000 range.

Let’s start with a high-level view of the various cabins: Here is a table with the cost per couple per cabin of the different cabin types. I am using the lowest price in the category where you are assigned a cabin shortly before departure. (Referred to as a guarantee.   If you want to pick a specific cabin and guarantee a cabin on a particular deck or zone, that will cost more.)

Like buying a car, most people don’t pay the total brochure price for any cruise. Travel agencies will offer incentives and discounts. HAL will also provide incentives and perks, and certain agencies may benefit from volume pricing, group discounts, etc. The discount value will vary, but it is always important to look at the entire value proposition and not simply compare the bottom line. Some perks have value to you, and others may not.

Discounts will vary a lot by travel agent but will usually be in the range of 5-12% off the commissionable fare. Early pay discounts, port fees, taxes, and a small portion of the base fare are not commissionable.   When you hear someone saying they got a particular percentage discount, consider the baseline from which they started.  Based on my research, we will use 10% as a realistic discount off the full fare to keep the math simple. You may be able to do better than 10%, and some agents may balk at this discount. Still, this discount is available if you are willing to shop around and forgo some travel agent perks and services you may have come to expect.

Don’t underestimate the value of your travel agent services.   When dealing with a smaller agency, it’s nice to call your agent and know they will answer the phone quickly, understand you and your desires, and trust them to act on your behalf.  Having established a history of trust and confidence in your travel agent or agency is valuable.   If you have something change while on the ship or in an emergency and only have time for a short phone call, having someone who can call and leave a brief message is essential.    You may get a slightly better deal with a mega-agency or an online-only agency. However, you won’t be sure that your agent will still be around during an emergency.  Additionally, experienced agencies will usually have agents that specialize in a particular cruise line.   They often know people “behind the scenes “and MAY be a better advocate for you when dealing with the cruise line.   Bottom line – consider more than the total price when you are picking a travel agency.

There are other discounts available if you book early – Here is a  LINK to the benefits for 2022.  Also, if you pay in full by 1 June you usually get another 3% off the base fare.

This discount, while only 3%, is the same as a 12% return on a tax free, low risk bond.   You have to pay the full amount by early Sept – so you are “loaning” HAL money for 3 months at a 3% discount.

Here is a table that summarizes the early booking discount value, which I converted to its cash equivalent.   Note: These benefits are for 2022 only and may change in the future.

Below is the original table recalculated with a 10% discount and subtracting the early booking and early pay discount. Sometimes your discount will be a combination of lower base fare combined with On-Board Credits (OBC). Certain fares will have more or less room for discounting as well. I am sure that the Neptune Suite price has more wiggle room than an inside cabin, so bear that in mind when you shop around for your fare.

2022 Holland America World Cruise –

Prices are PER CABIN (Double Occupancy)

Now that you have a better idea of the basic cruise fare, let’s look at the other costs of a world cruise. I will break them down into the following categories and cover them in more detail below.

• Pre & Post Cruise Expenses
• Onboard spending
• Shore excursions

  Pre & Post Cruise Expenses

Before you ever set foot on the ship, you will spend some money on various expenses that are part of your world cruise. Here is a rundown of those expenses.

Baggage Shipment

You will likely be taking more baggage on a world cruise than you would on a shorter cruise. So you will probably spend more on either airline baggage fees or a baggage forwarding service. Checking two bags on an airline costs about $70, with a big jump for the third bag ($150). Most baggage forwarding services charge about $50 to $100 per bag to ship within the USA. Shipping costs from Europe and Australia to Florida are about $275 to $300 a bag. The prices from Canada are about $125 per bag. Holland America offers this service for all passengers for a fee. Those in category F and higher can ship two bags for free. Those in category B and higher have an unlimited allowance. The free baggage shipment offers only apply to residents of Canada and the USA. Passengers for other countries will receive $100 to $200 in OBC.

If you live too far away to drive, you will most likely be flying to Fort Lauderdale. HAL will sell you airfare, or you can buy it yourself. There are many ways to shop for the best airfare flights, but keep in mind that this is another cost of your world cruise. Don’t forget to calculate your transfer price from home to your nearest Airport and include that in your world cruise total.

Pre/Post Cruise Hotel

Plan on $150 to $250 a night for your pre or post-cruise hotel. I recommend hotels near Fort Lauderdale’s Southport Shopping Center: Renaissance, Extended Stay, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn Express. These hotels are within easy walking distance of the Southport Shopping Center, which has many stores if you need to pick up any last-minute supplies.

The cost for a taxi/Uber should be around $25 for each transfer. We arranged for a larger SUV since we had so many bags and paid $50 for each transfer.

If you go with the cruise line transfer, you will wait until the bus fills, and it will take longer than going solo. But the cruise line transfer will be more straightforward in that you find the HAL person with the sign in the airport baggage claim and follow instructions.

Travel Insurance

I recommend that you look at the website insuremytrip.com to get some fast price comparisons for travel insurance. The cost varies by age, but I learned a few things from my research.

• The price goes up with age but stops going up after age 85 for some policies – 80 for most.
• New York Residents may pay more – don’t know why
• California Residents may pay less – I don’t know why

Here is a helpful table with a range of prices for a standard policy with trip cancellation coverage. There are many more variables in play than I could research, but this should give you a ballpark range to plan your trip cost. The insurance cost will be the percentage shown below multiplied by the insured trip cost.   The numbers in this table are from 2018 and have not been updated.    Check out all the options!

If all you need is medical or evacuation coverage, you can enter zero for trip cost or a token amount ($250).   Doing this may change your policy’s effective date to the cruise start date, which may impact pre-existing condition waivers and look-back periods. Read the policies carefully.   A great resource for Travel Insurance is www.thetripinsurancestore.com     I don’t have any affiliation with this company, but they get great reviews.

Prepaying Expenses

Many of your world cruise expenses can be paid for in advance if you choose. About 1 month before the cruise you will receive a World Cruise booklet which lists many of the items you can pay for in advance, and in many cases, receive a discount. These include, wine packages, photo packages etc. Here is a table with all of these options from our 2020 Cruise:

Unlimited Internet – $799,  Surf Package – $699,  Social Package – $599

If you really want to avoid any bill at the end of the cruise, you can always purchase additional On Board Credit for yourself.

When you book excursions before you leave, you pay for those excursions immediately. This is another way to prepay some expenses.

Do you spend less per day on a longer cruise than on a shorter cruise?

Onboard Spending

In this section, we will take a look at how much you spend onboard once you are on the cruise.  I’ll save shore excursions for the next section.

Before we dig in, let’s take a look at a fast way to estimate your shipboard account at the end of your cruise.  For this method, you calculate your average daily spending on your previous cruises. You then use that average to estimate your future spending.  For this, we assume that your everyday spending on previous cruises is a good predictor of your daily spending on future cruises.  But is this a reasonable assumption?  Will you spend more or less per day on a more extended cruise than on a shorter cruise?

One easy way to do this on HAL is to go to your account on Holland America and then go “My Account” and “My Cruise History”.  You will see a table with columns for your prior cruise dates, name, ship and credits earned.    Add up all your “Cruise and Tour days” and then add up all your Spending days.    Divide your Spending Days by your Days and you will get a ratio.

This can help you look at your own long term trends and patterns.  In my case, my ratio before the cruise was 54% and on the cruise was 40%.  Based on this analysis, I would suggest that you should probably discount your non-world cruise daily rate by 25% to get a more accurate prediction of your expected spending on a world cruise.

This approach doesn’t take into account your spending off the ship or on private excursions, but this is a quick and dirty method to at least get you in the ball park.

My conclusion based on this VERY limited data is that you will probably spend less per day on a world cruise then you would on your shorter cruise, but take a look at your own data and it can help with your world cruise budgeting.

There are numerous ways for you to spend your money onboard.  When you are thinking about your budget for a world cruise, take a look at this list of how you could spend your money.  Sometimes on a longer cruise you may want to try something new so reviewing this list may help jog your thinking:

• Specialty Coffees
• Soft Drinks
• Bottled Water
• Wine Tastings
• Other tastings and beverage classes

Specialty Restaurant Dinners

• Canaletto’s
• Pinnacle Grill
• Theme Dinners
• Haircuts, styling and treatments
• Thermal Suite
• Specialty Treatments

OnBoard Shops

• Table Games
• Slot and Blackjack Tournaments
• Texas Holdem

Art Auctions (HAL World Cruises do not have art auctions)

Fitness Center

• Pilates Classes
• Spinning Classes
• Personal Training

You will receive a statement of your charges at the end of every segment.  This is your chance to correct any errors.   HERE  is a copy of the letter from the Purser that explains how the billing works on a world cruise.  The letter says that only the summary of each segment will be carried over, but I received an 11 page account summary at the end of the cruise anyway.

Right outside the front desk was an ATM looking machine that would print out your onboard account statement at any time on demand.  Unfortunately, it was out of order most of the cruise so it didn’t turn out to be very useful, however, the front desk would always cheerfully print your statement whenever you asked.

Below is a spreadsheet that can help you predict your total spending for any cruise. You can enter whatever input numbers you choose.

The areas in green can be changed or you can simply leave the numbers alone to use the default values. The numbers in yellow or gray are calculated from other cells and cannot be modified except by changing the values in the input cells.

Here the instructions, block by block:

Number of passengers – enter 1 or 2 – this spreadsheet will not work for more than 2 people.

Enter the passengers ages. This will estimate the cost of your travel insurance. If you don’t want to price in travel insurance, enter zero for passenger ages. Add in the cost for medical evacuation insurance as a separate item under “Other pre/post cruse costs”.

In a suite? This answer will decide which Hotel Service Charge to use for your calculations.

Normal HSC and Suite HSC – the values here are for Holland America in 2016. Enter the values for your cruise line.

HSC Prepaid? Under certain circumstances and cabin categories, the HSC may be prepaid. Enter Yes or No as appropriate.

Base Cruise Fare: Enter the base fare for your cruise for one person. The spreadsheet will multiply this by the number of passengers you entered earlier. If you are a single, enter the fare with the single supplement included.

Port Charges : Enter the port charges and taxes for your cruise.

Travel Agent Discount : Enter the amount of your travel agent discount per person. If you’d rather simply enter a lower fare into the base cruise fare, then that is OK too.

Enter the number of sea days: This is used as a multiplier for onboard consumption on sea days.

Enter the number of port days: This is used as a multiplier for onboard consumption on port days.

Total Airfare/Car: Enter the round trip airfare or the cost of your other transportation to and from the cruise port.

Pre/Post Cruise Hotel: Enter the cost of any hotels you plan to stay in before and after the cruise.

Transfers: Enter the total cost of your transfers from the airport to your hotel and then to the ship and then the same on the return.

Baggage Shipment: If you plan to ship bags separately enter $100 per bag if you are in the USA or CANADA otherwise $250 a bag elsewhere.

OBC: Enter the total amount of Onboard Credits you will receive.

The next section, left hand column, gives you a chance to enter the prices for various items sold or offered onboard. I have entered approximate prices for many items. If you want to use different prices, you can enter them here. If you are happy with these prices, you can leave them alone. For the price of shore excursions, enter the average price of a single shore excursion. This number will be multiplied by the number of passengers you entered earlier.

For shore meals, souvenirs and internet minutes, enter the total amounts for both passengers.

The onboard usage will be entered into the next two columns. In these columns, enter the expected usage for both passengers. If you have a drink every other day enter .5, every third day .3 and so on. Rough numbers are fine here as you are simply trying to get a ball bark estimate.

The pricing for the internet is based on the HAL rates in 2018 and the spreadsheet uses the least expensive rate based on your total minutes.

For the 2020 Cruise they sold an unlimited package for about $800, a surf package for $700 and a social package for $600.   These were the full prices but they were available precruise for about $200 less in 2020

On the lower right side, you can enter your expected Casino losses and how much you expect to spend in the onboard shops.

Lastly, there is a block to enter Other Charges. Here you can enter anything you may have overlooked elsewhere.

Once you have numbers in all the green blocks, you will see the estimated TOTAL price of your cruise in the YELLOW BLOCKS.

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Around the World Cruise

The journey of a lifetime — best world cruise.

Voted “Best Cruise Itineraries” 12-Times

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Embark on a Princess World Cruise and experience the globe’s marquis ports and hidden gems. With carefully crafted itineraries to the most sought-after destinations, there’s no better escort to guide you through your travel bucket list than Princess Cruises.

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Our longest voyage ever sets sails in January 2025 as Island Princess embarks on an epic 116-day roundtrip World Cruise from both Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, visiting 51 destinations in 26 countries across 6 continents. This adventure includes our first ever visits to historic Bar, Montenegro, and Taranto, Italy. Also maiden for our North American World Cruises are stops to the idyllic Greek islands of Patmos and Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.

2024 World Cruise from Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland

Sail aboard the Coral Princess for our longest-ever Australia-based World Cruise! This six-continent and 110-day world adventure visits popular destinations including Scandinavia & Baltic, Iceland, South America and transits the historic Panama Canal. Make seven maiden calls including Aarhus and Edinburgh (South Queensferry), including overnight stays in New York and Lima (Callao), and spend more time ashore with eight late night stays including Berlin (Warnemunde), Boston, Copenhagen and Tahiti (Papeete).

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Crown Princess® – our largest ship to ever host a World Cruise – will be your escort on a wondrous 113-day adventure, visiting 49 destinations in 28 countries across six continents. Explore Asia, Indonesia, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe – including two ports in Greenland – the Americas and South Pacific. The 2025 itinerary travels over 33,500 miles and features countless UNESCO World Heritage sites plus other bucket-list attractions.

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On a wondrous 114-day voyage roundtrip from Auckland or Sydney, you'll visit 48 destinations in 31 countries across six continents for the adventure of a lifetime. Explore countless buck-list attractions in Asia, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, North and South America. This cruise also brings you to 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the world's greatest cities as well as more remote locales, offering striking contrasts in architecture, fashion, music, culture and cuisine.

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Collect a world of countless stories as you sail from continent to continent

Adventure of a lifetime

Nothing can beat the experience of a World Cruise. The camaraderie among guests, the shared experiences in fascinating ports across the globe, and the parties and celebrations on board and ashore all make this a true adventure that everyone should embark on at least once in their lifetime.

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Cuisine is designed for fresh — prepared from scratch, using regionally sourced ingredients. In addition to the delicious signature dishes that Princess® is known for, you'll be treated to flavors and influences from the traditional cuisines of the destinations you are visiting, bringing a bit of the tantalizing tastes of the world on board.

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Not only will you encounter some of the world’s most revered sites and cities from Dubai to Sydney, you’ll have the opportunity to step ashore in lesser frequented ports, maiden calls and first time ever calls for Princess. Encounter some of the world’s most revered sites and cities from Kuala Lumpur and Sri Lanka to Bali, and Singapore. Volos (Meteora), and Athens.

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Around-the-World Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know About These Far-Reaching Voyages

By Mark Ellwood and Scott Laird

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

An around-the-world cruise is often thought of as the pinnacle of a sailing vacation . Some cruisers embark on it as a single trip of a lifetime, while others are frequent repeat guests, working a world cruise into their annual travel plans. There are also enduring urban legends about older travelers who elect for extended world voyages as a retirement plan .  

Whatever the reason, the allure is strong. Why not unpack once, enjoying fairy godmother-like service, exemplary amenities, and always changing views for months on end? Plenty of retired cruisers with time and money on their hands do exactly that, choosing an extended at-sea lifestyle for at least a portion of the year (around-the-world cruises often run from December or early January through March or April). 

Here's everything travelers need to know about taking an around-the-world cruise, including tricks from veteran world cruisers, booking tips, and some of the best itineraries in 2023 and beyond. 

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Advice from frequent world cruisers

Roger Foenander and his partner David Mutton—loyalists to Viking Cruises—note the lack of pressure to see and do things on longer journeys, which provides plenty of freedom to relax. That might mean attending onboard enrichment lectures, spending the afternoon playing cards with fellow passengers, or dipping into the onboard spa and sauna before cocktail hour.

Linda Wiseman, who’s traveled with Cunard, suggests new faces can help get ahead of any monotony: “In the dining room, we tell the maître d’ not to seat us with another couple who is sailing the whole thing—that way, our seat mates switch every few weeks, and we can meet different people.”

New Orleans-based philanthropist Phyllis Taylor observes that world cruises are a class set apart, without the frenzied pace of shorter sailings: 

"The difference between a short cruise and a  world cruise  is night and day, storm and calm, fleeting thought and thoughtfulness. I enter the bar in the evening, in no time my favorite song is being played, my favorite drinks sit before me. I go to dinner and my favorite table is waiting for me, and my waiter has already served the iced water with lemon just as I like it."

But the real value of a world cruise, she says, is the chance to fully immerse in and savor the experience: “With an extended cruise you absorb the lifestyle of life at sea; with the great advantage of having a crew and staff that treats you like royalty.”

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 sailing from New York 

The best around-the-world cruises to book in 2023 and 2024

An homage to the first world cruise with cunard.

This year marked the centennial of what is generally regarded as the first World Cruise: a 1922 roundtrip New York sailing lasting 130 days by the Cunarder  Laconia . The sailing was actually a full ship charter to American Express, who took full responsibility for marketing and selling the voyage. 

Since the original world cruise departed in November 1922 and sailed through the winter season, Cunard is celebrating the milestone in 2023 with several Centenary World Voyages, with departures on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria that will call at many of the same ports as the first world voyages a hundred years ago.

While the 2023 itineraries are nearly sold out, there are similar options to book in 2024 as well. Queen Mary 2 departs New York January 3, 2024 for a 123-night sailing to Australia, traveling eastbound via Portugal and the Canary Islands, Namibia , South Africa, Mauritius, Reunion, Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore , Malaysia, and Thailand, returning via the Persian Gulf, Greece, and Spain, before reaching New York via a second Transatlantic crossing.

Queen Victoria departs Southampton, England, on January 11, 2024, for a 107-night sailing with calls at Bermuda, Florida, and the Caribbean before transiting the Panama Canal and visiting Guatemala, Mexico, the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, the Canary Islands, and Portugal , returning to Southampton in late April. 

Travelers not wishing to undertake the full voyage can book segments of the World Voyages, such as Southampton to Sydney on Queen Victoria (60 nights) or Sydney to New York on Queen Mary 2 (49 nights), although Cunard throws in extra perks like free gratuities, cocktail receptions, and a gala dinner ashore for guests taking the full World Cruise. 

Cunard advertises Britannia Inside cabins on the 123-night Queen Mary 2 sailing from just under $21,000 before taxes and port fees, or just under $180 per person per night (based on double occupancy). 

Cross the Panama and Suez canals with Holland America

Holland America Line’s 2024 Grand World Voyage is a 128-day roundtrip sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, departing January 3, 2024, onboard the Zuiderdam . Passengers will visit several islands in the Caribbean, and cross the Amazon River to navigate through several ports in Brazil before exiting via the Panama Canal. Then it's off to Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Hawaiian Islands. From there, the ship crosses the International Dateline and calls upon Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands before stopping at several ports in Japan—including Kobe and Tokyo—as well as Hong Kong, mainland China, Vietnam, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and India. A tour through the Persian Gulf is followed by a Suez Canal crossing and visits to Israel and Turkey. On the final leg of the trip passengers will visit Greece, Italy, Spain, and the Azores, before crossing the Atlantic back to Fort Lauderdale in mid-May.

Fares start at $23,000 before taxes and port fees—also just under $180 per person per night. Holland America offers full-cruise guests additional amenities such as complimentary laundry, dry cleaning and pressing, plus in-suite bottled water and soft drinks. 

Silversea operates smaller ships than other world cruises 

Book even farther ahead for a mid-size or smaller ship

Smaller ships like those operated by Viking and Silversea have a devoted following and require further advance booking. Silversea’s World Cruises are currently waitlisted through 2024, and the January 2025 sailing has a few suites remaining. 

Charlie Hobbs

Maya Silver

CNT Editors

Viking’s December 2023 cruises still have limited space. The 138-day itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to London transits the Panama Canal, calls in Hawaii French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, India, and the Mediterranean. Fares start just under $60,000 per person before taxes and port fees and include special World Cruise exclusives like Business Class air, onboard gratuities, virtually all drinks on board, and free luggage shipping to embarkation.

Booking tips for around-the-world cruises

How much is a cruise to go around the world.

World cruises, which may not actually circumnavigate the globe entirely, but are generally in a category that covers at least three continents and lasts from 90 to 150 days generally start around $180 per passenger per night based on double occupancy.

Is an around the world cruise worth it?

That’s certainly subjective, but travelers already accustomed to cruising who appreciate the amenities of a ship and the lifestyle of a new port to view through the window every few days will likely consider world cruises a good value.

How much does a 180 day cruise around the world cost?

The longest world voyages we found generally lasted up to 140 to 150 days at their upper limits, although it’s not uncommon for devoted cruise fans to string together several voyages to remain onboard as long as they wish—but they'll need to book each concurrent voyage before one of them sells out.

Home » Cruise Tips » The Expert’s Guide to World Cruises – Costs, Itineraries, Ships, Tips, and More

The Expert’s Guide to World Cruises – Costs, Itineraries, Ships, Tips, and More

In our expert's guide to world cruises, we discuss the costs, itineraries, ships, tips, and more to help you decide if one is right for you.

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World cruises have long been a huge bucket-list item for travelers who want to visit many cities and countries in a seamless and comfortable way. Visiting multiple continents and dozens of ports while only unpacking once sounds like a far-fetched idea, but that’s exactly the opportunity that a world cruise affords.

Here, we have a full guide to world cruises including how long they are, where they go, how much they cost, and lists of world cruises departing in 2024 and 2025.

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What is a world cruise?

When you think about a traditional cruise, you would typically think of a week-long voyage to a specific region like the Caribbean , Alaska , or Mediterranean . Maybe a short weekend getaway to a place like the Bahamas , or perhaps a 10+ day adventure through the Panama Canal or to Hawaii.

The vast majority of cruises are two weeks or less — getaways that most people with typical careers can easily take with some of their designated vacation time.

But what if you want to go all-out with your top bucket list trip, sailing on the sea and visiting dozens of ports for months on end? This is where world cruises come in. A world cruise is a months-long sailing that visits dozens of ports across multiple continents. Certainly not for everyone, world cruises tend to attract mostly retired travelers and those who can work remotely via the ship’s wifi.

Cruise lines usually deploy their smaller, older vessels for the task because these types of voyages are much more about the itinerary than the ship (therefore not as many flashy, new amenities on the ship are needed). And a smaller vessel means fewer guests and an easier time getting around — very helpful for a sailing that skews much older than the typical cruise passenger demographic.

Plus, these smaller ships can also visit more remote ports of call that can not accommodate larger vessels.

How long are world cruises?

A cruise typically isn’t billed as a full “world cruise” unless it’s at least a couple months long. The majority of world cruises range from 90 to 150 days. Though, it’s common to find some that are shorter or longer as well.

When searching for a world cruise, you may notice that there are many itineraries that are shorter than two months… and some that may even be shorter than one month. This brings us to a great option for sampling a world cruise without the full time and cost commitment: world cruise segments.

These shorter segments offer a portion of the world cruise itinerary and experience to more people and often attract a bit more of a diverse crowd . You won’t find every world cruise divided into segments, but many do have them as a booking option.

These segments typically focus on one region/continent. For example, if a 100+ day world cruise is traversing northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the South Pacific, there may also be segmented booking options for each of those regions.

If you really want to visit lots of ports in Asia and spend many weeks on a cruise ship doing so, you can look into boarding the ship just for the Asia segment of the world cruise.

This is a great option for those who want a taste of a world cruise without committing to the entire trip.

Where do world cruises go?

Where cruise ships can go, world cruises can (and pretty much will) go. Each world cruise is different. The exact itinerary is dependent entirely on the cruise line operating it, with considerations including the ship, its size, and environmental limitations; which destinations the cruise line’s guests most desire; costs and time constraints; as well as other factors.

To put it simply, if there’s a region you want to visit where there are facilities for cruise ships, chances are you’ll be able to find a world cruise that includes it. Some of the most popular places featured on world cruises are the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia, South America, Northern Europe, and the Panama Canal. Some also include visits to Antarctica .

EXCLUSIVE RATES: Get Deals on World Cruises Now!

Which cruise lines offer world cruises?

You may be surprised to learn that there are actually quite a few cruise lines that operate world cruises. If you’re loyal to a specific line, it’s worth keeping an eye out if you’re interested in their longest sailings.

Mainstream cruise lines that offer world cruises include Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , MSC Cruises , P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, and AIDA Cruises. Even Royal Caribbean has gotten into the game, as it’s currently operating its first-ever world cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas.

More premium and luxury lines tend to offer world cruises than mainstream ones. These include Azamara, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Viking, Silversea Cruises, and Seabourn.

British line Cunard also offers world cruises, including a 111-night one in 2025 that breaks the mold with its newest upcoming ship, Queen Anne, embarking on the adventure rather than an older ship.

How much does a world cruise cost?

The cost of a world cruise depends heavily on a few main factors: the cruise line, the length of the voyage, and the type of accommodation you choose. For the cheapest cabin on a mainstream or premium cruise line, expect to pay somewhere between $10,000 and $30,000 for the base fare per person. This means an interior stateroom with no windows or balcony. For an oceanview, balcony, or suite, the price goes up from there.

For a luxury cruise line, expect to pay between $30,000 and $125,000 per person for the cheapest cabin. This could be an interior, but many luxury ships are balcony or suite-only, so that would be the cheapest/lowest option.

Here’s a tip: if you’re looking for the best deal on a world cruise, go to a cruise aggregate website that allows you to search for a cruise from many different cruise lines. You’ll be able to sort based on your preferences and see options from mainstream to luxury all in one place.

Once there, narrow your preferences to ‘world cruise’ and then sort by ‘price per night, low to high.’ Cruiseline.com is a great place to do this. Keep in mind, though, that different cruise lines include different extras and amenities on their world cruises, so look into what’s included in the fare to help determine the value.

What’s included on world cruises?

Since we’re on the topic, you may be wondering what’s usually included in the base fare on a world cruise. It might be a pleasant surprise to learn that pretty much all world cruises include more in the fare than you’d get taking a regular cruise with the same company.

Each line varies slightly in their inclusions, but in general you can expect your world cruise fare to include these extras on top of what’s usually included in a mainstream cruise:

• Airfare to and from the cruise homeport (often in business class)
• A pre-cruise hotel stay and gala
• Transfers between the airport, hotel, and ship
• Laundry service and/or free use of self-service launderettes
• WiFi package
• Beverage package

Some world cruises even include shore excursions , which can be an enormous added value for those who like to take tours and do organized activities while in port.

Are world cruises worth it?

Asking whether a world cruise is worth it is highly subjective. First of all, you’re likely asking whether it’s worth the cost and/or time commitment. And like with most vacation bookings and extras, whether or not it’s worth it is entirely up to you.

The majority of people — and even many die-hard cruisers — are not willing to part with such a large amount of money at once for a trip. Although it is the adventure of a lifetime, it’s certainly not necessary to see different parts of the world. Along the same lines, many people flat-out can’t quit their jobs or work remotely, and not many have enough vacation time to take off work for several months in a row.

But if your situation is such that you can afford it both in terms of money and time, sit down with a digital spreadsheet or piece of paper and do the math to determine the price per night for the world cruises you’re interested in. Also, think about your everyday situation and determine if it would be feasible for you to leave your home, family/friends, etc. for an extended period of time.

If it doesn’t work now, consider whether you could do a world cruise a few years down the road. There are lots of considerations to be made when it comes to taking a very extended trip that could easily cost a good chunk of a year’s salary (or more!).

If the time commitment isn’t an issue and you see the value for the cost, it’s worth it to you… and that’s what matters most.

BOOK NOW: Get Discounts When Booking a World Cruise!

World Cruises Sailing in 2024

Here’s a list of world cruises that are departing in 2024:

Holland America

• 43-night Grand World Voyage on Zuiderdam from Honolulu to Singapore departing February 8th

Princess Cruises

• Roundtrip from Auckland on April 26th
• Roundtrip from Sydney on April 30th
• Roundtrip from Brisbane on May 2nd

Costa Cruises

• 130 nights roundtrip from Trieste on December 7th
• 122 nights roundtrip from Rome on December 11th
• 120 nights roundtrip from Savona on December 12th
• 118 nights roundtrip from Marseille on December 13th
• 116 nights roundtrip from Barcelona on December 14th

AIDA Cruises

• 117-night World Cruise on AIDAsol roundtrip from Hamburg departing on October 23rd (with segments available)

Crystal Cruises

• 125 nights from San Diego to Miami on February 3rd
• 141 nights roundtrip from San Diego on February 3rd
• 42-night Grand Journey on Crystal Serenity from Vancouver to Quebec City departing August 13th

• 123-night World Voyage on Queen Mary 2 roundtrip from New York City, departed on January 3rd (with segments available)
• 107-night World Voyage on Queen Victoria roundtrip from Southampton, departed on January 11th (with segments available)

Oceania Cruises

• 51-night Epic Northern Hemisphere on Insignia roundtrip from New York City departing July 12th
• 79-night Ultimate Pacific Traveler on Regatta from Los Angeles to Sydney departing October 3rd

P&O Cruises

• 99-night Western Circumnavigation on Arcadia roundtrip from Southampton, departed January 6th
• 116-night World Cruise on Seabourn Sojourn from Auckland to Piraeus (Athens) departing February 10th (with segments available)

• 137 nights from Fort Lauderdale to Greenwich
• 179 nights from Fort Lauderdale to New York City
• 61-night Longitudinal World Cruise on Viking Polaris from Milwaukee to Ushuaia departing October 1st

World Cruises Sailing in 2025

Here’s a list of world cruises that are departing in 2025:

• 124-night Grand World Voyage on Zuiderdam roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale departing January 4th
• 133-night Grand Voyage 2025: Pole to Pole on Volendam roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale departing on January 25th

MSC Cruises

• Roundtrip from Rome on January 4th
• Roundtrip from Genoa on January 5th
• Roundtrip from Marseille on January 6th
• Roundtrip from Barcelona on January 7th

• Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 5th
• Roundtrip from Los Angeles on January 20th
• Roundtrip from Auckland on May 31st
• Roundtrip from Sydney on June 4th
• Roundtrip from Brisbane on June 6th
• 155-night World Voyage on Azamara Onward from San Diego to Southampton departing January 6th
• 123-night World Voyage on Crystal Serenity from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona departing January 7th
• 111 nights roundtrip from Hamburg on January 7th
• 107 nights roundtrip from Southampton on January 9th
• 196-night Global Horizons roundtrip from Miami
• 180-night Around the World in 180 Days from Miami to San Diego
• 200-night Kaleidoscope of Your World from Miami to New York City
• 111-night Epic Continental Explorer on Nautica from Papeete to Barcelona departing on February 25th

• 99-night Western Circumnavigation on Arcadia roundtrip from Southampton departing January 3rd

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• 150 nights from Miami to San Francisco
• 168 nights roundtrip from Miami
• 116-night Grand Cultural Quest on Seven Seas Mariner from New York City to Barcelona departing July 10th (with a segment available)
• 84-night Grand Continental Sojourn on Seven Seas Navigator from Barcelona to Sydney departing October 31st

Silversea Cruises

• 136-night Controtrempo World Voyage on Silver Dawn from Tokyo to New York City departing January 13th
• 83-night Grand North Atlantic & Northern Europe on Silver Shadow roundtrip from New York City departing June 11th
• 120-night Viking World Journeys from Los Angeles to Greenwich
• 162-night Viking World Voyage from Los Angeles to New York City
• 68-night Longitudinal World Cruise on Viking Octantis from Buenos Aires to Mikwaukee departing on February 20th
• 61-night Longitudinal World Cruise on Viking Polaris from Milwaukee to Ushuaia departing September 15th

What’s your take on world cruises? If time and finances allowed, would you book one of these extended voyages? Drop us an anchor below to share your bucket list cruise destinations.

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What I like best is to prioritize refundable fares whenever possible a small world cup . This means we will get your deposit back if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel before the final payment.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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What To Expect From Ultimate World Cruise

Get ready to visit all seven continents, 65 countries, over 150 ports of call, and 11 world wonders..

By Robert Schrader | Published on October 18, 2023

1. Are You The Ideal World Cruise Traveler?

Looking at Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise℠ itinerary, you might be surprised by the sheer volume of bucket-list sites, even if you consider yourself a seasoned traveler. The great explorers of history spent this long — the full cruise lasts 274 days — on a single sailing across the sea, never mind going to all corners of the globe.

Your epic journey around the world, of course, is sure to come with plenty of new-to-you destinations. From world wonders such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China to sun-dappled islands from French Polynesia to Greece, the array and diversity of horizons you sail to is unparalleled. This isn't a cruise — it's the  cruise to top all other cruises.

2. Do You Want To Minimize Flights?

3. Is This Trip Too Good To Be True?

It might sound unbelievable that you'll be able to spread your arms out under Argentina's Christ the Redeemer statue and sip cocktails beneath the Sydney Opera House on the same sailing, but on this epic journey around the world, you can. The key to making the most of each port is to pace yourself — this is a long trip, in the best way possible.

Some stops along the Ultimate World Cruise℠ will invite more hiking and exploration (Jordan's ruins of Petra, for example), while the colorful waterfronts of European idylls like Bergen, Norway, are better for sitting down for a meal or drink. What makes this vacation unique is the luxury of time and space, which allow you to truly relax and explore many sides of yourself. You might consider yourself a total beach bum as you reach the sandy shores of Oahu but feel like a history buff as you take in the Taj Mahal. You might feel like an explorer as you explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá in Mexico on foot, then opt to take a camel when you reach the Pyramids of Giza.

4. How Much Does It Cost?

As you can imagine, this once-in-a-lifetime epic journey around the world is highly customizable. The ticket price for the 274-night journey ranges from $59,999 per person for an interior stateroom to $117,599 for a junior suite on the 2,476-passenger Serenade of the Seas® .

You might think that if you travel the world for almost a year, you'll need to bring your whole home with you, but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, you'll want to err on the side of bringing less rather than more. You'll have laundry services (among other complimentary treats)  included in your fare, and can buy almost anything you need at ports. Focus on bringing a basic wardrobe built for laying in different climates, and any special items you know you can't easily buy, as well as medications and other need-to-haves. You won't want forget to pack bathing suits for Mexico, for example, or a coat for colder destinations.

So, is this the best way to travel the world? That's somewhat a matter of personal preference. Sailing the world with many of the same passengers offers an unprecendented bonding experience with like-minded travelers. The guests and crew become very much like a family on a world cruise, which can be a real joy to watch unfold — especially if you follow cruise etiquette and are considerate of others during the voyage. And the itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ 2023 is so extensive it's almost impossible to imagine. Certainly, if you love cruising and want to see much of the world as possible in one fell swoop, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to check many travel icons off your bucket list.

5. Do You Really Set Sail For ... Everywhere?

It's important to note that you can opt for the whole cruise, or stay onboard for however long you want. Each of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Med and Europe & Beyond — can be booked a la carte, with business class airfare between your home and wherever you start and end included in the price. Or, pick one of the 17 sailings (ranging from nine to 29 nights) that make up the cruise and visit the sites that are most exciting to you.

Then again, if you can find the time, it's tempting to complete most of your bucket list in a single, epic trip when you circumnavigate the globe onboard a cruise ship. The iconic world wonders you'll see are only the beginning on this epic adventure.

Want to learn more? Check out the thrilling itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ .

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Princess Cruises has announced a 111-day, around-the-world cruise starting at $21,000 as travelers continue to demand global sailings

• Carnival's Princess Cruises has announced a 111-day world cruise that will set sail in January 2024.
• The almost four-month cruise will bring guests to 51 locations across 27 countries.
• The cruise starts at almost $21,080 per person, and suites start at about $66,000.

Around the world in 80 days? How about 111 days — by ship.

On Monday, Carnival's Princess Cruises announced a 111-day world cruise for 2024 as demand for global sailings remains high.

Passengers will cruise aboard the Island Princess, which will also be the home base for the company's upcoming 2023 world cruise itineraries.

Source: Princess Cruises

According to a press release, the ship is Princess' "largest to sail a world cruise voyage."

The almost four-month cruise will operate roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2024 and Los Angeles on January 19, 2024.

If 111 days seems just a bit too long, there's also the option to book a shorter 97-day itinerary from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, which will also begin sailing on January 18, 2024.

From there, the Island Princess will bring guests to 51 locations, including 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites…

... across 27 countries and six continents.

This includes calls in Crete, Greece, Bali, Indonesia, Lisbon, Portugal, and Bermuda.

Interested in sailing around the world? Be prepared to shell out at least $21,080 per person.

And if you'd rather travel in luxury, suites start at about $66,000, a Princess Cruises spokesperson told Insider.

The 2024 sailings aren't Princess' only plans for a global cruise. The company's upcoming 2023 world cruises from Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles will set sail in January 2023. However, the cruise line canceled its 2022 global sailing.

Source: Princess Cruises , Princess Cruises

Despite this cancellation, there's no better time to unveil a months-long cruise.

Pent-up demand for cruising has resulted in successful global cruise sales throughout 2021, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 132-night 2024 world cruise that sold out in less than three hours …

Source: Insider

... and Oceania Cruises' "Around the World in 180 Days" cruise for 2023 that was booked out within a day.

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The best around the world cruise deals

Around the world cruises are an experience in themselves, so it’s worth finding the best cruise available and for the best price. if you want to know all about how to book an all-around-the-world cruise for 2024, 2025 or 2026, you're in the right place. so, what is a world cruise find out all you need to know about world cruises below.

• nights, departs on the 08 Apr 2024
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Splendor

Lush Islands In Spring

• 14 nights, departs on the 31 Mar 2024
• Miami, Florida, , , + 12 more
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Navigator

Asian Wonders & Arabian Delights

• 20 nights, departs on the 05 Apr 2024
• Laem Chabang, Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, + 18 more
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Explorer

North Pacific Passage

• 18 nights, departs on the 13 Apr 2024
• Tokyo, Hitachinaka, Miyako, Iwate, + 16 more

World Cruises - Frequently Asked Questions

Are world cruises worth it.

World cruises boast ultimate itineraries, no matter where they go. An adventure of a lifetime, advantages to world cruises include seeing multiple locations all in one go, as well as planned itineraries and onboard activities. World cruises visit some of the world’s most revered sites, and you will only need to pack once in order to see it all. The shared family experiences and parties and celebrations onboard and ashore make for an experience everyone should embark on. Apart from there being plenty to do, they’re also relaxing and often last a long duration of time, which means for a prolonged alleviating escape.

How long does a round the world cruise take?

A round the world cruise is often 90 to 120 days, but the duration of time ranges. With visits to multiple countries, there’s been a trend toward longer sailing times in recent years. The duration of time is definitely something to consider when booking a world cruise.

What should I pack for a world cruise?

As you could be at sea for weeks or months at a time, it is vital to bring variety of clothing options for all types of weather. Weather can be changeable, and it never hurts to prepare for all eventualities, from sun to rain! Of course, cruise ships will do their best to avoid storms and itineraries will be planned accordingly, so no need to worry.

• Sea days – bring a few comfortable outfits, such as shorts and t-shirts or jeans and a jumper
• Dinner and formal nights – dress code may be specific to your cruise line, but bring formal clothing if necessary
• Gym-wear – if you intend to make use of the gym or any hiking excursions, make sure to pack some workout clothes
• Comfortable shoes – there may be a lot of walking involved
• Rain coat and compact umbrella – aside from a regular coat, you may be guaranteed to have at least a few rainy days
• Bathing costumes – you’ll need a few sets
• Medication – you may need to speak to your doctor about obtaining an extra prescription to ensure you have plenty to last you throughout the duration of your trip
• Toiletries – while it is possible to buy these elsewhere, you may not be able to find your favourite brands
• Books & entertainment – bring your hobbies on board with you

What are the best cruise lines for an all around the world cruise?

The best cruise line for you must be tailored to your favourite itineraries, ship size, and ideal price range. Here’s a selection of cruise lines cruising around the world, most of which offer a round the world cruise from the UK.

Around the world cruise Royal Caribbean - offers a 274-night ultimate world cruise with like-minded explorers across all seven continents and 65 countries.

Cunard round the world cruise - offers the greatest of world cruise experiences on larger ships with an international mix of passengers.

P&O world cruise - consists of classic British cruising, offering several ships in a wide variety of sizes.

Princess Cruises world cruise – known for its innovative technology and entertainment.

Fred. Olsen world cruise – known for traditional and welcoming cruising.

How much is a world cruise?

Prices range depending on your cruise line of choice and how long the trip is. Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise is currently starting from £45,000, though this is one of the longest cruises. Other options such as 30 to 117 day voyages with Cunard range from £4,289 - £15,019 per person. P&O’s World Cruise 2023 departing from Southampton for 99 nights ranges from £12,449 - £27,039 per person, depending on the type of cabin. Princess Cruises ranges from £12,00 - £14,000, spanning more than 100 days. Fred. Olsen’s 80-day voyage is from £13,999 per person, and its world cruise from Southampton to Liverpool is from £16,199 per person. It is important to note the duration of the cruise, which often correlates with the price.

What is a world cruise?

Cruises around the world offer a vast variety of ideal locations, top-of-the-line itineraries and relaxing experiences.

A world cruise is the ultimate travel experience and itineraries come in a variety of forms. World cruises travel to several countries and continents, so you can expect several sea days, with most itineraries having at least one long stretch of days at sea. World cruises will take you to a number of destinations and cultures to explore.

If you feel daunted by the idea of being away for so long, you don’t have to book an entire world cruise. You can opt for a segment that ranges from two weeks to a month. This is a great sample experience and will help you offset the price of a world cruise, while also committing to a shorter duration of time. You can depart from a nearby homeport, such as Southampton, only embarking on a middle segment and flying home afterwards.

Calling at several continents, world cruises explore incredible destinations including the Norwegian fjords, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, New Zealand’s Fiordland, Petra in Jordan Petra, the Caribbean and South-East Asia. World cruises offer a great range of places to visit from beaches and historic sites to world wonders.

Country guides for around the world cruises

If you're travelling around the world on a cruise you'll see some amazing places. Our guides will give you the low-down on each region.

Western Mediterranean cruise holidays take passengers to three of the world’s most popular getaway…

There’s no cruise destination quite like the Mediterranean. Nowhere else in the world allows you to…

North America cruises offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of the bustling…

Japan cruise holidays offer oodles of excitement. As a destination, its rich culture and magical…

Cruises Australia and New Zealand cruise holidays see travellers sailing to the farthest reaches of…

From the Andean peaks to the urban centres, South America cruises explore a region of astounding…

Caribbean cruises are hugely popular and are an excellent way to explore this incredibly diverse…

Mediterranean cruise and travel tips: What to pack and where to go

Outside cabin guide: how to choose the best cabins for your needs, how fast do cruise ships go amazing cruising facts and figures, best places to cruise in australia, new zealand and the south pacific, sydney in one day, three ways as australia opens back up today, cunard queen mary 2 review: what it's like cruising on the world's only ocean liner.

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How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

The average cost of a cruise varies by ship, destination, trip length and more. Use this guide to learn more about cruise costs.

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With the rising cost of everything, including travel, cruise fares – some as low as $26 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables; unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $171 per person for a four-night Bahamas cruise to up to $94,999 per person for a 154-night world cruise and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

• A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November costs approximately $424 to $1,158 per person.
• A seven-night Alaska cruise in May costs approximately $244 to $1,632 per person.
• A seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise in June costs approximately $439 to $3,218 per person.
• A seven-night Mexico cruise in January costs approximately $529 to $695 per person.
• A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October costs approximately $470 to $954 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Mass-market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues, several types of nonalcoholic beverages (nonbottled water, iced tea, lemonade, juices, hot coffee and tea), the ship's pools, the gym, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a porthole or window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

If you splurge on a suite or a higher room category, such as Celebrity's Concierge Class, you'll get perks like priority embarkation, a Welcome Aboard Concierge Class Lunch, complimentary sparkling wine and daily tastings (upon request), concierge service, invitations to exclusive destination seminars, pillow selection and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also have priority check-in and boarding, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as MSC Cruises' Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer an all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a rooftop pool, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that includes airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate, while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary. 

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships. You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slides on a new ship like Norwegian Prima or its new sister ship, Norwegian Viva, set to debut in summer 2023.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Read: The Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Solo travelers may pay more

If you're traveling alone , you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo cabins.

These smaller accommodations – around 100 to 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Complex and Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Kids cruise free promotions can help families save

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for the kids on select sailings. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages whose regular fares are around $6,000 and up. This fare also includes unlimited shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Food and beverage packages are another expense to consider

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues , alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on most ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship. For an example of the savings, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 to $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $75 or more for dinner. Other venues feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these may not include gratuity, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price. Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive. Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a call brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

Other lines have packages that cover top-shelf beverages of up to $20 each and include wine, large bottles of water and soda, and other perks. You'll need to budget around $85 per person per day for this option – and an additional 18% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer.

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers a "Have It All" package that encompasses a shore excursion credit, a signature beverage package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and Wi-Fi. If you're sailing on longer cruises of 10 to 21 days or more, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship – such as Norwegian's racetrack and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT. See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more starting at $12.75 per day per person. The cost increases to $17 per day per person with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan starts at $18.70 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "Always Included" fare includes basic internet, a classic drink package and gratuities. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

• Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion where you'll arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.

If these types of experiences are not in your budget, then look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These excursions are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Most of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town, or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee, if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on the ship. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

• Base cruise price
• Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
• Specialty dining
• Beverage package
• Optional activities
• Miscellaneous expenses
• Air or ground travel to the port
• Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's nine all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate 930 passengers – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to The Nordic Spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have complimentary alternative dining options and free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge. Guests are also invited to a welcome cocktail party and farewell reception.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line, so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

Read:  The Best Adults-Only Cruises

All-inclusive cruises

Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare, depending on the destination.

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, open bar and gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports activities and nightly movies under the stars.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Baltic region in June with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive fare with suite accommodations is $12,540 ($6,270 per person). There are also additional perks available, depending on where you book the cruise. Some of the extras include a cash-back offer, a two-category upgrade and shipboard credit.

Silversea has a similar itinerary in June, and the fare also comes with added perks for $13,860 for two people ($6,930 per person) in suite accommodations.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own.

Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, opt for a cruise on a small luxury line.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass-market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Snake and Columbia rivers, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Gay Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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The World’s Most Expensive Cruise Runs Up to Nearly $1 Million Per Person And Will Sail to 40 Countries

Ultraluxury cruise line regent seven seas cruises has unveiled a record-breaking 140-day world cruise that will visit 71 ports in 40 countries on 6 continents..

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Redefine the splurge with the $839,999 Regent Suite, complete with a sprawling bathroom-cum–spa retreat featuring a personal sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi.

Stephen Beaudet/Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will sail what may well be the most expensive commercial cruise ever in 2027: an around-the-world trip with prices ranging from just under $100,000 to almost $1 million per person.

Sound over the top? Yes, for most travelers. But the luxury line expects the cruise will break company sales records, just as many of its past world cruises have, often selling out the day bookings opened.

“People are more eager than ever to embark on once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experiences,” said Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “In fact, over the past few years, we’ve received continued interest and increasing demand for our world cruises as discerning travelers want to venture further and for longer durations. Now more than ever, people do not want to wait for opportunities to pass them by.”

Passengers on 2027 World Cruise will call the recently launched 746-passenger Seven Seas Splendor home for more than 4 months.

Pete Barrett/Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Indeed, weeks- and even months-long world cruises have become a popular travel style in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the luxury and upscale cruise markets.

To meet the growing demand, Regent’s 2027 world cruise will be the first aboard one of the company’s largest and newest explorer class ships, the 746-passenger Seven Seas Splendor , which launched in 2020. The ship has 373 suites across 15 categories, ranging from the 307-square-foot Veranda Suite to its lavish, one-of-a-kind 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite.

Perched on the 14th deck, the Regent Suite has unobstructed 270-degree views over the ship’s bow from a 1,300-square-foot wraparound veranda. A glass-enclosed solarium offers a view that mirrors that of the captain’s from the bridge. The over-the-top accommodation also has its own spa retreat complete with a personal sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi, as well as original Picasso artworks adorning the walls, a custom Steinway Grand Maroque Piano by Dakota Jackson, and a handcrafted Hästens Vividus mattress, which retails for more than $200,000, topped with the finest bed linens and pillow styles.

The bed in the Regent Suite of the Seven Seas Splendor features a handcrafted Hästens Vividus mattress, which retails for more than $200,000.

Regent Suite guests will also have a dedicated butler, a full bar, and a personal car and driver in every port.

Fares for the 140-night voyage, which departs on January 11, 2027, start at $91,499 per guest for a Veranda Suite and go up to $839,999 per guest for the opulent Regent Suite. Travelers who prefer a slightly shorter journey can sail a 126-night Miami-to-Rome voyage, with fares ranging from $84,999 per guest up to $755,999 per guest.

So, what exactly does one get for those prices?

Fares for the World of Splendor sailing include first-class round-trip flights, door-to-door luggage service, 486 shore excursions, specialty dining, wine and spirits, unlimited Wi-Fi, and unlimited laundry and dry cleaning.

The sailing will visit 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient site of Petra in Jordan.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Where will the ship go?

For this 140-day world cruise, the Seven Seas Splendor will sail from Miami to New York, visiting 71 ports of call (including 14 overnight stays) in the Caribbean, South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Guests will travel 35,668 nautical miles across 3 oceans, exploring 40 countries on 6 continents.

Over more than four months, passengers will have the opportunity to celebrate Carnival in Panama City, visit a Sri Lankan street festival in Colombo, and step back in time during an exclusive Roaring ’20s–themed event in Málaga, Spain, that will feature haute couture and vintage automobile displays. The itinerary includes visits to 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among them Kakadu National Park in Australia, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Elephanta Caves in India, and Palmeral of Elche near Alicante, Spain.

There are nine dining venues on board the Seven Seas Splendor , including alfresco eating areas, in addition to wellness options, cooking classes, and entertainment.

What’s there to do on board?

The ship has a full spa and wellness center with included classes and activities led by fitness and mindful living experts. There’s a culinary arts kitchen for hands-on cooking lessons, evening entertainment, and nine dining venues, ranging from Compass Rose, offering a customized menu each night of the cruise, to Pan-Asian outpost Pacific Rim and the elevated steakhouse Prime 7. There’s also a French bistro called Chartreuse, and Sette Mari at La Veranda serves Italian fare with stunning ocean views.

Under parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Regent Seven Seas is part of the company’s larger Sail and Sustain program , which invests in ways to reduce emissions and the environmental impact of the fleet through investments in new and evolving green technologies. It also encompasses Regent’s Eco-Connect Tours , on which passengers can engage with local communities that are promoting sustainable tourism initiatives like biodynamic and organic wine production in Bordeaux, France, and visiting a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica.

Regent’s 2027 World Cruise is currently open for bookings either by calling (844) 4-REGENT or by visiting the Regent website .

Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

A Cheap World Cruise: Tips & Tricks for How to Afford the Voyage

June 5, 2023 By John Widmer 32 Comments

Is a cheap world cruise actually possible?

That’s the question we asked ourselves.

So we thoroughly investigated this seemingly impossible travel desire and then went on to plan a cruise around the world, filled with a mix of luxury and adventure. Ultimately we were successful in piecing together a cheap round the world cruise that amounted to only $60 per person, per day , all costs included.

We’re now here to show you how you can afford to enjoy an inexpensive world cruise as we also detail what this grand voyage was like.

Throughout six years of nonstop travels around the world to 100 countries, we’ve made a concerted effort to uncover some of the best travel values in the world , while stretching our travel dollars as far as possible.

We’ve already shown how many seemingly extravagant travel experiences can be affordable. For example, we’ve proven how to visit the Galapagos on a Budget , take an African Safari for $50/Day , or even have a Luxury Trip to Egypt on a Budget .

Yet we gave ourselves the biggest budget travel challenge we’d ever set out on: attempting a cheap around-the-world cruise .

Generally speaking, world cruises are indeed very expensive. But it’s a common misconception that such comprehensive voyages are beyond reach for budget-conscious travelers.

With careful planning and smart strategies, it’s entirely possible to experience the magic of an around-the-world cruise without breaking the bank. There are a number of ways to make world cruising more accessible. This guide will serve as your roadmap to inexpensive world cruises, bringing the dream of budget world cruising closer to reality. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the world on a shoestring budget.

• Cost of World Cruises
• Book a Low-Cost World Cruise
• Live on a Residential World Cruise Ship
• Combine Multiple One-Way Cruises to Form a Cheap World Cruise
• How to Form a Cheap World Cruise
• Eat & Drink for Less
• Find High-Value Accommodation
• Minimize Excursion & Activity Expenses
• Use Cost-Effective Transport
• World Cruise Costs and Total Expenses
• Where to Begin
• Book Cruises with Changing Seasons
• Which Direction: East-to-West or West-to-East?
• Planning Tip: Book the Aisa-Europe Segment First
• Cheap World Cruise Sample Itinerary 2023-2024
• Tips for an Even Cheaper World Cruise
• When to Book
• Best Cruise Lines to Book
• Best Sites to Search and Book
• Book a Cheap Stateroom
• How to Secure Inexpensive Visas
• Secure Travel Insurance to Protect Yourself
• Key Strategies to Achieve a Cheap World Cruise

The Cost of a World Cruise

The base price of a world cruise typically ranges between $10,000-$100,000 per person, based on double occupancy.

Yet a world cruise can easily exceed $200,000 for a multi-month grand voyage around the world. Take this Regent World Cruise for example. Beginning in Miami, in January 2025, this luxurious cruise around the world spanning 5.5 months looks nothing short of incredible. And it has an incredible price tag to match. This world cruise is currently “on sale” for $209,998.00 for two people. Yikes! This is not a cheap world cruise.

The price of this Regent world cruise works out to a daily rate of $1,249.99, or about $37,500 per month of world cruising. And those high prices don’t even factor in additional expenses, such as the many excursion costs and other add-ons. Ultimately, this half-year trip would likely well exceed a quarter million dollars. In other words, this Regent World Cruise is prohibitively expensive and out of reach for most of us.

While the cost of this world cruise may seem like a harsh reality, there are indeed less expensive world cruises . Cheap world cruises can be found for just over $10,000 per person, for the base fare. But taxes, port fees, and gratuities must be added to get the true price of any world cruise.

Realistically, a couple should plan to budget a bare minimum of $30,000 for the cheapest world cruise available. Yet a budget of $50,000-$100,000 (per couple) is a more realistic price range that would allow a nice assortment of world cruises to choose from and a less restrictive budget while on board.

That is still a lot of money to spend. So let’s now review how you can achieve a world cruise on a much lower budget.

Understand the Total Costs of World Cruise

When booking a world cruise at a low price, you must understand and budget for additional costs. When searching for cheap world cruises, the low advertised fare usually does not include many obligatory fees and expenses that will add thousands of dollars to the cruise fare.

Taxes and port fees : Taxes and port fees usually aren’t shown in the base cruise fare even though they must be paid as part of the total world cruise price. Be sure to see the total cost with taxes and port fees, which can add thousands of dollars.

Gratuities : Most cruise lines add gratuities to your cruise bill once onboard. Gratuities on world cruises typically range around $14-$16 per person per day. So for a full world cruise, this can easily add over $3,500 to a couple’s budget. Often the gratuities can be adjusted if you wish. But it would be cruel to deprive the hard-working crew of their wages if you’re on a world cruise that uses a tipping system as payment to the crew. If tips are expected on your world cruise, budget accordingly.

Travel insurance  is mandatory on some world cruises. Yet even if it’s not required, all world cruisers should strongly consider travel insurance to avoid financial hardships if unforeseen circumstances do occur. Couples can expect to spend a few thousand dollars extra for decent coverage. To save, don’t book directly with the cruise line. Compare policies that fit your needs.

Visas will likely be required for at least a few of the countries that a world cruise visits. For convenience, most world cruises will handle visas for you, for a fee, of course. To minimize costs, it’s usually possible to secure any necessary visas yourself, before the cruise.

Onshore expenses: Although it may be possible to get by on the world cruise itself without spending anything on the ship, world cruisers will almost certainly want to explore ashore. Whether booking excursions or going ashore independently, you will inevitably incur expenses whenever leaving the ship. The cost for port days can range wildly, depending on your travel style. These expenses can be easy to minimize expenses for those comfortable with independent travel.

Other common world cruise expenses to budget for :

• Laundry  is usually not included and can be expensive on world cruises.
• Wifi  is usually not included and is usually expensive on world cruises.
• Alcohol  is usually not included and can get expensive for those who like to drink.
• Shopping & souvenirs  you may want to pick up some mementos during your grand voyage
• Other cruise expenses : Gambling, spa treatments, or specialty dining may be tempting.

3 Methods to Achieve an Inexpensive World Cruise

There are three main ways to consider when attempting to score a cheap world cruise, with approximate starting prices shown, per person, based on double occupancy:

• Find a low-cost world cruise : ~$25,000/cruise, ~$170 per day
• Consider a residential world cruise : ~$40,000/year, ~$110 per day
• Combine multiple one-way cruises to form a grand voyage : ~$19,000/year, ~$60 per day

Option 1: Find a Low-Cost World Cruise

While a Regent world cruise would cost a couple more than $200,000, thankful there are usually a few cheap world cruises each year, with prices under $20,000 per person. As of 2023, budget-friendly cruises start at about $15,000 per person for a 3-4 month world cruise. Again, understand that is just a base price.

Those interested in booking the cheapest world cruise available must budget at least an additional $5,000 per person for expenses such as gratuities, visas, laundry, and exploring ashore on your own. A bare minimum of $20,000 per person would be needed for the absolute cheapest world cruise.

That’s $40,000 for the cabin for a couple, which breaks down to about $10,000 per month. But prospective world cruisers must understand that is for an inside cabin, meaning no outside light in your stateroom for the duration of the world cruise. Those desiring luxuries like a balcony stateroom, wifi, or alcohol, will inevitably need to spend more or try to score perks like a free cruise balcony upgrade .

Pros of a low-cost world cruise:

• Easiest and most convenient to plan: one world cruise in a single booking
• Shortest time commitment: starting at 99 days
• Low-ish cost meets convenience: Book a cabin for less than $30k

Cons of a low-cost world cruise:

• Ship may be less desirable or a cruise line you’re unfamiliar with (although usually still a pleasant experience)
• Itinerary: routes may be less desirable, with infrequent stops and many sea days
• High per-day costs: highest among these three methods
• To maintain low costs, you’ll need to forgo or minimize extras and luxuries

Despite the drawbacks, low-cost world cruises can be a bargain and absolutely should be considered. Before booking such a lengthy journey, just ensure you’ll be comfortable with the ship and the cabin you’re considering. Review the itinerary closely. Make sure it goes to locations that are desirable to you. Also, look at the total number of sea days, relative to the entire cruise.

If that all checks out, scoring a low-cost world cruise can be an excellent way to cruise around the world for cheap.

Cheapest World Cruises You Can Book for 2024-2025 World Cruises

As of June 2023, here are three of the least expensive world cruises you can book right now :

• Embarkation Location : Southampton, England
• Dates : January 6, 2024, and again on January 3, 2025
• Length : 99 nights
• Ship : P&O is a British cruise line catering to British passengers. The Arcadia is a 4-star cruise ship, 935 ft in length, built in 2005, with 952 cabins.
• Itinerary : This world cruise itinerary makes a complete westbound circumnavigation around the world, going from the UK to North America, through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific to Australia, up to Asia, and through the Suez Canal to ultimately return to England.
• Sea days : Two-thirds of this itinerary are at sea: 66 sea days and 33 days in port.
• Base starting price per person, interior : $11,734
• Total stateroom price : $23,417
• Price per night : $237 ($120 pp)
• More info : P&O website . Note that outside UK, you may need to call a travel agent to book.
• Embarkation Locations : Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Marseille, or Barcelona
• Dates : January 4, 2025 – April 30, 2025
• Length : 116 nights
• Ship : The MSC Magnifica is a 3.5-star cruise ship, 964 ft in length, launched in 2010, and has 1,259 cabins.
• Itinerary : This world cruise itinerary makes a complete westbound circumnavigation around the world, voyaging from Europe around South America, then to Australia, Asia, and through the Suez Canal (and Egypt), before returning to Europe.
• Sea days : Good split of sea/port days, about half of the itinerary is sea days: 59 sea days and 57 port days.
• Base starting price per person, interior : $15,199
• Total stateroom price, including taxes : $31,358 + gratuities (~$3,000) = $34,358
• Price per night : $296 ($148 pp)
• Check up-to-date pricing & reserve : Book Magnifica World Cruise here on CruiseDirect
• Embarkation Locations : New York City (Alternatively, departs Southampton Jan 11)
• Dates : January 4, 2024 – May 5, 2024
• Length : 123 nights
• Ship : Queen Mary 2 is a 5-star luxury ocean liner, one of the most notable ships of its kind. The 1,132-ft ship was launched in 2003 and has 1,360 cabins.
• Itinerary : This world cruise itinerary is not entirely around the world, as the route goes from NYC to UK, then around Africa, over to Australia, up to Asia, and comes back through the Suez Canal to briefly hit Europe before returning to NYC.
• Sea days : Over two-thirds of this itinerary are at sea: 83 sea days and 40 days in port.
• Base starting price per person, interior : $16,599.00
• Total stateroom price, including taxes : $35,907.06 + gratuities ($3,567) = $39,474.06
• Price per night : $320 ($160 pp)
• Check up-to-date pricing & reserve : Book Queen Mary World Cruise on CruiseDirect

Of these three most inexpensive world cruises, which is best ? This is a matter of preference, of course.

If you’re already in (or near) the UK and you’re simply looking for the cheapest world cruise that truly circumnavigates the globe, the P&O Acadia world cruise does just that. But prospective passengers must understand the cruise is geared towards British preferences and it has a rushed itinerary around the world in 99 days, most of that time at sea.

Meanwhile, we suggest the MSC Magnifica for having the best itinerary of any inexpensive world cruise. It’s truly a remarkable route with many interesting stops. Yet MSC receives mixed reviews on its 3-star ships. Although the onboard experience should be just fine for many travelers, choose the Magnifica world cruise for the great ports and itinerary, rather than for the ship.

Conversely, we recommend choosing the Cunard Queen Mary 2 for the incredible ship , rather than for the itinerary. The Queen Mary 2 is the lowest-priced world cruise you can take on a true ocean liner with the opulence of a 5-star ship. That said, prospective passengers will need to be okay with the fact this journey doesn’t completely circumnavigate the globe and is filled with far more sea days than port days.

For a few more options of the cheapest world cruises you can book right now, here are a few more that are priced under $20,000 per person :

• Crown Princess : departs Sydney on June 4, 2025, 5-star, 113 days, 66 days at sea (58%), $34,486 for cabin + gratuities = $38,102 total ($168 pp/pd), more info .
• Island Princess : departs from Fort Lauderdale or LA, January 2024, 4.5-star, 111 days, 61 days at sea (54%), $38,083 for cabin + gratuities = $41,635 total ($188 pp/pd), more info .

Booking Tips to Get the Best Priced World Cruise

Book interior : If wanting the cheapest world cruise, be sure to book an interior cabin . But also be sure to compare the price difference between outside and veranda staterooms. Often times it’s negligibly higher and can be well worth having a window or balcony on such a lengthy voyage.

Book early : World cruises typically go on sale 2-3 years before their sale dates and are often announced in January. Booking these cruises shortly after they go on sale not only ensures your cabin, this early bird booking strategy can often lock in the lowest rates.

Or book last minute : Conversely, if a world cruise happens to have an excess of empty cabins within the months before it’s set to sail, it’s possible for fares to drop to attract prospective passengers. So this can be a consideration for flexible travelers looking to score a cheap world cruise. But be careful and don’t rely on this. It is more likely that world cruise prices will rise or even sell out entirely, closer to the embarkation date.

Book non-refundable fares : Just like booking last minute, booking non-refundable fares is another risky method that will ultimately help to secure the lowest possible price for a world cruise. To mitigate this risk, you can consider booking a non-refundable fare with travel insurance that offers refunds in certain unforeseen circumstances.

Option 2: Live on a Residential World Cruise Ship

For those with a desire to pursue a world cruise beyond their typical length of 4-6 months, living on a residential cruise ship can be a good consideration. While you may have to pay more upfront, the per-day cost on a residential ship can be even less than the cheapest world cruise.

Residential ships start at about $37,000 per person, per year, which includes most of the same amenities as regular cruise ships (meals, entertainment, etc.), plus extras such as wifi and laundry. So additional expenses can be minimized to adventures pursued in port.

Affordable residential ships can offer great value overall, particularly when calculating the per-day cost. If you limit spending ashore to no more than $100 per week, you could reasonably pursue a world cruise on a residential ship for about $42,000 per person per year, or $84,000 per couple per year. That works out to about $7,000 per month for the cabin.

So it’s still not entirely cheap, but this works out to a less expensive rate than the prior method discussed, booking the lowest cost world cruise. So a residential ship is a great option to consider using for a world cruise for those that have the time and want to go all in on the experience.

Pros of taking a residential ship world cruise:

• Itineraries & Ports: These ships tend to have excellent itineraries and stay in ports longer.
• Vast Experience: See more of the world, visiting many countries.
• Community: Living on a residential ship allows you to form a community with fellow residents.
• Convenience meets cost: Least expensive turn-key world cruise on a per-day basis.

Cons of taking a residential ship world cruise:

• Committing to live for multiple years on a cruise ship
• While per-day costs can be quite reasonable, the upfront cost commitment may be prohibitive
• Limited options: this is a new and untested concept with very few ships/companies to choose

The least expensive world cruise residence we’ve found is Life at Sea Cruises . They require a three-year commitment. Their itinerary over the three years is incredible, spanning 135 countries and all seven continents, with frequent ports and overnight stops. This new residential ship experience begins in November 2023 from Istanbul, Turkey.

While rates are said to start at $33k per year, at last look the cheapest interior cabins still available were listed at $37,398/year, per person. That’s a grand total cost of $224,388 for the cabin for all three years, based on double occupancy. All the details can be found at lifeatseacruises.com .

Option 3: Combine Multiple One-Way Cruises to Form Your Own World Cruise

This is the absolute cheapest way to cruise around the world. This is the method we created to achieve our dream of an affordable world cruise. In its most basic explanation, this method involves combining a series of one-way cruises to form a cheap world cruise route around the world. But it’s not quite that easy to pull off.

It takes careful planning, knowing how/when to book, honing independent travel skills, and taking advantage of repositioning cruises . We’ll show you how to do all of this.

Pros of combining cruises to create a world cruise:

• Cost: It’s truly the least expensive way to form a cheap world cruise
• Variety: You get to experience different ships and cruise lines
• More time ashore: In between cruising segments, you can enjoy more time exploring on land

Cons of combining cruises to create a world cruise:

• Complexity: It takes a tremendous amount of planning
• Limited Schedule: One-way cruises are seasonal and rare, limiting options
• Itinerary gaps: Additional forms of travel and (potentially lengthy) stays on land are required
• Travel skills: Strong independent travel skills are needed

Luxury on a Budget: How to Form a Cheap World Cruise

Our secret weapon to accomplishing a cheap world cruise would be to carefully utilize a series of repositioning cruises .

During six years of traveling around the world, we’ve regularly used repositioning cruises as a cost-effective means of transportation to get from one continent to another. This is when cruise lines reposition their fleets using one-way voyages in the spring and fall when the seasons change.

For example, during the fall many cruises will be repositioned from the Mediterranean to Florida and the Caribbean. Rather than floating an empty ship across the ocean, cruises are instead loaded with entertainment and interesting itineraries.

Never heard of these one-way seasonal voyages and want to learn more? Then be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Repositioning Cruises: Everything You Need to Know .

These lengthy voyages with many sea days typically aren’t popular, so prices often get slashed in attempts to fill the ships with paying passengers. When that happens, we take advantage of astonishingly low rates and set sail across the ocean in luxury. (Example: This 4.5* Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas repositioning cruise , is sailing from Barcelona to Florida on Nov 13, 2023, and is currently priced at $420 per person, for the two-week cruise across the Atlantic.)

Rather than sitting in a cramped coach seat on an overnight flight, you can instead get to enjoy two weeks of island hopping, fine dining, entertainment, and relaxing in a comfy stateroom. Such repositioning cruises have given us a way to afford luxury that is often otherwise unattainable to our travel budget ways. The crazy thing is that these repositioning cruises are often priced less than a flight between two continents.

Over the years, we’ve used repositioning cruises to cross the Atlantic numerous times, in addition to crossing the Pacific, crossing the Indian Ocean, voyaging between Asia and Europe (Suez Canal), from Europe to South Africa, and between North and South America (Panama Canal). Repositioning cruises can be a wonderful and inexpensive way to travel the world, for those who have the time.

Armed with a keen awareness of these different repositioning cruise routes and the corresponding seasonalities, it’s possible to stitch together a series of repositioning cruises in a grand attempt to form a cheap world cruise.

Doing so admittedly takes a great degree of planning, a bit of gambling on the ever-changing rate fluctuations, and a little luck to ultimately form a patchwork of a cheap world cruise.

Using this method will not allow for a one sole world cruise residing on a single ship entirely around the world for a 100+ day voyage. Rather, to catch these rare one-way cruise deals, it would require carefully plotted timing, while also traveling overland in between the oceanic cruise segments.

These overland travel segments can be a welcomed concession to make in order to achieve the financial feat of a cheap luxury cruise entirely around the world. Personally, we’ve found it to be nice to break apart all this time at sea with some extended adventures on land.

In summary, our method involves two components that are absolutely critical to taking a cheap world cruise:

• Understanding repositioning cruise routes and timing
• Having the time and desire to spend time on land in between repositioning cruises

We’ll break all that down.

Proof of Concept: Our Cheap Around the World Cruise

While we largely wanted to embark on this journey for our personal travel desires, we also to demonstrate to others that a cheap world cruise can be achieved.

Budget travel in low-cost destinations can be fairly easy to pull off. But our goal for this grand trip around the world was to achieve some level of luxury on a budget while also visiting higher-cost countries that we’d been avoiding.

To up the ante and prove this concept, we decided to plan our cheap world cruise route through some of the most expensive countries to travel to. Lingering in budget travel havens like Thailand and Mexico would be far too easy of a strategy to keep travel costs low.

Instead, our cheap around-the-world cruise route would wind through all three of the world’s top 3 most expensive countries to visit: Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and France (source: BusinessInsider: Most Expensive Countries to Visit ). The journey would further include prolonged stays throughout notorious budget-busting nations like Japan, Canada, and Italy.

We further raised the stakes by visiting many of the world’s most expensive cities , including Singapore (#1), Hong Kong (#4), Seoul (#6), Tokyo (#11), Rome, London, and Beijing. (source:  Economist Worldwide Cost of Living survey )

We would attempt to carry out this seemingly expensive feat by staying in mostly nice hotels and renting out entire homes, which would even include our very own Italian villa on the Mediterranean. Throughout the voyage, we would partake in quintessential high-end culinary experiences from eating Kobe beef in Japan to indulging in fondue in the Swiss Alps, and even some Michelin-stared restaurants in between.

We would go on to have such costly experiences as downhill skiing across South Korea’s Olympic mountains, visiting an international Disney theme park, and sipping on bubbly while touring France’s Champagne region.

✅ We did it all.

But to top it all off, our primary form of transportation to get to all these pricey places in the world: luxury cruise ships !

We spent a total of 2½ months cruising entirely around the world on luxury cruises , getting wined and dined each night before taking in an awesome show, retreating to our lavish stateroom, and then being transported to the next exotic port for another day full of adventure on land.

And we accomplished this all on a fairly low budget.

For those with champagne tastes on a beer budget , this is how a cheap world cruise is possible.

Our Cheap World Cruise Itinerary & Travel Stats:

Our inexpensive world cruise journey began in somewhat of an unlikely location of Halifax, Canada . This city in Atlantic Canada is a popular cruise port but is rarely (if ever) used as an embarkation point. Yet while spending a summer exploring the Canadian Maritimes, Halifax became our embarkation point to begin this around-the-world journey without flights.

There are arguably better places to begin a pieced-together world cruise. Yet the best place to begin any around-the-world adventure is from wherever you are right now ! And Halifax, Nova Scotia, was where we were when we began concocting this crazy idea.

Part of the reason we spent so much time in Canada was because it acted as a staging ground for us to meticulously plan and plot this complex trip, cruising around the world for so cheap. So we set off from Halifax to travel overland to the other side of Canada, reaching Vancouver, where the cruising portion of our journey would begin.

Our cheap world cruise itinerary :

🚗🚆 Rental cars & train ( Amtrak Empire Builder ): Halifax to Vancouver 🛳️ Cruise 1 : Holland America Volendam – Vancouver, Canada to Japan 🚅 Mostly trains Across Japan, ⛴️ ferry to Korea + more trains, ⛴️ ferry to China + more trains to Hong Kong 🛳️ Cruise 2 : Celebrity Millennium – Hong Kong to Singapore 🛳️ Cruise 3 : Costa Victoria – Singapore to Italy 🚆 Mixed transport: Italy to England 🛳️ Cruise 4 : Norwegian Bliss – England to NYC (Stopping in Halifax to complete our circumnavigation)

Our cheap world cruise journey ultimately took us to:

• 22 countries ,
• visiting 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
• sleeping in 74 beds , and
• through over 100 different cities in the world!

The trip from Halifax completely around the globe and back took exactly 300 days , utilizing four repositioning cruises in combination with some overland travels and stays in between the cruises. This effectively formed a world cruise on a budget! We traveled entirely around the world without flights.

Yet much more remarkable than the travel route or a list of countries visited was the vast amount of amazing travel experiences this grand adventure allowed. After all, the low price isn’t the only benefit of piecing together a cheap world cruise. You also have more time to experience so many international wonders!

Highlights during the 10-month trip around the world included :

🇨🇦 Tidal Bore Rafting Across the Most Extreme Tides in the World 🇨🇦 Hiking among Moose in the Canadian Wilderness 🇨🇦 Lobstering in Prince Edward Island 🇺🇸 Taking the Amtrak Empire Builder Across the US 🇺🇸 Cruising through Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park 🇯🇵 Exploring Japan’s Most Atmospheric Ancient Temples 🇯🇵 Hiking Japan’s Ancient Komono Kodo Pilgrimage Route 🇯🇵 Eating Everything in Japan 🇰🇷 Skiing on Downhill Olympic Ski Runs in South Korea 🇰🇷 Attending a local Ice Fishing Festival (and actually catching!) 🇰🇷 Venturing to the DMZ at the North Korean Border  🇰🇵 🇨🇳 Exploring the Great Wall of China without any crowds 🇨🇳 Taking a River Cruise Down the Yangtze 🇨🇳 Hiking Across China’s Fabled Avatar Mountains 🇻🇳 Floating on a Junk Boat Through Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay 🇹🇭 Relaxing on a Tropical Thai Beach 🇮🇳 Experiencing the Wonderful Culture Shock that Incredible India Delivers 🇴🇲 Roaming around the Desert in Oman 🇪🇬 Cruising Through the Suez Canal 🇮🇹 Hiking from Seaside Village to Village in Cinque Terre 🇮🇹 Discovering Just How Delicious Fresh Pasta in Italy Is 🇨🇭 Trekking the Swiss Alps 🇫🇷 Drinking Champagne  within France’s Champagne Region 🇧🇪 Cycling to a Remote Belgian Monastery to Seek the World’s Best Beer 🇬🇧 Pub Crawling around London ‘s River Thames on a Sunny Day 🌊 Taking the Inaugural Cruise on the Brand New Norwegian Bliss to Complete Our Journey

^Phew and that’s just the highlight reel. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.

Detailing the Total Costs of Forming a Cheap World Cruise

Throughout the next several sections we’re going into the deep details to break down the cost of this entire trip around the world, connecting four cruises to travel entirely around the world. This trip budget includes the four cruises in addition to detailing the expenses of our stints traveling overland across the world’s most expensive nations.

We are doing this because we want to show exactly how it is possible to actually afford a trip of this caliber .

Our travel expenses during the ten-month journey can be grouped into four large categories of costs :

• Accommodation
• Eating & Drinking
• Entertainment
• The cruises themselves

Before drilling down into our detailed financial data , it’s worthwhile to take a second to understand some accounting challenges we faced when tracking our travel expenses.

Many expenses are tricky to categorize because many of these groupings often overlap. For example, we regularly seek out accommodation that includes breakfast, as we’re willing to pay a bit more for that. In such instances, we only allocated the expense to “accommodation,” even though the price we paid for the hotel included breakfasts. As a result, hotel expenses are a bit overinflated since cheaper places were available that didn’t include meals.

We often used taxis and public transport for sightseeing, which could logically be attributed to transportation. Yet given that our intention of using such transport was to pursue activities, local transportation was instead allocated as entertainment. There are many more blurred lines like these aforementioned examples, but you get the point.

Perhaps our biggest accounting challenge is with the cruises themselves. Their costs are all-inclusive of our transportation, dining, onboard entertainment, and accommodation. This is what makes cruises such great value! But it also makes it near impossible to categorize. As such, we’ve separated cruising expenses entirely from our land-based travels in between.

This preface is simply to let you know that these allocations may not be a perfect science, but we made a solid effort to categorize expenses the best we could to give you a glimpse into our personal finances of this cheap world cruise route we’ve attempted to achieve.

So let’s take a look!

Minimizing Eating & Drinking Costs on a Cheap World Cruise

Part of the value of taking a world cruise is the ability to indulge in the wonderful dining, which is included in the cost of your world cruise fare. While on the ship, you don’t need to spend a dime on food expenses.

During this cheap world cruise, we indulged in the included fine dining every day while sailing across the world’s oceans. The four-course dinners are an absolute treat that can otherwise be out of reach for budget travelers, with decadent meals such as filet mignon, lobster, chateaubriand, and beef wellington.

Despite the inclusive nature of dining during a world cruise, there are three potential food & beverage costs that can inflate any world cruise budget :

• Specialty dining
• Alcoholic beverages, sodas, and other specialty drinks
• Local food & beverages when exploring ashore

💡 Tip: Avoid Specialty Dining to Keep World Cruise Costs Low

Those trying to pursue a world cruise on a budget can save by simply avoiding specialty dining, which comes with an upcharge. These shipboard restaurants can easily be avoided. Many people love specialty dining, particularly so on lengthy cruises because returning to the main dining room every night may become monotonous.

There’s no doubt that many of these specialty restaurants are great and some would argue they’re absolutely worth the splurge. Personally, we never find specialty dining experiences to be worth the upcharge, given the excellent meals available for free in the main dining rooms.

Even if returning to the main same dining room each evening, the chefs develop a brand new menu for each night of the cruise. So there’s always something new and interesting to look forward to. For a change of scenery, have a quick and informal meal in the buffet or one of the ship’s other complimentary dining venues.

If you have the extra cash to enjoy the specialty restaurants, go for it! But those pursuing a cheap world cruise should avoid it.

💡 Tip: Do Spend Money to Eat Ashore during a World Cruise

With limited time on land, make the most of the experience by diving into the local cuisine. Although it will certainly add to your world cruise budget, we find it to be very worthwhile for the negligible spending to eat local when on land .

During days in port, we always roam around to try the local cuisine. In Vietnam, we devoured banh mi and pho. In Thailand, we slurped up as much tom yum and pad thai as possible. We chowed on kottu in Sri Lanka, followed by curries in India. We couldn’t possibly stop into a Greece port without stuffing our faces with a traditional Greek salad.

Eating locally is a wonderful way to experience a country’s culture, contribute directly to the local economy, and do so at reasonable costs. Depending on the country, there are many wonderful dining experiences to be had for cheap.

You can see this separate post that details our top nine favorite meals during our cruise around the world from our world cruise journey. And they were all under $25!

💡 Tips: Use These Hacks to Drink during a Cheap World Cruise

Alcoholic beverages are typically not included during a world cruise. Drinks on these ships are very expensive. For example, a beer typically costs anywhere from $6-$8 and cocktails are around $10 and up. It’s budget-busting prices for anyone who likes to kick back a few. (We do.)

Alcohol costs can add up quickly during a world cruise. Consider if a couple had two glasses of $9 wine each night with dinner. That seemingly minor indulgence would ultimately add about $2,500 to your cruises! ($9 per glass x 2 glasses x 2 people x 100 days = $2,520)

Due to high costs, we have to recommend having great restraint from visiting the bars on a cruise ship.  But that doesn’t mean we’re suggesting not to drink during a world cruise. Instead, use some clever hacks and tips to stretch your alcohol budget and even score free drinks while cruising around the world.

For example, most cruises allow you to bring aboard your own wine . So researched the rules in advance and bring the maximum allowance. Attend the Captain’s Toast for more free cocktails. Visit the duty free liquor store during free sampling events. There are lot of tactics to get free booze during a world cruise.

Booking cruises during promotions often give perks such as wine or champagne gifted to your room once onboard. Occasionally, you may even be lucky enough to score a cruise promotion that includes a beverage package. Having a loyalty status is another solid way to get free cocktail hours or more gifted wine.

On one of our world cruise segments, we brought our own wine, got gifted wine from a promo, received gifted wine from loyalty, then we further won bottles of champagne by participating in a shipboard trivia contest. We ultimately had more alcohol in our stateroom than we knew what to do with !

Just as we suggest eating locally on port days, we also recommend drinkers to drink locally while docked. Seek out local breweries or whatever interesting libations are native to the country you’re passing through. And although security won’t let you bring liquor back to your world cruise stateroom, we’ve often found security to be lax about bringing a few cans of beer back onto the ship, even though it was technically not allowed.

To further enjoy some beverages while on the ship, take advantage of any drink promos being offered.

And although it can be fun to party hard during a 7-day cruise, you may find a lengthy world cruise can be more relaxed, with less temptation to drink. We would purposely give our livers some much-needed breaks during these long voyages since booze was often a costly commodity.

Those aforementioned tips just scratch the surface of our cheap cruise drinking strategies. For even more hacks to drink for cheap on a world cruise, be sure to read our comprehensive article:

• 25 Best Tips to Get Cheap and Free Alcohol on a Cruise

💵 Cost Breakdown: Total Food & Beverage Expenses during World Cruise Segments

During the four cruises we used to form our cheap world cruise, we managed to keep our food & beverage budget under $500. Between eating & drinking in ports and some very minimal bar bills on the ships, our eating & drinking expenses totaled: $238 per person during the 2½ months aboard the cruises. That’s about $3.45 per cruise day, per person. 

We were very content with this amount

💵 Cost Breakdown: Eating & Drinking Costs When Traveling in Between Cruises

We spent very minimally on food and drink while cruising, given the included dining and our thrifty tricks to drink cheaply onboard.

But during our land-based travels in between cruise segments, we went from gorging ourselves with endless fresh sushi in Japan to sipping French champagne, all in a matter of months. That can’t be cheap!

Well, it wasn’t entirely cheap. Overall, we spent an average of $21.89, per person, per day on eating and drinking around the world , during the days we traveled overland in between cruises. This cost may be slightly overinflated, as it also includes all groceries such as medicine, toiletries, and other knick-knacks we picked up along the way.

This is an area of our budget that could easily be much less for frugal travelers. But we really enjoy eating and drinking!

Given the quality of food we sought out and our penchant for tipping back a few pints, we’re content with our budget here.

Cheap World Cruise Accommodation Costs & Strategies

We spent 2½ months sleeping in luxury on the cruises themselves. It was heavenly waking up to the lapping of rolling swells and the sweet ocean breeze , as we often scheduled a morning pot of coffee to be delivered to our stateroom upon waking up.

Of course, this is included in the cost of the four cruises we used to travel entirely around the world.

💡 Tip: Cruises with Overnight Ports Contain Excellent Value

Overnight port calls are a nice perk that can be found on some world cruises and other one-way voyages. When ships do stay in port overnight, not only does it give you a chance to explore more and experience the nightlife, but the ship essentially acts as a floating hotel in a prime location .

Our overnight port calls were fantastic cost savings, with stops included both Singapore and Hong Kong. These are two of the most expensive cities in the world! Decent low-end budget accommodation starts at about $100 per night, while hotels easily cost well into the hundreds of dollars. Yet our accommodation cost while in Singapore and Hong Kong was fully covered on the Celebrity Millennium, as it docked in ideal waterfront locations right within these two cities.

Our nightly cost in these most expensive world cities was $59.50 per person for five-star accommodation , which included breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

💵 Cost Breakdown: Accommodation in Between World Cruise Segments

While piecing together one-way cruises to form a cheap world cruise, you’ll be challenged with finding good value accommodation in between cruise segments. Unless booking a true world cruise, you’ll inevitably need to stay on land for considerable amounts of time in various locations around the world.

During the cheap world cruise we strung together, we spent more time on land than we did on cruises. In doing so, our ability to find inexpensive accommodation was thoroughly tested in expensive destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, and throughout high-priced countries such as Canada, Italy, and France.

During all this time paying for accommodation on land, we spent an average of $39.26 per night ($19.63 per person) while traveling through the most expensive countries in the world. Costs shown here are the total costs paid, including any taxes and cleaning fees.

At a nightly rate of less than $20 per person , we were quite happy with this rate, particularly considering the expensive destinations we were traveling across, for such prolonged periods of time, and frequently in nice 3 & 4-⭐ hotels.

💡 Tip: Be Flexible and Open to All Types of Accommodation

A key strategy for keeping accommodation costs low is to be flexible. Don’t completely ignore budget accommodation when there is a significant difference in price. Given the theme of this trip, we attempted to stay in mostly nicer establishments. But that wasn’t always the case.

We readily made occasional concessions to stay at budget hotels and private room Airbnbs whenever passing through high-cost locations, or when it just made sense financially.

In between the four cruises we used to travel around the world, we stayed in six countries for a week or longer and this is our average nightly costs:

There are different strategies to pursue good value accommodation throughout the world, but it depends on the country, as accommodation prices vary from one region to the next. For example, when in China during the off-season, we enjoyed 4-star hotels for a low cost. But that would have cost us a fortune along the Italian Riviera, where we instead found exceptional value at a beautiful seaside vacation rental (Airbnb).

Meanwhile, in Japan, the best accommodation bargains were at business hotels that had so many nice amenities we could utilize. Having a rental car throughout France afforded us the opportunity to travel to lesser-visited destinations and stay outside of pricy city centers. Perhaps most interestingly, we found bargain rates at Korea’s “love motels,” which turned out to be rather nice.

The key to finding the best accommodation deals is to be flexible with the type of places you stay at. What may be an excellent value in one country, may not be in the next. Cast a wide net, be creative, and find some great places to stay at a low cost!

World Cruise Costs for Excursion and Activities

Cruising and independent travel are like oil and water. They usually don’t mix together. Yet we enjoy both forms of travel and love to combine the two! Traveling independently was an absolutely critical strategy for keeping our world cruise costs low.

💡 Tip: Forgo Shore Excursions to Explore on Your Own

Shore excursions can be a very expensive proposition for a world cruise, as this is yet another expense that can easily snowball during lengthy voyages. On a weeklong cruise, using a few shore excursions might only add a couple hundred dollars to your portfolio. But using shore excursion at every port on a world cruise will potentially add tens of thousands of dollars to your final bill – yikes!

For budget travelers like us, shore excursions offered by the cruise line are entirely cost-prohibitive. Therefore a critical component to keeping any world cruise within a reasonable budget is to simply step off the ship and explore on your own .

Shore excursions can be an extremely convenient and efficient way to explore ashore, but they’re not cost-efficient.

For those who are comfortable traveling independently, exploring on your own comes easy and saves loads. A little advanced research and planning goes a long way. Look up transportation logistics and things to do nearby wherever the ship is docked. Or find local tour operators and deal directly with them. Or after arriving, negotiate with a taxi driver to take a taxi tour of the city.

Also, be sure to leave yourself some room for error to get back to the ship with plenty of time. Cruises do not wait for late passengers and world cruises are no exception. Minimize this risk by being back in the direct vicinity of your ship with an hour to spare, just in case. If there are any attractions or activities near the ship you wanted to visit, do so at the end so you’ll have quick access to return to the ship.

With over 30 port calls during the four cruises we used to travel around the world, we never once took a single tour that was purchased from the cruise ship. This ultimately saved thousands of dollars (likely tens of thousands) by exploring on our own throughout our cheap world cruise.

For example, when we docked in Juneau, Alaska, most glacier tours were well into the several hundred dollars per person. Instead, we hopped on a $2 public bus, which took us directly to the impressive Mendenhall Glacier.

When we arrived in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, most cruise passengers got on a bus to take them on a boat tour around these most scenic islands, for hundreds of dollars. Instead, we hopped on the back of a scooter taxi, which took us to a boat and a $17 half-day tour of the same famous islands that our fellow cruise passengers were splashing the cash to see.

Those are just two small examples, but we used these same independent travel tactics in every single port we visited. In many of the ports we pulled into, like Heraklion, Greece, or Kushiro, Japan; the ship docked only steps away from the city center. So we could just walk off the ship and easily sightsee on our own.

⚠️ Don’t Pay for Pricey Taxis during a World Cruise

Given the often exotic itineraries of world cruises, ships will occasionally dock at industrial ports with nothing to walk to. This presents logistical challenges, requiring transportation. These situations often bring out aggressive taxi drivers ready to take advantage of cruise passengers. Unknowing cruisers often pay extremely inflated costs to these money-hungry taxi drivers.

It wouldn’t be entirely uncommon for taxi drivers to ask the equivalent of $100 USD to drive a few miles, looking to take advantage of cruise passengers that don’t have a firm grasp on the exchange rates. Some taxi drivers wouldn’t budge in negotiations, knowing they would be able to get this inflated rate from the next group of cruisers who walked by. It’s all a frustrating situation that we regularly faced while walking into ports from a cruise ship.

Use these strategies to avoid overpriced taxis :

• Use public transportation if available.
• Use rideshare apps, like Uber, available in the majority of ports, and keeps drivers honest.
• Walk away from the cruise port, then catch a taxi.

💵 Cost of World Cruise Shore Excursions: on Your Own

In total, we spent $303 per person during all of our DIY shore  excursions , including all local transport and activity costs. That comes out to about $10 per person in each port visited.

This is an enormous cost savings when attempting a cheap world cruise. It’s not uncommon for a single shore excursion to be priced at $300 or more. Yet we managed to stretch that same amount across all 30 ports that we docked in.

💵 Cost Breakdown: World Cruise Shipboard Entertainment & Activity

Yet again, one of the nice things about taking a cruise around the world is that all that time on the ship is completely inclusive of activities and entertainment . People sometimes wrongly assume repositioning cruises are boring stripped-down versions of a cruise. But we’ve found that usually to be quite the opposite. Often cruise lines add even more lecturers, activities, and entertainment to repositioning cruises, as they want to keep passengers having fun during the additional sea days.

Broadway-style shows, rock concerts, themed parties, and comedy filled our evenings. While during sea days, we regularly attended enrichment activities like complimentary cooking demonstrations and language classes. It was fun to learn Japanese on the way to Japan!

Some cruise lines, like Norwegian, do have a small fee for certain activities, such as their longest go-cart track at sea ($6). We had to pay it to give that a try. We also paid $25 to see their Prohibition burlesque show, which was actually a good deal because it included 5 craft cocktails during the hilarious performance. Beyond those two minimal expenses, all onboard entertainment was entirely complimentary and included during the 2.5 months of cruising.

So our entire entertainment costs while on all four cruises for 2.5 months was a mere $31 total per person, averaging to $0.44 per day.

💵 Cost Breakdown: Entertainment & Activities in Between World Cruise Segments

Meanwhile, we also incurred entertainment and activity costs while traveling overland too. Local transport, attraction entrance fees, museums, and adventure activities all contributed to this amount.

In places where we traveled slower (Canada), these costs averaged less. In China, when we traveled at a fast pace and incurred some higher expenses like a Yangtze River cruise, expenses averaged more. It was easy to keep costs lower in places like Europe as sightseeing around the historic towns and hiking are free. Our funds were better used on French and Italian cuisine.

After all, many of the best sights and experiences around the world are free!

Maintaining Low Transportation Costs during a Cheap World Cruise

When stringing together a series of one-way cruises to form a cheap world cruise, it’s nearly inevitable to incur some transportation costs in between these cruise segments. It can turn into a big game of planes , trains, and automobiles. But we switch out the planes for cruises!

When piecing together our cheap cruise around the world, we used the following transport methods:

🚆 71 trains , 🚌 52 buses , ⛴️ 11 ferries + 1 river cruise, 🚗 7 rental cars , 🚕 6 long-distance taxis , and 🚢 4 ocean cruise ships carried us around the world for a total of 2½ months !

Of course, navigating all of this foreign transit does take a knack for independent travel. There are useful transit websites and resources that can help, such as Rome2Rio , Seat61 , and even Google Maps .

During our world cruise segments, the lengthiest overland transportation segments included: (1) Tokyo to Hong Kong, (2) Halifax to Vancouver, and (3) Italy to England.

Those keen on avoiding such lengthy overland segments should know that, while rare, additional cruise routes exist to minimize these stretches of overland segments.

Use the following two cruise routes to effectively eliminate the lengthy overland segments we pursued:

• Panama Canal cruises can take you between the US east coast (usually Florida) to the US West Coast (usually California, although occasionally Seattle or Vancouver).
• Infrequent cruises also exist between Tokyo and Singapore.

💵 Cost Breakdown: Transportation to Connect World Cruise Segments

We spent about $2,275 per person on transportation costs while traveling overland clear across North America, Eastern Asia, and finally from Italy to England. That averages out to about $10 per person, per day during our overland travels.

Our itineraries were almost never the most direct, efficient, or cheapest routes to cross the countries. That would be a boring trip. Instead, we carefully planned our itineraries with major points of interest in mind and often spared no expense to divert there.

Here’s what we spent on transport by country:

We always carefully weighed out costs as a leading factor in choosing our form of transport. Taking the easiest or fastest route was not always the cheapest. Also, taking what would be presumedly a cheap form sometimes would not be the most economical.

For example, we chose one-way rental cars over Canada’s more expensive Via Rail. We then rode the US’s Amtrak Empire Builder for only $146 , traversing the US to Seattle in three days.

We circumvented Japan’s pricey bullet trains using cheaper regional trains, buses, and budget rail passes. South Korea’s compact size made bus and rail travel affordable. China, being vast, required us to use the expensive high-speed rail often, which was worth it for us to cover as much of the country as we could during our time there.

Meanwhile, in Italy, regional rail lines and low-cost buses proved economical. France’s rail strikes necessitated costlier rental cars, with country roads used to avoid pricier toll roads.

A bus to London and train to Southampton concluded our thrifty transport segments, before crossing the Atlantic on our final cheap world cruise segment.

Cost of Flights during a Cheap World Cruise: $0

One awesome aspect of embarking on an around-the-world trip entirely over land and sea is that there are no flight expenses involved. Nothing. Nada. Zilch!

It’s a huge money-saver not having to account for the cost of flights!

Usually, the cost of flights on a trip around the world would total well into the thousands of dollars!

We instead put this nonexistent flight budget towards the cruises, which can often be priced about the same (often less!) than flights going along the same routes. Yet the cruises offer so much more value since they cover meals, accommodation, and so many luxury amenities all while stopping along into the fascinating destinations you get to explore while traveling from one part of the world to the next.

An added bonus was going the entire year of traveling without having to deal with airport security, baggage fees, shrinking seat space, rude passengers, airplane food, and flight delays , among the many other hassles that come with air travel.

Grand Total Costs of Combining Cruises to Form a Cheap World Cruises

Up to this point, we’ve detailed all our cheap world cruise expenses except the cruise segments themselves. The four cruises we took to form our world cruises were indeed relatively large expenses. So let’s get into it.

💵 Cost Breakdown: One-Way Cruises to Form Cheap World Cruise

The cost of these world cruise segments was a greater expense than we had initially anticipated. Cruise rates do fluctuate. Despite our best efforts, the timing of our cruise bookings didn’t always secure the lowest rates. Prior to this around-the-world journey, we’ve taken repositioning cruises for far less than we paid on these four world cruise segments.

After adding in all port charges, taxes, fees and even adding in gratuities, the grand total of our cheap world cruise came out to $81 per person, per day. These cruise days averaged higher than our overland travels, which helps to bring down our entire trip cost average as we’ll get into in a bit.

First, let’s look at how the world cruise costs shook out: $5,574 total pp for all world cruise segments .

Spending over $5,000 per person on cruises may not seem cheap. But this was over the course of 2.5 months of luxury living while being effortlessly transported all around the world. It’s also less than half the cost of even the cheapest world cruise.

Also, consider the cost it would take to fly between all of these locations. It would have likely cost tens of thousands of dollars. Using repositioning cruises to form a cheap world cruise is truly exceptional travel value!

💵 Cost Breakdown: The Grand Total of Entire Cheap World Cruise

Here is the total breakdown by country and by cruise, per person, per day. This includes all of the travel expenses we incurred during this 300-day cheap world cruise. So the cruise costs shown here absorb additional eating, drinking, and entertainment expenses that were incurred onshore during that cruising timeframe.

South Korea was the cheapest due to minimal transport costs, with Canada and Italy following thanks to spread-out transport costs and minimal entertainment expenses. China felt cheap daily but high-speed rail use increased our average costs.

The transpacific cruise was expensive due to heavy port fees, particularly in association with Glacier Bay National Park . Cheaper transpacific alternatives existed but the timing didn’t work for us. The high cost was easily justified by the luxury, having an Alaska cruise on the front end, and a cruise to Japan’s lesser-known ports on the back end.

If anyone really wants to examine our cheap world cruise budget, the table below gives a complete breakdown of every travel expense we incurred over this cheap world cruise journey.

We’re happy with coming in at about $19,000 per person for a luxury trip entirely around the world’s most expensive countries, lasting nearly an entire year!  That averages out to about $1,900 per month or $63 per day.

But the above figures are expenses, as we technically paid less ! Here’s how:

We used just a bit of travel hacking (points) to reduce our spending. We redeemed $382 worth of accommodation using points and travel credits, such as from Hotels.com, SPG, and Priceline. We still accounted for those expenses in all the budgeting we’ve detailed, even though we didn’t actually pay money for them.

Furthermore, we tried to use our Capital One Venture credit card for nearly every expense possible, which earns us 2% cash back that we then used to erase whatever travel expenses we chose. So we racked up enough expenses on that credit card over the course of this trip to erase $639 worth of travel expenses!

This brings our actual out-of-pocket cost to $18,500 per person.

That’s a travel budget of $1,850 per month or just above $60 per day for this around-the-world trip of a lifetime !

It may be worth noting that a few additional expenses were not included in our budget, for example, Christmas/birthday gifts. Healthcare expenses, like a dental check-up in Thailand and our $59/month international phone plan were also omitted. We further didn’t include the cost of running our business (this website), which includes hosting, domain, etc. These regular expenses that have nothing to do with the trip itself were not included in the totals listed above.

Travel Tips: How to Plan a Cheap World Cruise

Now that we’ve shown our finances of how we budget for our cheap world cruise, we want to relay some more tips to get you on your way! If you would like to attempt an unconventional voyage around the world like us, there are a few more details you should know.

Where to Begin Your Cheap World Cruise Journey

As we’ve already mentioned, the best place to start such a voyage is wherever you’re currently located, even if it’s not a port town served by cruise lines. Determine your nearest major cruise port hub and start researching when long-distance cruises depart from there.

Common ports include:

• North America Atlantic ports : Miami, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Port Canaveral (Orlando area), Tampa, New York City, and more.
• North America Pacific ports : Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver
• Asia Ports : Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore
• European Ports : Piraeus (Athens), Civitavecchia (Rome), Barcelona, Copenhagen, Southampton, and more.

If you’re reading this from the southern hemisphere , don’t feel left out. It is also possible to begin a cheap world cruise from international ports such as Sydney, Cape Town, Buenos Aires, and Valparaiso (Santiago). Repositioning cruises exist from each of these cities to some of the other aforementioned hubs, where you can then proceed east or westbound above the equator.

How to Book With the Changing Seasons

To catch these repositioning cruise deals to form a cheap world cruise, you have to be keenly aware of when and where cruise lines are shifting their fleet during the changing of the seasons. Here’s where they flow:

Common fall routes :

• Transatlantic: Europe to Eastern US and Caribbean (most common)
• Transatlantic: Europe to South America
• Transpacific: North America to Asia
• Transpacific: North America to Australia and South Pacific
• Europe to Asia (Suez Canal)

Common spring routes :

• Transatlantic: Eastern US to Europe (most common)
• Transatlantic: South America to Europe
• Transpacific: Asia to North America
• Transpacific: Australia or South Pacific to North America
• Asia to Europe (Suez Canal)

While rare, it’s also possible to find rogue cruises that aren’t seasonal . Occasionally a ship will be moved to/from a dry dock location for refurbishments, which can form a non-seasonal repositioning cruise to utilize.

And when brand new ships launch, they don’t necessarily follow the seasonal shifts either. For example, we caught the brand new Norwegian Bliss eastbound across the Atlantic in the late spring, a time when most cruise ships are being repositioned in the opposite direction.

So it’s certainly worth doing thorough research to see what your options are. Or contact an excellent travel agent that specializes in cruises.

By carefully scouring through every potential cheap repositioning cruise option, we even managed to find two cruises lined up in Singapore on the exact same day. So we cruised from Hong Kong to Singapore on the Celebrity Millennium and were able to step right off and move our luggage onto the Costa Victoria for the remaining voyage from Singapore to Italy. It took a bit of planning, but when it finally happened, this was such a beautiful sight!

World Cruise Direction: East-to-West or West-to-East?

Pursuing a cheap around-the-world cruise can be accomplished by piecing together repositioning cruises in either direction. But which way is better?

First, that depends on where you’re starting your voyage and the time of year. For example, if you’re beginning in the US in the Fall, your best options are transpacific repositioning cruises heading west. If you were to begin in the US in the Spring, the likely option would be to begin on a transatlantic from the East Coast and head east.

We took a westward route around the world and find that direction to be ideal. You skip a day jumping the International Date Line while crossing the Pacific, which is interesting. But the beautiful part about a westbound itinerary is the frequent rolling back of the clock, which regularly gives you 25-hour days!

Throughout a westbound world cruise, you’ll have 24 nights in which you get an extra hour of sleep ! That’s a great perk about traveling slowly by sea around the world. You won’t experience jet lag!

Meanwhile, it’s the opposite traveling east, as you lose an hour of sleep during each time zone crossing. Doing these time zone transitions little by little does ease the jet lag effect, but you’ll still feel this loss of sleep when having to change the clocks forward multiple nights in a row.

There’s an old travel expression that we found rings very true: “ East is a beast, west is the best. ”

Planning Tip: Determine Your Asia-Europe Cruise Segment First

In order to form a cheap world cruise, you must rely on three main segments:

• Crossing the Pacific (North America – Asia)
• Crossing the Indian Ocean (Asia – Europe)
• Crossing the Atlantic (Europe – North America)
• Optional: Across America (Panama Canal cruise)

The Atlantic crossing is the easiest to schedule as there are dozens of transatlantic cruises every spring (eastbound) and fall (westbound), plus the occasional outliers in between. Fewer ships make the Pacific crossing, but there are still enough to choose from, usually at least a half dozen or so.

The Asia-Europe cruise segment that is needed is the rarest and most infrequent route. Typically there are only a few of these Asia-Europe cruises throughout the year. Yet it’s a necessary piece of this puzzle. So we suggest working out the feasibility of this Asia-Europe cruise segment first, then letting the other puzzle pieces fall into place.

The most common hub to search to/from is Singapore , although occasional connections exist from Tokyo and Hong Kong too. In addition to repositioning cruises, it’s also possible to join a segment of a world cruise. Also, find one-way cruises that are heading in your general direction. It’s possible the cruise continues onward in a subsequent cruise.

Here’s A Real Itinerary to Form Your Own Cheap World Cruise 2023-2024

To fully demonstrate how you can form your own cheap world cruise, here are some cruise segments that you can book right now for your own cheap world cruise using a westward approach.

Use these cruises segments to form a one-year world cruise, with stops in Tokyo, Singapore, and Europe . We’ve provided two examples for each of the four segments needed to form a cheap world cruise.

The prices reflected below are per person and not including taxes and gratuities unless noted. Also, understand these prices are current as of the last update to this article (June 2023) and have likely changed (possibly lower) by the time you’re reading this. You can click on each link to confirm up-to-date pricing.

Fall 2023: Transpacific World Cruise Segment – Seattle to Tokyo

Each of these are very cheap transpacific cruises that will get you from Seattle to Tokyo at low rates with stops along the way throughout Alaska and Japan:

• Norwegian Jewel, 16 nights, Oct 3-19, Seattle to Tokyo: $799 ($50/night)
• Holland America Westerdam, 13 nights, Oct 1-15, Seattle to Tokyo: $819 ($63/night)

Winter 2023-2024: From Tokyo to Singapore by Cruise or Other Transport

Spend the winter traveling throughout Asia . You can enjoy colder winter climates like we did in Japan, Korea, and China. Or breakaway to warmer climates by catching a cruise or even a series of land transport and ferries to get to Singapore, which you could further use as a gateway to Malaysia and other cheaper destinations around Southeast Asia.

If you prefer to cruise, after spending a month or so in/around Tokyo, consider these one-way cruises from Tokyo to Singapore :

• Diamond Princess, 15 nights, Dec 1-16, Tokyo to Singapore: $1,138 ($76/night)
• Celebrity Millennium, 12 nights, Nov 17-29, Tokyo to Singapore: $1,649 ($137/night)

Spring 2024: Singapore to Europe World Cruise Segment

After spending a few months exploring Asia, begin your cruise from Singapore to Europe in the Spring as things start to heat up.

• Singapore to Dubai, 15 nights, Apr 24-May 9, 2024: $1,903 ($127/night)
• Dubai to Athens, 18 nights, May 9-27, 2024: $2,188 ($122/night)
• Note: although priced relatively high – this is a 5.5-star ship that includes gratuities, a beverage package, wifi, and laundry, so it’s an excellent deal!

Summer 2024: Summer in Europe

After arriving in Greece, enjoy the summer in Europe traveling by rail or take some more cruises!  Head to Eastern Europe to get out of the Shenzhen Zone and to linger in cheaper countries to help keep your budget down. Eventually, make your way to the west where you can catch a final transatlantic back to North America. Popular ports to depart from include Copenhagen, London (Southampton, Dover), and Barcelona.

Fall 2024: Transatlantic World Cruise Segment

Exactly one year later, now cruise across the Atlantic Ocean to complete your trip around the world without flights. There will be several cheap cruises making this journey across the Atlantic in the Fall and prices will likely drop from current rates. At present, there are dozens of cruises making the journey for well under $1k and well under $1,000/night. Here are simply two examples, showing (1) what is currently the cheapest transatlantic and (2) an earlier fall transatlantic cruise.

• Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas, Barcelona to Miami, Nov 2-14, 2024: $524 ($44/night)
• Princess Sun (Sphere), Southampton to Fort Lauderdale, Sept 23-Oct 9, 2024: $1,235 ($77/night)

Total Cost of Sample Cheap World Cruise 2023-2024:

If you were to follow the above-suggested itinerary to form a cheap world cruise, you can reasonably spend about $5,000 or so on those cruise segments.

The Asia-Europe segment is the budget-buster of this world cruise equation, at $3k. Typically, there are more economic connections across the Indian Ocean and through the Suez Canal. But prices do fluctuate and there are a handful of other options between Asia and Europe.

By the time you’re reading this, there may already be a far cheaper connection available to book. In 2024-2025 , we expect even more great options all around the world. Yet looking so far ahead, many of those options to build a cheap world cruise have yet to be listed for sale.

More Money-Saving Tips: Form a Cheap World Cruise For Even Less!

There are three areas of our actual travel expenses, where it would be very easy to bring costs down even less. Forming a $50/day cruise around the world isn’t impossible. Here’s how to cut costs even lower than us.

World Cruise for Less: Book Cheaper Cruises

We’ve taken cruises across the Atlantic for as low as $159 per person ($12/day)! More realistically, $500-600 can be a good price to shoot for on a transatlantic. Due to some timing issues, we paid a bit more (~$1K) for our Atlantic crossing on a brand new 5* ship, the Bliss. And it was our high-cost transpacific cruise, on the Volendam, that really rose the budget.

Typically transpacific repositioning cruises are on sale for as low as $600 between Seattle or Vancouver to Japan. Unfortunately, the timing didn’t quite work out for us to grab those deals, as we weren’t able to make it to the Pacific coast in time to take advantage of those low-priced transpacific cruises.

Additionally, we splurged a few hundred dollars extra for two cruises to have a stateroom with a window during these lengthy voyages. If you’re okay with an interior cabin , you can easily shave off even more from the world cruise expenses we’ve shown throughout this post.

World Cruise for Less: Visit Cheaper Countries

We traveled through the most expensive countries in the world and our daily costs reflect that. It would be easy to plan an itinerary through cheaper countries , which would significantly lower costs.

In Asia, Singapore is the common connection for repositioning cruises. From there, it’s a quick ferry ride into Indonesia or a hop across the land border to Malaysia . Both countries are extremely economical to travel through and Malaysia then opens up to Thailand and all of SE Asia to explore cheaply overland, living off daily budgets closer to $20, rather than the $60 per day we averaged when traveling overland.

Meanwhile, in Europe, instead of passing through the budget-busters of France, Switzerland, and UK, there are two other much more economical approaches. Barcelona is a very common hub for repositioning cruises and Spain (along with Portugal) is the most budget-friendly country to travel in Western Europe. So that’s an easy way to drive down costs. Otherwise, the cheap destinations throughout Eastern Europe are another good idea, and you can sometimes find repositioning cruises, to or from Athens.

World Cruise for Less: Travel Slower

We often have a bad habit of fast travel, racing around a country while packing in as much as we can. Traveling at a slower pace allows you to spread out transport costs , secure lower long-term accommodation rates, and simply become attuned to the inner rhythms of a locality in which you’ll gain a better understanding of where the value lies.

“Slowmads” could successfully execute a world cruise itinerary similar to ours at a much lower daily average by simply relaxing the pace of travel. Stay in places for longer periods of time and don’t constantly move from one destination to the next as we often did.

When to Book World Cruise Segments: A Tricky Proposition

Cruise prices regularly fluctuate based on demand, cancelations, promotions, and a variety of other factors. Often waiting until the last minute (within a month or so) can be a smart move to get a rock-bottom deal. It’s a strategy that has proven to work very well for us many times.

In other instances, it turned out to be a bad move. Booking last minute can be risky. Cruises can unexpectedly sell out or increase dramatically in price, even at the last minute. It’s high risk, high reward .

When trying to plot out all these different routes & connections to form a world cruise while prices constantly fluctuate, the planning becomes increasingly complicated.

One wrong move or a sold-out cruise can break apart an entire world cruise itinerary being strung together. There are a lot of moving pieces that form one giant puzzle. And it’s a puzzle you may be working on while simultaneously traveling, which makes assembly all the more difficult.

Tip: Make Multiple Reservations and Cancel

Yet one positive aspect to booking cruises is that if you’re willing to place a deposit of a few hundred dollars, such cruise deposits are usually cancelable and refundable up until about two months or so before the cruise is scheduled to disembark.

Therefore what we do, and recommend, is to make refundable reservations on whatever repositioning cruise fares around the world look attractive at any time. Even though we only took four cruises, we had actually made eight reservations. We ended up canceling four reservations for completely different cruises (similar routes) that we never took. We received full refunds.

It was nice to lock in those rates as contingency plans while keeping an eye on the prices of other potential cruises. We booked our cruise on the Celebrity Millennium from Hong Kong to Singapore over a half-year in advance and locked in a rate of $883 with prepaid gratuities. It was a great deal that only lasted two days before the price for that cruise later shot up to $2,500 and never dropped again. So we certainly held that reservation and were really happy we booked the refundable reservation when we did.

Meanwhile, we had booked a particularly expensive cruise from Singapore to Barcelona that we ultimately canceled because a better deal suddenly emerged.

Tip: Monitor Prices of Your World Cruise Bookings

It can prove very wise to regularly keep an eye on cruise prices and promotions since there can be sudden sales and price changes. When planning our world cruise, we checked the prices every day. Some people check the stock market on a daily basis. I check cruise prices.

There are pay sites that will actually monitor this for you and send you emails. Or find an excellent travel agent, who may offer to do this.

Yet a simple approach is to bookmark the cruise fare pages and make it a 1-minute morning routine to see if rates have changed. I make notes on the bookmarks to remind me of what the cost was and what promotions they were offering, so I can easily recall and compare how rates may have changed.

Above, you can see my bookmarks and the crazy notes that help me keep track of it all. Being the data geek that I am, I also make spreadsheets. It’s admittedly a bit of work to keep track of. But it’s work that can pay off in the form of a cheap world cruise!

Tip: Mitigating the Risk of Last-Minute Bookings for Cheapest Rates

If you don’t have a booking during the month before sailing, this can be extremely risky. If the cruise sells out, you potentially don’t have passage to the next region when forming your own world cruise. However, taking this risk can often yield extremely low last-minute cruise fares. Here’s a booking strategy to mitigate this risk and score an ultra-low fare.

Once the cancelation period rolls around, make your best guestimate as to whether the rates may rise or fall. If there are other cruises embarking on similar routes at similar time frames at similar price points, you may feel comfortable canceling a booking and holding out for a cheap last-minute rate, knowing there are multiple options to watch and consider.

But if there is only a single cruise on a critical route, it’s best to keep the reservation and pay the remaining balance. Don’t risk it.

The most crucial component to employing this cheap world cruise strategy is to ensure you are well aware of the cancelation periods. You need to meticulously know this so you can cancel on time and get a refund.

Best Cruise Lines to Book with When Forming a Cheap World Cruise

People ask us all the time what’s the best cruise line to attempt this patchwork world cruise with.

Our honest answer is: whatever cruise is currently the cheapest !

We’ve sailed on almost every major cruise line now (Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, Costa, Pullmantur, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, MSC, etc.) and have never had a bad cruise. Each cruise line has its own appeal, novelties, strong points, and drawbacks. Any cruise is a great cruise to us if the price is right.

For us, a cruise ship is a comfy form of transport to amazing destinations. We’re easy to please. Although we very much enjoy the amenities that cruises offer, this isn’t the main draw for us. For others, the cruise ship is the destination and the shipboard experience is a huge part of the appeal.

Most people do have strong preferences towards certain cruise lines . We understand that.

There are some lines we’ve personally enjoyed more than others. Celebrity tends to be one of our favorite cruise lines. So if we can utilize a Celebrity ship to form a world cruise, that’s a big bonus for us. Yet if that Celebrity cruise is hundreds (or thousands) of dollars more than another cruise taking a similar route, it’s usually not worth it for us. Whatever the cruise line is, we’re still going to enjoy our time in ports, the decadent meals, and relaxing at sea.

If you’re taking a one-week vacation on a cruise, it can be worth spending more to go with a cruise line that fits you. But if attempting to piece together a cheap world cruise, we advise booking the least expensive segments that fit your itinerary!

Best Sites to Book With

Most cruises will be at similar rates between different booking sites. But there can be some variances. Some cruise booking sites do sometimes offer stronger promotions than one others. So when you’re ready to pull the trigger on a cruise, it’s worth cross-checking across a few different cruise booking sites just to ensure you have the best deal and best promos. Or call a travel agent.

Our favorite site to search (not necessarily book) is  CruisePlum . CruisePlum acts as a comprehensive cruise search engine, with many filters to drill down your search when piecing together a cheap world cruise.

Once you find an attractive price on a cruise to build your world cruise itinerary, then determine where to book your best price and promotion. This may vary slightly from one booking platform to the next, so it can be worthwhile to spend a few minutes comparison shopping.

Hence, we’ve typically found the best price/promos for our world cruises segments using   CrusieDirect . Lately, they’ve even been offering generous Visa gift cards (hundreds of dollars) when booking with them, which we essentially view as cash back.

We also like how CruiseDirect shows the total price, cabin availability, and the ability to complete the entire booking transaction online yourself without the need to speak to an agent over the phone. The search functionality of CruiseDirect isn’t the best, so we don’t use it to search but rather to book.

Cheap World Cruise Tip: Book Guaranteed Cabins

A “guaranteed cabin” is the least expensive room you can book on a cruise. That’s what we book every time. The only downside to booking this way is that you don’t get to choose the exact location on the cruise. Instead, your exact cabin location is assigned to you a week or so before the cruise departs. (We’ve always been fine with our locations.)

On the upside, you have an off-chance of potentially getting an upgrade. You also are guaranteed to be paying the lowest possible rate within the category you book (inside, outside, balcony). In the past, we’ve booked a guaranteed inside cabin and have gotten an elusive upgrade to a balcony stateroom. It does happen.

We weren’t so lucky on any of these four cruises, although we did indeed get a free balcony upgrade on the brand-new Norwegian Bliss, using a different method.

• Further Reading: 10 Secrets to Get a Free Balcony Upgrade

How To Obtain Visas the Cheap Way

During any world cruise, you will likely few different visas to legally enter some countries. Holding a US Passport, we’re fortunate to be able to enter many countries free on arrival. Other countries have a more complicated and bureaucratic approach, which can take some advanced planning to sort out.

One interesting aspect about cruising is that some countries actually waive the required visas and associated fees for cruise passengers as a way to lure cruises to come there. For example, the costs associated with the letter, stamp, and fee to procure a single-entry visa to Vietnam in advance is $100. That fee and the process are waived for cruise passengers. This is yet another way how cruises can really save!

Yet other countries do impose fees on cruise passengers. Sometimes the cruise charges a fair rate for this but other times it is very inflated. So it can be worth inquiring about these fees and determining whether it may be worth it for you to procure your own visas to sustain significant cost savings during your world cruise.

For example, we paid a $32 fee to enter Cambodia, which the cruise handled entirely for us at this fair rate. Meanwhile, a visa was also required for India and the cruise was charging a very inflated rate (hundreds of dollars) to procure. We instead secured the e-visa ourselves electronically for $77. It was still a hefty price to enter the country for only a single day, yet it could have been much more had we not gotten it ourselves.

Visas are always cheaper if you go through the hurdles of obtaining them directly. Just be very careful that you go through the proper channels to procure them correctly.

Bottom line : Research any required visas for any countries being visited. Plan accordingly.

Travel Insurance: A Must-Have for Any World Cruise

Another worthy expense that we strongly urge for any worldly adventurers is travel insurance. If you were to encounter any sort of major disaster along the way, travel insurance will have you covered. Whether a nasty car accident or a violent earthquake, travel insurance can cover your foreign medical expenses and help get you home.

When world cruising, travel insurance can be even more important. Medical services on cruises is notoriously expensive. Visiting a ship doctor for a simple cold can easily be serval hundred, or even thousands, of dollars. Travel insurance can have you covered and reimburse you for such financial burdens.

Unexpected emergencies are our primary reason for having this coverage during a world cruise. But travel insurance has many additional benefits such as rental car insurance, petty theft, minor medical issues that may arise, trip cancelation, missing passports or credit cards, and so much more.

As it relates to cruising, it can be wise to find travel insurance that includes (air) emergency evacuation. If you were to need to be evacuated by helicopter from a cruise ship this would potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars that would likely prove financially devastating to anyone that might need such a life-saving service.

It’s best not to book travel insurance with the cruise company directly. Often the rates are very high. It won’t cover any travel in between cruise segments. And if you have any disputes with the cruise company, it’s best to have an independent travel insurance company to help with that fight.

For long-term travel, we use and recommend  World Nomads . They offer a great mix of coverage for the price and include $300k/$500k of emergency evacuation coverage, depending on the plan.

You can’t book a plan for more than 180 days but you can extend or book a new plan mid-trip to cover your entire world cruise. Tip : It’s best to book the longest period possible, as we’ve found that the per-day rate becomes higher, the shorter the coverage length is.

Check World Nomad rates for your trip .

Thankfully during our cheap world cruise, we never had any major incident requiring us to use the travel insurance we purchased, despite being hit by a typhoon in Japan. But we have made claims with World Nomads on previous trips to cover rental car damage, illness, and lost luggage, in which we found the claims process was efficient and fair.

Key Strategies to Pull off a Cheap World Cruise

To keep costs low and actually accomplish a cheap cruise entirely around the world, there are so many critical strategies to success. Here’s a recap of what we found to be the most important to keep in mind:

🚢 Book inexpensive  repositioning cruise deals , rather than pricey world cruises.

🚢 Be comfortable and skilled at independent travel whenever not on the cruise (extremely important). 🚢 Researc h things to do and travel logistics in destinations you’re visiting. 🚢 Use public transportation whenever possible.

🚢 Have a travel partner . Single supplements are usually imposed on solo travelers on cruises.

🚢 Take a digital detox on the cruises, as wifi can be very cost prohibitive. Use Internet on land.

🚢 Don’t run up a high bar bill while onboard the cruises. It’s easy to do, but just as easy to avoid.

🚢 Pack as light as possible, yet for multiple climates. See what we packed here : Ultimate Packing List .

🚢 Take time to research & find low-price accommodation . 🚢 Book far in advance in popular destinations and/or high season. 🚢 Make concessions to stay at budget-friendly places occasionally, when necessary.

🚢 Have fun! This all takes a bit of planning and strategy to organize, which all leads to an adventure of a lifetime, cruising around the world without flights!

Conclusion: Is a Cheap World Cruise Really Possible?

We hope this post has demonstrated that for a mere $60 per day, a world cruise absolutely is a realistic possibility. We find that to be a very cheap way for such a luxurious and effortless way to travel entirely around the world without flights!

If you want some further reading about cruise tips, you can check out these related posts:

• Read: Repositioning Cruises: Your Ultimate Guide & Tips to Know
• Read: 5 Things We Loved & Hated About Our World Cruise
• Read: Top 50 Cruise Hacks to Save Money

And if you’d like to save this post or share it, feel free to pin the image to the right to your Pinterest travel boards or share this Facebook video , below.

We’d also love to hear what you think about our cheap world cruise in the comments and any questions you may have about this crazy idea we lived out over the past year.

Otherwise, bon voyage! 🚢

Publishing note: This article was initially written August 2018 and was updated in June 2023 to reflect cruise industry changes and up-to-date pricing information.

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July 16, 2021 at 11:59 AM

Im a senior citizen from India and am shell shocked and wonderstruck,

THIS WAS ALWAYS ONLY A DREAM./

It will remain so. Can I just ask for some suggestions. and advise.

September 15, 2019 at 11:49 PM

Thanks so much for your indepth article, just amazing. I was actually investigating repositioning cruises when I came across your blog.

You guys are awesome for providing this information and it’s something that I would like to attempt. How do you think a single female traveller may fair? Obviously, things will be a little more expensive as a solo traveller and I’m okay with that. Safety is another issue, but I’ve travelled all over the world, so I’m fairly street smart. But something like what you’ve done, just piqued my adventurous side. I have the time with no limitations….

What you’ve done seems so much more authentic than just jumping on board a “world cruise” and paying c$125K for the privilege. I bet you’ve met some amazing people, had many funny and rewarding experiences that will stay in your memories your entire life. And as they say, the journey itself is the whole point.

I hope I can use your tips & strategies to pull together a trip like this next year.

October 4, 2019 at 12:39 AM

So glad it’s proven interesting and helpful! You’d likely fair just fine as a solo female traveler with street smarts! 🙂 It will indeed be a bit more expensive since most cruises do charge a hefty single supplement fee that’s often at least 50% or higher. Safety will come down to each locale you’re visiting, but most places shouldn’t warrant much concern at all, with modest precautions. We find most places around the world to be quite safe and most all destinations on the cruise itineraries will be too.

Also, we’re currently on an entire new repositioning cruise trip around the world, this time using a few flights. And we’re posting many more tips along the way from this trip over on Facebook, so be sure to connect with us over there (/RoamingAroundtheWorld) for more strategies you may be able to use on your upcoming trip!

May 8, 2019 at 10:21 PM

The conclusion I got from this lengthy post is that it’s miserable to be poor.

I m glad I am rich enough to not have to worry about all these and still enjoy everything, plus more.

I suggest you crack your head and think about how to make more money than scrimp and save.

May 9, 2019 at 9:57 AM

Congratulations on your wealth – that’s awesome! If you’ve got several hundreds of thousands of dollars lying around to take a world cruise, that’s definitely the way to go. But most people don’t and we want to show our method of how a cheap world cruise can still be possible, in relative luxury without the associated heavy cost.

Your conclusion strikes me as odd. This cruise around the world was such an awesome experience, that was not at all miserable for us. Also, we’re not poor.

For those who have the money to spend on a world cruise, it’s way easier to simply book one. And we’d recommend that. Yet we prefer to make our money go further and make smart financial decisions that enable us to travel indefinitely at a fairly young age. Thanks for the suggestion to make more money! As we continue to travel, we are indeed hustling hard to do just that. Happy travels! 🙂

May 24, 2022 at 2:10 PM

What an asinine thing to say. I think they did amazing for the money that they spent, and it shows far more initiative! I want to do a year around the world with my son when he gets older, and hate flying/love cruising. This blog has given me much food for thought. As for “make more money” I’m guessing that you ( the reply) are an entitled prick who thinks that student debt shouldn’t be forgiven bc YOU paid off your college debt when tuition was 4 figures. You probably made a decent wage and we’re able to buy a house when the market wasn’t inflated, either, and probably skimp on your fair share of taxes by money laundering or otherwise finishing loopholes. Go back and play with your MAGA hat. The rest of us appreciate tips to enjoy exploring the world on beer pockets.

March 7, 2023 at 4:35 PM

What a dick of a comment

February 27, 2019 at 12:09 AM

So awesome you pulled that off! I always recommend people visit in the shoulder season, since the weather is usually quite good still but there are WAY less tourists and everything is cheaper. Glad you were able to take advantage of that for your trip.

February 17, 2019 at 7:23 AM

We love cruising, but we haven’t taken a repositioning cruise yet. So I really enjoyed reading about your voyages. Plus, that tip about having the case of beer sent to your stateroom was brilliant!

Kudos to you for researching and executing such a lengthy itinerary! Our dogs at home keep us from taking lengthy cruises, but maybe in the future (retired? in between pups?) we can attempt something similar. You’re inspiring!

– Dana Pittsburgh, PA

January 10, 2019 at 6:26 PM

You have inspired me! I’ve been seriously thinking about a world cruise when I retire but even the cheap ones are $20,000. This strategy is brilliant. I was thinking about wedging this travel in between selling a house and before buying another….putting my things in storage which saves some money by not paying for housing I’m not living in. I am curious how much you think you spent…all in; including the land travel.

January 15, 2019 at 9:17 AM

Always glad to provide a bit of travel inspiration to show how such an extravagant experience can be an affordable reality! 🙂 Our total costs, including land travel, are outlined in detail in the post. Be sure to check out the section subtitled “What Did The Entire Cheap World Cruise Cost?”

April 15, 2019 at 6:53 PM

How does one find the time and money to do something like this??

April 18, 2019 at 4:54 PM

Many people could pursue something like this in retirement. That would perhaps be the easiest way. Personally, we take a more unconventional route. We live a nomadic and minimalistic lifestyle with no home, no car, and very few possessions. Hence we have almost no expenses other than travel. And our travel expenses actually cost us less than it would to live “normal lives” back in the US. Meanwhile, we work online which brings us income and fuels our travel expenses. So this is also a way that someone could have the time and money to do something like this, as I hope we have proven it can indeed be a reality.

November 7, 2018 at 3:38 AM

Hey you two look great together. I am happy that i’ve found this blog it has some interesting posts that i will read this week. Thank you.

September 4, 2018 at 11:10 AM

I’m so glad to have found this page! I’m a solo traveler who has developed a bit of a cruising bug, and that dreaded solo supplement causes a lot of problems. I’m trying to be more aggressive about finding re-positioning that will work with my schedule (I’m a university professor, so my time “off” is generous, but pretty inflexible).

My question is about Costa cruise lines. One reason I’ve shied away, despite they’re lower prices, is that they have a bad reputation among North American cruises. In your experience, how justified is this? As far as I can tell, the complaints come down to safety and rudeness by the crew. I’ve seen so many reviews that start with something like “COSTA CRUISES DOESN’T CARE ABOUT NON-ITALIAN PASSENGERS!” Obviously, Costa had a well-publicized accident that seems to have been partially due to negligence, but what about crew attitude? My sense is that the complaints I described have a hefty dose of “It wasn’t what I was used to, so I hated it!” hysteria to them.

Many thanks for any info you can provide, and for this great site in general!

September 6, 2018 at 12:58 PM

Personally, we enjoyed our experience with Costa overall. We had read many of those overly negative reviews which made us very reluctant to book an entire month cruise. So we came aboard the Costa Victoria with low expectations, which were easily exceeded. Coming from Asia, we absolutely loved all the Italian food. We never tired of it and found the cuisine to be excellent. And we loved all the Italian flair found throughout the ship. We were clearly in the minority as non-European passengers. (I think there were only a few dozen Americans total). But that never felt like a drawback for us. We found it to be a novelty to experience another culture while on a cruise, instead of being in the Americanized “bubble” that many international cruises sometimes are. We never felt any rudeness by the crew. Most of the crew was Indonesian, Indian, and Philippino anyways. Announcements were always repeated in English and there was a dedicated Guest Relations person from UK for English-speakers. I do think that some of the complaints is from the “It wasn’t what I was used to” sentiment. That said, there were still some negatives that we experienced. Perhaps the biggest is that they began a refurbishment project while in transit back to Italy, of which the construction in common areas justifiably upset a lot of passengers of all nationalities, and there were some safety concerns there too. Besides that, there were just little minor things that we found annoying, like free coffee only being available during breakfast and never any ice available at the buffet. But these are things we can easily look past. Overall, we’d definitely cruise with Costa again and would like to go on a different ship not actively undergoing refurbishment. We may try to write a full review of our experience as an American on Costa in a future post.

August 23, 2018 at 4:56 AM

It takes some diligent research and planning to string together all that you did. Kudos on making it happen on your terms and budget! It sounds like you really had some amazing adventures during your time traveling. Glad to hear you also splurged on some things like a proper Swiss fondue dinner and bouchons in Lyon – definitely important experiences in my book.

August 23, 2018 at 10:47 AM

It would have been a tragedy to pass through Switzerland without some fondue! 😂 It was one of our splurge spends on food throughout the trip and worth every cent. Eating (and drinking) across Europe was definitely some important experiences for us!

August 21, 2018 at 3:52 PM

My head is spinning! Shows you that I had no idea such a thing was even possible! So great your repositioning worked out so well! What an amazing experience. Thanks for the breakdown! This post is jam packed with helpful and useful info! Great job 🙂

August 21, 2018 at 11:57 AM

Wow, this is the first super detailed post that I really appreciate! So much to learn from this! Also, my first time reading about a repositioning cruise! Awesome!

August 20, 2018 at 3:28 PM

What an amazing idea – I’ve always dreamed of a world cruise but always thought the cost would be far more than that. I’d never heard of a repositioning cruise before, so even if I don’t manage a world cruise, I’m definitely considering booking one of those!

August 20, 2018 at 6:36 PM

It’s certainly an alternative way to be able to accomplish a world cruise much more affordably, that worked well for us! 🙂

August 19, 2018 at 11:06 PM

Cheapest cabin for a world cruise is $124,998 per couple – OUCH! I’ve heard of repositioning cruises but would never had thought to string them together creatively. Pretty brilliant actually

August 20, 2018 at 6:35 PM

Yeah, $125K… ouch is right! It was fun stringing together these repositioning cruises to form a much more affordable world cruise of our own. 🙂

August 19, 2018 at 1:30 PM

Wow you do have some amazing tips to save up on the cost. I just read the part on mathematics of saving and spending on drinks. Need to read others in details too. Saving up this post.

August 18, 2018 at 2:08 PM

wow, I’ve never heard of a repositioning cruise! What a fabulous idea. I’m off to research right now – you seem to have it so well sussed!

August 18, 2018 at 10:24 AM

What an interesting read. I would not have believed what you achieved possible, The tip about repositioning is an excellent one that I never knew about. I will definitely make use of that in the future. I have bookmarked this post as I intend to make the most of your fabulous advice.

August 18, 2018 at 10:40 AM

We weren’t sure it was possible either! 😂 But now happy to show that it is. Yes, the repositioning cruises was really a critical component to this whole plan and such a great travel tactic – we love using them!

August 16, 2018 at 11:05 PM

Thanks for sharing this. Can’t wait to spend more time to read this in detail and really soak it in – this is definitely the way we like to plan our trips, but haven’t planned one this long yet!

August 18, 2018 at 10:43 AM

Yeah, we tried to pack a lot of info into this one big, long post. We hope you may find some helpful nuggets of info or travel tips to use in planning some future adventures of your own. 🙂

August 16, 2018 at 12:46 PM

Did you come across any language barriers while travelling. The one thing that worries me about travelling to somewhere like Asia is not understanding signs/place names or making yourself understood to taxi drivers. Or was English used in most places?

August 16, 2018 at 2:01 PM

Sure, there were some languages difficulties occasionally, but really never anything to preventative. Having Google Translate on our phone has been a godsend to interpret signs and to communicate with other people. Also, we’ve found that just learning a few very basic phrases (greetings, thank you, etc.) can go a really long way. Also, English has become quite a common second-language around the world, so we’ve been fortunate that many people want to practice their English and are able to speak to us. When there has been a big language barrier, we’ve found miming and smiling can be surprisingly effective to get things sorted out. Among the countries we visited during this voyage around the world, China presented the most significant challenges, as English was rarely spoken there. But we managed to get by just fine between Google Translate and lots of miming. It was definitely a challenge at times but that’s all part of the fun!

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Business Insider

Ultrawealthy cruising: See inside Royal Caribbean's most extravagant upgrades and a $100,000-a-week cabin on its Icon of the Seas

Posted: April 9, 2024 | Last updated: April 10, 2024

• Cruise giants are putting more "pay-to-play" amenities on their new ships.
• Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has high-end upcharge options like a $200-per-person dinner. 
• See what a vacation on the world's largest cruise ship is like for affluent travelers.

Are you looking to ball out on your weeklong vacation aboard the world's largest cruise ship ? Get ready to pay $200 for dinner and $100,000 for a cabin.

Vacations-at-sea can be a fairly affordable vacation option. With most cruise lines, your base fare already includes accommodations, unlimited food, endless activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one go.

But as more " pay-to-play " amenities show up on board, the more pricey these floating vacations could become. And there's likely no better example of this than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise ship.

Forget tiny interior cabins and dinners at the buffet. On the 9,950-person Icon of the Seas, affluent travelers could have a vacation that rivals even the most luxurious small-ship cruise .

Guests interested in luxuriating in one of Icon’s 179 suites will be paying a minimum of $4,614 per person for a weeklong sailing.

The mega-ship's high-end suites range from 402 to 2,523 square feet, balconies included.

Some come with sweeping views of the AquaTheater . No need to scramble for the best seats when you can watch the show's divers, synchronized swimmers, and aerialists from your couch.

Others, like the floor-to-ceiling window-lined Icon Loft, are spread across two floors.

Guests in the most luxurious suites also get Starlink WiFi, laundry services, the best seats for on board shows, and a "Royal Genie" to help plan their trip.

But few compare to Icon’s most expensive cabin, the 2,523-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Guests in the three-floor floating mansion get to wake up to sweeping ocean views and coffee on one of the three balconies.

The bottom floor has an open-air patio that opens into Icon's Surfside neighborhood.

The two bedrooms — one with a bunk bed — are back inside on the top floor.

Looking to watch a movie or flex your karaoke skills? Slide down to the second floor, where you can do just that at one of the several lounges.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean told Business Insider that travelers have been 'quickly' reserving the giant cabin for an average of $100,000 a week.

But a cruise ship worker stationed at the Ultimate Family Townhouse in January told BI that some guests have been snatching up the multilevel townhouse for a whopping $200,000 a week, noting that the playground-like cabin was mostly booked for 2024.

The keycards to these plush suites also open up another exclusive side of the ship: the Suite Neighborhood.

Only guests staying in suites can access the 60,924-square-foot retreat and its two restaurants, sundeck, hot tub, pool, and bar.

The list of exclusive restaurants doesn’t end there, of course.

More than half of the Icon of the Seas' 28 eateries come at an extra cost.

Some are more affordable, like Izumi at the Park's grab-and-go sushi window. For $10, hungry travelers can pick between seaweed salad and edamame, plus two choices of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls.

Cruisers craving a formal, upscale dinner could instead reserve the rabbit-slinging $200-per-person Empire Supper Club.

The price is comparable to high-end, on-land Michelin-starred restaurants.

Empire Supper Club's American fare dinner flexes eight courses, a cocktail pairing, and live jazz. Appetizer options include butter-poached langoustine with Osetra caviar. For the main course, the aforementioned rabbit leg and loin could be a bun-tastic choice.

The latter will be paired with a New York Sour — not a hoppy beer.

There are 18 other places to drink on the ship. As usual, none are complimentary.

Expect to front New York City prices without a beverage package: The popular Rye and Bean bar serves coffee and tea-infused cocktails ranging from $12 to $14.

Looking for a pampering? Like alcohol, spa treatments are rarely complimentary on cruise ships.

Vacationing can be stressful. At the mega-ship's spa, guests can unwind with an almost $150 25-minute facial or a nearly $180 50-minute Swedish massage.

Or, book one of the exclusive casitas to relax with unobstructed ocean views.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to BI's request for casita pricing on Icon of the Seas. But for context, a casita on the cruise line's older Symphony of the Seas mega-ship can cost about $360 per day during a sea day.

Amenities like the six-slide waterpark and mini-golf course are complimentary to all guests.

But the same can't be said for Crown's Edge , one of the ship's most distinctive amenities.

Travelers must don a bulky jumpsuit and harness before they face their fear of heights at the thrilling agility course.

The half-walking, half-ziplining route, which leaves its sweaty-palmed participants dangling 154 feet above the ocean, could be completed in a minute or so.

That's $49 down the drain in one minute.

And why stop there when you can splurge during port days too?

Icon of the Seas will dock at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island for all 2024 sailings.

As expected, the Caribbean getaway is full of upcharged activities.

Travelers with young children might want to drop $100 per head for an afternoon at the waterpark.

Meanwhile, those without kids can pay between $39 to $89 per person for a boozy day at the adult-only Hideaway Beach .

Nearby, the more exclusive beach club could be almost triple that cost.

A weeklong trip on the new world's largest cruise ship could quickly become an ultra-luxurious vacation.

But even travelers looking to spend modestly might be shocked by the new ship's prices.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told investors in 2023 that Icon's inaugural season had commanded more bookings at "materially higher rates" than any of its previous ship launches.

Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told BI in late 2023 that new cruise liners generally command a 20% to 50% pricing premium.

Three months before Icon of the Seas' launch , he estimated the new vessel was priced at a premium of "at least 50% if not more."

At the time, the least expensive 2024 itinerary had started at $1,820 per person for an interior cabin.

Pricing has since increased by $17. That's $262 per person, per day, for a windowless stateroom.

And no, it doesn't come with access to the Suite Neighborhood.

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When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

• International

April 12, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, Adrienne Vogt , Matt Meyer and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

USAID worker killed in Israel, agency says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

A staff member with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) died Friday in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the agency announced.

The male staffer was with USAID’s West Bank and Gaza mission, the agency said in a brief statement.

USAID did not provide details on the circumstances around his death or his identity or citizenship.

“He was a dedicated member of our team for more than two decades, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” USAID said.

USAID is working with the US Embassy to work out details about the fatal incident and its follow-up investigation, it said.

US expects Iran to carry out direct strikes against targets inside Israel, sources say

From CNN's MJ Lee and Natasha Bertrand

The United States currently expects Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian proxies could also be involved in carrying out the attacks, according to a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence.  

The targets would likely be both inside Israel and around the region.

The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a serious escalation in the region that the US has hoped to avoid.

US sees Iran moving military assets including drones and cruise missiles, sources say

From Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann

The US observed Iran moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signaling that it is possibly preparing to attack Israeli targets from inside its own territory, according to two people familiar with US intelligence. 

It is not clear whether Iran is preparing to strike from its soil as part of an initial attack, or if it is posturing to try to deter Israel or the US from conducting a possible counter strike on its territory. 

One of the people said the US had observed Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles.

Some context: The Iranians want their retaliatory strike on Israel — a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate last week in Damascus — to be "significant," one of the people familiar with the intelligence said. But they also want to avoid getting embroiled in a direct war with Israel and the US, CNN has reported, which is why US intelligence has assessed that Iran may use its proxy forces to launch the first attack.

Israeli settlers storm village in West Bank and kill at least 1 Palestinian. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars — and leaving at least one Palestinian dead — in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

The settlers attacked Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, according to Amin Abu-Alia, the head of the village council. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More Israeli attacks: An Israeli airstrike early Friday killed at least 29 people and injured dozens more after troops targeted a house belonging to the well-known Al-Tabatibi family in eastern Gaza City, according to a local health official. Israeli forces also surrounded and attacked the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, wounding several journalists and at least one other person. And in the occupied West Bank, troops killed two Hamas members in a raid on the city of Tubas, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Hezbollah-Israel clashes: Around 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Friday evening, according to the Israeli military. Some were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Israeli warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, the IDF said.
• Iranian threats: US President Joe Biden told reporters Friday he expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," with the White House adding that there is a "very credible" threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Additionally, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region, a defense official told CNN, as the US and Israel brace for the potential attack . Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Central Command Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla on Friday discussed preparations for the  potential attack .
• Warnings amid Iranian threats: France , Germany, Canada and the United States are among countries that are warning their citizens not to travel to the region due to the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel.
• Humanitarian aid: The Israeli military does not understand how humanitarian operations work, a top United Nations official said Friday, maintaining there is a "degree of mistrust" that needs to be resolved between the IDF and nongovernmental organizations on the ground in Gaza.
• Sanctions: The European Council has  adopted sanctions  against three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad entities , in light of "their responsibilities in the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks" that occurred across Israel on October 7. The US is also sanctioning four leaders of Hamas’ cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Friday. 

US will attempt to intercept launches at Israel if feasible, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand

The US will attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it’s feasible to do so, two US officials told CNN, in an indication of the level of ongoing cooperation between the two militaries before an anticipated Iranian attack .

US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has been in Israel meeting with the country’s security leadership. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with Kurilla.

There have been a number of conversations where US officials have urged Israel not to escalate the situation in retaliating against Iran, according to one of the US officials. 

Remember: An Iranian attack is expected in response to Israel’s deadly strike of Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week.

The Damascus attack was the latest incident to stoke fears of a wider regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East during Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a slew of calls to foreign counterparts aimed at pressuring Iran not to attack Israel.

The top US diplomat spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday, according to a readout from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken also spoke with the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers in recent days, Miller said.

Israeli settlers kill at least 1 Palestinian while storming West Bank village

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

At least one Palestinian man was killed when shots were fired by Israeli settlers in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the head of the village council Amin Abu-Alia. He said he identified the killed Palestinian as his 26-year-old relative named Jihad Abu-Alia, who was meant to get married this summer.

At least 25 others were injured in the rampage, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the scale of which has not been seen since hundreds of settlers stormed through the villages of  Turmusayya  and  Huwara  in two separate incidents last year. 

Between 1,000 and 1,200 settlers surrounded the village, and around 500 stormed it just after midday local time on Friday, blocking all the roads in the area, Abu-Alia told CNN.

He added that Israeli security forces informed Palestinian officials that the settlers were looking for a 14-year-old Israeli boy who had gone missing earlier in the day.

They attacked the village, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, Abu-Alia said. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. and didn’t stop the settlers from attacking the village. Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he added.  

Abu-Alia told CNN settlers stole approximately 70 sheep from the Palestinian village.

In response to a question by CNN, the IDF said “violent riots were instigated in multiple locations in the area” following the search for the boy.

Israel says airstrikes targeted Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The areas include the Aita al-Shaab and the Taybeh in southern Lebanon, said Avichay Adraee, I DF spokesperson for Arab media,  in a post on X.

"During the day, several shells were fired from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee region, without causing any casualties. IDF forces attacked the sources of fire," Adraee added. 

The Israeli airstrikes were before the 40 rockets that were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel Friday evening and claimed by Hezbollah.

Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen "sooner than later"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US President Joe Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," he told reporters at the White House Friday.

“I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden said when asked how imminent an attack on Israel was.

Asked what his message to Tehran is right now, the president said “Don’t.”

In response to more shouted questions from reporters asking if American troops were at risk, Biden returned to the podium and said that the United States is "devoted” to the defense of Israel. 

“We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

Remember: The United States says it is on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack following Israel's deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus last week, raising fears of a wider regional war. There remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said earlier Friday, following Israel’s attack on  a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed three Iranian generals.

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Israel Reports Light Damage After Iran Launches Large Strike

Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel overnight. The U.S. military shot dozens of them down, but most were intercepted by Israel’s military.

• Share full article

Aaron Boxerman ,  Ronen Bergman ,  Farnaz Fassihi and Eric Schmitt

Here are the latest developments.

Iran mounted an immense aerial attack on Israel on Saturday night, launching more than 300 drones and missiles in retaliation for a deadly Israeli airstrike in Syria two weeks ago, and marking a significant escalation in hostilities between the two regional foes.

The strikes caused only minor damage to one Israeli military base, and most of the airborne threats were intercepted, Israeli military officials said. The United States said it had helped to shoot dozens of drones and missiles .

But the large-scale attack, aimed at targets inside Israel and the territory it controls, opened a volatile new chapter in the long-running shadow war between Iran and Israel.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps said in a statement broadcast on state television that it had launched “dozens of drones and missiles” toward Israel from Iran “in reaction to the Zionist regime’s crimes.” It later said on social media that it had hit military targets in Israel, warned the United States against getting involved, and threatened more strikes if Iran or its interests were hit.

Here’s what we know:

A total of 12 people were brought in to the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel overnight, according to a hospital spokeswoman, Inbar Gutter.

One of the areas targeted was the Golan Heights, a strategic area bordering Syria that Israel annexed nearly 60 years ago. Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia backed by Iran, said it had fired dozens of rockets at an Israeli barracks there. But it was not immediately clear if that bombardment was part of the wider Iranian attack.

In the hours after the attacks, as Iranians gathered in Tehran to celebrate them, more air-raid sirens sounded across vast swaths of southern Israel, the West Bank and Golan Heights. The Israeli government also sent out warnings about possible missiles arriving in the Negev Desert, where there are several military bases. And the airspaces of Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon were closed .

President Biden cut short a weekend at his vacation home in Delaware to huddle with his national security team. He also spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel.

The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting at 4 p.m. on Sunday to discuss Iran’s attacks on Israel, the council’s president said. Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Gilad Erdan, had requested the meeting.

Gabby Sobelman

In Israel this morning, the domestic news media is airing footage of operations at Ben Gurion Airport, outside Tel Aviv, and of jets returning to an air base in the Negev Desert that the Israeli military says suffered light damage in the Iranian attack. Television anchors are suggesting the footage is a sign that the country is returning to normal.

Airspace closures that went into effect in Israel and Lebanon on Saturday have now expired, and commercial flights have resumed from Tel Aviv, according to Flightradar24, a flight-tracking site. The airspaces of Iraq and Jordan are scheduled to reopen later this morning.

Cassandra Vinograd

A total of 12 people were brought in to the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel overnight, according to a hospital spokeswoman, Inbar Gutter. One — a 7-year-old girl — was seriously injured by missile fragments, taken to the operating room, and is currently in intensive care. Eight other people were treated for minor injuries from shrapnel or running for shelter, while three people were brought in for anxiety.

Isabel Kershner

In his first public response to the overnight Iranian assault, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on X on Sunday morning: “We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win.”

Nearly 99 percent of the aerial threats launched at Israel on Saturday were intercepted, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesman for the military, said during televised remarks. He added that the Nevatim air force base in the Negev desert in southern Israel suffered only light damage and was functioning. “Iran thought it would paralyze the base,” Rear Admiral Hagari said. “It failed.”

Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, warned in a televised statement early Sunday that the confrontation with Iran “is not over yet.” He praised the militaries of Israel and the United States for blocking the Iranian attack, said the defense against the Iranian assault was “a most impressive achievement.”

Israel’s military said its fighter jets struck a number of targets early Sunday in a complex belonging to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces in southern Lebanon. Israeli warplanes struck additional Hezbollah structures during the night, the military said, after Hezbollah sent two explosive drones into Israeli territory on Saturday.

Eric Schmitt

The U.S. defense secretary, a former top Army general, condemned the “reckless and unprecedented attacks” by Iran and its proxies in nearby countries, and he called on Tehran to halt any further strikes. “We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel,” he said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said late Saturday that U.S. forces had intercepted “dozens” of missiles and attack drones launched at Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The U.S. military is ready to protect U.S. troops and Israel, he said.

Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the attack on Israel was a “defensive measure” that shows its “responsible approach toward regional and international peace and security.” The aerial assault has drawn condemnation from Israel’s allies and warnings that it risked further escalation in the Middle East.

The Israeli military said in a statement before dawn that its chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, was conducting a situational assessment at military headquarters in Tel Aviv with commanders of the air force as well as the military’s operations and intelligence directorates to discuss the events of the last few hours “as well as plans for the continuation.” No more details were provided.

As dawn broke at about 5:30 a.m., Israeli war planes could be heard in the skies above Jerusalem.

Michael D. Shear

President Biden said he will convene a meeting of the G7 leaders on Sunday to develop what he called “a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”

President Biden said American military forces helped shoot down Iranian drones and missiles during the attacks Saturday, and said he told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel that the United States will continue to help defend their ally .

Jin Yu Young

The U.N. Security Council will meet on Sunday at 4 p.m. to discuss the situation in the Middle East, said Vanessa Frazier, the president of the Security Council.

Following a letter received from @IsraelinUN ,the Maltese Presidency of the #UNSC has scheduled an open emergency meeting of the Council tomorrow at 4pm under the agenda item “The situation in the Middle East” to consider the drone & missile attack by #Iran on #Israel @MFETMalta — Vanessa Frazier 🧡 (@_VanessaFrazier) April 14, 2024

Yara Bayoumy

Two Israeli officials say Iran launched 185 drones and 36 cruise missiles. Most of the launches were from Iran, though a small portion came from Iraq and Yemen. Iran also launched 110 surface-to-surface missiles.

U.S. intercepts dozens of Iranian drones and missiles aimed at Israel.

The United States military said it had shot down dozens of the drones and missiles that Iran fired at Israel on Saturday, as other allies affirmed support for Israel or pledged to help defend it.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israel’s chief military spokesman, said that Israel had intercepted most of the 200 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles launched by Iran with “some assistance” from its allies.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said late Saturday that U.S. forces had intercepted dozens of missiles and attack drones launched at Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The United States did not provide further details on its role in intercepting the attacks.

While President Biden has increasingly criticized how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is handling the campaign against Hamas in Gaza, he has consistently affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. In the past six months of war between Israel and Hamas, the United States has countered attacks from Iran’s proxies in the region, including those from the Iran-backed Houthi militia in the Red Sea.

Britain’s defense secretary, Grant Shapps, said in a statement on Saturday that its jets were prepared to intercept airborne attacks within range of its existing missions in the Middle East, adding that additional British jets and air refueling tankers have been deployed to bolster its operations in Iraq and Syria.

France’s foreign minister, Stéphane Séjourné, also condemned Iran’s attack and affirmed support for Israel. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany called the attacks “unjustifiable and highly irresponsible.”

“Germany stands by Israel and we will discuss the situation with our allies,” he said in a statement on social media.

Eric Schmitt , Patrick Kingsley and Farnaz Fassihi contributed reporting.

“If Iran’s objective was to punish and isolate Israel, it appears to have fallen well short of that objective,” said Dana Stroul, formerly the Pentagon’s top Middle East policy official who is now at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The U.S. and Israeli militaries were able to defend against a complex attack, Stroul said. “Given how significant this attack was, it is difficult to see how Israel cannot respond.”

Christiaan Triebert and Hiba Yazbek

The Times verified the authenticity of several photos and videos showing debris, likely from a missile, in a residential area of Amman, the Jordanian capital. The Times has not been able to identify whether the debris is part of an Iranian missile or an Israeli or Jordanian interceptor missile. Several missiles appear to have been intercepted in the skies above Jordan, according to earlier footage .

Two senior U.S. officials say the preliminary assessment is that the damage to Israel was relatively limited given the scale of the attack.

Farnaz Fassihi

In Tehran, several hundred supporters of the Iranian government gathered in the middle of the night at Palestine Square and in front of Tehran University to celebrate the attacks on Israel, according to witnesses and state media. The crowd chanted “death to Israel” as fireworks went off and praised the commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps for carrying out the attacks.

Alissa J. Rubin

What is the Golan Heights?

One of the areas targeted in Israel during Saturday’s attacks was the Golan Heights, a strategic area bordering Syria that Israel annexed nearly 60 years ago.

Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia backed by Iran, said in a statement just after midnight that it had fired dozens of rockets at an Israeli barracks in the Golan Heights. It was not immediately clear if that bombardment was part of the wider Iranian attack on Israel.

The Golan Heights has routinely seen conflict since Israel seized it during the 1967 six-day war, occupied it and then annexed much of it in 1981 .

The annexed portion, encompassing nearly 500 square miles, was and remains a militarily strategic perch for Israeli forces, giving them a vantage point and proximity to two of Jerusalem’s chief adversaries: Syria and Lebanon, and especially the armed group Hezbollah, which has forces along the nearby southern and southeastern Lebanese border.

Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights has never been recognized internationally by the United Nations, which condemned i t at the time. When President Donald J. Trump was in power, he said that the United States should recognize the land as Israel’s, but the move was condemned internationally and carried primarily symbolic weight.

Both Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, and armed groups in Syria that are similarly Iranian backed have used the areas along the Lebanese and Syrian borders with the Golan Heights to fire rockets and missiles at Israel.

Iranian officials have signaled that they are looking for a way to deter Israel from another strike like the April 1 bombing in Damascus that killed seven officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and precipitated Iran’s efforts to avenge those deaths by striking Israel.

However, Iranian leaders in private and more obliquely in public have signaled that they do not want to escalate the war, according to Iranian advisers in Tehran and senior security officials in Iraq who are closely allied with Tehran.

That is one reason why Iran might choose to target the Golan Heights. While Israel considers it to be within its borders, internationally it is viewed as Syrian land occupied by Israel. That allows Iran to claim that they are not striking Israel directly — something Israeli leaders have warned them would provoke damaging strikes inside Iran.

A strike on the Golan Heights could also seen by Tehran as a commensurate way to avenge Israel’s strike in Damascus in the same place — or at least the same country.

Israel evacuated Israelis from the Golan Heights area closest to the Lebanese border soon after the war in Gaza began because of cross-border attacks and counterattacks involving Hezbollah and the Israeli military.

The largely desert area now has several Israeli military bases and elsewhere it is relatively thinly populated, with more people in the southern areas, which are better for farming. Once Israel occupied it, the Arab farmers mostly fled and Israel has created a number of settlements there.

Of the more than 50,000 people who live there, barely half are Syrian Druze; almost all the rest are Israeli Jews, who have settled in the area with the government’s support, much as they have in the West Bank.

Euan Ward contributed reporting.

Michael D. Shear ,  Aaron Boxerman and Eric Schmitt

Biden returns to White House as Israel braces for Iranian aerial strikes.

The spokeswoman for the National Security Council at the White House confirmed Saturday evening that Iran had launched what she called “an airborne attack” against Israel and vowed that the United States would help Israel defend itself.

“President Biden is being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team and will meet with them this afternoon at the White House,” Adrienne Watson, the spokeswoman, said in a statement.

“This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours,” she added. “President Biden has been clear: Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”

The statement came as Mr. Biden headed back to the White House Saturday afternoon, cutting short a weekend trip to his vacation home in Rehoboth, Del.

Officials said the president would convene a meeting of his top national security aides in the Situation Room at the White House amid reports from the Middle East that Iran had deployed dozens of drones headed toward Israel.

Earlier in the day, Iranian forces had seized a container ship with links to Israel in the Persian Gulf, as leaders in the Middle East and beyond watched for a sign that Iran had begun an anticipated attack on Israel in retaliation for Israel’s airstrike in Damascus on April 1 that killed several Iranian military officers.

In Washington, Ms. Watson called on Iran to release the vessel and its crew immediately.

“Seizing a civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law, and an act of piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization,” she said in an earlier statement. “It must be condemned unequivocally, and we will work with our partners to hold Iran to account for its actions.”

At the same time, the U.S. secretary of defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, spoke with Israel’s minister of defense, Yoav Gallant, to discuss urgent regional threats and reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Israel’s defense, the Pentagon’s spokesman, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, said.

Mr. Austin made clear that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend itself against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies.

“In recent days we have strengthened our defensive and offensive array and we are determined to take any measures required to defend the citizens of the State of Israel,” Mr. Gallant said in a statement.

In Israel, there were signs the country was girding for the expected Iranian assault; the Israeli government barred educational activities, including schools and the youth-movement hiking trips patronized by Israeli teenagers during the Passover holiday. Gatherings were limited to fewer than 1,000 people in most of the country for at least the next two days, the Israeli military’s Home Front Command announced.

Hiba Yazbek and Abu Bakr Bashir

The Israeli military shifts its focus to the central Gaza Strip.

Less than a week after withdrawing ground troops from southern Gaza, the Israeli military has shifted its focus to the central Gaza Strip, where its forces were operating for the third day on Saturday and residents and Palestinian media reported heavy bombardments and intense fighting.

The Israeli military announced on Thursda y that it had begun a “precise operation” in the central Gaza Strip, saying it had carried out airstrikes ahead of its ground troops raiding the area. It added that the Israeli navy had conducted several strikes along the coastline to assist the ground troops.

Residents and Palestinian media said that the Israeli attack seemed to center on the Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, a city in the central Gaza Strip near a narrow Israeli-controlled corridor that splits northern Gaza, including Gaza City, from the rest of the territory.

Though Nuseirat began as a refugee camp for displaced Palestinians in the 1940s, it has been built up over the decades into an urban community.

Wafa, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency, reported intense Israeli air raids on Nuseirat for a third consecutive day on Saturday. The Israeli military said in a statement that its troops were continuing their operation in central Gaza and that they had destroyed Hamas “infrastructure” in the area over the last day.

Khalil Farid, 57, who lives in the Nuseirat refugee camp, said in a text-message exchange on Friday that bombing and shelling had not stopped since the Israeli attack began Thursday afternoon. “The army gave no warning of this operation,” he said, adding that “no leaflets were dropped, and no one was told where to go or what to do.”

Mr. Farid said that the fighting appeared to be mostly in the northern part of the New Camp, one of the neighborhoods of Nuseirat where he is staying with nine other family members at his brother’s apartment. “We are all sitting in the living room praying and waiting for our fate,” he said.

Mr. Farid said that after fleeing to the city of Rafah in the south, he and his family had returned to central Gaza because it seemed that the situation in Rafah was not much safer. “Where will we and the others go? There are too many people here,” he said.

The United Nations office for humanitarian affairs said on Friday that three Palestinians were reportedly killed and others were injured when a U.N. school housing displaced people in Nuseirat camp was hit.

The Palestinian civil defense in Gaza said that its rescue crews had received “dozens of distress calls” after an Israeli strike on the school killed and wounded several people, adding that it was unable to evacuate the casualties because it was too dangerous to enter the area.

TRT, the national public broadcaster of Turkey, said on Friday that a cameraman and correspondent were wounded when a group of journalists reporting from Nuseirat were hit by Israeli tank fire. CNN also said that a freelance reporter working for the network was lightly injured in the same attack.

Hamas said in a statement on Friday that the Nuseirat camp, which was “crowded with displaced people from various regions of the strip,” was under “a barbaric attack” that resulted “in dozens of martyrs and wounded.”

Christopher F. Schuetze

Iran seizes a commercial ship linked to Israel.

Iranian forces seized a container ship with links to Israel in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, as leaders in the Middle East and beyond watched for a retaliatory strike by Iran against Israel.

MSC, a major shipping company, said on Saturday that the MSC Aries, which is registered in Portugal, had been boarded by “Iranian authorities” via helicopter as it passed the Strait of Hormuz.

A video shared by Iranian state media showed a military helicopter hovering above what appeared to be the stern of the ship, with at least two soldiers descending a rope onto the deck.

The soldiers were part of the elite Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, according to IRNA, the state news agency.

A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, Adrienne Watson, called on Iran to release the vessel and its crew immediately.

“Seizing a civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law, and an act of piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization,” she said in a statement. “It must be condemned unequivocally, and we will work with our partners to hold Iran to account for its actions.”

Though it is operated by MSC, the 1,200-foot cargo vessel belongs to an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, which is part of the Zodiac Group, owned by the Israel-born billionaire Eyal Ofer, making it a possible target for Iranian retaliation. Tehran has vowed a retaliatory strike after blaming Israel for an attack on an Iranian embassy building in Syria that killed 12 people, among them top military generals.

Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign affairs minister, confirmed the seizure on social media and said Iran’s leadership was “a criminal regime that supports Hamas’ crimes and is now conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law.”

Six months after the Hamas attack on Israel that started the war in Gaza, the seizure comes amid fears of a wider conflict involving Iran directly. Iran is a backer of Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, but has so far stayed clear of direct involvement. On Friday, President Biden said that he expected Iran to launch a retaliatory attack “sooner than later,” and reiterated that the United States remained committed to the defense of Israel.

It was not immediately clear if the seizure of the ship was part of Iran’s promised response to the attack in Syria, but it was not the first time Iran had directly seized a commercial vessel. In January, Iran’s navy seized a tanker loaded with oil off the coast of Oman. In that seizure, soldiers also descended from a hovering helicopter.

Before the war in Gaza, the United States said that Iran had “harassed, attacked or interfered” with more than a dozen internationally flagged merchant ships in recent years.

For their part, the Houthis have disrupted a significant part of the world’s shipping by attacking dozens of vessels heading to or from the Suez Canal.

The MSC Aries had 25 crew members on board, according to its operator.

Aaron Boxerman

reporting from Jerusalem

The death of a 14-year-old further inflames tensions in the West Bank.

An Israeli teenager whose disappearance had led to riots by Israeli settlers in the West Bank was found dead on Saturday, the Israeli authorities said, threatening to further inflame tensions in the Israeli-occupied territory.

Dozens of Israelis and Palestinians were wounded during clashes at several locations across the West Bank later on Saturday, the Israeli military said in a statement. Israeli extremists stormed at least two villages in the territory, attempting to burn Palestinian property and clashing with residents, according to Palestinian witnesses.

Binyamin Achimair, 14, had left a farming settlement in the West Bank to herd sheep on Friday morning, but never returned, according to the Israeli police. The Israeli forces later found his corpse, and the military said, without providing evidence, that he had been “murdered in a terrorist attack.”

After Binyamin’s disappearance on Friday, armed Israeli settlers stormed a Palestinian village near Ramallah, torching several buildings and cars, according to Palestinian officials and Yesh Din, an Israeli rights group. One Palestinian man — Jihad Abu Aliya — was killed during the clashes and at least 25 others wounded, according to the village mayor, Amin Abu Aliya.

Binyamin’s death and the possibility of further Israeli reprisals could ratchet up violence in the West Bank, where roughly 500,000 Israeli settlers live alongside about 2.7 million Palestinians. Over 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces across the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7 sparked Israel’s campaign in Gaza, according to the United Nations.

The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it would bolster its forces in the West Bank with additional companies and police.

The Israeli mob assaults returned on Saturday in both Al Mughayir and Duma, a nearby Palestinian village, according to an Israeli security official and Palestinian witnesses. Israeli settlers, some of them armed, entered the villages, the official added, and there were reports that they had opened fire.

In Duma, the attackers “covered the entire village,” some of them armed, said Naser Dawabsheh, a village resident. They set several buildings and cars ablaze, sending a cloud of dense smoke overhead, he added. Israeli soldiers “didn’t disperse the settlers, they protected them and fired tear gas at anyone who approached,” he said.

The clashes on Saturday in Al Mughayir left at least three Palestinians wounded, one critically, the Palestinian health ministry said.

“There’s no order, there’s no safety,” said Na’asan Na’asan, 28, a resident of Al Mughayir. “They’re shooting at us — why isn’t there anyone to protect us?”

A veteran Israeli photojournalist, Shaul Golan, 74, said in an interview that Israeli settlers also caught and beat him, before destroying his equipment, after he tried to film them in Al Mughayir. Some of them were masked, while others were wearing Israeli military uniforms, he added.

“I begged the soldiers there to help me, to save me,” said Mr. Golan. “But then I realized that they weren’t really soldiers — they were working with them.”

The Biden administration has said Israel must do more to clamp down on violence by extremist Israeli settlers, and it has imposed sanctions on several whom it said were involved in attacks on Palestinians. Israeli leaders denounced that move as interference in the country’s internal affairs.

As Israeli troops and police officers searched for Binyamin on Friday afternoon, armed Israeli settlers burst into Al Mughayir, setting buildings and cars on fire, said Mr. Abu Aliya. In video circulated by Yesh Din, smoke can be seen billowing from some burning cars and buildings.

In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel decried Binyamin’s “heinous murder” and vowed that Israel would “close accounts” with whoever killed him. He did not explicitly mention the settler rampages, instead telling the Israeli public to “allow the security forces to conduct their work unmolested” as they investigate the killing.

Yair Lapid, the leader of Israel’s parliamentary opposition, similarly condemned the teenager’s murder. But he also denounced the settler attacks, saying “the violent riots by settlers are a dangerous violation of the law, and they are hampering the forces operating on the ground.”

The Israeli military confirmed that multiple “violent riots” had taken place in the area during the search efforts on Friday. At one point, “rocks were hurled” at Israeli soldiers, leading them to open fire in response, the Israeli military said. The Israeli police and soldiers had also removed Israeli settlers who had entered Al Mughayir, the military said.

Israeli soldiers were in the area “even before the settlers arrived,” Mr. Na’asan said, but did not block them from entering the village and torching buildings and cars. It was not immediately clear how Jihad Abu Aliya, the village resident, was killed.

Human rights groups have long charged that the Israeli authorities do not do enough to prevent violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, and that the perpetrators are rarely arrested. An Israeli police spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment as to whether any Israelis had been arrested during the incident.

Last February, an attack by Israeli settlers devastated the Palestinian town of Huwara in the northern West Bank. At least one Palestinian was killed and 390 were wounded in the riot, according to Palestinian officials, in which Israelis burned a number of buildings and cars while terrified Palestinians fled burning homes.

President Biden vows to stand by Israel despite recent disagreements.

President Biden told reporters on Friday that he expected Iran to launch an attack on Israel “sooner than later” as a response to Israel’s killing of several top Iranian generals in a bombing in Syria two weeks ago.

Mr. Biden said he needed to be careful not to reveal classified information being collected by intelligence and military officials as they braced for an attack they believed was imminent. And he had a blunt, succinct answer when he was asked what his message to Iran was.

“Don’t,” he said.

Officials in the United States and other nations are engaged in a furious diplomatic effort to try to prevent a response from Iran that could spiral into a wider war. But Mr. Biden and his top aides have made it clear that their disagreement with Israel over the war in the Gaza Strip would not prevent the United States from defending Israel against attacks from other adversaries.

“We are devoted to the defense of Israel,” Mr. Biden told reporters at the White House after a speech to the National Action Network. “We will support Israel and help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed.”

He did not specify what actions the United States might take.

John F. Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said earlier on Friday that the administration was taking the threat of an attack seriously.

“We are certainly mindful of a very public — and what we consider to be a very credible — threat made by Iran in terms of potential attacks on Israel,” he said. “We are in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts about making sure that they can defend themselves against those kinds of attacks.”

Mr. Kirby said the U.S. military was making adjustments to its force deployments in the Middle East to be ready in case an attack occurred, but he declined to be specific about those changes.

“We’re also clearly — it would be imprudent if we didn’t — taking a look at our own posture in the region, to make sure that we’re more properly prepared as well,” he said.

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