A world cruise is the ultimate adventure: a sweeping journey that can span 100+ days, crossing continents and oceans in unmatched comfort. Many dream of booking “one day,” but that day doesn’t have to be a distant goal.
With around the world cruise sectors – shorter segments of these grand voyages – you can experience part of the magic in as little as two to four weeks. Whether you choose the full odyssey or just a sector, you’ll only unpack once while visiting destinations most people spend a lifetime trying to see. For those planning ahead, World Cruise 2026 and World Cruise 2027 itineraries are already offering incredible options. Booking early not only secures your cabin but can also help you lock in the best value.
For British cruisers, P&O Cruises offers some of the best world cruises departing conveniently from Southampton. Sailing on ships like the Arcadia or Aurora, you can choose from full around the world cruise itineraries or shorter sectors.
P&O’s itineraries often include bucket-list destinations such as Sydney, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Cape Town, with plenty of overnights in key ports so you can immerse yourself fully. Shore excursions range from wine tasting in South Africa’s Stellenbosch to exploring the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, or joining a guided tour of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco.
For those curious about an around the world cruise cost, P&O offers competitive pricing, with options to match various budgets – especially if you secure your place early for World Cruise 2027 or grab one of the final 2026 sector spaces.
Life onboard blends British tradition with modern cruising comfort – think afternoon tea, gala dinners, West End-style entertainment, and spacious decks for those endless sea days.
Here’s our guide to some of the best world cruises, each brimming with unforgettable sights, experiences, and cultural treasures.
There’s something timeless about departing from British shores on an around the world cruise. Sail through southern Europe, calling at Lisbon, where a ride on the vintage Tram 28 takes you past pastel façades and tiled squares. In Madeira, walk the Levada trails for panoramic mountain views and breathe in the spice-scented air of the local markets.
Heading south, West Africa offers a vibrant tapestry of cultures. You might dock in Dakar, Senegal, to explore the poignant Gorée Island and its House of Slaves museum, or enjoy the colourful chaos of a local market.Arriving in Cape Town, the iconic Table Mountain dominates the skyline. Take the cable car for sweeping city and ocean views, meet penguins at Boulders Beach, or take a day trip along the Cape Winelands to sample South Africa well celebrated vintages.
This eastbound leg begins with the wild beauty of Africa’s southern coast. In Maputo, Mozambique, Portuguese colonial architecture blends with bustling markets – don’t miss the Maputo Railway Station, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Stops in Réunion Island and Madagascar bring dramatic volcanic landscapes and the otherworldly Avenue of the Baobabs. Wildlife lovers will be captivated by Madagascar’s lemurs and chameleons.
Crossing the Indian Ocean, you’ll reach Cochin, India, where the scent of spices lingers in the air and the Chinese fishing nets sway in the breeze. In Goa, golden beaches give way to Baroque churches and Portuguese forts, while Mumbai dazzles with the Gateway of India and the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. From there, Sri Lanka’s Galle Fort offers colonial history wrapped in tropical charm. Southeast Asia follows with Phuket’s Big Buddha and longtail boat rides to Phang Nga Bay, before your voyage concludes in Singapore, a city where futuristic Gardens by the Bay sits alongside traditional hawker centres serving the world’s best street food.
Singapore’s harbourside buzz quickly gives way to the tropical allure of Malaysia and Indonesia. In Penang, wander the UNESCO-listed George Town with its vibrant street art and aromatic food stalls. Langkawi offers mangrove forests and the sweeping Sky Bridge for a thrilling aerial view.
Indonesia’s Bali invites you to explore terraced rice paddies, visit the mystical Uluwatu Temple, and watch a traditional Kecak dance at sunset. Lesser-known gems like Komodo Island introduce you to the world’s largest lizards on guided treks.
As you sail south, Australia’s rugged northwest coast presents Broome’s Cable Beach, famous for camel rides at sunset, and the dramatic red cliffs of the Kimberley region.
Your journey ends in Sydney, where you’ll sail past the gleaming sails of the Opera House and the proud arch of the Harbour Bridge. Take a ferry to Manly Beach, or explore the Royal Botanic Garden right beside the harbour.
This true Transpacific journey starts with New Zealand’s natural wonders. In Milford Sound, towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a fjordland paradise, best experienced from the ship’s deck or on a kayak tour. In Auckland, ascend the Sky Tower for panoramic views, while Wellington charms with its Te Papa Museum and vibrant café scene.
The South Pacific islands – Fiji, Tahiti, Bora Bora – offer crystal-clear lagoons perfect for snorkelling among coral gardens, and the warmth of Polynesian hospitality.
Hawaii brings volcanic drama at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and cultural immersion at Pearl Harbor. Stroll Waikiki Beach, hike up Diamond Head, or simply enjoy a fresh poke bowl under the swaying palms. Finally, San Francisco beckons. Ride the iconic cable cars, sample clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, and walk across the Golden Gate Bridge for sweeping bay views.
The Pacific turns to Atlantic on this grand finale. You might call at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a boat trip to the El Arco rock formation, or explore Puerto Vallarta’s charming old town.
Transiting the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime highlight, as you watch massive ships pass through its historic locks. In the Caribbean, St. Lucia’s Pitons rise from the sea, inviting adventurous hikes or catamaran cruises. In Cartagena, Colombia, colourful colonial streets lead to the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
After days of open sea on the Atlantic crossing, the sight of Southampton’s harbour brings your journey full circle – along with the satisfaction that you’ve truly travelled the world.
A world cruise typically lasts between 90 and 120 nights, though some itineraries extend to 150 nights or longer. Most full world cruises span around three to four months, allowing travellers to circle the globe, visiting dozens of ports across multiple continents. Shorter “world cruise sectors” are available for those who cannot commit to the full voyage but still want to experience a portion of the journey.
The P&O Cruises 2027 collection is now on sale, featuring a wide choice of itineraries including world cruises, Mediterranean adventures, and exotic long-haul voyages. Booking early with Bolsover Cruise Club means you’ll have access to the best cabins, exclusive offers, and added-value benefits before they sell out. Our expert team can guide you through the itineraries, help secure your preferred sailing, and even tailor Cruise & Stay options to make your 2027 holiday extra special.
P&O Cruises don’t directly offer Cruise & Stay holidays, but at Bolsover Cruise Club we have a dedicated Cruise & Stay team who specialise in creating tailor-made packages. This means you can enjoy a P&O cruise combined with hotel stays, tours, or land-based experiences before or after your sailing – from relaxing beach breaks to exciting city explorations. Our experts piece everything together to design your perfect getaway.
The cost of a world cruise varies depending on the cruise line, duration, cabin type, and inclusions. Prices typically start from around £10,000 per person for an inside cabin on a three-month itinerary. However, balcony cabins, suites, and luxury cruise lines can cost upwards of £30,000–£80,000 per person. Many cruise lines include extras such as flights, gratuities, onboard spending money, and drinks packages, making the overall value attractive compared to a similar length of land-based travel.
Several major cruise lines operate full world cruises each year, including:
P&O Cruises – popular for British travellers, with roundtrip voyages from Southampton.
Cunard Line – famous for their luxurious world voyages on Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.
Princess Cruises – offering globe-spanning itineraries with excellent enrichment programmes.
MSC Cruises – modern ships with extended global itineraries.
Luxury lines such as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn also operate ultra-inclusive world cruises.
These itineraries cover multiple continents and oceans, providing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
Yes, you don’t need to sail the entire world cruise. Most cruise lines, including P&O Cruises and Cunard, allow guests to book individual sectors. This means you can enjoy part of the voyage – for example, Southampton to Sydney or Singapore to Cape Town – without committing to the full three to four months. It’s an ideal option for those wanting a longer holiday than a typical cruise, but not as extensive as a full circumnavigation.
Whether you embark on the full circumnavigation or just a single sector, a world cruise is more than a holiday – it’s a chapter of your life you’ll never forget. You’ll return with more than just photographs; you’ll carry the stories, scents, sounds, and friendships from every corner of the globe.
To make your adventure even more memorable, why not combine your voyage with a tailor-made Cruise & Stay package? Spend extra days exploring iconic cities, relaxing on tropical beaches, or discovering hidden gems before or after your cruise. Our packages include carefully selected hotels, immersive tours, and all the extras that turn a great holiday into an unforgettable one. Contact our cruise experts today to discuss your dream itinerary and explore Cruise & Stay options that perfectly match your style and budget. Your next big adventure is just a conversation away.
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