✈️ Around the world cruise: how much it costs and how to choose a ship

A world cruise lasts from three to five months. During that time the ship calls at several dozen ports, while you unpack your suitcase only once (as of 09/2026, official Costa website).

Flights, hotels, and transfers between countries are replaced by a single ticket. We have put together 14 departure options from four lines: Costa, MSC, AIDA, and Princess. Below are the itineraries, dates, what is included in the price, and where you save on a long voyage.

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Overview: 14 world cruises

💡 In short:

Voyages last from 100 to 144 nights and usually depart in late fall or winter.
Embarkation is possible in eight ports: Savona, Civitavecchia, Marseille, Barcelona, Genoa, Hamburg, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale.
Itineraries, dates, and prices: 09/2026, verified on Costa's world cruise page.

The table below helps you quickly compare four ships.

Ship	Line	Departure	Duration	Ports
Costa Deliziosa	Costa	Savona	139 nights	47
MSC Magnifica	MSC	Genoa	about 120 nights	47
AIDAdiva	AIDA	Hamburg	144 days	55
Coral Princess	Princess	Los Angeles	114 days	52

Sources: 09/2026, official Costa page, MSC World Cruise description, AIDA press release, Princess news about the voyage.

A world cruise is structured as a long chain of segments. The ship departs from Europe or the US, crosses the Atlantic, sails through the Pacific, and returns home via the Suez Canal or the Caribbean. Between blocks of ports there are sea days, and they give you a pause to rest.

You pay only for the cabin, so the trip often works out cheaper than a multi-stop itinerary. During the voyage you unpack your suitcase once and do not carry it through airports and train stations.

You choose a line based on three factors: departure ports, duration, and the set of continents. Costa and MSC depart from the Mediterranean, AIDA leaves from Hamburg, and Princess serves the US coast. Pacific itineraries call at Polynesian islands and New Zealand, while Asian routes add Singapore, Malaysia, and India. Below, each departure option is broken down separately, with the itinerary, dates, and what is included in the price.

1. Costa Deliziosa: voyage from Savona

Costa Deliziosa cruise ship docked in Tallinn

Costa Deliziosa opens the World Tour 2027 on November 25, 2026 in Savona and returns there on April 12, 2027 (as of 09/2026, Costa Cruises website). That is 139 nights, 47 destinations, and five continents. The full itinerary is chosen by those who want to cover five continents in one trip.

The ship passes Gibraltar and the Atlantic, then heads to the Canary Islands, Barbados, and Panama. Next come Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Easter Island. The eastern half of the voyage consists of Australia, Papua New Guinea, Japan, China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and India, and the journey ends with Oman, Jordan, and Greece. For five months on board, take a cabin with a window or balcony, an inside cabin gets old quickly.

Ship: Costa Deliziosa
Departure: Savona (Italy), November 25, 2026
Duration: 139 nights
Cost: an inside cabin is noticeably cheaper than a suite, the fare depends on the season (as of 09/2026, Costa's section on the 2027 itinerary)
The catch: between continents there are stretches of 5-7 days on the open sea

2. Costa Deliziosa: boarding in Civitavecchia

Port of Civitavecchia with fortress and ship

The same World Tour 2027 also starts from the port of Rome. Civitavecchia serves as the sea gateway to the Italian capital, so the day before the cruise is a good time to spend on the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

For you, this option is shorter and cheaper than the full one, because you skip the first Mediterranean nights. After that, the schedule matches the main one: Marseille, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Barbados, Aruba, and the Panama Canal. The Pacific weeks and South Asia remain in full.

Stops on the Caribbean leg include Bridgetown with its restaurants, upscale shops, and white-sand beaches. Panama offers the port of Cristobal, and Ecuador adds Manta with hot days and warm nights. Peru and Chile provide mainland ports, and Easter Island shows its stone statues in the open air.

The Australian part opens with Melbourne, Sydney, and Cairns. Papua New Guinea adds a call in Rabaul. The Asian block runs through Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Sri Lanka brings exotic fruit, and India offers cultural landmarks and old temples. The return is closed out by ports in Oman, Jordan, and Greece, and you see the Mediterranean again.

Ship: Costa Deliziosa
Departure: Civitavecchia (Italy)
Duration: less than 139 nights, the exact length depends on the embarkation port
Cost: usually lower than the full cruise (as of 09/2026, Costa's data on the cruise)
The catch: the starting ports of Europe stay out of the picture

3. Costa Deliziosa: cruise from Marseille

Panoramic view of Marseille with port and sea

French Marseille is another embarkation point for the World Tour 2027. It is a convenient starting point for those who live in the south of France or fly into Paris and continue by train.

The ship heads to Barcelona, then to the Canary Islands and across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. The Caribbean basin here is represented by Barbados, Aruba, and Panama. The South American segment includes Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Easter Island. Oceania and Asia follow, with no cuts.

Caribbean days are taken up by Barbados, Aruba, and Panama, while South America adds Ecuador, Peru, and mainland ports in Chile. On Easter Island you go ashore next to the stone statues and photograph them up close.

The Pacific continues with Tahiti and Bora Bora, then come the Cook Islands and New Zealand with geysers and lakes. Japan and China offer museums and temples, and Singapore shows a city of the future. In Malaysia and Sri Lanka you can swim in the warm sea, and in Bombay you can book a sightseeing tour through the noisy streets. The route finishes with Oman, Jordan, and ports in Greece.

Ship: Costa Deliziosa
Departure: Marseille (France)
Duration: shorter than the full circle, depends on the embarkation date
Cost: calculate for a specific date (as of 09/2026, Costa World Tour)
The catch: getting to Marseille from the airport requires a separate transfer

4. Costa Deliziosa: start in Barcelona

Port of Barcelona and coastline from above

Barcelona closes the list of Mediterranean embarkation ports for this cruise. The city's advantage is that Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter stay within easy reach until the ship departs.

After that, Costa Deliziosa sets course for the Canary Islands and crosses the Atlantic. Sea days here come in blocks, but the entertainment program fills the evenings. After Barbados, Aruba, and Panama, you have Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Easter Island ahead. Oceania, Asia, and Greece complete the circle.

Ship: Costa Deliziosa
Departure: Barcelona (Spain)
Duration: shorter than the full circle by the time of the Mediterranean segment
Cost: check for your date (as of 09/2026, Costa: dates and prices)
The catch: each major port usually gets only one day

5. MSC Magnifica: world cruise from Marseille

MSC Magnifica sails around the world with calls at 47 destinations (as of 09/2026, MSC's section on world cruises). Passengers board in Genoa, Marseille, or Barcelona. The longest European segment is from Genoa, because Marseille comes after it.

The ship calls at Lisbon and Madeira, then crosses the Atlantic and heads to Brazil. The route includes Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Chilean ports.

The second half of the voyage covers Oceania and Asia: New Zealand, Tasmania, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Oman, and Jordan. The return to the Mediterranean passes through the Suez Canal. Shore excursions are easy to plan in advance through GetYourGuide.

Ship: MSC Magnifica
Departure: Marseille (France)
Route: 47 ports, including the Suez Canal (as of 09/2026, MSC World Cruise 2026)
Cost: depends on cabin and season
The catch: visa fees and excursions are not included in the base fare

6. MSC Magnifica: embarkation in Barcelona

You can also start the same MSC Magnifica voyage in Barcelona. The Spanish port offers a convenient start for residents of southern Europe, because the ship passes fewer European stops before reaching the Atlantic.

From Barcelona the ship heads to Lisbon and Madeira, then crosses the ocean. Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru make up the next block. After that come the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island, French Polynesia, the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

The eastern section includes Tasmania, Australia, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea. The voyage finishes with Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Oman, Jordan and Egypt.

Ship: MSC Magnifica
Departure: Barcelona (Spain)
Itinerary: 47 ports, shorter European start
Price: the fare depends on the date and cabin type (as of 09/2026, MSC Magnifica deck plan)
The catch: you skip the initial European stops

7. MSC Magnifica: voyage from Genoa

Panorama of the historic center of Genoa and the port

Genoa is MSC's Italian port, and the line's routes converge here. This option is convenient for those traveling from Central Europe by train.

The ship sails along the Mediterranean coast, calls at Marseille and Barcelona, and then enters the Atlantic near Madeira. The course then heads to Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Uruguay, Peru and Chile, where the long mainland stops begin.

The return route passes through Oceania, South Asia and the Suez Canal. Look for trains to the departure port on Trip.com.

Ship: MSC Magnifica
Departure: Genoa (Italy)
Itinerary: Mediterranean, Atlantic, Oceania, Asia
Price: check for a specific date (as of 09/2026, MSC: voyage description)
The catch: sea crossings between continents last several days each

8. MSC Magnifica: route with the Suez Canal

This MSC Magnifica option is valued for its final section. The ship passes Egypt and the Suez Canal, then calls at the largest ports in Italy and France.

The weeks in the Pacific sit in the middle of the program: Easter Island, French Polynesia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and the islands of Indonesia.

Standout stops include Komodo Island with its giant monitor lizards and Bali with its rice terraces. The Australian block is complemented by Tasmania and New Caledonia, and you pass New Zealand right after the Cook Islands. In the Indian Ocean the route calls at Mauritius and Mumbai, where everyone can pick an excursion to their liking.

Before the Suez Canal the ship sails through India, Oman and Jordan. The return takes up the Mediterranean, and the finish is in Marseille. Choose this voyage if you want to combine islands and Asian cities.

Ship: MSC Magnifica
Departure: Marseille (France)
Itinerary: Pacific Ocean, Asia, Suez Canal
Price: depends on the cabin category (as of 09/2026, MSC port data)
The catch: the packed finale coincides with short port calls

9. MSC Magnifica: Barcelona option with Egypt

The second Spanish MSC Magnifica option differs in its set of Asian stops. Here India, Oman, Jordan and Egypt are added to the route, and the Suez Canal opens the way home.

MSC Magnifica cruise ship in the port of Warnemünde

From Barcelona the ship heads to Madeira and across the Atlantic to Brazil. South America offers Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and ports in Chile and Peru.

After that come the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island and the Cook Islands. New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea complete the ocean section. Before the return you pass Sri Lanka and India.

Ship: MSC Magnifica
Departure: Barcelona (Spain)
Itinerary: Atlantic, South America, Asia, Egypt
Price: check for your date (as of 09/2026, MSC Magnifica: itinerary)
The catch: excursions in Egypt are sold separately on board

10. AIDAdiva: voyage from Hamburg

AIDA is putting AIDAdiva on a world cruise. The voyage departs Hamburg on October 24, 2027 and returns there on March 16, 2028 (as of 09/2026, AIDA Weltreise announcement). That is 144 days, 55 ports, six continents and 27 countries.

The itinerary focuses on the Southern Hemisphere. The ship calls at A Coruña and Porto, heads to Madeira, then to Brazil. The program includes Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Uruguay and Argentina.

The African segment includes Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia. The ship also calls at Mauritius and the Canary Islands. For hotels in Hamburg before boarding, check Trip.com.

Ship: AIDAdiva
Departure: Hamburg (Germany), October 24, 2027
Duration: 144 days
Itinerary: 55 ports, 27 countries, six continents (as of 09/2026, AIDA voyage details)
The catch: beverage packages and excursions cost extra on top of the fare

11. Coral Princess: voyage from Los Angeles

Los Angeles skyscrapers against snow-capped mountains

Princess Cruises is putting a world cruise on Coral Princess: 114 days, 52 ports, 28 countries and six continents (as of 09/2026, Princess announcement). Embarkation is available in Los Angeles.

The first weeks are spent in the Pacific. The ship heads to Hawaii, then to French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. Next come New Zealand and Stewart Island.

The Australian segment includes Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. After that come Bali, Singapore, Phuket and Sri Lanka. The route finishes with the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, cities in South Africa, Namibia and Saint Helena.

Ship: Coral Princess
Departure: Los Angeles (USA)
Duration: 114 days
Itinerary: 52 ports, 28 countries (as of 09/2026, Princess port data)
The catch: flights to the USA are not included in the cruise fare

12. Coral Princess: voyage to Fort Lauderdale

large white cruise ship sailing on the water

This Coral Princess itinerary is designed as a crossing from one US coast to the other. It starts in Los Angeles, ends in Florida, and lasts about three months.

The ocean portion goes through Hawaii, Rangiroa and Tahiti. New Zealand offers Auckland and national parks.

After that come Australia, Bali, Phuket, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Seychelles. The African block is Zanzibar, Madagascar, Mauritius and cities in South Africa. The finale passes through Namibia, Saint Helena, Devil's Island and Martinique.

Ship: Coral Princess
Departure: Los Angeles (USA)
Duration: about three months
Itinerary: Pacific, Australia, Africa, Atlantic
The catch: changing continents makes the return flight more expensive

13. Coral Princess: embarkation in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale: waterfront, white yacht, and skyscrapers

Fort Lauderdale is Princess's American port in Florida. Embarkation here is convenient for those flying into Miami, because the port is nearby.

The ship passes through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, calling at Cartagena, Puerto Quetzal and Mexican ports. After Los Angeles, the course heads to Hawaii.

The Pacific takes up a long block: French Polynesia, Tonga, New Zealand and Stewart Island. After that come Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Phuket and Colombo. The finale passes through the Maldives, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia and Saint Helena. Plan one day for each major port call, occasionally two.

Ship: Coral Princess
Departure: Fort Lauderdale (USA)
Itinerary: Caribbean, Panama Canal, Pacific, Africa
Cost: the fare depends on cabin and date (as of 09/2026, Princess cruise description)
The catch: port fees are included in the price, but excursions are not

14. Coral Princess: route through southern Africa

Coral Princess cruise ship against a wooded shore

The last Coral Princess option focuses on the Southern Hemisphere and Africa. The ship departs from Fort Lauderdale, heads to the Antilles and through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica and the Mexican ports of Puerto Chiapas and Cabo San Lucas open the route. After a long stop in Los Angeles, the liner sets course for Hawaii.

The Pacific weeks include French Polynesia and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. Then Australia, Bali, Singapore, the Maldives and the Seychelles. The final part passes through Tanzania, Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Saint Helena and Brazil.

Ship: Coral Princess
Departure: Fort Lauderdale (USA)
Route: Panama Canal, Polynesia, Africa, Brazil
Price: check by sailing date (as of 09/2026, Princess route)
The catch: long crossings between Pacific islands

What is included in the cruise fare

The base fare for a world cruise usually covers the main onboard expenses.

Accommodation in a cabin of the selected category
Meals in the main restaurants
Onboard entertainment program
Gym, pool, group classes
Port fees and luggage delivery

The cabin is chosen in advance: inside, oceanview, balcony or suite. On a long voyage, the difference between categories is significant, so choose it based on budget and passenger habits. Each line has its own fare structure, and it is checked at booking.

Alternative restaurants and bars are almost always paid, as are most excursions.

What is paid separately

On top of the fare, passengers pay for excursions, insurance and visas based on citizenship. Beverage and internet packages are billed separately.

Gratuities depend on the line: at AIDA they are included in the price, at other companies they end up on the final bill. The billing currency changes along the route. For itineraries calling at dozens of countries, check bank cards and cash in advance.

Before purchasing, compare insurance options to cover trip cancellation and medical care.

Pros and cons of a long cruise

A long voyage solves the logistics question for the entire route. Several restaurants, bars, a spa and evening shows operate on board.

Modern ships offer cabins with amenities at the level of a good hotel. Food is varied, and the crew quickly handles everyday issues. Long sea days are filled with activities and evening concerts.

The main downside is short port calls. A major city gets one, rarely two days, and in that time you will see little. Between continents, fatigue from sea days builds up.

Plus: one cabin for the entire route
Plus: a full evening program
Minus: short port calls in major cities
Minus: multi-day ocean crossings

What to bring

Gather your documents: passport, visas and insurance. Check the passport expiration date, because some countries require six months of validity.

Two or three changes of clothes and a warm sweater are enough. Evening attire will come in handy for formal dinners. Bring comfortable everyday shoes and a first aid kit with pain relievers.

For connectivity in ports where roaming is expensive, install an eSIM in advance.

Documents, visas, insurance
Two or three sets of clothes and a warm sweater
Evening attire and comfortable shoes
First aid kit and everyday small items

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a world cruise cost?

The price depends on the line, cabin type and duration. At Coral Princess, the fare starts at a five-figure amount per person (as of 09/2026, cruisehive.com). An inside cabin is several times cheaper than a suite.

Can I buy only part of the route?

Yes. World cruises are divided into segments, and they are sold separately. This way you take a three-to-four-week section instead of the full circle. The cruise company confirms segment connections.

What is included in the base price?

The fare includes the cabin, meals in the main restaurants, entertainment, gym, pool and port fees. Excursions, beverages, internet and gratuities are billed separately. At AIDA, gratuities are already included in the price.

How long does a world cruise last?

A full circle takes from 100 to 144 nights. At Costa Deliziosa it is 139 nights, at AIDAdiva 144 days (as of 09/2026, AIDA announcement about dates). Segments are shorter and suit those who cannot leave for five months.

Do I need visas for a world cruise?

The set of visas depends on the countries on the route. Visas based on citizenship are arranged separately, and they are not included in the base fare. Request the exact list after booking. Some ports require a valid passport with remaining validity.

Video: world cruise from San Francisco to London

If you want to see a long voyage live, watch a recording from on board the ship.

In short: what to book

The choice depends on budget, time and which latitudes matter more to you. Below is a short matrix across four lines.

If you want South America and Easter Island: Costa Deliziosa from Savona for 139 nights.
If Europe and Asia matter without lengthy preparations: MSC Magnifica from Genoa.
If you want the longest route, Africa and 55 ports: AIDAdiva from Hamburg for 144 days.
If a US start and the Pacific are convenient: Coral Princess from Los Angeles.

Choose the cabin and route by departure date. For hotels in the departure port, see Trip.com, and book airport transfers through Kiwitaxi.

Around the world cruises 2026/2027: 14 departure options