When can I go on a world cruise?

Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne all depart at the beginning of the year, with many seasoned cruisers referring to January, February, and March as ‘world cruise season’, completing their voyages in March/April. Cunard World Voyages can be booked in full or in sectors, so that you can join or leave our <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/find-a-cruise#{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=World-Voyage&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=priceTag}price_GBP_anonymous=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&soldOut=false&=&start=0&sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=full-wv-benefits">itineraries at a number of ports around the world.

Which world cruise is right for me?

There are plenty of options when it comes to a world cruise, with itineraries, cruise lengths, and ports of call to suit all tastes. You may choose to embark on a <a href="https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/find-a-cruise#{!tag=destinationTag}destinationIds=World-Voyage&{!tag=embarkTag}embarkPortCode=&{!tag=departTag}departDate=&{!tag=durationTag}duration=&{!tag=roomsTag}roomIds=&{!tag=portsTag}portsOfCall=&{!tag=priceTag}price_GBP_anonymous=&{!tag=shipsTag}shipId=&soldOut=false&=&start=0&sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&group.sort=departDate asc,price_GBP_anonymous asc&{!tag=themesTag}themeIds=full-wv-benefits">Full World Vo yage , or you may wish to book a specific leg or 'sector' of the journey. Many guests even choose a ‘boomerang’ cruise, combining two ships in one trip.

World cruises - what you need to know

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time cruiser, here are some of the most important things you need to know before you sail away on your dream world cruise or world cruise sector.

Booking your world cruise

As you plan to book an exciting world cruise, or world cruise sector, you may find yourself asking a number of questions – When is the best time to go on a world cruise? How much does a world cruise cost?

A world cruise price will depend on the stateroom or suite and the itinerary you choose. Cunard World Voyages and sectors range in length from 17 nights to around 100 nights for a full world voyage.

On a World Voyage or World Voyage sector with Cunard, regardless of the accommodation grade or fare you choose, you’ll enjoy a rich menu of food, entertainment, and experiences all included in the cost.

From the very beginning, toast to your holiday with a glass of fizz in your suite or stateroom, and perhaps later take in an extraordinary show after dinner. Should you crave late nights and leisurely lie-ins, make the most of complimentary round-the-clock room service, and perhaps have breakfast delivered straight to your room. Delight in daily Afternoon Tea, sparkling Gala Evenings, a tempting menu of enlightening seminars, and much more.

And that’s just on board. As you sail on your World Voyage, find yourself stepping foot on shore in some of the most alluring global destinations. It’s like having ten holidays in one. Gaze in wonder at UNESCO World Heritage sites. Sample local delicacies you never thought you’d try. Perhaps you look forward to long, luxurious hours spend beneath the warm sun on tropical, palm-fringed beaches. Instead of looking forward to a handful of new ports to discover, just imagine experiencing a little bit of the life and culture in ten, twenty, or even thirty destinations.

Other benefits of choosing a World Voyage with Cunard include cocktail parties, the use of an exclusive lounge, a Gala dinner ashore, the services of a World Voyage concierge, a commemorative gift, and to start your holiday right, a wonderful welcome reception event. Daily service charges are also included in your World Voyage fare.

Your first day and night of your world cruise

On the first day of your cruise, you’ll receive a welcome letter, as well as a Daily Programme in your stateroom. You'll receive a Daily Programme every evening throughout the cruise, which lists all of the on board day activities for the following day, plus restaurant hours.

Your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom shortly after you embark, however you may have to wait a few hours, so it's advisable to bring anything you wish to change into in your carry-on bag.

Your first day will likely be spent simply exploring the ship and what it has to offer, grab a spot of lunch, and celebrating your departure with a delicious cocktail or refreshing glass of wine at the Sailaway party. You may choose to take it easy and relax by the pool or in the hot tub, or perhaps you’ll head to the Customer Service Desk to start arranging your Shore Experiences and taking care of any dining reservations you wish to make.

Roulette wheel in the casino on board Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

When you’ve had your fill of exploring the ship, perhaps head back to your stateroom, unpack, and refresh yourself. Then, when you’re ready, head out to explore various bars and lounges and evening entertainment on your first night. After a delicious dinner , take in the evening air outside on the deck, have a flutter at the casino , or perhaps catch the show in the Royal Court Theatre . You’ll find plenty of enticing spots in which to enjoy a quiet drink or meet fellow guests, or you could spend time browsing the shops.

Frequently asked questions about world cruises

A world cruise, or sector, is a truly unparalleled experience, and surely one you’ll never forget. Once you’ve made the decision to book, you’ll probably find yourself thinking up all sorts of questions. Here are a few of the queries we hear most often.

On a World Voyage, you can expect two Gala Evenings each week. It’s entirely up to you whether you wish to get involved, so if you’re not in the mood to dress up, you can enjoy a more casual evening and dine at one of our more informal restaurants instead.

Gala Evenings on board are an elegant affair, and many are themed – again, you need not observe the theme if you would prefer not to. Themes could be anything from the Black & White Ball to the Roaring Twenties.

It’s essential to consider your stateroom requirements and preferences when travelling for an extended period on a world cruise, whether it's a full world voyage or a shorter sector. Will you need additional space for luggage? Would you prefer a room with a view, or are you happy to enjoy the views from on deck?

Should your budget dictate your accommodation type, remember that no matter which stateroom grade you choose, you’ll enjoy an array of luxury touches during your World Voyage with Cunard. From daily Afternoon Tea and a range of talks and activities to elegant Gala Evenings and exquisite cuisine, be treated to the finest experiences on board. Find out more about what’s included, whether you choose the Britannia experience or a Grill suite.

There is no specific period you should book a world cruise, however, you may wish to enjoy the benefits of booking the Early Saver or Late Saver Fares, if you’re happy to forgo some of the advantages associated with the Cunard Fare. Find more information about our fare types.

For world cruises with departure ports abroad, it’s advisable to book your trip at least six months in advance to allow you ample time to arrange visas and other logistics.

Discover our world cruise sectors

Join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in 2024, and Queen Anne in 2025, to discover some of the world's most iconic destinations.