World Cruise Tips: Prepare for a Global Adventure

At Cruise Ready, we’re excited to share our top world cruise tips to help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

A world cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore multiple continents, cultures, and cuisines in a single journey.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from choosing the perfect itinerary to packing essentials and budgeting for your global voyage.

How to Choose Your Perfect World Cruise

Duration and Destinations

World cruises offer a range of options, typically lasting between 90 to 180 days (with some extending beyond 200 days). Expedition and exploration cruises have seen a 22% increase in passengers from 2023 to 2024. Your choice should reflect your available time and preferred travel pace. Longer voyages often provide more in-depth experiences at each port, while shorter ones cover fewer destinations at a brisker pace.

When selecting destinations, look for a mix of iconic cities and hidden gems. For example, Princess Cruises’ 2024 World Cruise visits 51 destinations across 27 countries, including both well-known ports and off-the-beaten-path locations (like Komodo Island in Indonesia).

Ship Selection and Amenities

Your chosen ship will serve as your home for months, so select one that aligns with your lifestyle. Larger ships (such as those from Royal Caribbean) offer diverse activities and dining options, while smaller luxury vessels (like Silversea) provide a more intimate experience with personalized service.

Pay attention to cabin types and locations. A balcony cabin can significantly enhance your experience on a long voyage, offering private outdoor space. Mid-ship cabins typically provide the smoothest ride, which can prove important for extended periods at sea.

Pricing and Inclusions

World cruise prices vary widely, ranging from approximately $20,000 to over $200,000 per person. However, these fares often include numerous extras. For instance, Oceania Cruises’ 2025 Around the World voyage includes roundtrip airfare, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and a generous onboard credit.

Look beyond the base fare and consider the inclusions. Some lines offer complimentary shore excursions, while others include gratuities or beverage packages. These inclusions can significantly impact your overall budget.

Shore Excursions and Activities

Research the shore excursions offered at each port. Many cruise lines release their excursion details well in advance, allowing you to plan and budget accordingly. Viking’s world cruises, for example, often feature included tours at each port, providing a good baseline for exploration.

Don’t overlook sea days. World cruises typically feature extensive onboard enrichment programs. Search for itineraries that align with your interests, whether that’s lectures by noted historians, cooking classes with celebrity chefs, or wellness programs.

While cruise line excursions offer convenience, independent exploration can sometimes provide more authentic experiences and potential cost savings. Balance your choices to create a personalized adventure that matches your travel style and budget.

As you finalize your world cruise selection, turn your attention to another critical aspect of your journey: packing. The right items can make a world of difference on a months-long voyage.

How to Pack Smart for Your World Cruise

Versatile Clothing for Multiple Climates

World cruises traverse various climate zones, from tropical beaches to cooler regions. Pack clothing that you can layer and mix-and-match. Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics work best. Include 5-7 neutral-colored bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts) and 10-12 tops that you can dress up or down. This approach allows for numerous outfit combinations while minimizing luggage.

Include swimwear, cover-ups, and sun protection gear. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses protect you in sunny destinations. For cooler climates, pack a warm jacket, gloves, and a scarf.

Formal Wear and Special Event Attire

Most world cruises include formal nights and special events. Pack 2-3 formal outfits that you can accessorize differently for variety. Men should consider a dark suit or tuxedo, while women might opt for cocktail dresses or elegant pantsuits. Don’t forget appropriate shoes and accessories to complete these looks.

Health and Medication Essentials

Bring an ample supply of any prescription medications, plus copies of your prescriptions. Pack over-the-counter medications for common ailments like seasickness, headaches, and stomach issues. A small first-aid kit can prove invaluable.

Include sunscreen with a high SPF, insect repellent, and any personal hygiene items you prefer. While you can purchase many items onboard, having your preferred brands can enhance comfort during your long journey.

Entertainment for Sea Days

World cruises often include multiple sea days. Pack items to keep yourself entertained during these times. E-readers loaded with books, tablets with downloaded movies or shows, and portable game consoles are popular choices. A journal to document your journey or art supplies (if you enjoy creative pursuits) can also enhance your experience.

Luggage and Storage Considerations

Most cruise lines have luggage restrictions (typically allowing 2-3 suitcases per person). Check your cruise line’s specific guidelines. Soft-sided luggage often works best for cabin storage.

Inside your cabin, use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space. Over-the-door organizers can add extra storage for small items. Consider packing a small collapsible bag for souvenirs or day trips.

Don’t overlook practical items like a power strip (non-surge protected, as per cruise regulations), a small flashlight, and a reusable water bottle. These small additions can significantly enhance your comfort during the voyage.

Now that you’ve packed smartly for your world cruise, it’s time to turn your attention to another critical aspect of your journey: budgeting and financial planning. Proper financial preparation ensures you can fully enjoy your global adventure without unexpected financial stress.

How Much Will Your World Cruise Really Cost?

The True Cost of Your Cruise Fare

World cruises offer an unparalleled adventure, but they come with a hefty price tag. Let’s break down the real costs of your global voyage.

Your cruise fare is just the beginning. It covers your accommodation, meals, and basic entertainment, but many extras aren’t included. Luxury lines (like Silversea or Regent Seven Seas) often include more in their base fare, but budget-friendly options may have more add-ons.

Depending on the cruise line, room type, and duration, you can find a world cruise for as low as 10,000 USD per person. However, this is rarely your final cost. Add at least 20-30% to this base fare for a more realistic budget. This extra cushion covers onboard expenses, shore excursions, and unexpected costs.

Onboard Expenses: The Hidden Budget Eaters

Onboard expenses can quickly add up. Specialty dining, premium beverages, spa treatments, and onboard shopping are common budget inflators.

Set a daily budget for these extras. A good rule of thumb is $50-$100 per person per day for onboard expenses. This might seem high, but you’re on board for months.

Don’t forget about gratuities. Many cruise lines add an automatic gratuity of $14-$20 per person per day. On a 180-day cruise, that’s an additional $2,520-$3,600 per person.

Shore Excursions: Balancing Exploration and Budget

Shore excursions are a significant part of your world cruise experience, but they can be expensive. Cruise line excursions often cost $100-$300 per person, per port. With 30-50 ports on a typical world cruise, this could add $3,000-$15,000 to your total cost.

To save money, mix cruise line excursions with independent exploration. Research each port and book local tours when possible. This strategy can cut your excursion costs by 30-50%.

Travel Insurance: A Must-Have for Long Voyages

For a world cruise, comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable. Look for policies that cover trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation. Expect to pay 5-7% of your total trip cost for a good policy.

A world cruise costing $50,000 might require $2,500-$3,500 for adequate insurance coverage. It’s a significant expense, but it provides crucial protection for such a long journey.

Currency Exchange: Navigating Multiple Countries

World cruises visit numerous countries, each with its own currency. While credit cards are widely accepted, you’ll need local currency for small purchases and tips.

Try to budget about $50-$100 per port for local currency. Use ATMs at ports for the best exchange rates, but inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Consider getting a travel-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees. This can save you 3-5% on every purchase abroad.

A realistic budget for a world cruise should include:

• Base cruise fare
• 20-30% extra for onboard expenses and gratuities
• $3,000-$15,000 for shore excursions
• 5-7% of total trip cost for insurance
• $50-$100 per port for local currency

For a 180-day world cruise with a base fare of $10,000, your total budget might realistically be $30,000-$50,000 per person. It’s a significant investment, but many find it worthwhile for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Final Thoughts

World cruise tips emphasize thorough planning as the key to an unforgettable global adventure. Selecting the perfect itinerary, packing smartly, and budgeting wisely contribute to a successful journey. A world cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures and witness breathtaking landscapes without constant repacking and airport transfers.

The experience of a world cruise is unparalleled. You’ll wake up in a new country every few days, dine on local cuisines from around the globe, and form friendships with fellow travelers from all walks of life. You’ll have the luxury of unpacking once while the world comes to you, offering a blend of comfort and adventure that’s hard to match with any other form of travel.

Start planning your global adventure now. Research different cruise lines, compare itineraries, and consider your budget carefully (early planning often yields the best deals and cabin selections). At Cruise Ready, we help you prepare for your cruise adventure with comprehensive guides covering everything from packing essentials to ship reviews.