Cruise companies have been launching progressively longer and more extreme cruises in the last few years. These journeys often last months, visiting dozens of destinations across several countries, and can cost tens of thousands of euros.
The rise of world cruises comes as travellers demand newer, more exciting experiences that push the frontiers of luxury travel.
A vast range of dining, entertainment, shopping, fitness and activity facilities on most luxury cruises also ensures that they appeal to a wide variety of travellers who don’t want to compromise on travel style and comfort.
A rise in people sharing their trips on social media, as well as more interest from millennial and Gen Z cruisers, has supported the growth of cruising as well.
This has led a number of cruise companies to go even bigger with the upcoming launches of even longer journeys around the world.
But how long is too long to be at sea? And does the price tag justify the experience?
Euronews Travel looks at some of the most extreme cruises due to launch in 2026 and 2027.
Princess Cruises’ Grand Circle Pacific Voyage
Launching in January 2027, Princess Cruises’ World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific Voyage will be a mammoth 129-day world cruise visiting 20 countries, 61 destinations and three continents. Setting sail aboard the Coral Princess, this epic 35,400 nautical mile (65,560.8km) trip will appeal to the most adventurous cruise lover and world traveller.
The journey will cover everything from vibrant cities, remote tropical islands, spectacular landscapes and iconic, historical landmarks, crossing the Equator and International Date Line twice.
Stops include Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Alaska, Los Angeles, Panama, Honolulu, Costa Rica, South Pacific islands and much more, with some highlights being Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park.
The cruise will also offer a number of shorter options, including a 110-day leg from Los Angeles to Vancouver, as well as a 114-day round trip from Los Angeles, both in January 2027. Other shorter trips ranging from four to 68 days will be possible too, departing from ports such as Hong Kong, Auckland, Honolulu, Sydney, Singapore, Vancouver and Tokyo.
With a capacity of 2,000 guests, the Coral Princess ship will have a range of gourmet dining options, as well as Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill restaurants. It will also have live music, Broadway-style shows, Movies Under the Stars, casino games, local performers and enrichment speakers.
“Our upcoming 2027 World Cruise Grand Circle Pacific Voyage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey connecting travellers to the world’s most breathtaking destinations with the signature warmth and elegance only Princess can provide,” Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises’ chief commercial officer, said in a statement.
“This 129-day adventure is designed for guests who yearn to experience different cultures, history, flavours and the breathtaking spectacles of the Pacific like never before.”
The full 129-day cruise starts at a steep $29,719 (€25,489.7) per person, with the 114-day round-trip setting travellers back $26,108 (€22,384.2) and the 110-day cruise costing $25,108 (€21,526.3), according to Travel Weekly.
Travellers booking before 3 October this year can get perks like complimentary Wi-Fi, round-trip airport transfers and onboard credit of up to $1,500 (€1,285.9) per passenger.
Seabourn’s Pole-to-Pole Grand Expedition
Seabourn’s 94-day Pole-to-Pole Grand Expedition will start in August 2027, going from Reykjavik in Iceland to Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina on the Seabourn Venture.
This once-in-a-lifetime cruise will cross 20,500 nautical miles (37,966km), and visit 14 countries, offering ample opportunities for nature, rare wildlife and cultural immersion experiences.
Destinations will include Kangerlussuaq, Halifax, Saint Lucia, Montevideo, Barbados and Rio de Janeiro, Montserrat and Devil’s Island, among many others.
Some highlights include exploring the high Arctic, visiting the remote South Georgia and Falkland Islands, chances to experience the Northern Lights, seeing polar bears and navigating through the notorious Northwest Passage.
Other experiences, such as a submarine dive, polar plunges, kayak tours, caviar and champagne on ice and several expeditions to fjords, icy shores, desert isles, coral reefs and more will be possible too.
“Whether guests are drawn to the thrill of expedition travel or the allure of exploring hidden destinations, our 2027–2028 season offers life-expanding voyages for every kind of traveller,” Mark Tamis, President of Seabourn, said in a press release.
“With the intimate, yacht-like atmosphere of our ships, the genuine warmth and attentiveness of our onboard team, enriching onboard programming, and immersive shore excursions, we invite guests to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations, all with Seabourn’s signature style of luxury at sea.”
Bookings are already open, with the Veranda Suite starting from an eye-watering £71,279 (€82,773.5) per person. Other accommodation options include the Penthouse Suite, the Panorama Penthouse Suite and the Owners Suite.
Oceania Cruises’ Epic Global Adventure
Oceania Cruises’ marathon 244-day Epic Global Adventure cruise will start in January 2027, from Miami to New York, visiting 150 destinations in 64 countries across 6 continents.
From crossing the Suez and Panama canals to island hopping through the South Pacific and cruising through the Mexican Riviera, this journey onboard the Oceania Vista will offer world exploration like no other.
Destinations include Fiji, the British Isles, Barcelona, Scandinavia, Canada, Australia, the Arabian Peninsula, Lisbon and the Mediterranean.
The Oceania Vista offers a wide range of 11 dining options, including the French restaurant Jacques, The Bakery at Baristas and Italian Toscana, along with eight bars. It also has several spas, such as the Aquamar Spa Terrace and the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre. The ship provides a variety of onboard enrichment experiences, too, like art classes and food and wine pairing experiences.
“With travel more sought after than ever, our intrepid guests continue to showcase an unyielding passion for immersive and truly global experiences,” Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, said in a press release.
“As a destination-focused brand, we are delighted to offer the opportunity to explore lesser-visited corners of the world, made possible by the innovative itineraries sailed by our small ships that grant access to hidden gems in these exotic and tropical regions.”
Bookings for the Epic Global Adventure cruise are already open with French Veranda rooms starting from a promotional fare of £86,309 (€100,202.2) per person. Other accommodation options include the Veranda Stateroom, Concierge Level Veranda, Penthouse Suite, Oceania Suite, Vista Suite and Owner’s Suite.
Cunard’s Full World Voyage
Starting in January 2026, Cunard’s Full World Voyage will be a 117-night round trip from Hamburg aboard the Queen Anne.
Destinations include Southampton, Tenerife, Rotterdam, Walvis Bay, Cape Town, Durban, Manila, Singapore, Port Louis, Le Port, Bali, Sydney and more.
From getting up close and personal with marine wildlife such as seals and dolphins in Namibia to visiting South Africa’s famous Garden Route and taking in Colombo’s rich spice heritage, the Full World Voyage has plenty of opportunities for culture, nature and adventure lovers.
This cruise can provide a more affordable world cruise option, while still taking in a multitude of iconic destinations and unique experiences along the way. While the Britannia Inside accommodation is now sold out, the Britannia Oceanview option starts at £16,639 (€19,309.2) per person. Other options include the Britannia Balcony, Britannia Club Balcony, Princess Grill Suites and Queens Grill Suites.
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