What Does a World Cruise Cost in 2025 and What’s Included

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You can expect the world cruise cost in 2025 to start around $15,800 and reach over $100,000 per person, depending on the cruise line and the level of luxury you choose. Take a look at these starting prices:

Most world cruises include your stateroom, meals, entertainment, and some onboard activities. You may also see perks like Wi-Fi, gratuities, or laundry in certain world cruise fares. The ultimate world cruise or world voyage experience can vary greatly, so you need to compare what each cruise offers before you book.

Key Takeaways

• World cruise prices in 2025 range from about $6,000 to over $100,000 per person depending on cruise line, cabin type, and trip length.
• Your fare usually covers your stateroom, meals, entertainment, some excursions, and perks like Wi-Fi and gratuities, but inclusions vary by cruise line.
• Luxury cruises include more extras like premium dining, drinks, shore excursions, and sometimes flights, while mainstream lines may charge extra for these.
• Extra costs to plan for include optional shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining, travel insurance, port taxes, and visas.
• You can save money by booking early, choosing inside cabins, sailing off-peak, using travel agents, and joining loyalty programs for discounts and credits.

World Cruise Cost Overview

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Price Range

You will find that world cruise cost in 2025 covers a wide range. Some world cruises start at just over $6,000 per person, while the most luxurious options can reach $80,000 or more. The price depends on the cruise line, the length of the world voyage, and the level of comfort you want. For example, in September 2025, you can book a world cruise for about $6,774 per person. In February 2026, the starting price drops to around $6,100. On the other hand, the 68-night Longitudinal World Cruise VI by Viking Oceans costs $79,995 per person for double occupancy.

Here is a table showing starting prices for world cruises by month:

You can see how prices change throughout the year. The lowest fares often appear in September and February. The most expensive world cruises, like those from Viking Oceans, offer a more exclusive experience and higher levels of service.

Key Factors

Several factors affect the world cruise cost. You should look at these main points before you book your world voyage:

• Cruise Line: Luxury cruise lines such as Viking Oceans and Silversea set higher world cruise fares. More affordable lines like MSC Cruises or Holland America offer lower prices but may include fewer extras.
• Cabin Type: The type of cabin you choose makes a big difference. Interior cabins cost less, while suites and balcony cabins raise the price. For example, on Royal Caribbean, an interior cabin starts at $1,899, but a junior suite starts at $4,299. On Princess Cruises, a 116-day world cruise costs $19,999 for a standard cabin, but premium cabins cost much more.

• Itinerary Length: Longer world cruises cost more. A 274-night ultimate world cruise with Royal Caribbean starts at $59,999, while shorter world voyages cost less.
• Inclusions: What is included in your fare changes the total world cruise cost. Some world cruise fares cover gratuities, Wi-Fi, flights, and even laundry. For example, Windstar Cruises offers an all-inclusive upgrade for $99 per day, which covers alcohol, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Royal Caribbean’s ultimate world cruise fare includes business class airfare, gratuities, and Wi-Fi for two devices. These inclusions raise the fare but save you money on board.

Tip: Always check what is included in your world cruise fares. Some lines bundle more extras, which can make the higher price a better value.

You should compare cruise lines, cabin types, and what is included in the fare. This helps you find the best world cruise cost for your needs. The ultimate world cruise experience can be affordable or luxurious, depending on your choices.

What’s Included in World Cruises

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When you book world cruises, you get more than just a ticket to travel. Your fare covers a wide range of services and amenities. These inclusions can make your world voyage comfortable and enjoyable. However, what you get depends on the cruise line and the type of fare you choose.

Accommodations

You will stay in a stateroom or suite for the entire journey. The type of room you select affects your comfort and price. Most world cruises offer these stateroom features:

• King-size bed with luxury linens
• Large flat-screen TV with on-demand movies
• Spacious private bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, and hair dryer
• Premium toiletries
• Direct-dial satellite phone and cell service
• Security safe
• Multiple electrical outlets and USB ports

Cruise lines offer different stateroom categories. Inside cabins are the most basic, while suites provide the most space and perks. Some ships have exclusive areas for suite guests, such as private pools and lounges. The table below shows how prices increase as you move from inside to oceanview to balcony cabins on major cruise lines:

You can see that moving up to a balcony or suite can raise your fare by over 40% on some lines. Suites often come with extra services like butlers, priority boarding, and access to private areas.

Dining and Beverages

World cruises include most of your meals. You can eat in main dining rooms, buffets, and sometimes specialty restaurants. The level of dining depends on the cruise line. Luxury lines offer more options and higher quality.

Luxury world cruises often include premium wines, spirits, and even caviar. Mainstream lines may require you to pay extra for specialty dining or beverage packages. Some lines, like Windstar, let you upgrade to an all-inclusive package for a daily fee.

Tip: Always check if your fare includes specialty dining and drinks. This can save you money during your cruise.

Excursions and Activities

Your world cruise fare usually covers a selection of shore excursions and many onboard activities. The number and type of excursions depend on the cruise line.

• Some cruises, like MSC World Cruise 2025, include up to 15 shore excursions in cities such as Malaga, Casablanca, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cape Town.
• Included excursions may feature city tours, cultural visits, snorkeling, and panoramic sightseeing.
• Onboard activities often include theme nights, language classes, guest speakers, and a full schedule of events.

Different cruise lines offer different levels of included excursions:

Viking Cruises stands out for its comprehensive inclusions. You get free business class airfare on select departures, airport-to-ship transfers, and a focus on cultural immersion. Viking also offers flexible booking terms and detailed itineraries that cover many continents.

Additional Perks

World cruises often include extra perks that add value to your trip. These can make your time at sea more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Free laundry service, with pressing for higher cabin categories
• Onboard gratuities included in your fare
• Unlimited Wi-Fi, often using fast satellite connections
• Access to gourmet dining, including specialty restaurants and 24-hour in-suite dining
• Complimentary beverages such as sodas, specialty coffees, teas, juices, and even homemade gelato
• Group fitness classes and wellness programs
• Spa credits or onboard spending credits (for example, $200 for spa treatments or up to $1,500 for shopping on select cruises)
• Butler service in suites
• Welcome champagne and premium spirits

Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises, offer savings booklets with discounts on services and purchases at sea. Others, like Crystal Cruises, provide onboard spending credits. These perks can help you enjoy your world voyage without worrying about extra costs.

Note: Always review what is included before you book. The most inclusive world cruises may seem expensive, but they often cover almost everything you need for a long journey.

Extra Costs on World Cruises

When you plan for a world cruise, you need to consider extra costs that are not included in your fare. These expenses can add up, so understanding them helps you budget better.

Premium Services

Many cruise lines offer premium services for an extra fee. You might want spa treatments, specialty dining, or private fitness classes. These services are not part of the standard fare. For example, a massage or facial at the onboard spa can cost $100 or more. Specialty restaurants often charge between $30 and $100 per person for a meal. Laundry and dry cleaning services may also come with extra charges unless you book a suite or a luxury package. If you want faster Wi-Fi or extra devices connected, you may need to pay more.

Optional Excursions

Shore excursions are a big part of the cruise experience, but most are not included in your fare. You should budget at least $50 per adult for each optional shore excursion. Some tours, like a simple city walk, cost less, while exclusive or adventure tours can cost several hundred dollars. The price depends on the destination and the type of activity.

Some cruise lines, like Viking and Regent Seven Seas, include at least one basic excursion per port. Others, such as Princess Cruises, charge extra for almost all tours. Always check what your cruise fare covers before booking.

Insurance and Fees

Travel insurance is important for world cruises. You should look for plans that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and medical evacuation. Insurance costs depend on your trip price, age, and coverage level. For a $30,000 trip, you might pay about $1,100 for a basic plan. If your trip costs $100,000, insurance could reach $10,000 or more.

You also need to budget for port taxes and government fees. These are not included in your cruise fare and are charged at full price. Visa costs may apply for some countries, but most cruise lines do not include these in the fare. Always check the latest requirements for your itinerary.

Best World Cruises for Value

How to Compare

You want to find the best world cruises for value, so you need to look at both price and what is included. Some luxury cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas, Viking Ocean, and Oceania Cruises, offer all-inclusive fares. These fares cover unlimited shore excursions, beverages, Wi-Fi, and even pre-cruise hotel stays. Many of these cruises also give you an onboard spending bonus based on your fare. The table below shows how much extra you can get:

You should also check expert and customer ratings. Some cruise lines stand out for value, luxury, or family experiences. The table below highlights top choices:

When you compare, look at what is included in the fare. Some cruises include shore excursions, lectures, and performances. Others add roundtrip airfare and private transfers. These extras can make a big difference in value.

Note: Extra costs like gratuities, drink packages, and specialty dining can add up. Some cruise lines have raised prices for these items, so always check the latest fees before you book.

Tips to Save

You can save money on the best world cruises by using smart strategies. Here are some of the most effective ways:

1. Book early to get the lowest prices and the best cabin choices.
2. Look for last-minute deals on unsold cabins.
3. Choose sailings during spring, fall, or off-peak holidays for better rates.
4. Pick inside cabins for the lowest fare but full ship access.
5. Use a travel agent who can find deals and offer onboard credits.
6. Book your next cruise while onboard to receive discounts and credits.
7. Pre-book packages for drinks, dining, Wi-Fi, and excursions to get discounts.
8. Take advantage of onboard specials like spa discounts and happy hour deals.
9. Avoid souvenir glasses with drinks to save money and space.
10. Look for free drinks at art auctions or loyalty events.
11. Book independent tours or explore ports on your own for less.
12. Use local transportation instead of taxis.
13. Use free or cheap Wi-Fi in port.
14. Eat on the ship or find affordable local food in port.

Loyalty programs and early booking discounts can also lower your final price. Many cruise lines offer tiered benefits, such as booking discounts, cabin upgrades, and onboard credits. Some even extend these perks to your family and friends. You may also get non-monetary benefits like priority boarding and special events, which add value to your trip.

Tip: Always join the cruise line’s loyalty program and ask about early booking offers. These can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your world cruise.

You will find world cruise prices in 2025 start near ＄20,000 per person for entry-level cabins and can reach $90,000 or more on luxury ships with bundled amenities. Each cruise line includes different services, so you should compare what is covered and what costs extra. Careful research and expert advice help you avoid surprise expenses and choose the best value. Check cruise line websites or request quotes to plan your journey.

FAQ

How far in advance should you book a world cruise?

You should book your world cruise 12 to 24 months in advance. Early booking gives you the best cabin choices and lower prices. Some cruises sell out quickly, especially suites and balcony cabins.

Are flights included in the world cruise fare?

Some luxury cruise lines include roundtrip flights in your fare. Mainstream lines usually do not. Always check your cruise details. If flights are not included, you must arrange and pay for them separately.

Do you need travel insurance for a world cruise?

Yes, you should buy travel insurance. World cruises last several months and visit many countries. Insurance protects you from medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Costs depend on your trip price and coverage.

Can you bring children on a world cruise?

Most cruise lines allow children, but some luxury lines have age restrictions. Check the cruise line’s policy before booking. Family-friendly lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises welcome children and offer kids’ programs.

What happens if you miss the ship at a port?

If you miss the ship, you must travel to the next port at your own expense. Always return to the ship before the scheduled departure time. Travel insurance may help cover extra costs if you miss the ship due to emergencies.

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