Explore the world by sea!

Welcome to the latest edition of my Vacation Views. This week in my Horizon Scan I delve into the dream of a world voyage and how it is more accessible then you may think, share a Traveller Tip on a special suggestion for Valentine’s Day while supporting women’s empowerment, and finally I’ve cued up a fantastic deal for this March to help you beat the cold in Sail Savings. So, let’s get started!

Exploring the World by Sea: The Growing Appeal of World Cruises

Last week, the Queen Anne set sail on her maiden world voyage, marking a new chapter in the world of luxury cruising. As I’ve been receiving a growing number of inquiries about world cruises lately, I thought it’d be a great time to dive deeper into this trend and explore why more travellers are choosing to sail the world rather than fly it.

Why Consider a World Cruise?

It’s easy to see the appeal of a world cruise. Imagine never having to worry about cooking, cleaning, or maintaining a daily routine. Instead, you get to explore the world’s most exotic destinations, all while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a private stateroom. For many, it’s a dream come true: the freedom to explore the globe without the stress and hassle of planning each new destination.

This sense of adventure is coupled with the relaxation and comfort that comes with being on a luxury cruise liner. You’ll have the world at your fingertips without the need to book a single hotel room or pack and unpack constantly. It’s the perfect balance of exploration and indulgence, making it easy to see why a world cruise is on many bucket lists—including mine!

A Changing Demographic: Not Just for Retirees Anymore

Traditionally, world cruises have catered to those in their 60s and beyond—people who are just entering retirement and have the time and resources to embark on a journey of this magnitude. But with the rise of digital nomadism, fuelled by reliable global internet connectivity (thanks to innovations like Starlink), the allure of living at sea has expanded to a broader audience. More people are considering the possibility of a life on the ocean, not just for a few weeks or months, but as a lifestyle. The prospect of working remotely from the comforts of a luxury cruise ship, while enjoying exotic ports of call, is now more accessible than ever.

What Is a World Cruise, Exactly?

In general, a world cruise is loosely defined as a voyage lasting 100 days or more, though most world cruises tend to be around 110 -140 days. However, for those who might not have the time for a full-world voyage, there’s good news: many cruise lines now offer the option to purchase these voyages in “legs” or segments. These segments typically range from 30 to 70 days, making it easier for travellers to tailor their adventure to their schedules. For example, if you’re not interested in visiting the Panama Canal again, you can simply skip that segment of the journey. This flexibility makes world cruising even more accessible to a broader audience.

Growing Demand for World Cruises

There’s no denying that the demand for world cruises is on the rise. In fact, many cruise lines are expanding their offerings to meet the growing interest. Here are a few recent developments:

• Royal Caribbean International completed a 274-day Ultimate World Cruise last year and is already planning another due to the success of the first.

• Cunard’s Queen Anne recently departed on her 107-day world cruise from Southampton.

Residences at Sea

These are just a couple of examples of how cruise lines are tapping into the increasing desire for long-haul voyages.

Another fascinating trend is the rise of residences at sea. These floating apartments let you live permanently aboard a luxury cruise ship. Some cruise lines allow you to purchase these residences outright or lease them, with the option to either rent them out or use them yourself. While the concept is still relatively niche, it has garnered significant interest, especially among those looking for a more permanent lifestyle on the high seas.

A high-profile example is Villa Vie Residences, which encountered several delays but finally set sail from Belfast last fall. You can learn more about this option at Villa Vie Residences.

Types of World Cruise Options

There are a few different ways to experience a world cruise, depending on your preferences and budget:

1. Standard World Cruises (Full or Segmented): The classic option, where you can choose to embark on a full 100+ day voyage or opt for shorter segments.

2. Ownership Options: Some cruise lines now offer the chance to buy a residence at sea, which you can use personally or rent out. While this is an attractive option for some, it’s worth noting that owners still need to cover operating costs.

3. Annual Pass Options: Virgin Voyages offers a year-long pass (starting in 2026) that lets you cruise for an entire year for a flat fee of $199,000 (exclusive of taxes and fees). The pass covers multiple sailings throughout the year, making it a great option for avid cruisers who want to see the world on their own terms.

How Much Does a World Cruise Cost?

World cruises can be expensive, but the price varies significantly depending on factors like the length of the voyage, the cruise line, and the destinations included. Here are some examples of world cruise pricing for January 2026 departures:

• Regent Seven Seas – 154-night world cruise aboard Seven Seas Mariner Miami, FL return: Priced from CAD $141,199 per person.

• Holland America – 133-night world cruise aboard Volendam Fort Lauderdale, FL return: Priced from CAD $40,832 per person.

• Cunard – 109-night world cruise aboard Queen Mary 2, New York City return: Priced from CAD $22,952 per person.

Note: Queen Mary 2 holds the distinction of being the world’s only luxury ocean liner still in operation, which makes it a unique and popular choice for those seeking a classic voyage.

In addition to these full-world cruises, there are also shorter segments (31 days or more) available, with prices starting from CAD $11,500 per person to give you an idea.

Other Considerations Before Booking

While the idea of a world cruise is exciting, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before booking such an extended voyage:

• Geo-Political Hotspots: Some regions may present risks due to political instability, so it’s important to stay informed.

• Cultural Differences: Being immersed in various cultures means adapting to different customs and practices.

• Immigration & Visa Requirements: Longer voyages may require multiple visas or other travel documentation.

• Health and Travel Insurance: Given the length of the journey, ensuring you have proper coverage is essential.

These are just a few of the logistical factors to think about before embarking on a world cruise.

Ready to Set Sail?

If the idea of a world cruise is intriguing to you, I’d be happy to help you explore your options further. Whether you’re interested in a full world voyage or just a segment of one, there are plenty of exciting opportunities to see the world in luxury and style. Feel free to reach out if you want to learn more or start planning your dream cruise!

You may or may not be aware that Amanda and I organize an annual charity fundraiser with the charity recipient being Dress for Success. This organization strives to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing no-fee programs, development tools and professional attire to thrive in work and life. 

I would like you to consider buying tickets to attend this year’s event on Saturday February 15, 2025 in Ottawa. The Supper Club and Swing Soiree is a jazz inspired dinner dance with live music and all proceeds after costs are going to Dress for Success Ottawa. Tickets are only $130.00 and it makes for a perfect Valentine’s date night. For more information and to buy tickets please visit my website.

Sail Savings and other Vacation Values

The cold getting you down? How about 7 Nights from Miami | Caribbean Eastern | MSC Cruises: MSC Seascape | Mar 29, 2025 from CAD $819.00 per person!

To see this and more - take a look at my weekly cruise deal offerings here!

That concludes this edition of my Vacation Views from Crow’s Nest. The next edition will be sent on February 2.  Please reach out to allow me to provide a quote for your next dream vacation and feel free to share this with colleagues and friends!

 Bon Voyage!