Dreaming of sailing around the world? The allure of visiting exotic destinations without the hassle of repeated packing and unpacking is strong. But the big question looms: How much does it cost to do a world cruise? This blog post will break down all the expenses involved, from the base fare to hidden costs, helping you plan your dream voyage within a realistic budget. You’ll gain insights into the different cruise lines, cabin types, and onboard expenses to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Base Fare of a World Cruise
The base fare is the initial cost of your world cruise and the most significant expense. It typically covers your cabin, meals in the main dining room, onboard entertainment, and transportation between ports. However, it’s essential to understand what’s not included. Factors like the cruise line’s reputation, the itinerary’s length and complexity, and the cabin type you choose significantly impact the base fare.
Cruise Line Reputation and Luxury Level
The cruise line you choose will significantly impact the price. Luxury cruise lines, such as Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offer smaller ships, more personalized service, and often include perks like shore excursions, beverages, and gratuities in their base fare. Mainstream cruise lines, like Princess, Holland America, and Cunard, offer more affordable fares but typically charge extra for these amenities.
- Luxury Lines: These lines offer all-inclusive or nearly all-inclusive experiences, removing the need to budget for many extra expenses. Expect to pay significantly more upfront, but enjoy greater convenience and a higher level of service. For example, a Seabourn world cruise might start at $60,000 per person.
Luxury lines focus on providing an unparalleled experience. This translates to smaller passenger numbers, higher crew-to-guest ratios, and carefully curated itineraries. The food is often gourmet, and the entertainment is top-notch. They often visit smaller, more unique ports.
- Mainstream Lines: These lines provide a more budget-friendly option but require careful planning to manage extra expenses. A world cruise on a mainstream line might start around $20,000 per person, but can easily double with additional costs.
Mainstream lines offer a wider variety of itineraries and cater to a broader audience. They often have larger ships with more amenities, such as multiple swimming pools, casinos, and a wider selection of dining options. However, expect larger crowds and a more bustling atmosphere.
- Premium Lines: These lines bridge the gap between luxury and mainstream, offering a balance of comfort and affordability. They often include some amenities in the base fare and offer more personalized service than mainstream lines.
Premium lines often focus on specific destinations or experiences. They may offer itineraries tailored to foodies, history buffs, or nature lovers. Their ships are typically smaller than those of mainstream lines, allowing them to access smaller ports and provide a more intimate experience.
Itinerary Length and Complexity
Longer cruises naturally cost more. A world cruise typically ranges from 90 to 180 days, and the price reflects the number of days at sea and the number of ports visited. More complex itineraries that visit remote or less-traveled destinations may also command a higher price due to logistical challenges and higher port fees.
- Number of Ports: More ports mean more port fees and more opportunities for shore excursions, both of which contribute to the overall cost. However, they also offer more diverse experiences.
Each port of call incurs fees that the cruise line pays to the local authorities. These fees are factored into the cruise fare. The number of ports and the fees associated with each can significantly impact the overall cost of the cruise.
- Length of the Voyage: The longer the cruise, the more you’ll pay for your cabin, meals, and onboard entertainment. Consider how much time you can realistically spend away from home and whether you’ll need to budget for additional expenses like laundry.
Longer voyages require more resources, from fuel and supplies to crew and entertainment. This translates to a higher cost per day compared to shorter cruises. However, the overall experience can be richer and more immersive.
- Remote Destinations: Visiting remote locations often involves higher transportation costs and more complex logistics. These costs are passed on to passengers in the form of higher fares.
Remote destinations may require specialized ships or tender services to access. They may also have limited infrastructure, which can drive up the cost of goods and services. However, the unique experiences they offer can be well worth the extra expense.
Cabin Type and Location
The type of cabin you choose will also significantly affect the price. Inside cabins, which have no windows, are the most affordable. Oceanview cabins offer a window, while balcony cabins provide a private outdoor space. Suites are the most luxurious and expensive option, offering more space, amenities, and personalized service. Location on the ship matters as well: mid-ship cabins tend to be more stable and command higher prices.
- Inside Cabins: These are the most budget-friendly option, offering basic amenities without a view. They are suitable for budget-conscious travelers who spend most of their time exploring the ship and ports.
Inside cabins are located on the interior of the ship and do not have windows or balconies. They are typically smaller than other cabin types but offer a comfortable and functional space for sleeping and storing belongings.
- Oceanview Cabins: These cabins offer a window or porthole, providing natural light and a view of the ocean. They are a good compromise between affordability and comfort.
Oceanview cabins are located on the exterior of the ship and have a window or porthole that offers a view of the ocean. The size and location of the window may vary depending on the cabin type and ship.
- Balcony Cabins: These cabins feature a private balcony, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views from the comfort of your own space. They are a popular choice for those who want a more luxurious experience.
Balcony cabins are located on the exterior of the ship and have a private balcony accessible through a sliding glass door. The balcony typically includes chairs and a table, providing a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Suites: Suites are the most luxurious option, offering spacious accommodations, private balconies, and often include perks like concierge service, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges.
Suites are typically the largest and most luxurious cabins on the ship. They often include separate living and sleeping areas, multiple bathrooms, and larger balconies. Some suites may even have their own private hot tubs or dining areas.
Accounting for Onboard Expenses
While the base fare covers many aspects of the cruise, you’ll still need to budget for onboard expenses. These can include alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and gratuities. Depending on your spending habits, these costs can add significantly to the overall price of your world cruise. Carefully estimating these expenses can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Alcoholic Beverages and Drink Packages
Alcoholic beverages are rarely included in the base fare of a world cruise, except on luxury lines. Individual drinks can be quite expensive, so consider purchasing a drink package if you plan to consume alcohol regularly. These packages typically offer unlimited drinks for a fixed daily price, but it’s essential to calculate whether the package is worth the cost based on your anticipated consumption.
- Individual Drinks: Purchasing drinks individually can be costly, especially if you plan to consume multiple drinks per day. Prices vary depending on the cruise line and the type of drink, but expect to pay upwards of $10 for a cocktail.
The cost of individual drinks can quickly add up, especially on a long world cruise. It’s important to track your consumption and compare it to the cost of a drink package to determine which option is more cost-effective.
- Drink Packages: These packages offer unlimited drinks for a fixed daily price, allowing you to enjoy alcoholic beverages without worrying about the cost of each individual drink. However, they often come with restrictions and may not be worth the cost if you don’t drink much alcohol.
Drink packages can be a good value for heavy drinkers, but they may not be worth the cost for those who only consume a few drinks per day. It’s important to consider your drinking habits and the package’s restrictions before purchasing one.
- Non-Alcoholic Packages: Some cruise lines offer packages that include unlimited soda, juice, and specialty coffee. These can be a good option for those who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a variety of beverages onboard.
Non-alcoholic packages can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a variety of beverages without paying individual prices. They are especially useful for families with children or those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Specialty Dining Experiences
While the main dining room is included in the base fare, most cruise lines offer specialty restaurants that charge an additional fee. These restaurants often offer a more upscale dining experience with a wider variety of cuisine. If you plan to dine at these restaurants regularly, budget accordingly. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100+ per person per meal at these establishments.
- Upscale Cuisine: Specialty restaurants often offer a more refined and diverse menu than the main dining room, featuring cuisine from around the world.
Many specialty restaurants employ highly skilled chefs who create innovative and flavorful dishes. They often use higher-quality ingredients and offer a more personalized dining experience.
- Intimate Atmosphere: These restaurants typically have a more intimate and elegant atmosphere, making them a great choice for special occasions or romantic dinners.
The atmosphere in specialty restaurants is often more relaxed and refined than in the main dining room. They may feature soft lighting, elegant decor, and attentive service.
- Reservations Required: Due to their popularity, specialty restaurants often require reservations, so it’s important to book in advance to secure your preferred dining time.
Reservations can often be made online or through the cruise line’s app. It’s a good idea to book early, especially for popular restaurants or special events.
Shore Excursions and Activities
Shore excursions are optional tours and activities offered in each port of call. They can range from guided city tours to adventurous activities like snorkeling or hiking. While these excursions can enhance your travel experience, they can also be quite expensive. Research your options in advance and budget accordingly. Consider independent tours, often cheaper than those offered by the cruise line.
- Guided Tours: These tours offer a convenient and informative way to explore a new city or attraction. They are typically led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the local culture and history.
Guided tours can be a great way to get an overview of a new destination and learn about its history and culture. They often include transportation and entrance fees to popular attractions.
- Adventure Activities: For those seeking a more active experience, shore excursions may include activities like snorkeling, diving, hiking, or zip-lining.
Adventure activities can add excitement and adrenaline to your cruise experience. They allow you to explore the natural beauty of a destination and challenge yourself physically.
- Independent Exploration: Consider exploring ports independently to save money. Research local attractions, transportation options, and dining establishments in advance.
Independent exploration can be a great way to experience a destination at your own pace and discover hidden gems. It can also be a more budget-friendly option than booking official shore excursions.
Gratuities and Service Charges
Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account to cover the cost of service staff, such as waiters, cabin stewards, and bartenders. These gratuities typically range from $15 to $25 per person per day. Some cruise lines include gratuities in their base fare, while others allow you to adjust the amount based on your satisfaction with the service.
A 2023 survey revealed that the average daily gratuity charge on major cruise lines is $16 per person.
- Automatic Gratuities: These are automatically added to your onboard account and cover the cost of service staff. They are typically a fixed amount per person per day.
Automatic gratuities ensure that service staff are compensated for their hard work. They are usually distributed among various departments, including dining, housekeeping, and bar service.
- Optional Adjustments: Some cruise lines allow you to adjust the amount of gratuities based on your satisfaction with the service. However, this is typically only possible in exceptional circumstances.
If you are dissatisfied with the service you receive, you can typically speak to the guest services desk and request an adjustment to your gratuities. However, it’s important to provide specific examples of the issues you encountered.
- Included Gratuities: Luxury cruise lines often include gratuities in their base fare, eliminating the need to worry about this additional expense.
The inclusion of gratuities in the base fare is a common perk offered by luxury cruise lines. It simplifies the budgeting process and provides a more all-inclusive experience.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the base fare and onboard expenses, there are several hidden costs that can easily inflate the overall price of your world cruise. These include pre- and post-cruise accommodations, travel insurance, visa fees, laundry services, and internet access. Planning for these expenses in advance can help you avoid financial surprises and ensure a smoother travel experience.
Pre- and Post-Cruise Accommodations
You may need to arrive in the embarkation city a day or two before the cruise departs and stay for a night or two after the cruise disembarks. These pre- and post-cruise accommodations can add to the overall cost, especially if you choose to stay in a hotel near the port. Consider booking accommodations in advance to secure the best rates.
- Hotel Stays: Booking a hotel near the port can be convenient, but it can also be expensive. Consider hotels located further from the port, which may offer lower rates.
Hotels near the port often cater to cruise passengers and may offer shuttle services to and from the cruise terminal. However, they can also be more crowded and noisy.
- Transportation Costs: Factor in the cost of transportation between the airport, hotel, and cruise terminal. Shuttle services, taxis, or ride-sharing services can all add to your expenses.
Consider pre-booking transportation services to avoid long lines and potential scams at the airport. Some hotels may offer complimentary shuttle services to the cruise terminal.
- Early Arrival: Arriving a day or two before the cruise departs can help you avoid stress and ensure you don’t miss your embarkation due to travel delays.
Arriving early allows you to adjust to the time zone and explore the embarkation city before the cruise begins. It also provides a buffer in case of unforeseen travel disruptions.
Travel Insurance and Medical Expenses
Travel insurance is essential for any world cruise, as it can protect you against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation. Medical care onboard cruise ships can be expensive, so comprehensive coverage is crucial.
- Medical Coverage: Ensure your travel insurance policy covers medical expenses incurred onboard the ship or in foreign countries.
Medical care can be expensive, especially in remote locations. Comprehensive medical coverage is essential to protect you against unexpected medical bills.
- Trip Cancellation: Choose a policy that covers trip cancellation due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you are unable to travel due to circumstances beyond your control.
- Lost Luggage: Select a policy that covers lost or delayed luggage, which can be a common occurrence during long voyages.
Lost luggage insurance can reimburse you for the cost of replacing essential items if your luggage is lost or delayed by the airline or cruise line.
Visa Fees and Vaccinations
A world cruise typically visits multiple countries, each with its own visa requirements. Research the visa requirements for each destination well in advance and apply for the necessary visas. Some countries may also require specific vaccinations. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic to determine which vaccinations you need.
- Visa Requirements: Research the visa requirements for each country on your itinerary and apply for the necessary visas well in advance.
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. It’s important to start the visa application process early to avoid delays.
- Vaccination Requirements: Consult your doctor or a travel clinic to determine which vaccinations are recommended or required for each destination.
Vaccinations can protect you against diseases that are prevalent in certain regions of the world. It’s important to get vaccinated well in advance of your trip to allow your body time to build immunity.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your cruise.
Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary.
Laundry and Internet Access
Laundry services onboard cruise ships can be expensive. Consider packing enough clothes to minimize the need for laundry or utilize self-service laundry facilities if available. Internet access is also typically an additional cost, and the connection can be slow and unreliable. Consider purchasing an internet package or relying on Wi-Fi in ports.
According to recent data, internet packages on cruise ships can cost between $10 and $30 per day, depending on the cruise line and the level of access.
- Laundry Services: Onboard laundry services can be costly, so consider packing enough clothes to minimize the need for laundry.
Laundry services can include washing, drying, and ironing. Prices vary depending on the item of clothing and the cruise line.
- Self-Service Laundry: Some cruise ships offer self-service laundry facilities, which can be a more affordable option.
Self-service laundry facilities typically include washing machines, dryers, and ironing boards. You will need to purchase detergent and other supplies separately.
- Internet Packages: Internet access is typically an additional cost and can be slow and unreliable. Consider purchasing an internet package or relying on Wi-Fi in ports.
Internet packages vary in price and speed depending on the cruise line. Some packages offer unlimited data, while others are limited to a certain amount of data per day.
Common Myths About World Cruise Costs
Several misconceptions exist about the true cost of a world cruise. Debunking these myths can help you create a more realistic budget and avoid disappointment. Many believe world cruises are exclusively for the wealthy, that everything is included in the base fare, and that you can easily find last-minute deals.
Myth: World Cruises Are Only for the Wealthy
While world cruises can be expensive, they are not exclusively for the wealthy. By carefully planning and choosing a more affordable cruise line or cabin type, it is possible to enjoy a world cruise on a reasonable budget. Consider travelling during the shoulder season or booking well in advance to secure lower fares.
Myth: Everything Is Included in the Base Fare
This is a common misconception. While the base fare covers your cabin, meals in the main dining room, and onboard entertainment, it typically does not include alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, or internet access. Factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for your world cruise.
Myth: You Can Easily Find Last-Minute Deals on World Cruises
Finding last-minute deals on world cruises is rare. These voyages are often booked well in advance, and cabins tend to sell out quickly. Booking early is usually the best way to secure the cabin type and itinerary you want at the best possible price. In fact, some cruise lines offer early booking discounts.
FAQ
Question: How much does the cheapest world cruise cost?
Answer: The cheapest world cruises typically start around $18,000 to $25,000 per person for an inside cabin on a mainstream cruise line. This price usually includes your cabin, meals in the main dining room, and basic onboard entertainment. However, you’ll need to factor in additional expenses like shore excursions, drinks, and gratuities.
Question: What are the best ways to save money on a world cruise?
Answer: There are several ways to save money on a world cruise. Consider booking well in advance to take advantage of early booking discounts. Choose an inside or oceanview cabin instead of a balcony or suite. Opt for a mainstream cruise line over a luxury line. Take advantage of free onboard activities and dining options. Explore ports independently instead of booking expensive shore excursions.
Question: Are there all-inclusive world cruises?
Answer: Yes, several luxury cruise lines offer all-inclusive world cruises. These cruises typically include alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, and gratuities in the base fare. While all-inclusive cruises are more expensive upfront, they can help you control your spending and avoid unexpected costs onboard.
Question: What is the average daily cost of a world cruise?
Answer: The average daily cost of a world cruise can vary widely depending on the cruise line, cabin type, and your spending habits. On a mainstream cruise line, you can expect to spend around $200 to $400 per person per day, including the base fare and onboard expenses. On a luxury cruise line, the daily cost can be $500 or more per person.
Question: What should I pack for a world cruise?
Answer: When packing for a world cruise, consider the diverse climates and activities you’ll encounter. Pack clothing for warm and cold weather, formal attire for special events, comfortable shoes for walking, and swimwear for swimming and water activities. Also, pack any necessary medications, toiletries, and electronic devices. Don’t forget your passport, visas, and travel insurance information.
Question: How far in advance should I book a world cruise?
Answer: It’s best to book a world cruise as far in advance as possible, ideally 12 to 18 months before departure. This will give you the best chance of securing the cabin type and itinerary you want at the best possible price. Early booking also allows you to spread out the payments and plan your trip more effectively.
Final Thoughts
Planning a world cruise requires careful consideration of all costs involved. While the base fare is a significant expense, onboard expenses and hidden costs can quickly add up. By understanding these costs and budgeting accordingly, you can make your dream of sailing around the world a reality. Remember to research different cruise lines, cabin types, and itineraries to find the best option for your budget and preferences. Happy sailing!