We all know that cruise lines offer World Cruises which are rarely a complete circumnavigation but which allow guests to tick off the entire bucket list in one trip. These voyages sell out incredibly quickly, with cruise operators often reporting record booking numbers in the first days of going on sale and clamouring to launch their itineraries earlier and earlier.
For those disappointed to hear this, don't worry. There is also a wide choice of 'grand voyages' offering longer and more in-depth itineraries designed to tempt even the most widely-travelled of cruisers, although be warned that availability is very limited so it still pays to book as early as possible. Here are a few coming up that have caught our eye...
6 of the best Grand Voyages in 2024 and 2025
1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises - Grand Asia Exploration
In October 2024 Regent's Seven Seas Explorer departs Tokyo on a 63-night cruise, exploring Japan in depth, including two overnights in Kyoto as well as the lesser visited subtropical islands. Continue onto Southeast Asia with calls to Vietnam and Thailand before visiting the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Lombok, Bali and Java.
The last portion of the voyage explores Australia, travelling down the eastern coast and culminating with an overnight in iconic Sydney, where you might extend your stay to spend the festive season Down Under or return home just in time for Christmas.
2. Seabourn - Grand Africa
Seabourn sets off for a full circumnavigation of the African continent in November 2024 with their 90-day Grand Africa itinerary offering a discovery of iconic sights and hidden gems. Your home-from-home is the spacious Seabourn Quest and you will enjoy the convenience of a Barcelona departure and arrival, great for those who prefer minimal flying.
Explore the eastern coast of Africa, including the island idylls of the Seychelles, Zanzibar and Madagascar before rounding the Cape of Good Hope. Along the West coast explore the vast dunes of the Namib Desert in Walvis Bay, and sail the route less travelled with visits to the Ivory Coast and Ghana before sailing back into the Mediterranean via Cape Verde and the Canary Islands.
3. Crystal - Mediterranean Adventure
Crystal's World Cruises are on Serenity, but on Crystal Symphony you can enjoy this 60-night Mediterranean Grand Voyage in October 2024. Experience the rich tapestry of Europe with visits to 12 countries including Spain, Greece and Croatia. Sail the beautiful French Riviera, experience the culinary delights of Italy with time in Sorrento, Naples, Sicily and Sardinia, island-hop around the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, and enjoy overnights to explore the iconic cities of Venice, Athens and Istanbul.
If your 2024 is already booked up, then perhaps the Grand Journey Asia in January 2025 might appeal, sailing through an incredible 15 countries including India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Japan.
4. Silversea - Grand South America
Silversea have a number of Grand Voyages, each focusing on a different region, from extended explorations in the Mediterranean to island hopping across the Pacific, but it is their Grand South America voyage in January 2025 which has caught our eye as it is on the brand new Silver Ray.
Spend 71 nights sailing around South America, beginning and ending in Fort Lauderdale, and tick off a transit of the Panama Canal, the incredible Chilean Fjords, overnights in the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires Rio de Janeiro and sailing the Amazon River, all in one trip!
5. Oceania Cruises - Southern Seas Explorer
Oceania offer a range of extended voyages of varying lengths so there is sure to be something that appeals. For travelling around the vast Pacific, a cruise is the perfect way to visit the remote and hard-to-reach islands and this 61-night itinerary from Perth to San Diego in May 2025 offers a transoceanic voyage with a difference.
Sailing on board Insignia, you will explore southern Australia before visiting New Zealand's North Island and onto the beautiful isles of the South Pacific including Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa. Spend some time in the Hawaiian islands before sighting the mainland once again as you round out in San Diego.
6. Cunard - Southampton to Sydney
Finally, special mention must go to Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne which departs Southampton on 9th January 2025 and sails to Sydney, a nod to a journey of yesteryear. This is part of Queen Anne's maiden World Cruise so there is sure to be much excitement on board as you begin with a classic transatlantic crossing to the bright lights of New York where you will enjoy an overnight stay.
Journey onwards through the legendary Panama Canal and up the coast to another iconic US city, San Francisco, before beginning your crossing of the Pacific, stopping in Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand. You will finally sail into beautiful Sydney on 28th February, where you might choose to extend your trip and soak up some of the Australian summertime weather before heading home.
