You can now 'live' on a ship - just sign up for one of these world voyages
A 113-day journey will depart Sydney next year with 3000 guests.
The world's longest cruises are redefining wanderlust. People who travel for extended periods tend to roam by road, rail or air, but now they can consider more options on the ocean, with itineraries designed around experiences on land.
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Traditionally, a "world cruise" would last two or three months and skip a couple of continents; however, some cruise lines have been creeping closer to an accurate definition, spending a year (or more) sailing to hundreds of ports. Today's travellers want longer journeys, overnight stays on and off the ship, and departures from a wider range of countries.
Australian travel agency My Cruises is the latest to announce a year-long voyage, chartering Oceania Cruises' Regatta, in collaboration with the ship's owner, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The 369-night Explorations by Norwegian departs Rome in September 2026 and loops back around the globe via six continents to Southampton, UK. Packages start at $99,990 per person.
Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey recently set sail on a three-and-a-half-year cruise, blurring the line between long-term cruising and living at sea. The residential ship, with cabins for sale or rent, follows a few failed ventures by other companies, which folded before they floated.
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Odyssey was delayed several times before leaving Belfast on September 30, only to hit its first snag a few hours later to deal with incomplete paperwork. It will be interesting to see how often that happens and if other glitches are quickly resolved. Such complicated routes are difficult to operate, so it's risky to plan your life around one.
The longest nonstop cruise, which made it the whole way, wrapped up last month. Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise returned to Miami on September 10, with 650 guests aboard for the entire 274 nights. Apparently, many were exhausted towards the end, deciding to ditch the shore excursions and just relax on the ship.
Australia will soon claim the crown for the biggest world cruise ever undertaken. Next year, Crown Princess is expected to carry a record-breaking 3000 passengers travelling together continuously for 113 days. Departing Sydney on June 4, the Princess Cruises ship returns September 26, just in time for the start of the 2025/26 summer season.
I used to think two weeks was too long at sea, but now I dream about disappearing indefinitely, living the life of a nautical nomad. I just need to find that pesky $100K.
SHIP OF THE WEEK
Celebrity Edge
How big: 1467 cabins, 2908 passengers.
Who would love it: People in their 40s to 60s who love relaxing as much as socialising.
Who would not: There are better options for kids.
Point of difference: Not too young, not too old, not too wild, not too quiet. Celebrity Cruises offers something for the in-betweeners who enjoy food, coffee, views and a little pampering in stylish, serene surroundings.
Don't miss: Martini Bar for the friendly atmosphere, entertainment and cocktails.
Price point: From $924 per person twin-share in an oceanview cabin for a four-night cruise roundtrip from Sydney to Tasmania.
Explore more: celebritycruises.com
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