Ever wondered what a worldwide cruise itinerary might look like? Is it really possible to tick off all of your bucket list destinations in one go? MSC Cruises have released a dreamy list of itineraries that are sure to pique your interest (as it has mine!).
What does daily life look like?
Set sail on an epic adventure covering 3 oceans and countless amazing destinations and cultures, sounds idyllic right? But what does a 4-month cruise look like? What does daily life look like on board? With such vastly spread destinations, this itinerary involves much more time out at sea than a typical cruise. Are you ready to brave the waves? MSC Cruises will deploy some of their finest and most suitable ships to tackle this feat with ease, the MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia will take you there.
Imagine an extended holiday where you don't have to pack, unpack and pack again every time you move destination? You leave for 4 months but you can fill large suitcases without the worry of having to drag everything around? Pack your beachwear for one day and your snow boots for the next, the possibilities are endless! Experience adventure without sacrificing comfort. All of this and more is the reality of embarking on a long-haul cruise.
What itineraries are available?
January 2024
If you are lucky enough to be travelling this coming January, you are in for a treat with this iconic destination hit list! Embarking your journey at one of three European ports, you will travel down along the North African coast and down through the Red Sea, ticking off some incredible stops along the way from Zanzibar to Cape Town! Next up, you will make the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, in a quest to reach Rio de Janeiro, where your South, Central, and North American tour will begin. As you make your way back in the direction of home, the adventure is far from over. Next up you will have the opportunity to experience the majesty of Greenland and Iceland, suddenly worlds away from cocktails in the Caribbean!
January 2025
If 2024's itinerary wasn't quite your cup of tea, MSC has curated an equally iconic alternative for 2025! If I, as a newbie to the career world, were to stumble across the means to travel aboard one of these fantastic ships, I would be all over this 2025 itinerary. From Europe to Africa, Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia, and Australasia to South America, I couldn't dream up a more diverse and rich schedule if I tried!
How much does it cost?
Currently, the best price listed for MSC's 2025 World Cruise aboard the MSC Magnifica ship is €17,049pp for an interior cabin. The price for the 4-month long cruise includes full board catering, all port taxes and gratuities, access to their gym, pools and relaxation areas, West End-style theatre shows and a plethora of entertainment and activities to suit all tastes.
At first glance, the price may appear steep, and it is, but as we take a closer look, the value becomes quite apparent. Consider, how much would you spend on individual airfare and accommodation on a trip that hit even half as many global destinations as this itinerary boasts? A lot more that's for sure! Granted, for most of us, this price point is not one to be taken on a whim.
Who is it for?
Still on the fence as to whether this is the right holiday investment for you? Put simply, a world cruise experience will have something for everyone. It will be particularly interesting to those who tend towards luxury breaks and all-inclusive resort deals. Though really for an itinerary like this, you are going to need to be time rich as well. I would describe this trip as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and suited best to anyone pondering a career break, those in-between moving, or the recently retired who are looking for something different and truly immersive.