Travel The World On An Epic Four-Month Cruise Covering Multiple Continents In 2026

We may be at the tail end of 2024, but travel waits for no man. Or at least cruise lines don't, as they're already announcing new cruises they'll debut in 2026. In fact, many cruise lines announce their upcoming itineraries months or years before their sailing date. Savvy travelers know that the best time to book a cruise is earlier than you think, which sometimes means over a year in advance (who are these people planning their lives so efficiently?). 

One particular new offering from Holland America that's generating buzz is an ambitious round-the-world cruise, visiting five continents over 133 days. Originally set to visit all seven continents, the itinerary was adjusted due to security concerns in the Red Sea, "given the evolving situation in the region and in consultation with global security experts," according to a recent Holland America press release.

Now, Holland America's 133-Day Grand World Voyage, which begins and ends in Fort Lauderdale (Florida), traverses around South America to Antarctica, crosses the Pacific to Oceania, cruises through Asia, and then returns to Florida via the western coast of North America and the Panama Canal. Set to depart on January 4, 2026, and return on May 17, 2026, the route includes stops in destinations like Brazil, Antarctica, Easter Island, Komodo Island, Tokyo, and Alaska. A truly extraordinary journey, indeed.

Besides the obvious draw of visiting once-in-a-lifetime destinations on an around-the-world cruise designed for an epic getaway, what are the other benefits of a long-haul, worldwide cruise? First — and this cannot be understated — you only have to pack, and move, once. Yet you still get to visit a huge variety of destinations (specifically, 23 countries and 51 ports of call). That's a lot of bang for your buck! Many who've taken world cruises also praise the community feel on board the ship, as you'll likely get to know both the ship employees and your fellow travelers pretty well over the months. A cruise of this caliber also provides ample opportunity for learning, and not just at the destinations — onboard activities can include presentations from scientists, professors, and other experts. It's also much more comfortable — and fun — to cruise across the ocean rather than fly.

There are downsides, of course. There's always concern about the environmental cost of cruises, and if something goes wrong — seasickness, ship malfunctions, health issues, bed bugs, weather — you're stuck. In addition, some travelers feel that the constant movement means you don't have enough time to truly immerse yourself in a destination. Holland America's 2026 Grand Voyage features 11 overnight stops, which isn't that many when considering the total cruise length of 133 days. However, according to the CCO (chief commercial officer) for Holland America, the new itinerary for 2026 improves cultural immersion: "The dozen ports we've added in Asia will bring that part of the world to life for our guests ... the deep exploration of the region provides guests the opportunity to take in the culture and natural beauty of Asia." Finally, there's the biggest downside of all, the main thing that prevents many people from considering any length of cruise: the cost. 

The cost may be prohibitive, as the 133-Day Grand World Voyage starts at $31,154 per person for an inside stateroom. In addition, if you're spending over 100 days at sea, you'll probably want at least a window and some Wi-Fi, so chances are you'll want to upgrade from an inside room. However, you can save money and still keep your sanity in an inside cabin on your cruise, so it does remain a viable (and cheaper) option. 

To help alleviate the financial burden, there are options for payment plans, some even interest-free. If you break down the cost per day, it comes to around $235, which, as that includes food and some amenities, isn't the worst deal when it comes to travel. As always with cruises, though, make sure to read the fine print to avoid racking up extra charges on things like laundry, drinks, and excursions.

If you decide to do the 2026 Grand Voyage, it will be one of the highlights of your life. From the icebergs of Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef, from the Strait of Magellan to the Panama Canal, you'll be able to cross multiple things off your bucket list — without ever having to unpack. A pretty good deal, overall.