A year aboard a luxury liner: £56,000 cruise spans the globe from Alaska to Zanzibar

A two-week cruise may sound like the ultimate luxury. But what if you could spend an entire year at sea, waking up every day in a different corner of the planet?

That is exactly the concept being offered by Explorations by Norwegian, which has launched what it describes as the world’s longest regular continuous cruise. The incredible journey lasts 371 days.

The inaugural voyage is already completely sold out, but next year travelers will be able to choose itineraries ranging from eight days to an entire year. The cruises will depart from Australia.

Over 371 days, the ship will visit 220 ports around the world, with organizers promising to keep repeat stops to a minimum. The fare includes all-inclusive service.

“Whether you’re an experienced traveler looking for new experiences or preparing to embark on your first great journey, Explorations by Norwegian invites you to discover the world in a style that suits you,” the cruise company says on its website.

The first 371-day itinerary has already departed from Rome. The next voyage will begin in February 2027 and last 367 days.

From Europe to Africa and Japan

The itinerary certainly has all the makings of a dream round-the-world adventure.

In Europe, passengers will visit Naples, Copenhagen and Helsinki. In Africa, the itinerary includes Cape Verde, Cape Town and Zanzibar.

Alaska, Japan and Greece are also on the schedule.

In a single cruise, travelers can therefore experience dramatically different parts of the world — from Alaska’s icy northern landscapes to the tropical shores of Zanzibar and the ancient cities of the Mediterranean.

A year at sea — in comfort

The journey takes place aboard the Regatta, which has 348 cabins. Despite spending such an extraordinary length of time at sea, passengers will not have to sacrifice the comforts of home.

On board are an upscale restaurant, a spa and a swimming pool. Travelers can also use a modern fitness center, library and stylish bar.

For those unwilling to spend an entire year at sea, the company offers shorter itineraries as well.

But anyone opting for the full round-the-world experience will have to pay a hefty price: fares for the 371-day voyage start at £56,000.

In other words, for a sum comparable to the price of a good property, travelers can effectively turn a cruise ship into their floating home for an entire year.

Cruises are changing

A year-long round-the-world voyage is far from the only unusual cruise concept gaining popularity.

More and more travelers are embracing the “ship within a ship” concept — exclusive areas aboard giant liners featuring private pools, personal butlers and enhanced privacy. Prices for this type of luxury getaway can reach £6,000 a week.

At the same time, interest in smaller cruise vessels is growing. Travelers are increasingly choosing an intimate experience over enormous cruise ships.

Options range from journeys along the Nile aboard vessels carrying as few as 12 passengers to cruises along the French Riviera with personalized service and private butlers.

It seems that modern cruising is gradually becoming more than simply a way to travel from one port to another. For some travelers, the sea itself is becoming home — even if only for a year.