3 days ago
EXCLUSIVE I'm a travel expert - this is how you can see the world on a cruise without spending months at sea
A world cruise remains that elusive, once-in-a-lifetime dream trip – swapping the dreary day-to-day for far-flung adventure.
But finding the time to do what can be tricky, and taking months away from home isn't always a practical choice.
Now a cruise insider has unveiled a clever hack for chartering a course around the globe in shorter stages.
Audrey Hobby, who leads travel agent training for Cunard, shared with MailOnline Travel how travellers can curate a series of shorter voyages over three years – letting them see the world in the process.
'Many guests don't realise that you can piece together a world voyage in stages,' she says.
'By selecting shorter segments across different years, you can still explore five continents and 14 countries – but with more flexibility, and more time to savour each destination.'
Cunard has even put together a suggested itinerary that takes in cities and remote destinations, all reached by sailing on the line's famous 'Queens': Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
You could start out with an 11-night Alaska cruise on Queen Elizabeth, setting sail from Seattle, Washington on 11 July.
The 2,000-passenger ship, which recently underwent a massive transformation, sailed on a voyage around the state for the first time last month.
Then next year, tackle the 24-night Sydney to Singapore cruise in March aboard Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner.
The itinerary features stops in Vietnam – where you could visit the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO Heritage Site – and Indonesia, where excursions include the Minahasa Highlands on a tour from Bitung.
Come summer, tackle the Adriatic and western Mediterranean from July to August.
Immerse yourself into European culture with ports of call from Marseille to Corsica, Barcelona to Corfu.
The final corners of the world to tick off the cruising bucket list can be done aboard the newest 'Queen'.
Queen Anne will be making her maiden call to South America as part of a 29-night adventure to Rio de Janeiro, departing in January 2027 from Southampton.
It includes an overnight stay in the iconic Brazilian city when the Rio Carnival is in full swing.
Along the way, there are visits to Bermuda, Florida, and Barbados.
Spreading out a cruise around the world with this itinerary costs just over £10,000 per person.
To elevate the experience, Audrey suggests holidaymakers 'plan your voyages to coincide with signature moments like Rio Carnival or Alaska's summer solstice.'
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, says the company understands that 'modern travellers seek flexibility and accessibility without compromising on luxury.
'That's why our segmented alternatives to a world voyage offer the perfect solution, as our incredible itineraries allow guests to explore the world on their terms – but in true Cunard style.'
