115 day cruise around the world

11 epic around-the-world cruises that will check off all your bucket list travel destinations

Imagine the joys of traveling seamlessly from one bucket list country to another without packing and unpacking, switching hotels, boarding countless flights or even doing laundry.

Think it's a fantasy? It's actually a world cruise, the nirvana of many ocean-going devotees. As a bonus, most of these around-the-world voyages include enviable perks, like pre-cruise hotel stays, alcohol, shipboard credit, exclusive-access shore excursions — and, yes, laundry service.

Retired, taking a job hiatus or working remotely? A world cruise is a safe, easy and exhilarating way to score a global adventure beyond compare. You might even make new lifelong friends sharing similar interests.

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So, pull out your travel wish list and find an itinerary for those coveted destinations.

Here, you can learn more about what's involved in an around-the-world cruise and drool over 11 terrific choices across a range of fares for an incredible monthslong voyage at sea.

What is a world cruise?

Never mind the moniker, a world cruise may visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports.

World cruises traditionally start in January and end around April or May. They sail round-trip from one American city, such as San Francisco or Miami, or offer a choice of starting points on both coasts, making access easy.

What to know about world cruises

With so few world cruises available, book far in advance. Bookings open roughly two years in advance, and some small-ship cruises sell out within hours. You'll need the extra time to make arrangements to leave your home for months. For that reason, this story will focus on 2025 world cruises.

Related: Hot cruises you'll need to book at least 1 year in advance — maybe even 2!

Around-the-world cruise cost

Such lengthy sailings cost plenty. The bigger ship lines offer the lowest fares, although extra fees for what's not included (such as shore excursions and alcohol) can add up quickly. If contemplating a big-ship voyage, read the inclusions carefully, as they vary among lines.

Luxury vessels bundle many costly amenities into the fare, like business- or first-class plane tickets and luxury hotel stays, and charge the most. They also deliver fine dining, pampering service, glam surroundings and impressive special events. (Silversea Cruises has previously rented out an entire island to entertain its world cruise guests.)

Thus, expect considerable price differences. Count on spending about $20,000 per person minimum to score an entry-level accommodation on the bigger ships and approximately $80,000 to $90,000 per person for an ultraluxury vessel.

Note that for the poshest lines, "entry-level" may mean a spacious, elegant suite with a veranda. For other lines, the most basic cabin is a small, windowless room.

Read on to discover where you can sail to in 2025 on a world cruise.

World Voyage

Thanks to an overwhelming response to its 2024 world cruise (which is currently waitlisted), Azamara announced itineraries for both 2025 and 2026, both aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward.

Azamara Onward is the newest ship to join the Miami-based line's four-vessel fleet. The ship's size provides an intimate experience and allows it to call on small towns bigger ships can't access.

For 2025, the 155-night, 37-country voyage begins in San Diego and ends in Southampton, England, with visits to exciting locales in French Polynesia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Italy, France and others.

Along the way, world cruisers can sample authentic Hawaiian cuisine; explore the unspoiled beaches and the lush rainforest on Stewart Island, New Zealand; and visit the world's largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia.

The itinerary will include a pre-sailing welcome party, exclusive cultural events, concierge service and other upscale perks.

The 2026 world cruise sets sail from Miami and concludes in Barcelona. The itinerary for this 155-night expedition features some of the world's most iconic landmarks and sites.

Cruisers will have the opportunity to explore the great pyramid of Kukulcan and other ancient Mayan sites in Chichen Itza, Mexico; wander among Rio de Janeiro's architectural gems and experience the awe of Iguazu Falls in Brazil; sample Peruvian cuisine and soak in the landscape of Machu Picchu in Cusco; scale the Great Wall of China; and enjoy other bucket-list worthy adventures.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2025. Prices start from $89,001 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start from $85,141 per person.

World Cruise

If luxury and unparalleled personal service are important to you, consider Crystal 's 2025 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity .

The beloved upscale line went bankrupt and stopped sailing in 2022. However, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent acquired it and brought it back to life with a $150 million glow-up, starting with 740-passenger Crystal Serenity.

With newly renovated expansive suites, an array of social areas and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity offers ultimate comfort, quality and personalization. Every cabin comes with a butler ready to assist with reservations, laundry and any other needs you have during your global odyssey.

Beginning in Fort Lauderdale and concluding in Barcelona, the sailing spans 123 nights with visits to 31 countries. The cruise kicks off with a welcome celebration, and guests can enjoy themed onboard and shoreside events and gala dinners throughout the sailing.

Exciting destinations along the way include Belize, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Jordan. Passengers can get a close-up look at Argentine tango through performances, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events.

Custom excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours organized by Abercrombie & Kent are available along the way (for an additional cost).

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $66,200 per person.

Cunard Line

Be among the first to explore the world aboard Queen Anne, the line's first new ship in 12 years. Scheduled to launch in May 2024, the 2,996-passenger ship will take over Cunard 's world cruise duties in January 2025.

Queen Anne's maiden World Voyage in 2025 will span 111 nights, beginning and ending in Hamburg, Germany. Along the way, guests can explore historic churches in the Old Town of Lubeck, Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit the historic city of Antigua, Guatemala's original capital; and indulge in retail therapy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's bustling shopping hub.

Passengers will enjoy spectacular new elements on this ship. The vessel's main pool area, The Pavilion, is topped with a gorgeous retractable glass roof that will act as a showpiece and also a functional structure to keep poolgoers dry on rainy days.

If you're seeking the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences on board, book Princess or Queens Grill suites. Fares include outstanding amenities such as private dining rooms, coffee and specialty tea service, priority boarding, and a private outdoor lounge area.

Queens Grill suite passengers receive butler service, too. However, many lovely inclusions, such as white-gloved servers presenting complimentary daily tea, are available for all guests.

Departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $17,799 per person.

Holland America

Grand World Voyage

Holland America 's 124-day Grand World Voyage on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam cruises round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The enticing itinerary ventures far from Florida to must-visit cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore and Istanbul. The ship will also traverse the Panama Canal.

Many included overnights allow opportunities to dive deep into local cultures and experiences. Spend extra time in Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; and Singapore. As a bonus, Zuiderdam will take guests to incredibly remote locales, such as the Amazon.

On board, relish music venues like Billboard Onboard and BBC Earth in Concert, where a live orchestra plays before a huge backdrop of spectacular wildlife footage. Step One Dance Company presents works by noted choreographers. Count on a buzzy casino, fine dining at specialty restaurants and a professionally staffed fitness center.

Departs Jan. 4, 2025. Prices start from $24,999 per person.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is doing something a little different with its 2025 world cruise. It's offering a choice of four embarkation ports — Rome and Genoa in Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona. Passengers will return to the same port they left from.

The 2,550-passenger MSC Magnifica is the home base for the 116-night journey. The itinerary features port calls at 50 destinations across 21 countries in the Mediterranean, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia. Among the cities you'll explore are Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro; Casablanca, Morocco; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Phuket, Thailand; Broome, Australia; and Auckland.

Spend your port days ogling at Genoa's majestic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence and Doge's Palace; exploring the peaceful mountaintop monastery in Montserrat, Spain; and wandering through the restored ceremonial village of Orongo, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a World Heritage Site.

Departs Jan. 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2025 (depending on your embarkation port). Prices start from $14,469 per person.

Oceania Cruises

Around the World Cruise

The lovely 656-passenger Insignia sails a whopping 200 days from Miami to New York for Oceania Cruises ' 2025 world cruise. It might seem a long way away, but inside cabins and some suites are already waitlisted for the sailing.

Prepare to tear up any bucket list on a cruise this long. The ship begins in the balmy Caribbean islands, ventures to the Brazilian Amazon, explores more of South America and then heads off to Africa and Asia. Australia and New Zealand, Hawaii and Latin America round out the itinerary before Insignia circles back to the Caribbean (different ports on this end) and sails triumphantly back to Miami.

Oceania Cruises is renowned for fine dining. Expect to eat and drink exceptionally well on board.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $54,099 per person.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises promises an unforgettable journey on its 116-day world cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale (or Los Angeles, as an alternative embarkation port) on the 2,200-passenger Island Princess.

This ship delivers many onboard activities like cooking and dance classes, trivia contests, enrichment programs and games of basketball, volleyball and tennis on the sports court. A putting green ensures golf games stay sharp.

You can also expect outdoor movies, original musical productions and onboard wellness features such as a spa and fitness center.

World cruisers can visit 26 countries with 51 destinations across six continents; the exciting port of call include Lisbon; Bali; Naples, Italy; Milan; and Haifa, Israel. With late-night stays in 11 ports of call and a Dubai overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore.

For 2025, Princess offers two 116-day world cruise itinerary options on Island Princess, one round-trip from Fort Lauderdale and the other round-trip from Los Angeles.

From Fort Lauderdale: Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $16,225 per person.

From Los Angeles: Departs Jan. 20, 2025. Prices start from $16,298 per person.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Navigate the World

World cruises prove perpetually popular on this ultraluxe line. They often sell out in the blink of an eye.

Availability is limited on the 2025 150-night world cruise on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner, sailing round-trip from Miami to San Francisco. This itinerary includes cruising in Antarctica, the Chilean fjords, French Polynesia, Taipei and Bali.

Perhaps because its 2025 sailing is nearly sold out, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2026 world voyage, also on Seven Seas Mariner.

This journey will be the line's longest, sailing for 154 nights and visiting 77 ports in 41 countries across six continents. The itinerary includes three new ports of call for Regent, including Lifou Island and Mare of the Loyalty Islands in the New Caledonia archipelago. Count on visiting 47 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Robben Island in South Africa.

For all its around-the-world cruises, Regent piles on primo inclusions — first-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, luggage service, an open bar and a visa package are among countless amenities.

The 2025 world cruise departs Jan. 7, 2025. Prices start from $87,999 per person.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 10, 2026. Prices start from $94,999 per person.

Related: The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Grand Africa Voyage

Wander the majestic Grandmaster's Palace in Malta. Snorkel the pristine waters along the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Ogle the tropical beauty of the 115-island archipelago of the Seychelles. Soak up the beauty of Cape Town from atop Table Mountain.

You'll find many pinch-me moments on Seabourn 's 90-day, 26-country Grand Africa cruise in late 2024 and early 2025. It takes place onboard the 450-passenger all-suite Seabourn Sojourn and sails round-trip from Barcelona. (The line is not currently offering a more traditional world cruise in 2025.)

On the ultraluxurious vessel, you can expect exclusive VIP celebrations, like a Caviar in the Surf party. (Note that complimentary Champagne and caviar flow freely on board, too, adding to the happy vibe.)

There's much to love about Seabourn Sojourn. Its intimate size allows truly personalized service from a polished, attentive crew. Seabourn Square, a living room-like venue, is a magnet for affable passengers who quickly make new friends. Count on superb dining and 24-hour room service among a slew of upscale amenities.

Departs Nov. 30, 2024. Prices start from $38,999 per person.

Related: 7 extremely decadent things you can do on a luxury cruise vacation

Silversea Cruises

Controtempo

Silversea Cruises ' 2025 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn looks amazing. The around-the-world cruise is designed to visit far-flung and more remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.

This 136-day voyage sails from Tokyo to New York and explores 59 ports in 30 countries. Count on visiting enchanting cities, including Istanbul, Naples and Stockholm. Wonderfully remote ports, like Cochin, India; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Nuuk, Greenland, tempt travelers to come aboard for the long haul.

Silversea's world cruises are known for showcasing exceptional special-access events, and this sailing is no different. On this cruise, applause goes to a private tour of Cairo's 500-room Abdeen Palace and an inimitable evening at Versailles in lavish Marie Antoinette style (pre-guillotine, of course).

Silver Dawn is a wowser with a game-changer spa , all-suite accommodations, tux-clad butlers for all passengers and complimentary caviar service anytime, anywhere. Expect many fare inclusions, such as business-class flights, shore excursions and private transfers.

Departs Jan. 13, 2025. Prices start from $81,900 per person.

Viking World Voyage II

Imagine the joy of ticking many bucket list boxes on Viking World Voyage II, Viking 's 163-day world cruise on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky in 2025. Book quickly; availability is extremely limited, with many suites and penthouses already sold out.

The Los Angeles-to-New York voyage visits 29 countries and 78 ports.

Palm-tree ports are plentiful, including Moorea, French Polynesia; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You'll cross many seas, such as the Tasman, Arafura and Arabian, and take your pick of a plethora of possible excursions, including a visit to a Balinese Hindu temple in Indonesia and a tour of the ancient Elephanta Caves in India. You can pretty much do it all on this world cruise.

Departs Jan. 5, 2025. Prices start from $74,995 per person.

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What To Expect From Ultimate World Cruise

Get ready to visit all seven continents, 65 countries, over 150 ports of call, and 11 world wonders..

By Robert Schrader | Published on October 18, 2023

1. Are You The Ideal World Cruise Traveler?

Looking at Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise℠ itinerary, you might be surprised by the sheer volume of bucket-list sites, even if you consider yourself a seasoned traveler. The great explorers of history spent this long — the full cruise lasts 274 days — on a single sailing across the sea, never mind going to all corners of the globe.

Your epic journey around the world, of course, is sure to come with plenty of new-to-you destinations. From world wonders such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China to sun-dappled islands from French Polynesia to Greece, the array and diversity of horizons you sail to is unparalleled. This isn't a cruise — it's the  cruise to top all other cruises.

2. Do You Want To Minimize Flights?

3. Is This Trip Too Good To Be True?

It might sound unbelievable that you'll be able to spread your arms out under Argentina's Christ the Redeemer statue and sip cocktails beneath the Sydney Opera House on the same sailing, but on this epic journey around the world, you can. The key to making the most of each port is to pace yourself — this is a long trip, in the best way possible.

Some stops along the Ultimate World Cruise℠ will invite more hiking and exploration (Jordan's ruins of Petra, for example), while the colorful waterfronts of European idylls like Bergen, Norway, are better for sitting down for a meal or drink. What makes this vacation unique is the luxury of time and space, which allow you to truly relax and explore many sides of yourself. You might consider yourself a total beach bum as you reach the sandy shores of Oahu but feel like a history buff as you take in the Taj Mahal. You might feel like an explorer as you explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá in Mexico on foot, then opt to take a camel when you reach the Pyramids of Giza.

4. How Much Does It Cost?

As you can imagine, this once-in-a-lifetime epic journey around the world is highly customizable. The ticket price for the 274-night journey ranges from $59,999 per person for an interior stateroom to $117,599 for a junior suite on the 2,476-passenger Serenade of the Seas® .

You might think that if you travel the world for almost a year, you'll need to bring your whole home with you, but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, you'll want to err on the side of bringing less rather than more. You'll have laundry services (among other complimentary treats)  included in your fare, and can buy almost anything you need at ports. Focus on bringing a basic wardrobe built for laying in different climates, and any special items you know you can't easily buy, as well as medications and other need-to-haves. You won't want forget to pack bathing suits for Mexico, for example, or a coat for colder destinations.

So, is this the best way to travel the world? That's somewhat a matter of personal preference. Sailing the world with many of the same passengers offers an unprecendented bonding experience with like-minded travelers. The guests and crew become very much like a family on a world cruise, which can be a real joy to watch unfold — especially if you follow cruise etiquette and are considerate of others during the voyage. And the itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ 2023 is so extensive it's almost impossible to imagine. Certainly, if you love cruising and want to see much of the world as possible in one fell swoop, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to check many travel icons off your bucket list.

5. Do You Really Set Sail For ... Everywhere?

It's important to note that you can opt for the whole cruise, or stay onboard for however long you want. Each of four Ultimate World Cruise℠ segments — Americas, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Med and Europe & Beyond — can be booked a la carte, with business class airfare between your home and wherever you start and end included in the price. Or, pick one of the 17 sailings (ranging from nine to 29 nights) that make up the cruise and visit the sites that are most exciting to you.

Then again, if you can find the time, it's tempting to complete most of your bucket list in a single, epic trip when you circumnavigate the globe onboard a cruise ship. The iconic world wonders you'll see are only the beginning on this epic adventure.

Want to learn more? Check out the thrilling itinerary of the Ultimate World Cruise℠ .

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This cruise line just launched 116-day cruise around the world for $13,200

It stops at 50 destinations in 21 countries.

• Kaitlin Gates
• February 23, 2023

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling around the world, there’s a new cruise setting sail in 2025 that will give you a pretty good taste of what it would be like.

The MSC World Cruise 2025 will travel across three oceans and five continents, stopping in 50 destinations in 21 countries. The cruise takes place aboard the MSC Magnifica from January through May 2025 for a total of 116 nights. Though you’ll be spending a lot of time off the ship, you’ll still be at sea for 57 days.

Travelers can embark on the U.K.-based cruise line’s trip from one of four ports: Barcelona, Spain; Marseille, France; Genoa, Italy; and Rome.

Sailing more than 30,000 nautical miles, the cruise begins with a Mediterranean tour around Europe before heading toward South America, via Casablanca, Morocco, and Cape Verde. There, you’ll visit Rio de Janeiro; Buenos Aires, Argentina; the Falklands Islands; the snow-capped mountains of Ushuaia; Valparaíso in Chile and more.

The cruise then ventures to the Pacific Ocean for Tahiti, French Polynesia and the Cook Islands before heading toward New Zealand and Australia. You’ll also sail to Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Toward the end of the journey, the ship will head back to Europe through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal to  Jordan and Egypt.

The first stop along the way is 10 days in South America, including an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro and a visit to Bueno Aires. Next is nearly two weeks in the tropics, followed by five days of sailing.

The ship then heads to New Zealand for eight days before spending 19 days in Australia to visit cities like Auckland and Adelaide. Then passengers will travel to Asia with stops in Singapore and Thailand before spending seven days crossing the Indian Ocean to visit Jordan, Egypt and the Suez Canal.

The ship then heads back to Italy for four more stops, ending in Genoa.

If you’re worried about getting bored on the ship when it’s not docking, have no fear. The 964-foot-long MSC Magnifica has entertainment ranging from a bowling alley to a mini golf course, casino, disco and movie theater.

The cruise costs $13,200 per person, which is about $114 per night. A dine and drink package is included, as are 15 shore excursions at select stops along the way.

MSC’s price is far less expensive than luxury line Silversea’s world cruise in 2025 , which is currently priced at $81,000, or Viking’s current world cruise offerings , which start at $55,000.

Will you be booking a spot on the MSC World Cruise 2025?

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Princess Cruises has announced a 111-day, around-the-world cruise starting at $21,000 as travelers continue to demand global sailings

• Carnival's Princess Cruises has announced a 111-day world cruise that will set sail in January 2024.
• The almost four-month cruise will bring guests to 51 locations across 27 countries.
• The cruise starts at almost $21,080 per person, and suites start at about $66,000.

Around the world in 80 days? How about 111 days — by ship.

On Monday, Carnival's Princess Cruises announced a 111-day world cruise for 2024 as demand for global sailings remains high.

Passengers will cruise aboard the Island Princess, which will also be the home base for the company's upcoming 2023 world cruise itineraries.

Source: Princess Cruises

According to a press release, the ship is Princess' "largest to sail a world cruise voyage."

The almost four-month cruise will operate roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2024 and Los Angeles on January 19, 2024.

If 111 days seems just a bit too long, there's also the option to book a shorter 97-day itinerary from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, which will also begin sailing on January 18, 2024.

From there, the Island Princess will bring guests to 51 locations, including 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites…

... across 27 countries and six continents.

This includes calls in Crete, Greece, Bali, Indonesia, Lisbon, Portugal, and Bermuda.

Interested in sailing around the world? Be prepared to shell out at least $21,080 per person.

And if you'd rather travel in luxury, suites start at about $66,000, a Princess Cruises spokesperson told Insider.

The 2024 sailings aren't Princess' only plans for a global cruise. The company's upcoming 2023 world cruises from Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles will set sail in January 2023. However, the cruise line canceled its 2022 global sailing.

Source: Princess Cruises , Princess Cruises

Despite this cancellation, there's no better time to unveil a months-long cruise.

Pent-up demand for cruising has resulted in successful global cruise sales throughout 2021, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 132-night 2024 world cruise that sold out in less than three hours …

Source: Insider

... and Oceania Cruises' "Around the World in 180 Days" cruise for 2023 that was booked out within a day.

• Main content

Cruising around the world in 115 days

Visiting more than 40 ports on 5 continents, aboard Holland America’s Amsterdam.

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Searching for toucans with rainbowlike bills in Costa Rica’s forests. Snorkeling in a tropical lagoon in Moorea. Marveling at the architecture of the Sydney Opera House. Watching the harbor in Hong Kong light up at night. Feeling like Indiana Jones at Petra in Jordan. Admiring Michelangelo’s Pieta at St. Peter’s in Vatican City. And doing all of it in one trip!

Make that one epic trip: a 115-day world cruise, hitting 40-plus ports on five continents, aboard Holland America’s Amsterdam.

My husband and I were on the 1,380-passenger ship that circled the planet last January through April on a round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. It marked our third world cruise in five years.

World-cruise itineraries vary. Many stay mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. Some sail mostly north or divide their time equally between the two. I prefer a westward course, where hours are gained instead of lost when crossing time zones. Some world cruises, like ours, are true circumnavigations of the planet; others may sail from a U.S. port but end in Europe.

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As Capt. Jonathan Mercer of the Amsterdam put it: a true circumnavigation “sails from and returns to the same point, crosses the equator, crosses all longitude lines and covers a minimum of 21,600 nautical miles.”

Expect change

With an itinerary of this size and scope, changes are inevitable. All of our world cruises have deviated from published routes thanks to weather, political unrest and epidemics such as Ebola. As John Steinbeck once wrote, “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.”

In addition to visits to many places, overnights in some ports allow for more in-depth exploration. Classic experiences offered as options on many world cruises include riding a camel in Dubai (and learning that you have to hang on for dear life as the animal lurches forward and backward to get up from the ground and to sit back down). You might stroll among Easter Island’s moai statues and take an overland tour to visit India’s Taj Mahal, its white marble so luminous that it seems to float in a symphony of domes and minarets.

We’ve enjoyed all of these classic experiences on previous world cruises. Highlights of our latest aquatic adventure included swimming in a lagoon with a mountainous backdrop on the South Pacific island of Moorea, shopping in Hong Kong’s bustling markets and soaring in a cable car over Singapore to the island resort of Sentosa, where Universal Studios Singapore is among the many attractions.

We took in sweeping views of Dubai from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and visited shrines in Jerusalem’s Old City, where the air seems heavy with prayer. We strolled the ultrachic, Ferrari-filled streets of Monte Carlo and toured the grounds of the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, opened to the public by Pope Francis.

Home at sea

When not exploring ashore, the Amsterdam was our home. A 16-year-old vessel, it has occasional plumbing problems (we had a leak in a pipe in our cabin) and slow Wi-Fi. But it also has a gracious feel, decked out with flowers and art. Its amenities include several lounges and restaurants, a spa, casino, library and sports deck.

To fill strings of sea days, activities abounded, from meditation, golf putting, dance classes and tai chi to culinary demonstrations, trivia contests, port lectures, themed balls and special events. A poolside “beach party” Down Under featured real sand, a trio of lifeguards from Australia’s famed Bondi Beach, and Aussie-centric cuisine, such as kangaroo, crocodile and emu.

World cruises typically have more entertainment than you’ll find on typical voyages. Performers on our trips have included artists such as singer Melissa Manchester, jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen and comedian Rita Rudner, and distinguished lecturers such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and author Paul Theroux.

Because of these extras, people who prefer shorter voyages might find world-cruise “segments” better values than regular cruises.

it’s not cheap

The full fare for our world cruise was $64,434 for two in an ocean-view cabin. Optional tours came to about $6,000. By paying for the trip several months before our departure, we got some extras, like a 3 percent discount on the fare and free luggage shipment, and gratuities were included.

World cruises take a lot of time and money, so it’s no coincidence that passengers are mostly in their 60s to 80s. Segment passengers tend to skew younger. Many guests are cruising veterans, who can share valuable insight on the experience and the diverse ports.

For any cruise enthusiast who’s taken weeklong or similar sailings, going on a world cruise is like being a literature lover who’s only read short stories and discovers the joys of a novel.

Throughout the long journey, you feel as if you’re turning one page after another in a vividly illustrated book.

As the ship’s port guide Barbara Haenni put it, “It’s like having the whole world at your fingertips.”

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This Epic 119-Day Cruise Will Take You to 6 Continents

Explore 49 stops in 32 countries—starting at $16,999.

If you want to see the world all in one trip, a new 119-day-long cruise spanning six continents could be just the ticket.

Departing from Genoa, Italy, on Jan. 5, 2019, MSC Cruises' “World Cruise” will make stops at 49 destinations in 32 countries.

Customers will board the Magnifica —with balcony cabins, four restaurants, and 11 bars—to begin the journey through European ports including Marseille in France, Barcelona and Malaga in Spain, and Funchal in Portugal.

From there, it's on to the Caribbean, with stops in St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Aruba, among others.

There will be extended stays in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Polynesia, to give travelers a chance to immerse themselves in local experiences, as well as stops in more far-flung spots like Tonga, Bora Bora, Cartagena, and Aqaba.

There will also be 15 different complimentary shore excursions like lagoon snorkeling and national park tours that passengers can take advantage of during the trip. Additional offerings include guided shopping trips, food tours, tours to panoramic viewing sights, and boat trips.

The cruise will stop for an average of 13 hours in each location before continuing on to discover a range of historic ports, islands, vibrant cities, and remote locations around the globe.

Tickets, starting at $16,999 for an interior double occupancy stateroom, are currently on sale for MSC Voyagers Club members and will go on sale to the public on December 14.

Related Articles

28 countries for $25K? Princess' World Cruise will offer 'more all-inclusive experience'

On Princess Cruises’ 2026 world cruise, the line will one-up itself.

The 114-day sailing will visit 52 ports, the most destinations for any of the line’s world cruises.

Terry Thornton, the line’s chief commercial officer said the voyage “addresses a growing interest in longer voyages that make stops at more exotic destinations, and the urge to do it as part of a more all-inclusive experience,” according to a news release .

“Our 2026 World Cruise offers our most destination-rich itinerary ever so guests can immerse themselves in a global experience rich with landmarks, ancient ruins, unique landscapes, wildlife, gastronomy, cultures and heritage,” he added.

What is a world cruise? It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision'

When is Princess’ 2026 world cruise?

The cruise will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 5, 2026, on the line’s 2,000-guest Coral Princess ship.

 Guests can also opt to sail round-trip from Los Angeles on Jan. 21 instead.

Where will the cruise go?

Guests will sail to 28 countries on six continents, and the stops will give passengers access to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The itinerary also features late departures from more than a dozen ports, including Honolulu, Hawaii, Singapore, and Sydney, Australia. Guests will also stay overnight in Hong Kong.

The cruise will include the line's first-ever stop in Boracay, an island in the Philippines, and Coral Princess will make new world cruise calls to Puerto Chiapas, Mexico and Ponta Delgada in Portugal’s Azores Islands . Guests can enjoy destination-specific programming on board, such as themed deck and sail-away parties, lectures on Mediterranean history and art, World War II and more.

How much does the cruise cost?

The round-trip Fort Lauderdale departure currently starts at $25,214 per person based on double occupancy, while the Los Angeles option starts at $24,004, according to the line’s website .

Guests who book by Oct. 31, 2024, will get a complimentary Princess Premier package that includes Wi-Fi, premium alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee and more; $500 in onboard credit each for two passengers; and transfers from local airports, among other perks.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

115th Global Voyage

Peace Boat's 115th Global Voyage will travel around the world eastwardly, visiting 24 ports in 20 countries. Highlights of the voyage include opportunities to watch the Northern Lights near Iceland from the ship, visits to the Maple Road during Autumn, and cruising through the Saint Lawrence River.

Route & Itinerary

Show itinerary hide itinerary, world heritage through the eyes of tan huaiyu, stop killing gaza press conference on the return of peace boat voyage 115, visiting the 4th world: indigenous canada, being and sharing love: donisha prendergast and komi olafimihan, true blue - 115th voyage participants join project to upcycle marine debris, stop killing gaza: peace boat uses ship to appeal for an immediate ceasefire, ​stop killing gaza peace boat to display huge banner, pablo romo cedano & martha elena welsh herrera: exploring mexico’s soul, a journey of insight, opri young ocean leaders sail onboard peace boat, “all hands on deck:” celebrating the un sustainable development goals and peace boat’s 40th anniversary in new york city, hsueh yu-huai: discovering hula magic with tina, call for donations: emergency relief for communities affected by wildfires in maui county, hawai’i., stop killing gaza press conference on the return ..., being and sharing love: donisha prendergast and ko..., true blue - 115th voyage participants join project..., stop killing gaza: peace boat uses ship to appeal ..., ​stop killing gaza peace boat to display huge b..., pablo romo cedano & martha elena welsh herrera: ex..., “all hands on deck:” celebrating the un sustai..., call for donations: emergency relief for communiti..., explore more voyages.

Princess is launching an all-inclusive, 4-month, around-the-world cruise for $20,000— see what it'll be like

Posted: May 4, 2024 | Last updated: May 4, 2024

• Princess Cruises announced a 114-day  world cruise to 52 destinations in 2026, starting at $20,000 per person. 
• Guests who book early would get a free, all-inclusive package, a first for Princess' global itineraries.
• Extended and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the vacation industry.

Princess Cruise's new around-the-world voyage will hit two vacation trends in one itinerary.

In January 2026, the company says its Coral Princess will embark on a 114-day cruise to 52 ports in 28 countries and six continents — more destinations than any of its previous global sailings .

It's the Carnival Corp brand's latest appeal to the extended cruising trend . But it's not the only fad this four-month vacation is targeting.

The sailing, which starts at $20,000 per person, also marks the first time Princess is offering a complimentary all-inclusive package as a way to entice early bookings.

Ultra-long and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the industry.

Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and Oceania's 2024 around-the-world cruises all sold out before departing in January. The former was fully booked within three hours, while every cabin on the latter was called for in 30 minutes.

Besides being high-end, these three companies share one commonality: some level of all-inclusiveness , as is common with premium cruise lines.

Mass-market cruise companies rarely go the all-inclusive route.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are generally beloved for their affordability.

But if you want to experience all their ships have to offer, be prepared to face a list of up-charged amenities like pay-to-play rides and specialty restaurants . After all, there's a reason their base fares are much cheaper than their increasingly popular ultra-luxury, all-inclusive counterparts.

But Princess has been increasingly vying for a slice of the luxury cruiser pie.

The cruise line says guests who book its 2026 world cruise early (that is, by the end of October) will receive its most inclusive Princess Premier package for free. The perk — launched two years ago — covers amenities that typically have a fee, like WiFi, premium drinks, some specialty restaurants, and workout classes.

Travelers who reserve one of the ship's high-end cabins by the same deadline would also receive complimentary airport transfers and airfare, services normally exclusively offered by luxury cruise lines .

The itinerary would have two roundtrip embarkation options: Fort. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 5, 2026, or Los Angeles 16 days later.

From there, the 2,000-guest Coral Princess would sail more than 35,000 nautical miles to ports in North America, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia, Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Central and South America.

It wouldn't be Princess' longest voyage — that title goes to its 116-day world cruise in 2025 — but it would be one of its most destination-heavy.

While two days longer, next year's around-the-world cruise would hit six fewer ports and four fewer countries than its 2026 counterpart.

According to the itinerary, about half of the 2026 voyage consists of sea days.

That's a lot of time on the water with no land in sight. Luckily, travelers can keep themselves entertained by attending lectures and programs related to the destinations, leisuring around the adult-only lounge, or taking a dip in Coral Princess' four pools.

The 21-year-old ship also has 10 places to grab a bite, although the Italian and steakhouse restaurants are considered specialty. Premier is the cruise line's most inclusive package, but it only includes 16 free dinners at these upcharge restaurants, paced once a week.

Princess is still a mass-market cruise line, after all.

The company has been increasingly dangling its inclusive package as a big perk.

The company says its two-month-old Sun Princess will debut in the US in October with its first-ever Sanctuary Collection . Travelers who splurge on these expensive and luxurious accommodations would be rewarded with two major benefits: a private lounge and Princess Premier.

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Around the world in 114 days with princess cruises.

2026 World Cruise Sails to the Most Destinations EVER Visited by "The Love Boat" Line

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. , May 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises today announced its 2026 World Cruise - a 114-day voyage aboard Coral Princess - will visit 52 ports in 28 countries, across six continents, the most destinations ever reached on a Princess World Cruise . With itineraries now on sale, global-seeking cruisers can take advantage of early booking perks and secure their spot now aboard the 114-day adventure that will sail over 35,000 nautical miles.

The destination-rich World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from both Ft. Lauderdale, departing January 5, 2026 , and Los Angeles on January 21, 2026 .

"This 2026 World Cruise addresses a growing interest in longer voyages that make stops at more exotic destinations, and the urge to do it as part of a more all-inclusive experience," said Terry Thornton , chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. "Our 2026 World Cruise offers our most destination-rich itinerary ever so guests can immerse themselves in a global experience rich with landmarks, ancient ruins, unique landscapes, wildlife, gastronomy, cultures and heritage."

What's Exciting & New? New elements guests can look forward to aboard the 2026 Princess World Cruise include:

Inaugural call to Boracay, a tropical paradise in central Philippines known for its gorgeous beaches and resorts, a first for Princess.

Coral Princess will also make first-time World Cruise calls to:

Puerto Chiapas , Mexico

Ponta Delgado, Azores Islands

Visits to 52 destinations, the most ever offered on a Princess World Cruise , with access to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the globe.

More time in port with "More Ashore Late-Night" stays in 13 ports including Singapore , Sydney and Honolulu , and one overnight stay in Hong Kong .

Coral Princess Amenities and Entertainment Connecting guests to the destinations through the cruise line's onboard programming with enrichment speakers, destination experts, ambassadors, performers and theatrical productions supports the critically acclaimed and expertly curated itinerary, making this World Cruise truly memorable. The onboard experience offers:

Cultural Enrichments: Language classes; dance lessons (tango, salsa, waltz and more); destination-based arts & crafts; instrument lessons (ukulele, mandolin and penny whistles) and locally-inspired cuisine, cocktails and wine.

Destination-Specific Events: Folkloric shows highlighting traditional entertainment for various ports in Honolulu , Auckland , Barcelona and Lisbon ; destination-themed deck and sailaway parties; trivia; and Princess Book Club, reading novels set in the countries visited.

Guest Lecturers: Mediterranean art and history, maritime and WWII historians, bridge lecturers and destination ambassadors from Hawaii and Māori.

Booking Information Rates for the 2026 World Cruise start at $19,999 per guest. Guests booking the full World Cruise by October 31, 2024 , receive the following, coveted perks:

Free Princess Premier Package - featuring Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, premium alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, unlimited fitness classes, OceanNow delivery anywhere, reserved theater seating and more.

Captain's Circle discount of $1,000 for two guests.

A $500 onboard credit each for two guests.

Free EZAir airfare – economy class for balcony accommodation and first class for mini-suite and suite guests.

Free transfers from local airports (LAX, FLL and MIA).

Free specialty dining – one experience per week.

Additionally, the MedallionClass vacation experience delivers exceptional, personalized experiences typical of small ships while enjoying only the best large ship amenities. With expedited boarding, locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, enhanced service like having whatever they need delivered – guests can spend more time connecting with each other and doing what they love on their Princess vacation.

For guests who only want to see various parts of the world, cruise segments are offered with shorter sailing times and those booking by October 31, 2024 , receive a $200 onboard credit.

More information, including the full and segmented 2026 World Cruise itineraries, can be found at  http://www.princess.com/worldcruise .

About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/around-the-world-in-114-days-with-princess-cruises-302134177.html

SOURCE Princess Cruises

Travel | Cruising around the world in 115 days

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Things To Do

Chicago Tribune / Georgina Cruz

Georgina and Humberto Cruz on the grounds of the papal summer estate in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.

Georgina Cruz / Chicago Tribune

The soaring Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

At the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, pilgrims write prayers on pieces of paper and put them in the slits between the wall's blocks.

Taking in the view of Jerusalem's Old City from the Mount of Olives.

A cruise of Sydney Harbor offers views of the Opera House with its sail-like roofs.

Cable cars to Sentosa Island in Singapore fly over Holland America's Amsterdam cruise ship.

Dancers greet the Amsterdam in Indonesia's port of Jakarta.

When the Amsterdam arrived in Papeete, Tahiti, a local troupe entertained passengers with traditional Polynesian songs and dances.

Over-water bungalows on the idyllic island of Moorea in the South Pacific.

Make that one epic trip: a 115-day world cruise, hitting 40-plus ports on five continents, aboard Holland America’s Amsterdam.

My husband, Humberto, and I were on the 1,380-passenger ship that circled the planet Jan. 4 to April 30 on a round-trip journey from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. It marked our third world cruise in five years.

World cruise itineraries vary. Many stay mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. Some sail mostly north or divide their time equally between the two. I prefer a westward course, where hours are gained instead of lost when crossing time zones. Some world cruises, like ours, are true circumnavigations of the planet; others may sail from a U.S. port but end in Europe.

As Capt. Jonathan Mercer of the Amsterdam put it: a true circumnavigation “sails from and returns to the same point, crosses the equator, crosses all longitude lines and covers a minimum of 21,600 nautical miles.”

RELATED: TRENDING LIFE & STYLE NEWS THIS HOUR

With an itinerary of this size and scope, changes are inevitable. All of our world cruises have deviated from published routes thanks to weather, political unrest and epidemics like Ebola. As John Steinbeck once wrote, “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.”

In addition to visits to a plethora of places, overnights in some ports allow for more in-depth exploration. Classic experiences offered as options on many world cruises include riding a camel in Dubai (and learning that you have to hang on for dear life as the animal lurches forward and backward to get up from the ground and to sit back down). You might stroll among Easter Island’s moai statues and take an overland tour to visit India’s Taj Mahal, its white marble so luminous that it seems to float in a symphony of domes and minarets.

We’ve enjoyed all of these classic experiences on previous world cruises. Highlights of our latest aquatic adventure included swimming in a lagoon with a mountainous backdrop on the South Pacific island of Moorea, shopping in Hong Kong’s bustling markets and soaring in a cable car over Singapore to the island resort of Sentosa, where Universal Studios Singapore is among the many attractions.

We took in sweeping views of Dubai from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and visited shrines in Jerusalem’s Old City, where the air seems heavy with prayer. We strolled the ultra-chic, Ferrari-filled streets of Monte Carlo and toured the grounds of the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, opened to the public by Pope Francis.

When not exploring ashore, the Amsterdam was our home. A 16-year-old vessel, it has occasional plumbing problems (we had a leak in a pipe in our cabin) and slow Wi-Fi. But it also has a gracious feel, decked out with flowers and art. Its amenities include several lounges and restaurants, a spa, casino, library and sports deck.

To fill strings of sea days, activities abounded, from meditation, golf putting, dance classes and tai chi to culinary demonstrations, trivia contests, port lectures, themed balls and special events. A poolside “beach party” Down Under featured real sand, a trio of lifeguards from Australia’s famed Bondi Beach, and Aussie-centric cuisine, such as kangaroo, crocodile and emu.

World cruises typically have more entertainment than you’ll find on typical voyages. Performers on our trips have included well-known artists like singer Melissa Manchester, jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen and comedian Rita Rudner, and distinguished lecturers such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and author Paul Theroux.

Because of these extras, people who prefer shorter voyages might find world cruise “segments” better values than regular cruises.

The full fare for our world cruise was $64,434 for two in an ocean-view cabin. Optional tours came to about $6,000. By paying for the trip several months before our departure, we got some extras, like a 3 percent discount on the fare and free luggage shipment, and gratuities were included.

World cruises take a lot of time and money, so it’s no coincidence that passengers are mostly in their 60s to 80s. Segment passengers tend to skew younger. Many guests are cruising veterans, who can share valuable insight on the experience and the diverse ports.

For any cruise enthusiast who’s taken weeklong or similar sailings, going on a world cruise is like being a literature lover who’s only read short stories and discovers the joys of a novel.

Throughout the long journey, you feel as if you’re turning one page after another in a vividly illustrated book.

As the ship’s port guide Barbara Haenni put it, “It’s like having the whole world at your fingertips.”

Georgina Cruz is a freelance writer.

World cruises in 2017

Fares listed for world cruises from U.S. ports are per person, based on double occupancy. (These prices were the best found online and are subject to change.) Be sure to ask about specials and perks, such as free air or shipboard credits. Port fees/taxes are extra. Segments may be available.

Holland America (premium): 111-day circumnavigation from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., aboard the Amsterdam. Jan. 4. From $19,999, ocean-view; interior cabins sold out. www.hollandamerica.com

Princess Cruises (premium): 111-day round-trip on the Pacific Princess from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 3. From $16,999, interior cabin. A 111-day round-trip option from Los Angeles departs Jan. 20. From $17,999. www.princess.com

Oceania Cruises (upper-premium): 180-day circumnavigation from Miami. Insignia. Jan. 6. From $39,999. www.oceaniacruises.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (ultra-deluxe): 128-day circumnavigation from Miami. Seven Seas Navigator. Jan. 5. From $55,999. Sailing sold out, but you can be put on a wait list. www.rssc.com

Silversea Cruises (ultra-deluxe): 116 days from San Francisco to Monte Carlo. Silver Whisper. Jan. 6. From $61,550. www.silversea.com

Two luxury lines, Crystal Cruises and Cunard, that sometimes offer world cruises from U.S. ports aren’t doing so in 2017. However, Crystal ( www.crystalcruises.com ) features a 94-day circumnavigation of South America from Miami on Jan. 10. Cunard Line ( www.cunard.com ) is sailing from Southampton, England, for its world cruises in 2017.

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Cruise lines crack down on boarding with beverages

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Global Big Day—11 May 2024

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Be a part of birding’s biggest team! Global Big Day is an annual celebration of the birds around you. No matter where you are, join us virtually on 11 May, help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day , and share the birds you find with eBird.

Participating is easy—you can even be part of Global Big Day from home. If you can spare 5 or 10 minutes, report your bird observations to eBird online or with our free eBird Mobile app . If you have more time, submit several checklists of birds throughout the day. You never know what you might spot. Your observations help us better understand global bird populations through products like these animated abundance maps brought to you by eBird Science.

Last year, Global Big Day collected more data about birds on a single day than ever before. More than 58,000 people gathered 3.2 million bird observations on 148,000 checklists, setting new world records for a single day of birding. Will you help us make this the year we surpass 150,000 checklists on a single day?

How to participate

• Get an eBird account: eBird is a worldwide bird checklist program used by millions of birders. It’s what allows us to compile everyone’s reports into a single massive Global Big Day list—while at the same time collecting data to help scientists better understand birds. Sign up here. It’s 100% free from start to finish.
• Enjoy birds on 11 May: It’s that simple. You don’t need to be a bird expert or go out all day long, even 10 minutes of birding from home counts. Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. You can report what you find from anywhere in the world.
• Enter what you see and hear in eBird: You can enter your sightings via our website or download the free eBird Mobile app   to make submitting lists even easier. Please enter your checklists before 14 May to be included in our initial results announcement.
• Watch the results roll in: During the day, follow along with bird observations from more than 200 countries in real-time on our Global Big Day page .

eBird Trip Reports on Global Big Day

eBird Trip Reports are a great way to share where you went and the birds you found on Global Big Day. Simply create an eBird Trip Report for 11 May 2024. As you submit lists and upload media throughout the big day, they’ll be added to your report automatically. Send the trip report link to friends and family so they can follow along. ( Learn more about eBird Trip Reports )

Global Big Day Pro Tips

• The Cornell Lab’s free Merlin Bird ID app can help you to identify the birds you see and hear on Global Big Day.
• Use eBird Mobile Explore to find recently reported species or new places to go birding nearby.
• Take photos and sound recordings and add them to your checklist —they might end up on the Global Big Day page!
• Make your sightings more valuable:  submit complete checklists ,  keep counts of the birds that you see, and keep multiple checklists throughout the day.
• Share what you’re seeing on social media with #GlobalBigDay !

On 11 May, we hope you’ll be a part of our global birding team. Have fun, enjoy the birds you find, stay safe, and share your sightings on eBird. Because in our world, every bird counts.

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Russia celebrates victory in World War II as Putin accuses the West of fueling global conflicts

APTOPIX Russia Victory Day Parade Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, May 9, 2024, marking the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

MOSCOW — (AP) — Russia on Thursday wrapped itself in patriotic pageantry for Victory Day, as President Vladimir Putin celebrated the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II by hailing his forces fighting in Ukraine and blasting the West for fueling conflicts around the world.

Even though few veterans of what Russia calls the Great Patriotic War are still alive 79 years after Berlin fell to the Red Army, the victory remains the most important and widely revered symbol of Russia’s prowess and a key element of national identity.

Putin has turned Victory Day — the country's most important secular holiday — into a pillar of his nearly quarter-century in power and a justification of his military action in Ukraine.

Two days after beginning his fifth term in office , he led the festivities across Russia that recall the nation's wartime sacrifice.

“Victory Day unites all generations,” Putin said in a speech in Red Square that came on the coldest May 9 in decades amid some snow flurries. “We are going forward relying on our centuries-old traditions and feel confident that together we will ensure a free and secure future of Russia."

As battalions marched by and military hardware — both old and new — rumbled over the cobblestones, the sky cleared briefly to allow a flyby of warplanes, some of which trailed smoke in the white, red and blue of the Russian flag.

Putin hailed the troops fighting in Ukraine as “our heroes” for their courage, resilience and self-denial, adding that “all of Russia is with you.”

He accused the West of “fueling regional conflicts, inter-ethnic and inter-religious strife and trying to contain sovereign and independent centers of global development.”

With tensions with Washington over Ukraine soaring to their highest level since the Cold War, Putin issued another stark reminder of Moscow's nuclear might.

“Russia will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but will not allow anyone to threaten us,” he said. “Our strategic forces are in combat readiness.”

Nuclear-capable Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles were pulled across Red Square, underscoring his message.

The Soviet Union lost about 27 million people in World War II, an estimate that many historians consider conservative, scarring virtually every family.

Nazi troops overran much of the western Soviet Union when they invaded in June 1941, before being driven back all the way to Berlin, where the USSR's hammer and sickle flag was raised above the ruined capital. The U.S., U.K, France and other allies mark the end of the war in Europe on May 8.

The immense suffering and sacrifice in cities like Stalingrad, Kursk and Putin's native Leningrad — now St. Petersburg — still serve as a powerful symbol of the country's ability to prevail against seemingly overwhelming challenges.

Since coming to power on the last day of 1999, Putin has made May 9 an important part of his political agenda, featuring missiles, tanks and fighter jets. Medal-bedecked veterans joined him Thursday to review the parade, and many — including the president — wore the black-and-orange St. George’s ribbon that is traditionally associated with Victory Day.

About 9,000 troops, including about 1,000 who fought in Ukraine, took part in Thursday's parade.

Although the U.S. and U.K. ambassadors did not attend, Putin was joined by other dignitaries and presidents of several former Soviet nations along with a few other Moscow allies, including the leaders of Cuba, Guinea-Bissau and Laos.

In his speech, he accused the West of “revanchism … hypocrisy and lies” in seeking to play down the Soviet role in defeating Nazi Germany.

Putin described Victory Day as “very emotional and poignant.”

“Every family is honoring its heroes, looking at pictures with dear faces and remembering their relatives and how they fought,” he said.

Putin, 71, talks frequently about his family history, sharing memories of his father, who fought on the front during the Nazi siege of the city and was badly wounded.

As Putin tells it, his father, also named Vladimir, came home from a military hospital during the war to see workers trying to take away his wife, Maria, who had been declared dead of starvation. But the elder Putin did not believe she had died — saying she had only lost consciousness, weak with hunger. Their first child, Viktor, died during the siege when he was 3, one of more than 1 million Leningrad residents who died in the 872-day blockade, most of them from starvation.

For several years, Putin carried a photo of his father in Victory Day marches — as did others honoring relatives who were war veterans — in what was called the “Immortal Regiment.”

Those demonstrations were suspended during the coronavirus pandemic and then again amid security concerns after the start of the fighting in Ukraine.

As part of his efforts to burnish the Soviet legacy and trample on any attempts to question it, Russia has introduced laws that criminalized the “rehabilitation of Nazism” that include punishing the “desecration” of memorials or challenging Kremlin versions of World War II history.

When he sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Putin evoked World War II in seeking to justify his actions that Kyiv and its Western allies denounced as an unprovoked war of aggression. Putin cited the “denazification” of Ukraine as a main goal of Moscow, falsely describing the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust, as neo-Nazis.

Putin tried to cast Ukraine’s veneration of some of its nationalist leaders who cooperated with the Nazis in World War II as a sign of Kyiv’s purported Nazi sympathies. He regularly made unfounded references to Ukrainian nationalist figures such as Stepan Bandera, who was killed by a Soviet spy in Munich in 1959, as an underlying justification for the Russian military action in Ukraine.

Many observers see Putin's focus on World War II as part of his efforts to revive the USSR's clout and prestige and his reliance on Soviet practices.

“It’s the continuous self-identification with the USSR as the victor of Nazism and the lack of any other strong legitimacy that forced the Kremlin to declare ‘denazification’ as the goal of the war,” Nikolay Epplee said in a commentary for Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

The Russian leadership, he said, has “locked itself up in a worldview limited by the Soviet past.”

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Holy Year or holy mess, Vatican and Rome begin dash to 2025 Jubilee with papal bull, construction

The Vatican has crossed a key milestone in the runup to its 2025 Jubilee with the promulgation of the official decree establishing the Holy Year

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican crossed a key milestone Thursday in the runup to its 2025 Jubilee with the promulgation of the official decree establishing the Holy Year. It's a once-every-quarter-century event that is expected to bring some 32 million pilgrims to Rome and has already brought months of headaches to Romans.

Pope Francis presided over a ceremony in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica for the reading of the papal bull, or official edict, that laid out his vision for a year of hope: He asked for gestures of solidarity for the poor, prisoners, migrants and Mother Nature.

“Hope is needed by God’s creation, gravely damaged and disfigured by human selfishness,” Francis said in a vigil service afterward. “Hope is needed by those peoples and nations who look to the future with anxiety and fear.”

The pomp-filled event, attended by cardinals, bishops and ordinary faithful, kicked off the final seven-month dash of preparations and public works projects to be completed by Dec. 24, when Francis opens the basilica’s Holy Door and formally inaugurates the Jubilee.

In a novelty, Francis announced in the papal bull that he would also open a Holy Door in a prison "as a sign inviting prisoners to look to the future with hope and a renewed sense of confidence."

For the Vatican, the Holy Year is a centuries-old tradition of the faithful making pilgrimages to Rome to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, and receiving indulgences for the forgiveness of their sins in the process. For the city of Rome, it’s a chance to take advantage of some 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion) in public funds to carry out long-delayed projects to lift the city out of years of decay and neglect.

“In a beautiful city, you live better,” said the Vatican’s Jubilee point-person, Archbishop Renato Fisichella, who himself is not indifferent to the added bonus of Jubilee funding. “Rome will become an even more beautiful city, because it will be ever more at the service of its people, pilgrims and tourists who will come.”

Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Holy Year in 1300, and now they are held every 25 years. While Francis called an interim one devoted to mercy in 2015, the 2025 edition is the first big one since St. John Paul II’s 2000 Jubilee, when he ushered the Catholic Church into the third millennium.

As occurred in the runup to 2000, pre-Jubilee public works projects have overwhelmed Rome, with flood-lit construction sites operating around the clock, entire swaths of central boulevards rerouted and traffic snarling the city's already clogged streets.

The Tiber riverfront for much of the city center is now off limits as work crews create new parks. Piazzas are being repaved, bike paths charted and 5G cells built. The aim is to bring the Eternal City up to par with other European capitals and take advantage of the 1.3 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in special Jubilee funding and some 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) more in other public and post-pandemic EU funds that are available.

“It's really putting our patience to the test,” said Tiziana Cafini, who operates a tobacco shop near the Pantheon and says she has taken to walking to work rather than riding a bus into the city center because it gets stuck in traffic. “And it's not just in the center. There are an infinite number of construction sites all around Rome.”

Though she knows the discomfort will be worth it in the end, the end is still pretty far off. In addition to the Jubilee construction, there's a longer-term, separate project to extend Rome’s Metro C subway line into Rome’s historic center which has encountered years of delays thanks to archaeological excavations of ancient Roman ruins that must be completed first.

For the next four years at least, central Piazza Venezia and its Imperial Forum-flanked boulevard to the Colosseum are scheduled to be congested and blighted by giant, 14-meter (yard) high green silos that are needed for the subway drilling operation.

“We're upset, but we're Romans, we'll make do,” Cafini said.

Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said recently he was satisfied with the pace of the Jubilee works so far, noting that they got off to a months-delayed start due to the 2022 collapse of Premier Mario Dragi’s government.

But Gualtieri promised they would be completed on time. And in a nod to Romans and tourists who have suffered from the traffic chaos and acute shortage of taxis already, he promised that an extra 1,000 taxi licenses had been approved and would be in use by December.

Yet as of late last month, only two of the 231 city projects had been completed; 57 were under way and another 44 were expected to be started by the end of May, Gualtieri told reporters. Another 18 are up for bids, seven have been assigned, 90 are planned. Thirteen have been canceled.

“We have recovered a lot from the initial delay,” Gualtieri told the foreign press association, adding that he expected the “essential” projects to be completed on time. Other projects were always planned to take longer than the Jubilee but were lumped into the overall project to take advantage of the accelerated timeframe.

The most significant project, and one that has caused the greatest traffic disruption to date, is a new Vatican-area piazza and pedestrian zone connecting Castel St. Angelo with the Via della Conciliazione boulevard that leads to St. Peter’s Square.

Previously, a major thoroughfare divided the two landmarks, causing an unsightly and pedestrian-unfriendly barrier.

The new works call for a tunnel to divert the oncoming traffic underneath the new pedestrian piazza. But that project required re-routing and replacing a huge underground sewage system first, which has only recently been completed. Now crews are working through the night to try to complete the tunnel in time.

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