A world-cruise arms race has begun, with luxury lines competing to make these sailings of 100-plus days ever more enticing. Although they’ve traditionally employed older ships for these lengthy voyages, some companies now use newer, bigger vessels with more amenities. To satisfy a growing demand for longer sailings that include exotic, lesser-known destinations, some are increasing their length as well. They’re also adding more overnights in ports, maiden calls and exclusive shoreside events that give guests especially memorable experiences.

These cruises often sell out fast even though they’re typically put on sale about two years out — with some lines making cabins available three years ahead. Here are five exciting options that offer plenty of reasons to spend up to six months at sea. But note that itineraries may change since they’re planned so far in advance.

40 Countries With Splendor

Regent’s 2027 world cruise is a 140-night voyage aboard the 746-guest Seven Seas Splendor. It’s the largest ship the line has tapped for such purposes and the first time it will use one of its Explorer-class ships, which offer a higher standard of luxury. After departing Miami on January 11, 2027, the Splendor will visit 71 destinations in 40 countries and conclude in New York. It will cover more than 35,000 nautical miles as it sails the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe, making 14 overnight stays. The itinerary’s 73 UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai, India, where Hindu temples were carved in the fifth and sixth centuries. In Málaga, Spain, an exclusive Roaring Twenties party will feature a display of haute couture fashion from the 1920s and restored vintage cars. International business-class airfare is a welcome inclusion. Rates from $91,499.

L.A. to Rome via Australia

Crystal Serenity departs Los Angeles on January 11, 2026, for a 135-night journey that’s 12 nights longer than Crystal’s 2025 world cruise. The 740-guest ship will call on 72 destinations in 27 countries, finishing in Rome. The ship will ply the Pacific — including a stop in remote New Caledonia — then explore New Zealand and Australia before sailing on to Asia and the Middle East, with Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among the ports of call. In the Mediterranean, a highlight will be Monaco during the Grand Prix. Shoreside events curated by Abercrombie & Kent will include after-hours access to museums and dinners in palaces and UNESCO sites. On board, unlimited complimentary dining at Osteria d’Ovidio and Umi Uma, chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s only restaurant at sea, is included. Rates from $84,000.

Epic Pacific Itinerary

Travel about 28,000 nautical miles over 129 days on Seabourn’s 2026 world cruise aboard the 458-capacity Seabourn Sojourn. The ship sets sail from Los Angeles on January 6 and will call on 63 destinations in 14 countries, with seven overnights and seven late-night departures. From Los Angeles, it will first explore the South Pacific and then Australia’s wild coasts, making a maiden call in Robe, a picturesque village on southern Australia’s pristine Limestone Coast, which has a thriving food scene and beautiful beaches. From there, it moves on to Japan during the spring flower season — calling on unexpected ports like Ishigaki and Miyako — and then crosses the North Pacific to Alaska before wrapping up in Vancouver. Among standout excursions is Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines, home to dramatic limestone karst landscapes and one of the world’s longest underground rivers. In Australia, guests will partake of regional cuisine and local entertainment at an exclusive dinner at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Garden. A shipboard credit of up to $10,000 per suite is included. Rates from $80,999.

Big Ship, Round Trip

For Oceania’s 2026 world sojourn, up to 1,200 guests will sail on Vista. Launched just a year ago, the line’s first Allura Class ship impresses with three new restaurants and a higher guest-to-staff ratio. Vista will spend 180 days visiting 101 ports in 43 countries. The cruise begins in Miami on January 6 and will tour Southeast Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, Europe and South America before returning to Miami. The itinerary features 11 overnight stays and more than 80 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between two continental plates. First-class airfare and a shore excursion credit of $8,800 per stateroom are included. Rates from $57,999.

Florida to Lisbon the Long Way

Silversea’s 140-day world cruise on the 596-guest Silver Dawn sets sail from Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2026. It will call on 70 destinations in 37 countries, with Lisbon as its final port of call. The route includes Central America, South America’s west coast, Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. One of nine overnights is on remote Easter Island, known for its ancient and enigmatic moai statues. On Vanuatu’s uninhabited Mystery Island, visitors will snorkel in marine-life-rich waters, dine on regional dishes and be entertained by traditional dance. Business-class airfare from the U.S. (and select other countries) and a daily complimentary shore excursion are included. Rates from $90,200.