This Around-the-World Cruise Sails to 62 Ports, 32 Countries, and 7 Continents

The latest in envy-inducing, prohibitively expensive travel packages that we would never be able to actually do, but totally wish we could: bookings are now open for the Silversea World Cruise 2020, an unprecedented seven-continent cruise departing Fort Lauderdale in two years. This might just be the most luxurious and comprehensive cruise option ever on offer.

Silversea has already made a name for itself as a leader in the ultra-luxury cruise sphere. Their most recent debut, the Silver Muse, is their largest vessel yet, somehow pulling off a vibe of refined, understated luxury while boasting eight restaurants and room for nearly 600 guests. And they’ve been doing the World Cruise for years now, though it has never before stopped in every continent on its route. But despite the 1% pedigree, they offer a number of more reasonable luxury sailing options, with seven-day voyages starting around $4,000.

Not so for the World Cruise 2020. Fares range from $62,000 for a one-bedroom suite to $240,000 for the most luxurious package; top dollar will buy you a spacious Owner’s Suite, a $4,000 stipend for onboard spending, laundry, medical coverage, an arctic-ready parka for cold-weather expeditions, roundtrip business class travel to and from the terminal ports, and more. If that price seems unfathomable, it’s probably because this is the most expensive cruise option in industry history, which makes sense considering the length and breadth of the voyage — sailing to an unprecedented 62 ports of call in 32 countries across all seven continents.

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Departing Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 6, 2020, the route heads south through the Caribbean and hugs the Atlantic coast of South America before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spotting excursion. After rounding Cape Horn and making a few stops in Chile, the Whisper will bear west to Polynesia, Australia, and Indonesia. From there, the ship starts a grand leg from Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean, with stops in India, the Arabian Peninsula, and a few Red Sea ports before heading through the Suez Canal. Finally, it cruises along Southern Europe before making its way up to Scandinavia and the British Isles, eventually disembarking 140 days later in Amsterdam.

The vessel for this unprecedented cruise will be the Silver Whisper, a consistent presence in our World’s Best Awards, which was refurbished just last year. With onboard designer boutiques and a full-service spa, it’s undoubtedly one of the most luxe ships on the ocean; in fact, among the Whisper’s four restaurants is La Dame, a tasting menu-only restaurant by industry standard-bearer Relais & Châteaux.

Every suite features linens from Italy’s iconic Pratesi family studio, a bar and refrigerator fully stocked according to guest preferences, marble bathrooms with full tubs, and a writing desk (complete with personalized stationery). Pricier suites have even more amenities: walk-in closets, on-demand afternoon canapés, Bang & Olufsen audio systems, and private teak verandas over the ocean. And the price for every suite level includes dedicated butler service — though, somehow, unlimited Wi-Fi still costs extra.

In a way, this is a logical next step in a niche industry catering to a rich and powerful set in constant pursuit of outrageous experiences. “We have sought feedback from our most loyal World Cruisers in order to create the only seven-continent World Cruise available,” Barbara Muckermann, the company’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “Silversea invites the curious, the adventurous, and the pioneers of travel to experience the earth’s most authentic beauty, which remains out of reach for most.”

At least we can dream.

How to book now: silversea.com; 140-day expedition from $62,000 per person.