Which World Cruise Segments are Still Available in 2023?

There’s something different about being on a World Cruise. An element of luxury and exploration. After all, when you say “World Cruise” it brings to mind grand voyages of those well-to-do or adventuresome crossing oceans and exploring distance lands. However, with World Cruises taking months and costing tens of thousands – how can you get this type of experience without the time or money? A world cruise segment could be just right for you. Let’s take a look at which world cruise segments are still available in 2023.

What does a “segment” of a World Cruise mean?

A “segment” of a World Cruise is just that – a segment, or a part – of the World Cruise voyage.

Say for instance that a World Cruise started in Fort Lauderdale, cruised down around South America and then across to Australia, followed by India, Europe, and then back to Fort Lauderdale.

That voyage might be offered in a few ways – as a full voyage (all the way around the world), from Fort Lauderdale to somewhere in South America (about 1/4 of the voyage), to Australia (about half the voyage), to Athens (3/4 of the voyage). Or, conversely, between those other “home ports” , e.g. Santiago, Chile to Sydney, Australia (1/4 of the journey still, it’s just 1/4 in the middle).

The Luxury Of a World Cruise without the Cost or Time

A World Cruise is a one of a kind adventure. Going on a segment – or just a part – of a world cruise gives you the chance to experience that luxury and adventure without the time or cost.

On a World Cruise it’s common to have additional guest lecturers onboard, local cultural ambassadors to teach you about their cultures, as well as additional onboard activities like arts and crafts or watercolors. Have you ever heard of dance hosts? Many think that dance hosts is just something made up for the mid-1990’s classic Out to Sea. Many World Cruises have dance hosts onboard and feature extravagant themed Gala evenings.

Another huge advantage of any world cruise is that the time the ship spends in port is usually longer than normal. Most of these world cruises feature overnight ports – sometimes more than one – to explore these places in even more depth.

Want to Know More About the Overnights and Perks of World Cruises 2023? Take a Look at This YouTube Video (and like and subscribe while you’re there!)

Why Would Cruise Lines Offer “Segments”?

There are a couple reasons for this. The first is to provide more options to guests.

• A full world cruise voyage is long – at minimum about 3 months, but most average in at just over 4 months long. That’s a long time to be away from home and for most a long time to be away from work.
  
• A full World Cruise voyage is also pretty expensive. The least expensive start around $13,000 – but that doesn’t factor in port fees, gratuities onboard (although many include this as a “perk” depending on when you book/stateroom category, etc).
  
• By offering a world cruise segment they are giving guests that want to experience a world cruise the option without either breaking the bank or being away from home too long.
  
• The last reason from the guest side of it is – itinerary options. Cruise lines rarely offer the same World Cruise itinerary twice, taking different routes each year, and these itineraries go to some truly incredible – and uncommon – cruise ports. A segment of a world cruise might go to a section of the world that cruise line doesn’t go to any other time during the year. Offering the option to book a segment then keeps those guests happy (and sailing with that particular cruise line).

Lastly, from a business perspective it also makes sense. While it is best (and logistically easiest) to have the ship full from day 1 to day 128 it’s often not realistic. So, there are a handful of cabins (maybe two handfuls, possibly some toes, too) that they sell as “segments”.

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Can You Book a Segment of Any World Cruise?

No. Not all world cruises are offered in segments. Those World Cruises that sell out quickly will likely only be sold as full world voyages.

Additionally, even if you want to book a segment of a world cruise – and it’s offered as a segment, it might be sold out.

Some parts of itineraries are more popular than others. These segments will sell out quicker.

The ideal is that if one guest books a cabin for the first half of the cruise then another guest booking a segment will book for the other half of the cruise. If you’re ever searching for segments and find the segment you are looking for is sold out but the other end of the cruise is still available – this is what’s happening. Basically – the more full a ship is the more profitable the ship is for the company.

Which World Cruise Segments for 2023 are still available?

While there are currently 14 World Cruises set to sail in 2023 only eight of them are still offering the ability to book a “segment” of their world cruise offering. This is either because a) the cruise was never sold in segments or b) the cruise is sold out (or darn close).
Note: This is not including those leaving in late Dec. 2023, those are counted in my 2024 World Cruises.

Want information on all the world cruises sailing in 2023? Take a look at this post!

Princess Cruises:

Sydney, Australia – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
22 days
$5,219
May 31, 2023

This segment is heavy on sea days. Honestly though, part of what makes a world cruise special is the onboard experience. It’s a bit different than normal cruises with additional classes, lectures, and enrichment programs. So, what better way to experience that side of world cruising than to go on a world cruise segment with a whole bunch of sea days? Here’s your chance.

Auckland, New Zealand – London (Dover), England
56 days
$11,809
June 6, 2023

A full world cruise too long for you but want a bit more of a taste? Take a look at this segment going from New Zealand to London! This segment takes you through the Suez Canal, gives you a taste of the Oceania region, South Asia, as well as the Middle East and ends with a lovely little Mediterranean adventure.

Seabourn

Sydney, Australia – Cape Town, South Africa
51 Nights
$24,500
March 7th, 2023

How can you go wrong sailing on one of Seabourn Cruise Lines’ Ultra Luxury ships? (Hint – you can’t!) Seabourn is a personal favorite, offering all-suite ships and an all-inclusive onboard cruise product.

This world cruise segment lets you explore the Southern Hemisphere in a way only dreamed of by many. After a lovely exploration of the south and west of Australia, you will stop in Indonesia, make your way across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles, before diving into exploration of the African continent. Fantastic itinerary with just enough sea days mixed in to let you relax and unwind between your epic days of exploration.

Note: If interested there are smaller segments still available covering this part of the itinerary.

Cape Town, South Africa – Barcelona, Spain
30 Days
$21,000
April 27th, 2023

What a way to explore this continent! This world cruise segment takes you up the western coast of Africa, ending with stops in Casablanca and then finishing up in Barcelona. Cruises exploring Africa are rare (although are becoming more common) and this beautiful itinerary is not to be missed.

P&O Cruises

Southampton, England – Auckland, New Zealand
42 Nights
$6,200 (includes flights)
January 3rd, 2023 – February 14th, 2023

Have you ever wanted to sail through the Panama Canal? Or maybe you’ve wanted to cross an ocean? Well, this is the chance for you. On this World Cruise segment you’ll cross both the Atlantic and Pacific, get a taste of Hawaii and the South Pacific and do a full transit of the Panama Canal.

This would also be a great segment to take if you wanted to explore New Zealand more. You could sail this World Cruise segment and then spend a month exploring this wonderful place.

Auckland, New Zealand – Southampton, England
58 Nights
$10,200
February 14th, 2023 – April 13th, 2023

Maybe you’d rather fly to New Zealand, spend some time exploring, and then leisurely make your way back to Southampton. You’ll get to explore some of Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and transit the Suez Canal! Plus you’ll be back in England just for spring.

Note: P&O also has some shorter segments available.

Cunard

Queen Mary 2
New York, New York – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
30 Nights
$5,000
January 3rd, 2023 – February 2nd, 2023

Sail from New York on the world’s only ocean liner and start your voyage on the classic trans-Atlantic crossing. Then sail through the Mediterranean before making your way to Egypt and the Suez Canal. After a stop in Oman and a bit more exploration of the Middle East you will end your voyage in Dubai. This is an incredible way to get a taste for arguably the most formal cruise line – on one of the most elegant ships – out there.

Silversea

The Silversea 2023 World cruise is available in eight different segments, each about two to three weeks long. Segments can be combined to create a longer portion of the World Cruise. Indulge in the ultra-luxury of Silversea onboard the Silver Shadow as you explore on these incredible itineraries.

Segment options are:

• Sydney, Australia – Auckland, New Zealand
• Auckland, New Zealand – Manila, the Philippines
• Manila, the Philippines – Singapore, Singapore
• Singapore, Singapore – Mahe, Syechelles
• Mahe, Seychelles – Cape Town, South Africa
• Cape Town, South Africa – Dakar, Senegal
• Dakar, Senegal – Manaus, Brazil
• Manaus, Brazil – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Explore the world on a World Cruise Segment 2023

Enjoy the luxury of a world cruise without the cost or the time. Or get a taste of slightly longer-than-average cruising. Maybe you’re excited to explore a part of the world you’ve yet to discover. Whatever your reason going on a segment of a World Cruise is a great way to do it.

Is your favorite cruise line not listed? Take a look at all the World Cruises sailing in 2023 – to see if your favorite cruise line is offering a world cruise in 2023. It could be that the itinerary is completely sold out or that they are only taking bookings for the full voyage. As sailing dates get closer though cancellations are possible – so be sure to check with your travel advisor or cruise professional for up-to-date information and availability.