For some, a week or two away simply isn't enough anymore. Instead of rushing between destinations and squeezing as much as possible into a short holiday, they're choosing to slow down and stay away for longer. Enter the Grand Voyage which is an extended cruise that can take you across countries, continents and oceans. Sitting somewhere between a traditional cruise and a full world cruise, Grand Voyages are becoming an appealing option for those who have the time to see more of the world – and want to enjoy the journey along the way.
What is a Grand Voyage?
There's no set definition, but Grand Voyages generally last several weeks or even a few months. Some focus on one part of the world, while others cover huge distances and dozens of destinations. You might spend weeks exploring the Mediterranean, follow the coastline of South America, travel through Asia or cross the Pacific from Australia. Unlike a world cruise, which can take four months or longer and circumnavigate much of the globe, a Grand Voyage lets you experience the benefits of extended cruising without necessarily committing to being away for quite so long.
More time to explore
One of the best things about a longer cruise is that there's less need to rush. Grand Voyages can include overnight stays and longer days in port, giving you more time to get to know a destination. Rather than simply ticking off the major sights, you might have time for dinner ashore, a day trip beyond the city or an afternoon wandering without an itinerary. The routes can be interesting too. Because the ships are travelling further, itineraries often combine well-known destinations with smaller ports and islands that you may never have considered visiting on their own.
Unpack once and settle in
Anyone who has travelled through several countries in one holiday knows the routine: pack, check out, transfer, check in and repeat. On a Grand Voyage, your room comes with you. There's something appealing about unpacking your suitcase once and knowing you won't need to touch it again for weeks. You can spend the day exploring somewhere new, then return to the same bed, familiar surroundings and perhaps even your favourite table for dinner. Over time, the ship starts to feel a little like home.
The joy of sea days
On a shorter cruise, a sea day can sometimes feel like a gap between ports. On a Grand Voyage, it's part of the holiday. There's nowhere you need to be and no sightseeing list to work through. You can sleep in, find a quiet spot with a book, head to a long lunch, join an onboard activity or simply watch the ocean roll past. Many cruise lines also offer guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, performances and destination-focused programs on longer itineraries. It's travel at a slower pace – without actually staying still.
Where can you go?
Almost anywhere. Cruise lines such as Azamara, Crystal, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea offer longer voyages across the Mediterranean, Asia, Africa, the Americas, South Pacific and beyond. Some itineraries stay within one region, while others link several together. You could leave Australia and travel through Asia towards Europe, cross the Atlantic between continents or spend weeks following the coastlines of South America.
Could you go Grand?
A Grand Voyage requires something many of us wish we had more of – time. But for travellers who do have it, particularly those who have already experienced shorter cruises or visited many of the world's best-known destinations, going longer can offer a completely different way to travel. It's less about racing through a checklist and more about settling into the journey. And when your biggest decision of the day is whether to explore a new port or order another coffee and watch the world go by from the deck, taking your time doesn't sound too bad at all.
Thinking about going Grand? Contact your local Travellers Choice expert about finding a longer cruise that's right for you
