Would You Spend $293K on a World Cruise? A Costco Customers Did
Costco has long been known for offering everything from bulk groceries to high-end electronics, but the retail giant has proven its versatility by venturing into luxury travel.
During an earnings call on December 12, 2024, Costco’s Chief Financial Officer Gary Millerchip shared a stunning revelation: the company sold a $293,000, 150-day world cruise through its Costco Travel services.
The lavish voyage, starting in Fort Lauderdale, included stops at iconic destinations like the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island.
The package featured a stay in the Owner’s Suite, which came with $13,000 in shipboard credit and a $25,000 Costco Shop Card as added perks.
This sale is a testament to the company’s growing success in the travel sector, which also offers vacation packages and rental cars to its 138.8 million cardholders.
The Growing Appeal of World Cruises
Luxury cruises are experiencing unprecedented demand, with suites often the first to sell out. Though Millerchip did not disclose the cruise line behind the high-end booking, world cruises for 2025 from several operators showcase the allure of such grand journeys.
Holland America Line, for example, offers a 124-day Grand World Voyage departing Fort Lauderdale on January 4, 2025. Passengers aboard the Zuiderdam will explore destinations like Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and the Great Barrier Reef. Suites on this voyage, like the Neptune Suite, include exclusive lounge access, premium amenities, and priority services. Priced at nearly $160,000 per person, these suites are already sold out.
Similarly, MSC Cruises’ Magnifica will embark on a 116-night adventure from Rome, visiting 50 ports across 21 countries. Royal Suites in the MSC Yacht Club provide butler service and premium perks, with balcony cabins costing up to $4,100 per night for two people.
For travelers seeking more affordable options, Princess Cruises offers a 116-day world voyage aboard the Island Princess, starting at $20,666 for an interior cabin. Departing January 5, 2025, the cruise visits 51 destinations across 26 countries, including unique stops in Bar, Montenegro, and Taranto, Italy.
Luxury Meets Accessibility
World cruises aren’t limited to extravagant suites. Interior cabins on luxury liners provide budget-friendly options, making these once-in-a-lifetime experiences more accessible.
Options like Azamara’s 155-night world cruise from San Diego or Cunard’s Queen Anne maiden voyage offer a range of price points for eager travelers.
Whether indulging in a $293,000 Owner’s Suite or opting for a cozier cabin, world cruises offer an unparalleled way to see the globe. Costco’s sale of such a luxurious trip underscores the retailer’s ability to meet diverse customer needs, including those with a penchant for adventure on the high seas.
If a global voyage is on your bucket list, now might be the time to start planning. As demonstrated by the overwhelming demand for these trips, the world is truly at your fingertips—provided you can book fast enough.
