A Full World Cruise is an affordable luxury for those with time and some extra money to spend on a truly unique travel experience… Cruise lines are offering more affordable options in 2012 than in years past!
My choice would be to sail on the majestic Queen Mary 2 which offers a 108 day voyage sailing roundtrip from Southampton that travels down the coast of Africa, over to Australia, up through Asia, in the Dubai from India, sails through the Suez Canal, and into the Mediterranean before heading back to Southampton. Okay, I skipped the details on the 38 ports-of-call (not including Southampton) but a World cruise is a port sampler for the traveler who has this popular run on their “bucket list”. This type of voyage can be had for under $20,000 per person which is amazing affordable in today’s travel world. The cruise line offers all kinds of incentives for guests who book the entire voyage with substantial onboard credits and pre-paid tips to incentivize those who book the entire trip rather than segments (smaller portions of the 108 day trip for those who cannot take the entire voyage).
Queen Mary 2 has come into her own since being introduced in 2004 and she is a magnificent vessel. Her World cruise is a historic experience as she is the largest vessel to ply this annual event also serviced by a myriad of other cruise lines, the most stable for days at sea between continents, and offers an amazing onboard entertainment program that is likely unmatched. A World cruiser is offered dazzling entertainment, guest celebrity speakers and performers, cultural entertainment, guest chefs, ever changing menus, upgraded amenities and food from regular cruises, onboard gifts, and services that go beyond a normal cruise. These are very special occasions and experiences that have some of the highest passenger ratings of any travel experience-period!
Guests who take these voyages often come back year-after-year to seek the companionship of others who join this “country club” and become regulars. The onboard staff become extended family and the experience is never boring but something extraordinary. While I have never done a full World Cruise, I have taken many segments and can tell you how wonderful these voyages are. The theme parties alone are reminiscent of the golden era of travel where black tie balls, decorative themes, and panache abound. It is truly something elegant to experience.
While the itineraries are really port samplers, one can take superbly planned excursions in each port to ensure the most ids made of the day or two in the various ports. Overnight stays are planned in important ports like Cape Town Sydney, and Hong Kong…
If you have the time and funds, break out the champagne and take one of these very special cruise experiences…
