Cruises are an option for anyone who has ever dreamed of traveling the world, who has a few months to spare, and can afford the fare. It can be a convenient and leisurely way of sightseeing, while avoiding the hassles of air travel.
When researching cruise options, it should be remembered that cruise prices change regularly and vary dramatically depending on who is selling the tickets.
Travelers must shop around for the best prices. World cruises start at around $15,000 and can cost up to $50,000.
In some cases, passengers may also choose to complete only a segment of a world cruise and may embark at any of the ports of call.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises offers a 110-day World and Exotic Cruise aboard its Crystal Serenity ship.
Departing from Los Angeles, the cruise first stops in Hawaii, before heading on to the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, India, South Africa, Kenya and Portugal.
The cruise ends in London. Built in 2003, the five star-rated liner has a capacity of 1,080. With a ratio of over two staffers per passenger, staff aboard this luxury cruise make every effort to serve their passengers.
Crystal Cruises
2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90067
310-785-9300
crystalcruises.com
Cunard
Cunard’s RMS Laconia was the first liner to set sail on a world cruise, in 1922. Since then Cunard has set the standard for cruising. The Queen Elizabeth departs on her world voyage from her homeport of Southampton, England, embarking on a 103-day cruise.
Sailing westward around the globe, the first stop is New York, where many American passengers join the cruise. Both the Panama and Suez Canals are negotiated before stops in Los Angeles, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Portugal.
Cunard
Mountbatten House
Southampton, SQ15 2BF
United Kingdom
800-728-6273
cunard.com
Maris Freighter Cruises
More adventurous travelers may enjoy the informality of a cruise aboard a working freighter, where they will travel with the vessel as it delivers containers throughout the world. Cruise passengers are strictly limited to no more than 12.
With limited amenities to occupy passengers, this type of cruising suits those who can amuse themselves and enjoy being part of a small group. The 125-day voyage can be picked up in the major ports of Houston, Hamburg or Singapore.
Maris USA
84-1320 State Route 9
Champlain, NY 12919
800-996-2747
freightercruises.com