True round-the-world cruises take approximately three months to circumnavigate the globe, taking in some of the most exotic, remote and desirable ports in the world. Some of the best world cruises are with Cunard out of Southampton, England, but Crystal, Regent, Holland America and Silversea also have excellent world cruise itineraries. You may have noticed these are among the most exclusive and expensive luxury cruise lines, and world cruises are generally pricey.
Many cruisers choose to do one or more ‘legs’ of the cruise so passengers are constantly changing. Other world cruisers take a cabin or suite and stay on for the whole trip. From a world trip you can visit the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the tombs and pyramids of Egypt, the delights of South Africa, Asia and the Far East, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. All these destinations can be enjoyed from a world cruise without having to fly or change hotel rooms once. Your world cruise ship is your floating hotel or home for the whole experience.
World cruises vary from other cruises as the passengers are generally over retirement age. They are usually wealthier and expect to mingle with like minded travelers. Many days during the three month cruises are spent at sea and the entertainment and opportunities on board are quite unmatched. World famous lecturers are invited to talk about their specialized subject during the cruise. It may be about wine, art, the places to be visited, antiques, jewelry and many other subjects. Cruisers also have the opportunity to dance, although it is mainly ballroom dancing rather than discos on board these ships. Cookery demonstrations, flower arranging and learning a new language may all be offered along with the usual spa treatments, library, computer room and endless meals.
Classes are also offered throughout the cruise, teaching cruisers the skills of bridge, mahjong and many gambling games. The onboard casinos offer lessons in each of the games they offer from blackjack and poker to craps. They also may host casino nights for charity when fun can be had playing with chips. Everyone is given a set number, the winner being the holder of the most chips at the end of the evening. For those who enjoy gambling and card games, a world cruise offers a constant supply of companions of all skill levels who will happily gamble from morning to night.
A world cruise is a wonderful way to experience luxury travel to some of the most exotic ports in the world. With trips ashore, cruisers can explore the world from the comfort of their cabin with like-minded friends. For those who are tired of the more predictable cheap and cheerful cruises for the masses, the quality offered on a world cruise will both surprise and delight.
