World Cruises...highlights & tips...

**Ally** · 08-17-2006, 10:07 AM

The World Cruise - The classic cruise experience, circling the globe to explore new regions. Visiting more than 30 ports on a 3 month voyage, World-wide also includes segments of those cruises that cross two or more regions. Cruises can go in either direction around the world and can start in the UK, New York, Miami or Los Angeles. The most popular worldwide cruises are often those that follow the UK to Australia route but there are many combinations available that take in Africa, South America, India, southeast Asia, China, Japan and the Pacific.

Classic World Cruise

Going eastwards cruise the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal and Red Sea to southern Arabia and the coast of India and Sri Lanka. Cross the Indian Ocean to visit Singapore, Bangkok and perhaps Hong Kong before travelling south to Australia and New Zealand. Now past the half way mark explore the islands of the south Pacific and then Hawaii, Los Angeles and through the Panama Canal to the islands of the Caribbean. The final leg crosses the Atlantic back to Europe.

South America and the Pacific

Another route might take you southwards from Europe across the Atlantic to South America, calling at Rio and Buenos Aires before rounding the Horn to cruise up the coast of Chile to Santiago. Striking out across the Pacific, cruises will visit Easter Island and the islands of Polynesia before arriving in New Zealand and Australia. Moving on to the Far East, China and Japan, the cruise ship may return to the UK via the Panama Canal and Caribbean.

Australia and Africa

A third route takes you southwards from Europe down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town and South Africa and out across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles and Maldives. From there on to India, southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand before crossing the Pacific to the west coast of South America. Cruise Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia before passing through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean and on to Europe.

When to go...

The most popular time for worldwide cruises is from January to March. Weather will depend on what part of the world you are in. Clearly the quicker you leave northern waters the warmer it will get.

**Ally** · 08-19-2006, 01:14 PM

Bag a Bargain

World cruising is cheaper than you might think. Last-minute, cabin-sharing, early-booking and frequent-traveller discounts all cut costs.

All Aboard

Big ships brighten up sea days with onboard activities. Sports facilities range from fully equipped gyms to tennis courts, golf simulators and even ice rinks. If that’s too much effort, chill in the spa. Smaller vessels focus on culture with workshops and lectures ranging from African dance to Amazonian wildlife.

New to Cruise

If you're testing the water for the first time, a three-month round-the-world cruise could drive you overboard. Flycruise sectors are a good option – the longest option is semi-circumnavigation from the UK to Australia. If time is an issue, choose a shorter sector to take in a destination like the Far East, Africa or South America.

Setting Sail

Some world cruises depart from and return to UK ports. For a fast escape from the winter chill, fly and sail from a port like Miami, Los Angeles, or New York.

**Ally** · 08-19-2006, 01:15 PM

Crystal Cruises

All Aboard: Crystal Serenity offers the ultimate in luxury alongside a stimulating and indulgent environment, a variety of different restaurants, a world-class spa and plenty of sports and fitness opportunities.

Bag a Bargain: Prices start from £29,631 per person including complimentary business or first class flights to Miami, private car transfers, all meals and entertainment onboard, a complimentary shore excursion on each of the seven segments, pre-paid gratuities, port taxes, $1000 shipboard credit and exclusive gifts. Book and pay in full before 06 July 2006 and receive up to £4,772 per person off the cost of the cruise.

Link: www.crystalcruises.com

New to Cruise: First time cruisers can choose one or more of the seven segments as the perfect introduction to ultra-luxurious cruising.

Setting Sail : The 2007 World Cruise finishes in Southampton so there's no need to worry about a long flight home.Scheduled flights from the UK are included in the cruise fare for each of the seven segments and can be tailored to include a pre/post cruise city stay.

Which Route?: Crystal Serenity's 109-night World Cruise from Miami to Southampton is divided into seven segments: Miami to Valparaiso, Valparaiso to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Cape Town, Cape Town to Dubai, Dubai to Istanbul, Istanbul to Rome and Rome to Southampton. Highlights of the voyage include the Chilean Fjords, the Suez Canal, Cape Horn and the Bosphorus as well as opportunities to visit the Galapagos, Machu Picchu, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Luxor, Petra, the Pyramids of Giza and Marrakesh.

**Ally** · 08-19-2006, 01:16 PM

Holland America Line

All Aboard: Choose from the 1,380-passenger Amsterdam or the more intimate 783-guest Prinsendam. Our elegantmid-size ships offer a high staff to guest ratio, pampering service and educational opportunitis such as our Flagship Forum lecture programme and thenew"Culinary Arts" theatre - as well as thrilling new ports of call from well known cities to lesser known outposts!

Link: www.hollandamerica.com

Setting Sail : Holland America Line's Grand Voyages set sail from the sunny coasts of Fort Lauderale,Florida and end in New York or Fort Lauderdale. Fly/cruise arrangements and sector cruises available on request.

Which Route?: For 2006 flagship Amsterdam will cruise a 105 night World Voyage departing 15th Jan cruising 38 ports in 26 countries across six continents - South America, Australia, Asia, India, Arabia and the Mediterranean. The smaller Prinsendam will meanwhile cruise two unique back to back South America and Grand Mediterranean voyages!

**Ally** · 08-19-2006, 01:17 PM

P&O Cruises

All Aboard: P&O Cruises ships offer comfort, speed and spaciousness, with exciting onboard activities and quiet corners to relax. Facilities include world-class spas and dining options from intimate bistros, to informal cafés.

Bag a Bargain: P&O Cruises world voyages start from just £89 per person per day, including accommodation, all meals, entertainment and facilities. A maximum 45% early-booking discount and onboard credit of £375 per person is available.

Link: www.pocruises.co.uk

New to Cruise: First timers enjoy voyages to/from Australia and New Zealand, as well as shorter sectors ranging from 14 to 60 nights in duration which can be combined with a pre/post cruise city stay.

Setting Sail : World voyages depart from and return to Southampton. Scheduled flights from London are included in the cruise fare for line voyages/shorter sectors and can be tailored to include a pre/post cruise city stay.

Which Route?: Our world itineraries feature Artemis African & Asian Odyssey via South Africa and the Mediterranean; Oriana World Cruise via the Caribbean, Australia and the Orient; and Aurora Grand Voyage via South America, Asia and Mexico.

**Ally** · 08-19-2006, 01:18 PM

Princess Cruises

All Aboard: Travel in style of the intimate Pacific Princess, one of our smallest ships, but includes a wealth of facilities including the trademark Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and Sterling Steakhouse restaurants.

Bag a Bargain: Prices start from an amazing £9,998 per person for an inside cabin on this amazing 103-night adventure and includes flights, meals, accommodation and entertainment.

Link: www.princesscruises.co.uk

Setting Sail : Set sail from Fort Lauderdale in the 'land of the free' and arrive back home in the UK in the most famous cruising port in theworld, Southampton.

Which Route?: Covering six continents, 31 countries,this 103-night voyage on Pacific Princess will experience iconic destinations such as: Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat and the pyramids of Egypt.

**Ally** · 08-19-2006, 01:19 PM

Travelscope

All Aboard: Travelscope’s vessels are large enough to feature all the expected modern amenities, but small enough to ensure a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that comes from staff and passengers becoming more familiar with each other.

Bag a Bargain: Our Round the World Cruise starts from less than £33 per day – and includes accommodation, all meals, entertainment, activities and facilities.

Link: www.travelscope.co.uk/ocean-cruises

New to Cruise: First time cruisers can test their sea legs on an amazing 21-day Mediterranean Sunshine Cruise, calling at the Algarve, Costa del Sol, Palma de Majorca, Sardinia, Malta, Sicily, Italy, Corsica, Cannes, Menorca and Gibraltar.

Setting Sail : Travelscope’s World Cruise departs directly from Falmouth and includes the added convenience of complimentary coach travel from selected local pick up points to and from Falmouth, or free car parking at port.

Which Route?: Travelscope’s World Cruise calls at, among many others, Egypt, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Fiji, Tahiti, Ecuador, St Lucia and Barbados.