It wasn't until 1519 that Ferdinand Magellan discovered a passage to the Pacific, thereby allowing global circumnavigation. However, it was many years until adventurous travelers could book such a trip. In 1922 Canard's Laconia made the first circumnavigation and allowed passengers to follow in Magellan's wake.
A few years ago, especially following 9/11, world cruises were a difficult sell. As fear of global travel lessens, around the world cruises have regained their popularity, especially with wealthy retirees. In fact, this trend in longer cruises has resulted in the tripling of berths available for world cruising between 2006 and 2007.
Since most sailings depart in January and February, now is the time to think about 2007 and take advantage of the early booking savings. Never before has there been such a wide range of itineraries. The following is a sampling of the offerings from five cruise lines:
Cunard - The cruise line that has undertaken more world cruises than any other line, continues with its legacy in 2007. She will have two ships circumnavigating the world: the QE2 sails on her 25th voyage around the world, while the new Queen Mary 2 embarks on her first. Both liners will depart on Jan. 10 from Ft. Lauderdale, sailing on a southerly course.
It will take the Queen Mary just 80 days, while her sister ship celebrates her Silver Anniversary with an exotic 108-day itinerary. Guests can travel in luxurious surroundings, reminiscent of the golden age of travel. Keep in mind that if a world cruise is too lengthy and expensive, you can book segments of the voyage, lasting from 22 to 102 days.
Holland America - The Grand Voyages are unique journeys that achieve a balance between relaxing days at sea and longer times in ports, allowing for more adventurous excursions. In 2007, the line has expanded their offerings to two ships. Sailing from Ft. Lauderdale, the 1,380-passenger Amsterdam will sail around the world in 105 days, stopping in 38 ports located in 26 countries.
The smaller 793-passenger Prinsendam, doing the global cruise in 2006, will sail two shortened world cruises, one 66 days in length and the second 56 days. Onboard activities and dining are greatly enhanced. This includes the Exploration Speaker Series and dinner menus that are never repeated during the entire voyage. Wines and cuisine often reflect the ports being visited.
Three luxury cruise lines are also offering world cruises in 2007. Their offerings are:
Silversea - This luxury line is offering its first around-the-world cruise on Jan. 15. Departing from Ft. Lauderdale, the 382-passenger Silver Shadow cruises for 126 days visiting ports in Mexico, Peru, Easter Island, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, India, Egypt and the Mediterranean.
Crystal - Sailing from Miami Jan. 12, the 1,080-passenger Serenity begins this line's 12th annual world cruise. The 107-day journey doesn't completely circumnavigate the globe, but it does offer a cruising through the Panama Canal, in addition to stopping in ports in South America and Antarctica, Africa, Middle East and Europe.
Radisson - The 700-passenger Navigator of the seas sails from Ft. Lauderdale, Jan. 9 on a 111-day world cruise, exploring 46 ports and 26 nations. This six-star luxury all-suite ship also does 14 nights in key destinations and includes many complimentary shore events.
If you're thinking of going and can afford the time and money, now is the time to book 2007 voyages. Cruise lines offer their lowest fares a year in advance and you have a better chance of getting the cabin you want. Cruising the world gives you an opportunity to visit exotic lands, meet new people and make lasting friend ships and enjoy all the pleasures of life at sea.
For information, call CruiseScape Travel at 782-2520.