To travel around the world is on the bucket list for many people. Through the wonderful South Sea and the mega-metropolises of Asia, to the cultural treasures of Europe or the breathtaking landscapes of South America, through the glacial wonderland of Antarctica or the natural wonders in South Africa – there are so many incredible destinations the world has to offer that are waiting to be explored.
One of the most comfortable ways to travel the globe is on a world cruise. On a world cruise, you can decide how long you want your journey to be – from 40 nights on a Grand Voyage from Europe to South America, up to 200 days on a complete around-the-world trip. On some cruise ships, you can also book a partial world cruise, where you travel for a shorter time on a ship that’s embarking on a world cruise. This can be an ideal way to explore off the beaten track ports you wouldn’t normally travel to, alternatively to get a taste of what world cruising is like before you commit to a longer one. The ships going on a world cruise vary every year, but there are a few well-known world travellers, such as the Queen Mary 2 or the MS Europa, which sail nearly every season.
World Cruises: Smaller Ships to Explore More Exotic Destinations
There are plenty of categories of world cruises and sectors of world cruises to suit every travel style and budget. Depending on the cruise line, the services included in the cruise fare can vary, so watch out for extra costs such as beverage packages, shore excursions, and tips. World cruises also vary by route and destinations they visit. If you prefer moving at a more relaxed pace, look for a route with lots of overnight stays in a single port.
Many cruise lines send their smaller ships on world cruises because they can visit smaller ports that megaships can’t fit into. Because of this, world cruise ships are often able to visit particularly exotic destinations, and can even sail up rivers such as the Amazon River in South America or through the Panama Canal.
Most world cruises depart from major European ports, so if you want to depart from Australia, your options do decrease. However, there are still world cruises departing from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. If you’re willing to fly or interested in joining sectors of world cruises then there are still plenty of alternatives. If departure port location doesn’t matter for you, check the existing offers or ask our cruise experts to find out which departure ports are possible for a world cruise.
Choosing the Right Route and the Right Ship
Generally speaking, world cruises are very popular – and so, therefore, it’s important to book early, as your preferred cabin category may sell out quickly. It’s important that you choose a ship that suits your preferences. If you prefer a traditional cruise experience, or you’re into modern luxury and the latest technical innovations, there’s a ship out there for you. Choosing the right ship on a world cruise is even more important than on a round-trip journey due to the amount of time you spend onboard – especially on sea days, of which there are many. Because you’ll be visiting many different regions of the world, it’s important to pack clothing for several different temperatures, as the climate in the different regions can be drastically different.
An Overview of Popular Ships and Routes
2019 No-Fly World Cruise Sydney to Sydney with the Sea Princess from Princess Cruises
This world cruise is ideal if you’re looking for a round trip cruise departing from and returning to Australian shores. Cruise around the world in 107 days aboard this magnificent ship.
Sea Princess is a unique member of the Princess Cruises fleet, with a capacity of just 1,950 passengers, it is much smaller than the rest of the fleet. Described as a sociable ship, you won’t be short of activities and getting to know your fellow passengers on board. From the Lotus Spa to cooking demonstrations and ceramics classes, there’s sure to be an activity for you. In the evenings you can also attend shows, listen to live music, watch magicians and comedians or attend the nightly Movies Under The Stars. There are 2 main dining areas on board, with no set meal times or seating plans and there are plenty of casual dining options.
2019 “New Three Queens” with Cunard: Flight, Cruise, Accommodation All-Inclusive
This all-inclusive world cruise is suited for those travellers who enjoy their time at sea but are also keen to explore what the port cities have to offer. The package includes return international flights and hotel stays in New York (3 nights), London (5 nights), Hamburg (3 nights) and Cape Town (3 nights). You will also have the opportunity to sail on all 3 luxury Cunard cruise ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
You’ll fly from Sydney to New York, where you’ll board the Queen Mary 2 and sail to Southampton and Hamburg before disembarking. From there you’ll fly to London and stay for 5 nights before heading back to Southampton to board Queen Victoria. You’ll sail through Portugal and Spain and stop along the way at beautiful destinations, including the Canary Islands before returning back to Southampton. Your next stop will be Cape Town (via flight from London) where you’ll stay for a couple of days before boarding Queen Elizabeth to sail past South Africa before finishing up in sunny Perth and taking a flight back to Sydney.
Gratuities and transfers (excluding Southampton to central London return before and after the second cruise) are not included unless otherwise stated.
2020 around the world in 114 days with the Queen Mary 2 from Cunard
The Queen Mary 2 is a classic world cruise ship. Her classic exterior, as well as her historical interior, radiate the charm and elegance of the ocean liners of the last century. The 114-day world cruise with the Queen Mary 2 begins in New York. The first stretch is a transatlantic journey to Southampton, then onwards and through the Suez Canal to Dubai. Then come overnight stays in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Mauritius and La Reunion, and a full two nights in Cape Town, so there’s plenty of time to explore each destination. After sailing around Cape Horn onwards to Namibia, the Canary Islands, and Southampton, the Queen Mary 2 crosses back over the pond to return to New York.
Meal, water, coffee, and tea are all included in the cruise fare, as are gratuities. Additional beverages and specialty dining cost extra.
For more information on sectors of world cruises or world cruises departing Australia (Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne) in 2019 or 2020, give us a call on 1300 857 345 alternatively if you’re looking to travel sooner check out 2019 and 2020 world cruises on offer.
