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 They sound like a great way to see the world without having to pack and unpack constantly. But choose carefully: some cruises spend very little time in ports Since the 1920s the ultimate classic voyage for any experienced traveler is a round-the-world cruise, defined as the complete circumnavigation of the earth in a continuous one-way voyage, typically including both the Panama and the Suez Canals. Ports of call are carefully planned for their interest and diversity, and the entire voyage can last six months or longer. Galas, themed balls, special social events, top entertainers, and, typically, well-known lecturers are all part of the package. It’s a great way of exchanging the northern winter for the southern sun. A world cruise aboard a modern ship means experiencing stabilized, air-conditioned comfort in luxury cabins, and extraordinary sight-seeing and excursions on shore and overland. In some ships, every passenger will get to dine with the captain at least once. Check brochures and itineraries carefully. Some ships spend surprisingly little time in port. On the 2003 world cruise of Aurora, for example, there were no overnight stays at all, even in some of the planet’s most desirable port cities such as San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Singapore. If you haven’t the time or the funds for a full world cruise, it’s possible to book a specific segment, flying to join the ship at one of its ports of call and disembarking at another port. In this way you can visit exotic destinations such as China, the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean, or South America while enjoying elegance, comfort, splendid food, and good company. Bear in mind that you tend to get what you pay for. Ships rated at four stars or more, for example, will probably include shuttle buses from your ship to town centers; ships rated three stars or less will not. Ships that roam worldwide during the year offer the most experienced world cruises or segments. Most operate at about 75 percent capacity, providing much more space per person than they could normally expect. Planning and preparation For the operator, planning a world cruise involves daunting organization. For example, more than 700,000 main meals will be prepared during a typical world cruise aboard the Queen Mary 2. A ship of its size needs two major crew changes during a three-month-long voyage. Hundreds of professional entertainers, lecturers, bands, and musicians must be booked a year in advance. Because a modern world cruise ship has to be totally self-contained, a warehouse-full of spare parts – such as electrical, plumbing, and engineering supplies – must be ordered, loaded, and stored aboard ship prior to sailing. A cruise line must give advance notice of the date and time that pilots will be needed, together with requirements for tugs, docking services, and customs and immigration staff. Dockside labor and stevedoring services must be organized at each port of call, plus fuel supplies and transportation for shore excursions. AROUND THE WORLD CRUISES 2010 Ship Company Days Date From Date To Direction No. of * UK to Australia and back
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010 |
