A world cruise is a type of cruise that allows passengers to travel all over the world and visit various locations on the four to six continents. Many major cruise lines offer world cruises; passengers can either book tickets for the entire cruise or meet up with the ship along the way and travel a short distance. Passengers who purchase tickets for the entire cruise may spend anywhere from four months to a year on board, depending on the ship’s itinerary, and may become acquainted with other passengers and crew.
When the concept of traveling by boat for pleasure first emerged in the late 1800s, world cruises became popular. Many newlywed couples began taking short cruises to celebrate their new marriages, and some even took the plunge and embarked on world cruises, visiting exotic and interesting locations before settling in to start their new lives. Other members of the young and adventurous set took up the pastime, though by the mid-twentieth century, cruising was dominated by older passengers.
Several well-known cruise lines offer world cruises, usually on their most opulent ships. These ships offer a variety of passenger accommodations, as well as restaurants, shops, and other entertainment options to keep passengers entertained while on board. Cruisers who plan to spend a lot of time on board may want to invest in one of the more luxurious suites; tickets for a world cruise can be quite expensive, thanks to all of the onboard amenities. Some cruise lines, particularly those catering to the most affluent passengers, allow animals for an additional fee.
Making port is one of the most exciting aspects of a world cruise for passengers. Cruise ships frequently cruise along a coastline, allowing passengers to disembark for several hours or days, depending on the itinerary. Passengers who choose to go ashore can learn about new cultures, foods, and places, as many communities cater to cruise passengers with activities such as day hiking, horseback riding, and helicopter tours of remote areas.
Some cruise lines offer themed world cruises, in which passengers visit a series of related destinations, while others offer world cruises that focus on specific regions, such as Southeast Asia and Africa. Passengers can purchase tickets for a world cruise through travel agents or directly from the cruise line. Because the ticket options can be confusing and complex, it’s a good idea to consult a travel agent about the best cruise ship accommodations. Passengers may also be able to book promotional tickets through a travel agent that include airfare to meet the ship at the port of departure.