Selecting a Cruise Line for Your World Cruise Journey

So, you have both the time and money to take a once-in-a-life time cruise; A World Cruise! Chances are you probably have heard of the famous world cruises offered by Cunard Line for more than 50 years onboard the world famous Queen Mary and the more recent Queen Mary 2. What you probably don't realize is that there are at least 5 or 6 other cruise lines that offer a World Cruise.

Some cruise lines offer cruises that circumnavigates the world, visits several continents and returns to the originating port. Other cruise lines use the term World Cruise, and also visit various continents, however, end the cruise in a different location than the original port.

Be sure not to only consider the cost as your deciding factor. There are other factors that will impact the final cost, so be sure to consider and discuss everything with your travel professional.

The cruise line selection should begin with a few important factors to consider.

    Ship size; do you want to share this adventure with 2,600 other world cruise guests or do would you prefer a more intimate experience with 450 guests? A large ship affords you many choices for dining venues, lounges onboard, outside deck areas, spa facilities. It also may provide a smoother sailing experience if you encounter some rough seas.

    Dining: Generally, the larger ships still only offer the traditional 2 seating for dinner in the main dining room. Therefore, you will be sharing dinner with the same passengers throughout the entire cruise. In contrast, the smaller, luxury cruise lines only offer "open seating", where you select the time and with whom you'd like to dine with. Certainly, if you make some new friends during the cruise, you can easily dine with them but always having the choice.

    Dining choices: The larger the ship, the more dining venues/options you have. However, you must consider that the larger ships almost always have additional fees for the smaller dining rooms. The $20 - $40 per person "dining fees" can really add up on a 100 day voyage! Compared to the luxury, 5-star "all inclusive" cruise lines, which never charge fees for their alternative dining venues.

    Added costs: 5-star luxury cruise lines always include all gratuities, alcohol, wine at dinner, bottled water, sodas and specialty coffees; never a charge. In addition, these cruise lines include your own personal in-suite bar set-ups. The larger ships will charge a daily, per person gratuity to your onboard account and will charge for all alcohol; drinks by the pool, wine at dinner and cocktails. Bottled water important for the tropical ports of call will not be included along with sodas and specialty coffees that so many of us enjoy; all extra costs.

    Itinerary: Not all cruises are the same and the ports of call included are such an important consideration. So, do some comparisons and make sure that those exotic ports and countries on your "wish list" are included. The luxury cruise lines usually include complimentary shore excursions with private visits to castles, temples, and musical events, offered exclusively on their world cruise

A world cruise typically last from about 90 to 125 days. If you are unable to be away this long, you can still enjoy part of this journey with a selection of shorter segments of a world cruise.

When you are ready, book your perfect world cruise adventure with an established, knowledgeable travel consultant. You will save time, avoid costly mistakes, and pay less than booking with the cruise line direct.

This World Cruise website devoted to world cruises and is operated by Vacation Discounters, Inc., an award winning travel agency. You will find some of the best cruise deals around to make your cruise vacations truly enjoyable and memorable.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Neal_W_Vinson/1235280

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