go on a world cruise

I’m not sure whether I should give up on this goal or not. I’m no longer with the man I was going to do this with. It’s still something I’d like to do someday, but that someday will likely be a long, long way off.

We had originally planned to do a 2008 world cruise, but that’s not going to pan out. I suppose we can start planning for 2009, if I’m still alive. The first step is to choose a cruise line:

Cunard on the Queen Mary 2 (http://www.cunard.com)
Holland America (http://www.hollandamerica.com)
Fred.Olsen (http://www.fredolsencruises.co.uk/)
P&O Cruises (http://www.pocruises.com)
Princess (http://www.princess.com)
Norwegian (http://www.ncl.com)
Crystal Cruises (http://www.crystalcruises.com)
Regent Seven Seas (http://www.rssc.com)
Silversea (http://www.silversea.com)
Hapag-Lloyd (http://www.hl-cruises.com)

= US$20-200k Cunard is a great, traditional British cruising experience with a very diverse clientel. The world cruise attracts big-name lecturers and enteretainers. This line is one of my top choices.

= US$20-190k Holland is a lovely line, but seems to be geared toward older North Americans (which I am not). It is a truly around-the-world cruise though, with an itinerary I really like.

= US$23-63k Fred.Olsen is very British, very traditional, and very cheap (comparatively speaking). A definite possibility.

= $US18-115k P&O is another very British line with a true around-the-world itinerary. The prices vary wildly though. One to look into.

= US$22-45k Princess has a good price for a true around-the-world itinerary, but is very mainstream North American. They sell the cruise as one itinerary, rather than as segments which is unique. I rather like that idea, as you travel with the same people for the entire 108 days. On the other hand, it might be nicer to have some change of faces. This is probably a good deal, but it may be to “American” for us.

= US$11-40k Norwegian has a really unique itinerary, though it’s not really “around the world.” This might be an interesting option. I’m not sure what their typical passenger profile is.

= US$50-250k Crystal is also geared toward older North Americans and is quite expensive, but offers great onboard enrichment programs

= US$60-210k Regent’s world cruise is pretty pricey and is less formal than I’d like. I’m not a fan of open seating and buffets. I like to dress for dinner and have many ultra-formal nights.

= US$50k + Silversea is an expensive line, no two ways about it. It is very luxurious and offers a true around-the-world itinerary. Their entertainment and enrichment programs are offered in partnership with some great organisations though – Bon Apetit, Conde Nast Traveler, Men’s Vogue, National Geographic Traveler, Relais & Chateaux, Travel & Leisure and Viking Cooking School

= Hapag is mostly for German-speaking, which I am not, so this may not be the best choice. They do designate certain segments as officially bilingual (German/English). Additionally, I’m not particularly fond of German manners and customs.