World Cruises Circumnavigate The Globe

In Comfort & Luxury

Although Ferdinand Magellan's 1522 expedition was the first to circumnavigate the globe, Magellan himself did not survive the grueling voyage, and only 18 of his 200 crew-members finally returned to Spain. How times have changed. Guests sailing aboard today's passenger-pleasing cruise ships can circumnavigate the earth on voyages ranging from 80 to 126 days - with no worries of hardship and plenty of pampering.

In fact, today's world cruise travelers can experience the earth's most magnificent destinations in superlative style and luxury aboard the ships of the member lines of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the chief marketing organization for 20 premier cruise lines and nearly 17,000 North American travel agencies.

Vacationers who are unable to commit to full world cruise itineraries can opt for voyage segments available in a variety of lengths.

"World cruises offer the ultimate in travel - the opportunity to circumnavigate the globe and visit some of the world's most fascinating destinations along the way," said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. "Travelers with time constraints can opt for shorter cruise segments that offer fascinating excursions to the world's many exotic destinations."

This year five CLIA members - Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises - will offer world cruises aboard seven ships.

Around-the-world voyages enable passengers to couple relaxing days at sea with visits to some of the world's most exciting destinations, including Guayquil, Ecuador; Bangkok; Bombay; Hong Kong; Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand; Tasmania and Sydney, Australia; Dubai; and Alexandria, Egypt. These voyages also visit cosmopolitan cities and small, quaint ports.

Passengers will also have the chance to visit some of the world's most famous and historic sites, including India's Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and Australia's Ayer's Rock.

Sightseeing excursions offered in connection with world cruises are equally compelling. Passengers can opt for tours that include four-wheel drive excursions in the Namibian desert, evening concerts at Ephesus in Turkey, or explorations of the mystical Moai statues on Easter Island.

For the time-pressed, world cruise segments cover fascinating destinations in much shorter periods of time.

Following Is A List Of CLIA-Member Cruise Lines

That Offer World Cruise Itineraries

Crystal Cruises

A return to Israel, Carnaval in Rio, three days cruising Antarctica, three days in Dubai and Cape Town, and multiple African safari options are among the rare travel opportunities distinguishing Crystal Cruises' 12th annual World Cruise. Departing on January 12 from Miami on a 109-day journey, Crystal Serenity explores 44 ports of call in 27 countries on five continents.

Cunard Line

Cunard Line's venerable Queen Elizabeth 2 and flagship Queen Mary 2,will depart Fort Lauderdale together on January 10, 2007, initially sailing on a southward journey that will see Queen Mary 2 circumnavigate the globe in 80 days while her sister QE2 celebrates her 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee World Cruise with an exotic 108-day itinerary.

Holland America Line

Two Holland America Line ships will offer three epic cruise experiences. Amsterdam, on January 15 departs Fort Lauderdale, circumnavigating the globe in 105 days. Prinsendam begins a 66-day exploration of South America and Antarctica on January 5 out of Fort Lauderdale. On March 12,the ship embarks on a 56-day sojourn traversing the Atlantic to ports in Europe and North Africa.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Voyager embarks on its most extensive world cruise yet. The 111-day itinerary calls at 46 ports in 26 nations, sailing January 9 from Fort Lauderdale to Rio de Janeiro, then across the Southern Atlantic to Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Six cruise segments of 25, 21, 15 and 14 days are available.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises features its first-ever world cruise aboard Silver Shadow, departing on January 15 from Fort Lauderdale. The 126-day journey crosses three oceans, seven seas and six continents, visiting 61 different ports. Highlights include visits to destinations in South America, the South Seas, New Zealand, Australia, the Far East, India, Egypt and the Mediterranean. Nine cruise segments are available.