Time... is of the essence
Ferdinand Magellan, the famous Portuguese seafaring explorer, started his journey in 1511 and is widely considered to be the forefather of maritime exploration.
Many before had done sections of course (like Christopher Columbus) but none had yet managed to do a full loop. Magellan did, but it took him a little over 10 years to achieve this feat... now that's perseverance.
Worldwide cruises nowadays last an average of 100 days. While this is but a fraction of Magellan's time requirement, it is nonetheless a long time to be away from home, family and friends. Putting your life 'on hold' for three months may seem impossible to do, but you'll actually be surprised at how easy this can be arranged.
Some of the world's most famous ocean liners provide all the comforts of home, and then some. Comprehensive onboard business centres provide you with everything you need to keep in touch with work and family. With a little planning and time-managing, there's no reason why you can't take your life, and job, on the seas.
Food... glorious food
Back in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, scurvy was considered to be the plague of sailors. This most awful disease, which literally disintegrates the gums, teeth and internal organs is caused by a sever lack of vitamin C. When you consider sailors would go years eating only cured meats on long voyages, it's not surprising to learn that thousands died as a direct result of poor nutrition.
Not so much nowadays! Luxury cruise liners offer an unbelievable array of epicurean treats, and a worldwide cruise is also a fantastic way to 'taste' the world. Cruise liners offer, on average, about a dozen different eating options, ranging from fine dining a la carte restaurants, to American-style fast-food joints. The best thing about cruising is that most of your meals (or at least your meal choices) are included in the price; the only extras being for drinks and gratuities.
Cruise line chefs are renowned for their culinary exploits, most going out of their way to prepare balanced and delectable buffet meals, as well as using locally bought produce from the ports of call.
While Charles Darwin famously 'ate' Galapagos tortoises into extinction in the 1830's (much to his later distress), we promise your 'culinary treats' will have no such catastrophic consequences on the foreign lands you visit.
Stop... and smell the roses
Mike Golding was rather chuffed at his 2001 achievement of being the first person to complete a non-stop globe sail, yet there are plenty of people who think this kind of journey defeats the purpose of a grand world cruise. Indeed, while cruising itself is an infinitely enjoyable experience (especially on a luxury liner which offers a myriad of fun stuff to do), it will be the stop-overs during your journey which will provide the ultimate amazement.
Seabourn offers a cruise with an incredible 50 stops, including unusual destinations like Namibia, Mozambique and Tonga. Having said this, do keep in mind that you will be spending many days at sea, yet this should definitely be considered a major bonus point.
If you've decided to spend your hard-earned cash on a luxury liner, what better way to get you money's worth than by taking advantage of your 'free' days and enjoying all the onboard amenities? Aside from the eating, there are onboard gyms, casinos, cinemas, swimming pools and saunas to enjoy, as well as health spas, boutiques and even sporting clubs to enjoy.
Break it up!
While it is true that Magellan may have been the first person to circumnavigate the world by sea, it is also true that he did so in sections. It was actually a Spanish explorer, Juan Sebastián Elcano (who served under Magellan's command), who was the first to complete a global cruise in one single voyage.
Retrace Magellan's steps and, if a three month long journey is completely out of the question, choose to do a section every year or two. This is not only perfectly acceptable (no losing of extra brownie points), but is also a convenient and excellent way to achieve a world cruising dream.
Safety is paramount
Exploring new and uncharted territory in the bygone era may have been exciting, but it was also fraught with great fear. Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines when he decided to take on a native tribe. So what can you expect?
The current state of world politics may leave some wondering just how safe world cruising really is. Well, let us settle those fears right now. Your own adventure will be much safer, as your luxury liner will be avoiding any risky areas, and taking you only to peaceful & gorgeous destinations.
Your safety will always be paramount and, let's be honest, there's no cruise line in the world that would ever jeopardise the safety of its ship, crew and passengers. You can be assured that should anything untoward happen along the way, the itinerary will be swiftly changed at the captain's discretion.
Money's too tight to mention
Cunard Cruises was the first commercial line to take tourists on a worldwide voyage. Their 1922 trip revolutionised the world of travel and started a craze which sees no end in sight. Italian adventurer Giovanni Francesco Gemelli Careri is considered to be the very first 'world cruise passenger', as he actually paid to join numerous ocean crossings in the 17th Century.
Many people nowadays believe world cruises are prohibitively expensive, but we're here to tell you that all in life is relative. Yes sure, you can easily spend a quarter of a million dollars booking the most expensive presidential suite on the most expensive queen of the seas, but this is by far not the only option.
Apparently, this option is only for about 20,000 people every year, and it's safe to say they wouldn't be reading this guide.
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