Today we have valuable, firsthand recommendations from Georgina Cruz, a freelance writer who has concluded over 213 cruises to all seven continents including four World Cruises. Her experience has helped many of our travelers choose unforgettable vacations around the world.
I have taken four world cruises (all booked through Cruise Specialists, the World Cruise experts) and am preparing to leave for a fifth, the 2019 Grand World Voyage of Holland America’s Amsterdam. I also booked a sixth cruise, the 2020 Holland America Grand World Voyage on the Amsterdam. These voyages are much like potato chips, you can’t stop at only one. There is nothing like traveling across the globe, visiting scores of exotic places and experiencing a variety of cultures in a single voyage. It makes anyone feel like a superhero.
Holland America’s mid-sized ships are filled with many repeat guests and therefore, are familiar faces to me. Many others feel the way I do as each year several cruise lines feature world cruises, including Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Silversea Cruises, Princess Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Here are a few of my favorite things about my world cruises on Holland America’s Amsterdam that keep bringing me back year after year.
Overnights & Extended Stays in Ports
World cruises offer some of these experiences in each itinerary so guests can explore the ports and their surrounding regions more in-depth. My upcoming world cruise features six overnights and several late night departures in exotic locales, such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Bali and more.
Special Events
World cruises offer special onboard events during your days at sea. Some of these events are wacky and lighthearted, such as the Crossing of the Equator Ceremony when new crew members are brought in as “prisoners” to await the judgment of ship’s officers and King Neptune after they kiss a big fish (thumbs up they remain by the pool, thumbs down they get dunked). Some events are simply delightful, like Mariner Appreciation Days with complimentary beverages, canapés and regional dishes.
Enrichment Programs On Location
Holland America delivers the history, culture and flavors of an anticipated destination through their immersive onboard programming. For example, a team of Polynesian instructors spent a week on board providing ukulele lessons, teaching Tahitian crafts and traditional dances as well as performing for us before we reached Tahitian shores. When we were headed to Australia, a team taught guests about aboriginal crafts and how to play the didgeridoo. We also enjoyed a barbecue on deck with Aussie dishes, including kangaroo!
A Hand-picked Staff
Guests experience the highest level of service on a world cruise. Each team member goes out of their way to make you feel happy and at home, always providing service with a smile.
Stellar Entertainment & Galas
A world cruise may feature well-known entertainers and personalities. On past cruises, I have had the pleasure of watching famed speakers ranging from the Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa to talented singer Melissa Manchester to comedian Rita Rudner. Celebrations are another big part of a world cruise for a myriad of occasions. During these galas, the band plays, the lounges and dining room are festively decorated with lovely floral displays, the officers make a receiving line to greet passengers and guests dress up and dance the evening away.
The Camaraderie
Being aboard a ship with others for more than 100 days develops a certain camaraderie—a feeling that we are all in the same boat, both literally and figuratively—and have respect for each other since we are all achieving something big together: circumnavigating the globe.
Amenities
There are so many amenities that give a special value to a world cruise, including memorable welcomes at various ports of call with local groups, themed nights with decorations and special menus in the dining room. Remarkable touches make the voyage smooth and enjoyable, such as enlightening enrichment lectures from knowledgeable speakers on a range of subjects. Of course, inclusions like complimentary shuttles at ports of call, special made-to-order sandwiches at the Lido and more menu offerings in the Lido make a world cruise with Holland America Line simply stunning.
Commemorative Gifts
To commemorate each voyage, guests may receive special commemorative gifts from the cruise line as well as Cruise Specialists, such as tote bags, travel journals, Tiffany mugs, Waterford Crystal picture frames, Delftware china, carry-on luggage and more.
If the allure of a world cruise becomes irresistible to you, take a look at some of Holland America Line’s enticing options.
