One of my all-time favorite lines about world cruises comes from none other than Geoff Edwards. Wikipedia describes Geoff as an American television actor, game show host and radio personality. I describe him as one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. In his book, Going All The Way, Geoff wrote:
Today’s world cruises are organized in segments, and the most asked question on board is “How far are you going?” Some will say Hong Kong, some Sydney, some Mombasa, but members of a select group respond with a slightly condescending, “I’m going all the way!” — a phrase I hadn’t heard since high school.
Apparently, a lot of folks are planning to go “all the way” soon. Both Silversea Cruises and Crystal Cruises report strong bookings for future full world cruises. Crystal told us that its 2015 world cruise is already 70 percent sold for those going all the way — and that was more than a month ago since we spoke.
Crystal’s 108-day world circumnavigation on Crystal Serenity departs Miami on January 15 and returns to Miami on May 4. The cost of the journey begins at $35,445 per person, based on double occupancy. That’s $328 a day, not bad for such an all-inclusive adventure.
Just last week, Silversea Cruises opened the books on its 2015 world cruise. The 115-day epic voyage takes place on one of my favorite Silversea vessels, Silver Whisper.
Transporting fewer than 400 guests in what would be comparable to one of the world’s finest hotels, Silver Whisper is large enough to offer a rich onboard ambience — with enrichment lectures, lively lounges, multiple dining venues and more — yet small enough to sail into intimate harbors, something to be appreciated on a cruise encircling the world and embracing the cultures of five continents, 30 countries and 50 unique destinations.
Departing Los Angeles on January 5, 2015, Silver Whisper will sail the warm waters of the South Pacific to explore the idyllic isles of French Polynesia, then head west to the scenic wonders of Australia, and north to the marvels of the South China Sea.
From the South China Sea, Silver Whisper continues to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles. Silver Whisper then traces a course to some of Africa’s most intriguing destinations, including Mombasa, Zanzibar, Cape Town, Walvis Bay and Dakar.
The voyage concludes with an Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale, highlighted by stopovers in the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia, St. Bart’s and Puerto Rico.
It’s probably worthwhile to distinguish between luxury world cruises and those that are not. Luxury lines, like Silversea and Crystal, are all-inclusive products that carry fewer passengers and have greater space ratios than the non-luxury lines. Of course, luxury lines carry a higher price point than their non-luxury counterparts, but as with many things in life, you often get what you pay for.
Perks For Doing The Full World Cruise
Both Silversea and Crystal offer perks for passengers who do the full world cruise. On Silversea, guests will enjoy a gala Bon Voyage reception, dinner and overnight stay at a luxury hotel, baggage valet service, complimentary Business Class air (or air credit) and transfers (between home, airport, and Silver Whisper), a $4,000 onboard spending credit (per suite), complimentary laundry service, Internet package and commemorative gifts.
Fares for Silver Whisper’s 2015 world cruise start at $58,950 per person, based on double occupancy. While Silversea’s fares are higher than Crystal’s, the adjusted rates are fairly comparable when accounting for Silversea’s additional perks, such as Business Class air and onboard credits — and a full world cruise that is one week longer than Crystal’s.
Crystal’s full world cruise guests receive chauffeured private car transfers between home and airport, airport to ship, and back; up to $500 per person excess luggage reimbursement; gala celebration and overnight luxury hotel accommodations on eve of departure in Miami; and more. For those who can act quickly, Crystal is offering $8,000 per person additional savings if you book by June 28, 2013.
