Is a World Cruise in Your Future?

Ilene and I have always said that if we won one of those big lotteries (gotta play to win and we generally don’t), one of the first “treats” we’d give ourselves would be a world cruise. Have you thought about taking a world cruise? Is it something on your bucket list? Well, it might be within reach and you don’t even have to win a lottery.

World Cruises in General

When WE think of a world cruise, Ilene and I are thinking that we start in one port and end up in the same port several months later. While that’s certainly one type of world cruise, it’s not necessarily the only kind. Some world cruises will start on say the East coast of the USA and then end in Europe. About the only thing you’ve missed is an Atlantic crossing. Either one of these types of cruises, however, means boarding essentially in one hemisphere and then ending in another.

A Segmented World Cruise

Most world cruises are segments of cruises put together to circumnavigate the globe. On a segmented cruise, you can board in Sydney, Australia; cruise to Istanbul, Turkey; get off then pick it up again when it leaves Southampton, England. An easy way to sail on a world cruise is to take a different segment each year for three or more years. It’s kind of like hiking the Appalachian Trail in segments rather than on a through hike. Easier on time, especially if you work most of the year at a fixed location. It’s also easier on the wallet as you can budget out a couple of years’ segments and then start cruising while saving for the next segments.

World Cruise in Steerage or First Class

Actually, that’s a bit of clickbait as you’ll never be steerage class on a modern cruise line’s world cruise. But not all world cruises are the same in regard to number of passengers, size of ship, or included amenities. Let’s look at a world cruise from the three main classes of cruise ships.

Mass Market-Mass market cruise ships generally are larger ships and hold over 3000 passengers. If you were interested in taking a 116-day cruise on MSC Cruises departing from and returning to Barcelona, Spain, an inside cabin starts at just under $33,000 for two persons without drink, Wi-Fi, or shore excursion packages.

Premium-These ships hold between 1000 and up to 3000 guests and include or next example coming from Holland America Lines. Like MSC Cruises’ world cruise, Holland America’s cruise is roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This cruise line offers a few more amenities such as a drink package, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and onboard credits if you book early.

Luxury-Luxury cruise ships hold less than 1000 passengers and will be the smallest of the ships you’ll enjoy on a world cruise. What does that mean? Smaller, less crowded ports. A much more intimate feel where you can meet other passengers and possibly life-long friends. These ships will offer ALL amenities you’d expect to see in an all-inclusive vacation plus superior quality and service…but be prepared to pay! Departing Miami in January 2025 the Regent Seven Seas Mariner makes a 168-day cruise. This door-to-door all…and we DO mean all-inclusive cruise starts at just under $200,000 for two.

As one can see, there’s something for everyone’s pocketbook. But wait, you say, “I couldn’t afford to spend four months away from work much less the $$$$ it costs to take one of these cruises!”. And you’re right, it does take a chunk of time and a bit of money…but…

How You Eat an Elephant

You’ve probably heard the adage that the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Well, that’s how you plan and save for a world cruise…an amazing African safari, or a trip on the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul (just under $50,000 for two for 11 days).

Just like in business, the way to make a profit, or travel, is to increase revenue and/or reduce costs. A young couple on YouTube currently living a nomadic lifestyle was able to save $60,000 in two years mostly by reducing their living expenses in the Houston area. Throw in a pay raise or extra side hustle, and you could be on that world cruise in a couple of years. And as to time off? Well, you’ll have to work that out with your boss.

Taking a world cruise or any luxury vacation is doable with a little planning and a bit of hustle. Don’t get to the end of your time on this wonderful planet and wish you’d taken that cruise…make up your mind you’ll do what it takes and JUST DO IT!

If you’d like to know more about a luxury or once-in-a-lifetime vacation reach out to us. We’re more than happy to help you plan your vacation! Mention this blog post and we’ll waive our one-time vacation consultation fee!