How to Book a Luxury Cruise Around the World

Magellan led the first world cruise, and since then it's been the ultimate way to explore in luxurious comfort. Essentially, you're a full-time passenger along a cruise line's entire seasonal route, staying on while most other passengers disembark after traveling a segment. On a typical four-month voyage, you may visit more than 50 seaports in dozens of countries.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide which cruise best fits your desired itinerary. Visit each cruise ship company's Web site to gather more details about each world cruise. Most world cruises depart from the United States in the winter and sail to tropical regions.
2. Decide how much you're willing to spend. Prices for a 108-day trip aboard the Radisson Seven Seas Mariner range from $50,000 for a deluxe suite to $197,000 for a master suite. Yeah, you don't even have to think it: It's ridiculous. But if you can afford it, it can be a great trip.
3. Do some research. The Cruise Critic Web site (cruisecritic.com) is also an excellent source for world cruise information.
4. Book as far in advance as possible, at least six to eight months. Unlike virtually every other cruise, world cruises are never available at a discount at the last minute because of how trip segments are sold. You can, however, earn discounts for early reservations, early payment and repeat travel.
5. Plan carefully. World cruise cancellation penalties are severe--a 100 percent loss if you cancel 74 days or less prior to selling. Trip cancellation and worldwide medical insurance are strongly recommended. See How to Get Travel Insurance.
6. Pack appropriately. The Queen Elizabeth 2, for example, hosts more than 50 formal evenings during its world cruise. If you're flying to your departure port, arrange to have your excess luggage freighted to the port in advance. See How to Buy or Rent a Tuxedo.

What to Look For:

• Destination
• Early booking
• Trip insurance

Tips & Warnings

• Freighter travel offers the best world cruise value, with fares typically being from $70 to $130 per day lower than conventional cruise ship rates. The majority of freighter cruises range in duration from about 30 to 75 days. See How to Choose a Cheap Cruise.