Has anyone here actually taken a world cruise?

[Peggy Sue]

A recent question about the possiblity to joining a segment of a world cruise got me to thinking..has anyone actually completed a world cruise..staying on board for 100 + days?

 

Would you enjoy a world cruise?

 

I'm not certain we would enjoy being onboard for that length of time. I would think our cabin or suite would begin to feel a bit too small...

 

I know there are some very serious cruise lovers on this board, who have racked up more days at sea than one world cruise...but wonder if you would have enjoyed staying on board for 3 or more months at one time?

 

What is the longest period of time you would like to sail?

 

We're going to try 14 days next. I fairly confident we will enjoy the experience. I'm not so certain that we would enjoy 3 weeks on board...but maybe if the ship was sailing to destinations we really wanted to tour, it would be ideal. Right now, with both of us working, and limited vacation every year, longer cruises are even an option for us. But, I've often wondered how others like them.

 

Peggy Sue

 

Oosterdam

 

Oosterdam

 

[Joedog]

Peggy Sue,

 

The longest cruise I ever went on was 8 months during the 1st Persian Gulf War. In that 8 months my ship spent a total of 20 days in port. Our longest stretch of time at sea was 99 days. During the long periods at sea we got only 2 beers every 45 days.

 

I can tell you from experience, you can easily survive living out of any cruise ship cabin for months, if not years. It will be a piece or cake.

 

Ruth and Joe

 

 

__ /7__X__/7________

\::::::::::::::::::::::::/ Holland America - Zuiderdam 7/24/04

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

NCL Dawn - 7/27/03 (Honeymoon)

[elmorejj]

Joedog, Kudos to the USNavy!! We just returned from a 21 day repo cruise and I didn`t want to get off the ship!! The longer the better for me!! I would love to do the World Cruise, but how do you pack and where do you store all of your clothes when you are on board for that long of a cruise??.....jean

[LizB1]

We did 84-days of the 2001 World Cruise on the ms Rotterdam and loved every minute of it. The only reason we disembarked after 84-days when we reached Venice was because we had just done the Med. area the year before and had been to that area quite a few times.

 

I am really glad we did this cruise on the Rotterdam and not on the Prinsendam as I feel the ship has a much better layout, and your average cabin is larger with more drawer space, etc.

 

Even though there are folks who do the World Cruise every year I feel that once in our lifetime is enough. I would rather do cruises that range from 30-50 days.

[alsas]

wow i am glad you asked!!!! did 32 days sydney to hong kong, the 54 days hong kong to ft lauderdale,and now we are waiting patiently for los angles to ft lauderdale 96 days!!!! are we excited thank you for allowing me to tell you. never bored never happier. happy sailing

[Sage]

Alas,

 

I'm so happy for you. 96 days sounds like heaven. Perhaps one day DH and I will get to take a cruise that long. Enjoy.

[wander]

The most I have done is 64 days and I am sure that I would love a whole World Cruise. I could stay on for a long, long, time. For my DH, while he has been on a 46 day cruise and really enjoyed it, his preference is about 30 days. For the 64 day one he got off after 32 days (as scheduled) and I kept going. We would do something like that when I do the World Cruies. We have gone on about 1/3rd of a world cruise already but I want more!

[mtndalemrs1]

I can't imagine ever getting tired of being on a cruise ship! My concern, is how do you pack for a long cruise? With airline restrictions on luggage, hot and cold weather, and formal nights, how do you get everything into those two little suitcases? We will be on a 36 day cruise in 2005 and I am already starting a packing list. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, how many formal nights are there on a cruise that long?

[WCB]

Greetings alsas,

My husband and I are also booked for 97 days LA to Ft Lauderdale on the Prinsendam for 2005. The longest we have sailed has been for 64 days on Circle the Pacific Volendam 2002. To those people that are sailing for the first time on a longer cruise, you will see the entire ship as your home, not just your suite.As most ships are larger than my home, we never feel cramped! As for packing, you don't need any more clothes for 97 days than you do for 30 days. Mix and match is the way to go, and there is always laundry service.

On our 64 day trip, there were 16 formal nights.

Do you remember who your captain was on the world cruise 2004? We sailed on the Prinsendam when she was the Seabourn Sun 2001. The captain was Halle Gunderson who was very nice. We also had Peter Harris on the Volendam, and he was a lot of fun.

Have you gotten any info on shore excursions yet for 2005?

Mary Ann and Bill

[SHayesShip]

99 days on the Rotterdam V.

Extended voyages take on their own personality and you get into a routine just as if you were at home.(But with changing scenery and service help <G>).

Many things that you do on a daily routine in your daily life you end-up adapting to oceangoing travel.

I read extensively- as so on a ship.

I keep a diary of my travels - as so on a ship.

I dine out regularly - as so on a ship.

I have "drinks" with friends - as so on a ship.

I plan out daily activities - as so on a ship.

 

However on a ship (depending on itinerary) I get to plan out activities that are not available at home such as:

Mini-safari across Africa. (Leave ship and meet it on other side).

Trips inland in South America.

Extended times in ports of up to 3 days.

See sights that I may never see again.

 

 

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Peggy Sue:

A recent question about the possiblity to joining a segment of a world cruise got me to thinking..has anyone actually completed a world cruise..staying on board for 100 + days?

 

Would you enjoy a world cruise?

 

I'm not certain we would enjoy being onboard for that length of time. I would think our cabin or suite would begin to feel a bit too small...

 

I know there are some very serious cruise lovers on this board, who have racked up more days at sea than one world cruise...but wonder if you would have enjoyed staying on board for 3 or more months at one time?

 

What is the longest period of time you would like to sail?

 

We're going to try 14 days next. I fairly confident we will enjoy the experience. I'm not so certain that we would enjoy 3 weeks on board...but maybe if the ship was sailing to destinations we really wanted to tour, it would be ideal. Right now, with both of us working, and limited vacation every year, longer cruises are even an option for us. But, I've often wondered how others like them.

 

Peggy Sue

 

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;10;31;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0400

Oosterdam

 

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;11;07;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0400

Oosterdam

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Steve Hayes

[Peggy Sue]

wow, thank you all for your replies. How exciting for those of you getting ready for your next world cruise or segment. Perhaps some day we will consider a longer cruise .. we'll never know until we try it..right?

 

Oosterdam

 

Oosterdam

 

[MBeamTX]

I would love to do a 10 or 14 day cruise, for starters. So far, it's only been 7-day sailings, but it's difficult to take more vacation than that at any one time. I think I could enjoy 3 or 4 weeks at sea, but I'm not sure I'll ever have the opportunity to find out.

 

For those who've done world cruises - is there much repetition of entertainment and menus? Have you found that there's enough variety to keep things interesting? A topic on the CC board not too long ago asked how important the cruise director is to your cruise experience. I would imagine he or she is very important on the world cruise - and that the personality of the captain makes a big difference, too. Have you found that to be true?

 

Happy cruising,

Susan

 

Looking forward to an early Christmas on the Westerdam, December 12-19.

[Casey12]

If I can retire some day, this will be on the top of my list.

[kryos]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Casey12:

If I can retire some day, this will be on the top of my list.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

One of the items on my "must do" list is to take a world cruise with the Semester at Sea program that the University of Pittsburgh runs. While the cruise programs are designed for college students, they do have a cadre of adults who join them on each cruise. Some of them are true "world cruises" ... these are the ones that take place during the regular semesters. Then they run a slightly shorter cruise in the summer months.

 

While it is not your typical cruise experience ... no midnight buffets, no daily bingo, no round the clock food ... just three squares served cafeteria style each day ... the experience sounds awesome. The adults can sit in on classes of their choosing, and the shore excursions are designed to mirror what is being taught in class ... true experiences, such as spending a couple of days with a family residing in the particular area of the world you are visiting. I also note that the ship docks in port for multiple days at most places, giving the students (and those adults onboard) a chance to truly experience the life and the culture of that part of the world.

 

As a nice side benefit, since these are not true "luxury" cruise ship experiences, the cost is amazingly affordable. The adults have their own cabins separate from the kids. It sounds like a wonderful experience ... being able to truly learn about other cultures while aboard, and then experiencing them while on shore.

 

One day I will do this, because I think such a trip would truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sadly, though ... since the shortest voyages are about 60 days, such an experience will have to wait until I retire ... and have the time to enjoy such a unique, but lengthy trip.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[sail7seas]

rita.... That sounds so fabulous. What an amazing cruise that would be. I hope you do get to do it someday.

 

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

 

 

 

 

[kryos]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sail7seas:

_rita...._ That sounds so fabulous. What an amazing cruise that would be. I hope you do get to do it someday.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Thanks, and believe me ... I'm planning on it ... when I retire or, hopefully if the situation ever presents itself ... before!

 

Maybe some of you guys can join me!

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[joangg]

My husband and I took the last world cruise of the old Rotterdam in 1998 or whatever. I loved every minute but my husband missed home. I took bridge lessons, tai chi, listened to lectures, went to movies, watched the ocean, saw flying fish as we headed to Mandaley ( almost) , experienced a dandy storm in the north Atlantic, bought entirely too many souvenirs and presents, drank up all the small bottles of champagne on the ship, met Stephen Payne and his mom, he created the new Rotterdam, etc etc. What's not to love??? I'd go again in a minute!! Tho as one gets older, it gets harder to pack, move so much stuff, unpack all those purchases, catch planes with all that stuff, but I wouldn't take for the experience! Go for it!!!

[deadfred]

As Ya'll know me's and my ol-lady goes on over 100 cruises ah year, we's don't have enough time to do one of them world cruise things. It sounds like a hooting good time to do this, so I will put on the ol thinking cap, and see if there is some way of doing this on the Goverment handout we get to live on.

[Slinkiecat]

We're going in January around the world. I've only been on a 12-day cruise so this 112-day marathon will be a whole new world! I hope to find other passengers on that trip to get acquainted with.

 

slinkie

[jazzsea]

We have done several segments of the World Cruise and hope some day to take the whole 100+ days.

 

We will all await your posts while you are cruising. What a wonderful opportunity!

[bepsf]

What a fantastic opportunity!

Looking forward to reading your posts as you make the loop...

 

BTW - someone asked about the captain of Prinsendam. Halle Gunderson has been captain of that ship ever since it was the brand-new Royal Viking Sun. I bet he's got some fascinating stories to tell...

[Lovebirds]

wow i am glad you asked!!!! did 32 days sydney to hong kong, the 54 days hong kong to ft lauderdale,and now we are waiting patiently for los angles to ft lauderdale 96 days!!!! are we excited thank you for allowing me to tell you. never bored never happier. happy sailing

See you on board.

[sail7seas]

 

BTW - someone asked about the captain of Prinsendam. Halle Gunderson has been captain of that ship ever since it was the brand-new Royal Viking Sun. I bet he's got some fascinating stories to tell...

 

Indeed, he does. He was "visiting" aboard Zaandam when he first joined HAL. We had the honor of dining with him and very much enjoyed it. He was a Captain on Zaandam, but he was not the Captain so was not in uniform (but rather was wearing a fabulously tailored, gorgeous tuxedo). We had a wonderful evening and he shared some great stories with us. He is a very charming gentleman and a wonderful story teller.

[petlover]

I'm so happy I found this thread. We too are going on a World Cruise in January 2005 for 107 days (Radisson Voyager). The longest we've ever cruised before was 11 days so this is a big change for us. As for packing, we are planning to pack as if we're going on a 2-3 week cruise and will make good use of the washing machines I'm sure! I'm not worried about clothes but thinking of things like "how much toothpaste do we go through in 3 1/2 months?...little things like that!

 

Radisson is taking care of lots of things for us but I still have concerns about being away from the home so long. Our 23 year old daughter is going to housesit and take care of our 3 cats and 2 dogs (being away from my furry family so long is my biggest concern).

 

I've laid awake at night thinking of things that will need to be taken care of such as:

• filing for an extension with the IRS since we don't return until April 23rd
  making sure all my bills are either paid automatically or can be paid on line
  having an open account at my Vet's office for any emergencies since my daughter will be taking care of our pets
  

 

What are other things that I will need to take care of before leaving home for 3 1/2 months? Is there any kind of check list that anyone has seen? I'm very excited, but nervous too that I'm going to forget to do things BEFORE leaving.

 

Appreciate any advice from you world travelers!

[Slinkiecat]

Hi, Marcie! You're in the same boat (or should I say ship?) as I am, trying to figure out what is different about packing for almost four months. Not so much the consumable supplies, as those can be bought in ports along the way, and I love to find any excuse to go shopping.

 

I think the laptop computer is a must to provide an easy way to contact family at home and would be worth the cost. We have a relative who will collect our mail and pay any bills we can't pay automatically. We store addresses and a birthday list on the computer so we can mail birthday cards from strange ports to those who come up while we're on the cruise.

 

I think a small sewing kit will be necessary, although I never see this on anyone's list. Buttons sometimes come loose and those chain-stitched hems can sometimes cause trouble. A few small spools of thread, needles, scissors, and a thimble would be a good thing to stick into a pocket of your checked luggage.

 

I'm resigned to needing the salon services on board - Can't imagine trying to find someone to cut and color my hair in India or Cape Town. That will be a good way to spend some of those days at sea, as well as the laundromat.

 

I'm sure some of the experienced long-cruisers will have more ideas to offer.

 

Slinkie

:)