A world voyage – surely the ultimate travel experience and one steadily growing in popularity. It’s not only the big ships which embark on round the world cruises nowadays, some smaller luxury ships are also jumping on the bandwagon. BY GILLY PICKUP

It’s a tempting thought to exchange winter’s dark, dreary days for sunny climes by splashing the cash and setting off on a round the world cruise. Most voyages have January departures and ply the oceans for three or four months. But of course finding the time, and indeed the money, isn’t always easy, which is why segments of world cruises are a popular option. A sector can range from a week to more than a month and means flying out to meet up with your vessel at some stage during its world cruise.

Our travel expectations are increasing, perhaps influenced by photos of far flung places according to Andy Harmer, VP Operations CLIA Europe. “The popularity of cruising to distant regions is growing, there is a 25% increase in Brits cruising to Australasia and the Far East. The Arctic, Alaska and Pacific are also witnessing more visits by British cruise passengers,” he said.

So, our thirst for longer voyages is gaining momentum. Simone Clark, MD Iglu.com said, “We are seeing growth in bookings for worldwide and longer voyages with customers seeking more in-depth, cultural and immersive tours.”

Travellers who aspire to visit as much of the globe as possible might opt to sail with Oceania who announced another epic 180-day world cruise for 2018, departing Miami January 3. 684-passenger Insignia will visit 40 countries, 87 ports and 56 UNESCO World Heritage sites on her ‘Around the World in 180 Days’ voyage. “This is the fifth time we’ve offered the 180-day round the world voyage and feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Jason Montague, Oceania Cruises president and chief operating officer. The itinerary offers overnight stays in destinations including Cape Town and Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

Crystal’s world cruise offers one of the line’s most comprehensive itineraries to date. Featuring six abbreviated segments from ten to 23 nights, each offers at least one overnight stay. Focusing on up-and-coming destinations in South America and the Caribbean – besides being the first world cruise visit to Antarctica in 10 years – the 94-night journey on Crystal Serenity sails round-trip from Miami departing January 10, 2017. Also in 2017 Crystal Symphony offers a 99-night Grand Pacific Explorer cruise from the Land Down Under to the Land of the Rising Sun departing January 5. This Melbourne to Tokyo cruise, which can also be booked in seven abbreviated segments, covers 46 ports in 14 countries. Speaking of the land Down Under, for those who fancy going but can’t stay away too long, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star has a 21- nighter departing January 2017. This voyage to warmer climes starts by flying to Hong Kong before sailing to ports in Thailand, Singapore and various Australian destinations. Christian Boell, Managing Director EMEA, Norwegian Cruises said, “Longer cruises mean holidaymakers can immerse themselves in more cultures whilst visiting exotic destinations; for example sailing from Hong Kong to Brisbane, experiencing Ho Chi Minh City and Bali on the way.”

Azamara’s first ever ‘World Journey’ will be a 102-day sailing from Sydney to London in 2018. Glitzy, glam events for passengers include the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival while other highlights are Ho Chi Minh City, Muscat and Dubai. Of course 102 days is a long time and for guests who can’t take that time out of their lives, again segments are bookable. Richard Twynam, MD, Azamara Club Cruises UK & Ireland said, “Travellers seek richer travel experiences and our World Journey caters for this by offering the opportunity to discover a diverse range of cultures. Azamara Journey will visit 60 ports with 18 late night stays and 13 overnights. The Land Discoveries programme gets under the skin of destinations, from the Lord of the Rings Hobbit on Movie Set tour to an Italian mozzerella-making masterclass.”

January 2017 sees Cruise & Maritime’s flagship Magellan sailing from Tilbury on her maiden round the world cruise. The 120 night round trip sails to the Caribbean before transiting the Panama Canal, sailing the South Seas to the Antipodes, Indian Ocean and along the Suez Canal. The company also offers two sector cruises to Auckland and Sydney with free return flights and cabin upgrades. Mike Hall, Head of Marketing said, “Post war ‘Baby Boomers’ are retiring with access to pensions and for some that still means final salary pensions. We find that many want to spend money and time on travel experiences. What better than this ultimate travel experience?”
Although not a round the world trip, Saga Sapphire has a 67 day ‘Central American Discovery’ voyage from Southampton departing January 2017 visiting ports in Costa Rica, Honduras and Dominican Republic among others. James Langley, Head of Marine Operations Saga Cruises said the incorporation of ‘must visit’ destinations and ‘must do’ experiences was of paramount importance when organising schedules. “For me, highlights are the Panama canal transits, cruising to Cuba from the UK and Sapphire’s 18 new ports of call. It’s always great when your ship cruises into a port for the first time,” he commented.
Viking Sun will spend her maiden season sailing the company’s first-ever world cruise, spanning 141 days. Departing Miami December 2017, the voyage, which finishes in Greenwich, enables guests to spend two days in Havana, discover Bangkok’s floating markets and overnight in Tahiti and Singapore. World cruise guest perks include complimentary shore excursions in every port, unlimited free Wi-Fi and business class flights. Torstein Hagen, Viking Cruises Chairman said, “This world cruise is the most extensive, culturally immersive itinerary we have offered. We are pleased by the early interest in pre-sales from our guests and industry partners.”

Sell It
Princess Cruises offer a 111 day world cruise roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale
departing January 3, 2017 on Pacific Princess. Stops include Aruba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan , Hong Kong, China, Mumbai, Dubai, Bermuda. Price from £14,438pp, excludes flights. 0843 374 2401 princesscruises.com

Holland America Line offer a 111-night Grand World Voyage departing Ft Lauderdale January 4, 2017 onboard ms Amsterdam. Calls include Micronesia, Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia. Price from £12,951pp cruise only. Sectors from £1,799pp (Ft Lauderdale – San Diego). 0843 374 2300 hollandamerica.co.uk

Royal Caribbean offer a 25-night Transpacific Cruise on Explorer of the Seas departing Seattle October 8, 2016 and calling at ports in Hawaii as well as Fiji, New Caledonia and Sydney. Price from £1,523 pp cruise only.
0844 493 3033 royalcaribbean.co.uk

Sales Tips

1 If clients have an important milestone approaching, eg an anniversary or big birthday, a world cruise is an excellent way to celebrate
2 Swot up on the more unusual ports in far-flung itineraries. Some needn’t necessarily be popular land based holiday resorts, so you may need to get to grips with new, interesting destinations to sell to your clients

3 It isn’t easy to sell a full round-the-world cruise; much easier to start with selling a sector and build on that.
4 Point out early booking benefits to clients. For world cruises these could include considerable onboard spends, free excursions, upgrades to exclusive dining restaurants and the inclusion of onboard gratuities.

5 When selling sectors, look at the ports involved and number of sea days between each one. Sometimes people focus on destinations without realising how many sea days it takes to travel between each port.