Do you think around the world voyages are only for the wealth?  They are,  only if you fail to plan sufficiently for that “once in a life time cruise.”  Holland America line is offering a Grand Voyage scheduled to sail for January 2007.  Here is your opportunity to start saving and marking your calendar for your cruise date.  Will you develop cabin fever?  Will your legs ever be able to walk correctly on land again? 

Sailing for approximately 102-105 days is a pretty intense commitment.  Visiting 26 countries and over 38 ports, with stretches of ocean cruising for 7 days at a time is prone to incite the wanderlust within.  What does a trip like this cost?  How can you measure the cost of world travel?  Regardless of these questions, for your budgeting purposes – how does anywhere between $18,000 to $70,000 sound?  Of course prices are subject to change with the upgrade of rooms – good news though, the high end with a “deluxe verandah suite is being quoted at $69,999 based on a 105 day cruise.  If you sincerely doubt you can commit this much time to a cruise, HAL (Holland America Line) does offer 17 – 56 day segments during this cruise where you can opt for a segment of your choice (Segment one:  Ft. Lauderdale to Sydney, Segment two:  Sydney to Singapore, Segment three:  Singapore to Athens, Segment four:  Athens to Ft. Lauderdale).

In talking with a number of well traveled cruisers, some had only spent about 33 days on prior cruises while others from 3 days to 14 days.  These hardy cruisers didn’t know if they could spend that much time away from land.  I say,  if Columbus can discover America, I can discover those 26 countries and 38 ports in 105 days!  Just point me to the embarkation ramp.  Oh yes, don’t forget, you’ll need your passport updated and ready to use!

Onboard the Holland America ships, there are common denominators:   good service, clean environments, good food, and luxurious teak wood outside with beautiful appointments inside.  What a home to experience for almost 3 ½ months!  After my last cruise, I became so accustomed to my dining steward pulling out my chair, that when I returned home, I stood at my table waiting for my chair to move!  Sadly, I watched my husband seat himself and dive into dinner – it was then  I realized the pampering was over and I was back in Texas.  Cruising is addictive – and this around the world voyage

seems the perfect “fix.”

The ms Amsterdam is scheduled to lead the way as she glides around the globe bringing her passengers to lands of mystery and exotic splendor.  This ship has made two previous “Grand World Voyages.”  Spaciousness, comfort, and speed make her ideal for nautical travel.  With a weight of 61,000 gross tons and 780 ft. long, this 1,372 guest carrying floating island sports a two-tiered dining room and show lounge offer plenty of seating for guests, casino, piano bar, library, pool with retractable roof, 18 spacious public rooms, salon, and health spa, exquisite art, fabulous ocean-view rooms, and of course, the Pinnacle (reservations only) restaurant are just some of the amenities which make sailing the Holland America Line a great choice.

The smaller ms Prinsendam weighing 38,000 gross tons and guest capacity of 793 is deemed an “explorer.”  Able to offer spaciousness yet built for cruising and intimacy, this elegant ship will feature two back-to-back Grand Voyages, a 66 day “Grand Circle of South America and Antarctic Voyage” or a 56 day “Grand Mediterranean and North Africa Voyage.”  Separately, these voyages are under $14,000.  Regardless of which cruise you plan,  you’ll see exotic islands, ancient architect and cultures, color costumes of the local inhabitants, hear strange new languages, capture the aromas and sounds of world travel, and return home – changed! 

For more information on planning for this once in a lifetime cruise, speak to one of their travel agents.  E-brochures can be obtained from their website and if requested a “Grand Voyage” booklet can be sent hardcopy to you for reference on local weather temperatures, shore excursions, and port information.  Remember a cruise of this kind requires passports, visas, and some vaccination requirements.  Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are a must!  I’m imagining myself right now at the rail waving as we sail away – Happy Traveling!

(photos are courtesy of Holland America Line and www.stock.xchange.com members:  Igor kasalovic – Sydney Opera, Edgar Litume – Spain’s Jesus, Stephen Llewellyn – italy arch)/