Cruise ship in the setting sun

TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE the world on a luxury cruise ship, spending the whole winter in sunny climes, is the dream of many but a reality for very few.

Several of the most modern ships are too big to take on the 100 day voyage, especially as it is not possible for vessels in excess of 100, 000 GRT to transit the Panama Canal.

Cunard Line's Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 both embark on their second world cruise in 2009. Queen Victoria will take 107 nights to visit 37 ports of call and it is feasible to take shorter holidays of between 9 and 83 nights if it is not convenient to stay on board for the whole trip. It is even possible to change ships en route by leaving from Southampton on the Queen Victoria, transferring in Sydney and returning to Southampton on Queen Mary 2.

In 2009, both Fred. Olsen Cruises' Balmoral and Black Watch offer world cruises of 104 nights and 97 nights respectively. Balmoral's 2010 world itinerary is scheduled to take 106 nights and after sailing from Dover will transit the Panama Canal and Suez canals with 33 ports of call in 23 countries on the agenda.

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

Larger cities such as Sydney, Dubai, San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro usually see the ship calling in for one or two nights, giving the passengers the opportunity to eat and shop ashore without watching the clock.

It is easily possible cruise round the world for less than £10,000, although most passengers prefer to add some extra luxury by investing in more spacious accommodation and a balcony.

A world cruise is not every person's idea of a perfect holiday but those who have invested in this three month experience of lavish lifestyle and new horizons rarely regret doing so.

Cruise Lines