The modern era of world cruising began in 1922 when Cunard Line's Laconia sailed from New York to New York. Today, world cruises are more popular than ever. Cruise lines vary their world cruise itineraries from year to year. Princess Cruises's Royal Princess will sail almost around the world in 2002, beginning the voyage in Fort Lauderdale and ending it in Athens, and Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Sun will begin its world cruise in San Francisco and end it in Fort Lauderdale. World cruises typically depart in January and conclude in March or April, lasting 90 days or more.
Shorter segments ranging from eight days to several weeks are usually available.
The best entertainment, the best lecturers, expanded menus, and even special shore excursions. Marvin Hamlisch and Jim Nabors were among the featured entertainers on Holland America's 1999 world cruise, for instance, and Regis Philbin and war correspondent Peter Arnett have been scheduled to lecture aboard Crystal Cruises's 2001 world cruise. When I took a segment with Crystal a few years ago, I left my bag outside my room on the last night and didn't have to touch it again until it appeared on my doorstep at home. A world cruise is the ultimate way to see the world.