When it comes to cruising, nothing can quite compare to an around the world cruise. The pinnacle of traveling by sea, these grand voyages tap into the exhilaration that the original explorers must have experienced the moment they stepped aboard a vessel that would transport them to the other end of the earth. The promise of new sights, scents and sounds of foreign lands proved irresistible.

Today, a ship’s reach across the seven seas is virtually limitless and a world cruise beautifully underscores this notion. The itinerary is more than an extended vacation; the ship becomes your oceanfront home for months. Perhaps what makes these voyages particularly unique is that they can be divided into segments, allowing you to focus on a specific, enchanting region, rather than partaking in an entire journey.  Imagine boarding a luxurious vessel in an exotic port-of-call you have always dreamed of visiting. Then behold coastlines and cities rarely visited. Share these special moments with friends and family by inviting them to join you on a segment of your grand voyage.

During a world cruise, you can easily set a daily routine. Maybe the day starts with a run on the treadmill watching the sea glide by from the fitness center, or perhaps you opt for sipping a cappuccino while listening to one of the world-renowned lecturers talk about the nuances of your next destination. While at sea, afternoons can be spent at the movie theater, enjoying an afternoon tea, partaking in a trivia contest, or simply relaxing poolside with a good book. World cruises also offer many enrichment programs, ranging from wine education and cooking classes, to lessons in Tai Chi, language or art.

The extended itinerary of a world cruise provides ample time to let friendships unfold and to become an integral part of a greater community. Should you decide to travel solo you will not find yourself at loss for finding company. Spend your days at sea mingling with like-minded travelers with common interests and your evenings waltzing across the dance floor with one of the ships’ social ambassadors. Your world voyage will definitely leave you with an enriching life experience: You’ll have discovered new places, encountered exotic cultures, and made a special group of lifelong friends. Not surprisingly, many world cruisers return year after year to be with familiar faces and new friends alike on these extraordinary journeys.