Viking Cruises
Have you always dreamed of taking a world cruise? Well, you might want to think again! While it seems like a dream, the months-long journey is very different than other cruises. It’s not for everyone, so read on to see what it’s really like on a world cruise and how it differs from a regular one…
Packing
Packing for a short cruise is easy: swimwear, t-shirt and shorts, something for dinner, repeat. However, a 100-day cruise that sails around the world presents more problems. When leaving home for months a time, you’ll need to think ahead. Whether its coats, backups, or new clothes to fit your new body, make sure to back everything. It’s not easy to get clothes to a ship at sea, after all! “I’ve known people who bring on two sets of clothes because they love to eat so much,” comments Keith Steiner, a retiree who’s been cruising for more than 15 years.
Also, don’t forget the essentials! Drugs, everything from prescriptions to anti-sea sickness pills, plenty of toiletries, and even some simple ways to spend hours at sea are essential for a three-to-four-month cruise. “And I always bring a portable baby steamer—great if something gets wrinkled—and my own electrical strip, so if I want to plug in a ton of stuff, like a phone, my electric toothbrush, I can keep them all together on one shelf,” says Linda Wiseman, a 72-year-old woman who’s been on more than one world cruise.
Socializing
There’s no need to socialize when on the ship if you don’t want to. There are a lot of rooms where it’s possible to be alone or get some quiet time. “The Viking cruise ships provide a wide range of discrete ‘sitting room’ environments to give the sense of being in a more homely setting. These are so plentiful and never crowded and usually quiet,” Roger Foenander and David Mutton, a couple from Australia, explain.
However, if you’re the type that loves to make new friends, don’t worry! That’s one thing world cruises have down pat. From classes, clubs, bars, and daily activities, there’s always a way to meet new people. You can even ask the dining maître d to have your table switched every few weeks, so you’re always hanging with a new group while abroad.
Activities
Speaking of activities, there’s plenty to do on world cruises, whether traveling alone or not. While out in a new place, guides will give passengers time to explore attractions, have fun, and wine and dine. On the ship, though, there’s admittedly less to do, especially on sea days. Sea days, as the name suggests, are days spent entirely at seas. Make sure to develop some hobbies to make sure you don’t go insane while on your world cruise.
“I love sea days. You can sleep as late as you like. If you miss the breakfast service, there are croissants and pastries , or room service. The afternoon is ideal for an extended visit to the spa and salon,” says Phyllis Taylor, a 77-year-old from New Orleans.
Most world cruises depart in January and return in March or April, though that does depend on the cruise line. There’s plenty to think about before taking the plunge. But if a world cruise still sounds right for you, take a look online for the best deals.
Sources: Cruise Specialist, MSN.
