Around the World in 100 Days

Cruising is an area of Australian travel that is booming as we collectively discover the joys of life at sea, the pleasure of unpacking just once and the indulgence of the midnight buffet. Perhaps it’s not surprising that a nation of inveterate travellers has also moved beyond the one- or two-week voyage to lengthy voyages around the world. While a complete circumnavigation has been the goal of explorers and adventurers since it was determined that the world was round, never before has it been possible to do it in such luxury and comfort.

Where to start?

There appear to be just about as many departure ports as there are departures for world voyages. And that’s looking at the complete voyages. All, of course, also offer shorter sectors so if you wish to sail into or out of Sydney or Hong Kong, for example, there is no shortage of options. Southampton is the favoured UK port but the US east coast is split between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and the west coast between LA and San Diego. If your desire is to set off and see the world from your own hometown, you’ll find most world cruises stop in Sydney and Brisbane plus a selection of other Australian ports including Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle, Darwin and Cairns.

For Sydneysiders who can‘t decide whether to sail from or back into Sydney, Dawn Princess offers an around-the-world voyage that begins and ends in Sydney and visits 43 ports along the way.

Seasons, durations and costs

If you live in the northern hemisphere the idea of sailing somewhere warm in winter may have a lot of appeal. So you’ll find a lot of vessels leave the UK and the US aiming for the tropics early in the year. The sail plans vary widely and the duration is generally 100 nights, give or take 10 or so nights. Prices, too, are far from standard. About the cheapest fare for the whole voyage is around $20,000 per person – quite good value for spending about a third of the year on a ship. But a more luxurious cruise with more inclusions may be from $90,000 for the cheapest berth (the price of a top suite on a cheaper voyage) up to $300,000 for the best suite on board.

Popular destinations

Antarctica

It’s a new destination for large ships and if some government rumblings become louder, it may not always be possible to visit. But Holland America Line, the first line to take a very large vessel to Antarctica, takes the very southern route around Cape Horn, visiting the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, the wonderful Chilean fiords and then south to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. There are no landings in Antarctica but a ship can take you surprisingly close, to see the amazing glaciers and wildlife of the southern continent. Another regional highlight is that strange British outpost in the south Atlantic: the Falkland Islands and the quaint town of Port Stanley.

Seychelles

This scattering of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa, about 1,500km east of Kenya, is beauty with a French accent. The main island is Mahe and Victoria, the capital, houses about one-third of the country’s population of 80,000. The greatest attraction is the beaches: beautiful white-sand strands between giant granite tors stretch endlessly to a perfectly warm, azure sea. It’s a wonderful place for swimming, snorkelling, diving, fishing and just about any other aquatic activity you can name. Walks inland can take you to strange and pretty pitcher plants, and the famed, suggestive double coconut, the Coco de Mer.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A cruising highlight is arriving in Rio by ship. Rio is arguably the world’s most beautiful coastal city with sheer volcanic plugs spilling onto perfect golden beaches. Once ashore, take a stroll along the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. There’s an edge to the cities of Brazil that gives them a vibrancy the rest of the world lacks. The warm climate makes minimal clothing the best option – and no-one wears micro-clothes like a Brazilian. Ride a cable car high above the city and take in the twin landmarks of Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado with its giant statue of Christ the Redeemer. Universally known as ‘Rio’, this is the world’s party town and anyone who visits discovers that the beat really does go on. The beaches attract some of the more beautiful people in the world and the bars pulsate with great music and great dancers.

Anzac Cove

Fittingly for a voyage that begins and ends in Australia, the world voyage on Dawn Princess includes a day at Anzac Cove in Turkey. Recognised as a defining point in the development of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey, it’s an evocative site that many find to be an emotional one, as well. The cove (which has been Anzac Cove on Turkish maps, too, since 1985) is just 600 metres long and extends between the headlands of Ari Burnu and Hell Spit on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It’s an incongruously pretty spot, despite the erosion of the beach over the years, most notably since the road was widened in 2005. There are both ANZAC and Turkish cemeteries here and a visit brings perspective to an important moment in the history of our nations.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a city of great beauty and about three million residents. Cape Province is where South Africans go for their holidays. It’s a vast swathe of manicured farmlands, rich vineyards and spectacular Cape Dutch architecture. Sailing in, a perfect crescent-shaped bay leads the eye to Table Mountain, the sheer-sided, flat-topped mountain that is the city’s signature landmark. When capped with a layer of cloud – the famous ‘tablecloth’ – it’s one of the most glorious urban locations in the world. The old Cape Town harbour of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is an array of well-preserved buildings, and good shopping and dining. A less salubrious site that is one of the most popular attractions in Cape Town is Robben Island, the prison that housed Nelson Mandela for many years and is now a World Heritage site.

Suez Canal

Great voyages require defining moments and few are as significant in the world of cruising as passing through the Suez Canal. The canal is one of the shipping world’s most remarkable waterways – it joins the Mediterranean and Europe to the Middle East and Asia. It opened in 1869 and doesn’t have any locks throughout its almost 200-kilometre length. The cultural heritage is as remarkably diverse as the desert landscape is starkly beautiful. The ports of the Red Sea and the Suez Canal are gateways to their own wonders. Sharm el-Sheikh near the tip of the Sinai Peninsula is a brilliant diving location; Port Safaga is the Red Sea entrance to Luxor and the glory of the Pharoahs; and Aqaba at the top of the eponymous gulf leads to mysterious Petra.

Hotels

SOUTHHAMPTON

De Vere Grand Harbour

Down by the Solent waterfront and alongside the ancient city wall, it would be hard to miss the modern De Vere Grand Harbour hotel with its imposing multistorey glass atrium. There are 173 rooms (with free internet) and pre- and post-cruise packages are offered.

Jurys Inn Southampton

Opened in 2005, this highrise overlooks East Park and is the hotel largest in the city with 270 rooms. Décor throughout the hotel is modern with air conditioning, wireless high-speed internet, satellite TV and quite large rooms.

SYDNEY

Park Hyatt Sydney

Perfectly positioned on the water’s edge in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge and overlooking the Opera House and conveniently near the Overseas Passenger Terminal, the 158-room Park Hyatt is both stylish and comfortable. It offers services and facilities to match its high standing, and meals in this superb setting are a highlight.

Four Points by Sheraton

Australia’s largest hotel is situated on the city side of the tourist precinct of Darling Harbour so it’s convenient to both. Boasting 630 rooms, the modern Four Points offers good facilities and extends to include the Dundee Arms pub, a sandstone building dating back through 150 years of Sydney history.

LONDON

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel

Built in 1889, the hotel went from being quite staid to being very stylish with renovation in 2000. The 200 luxurious guest rooms now match a beautiful exterior façade. The location, with Hyde Park as its backyard and the shopping opportunities of Knightsbridge at the front door, make this a grand experience in many ways.

London Bridge Hotel

 

South of the Thames and near the Tate and Globe Theatre (as well as very close to the Tube), the London Bridge Hotel is a recently restored neoclassical landmark with 138 rooms. The rooms are modern and well equipped with flat-screen TVs and wireless internet. It offers a choice of restaurants and easy access to the sights of London.

NEW YORK

The Lowell New York

 

The aristocratic ambience of The Lowell New York permeates every crevice of this prestigious hotel. Situated between Madison and Park Avenue in the fashionable Upper East Side, The Lowell has 47 suites and 25 deluxe rooms. Highly recommended to anyone wanting to celebrate in superior style.

Wellington Hotel

 

Finding an acceptable yet affordable hotel in Manhattan can be a challenge. The Wellington Hotel is a reasonable hotel in a great location just south of Central park and within easy walking distance of Times Square and Fifth Avenue. It’s a large hotel of 600 rooms and suites with wireless internet throughout and comfortable rooms.

Departure Points

For those who don’t wish to undertake a complete world cruise there are some natural points where you can begin or end a voyage. Many work well if you wish to sail into, or out of, Australia. Doing this gives you the experience on some of the world’s most impressive ships without committing a lot of time. Here’s a selection:

Mumbai

While India has modernised dramatically in recent years, the colour and complication of a nation that has scores of languages and numerous religions creates a rich travel destination. Mumbai (previously Bombay) is a mid point between Australia and Europe that offers plenty of Australia-bound flights.

Singapore

Well-served by flights to all ports of Australia, Singapore offers a clean, safe, Asian experience at the beginning or end of a cruise. Highrise and high teas feature in this well-organised ex-British colony that markets itself as the ultimate shopping destination.

Hong Kong

Now ostensibly reunified into China, Hong Kong has lost none of the bustle and drive that make it such a great trading port. Its beauty at night when the harbour waters reflect the lights of the skyscrapers is unsurpassed. Again, it’s very convenient for flights to and from Australia.

Dubai

Created out of the desert with some remarkable architecture and some even more astounding feats such as indoor snow skiing in a scorching climate, Dubai is certainly different. Good shopping and great hotels combined with easy flight links to home can make this a convenient halfway point to break the journey.

Piraeus, Athens

There’s a historical joy in sailing in or out of the ancient Greek port of Piraeus, even if it’s now effectively a suburb of Athens. From the Parthenon to Delphi, Piraeus remains a gateway to the birthplace of European civilisation and the stepping off point to the glories of the Greek Islands.

Civitavecchia, Rome

A fort designed by Michelangelo greets you as you sail into Civitavecchia, the port about 80 kilometres west of Rome on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Whether your interest is in Rome specifically or Italy generally or anywhere in Europe, Civitavecchia features on many cruise itineraries and is a convenient entry point.

Pick of the ships

Aurora

P&O’s Aurora departs Southampton on January 5, 2010 to arrive in Madeira for a flight back to London 104 nights later. It goes via the Suez and Asia to Australia and back to Europe via Africa. There is a wide range of starting and finishing points along the way so you could spend 56 nights and disembark in Sydney, or take 32 nights from Singapore to Melbourne. From approx. $20,256 per person, cruise only, for 104-nights

Seven Seas Voyager

On January 13, 2010, Seven Seas Voyager sails from Fort Lauderdale and returns 135 nights later. The cruise goes through the Panama Canal and Central America to San Diego and across the Pacific to Australia via French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji and Vanuatu. After an extensive look at Australia and Asia it crosses the Indian Ocean to Africa and the Caribbean. Sectors are available, eg, 33 nights Sydney to Hong Kong. From approx. $100,000 per person, cruise only, 135 nights

Dawn Princess

On May 21, 2010 as Sydney hunkers down for winter, Dawn Princess will sail from Sydney for Darwin and Bali to return 104 nights later. She voyages through Asia and India (including Mumbai) to the Middle East, through the Suez Canal and on to Europe, the USA, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Los Angeles, then back across the Pacific via Tahiti, Moorea, Pago Pago and Auckland. From approx. $19,152 per person, cruise only, 104 nights

Crystal Serenity

Crystal Cruises has taken an unusual approach with its 108-night departure of Serenity from Miami to London on January 11, 2010. Billed as an exploration of ancient empires, it doesn’t venture further into Asia than India and eschews Australia and the Pacific altogether. From the Caribbean it sails to Buenos Aires then Cape Town, around to Zanzibar and the Seychelles, Maldives and India. From approx. $76,000 per person, cruise only, 108 nights

Queen Mary 2

Of course the grand new dame offers a world voyage. QM2 sails from Southampton on January 11, 2010 and returns 101 nights later. She travels out through the Middle East and Asia then after Australia and New Zealand, returns via Africa, Rio, Barbados, Florida and New York. Shorter options include 23 nights from Hong Kong to Sydney and 17 nights from Sydney to Cape Town. From under $25,000 per person, cruise only, 101 nights

MS Amsterdam

The world sail plan of MS Amsterdam is indicative of Holland America Line’s adventurous planning. She sails from Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2010, via the Panama Canal to the bottom of South America and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica and up to Montevideo. Next it’s over to Africa then India and Asia, up to Siberia and through Vancouver to disembark in either Seattle or LA. From approx. $25,831 per person, cruise only, 114 nights