Around the World in 99 Days

24 November, 2008

by Serge

While this isn’t exactly what Jules Verne had in mind, the Full World Cruise offered by Cunard for 2009 is close enough. For 99 days, you will be the pampered guest at Cunard’s newest luxury liner, Queen Victoria. Joining the fleet only last year, the QV is the second largest Cunarder ever built. Her interiors are quite dramatic. A three-tiered Grand Lobby, luxurious marbles, plush carpets and rich fabrics all exude style and splendor.

With the QV’s posh accommodations, impressive surroundings, endless amenities and impeccable service, you might just forget that you’re on a cruise of a lifetime. When you depart New York on January 10, you will visit 25 ports all over the world and have your choice of shore excursions to take in each stop.

Traversing the 50-mile Panama Canal will take approximately 8 hours but it will definitely be a highlight you will never forget.

From the Cabo San Lucas pier, head out onto the Sea of Cortez and discover whales in their natural habitat.

In Nagasaki, visit the centre of the atomic bomb explosion in 1945 and the Peace Memoral Park that was created to represent the wish that a tragic conflict like World War II will never happen again.

Spend 5-6 hours shopping in the bustling street markets of Hong Kong.

Join a full day tour of the Museum of Antiquities, the Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx in Egypt.

Take a walking tour of Rome and visit the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Square before shopping for some souvenirs to take home.

Your journey around the world ends on April 20 in Southampton, England with its dramatic coastline and beautiful countryside. While you’re there, why not make a side trip to neighboring Salisbury to see the cryptic wonder that is the Stonehenge.

The rates for this Full World Cruise start at $ 20,955 for a 152 sq.ft. standard inside stateroom. While these accommodations are comfortable, if you’re going to be at sea for 99 days, just comfortable might not be enough. Cruising the world in an ultra-luxe and cushy 2,131 sq.ft. Grand Suite will set you back $ 206,775.