A world cruise sounds like a great adventure. Traveling all over the world to exotic destinations aboard a luxury cruise line.

What could be better right? World cruises can be an amazing opportunity to see the world. But, these cruises are not for just the casual traveler so keep a few things in mind before you book a trip on a world cruise.

While most of us dream of waving goodbye to the crowds at the docks, preferably with a large white hanky (isn’t that what they do in the Movies?) it takes considerate planning to book a cruise to circumnavigate the earth in style.

Pets need to be taken care of, packing your bags can suddenly become a nightmare and much else needs to be thought about and planned.

Consider These Tips Before You Book A World Cruise

World Cruises are long, often more then 100 days. Be sure that you can handle being away from home for that long of a stretch. If you have never been on a cruise before you might want to choose a shorter trip for your first experience.

If you don’t think you can manage a full trip around the world, you can choose to board just for a portion of a world cruise. Choose the section with ports that interest you the most and maybe only join the cruise for two or three weeks.

If you are truly interested in circumnavigating the globe make sure the cruise you choose actually does make a full trip. Some world cruises only stay in one hemisphere or just go between North America and the United Kingdom.

Pay attention to the time at sea between ports. A map of your cruise might seem like it is one stop after another, but with a world cruise there is often a week at sea between stops. Long periods on a ship, with no escape to dry land, can be more challenging then you anticipate.

Pack wisely. Because you will be gone for a long time and in a variety of climates. You will have to plan accordingly. Find out what type of laundry service is available on your ship. Also, find out what types of formal or semi formal attire are required.

Plan for down time. There will be more then enough time on a world cruise to catch up on reading and relaxing. Do not go on one of these extended cruises expecting to be busy all of the time.

Learn how to meet new people. If you are going on a cruise for over 100 days you will want to get to know your temporary neighbors. If you are shy, try to find a way to overcome it. You will have a much more enjoyable trip if you have some friends aboard your ship.

Long cruises can be especially difficult for children. You should seriously evaluate whether or not to take children with you on a world cruise. Some children can do great, others might be miserable. Be honest with yourself about whether or not you think your child can handle it.

If you have the opportunity to take a world cruise it can be a tremendous experience. There are some challenges inherent in traveling for such a long period of time. As long as you think you can manage through long stints out at sea, then a world cruise is an extraordinary way to see the globe.

Img credit: Chris Harley