World Cruise for mid 30's woman

[airlink diva]

Hello, I'm considering taking HAL world cruise in 2006 (2005 is booked solid). One of my dreams is to sail the "seven seas" and sample the world.
However I wonder what the average age on such a trip and would I feel out of place?
If anyone out there cruise on the world cruise, give me tips and suggestions !

[Marianne]

We were on two segments of the World Cruise 2004. People were of all ages, some young, some very old, but most in the 40-60 range. It was a great cruise and everyone was very friendly, because the ship is small and it is easy to get aquainted. No one seemed to care about ages. We signed up for the World Cruise 2005, Capetown to NY segment because we really enjoyed the 2004 cruise and the Prinsendam. If I had the opportunity to go in 2006, I'd do it in a heartbeat. And don't wait too long to sign up.
Write me if you have more questions.
Marianne

[DonMaryCar]

We were debating taking the 62 day cruise and talked with our travel consultant through Holland America and he actually told us it was a great cruise and if our goal was to see the world it was a great opportunity but warned us we might feel too confined for that long on a ship if we were used to being fairly active. He merely stated with a cruise of that length the majority of the passengers were in their seventies as most younger people can not be away from their families or jobs that long. Very tough decision, we have done some 15 day cruises and loved it but have decided to hold off a few years on the very extended cruise experience, gives us something to look forward too

Mary:)

[RuthC]

I've had several cruises in the 30+ day range and found that they are different from shorter cruises.

The cruise takes on a more relaxed rhythm---more like real life. Passengers get to know each other very well; many of them are regulars on the long-cruise circuit. It might seem like "old home week" at embarkation!

The average age of the full-cruise passengers on the World Cruise is quite high, but remember there are several shorter segments. Those will bring a somewhat younger passenger, but still a passenger who is interested in traveling. They will have experiences to share that are both many and varied.

You will find that the passengers on the longer cruises are interesting and interested; age is a minor difference. If you reach out to enjoy those who are sharing the journey you will not feel out of place at all.

Are you planning to take the entire cruise?

[wander]

I concur with RuthC based on my experiences on numerous 30+ day cruises and segments of the HAL World Cruise. They are so very different than short cruises. It becomes more of a lifestyle than a vacation or holiday and I have enjoyed these experiences in my 50s (could not afford them before that).

My one caution would be that if you want signifcant lively nightlife you might be disappointed. Except for maybe a few segments when a lively group are on board, the floors roll-up by 11 or so. There will be some folks sitting at the bars having fun, but that will be about it. I do believe that this harkens back to the lifestyle verses Holiday attitude. I find this applies to both food and nightlife for me. On a recent 4 day get-away cruise I gained 3 lbs. On my last 64 day cruise I gained 3 lbs, why? after the first week I gave up trying to eat everything offered. (And actually enjoyed such mundane menu items as meatloaf and stew on occassion.) On the 4 day I was up late every night partying, on the 64 day cruise it was to bed after the evening show, and frequently I skipped even that. Why? Love to party, but if it gets to be routine it is no longer special.

On cruises I am more interested in the Ports than the passengers. When there is shore activity each day the other passengers are not that important to me. However, being a very social person, on long cruises with many more sea days, for me the other passengers become more important. Knowing myself and knowing what I do about cruising, when I was in my 30's I would have loved the World Cruise experience, but I have friends who would have never made it to the end. Knowing what folks have said here - if you think it would appeal to you - GO FOR IT!

[SHayesShip]

I was 19 and did a world cruise of 99 days on the Rotterdam V and was the youngest passenger onboard. (There were some younger crew members onboard). This was many years ago when the ship did only a full world cruise and no segments. The average age onboard was "deceased" as I called it BUT I will die having wonderful memories of that trip.
The ages have come down somewhat because of the segmentation of world cruises but the average age will still be older then regular cruises.
I learned how to dance many different steps on this voyage with all of the widows and married women whose husbands did not want to dance.
This cruise taught me to appreciate life at any age and I would do it again.

Steve Hayes

Hello, I'm considering taking HAL world cruise in 2006 (2005 is booked solid). One of my dreams is to sail the "seven seas" and sample the world.
However I wonder what the average age on such a trip and would I feel out of place?
If anyone out there cruise on the world cruise, give me tips and suggestions !

[OCruisers]

Thanks EVERYONE for this wonderful thread!!! :)

We're trying to learn everything possible about doing a "World Cruise"!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[Slinkiecat]

We are going on the world cruise next month, Ft. Lauderdale to Ft. Lauderdale. I hope it is as adventuresome as it was scheduled to be, and with the current situation in SE Asia it may be even more open as to ports of call.

We didn't schedule any of the shore excursions in advance, knowing how weather and other situations can occur anywhere on Earth and put your vacation plans into a different gear, so we're just planning our wardrobe around formal nights and theme nights, hoping for some interesting ports of call to break up the long days at sea. We don't do a lot of partying or gambling, bingo, or other shipboard activities, so the ports are the big attraction to us on a cruise.

I do look forward to making some new friends on board to do things with on shore - shopping, lunches, etc. in local places that are recommended.

The roll call for 01/13/05 Prinsendam World Cruise is buried deep though - I guess everyone on it is busy preparing for the big cruise.

I may need another suitcase myself just for the theme night outfits.

Slinkie

[airlink diva]

Thank's for the wonderful response!!
I'm the type of person that will take leave from working just to take this trip. I'm not a "party person", but enjoy having a good time. I want to take the whole trip.
I agree with someone else by not book any shore trips early, but play it by ear.

[mimijo]

I havent the faintest idea what "theme" night means - are we to wear costumes?? Also, for the world cruise, will people be wearing long gowns, sequins? My husband got a tuxedom but I don't know how dressy I should get. Gowns take so much room to pack!

[RuthC]

mimijo, if you're taking the World Cruise you should find a listing of the "theme nights" somewhere in your documents. Costumes certainly are appropriate, but aren't necessary.

As far as dressing up on formal nights goes, you should be thinking "formal", not simply "getting by". This tends to be a traditional cruise with a traditional crowd. A long black skirt and black palazzo pants with several beaded tops will cover many evenings.

[OCruisers]

Slinkie .... Can't wait to hear all about your cruise when you return! Very interested in ALL of the details on your port stops!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[kryos]

I havent the faintest idea what "theme" night means - are we to wear costumes?? Also, for the world cruise, will people be wearing long gowns, sequins? My husband got a tuxedom but I don't know how dressy I should get. Gowns take so much room to pack!
I think I remember reading that with the World Cruise you can ship your luggage in advance directly to the ship. That way, you have less to carry on embarkation day ... especially if you have to fly to the port (with airline baggage restrictions). I would imagine you could ship home as well at the end of the cruise ... so having room for a couple of gowns shouldn't present too much of a problem.

God, you are sooooooo lucky! I wish you a wonderful cruise! Someday ... someday ... I will be able to do this too. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Marianne]

Kryos -- Yes, on the WC one can have his luggage shipped ahead of time, but it costs more than you want to know. Only the suites get it sent free. At least that is the way it was last year. The luggage is picked up at your home and delivered to your cabin on the ship. It's wonderful, but the cost sets one back quite a bit, several thou unless you are a suite passenger.

As to dressing for formal nights, yes indeed you will see formal wear. As suggested, a black skirt and a dressy top is not difficult to pack. Several beaded or spangled tops will get you through but most every lady dresses quite formal. Many guys have tuxedos, so that is the place to wear them. My husband has several tux jackets of assorted colors. He always has to make a decision which ones to take, especially now since the airlines get more tough on weight restrictions.

Last year we did two segments on the WC and there were theme nights. However, I just wore items from my wardrobe and didn't take anything extra for theme nights. However, you might have something you can use for those nights that will add to the theme.

Have a wonderful time on the cruise. We are boarding in Capetown this year. See you then.

Marianne

[WCB]

Just a small note in regards to the luggage shipment. Those doing the full world cruise also receive free shipment for 100 lbs. per person. After that, it is $1.50 a pound, if you exceed the 100 lb. limit. Suite passengers have no limit. This is the first time we will use this service, so we hope it gets there!!
Bill and Mary Ann

[cruznon]

I love the idea of a world cruise, but doubt I'll have the opportunity to take one.
So, I'll dream about such an adventure. Those of you going, have a wonderful experience!
I think the idea of a world cruise in your 30's is a fantastic idea, airlink diva...go for it!:)

[airlink diva]

I want to thank everyone for all the great advice. Right now I'm working on my "game plan" for this trip!!:)

[Slinkiecat]

Slinkie .... Can't wait to hear all about your cruise when you return! Very interested in ALL of the details on your port stops!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)
Thanks, OCruisers! I'm going to attempt to keep a sort of diary so when we get online it will only take a few minutes to copy and paste into a HAL thread as well as family emails so it will be easy to keep in touch.

One week to go!!!

Slinkie