World Cruise Info -- some ???

[HamburgAvonLady]

Posted this question on the Amsterdam Roll Call boards but no responses. I am new to HAL but the World Cruises are on my bucket list, for sure. What are the "perks" that come with these world cruises ?? I see many repeat passengers ---- can't seem to find much on the HAL website, either. Thanks.

[world~citizen]

Posted this question on the Amsterdam Roll Call boards but no responses. I am new to HAL but the World Cruises are on my bucket list, for sure. What are the "perks" that come with these world cruises ?? I see many repeat passengers ---- can't seem to find much on the HAL website, either. Thanks.

We have sailed a segment of a grand voyage as well as cruises over 20 days. From what we have seen the cruises are better.

Cruises are fun and people are engaged and energetic - full of curiosity. In the grand voyage segment we were on, the ship was more an apartment building with changing scenery. Over time, social/pecking orders develop on ships, or so it seems. Other segment passengers were also stunned at the lack of energy on the ship - boring was their description. I don't think the observation unfair.

I would suggest you take back to back or multiple longer cruises and avoid the world cruise experience. I am sure others would disagree stongly, but that is our experience and recommendation - for what its worth.

Smooth sailing...

[houtbay]

I did a 47 day segment and loved every minute. There is plenty to do, lots of fun parties, excellent lectures and interesting people. The crew on the Amsterdam were great.

[mp17706]

There are many advantages to the whole world cruise. 1. 1 day prior to sailing you get together in a hotel and have a wonderful dinner with the captain, President of HAL, etc. 2. Business class flights. 3. Free luggage shipment. 4. Many gifts. 5. Free shorexcursions and onboard entertaimnet. I would definetely encourage to go!!:)

[boards]

We are considering the 24 day segment of the Apr. 2013 beginning in Cape Town. Would there be any perks given for that short a segment, we would be booking a cat. K cabin? Determing factor will be cost of flight to Cape Town from Canada.

[wowzo]

There is some confusion between the perks given to HAL World and Grand Voyage cruisers and a certain Travel Agency that adds perks for booking with them.

I would call HAL or your Travel Agent and have them tell you the perks from HAL - it depends on your cabin category for some of them and others are for whichever category you choose, the date of your booking and the date of your final payment.

Enjoy,

MaryAnn

[boards]

I received an e-mail sent to 3-star cruisers and that is where I this cruise. We would very much like touch Africa and it is in Cape town for almost 3 days. The perks were not the main reason for considering this, but just wondered if any were given. The most critical thing that will determine whether we take this cruise will be the cost to get to Cape Town. So far the price I have found, it does not look like the cruise will happen for us. Need to talk to our TA after the two cruises we have booked already are over.

[houtbay]

I am originally from Cape Town and I did the 47 day segment from Ft Lauderdale to Cape Town. Try to spend a few days in Cape Town. I returned via St Helena and Rio and Barbados. Enjoy

[Wayfairers]

We are working our way up to the world cruise - did a 30d Hawaii/South Pacific (the one OP is looking at), now we are doing a 45 day to Europe. Our next long cruise will be the 68/70 day (length varies based upon year/direction they go) circumnavigating South America. We've talked to several people who preferred this one over the World Cruise.

After talking to many that have done the world cruise, the only negatives I've heard have been from those who didn't like the length. Glad OP asked the question - it is interesting to read the responses.