Which World Cruise do you recommend?

[islandwoman]

"Aquadesiac 

Of course, in a perfect world, itinerary is important. However, it is not guaranteed. No cruise line can be certain they can deliver the ports they advertise....

.....The serene vibe on Viking is one of the reasons we chose it for 2025. "

 

As much as I would like to take your advice to consider a WC on Viking, their cancellation penalties are too punitive for us.  At our age, we don't even buy green bananas 😟

[BVILady]

16 hours ago, Janet&Carl said:

I have been reading the board and still undecided on which world cruise.  I am surprised that no one mentioned which ports the cruise goes to as a priority.  I have short listed cruises and in doing so have added up how many port days to sea days.  Some of the cheaper ( Princess, Cunard)  have really bad ratios.  Next criteria is how many are new ports.  Having flown half way round the world to most cruises (which has been one of the biggest expenses of each holiday) to book a holiday that just repeats what we have already done would be crazy. 

 

So food is not that important, most lines have something I can choose to eat and I can buy specialty restaurant access on cheaper lines that dont provide a good menu.  Entertainment is ok but not the be all and end all of my considerations.  Comfort and service with a smile is important I get that on most cruises.   We prefer serene, quiet environments to loud party scenes. We are easy going and dont complain about very much at all so most lines suit us.  We have tried 7 different lines and can find good and bad in all. 

 

So given the above considerations and the fact that this may be a one of experience the more ports the better and the more new ports going to places that are still on our list to see is the primary consideration.  

that is the reason why I will not be able to take any more World Cruises, which is a pity. I did love to unpack ad pack only once, but life is short and I want to see as much as possible of this beautiful planet.

[Tampa Girl]

On 7/18/2023 at 11:43 PM, sandiego1 said:

These are standard HAL perks, not TA specifics. You can see the inside cabin perks on the HAL website too.

Luggage direct and air credit are not standard HAL perks.

[Tampa Girl]

On 11/23/2023 at 6:07 PM, Heidi13 said:

 

May I suggest reading the HAL WC Roll Call for 2023 and finding the URL of some of the travel bloggers from last year's cruise. I kept a number of them, but unfortunately cleaned out the bookmarks a few months ago. A number of the regulars were not overly happy with the post COVID changes.

 

We have friends in Ontario that sailed in both 2020 and 2023 and were not overly complimentary with the changes. I read this also in a number of the blogs.

 

I find daily travel blogs of pax onboard to be a valuable aid to getting a feel for the cruise.

 

Neither the '23 nor the '20 WC are fair examples of any ships' WC.  The '20 was aborted mid-cruise, and the '23 was the first post-pandemic.I think if you read the blogs from HAL's '24 WC, you will see a considerable change - for the better!  2023 was the first WC since the aborted '20 WC, and it was on a larger ship.  It was immediately post-pandemic, and there were made cutbacks.  It appears that the '24 WC is back to the pre-pandemic wonderful WC cruises that HAL is known for.  The blogs are worth reading.  

[sandiego1]

55 minutes ago, Tampa Girl said:

Luggage direct and air credit are not standard HAL perks.

Yes they are if you purchase an OV (I think “C” or “D”) or higher cabin. That’s why I wrote see the HAL website for perks for an inside cabin.
 

Air credit for an inside cabin is an incl perk for the P2P. One must purchase the flight through FlightEase and the credit is $500pp. The Surf WiFi package is also a perk.

 

The air credit and WiFi perks are new for 2025. Luggage service was included as a perk for our 2019 WC on HAL as we purchased a “D” cabin.

[islandwoman]

Sandiego1 said:  Air credit for an inside cabin is an incl perk for the P2P. One must purchase the flight through FlightEase and the credit is $500pp. The Surf WiFi package is also a perk.

 

If we live in Florida and can drive to the port (Ft. Lauderdale), will HAL credit our account the $500 that we will have received toward air fare?

Also, what is P2P?

Edited March 16 by islandwoman

[Heidi13]

3 hours ago, islandwoman said:

Also, what is P2P?

 

I believe they are referencing the 2025 HAL Pole to Pole cruise, which is R/T Ft. Lauderdale.

[sandiego1]

23 hours ago, islandwoman said:

Sandiego1 said:  Air credit for an inside cabin is an incl perk for the P2P. One must purchase the flight through FlightEase and the credit is $500pp. The Surf WiFi package is also a perk.

 

If we live in Florida and can drive to the port (Ft. Lauderdale), will HAL credit our account the $500 that we will have received toward air fare?

Also, what is P2P?

No on the air credit converting to OBC. We have companion pass on Southwest as well as many frequent flyer miles on multiple airlines. We could definitely get to FLL for much less than $500pp and would gladly switch the FlightEase credit to OBC if allowed.
 

P2P is the 2025 Pole to Pole World Cruise.

 

The same perks are offered for the 2025 WC.

Edited March 17 by sandiego1

[lorilg12]

Hi Tampa Girl - Where do we find the HAL's '24 WC blog? Thank you!

[Land&Sea_Cruiser]

On 4/5/2024 at 2:25 PM, lorilg12 said:

Hi Tampa Girl - Where do we find the HAL's '24 WC blog? Thank you!

A little googling says

https://www.theinsidecabin.com/2024-world-cruise-blog/ 

[Janet&Carl]

I think after months and months of debating, adding up new ports vs already been to ports, sea days vs port days we have almost very nearly 😉 made a decision to sail our WC with Azamara.  Lots of considerations including the ambience onboard, but the major one was the ports and not only the new ports we will visit but how long we spend in each port.  MSC was close because of the cost, they included drinks at meal times and shore excursions. Costa had very little time in port, HAL didnt have very many inclusions so everything was extra, Princess had good itinerary going places we want to go but their seaday port day ratio let them down.  Oceania didnt include drinks and Viking was booked out in the category we can afford so its Azamara.   We can no longer afford 2025 due to DH having the past 5 months unemployed and eating into our savings.  This will be a once in a lifetime deal for us so we are pleased to have made the decision.

[2ndsailing]

5 hours ago, Janet&Carl said:

I think after months and months of debating, adding up new ports vs already been to ports, sea days vs port days we have almost very nearly 😉 made a decision to sail our WC with Azamara.  Lots of considerations including the ambience onboard, but the major one was the ports and not only the new ports we will visit but how long we spend in each port.  MSC was close because of the cost, they included drinks at meal times and shore excursions. Costa had very little time in port, HAL didnt have very many inclusions so everything was extra, Princess had good itinerary going places we want to go but their seaday port day ratio let them down.  Oceania didnt include drinks and Viking was booked out in the category we can afford so its Azamara.   We can no longer afford 2025 due to DH having the past 5 months unemployed and eating into our savings.  This will be a once in a lifetime deal for us so we are pleased to have made the decision.

We are on the Azamara World Cruise now (2024) and it has been fabulous. Azamara chartered a plane and took the World Cruisers to the Taj for the day. No cost to us at all. It was not revealed at thw time I'd booking. Added surprise.

You'll love your world cruise with Azamara.

[tigerfan75]

6 hours ago, Janet&Carl said:

I think after months and months of debating, adding up new ports vs already been to ports, sea days vs port days we have almost very nearly 😉 made a decision to sail our WC with Azamara.  Lots of considerations including the ambience onboard, but the major one was the ports and not only the new ports we will visit but how long we spend in each port.  MSC was close because of the cost, they included drinks at meal times and shore excursions. Costa had very little time in port, HAL didnt have very many inclusions so everything was extra, Princess had good itinerary going places we want to go but their seaday port day ratio let them down.  Oceania didnt include drinks and Viking was booked out in the category we can afford so its Azamara.   We can no longer afford 2025 due to DH having the past 5 months unemployed and eating into our savings.  This will be a once in a lifetime deal for us so we are pleased to have made the decision.

"Oceania didn't include drinks".  Congrats on your big decision.  Just an FYI...Oceania does include wine, beer, and champagne at lunch and dinner.  Enjoy the WC.

[lorilg12]

We are trying to decide for the 2026 World Cruise. Azamara looks amazing but it is expensive. It looks like Holland will raise prices as they are adding more time, so that may also be out of our price range. Princess announced they are using the Coral Princess and have Los Angeles round trip now at a significantly lower price (than the other two) that includes Premier package - drinks, fitness classes, specialty dining once a week, etc. It might come down to price for us, but Azamara and Holland probably would have been our first choices if money wasn't an issue.

Edited May 11 by lorilg12

[Janet&Carl]

9 hours ago, tigerfan75 said:

"Oceania didn't include drinks".  Congrats on your big decision.  Just an FYI...Oceania does include wine, beer, and champagne at lunch and dinner.  Enjoy the WC.

 

 

Yes they do, I should have said that.  But for our tastes, we very rarely drink wine and I dislike beer.  We like a G&T or a cocktail or 3 😉 

[Janet&Carl]

5 hours ago, lorilg12 said:

We are trying to decide for the 2026 World Cruise. Azamara looks amazing but it is expensive. It looks like Holland will raise prices as they are adding more time, so that may also be out of our price range. Princess announced they are using the Coral Princess and have Los Angeles round trip now at a significantly lower price (than the other two) that includes Premier package - drinks, fitness classes, specialty dining once a week, etc. It might come down to price for us, but Azamara and Holland probably would have been our first choices if money wasn't an issue.

 

 

I have added all the on costs and it comes out very similar.  When you add in airfare, extra baggage, extra nights (155 vs 118) pre cruise hotel, transfers, gratuities included, shuttles at the ports that are a little out of town included it all adds up. So, for the extra time, extra port time and the fact that we have loved our 3 Azamara cruises it all swung in Azamara's favour.  It has been a long process.

[lorilg12]

Azamara does look amazing. We would probably do a lot of excursions and it would be hard to swing in addition to the $90,000 cruise cost for both of us. If we do Princess, everything is included except excursions on the WC and we can book for under $60,000. Of course, the itinerary isn't as good. Luckily we would not have to do hotels, transfers, air as we can drive to Los Angeles so that also helps. Princess also includes gratuities with their Premier. Hopefully we can do another cruise in the future with Azamara. Their itinerary for 2026 will be incredible - enjoy!!

[2ndsailing]

Our Azamara World Cruise included businrss class airfare to Fort Lauderdale and home from Barcelona, one night pre cruise at the JW Mariott and a gala party, some money towards excess luggage, can't remember cost, a large obc around $7,000, some special events and our charter flight to the Taj.

I think they are now giving you money towards those flights instead of booking them, not sure on that. Also we have had great Azamazing Evenings and guest entertainers.

I have to say the food has been outstanding and there has been deck parties, and many special events. 

It has been a fabulous experience. 

 

[Janet&Carl]

2 hours ago, 2ndsailing said:

Our Azamara World Cruise included businrss class airfare to Fort Lauderdale and home from Barcelona, one night pre cruise at the JW Mariott and a gala party, some money towards excess luggage, can't remember cost, a large obc around $7,000, some special events and our charter flight to the Taj.

I think they are now giving you money towards those flights instead of booking them, not sure on that. Also we have had great Azamazing Evenings and guest entertainers.

I have to say the food has been outstanding and there has been deck parties, and many special events. 

It has been a fabulous experience. 

 

 

Great to hear and your post was the decider for my DH.  He said if you are happy book it.  However, I still have lots of questions.  Can I ask you the ratio of passengers ? . I would like to know how many Americans, English, Canadians, Australians etc.. if you have any idea. We have sailed Onward twice already so I already know about the staff and entertainment etc..

[Port Power]

On 5/11/2024 at 3:42 PM, Janet&Carl said:

I think after months and months of debating, adding up new ports vs already been to ports, sea days vs port days we have almost very nearly 😉 made a decision to sail our WC with Azamara.  Lots of considerations including the ambience onboard, but the major one was the ports and not only the new ports we will visit but how long we spend in each port.  MSC was close because of the cost, they included drinks at meal times and shore excursions. Costa had very little time in port, HAL didnt have very many inclusions so everything was extra, Princess had good itinerary going places we want to go but their seaday port day ratio let them down.  Oceania didnt include drinks and Viking was booked out in the category we can afford so its Azamara.   We can no longer afford 2025 due to DH having the past 5 months unemployed and eating into our savings.  This will be a once in a lifetime deal for us so we are pleased to have made the decision.

Thank you for doing the research for me.  I figured Azamara would be my next world cruise. 😀

[Port Power]

2 hours ago, 2ndsailing said:

Our Azamara World Cruise included businrss class airfare to Fort Lauderdale and home from Barcelona, one night pre cruise at the JW Mariott and a gala party, some money towards excess luggage, can't remember cost, a large obc around $7,000, some special events and our charter flight to the Taj.

I think they are now giving you money towards those flights instead of booking them, not sure on that. Also we have had great Azamazing Evenings and guest entertainers.

I have to say the food has been outstanding and there has been deck parties, and many special events. 

It has been a fabulous experience. 

 

I would definitely take Azamara over Princess any day.  A whole different cruising style.  Azamara is more premium, and with a better staff:passenger ratio.  Plus smaller ships and a more personal experience.

[Janet&Carl]

25 minutes ago, Port Power said:

Thank you for doing the research for me.  I figured Azamara would be my next world cruise. 😀

 

 

Come on the 2026 with us - fellow Aussies onboard.  We used to live in Perth and still have family there.

[2ndsailing]

1 hour ago, Janet&Carl said:

 

Great to hear and your post was the decider for my DH.  He said if you are happy book it.  However, I still have lots of questions.  Can I ask you the ratio of passengers ? . I would like to know how many Americans, English, Canadians, Australians etc.. if you have any idea. We have sailed Onward twice already so I already know about the staff and entertainment etc..

Roughly 50% Americans, rest made up of Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits. We started with 195 World Cruisers. As you know, segments were also sold.

We were suppose to go through Suez Canal but world events changed that. Segments 8 and 9 were cancelled and the world cruisers were given options to stay and sail around South Africa and receive a large future cruise credit that made those  segments free or leave in Dubai with full refunds or a bigger future cruise credit.

Only 144 stayed and it has been a blast!

On regular azamara cc site "anyone on board" one of our fellow cruisers has been posting photos and comments. You might find that helpful. 

We have a number of former Holland American world cruisers on board and they have said Azamara has become their favourite world cruise ship.

[Port Power]

2 hours ago, Janet&Carl said:

 

 

Come on the 2026 with us - fellow Aussies onboard.  We used to live in Perth and still have family there.

I have a cruise booking in March 2026 that I cannot cancel. Otherwise I would be on board with you. I’ll look at partial world cruise.

[Guinness1000]

On 5/11/2024 at 2:12 PM, lorilg12 said:

We are trying to decide for the 2026 World Cruise. Azamara looks amazing but it is expensive. It looks like Holland will raise prices as they are adding more time, so that may also be out of our price range. Princess announced they are using the Coral Princess and have Los Angeles round trip now at a significantly lower price (than the other two) that includes Premier package - drinks, fitness classes, specialty dining once a week, etc. It might come down to price for us, but Azamara and Holland probably would have been our first choices if money wasn't an issue.

The HAL WC prices came out yesterday, but since it's going to be on the Volendam you have to book a Vista Suite if you want a real balcony and those start at $52K/pp. That's too much for us, at least right now.