IF YOU WANT TO LEARN A LOT: Crystal

Countries visited: 23 Ports visited: 47 Islands visited: 11 Nights in port: 17

High-end operator Crystal is sparing with its world cruises, but when it does them, it does them very well and often with a twist. It also places an emphasis on wide-ranging lectures, so if an educational element is important, consider the company’s 25th world cruise in 2020.

The 105-day trip is aboard the 1,070passenger Crystal Serenity on a voyage titled Epic Empires and Idyllic Isles. The trip, which is also available in seven sectors of 13-18 days, focuses on the Pacific and Australasia. The New Zealand component, especially around the fjords of South Island, is a highlight.

At the end, there’s a dash for Rome — in 15 days from Mumbai via the Middle East and a handful of Mediterranean ports.

From £29,053 (R546,770), or £276 (R5,200) daily, departing Miami for Rome on January 6 2020.

crystalcruises.com, thompsons.co.za