The world’s longest passenger cruise set out from London earlier this year. The passenger cruise was a 245-day luxury journey by Viking Cruises going across six continents, 51 countries, and 111 ports. But a common question that may arise among people wanting to go on this cruise is – what about those who want to experience multiple destinations on one epic global adventure?
Well, there is always an air cruise. It is a chartered aircraft that is specially configured and sets out on a two to the three-week itinerary. This chartered aircraft often goes around the globe and stops at world-class destinations along the way, such as the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island. Let us tell you – this round the world cruise is not cheap at all! Most of the products are only for a few people who can afford a world-class vacation above the $100,000 mark. Some budget options are starting to appear from Viking Cruises in order to attract low-budget people.
Abercrombie & Kent
A pioneer in the business of air cruises, Abercrombie & Kent, was taking people across the world back in 1989 on a luxury Lockheed L-1011 Tristar jetliner. After this, they took the glamour up a couple of notchers by chartering the Concorde for their round the world cruises. A&K now uses the specially configured Boeing 757 which is a very premium piece of kit.
The air cruises that the operator offers is limited to 50 passengers, and prices range from $140,000 to $160,000.
Four Seasons
The Canadian high-end hotel chain launched its air cruises in 2015. For this offering too, a Boeing 757 is used. The aircraft is painted nose to tail in elegant and attractive black color. Inside the aircraft, there are 52 lie-flat seats and a cabin that aims to replicate the experience the hotel chain used to provide on the ground.
Four Seasons has seen huge success and ordered a new jet, which is a brand new Airbus A321neoLR. The aircraft will start giving its services from 2021.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises has also taken steps into flying with nothing less than a Boeing 777, a long-range wide-body jet, which is fitted out with 88 fully reclining seats and a dedicated stand-up bar lounge. A Boeing 777 can hold around 300 people typically, so this model offers plenty of space to stretch out and stroll around.
The aircraft, named Crystal Skye, is available for private chartering purposes rather than scheduled itineraries. It means that customers can customize air cruises choosing from Crystal’s signature global journeys.
When can I go? – It costs around $60,000 per hour to charter. Once you have saved enough pennies, feel free to call them.
Qantas Jumbo
If you are looking for a more affordable option, then let us tell you that Australian firm Constellation Journeys offers a full circumnavigation of the globe on a Boeing 747-400 aircraft, and prices range from $15,000 to $50,000.
The aircraft comes with the same three-class cabin configuration that Qantas uses to offer on its scheduled flights. The whole itinerary covers around 25,000 nautical miles, taking around 20 days. It is a once-a-year journey. Price starts from $22,400.
