January marks the month that cruise ships begin their longest sea journeys. While it’s too late to embark on such an epic adventure this year, it’s not too late to begin charting your course for a 2010 world cruise, when the lineup ranges from complete circumnavigations to port-intensive itineraries that visit many destinations but do not circle the globe.

You can get on a world cruise for as little as $20,000 per person for the more-than-100-day journey. Want to splurge? Top fares for the best accommodations exceed $350,000 — per person. Not surprisingly, nearly 50 percent of respondents to a national survey listed a world cruise as tops on their travel wish list.

For a full report on world cruises and what’s being offered in 2010, read on . . .

Expanding The Options
The spirit of adventure has not been diminished by regional hotspots, merely rerouted. Cruise lines offering world cruises have unveiled their plans for 2010, and the itineraries are as ambitious as ever, exploring neighborhoods that haven’t been on their routes recently in order to provide variety for the seasoned mariners who enjoy these extended explorations.

The cruise lines know their audience, and while several of these three-month voyages avoid the notorious hot spots, most are still willing to explore the Middle East and South Asia, apparently figuring that proper planning and execution will keep their guests — and their ships — out of trouble.

After all, delivering the same-old, same-old is not the way to build and maintain enthusiasm for world cruises. Adventurous leisure travelers who might consider signing up for a world cruise are looking for something new, not a rerun. That’s why the cruise lines that cater to this unique and specialized market work so hard to create unique and exciting itineraries.

Of course, many people do not have three or four months available to cruise around the world. Recognizing this, the cruise lines offer shorter segments, starting from about 14 nights.

Those who do book the whole trip, however, receive generous benefits and add-ons. These add-ons may include free shore excursions, discounts, cabin upgrades, shipboard credits, cocktail receptions and more.

Additional discounts are almost always available to guests who book early, by the end of February of the preceding year. So you still have time to save in booking your 2010 world cruise, but act now for the greatest savings and choice of stateroom.

The Offerings
If you have the time, the cruise lines are offering some of the most attractive itineraries and incentives ever to encourage you to take one of these once-in-a-lifetime voyages. Dedicated to creating itineraries that are attractive to the most seasoned travelers, these voyages are certain to provide several months of exceptional memories.

Crystal Cruises
Among the intriguing world-cruise offerings for 2010, Crystal Cruises has designed a Crystal Symphony itinerary — departing Miami Jan. 10, 2010 — that puts special emphasis on the Near East, including Crystal’s first visits to Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

This epic voyage will explore South America, Africa and India, with a greatly expanded focus on the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Black Sea, and several European ports in the Mediterranean Sea en route to London. The 108-day journey will call on 41 ports in 37 countries.

But the Arab and Persian countries raise the most questions, as well as the enthusiasm for the trip, according to Crystal, which says it had more than 100 people waiting to book when reservations opened. A cruise line does not venture into troubled waters blindly, Crystal says, but it does make every reasonable effort to create an attractive itinerary.

“Based on extensive research, site inspections and discussions with contemporary world affairs experts, we feel we have created an unparalleled voyage for the most discriminating travelers,” says Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. “On one itinerary, our 2010 World Cruise guests can visit an incredible combination of destinations renowned for being profoundly rich in antiquities and cultural history.”

Cunard Line
Most world cruises follow a westward course from North America across the Pacific and working from Asia to Europe, but Cunard Line, which will be offering two world cruises in 2010, makes its special pitch for “unique” and “exciting” with the Queen Mary 2’s Royal Route of Exploration, making a rare eastbound trip from New York.

The 101-day journey — to Europe, the Middle East and Asia before turning back toward Africa and South America — features the QM2’s first visit to South America among 19 maiden port calls.

World cruises do not need to keep pace with a frenzied schedule, and these extended itineraries will frequently feature some two-day visits to major ports. For instance, the QM2 will make three overnight stays —in Hong Kong, Sydney and Cape Town, South Africa.

Sailing a more traditional route, Cunard’s Queen Victoria will make a 99-day trip on a westward setting. Departing New York, January 12, the ship will start the trip with some fun in the Caribbean sun, transit the Panama Canal and then cross the Pacific to Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The Queen Victoria will make overnight stays in Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai, as well as 11 maiden calls among its 41 port visits.

Regent Seven Seas
For a luxury voyage on a small ship, consider the program set up by Regent Seven Seas Cruises aboard the 700-guest, all-veranda Seven Seas Voyager, departing San Diego on January 13 with a send-off party featuring Jay Leno and the Beach Boys.

While this 119-night itinerary does not include Europe, it is among the most comprehensive available for visits to Australia, Asia and Africa.

The African segment features a whole new cruising area for RSSC, as Voyager spends four glorious days in the Seychelles before setting sail around the southern tip of Africa to visit South Africa, Benin, Togo, Ghana, the Gambia and Cape Verde Islands in West Africa — before the Voyager crosses the Atlantic to the Caribbean islands and finally Fort Lauderdale.

Guests wishing to complete a true circumnavigationmay consider a 16-night pre-World Cruise voyage starting December 28 from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego, creating a 135-day itinerary that ends May 12.

Holland America Line
With more than 135 years in the business, Holland America Line is a experienced in the world-cruise business.

In 2010, Holland America is offering four extended Grand Voyages, including a 114-day world cruise aboard the Amsterdam. Departing Fort Lauderdale on January 6, the itinerary features 12 overnight calls and a visit to Antarctica.

After transiting the Panama Canal and working its way down the west coast of South America and around Cape Horn, the Amsterdam will explore the South Pole before turning east toward Africa and then the Indian Ocean.

The itinerary takes the ship to 40 ports on six continents, and the 12 overnight calls give guests two days to explore, among other stops, Panama City, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo.

Cruise aficionados who are “collecting ports” may be able to add some new names to their lists as the Amsterdam will mae a maiden visit to Isla Robinson Crusoe, Chile. As the name implies, this is where Alexander Selkirk was marooned in 1704, inspiring the classic novel.

Seabourn Cruise Line
The Yachts of Seabourn will undertake its first-ever world cruise on its new Seabourn Odyssey, which will be introduced in the summer of 2009. Seabourn Odyssey will carry a maximum of 450 guests, and about 200 of the 225 ocean-view suites will have private verandas.

Seabourn’s world cruise benefits not only from the fact that it will take place on a new, small ship able to access small ports but also from the fact that the itinerary was designed by Peter Cox, Seabourn’s well-traveled director of itinerary and land development.

The voyage starts in Fort Lauderdale on January 5 and wraps up 108 days later outside Athens, Greece. During this odyssey, the ship will visit 42 ports in 26 countries on five continents.

Those who sign up for the full world cruise with Seabourn will be invited to six special events such as a gala Bon Voyage Ball at the St. Regis Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, with an overnight say, the night before departure.

Other events arranged for Seabourn’s full world cruises include a catamaran cruise from tiny Cabo San Lucas; a traditional Polynesian feast in Papeete, Tahiti; a private sunset dinner cruise of scenic Sydney Harbor leading to a featured performance at the city’s iconic Opera House; and a Thai cultural festival and feast in a Phuket village.

Princess Cruises
If your budget doesn’t quite reach the ultra-luxury threshold, Pacific Princess will provide a pleasing and reliable premium level of service during its 107-day journey from Fort Lauderdale, starting January 27.

This itinerary gets off to a sunny start in the Caribbean, followed by a canal transit. From there, it’s a luxurious Pacific crossing with island visits followed by an exploration of Australia.

After working through Asia, the Pacific Princess passes through South Asia and across the Indian Ocean before calling on the storied ports of the Middle East, including Dubai, Sufaga for Luxor and Aqaba for Petra. A transit of the Suez Canal is followed by a visit to the Mediterranean, including Greece.

If the normal winter schedule of these winter cruises seems inconvenient, Princess offers an unusual summer alternative of 53 days. While this itinerary does not actually circumnavigate the globe, it does cover a large portion of it.

Departing from Sydney on July 5, the Dawn Princess follows an eastern path to the South Pacific, Hawaii and then San Francisco. That 24-day segment is followed by another 17 days down the coast, through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean, Bermuda and New York.

From there, it’s another 12-day segment devoted primarily to a transatlantic crossing, with calls in Newport, Boston and Cork, Ireland, before closing with visits to Paris and London.

One of the highlights of the Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise on AMA Waterways’ Amacello was a special Bavarian Beer Tasting between Bamberg and Wurzburg.

The session was exceptionally well presented - educational, tasteful and with a touch of humor.

To experience the full 23-minute presentation (without the beer, of course), view the video above.

On the Main River, between Bamberg and Wurzburg, Germany, AMA Waterways’ Amacello makes its way along the icy canal.

It is snowing in Wurzburg, creating a fairy-tale-like setting. Some of the Australian passengers on board say this cruise marks the first time they’ve ever seen snow.

Most passengers disembarked in Nuremberg, on Saturday. A little more than a dozen of us remained on board. Some will continue with Amacello to Amsterdam, where the ship will remain until the spring season launches. I disembark today, heading for Frankfurt. It has been a wonderful cruise.

Austria’s third largest city, Linz is a charming town where river cruisers dock alongside the Danube’s banks within walking distance of the city center. Most tourists head for the Hauptplatz, reputed to be Europe’s largest baroque square, where you can take a seat in a cafe to try the famous “Linzer Torte,” a cake comprised of jam and almonds.

On New Year’s Eve, the city celebrated with an opening ceremony commemorating Linz’s role as European Cultural Capital 2009.

Opening ceremony events included an exhibit, Standard Time, where up to 80 workers changed positions of a wooden exhibit each minute to reflect the current time, and the Rocket Symphony, where more than 400 amateur singers complemented with their voices the fireworks over the Danube River.

The year 2009 will see many other events in Linz, including art, movie and culinary festivals throughout the year.

Also, 120 free internet hotspots were installed in Linz, including the entire main square.

In Austria, by the way, the pig symbolizes good luck for the new year. Tables may be decorated with miniature pigs made from marzipan, maple sugar, fudge, cookie dough or chocolate.

People often exchange miniature marzipan, plastic or ceramic pigs as gifts.

How do you make the most of a few hours in Vienna?

First, know that Vienna holds many hidden treasures. There’s a lot more to the city than tourists see on the surface.

“The soul of Vienna is behind doors that you don’t easily find and in hidden cellars that aren’t so apparent,” says Wade Korzan, a Californian who has been living in Vienna for three years.

One such cellar is Zwolf-Apostelkeller, or the 12 Apostle’s Cellar, marked only by a small sign and situated underground at Sonnenfelsgasse 3, just a few minutes walk from Vienna’s iconic landmark, St. Stephan’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), one of Europe’s best-known Gothic buildings.

Zwolf-Apostelkeller’s rows of wooden tables sit beneath vaulted ceilings surrounded by walls that predate 1561. The dungeon-like wine cellar serves up a selection of beer and wines as well as hearty Austrian fare, at a price that the local students and tourists alike appreciate.

It’s discoveries like these that enhance the visitor’s enjoyment and understanding of Vienna, and certainly, tourists must dig deeper to discover the real Vienna.

Korzan confesses that he wasn’t crazy about the city when he visited it on business trips while living in Bavaria. “Vienna didn’t appear to have much to offer beyond St. Stephan’s and the Ringstrasse,” he says, adding that while these are highlights that tourists must check off their lists, Vienna offers much more.

To come to Vienna and only see St. Stephan’s and the Ringstrasse (the well-known circular road lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks) is to get only a “superficial” glimpse the the Austrian capital, Korzan says. “You can only love Vienna when you get to know it,” he says.

To get to know Vienna, experience the coffee culture at such establishments as Kleines Cafe, reputed to be Vienna’s smallest cafe, located at Franziskanerplatz 3 near St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

You’ll also want to experience the “concert culture.” Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss composed their greatest operas and symphonies in Austria’s capital city. The composer Schubert was born here.

The best venue is the Festsaal at Hofburg, the former winter residence of the Habsburgs.

In the grand “Festival Hall” it takes only a smidgen of effort to imagine the gala dinners and royal balls that have been held here.

You may be mildly disappointed, however, if you are seated at the same palace but in the Redoutensaal. The “Redouten Hall” has a tradition dating back more than 300 years, but it was damaged by fire in 1992 and renovated.

Today, the Redoutensaal’s walls are adorned not in a fashion that reflects the periods in which the famous composers performed there but with modern murals, which for some, begs the appropriate atmosphere for the fine performances by the Wiener Hofburg Orchestra.

To truly absorb the ambience of Vienna’s grand palaces, many people head for Schonnbrunn, the Habsburgs’ summer residence, with rooms decorated in Rococo style and beautiful formal gardens. The Habsburgs were one of Europe’s principal sovereign dynasties from the 15th to the 20th centuries.

The Habsburgs’ winter place, Belvedere, however, is more enjoyable for some, particularly art aficionados. Belvedere is comprised of two Baroque palaces at either end of a terraced garden. Both palaces house museums of Austrian art, including major works by Gustav Klimt.

You can’t leave Vienna without trying the iconic Wienerschnitzel. And here’s something you may not know about the breaded veal cutlets named for the city of Wien (or Vienna): They are said to have originated in Milan, Italy.

Well, no matter where it originated, you won’t find better Wienerschnitzel than at Figlmuller, says Rudi Schreiner, who was raised in Vienna and is president of California-based AMA Waterways. Figlmuller is situated at Bäckerstrasse 6 near St. Stephan’s on Wollzeille street.

A tip: The Austrians complement Wienerschnitzel with boiled potatoes while the Germans complement theirs with fries. If you prefer fries, let the waiter know.

You’ll soon find that a few hours is not enough in Vienna. If you plan on staying a few days, make your home at either the Hotel Imperial or the Hotel Sacher Wien.

The majestic Hotel Imperial was originally built in 1863 as the Prince of Württemberg’s Viennese residence. Overlooking the historic Ringstrasse, the building was transformed into a hotel to accommodate visitors of the 1873 World’s Fair.

Entering the lobby, you’ll note beautiful chandeliers that light a Royal Staircase leading up to suites and rooms. Book yourself in a room with a private balcony for views of the roofs and spires of old Vienna. Dine at either The Imperial Restaurant or Café Imperial. Both have accommodated many famous authors and composers who penned their masterpieces here.

Situated in the city center opposite the Opera House and only a short walk from St. Stephan’s, the Hotel Sacher was opened in 1876.

The hotel’s founder was the son of the creator of the original Sacher-Torte, the world-renowned Viennese chocolate cake. Staying here puts a twist on the old saying that you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

At the Hotel Sacher Wien, there’s always plenty of cake no matter how much you eat. So dip in your fork. You’ve discovered yet another of Vienna’s true treasures.

Editor’s Tip: One good way to explore Vienna is by bike. There are bike baths throughout the city and good signage.

For a photo slideshow of Vienna, click here.

Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava was a “capital in exile” for Hungary’s kings and archbishops during Turkey’s occupation of Hungary and most of the middle Danube basin from 1526 to 1784.

River cruisers typically do not overnight in Bratislava. But even a few hours is sufficient to appreciate Slovakia’s capital.

The Old Town is within walking distance of vessels that dock on the city side of the Danube. From the river, make your way to the Old Town Hall and the Main Square.

On the Main Square, stop in Mayer Cafe for coffee and cake to fortify you for the walk up to Bratislava Castle, where you’ll enjoy good views over the city. Though the castle dates back to the 9th century it was razed in 1811 and rebuilt.

You’ll also want to visit Michael’s Gate, the only gate that has been preserved from the medieval fortifications that once surrounded the Old Town.

Hans Christen Andersen saw Bratislava as a fairy tale city. The Danish author spent time here in 1841, and the city erected a statue to commemorate his visit.

Bratislava was formerly known by its German name, Pressburg, and was strongly influenced by the Austrians, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Jews and Slovaks.

For a photo slideshow of Bratislava, click here.

Regarded as one of Europe’s most attractive cities, Budapest is beautiful no matter what time of year. Those on river cruises departing Budapest will find the Hungarian capital easy to get around and exciting to visit.Situated on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest were united in the 19th century to form the Hungarian capital Budapest. The beginning or ending point for most Danube cruises, Budapest was once referred to as the “Queen of the Danube,” because of the city’s cultural significance at a time when Hungary was three times the size it is today.

On one side of the Danube, hilly Buda retains much of its Middle Age charm. Its cobbled streets and Gothic buildings have been well preserved. On the other side of the river, Pest is the thriving city center.

River cruisers typically dock on the Buda side, within walking distance of Castle Hill. If you prefer, there is a funicular that will take you up to the site. Either way, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Danube and Pest.

You could easily spend three to four hours on Castle Hill, visiting the museums, galleries, shops and cafes. But don’t spend so long that you miss Pest.

At the foot of Castle Hill, near the funicular station, the Chain Bridge connects Buda and Pest. Walk across it, and admire the views, before reaching the city on the other side of the Danube. The building directly in front of you, by the way, is the Four Seasons Hotel. Stroll inside and admire the grand lobby.

Ask directions to Vaci Utca, the pedestrian-only shopping street, just a few minutes walk away from the Four Seasons. At Vörösmarti ter, a large and lively square, stop for coffee and and a slice of the moist plum pie known as zilvás lepény at Cafe Garbeaud.

The well-known landmark has stood here since 1870. Because of its popularity and that fact that it has become a tourist attraction, Cafe Garbeaud has lost some of its charm. Nonetheless, it’s worth a peek inside the “filled to capacity” cafe. There are cafes that arguably are more enjoyable in Budapest, including Cafe Pierrot at Castle Hill.

From Cafe Garbeaud, stroll down Vaci Utca and go as far, if you wish, to the Market Hall, where you can pick up your souvenir paprika — or skip the stroll and board the UNESCO World Heritage Millennium Underground Railway, the first on the European continent.

The railway is a mix of metro and amusement ride, with its cute cars snf noisy, curved tracks.

Exit at Oktogon square and walk up Budapest’s most famous avenue, Andrassy, to the House of Terror, situated in the former headquarters for the secret police of both the Nazi and Communist governments.

One of Europe’s most emotionally moving museums, the House of Terror depict the horrors against Hungary during the Nazi and Communist regimes.

You could walk from the House of Terror along Andrássy to Hero Square and its monuments that were built in 1896 to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of the Hungarians. Should you visit Hero Square, you may also want to stroll through the City Park, situated adjacent to the square.

At the City Park, the Gundel is perhaps the most famous restaurant in Budapest. If you’re not up for a full meal, try the Gundel Palacsinta, the century-old pancake that has a filled with rum, raisin, lemon rind and walnuts, served with a chocolate sauce - baked and flambéed upon request.

Head back to Andrássy to stroll along the street that is a World Heritage site itself. Heading back in the direction of the city center, you’ll pass the Opera House and other attractions as well as shops, restaurants and bars.

Stop for lunch along the way, and try the Fogas, which is Lake Balatan pike-perch, breaded and fried or grilled. The Fisherman’s soup (halaszle), another favorite, is a rich mixture of several kinds of poached fish, tomatoes, green peppers and paprika.

From the city center, a free water shuttle will take you back to the Buda side, within easy walking distance of your ship.

Click here to launch a Flickr slideshow.

One of the great advantages of cruise ships is that experts frequently travel with you to help explain what you are seeing and visiting. When cruising in culturally significant places like Europe or in natural wonderlands like Alaska, the cruise lines will schedule sessions with experts who can add meaning and understanding to the visit. On Panama Canal itineraries, for instance, it’s common to have an expert on board who can lead fascinating discussions on the engineering marvel. These speakers are just one facet of the numerous enrichment programs that cruise lines offer to make cruise vacations more interesting and significant.

Some of these programs hardly mention the destination, instead focusing on special interests such as cooking or wine. The cooking classes usually feature all-star chefs, and the discussions of wine almost include tastings of special vintages. The cruise lines have become quite adept at presenting these events.

• On the intimate five-star yachts operated by Seabourn Cruise Line, passengers frequently rub elbows and travel with experts and luminaries. Local performers in music or dance sometimes are brought on board to entertain passengers, and on-board lecture programs feature renowned guests from the fields of entertainment, journalism, history, sports, geography and food and wine. The informal setting allows passengers and the guest lecturers to interact in small-group settings that everyone finds comfortable. Seabourn’s Chefs’ Circle gathers some of the brightest culinary stars to provide cooking demonstrations, tastings and grace menus on board with signature dishes that have gained them world renown.
• For the intellectually curious, Cunard Insights delves deeply into a variety of compelling topics. Introducing guests to experts and intellectuals, the Insights programs include lectures, Q&A’s, debates, social gatherings and workshops. Topics cover the gamut: history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature.
• The smaller cruise lines catering to more experienced travelers do a particularly good job of presenting information that may or may not be pertinent to the itinerary. In Europe, for example, Silversea Cruises provides guided excursions to famous vineyards as part of its Wine Series, which may be part fun and part learning.
• The Crystal Cruises Creative Learning Institute is designed to enrich mind, body and spirit with programs on everything from design and wine to Tai Chi and language instruction. Each class and workshop is designed to expand knowledge in an entertaining, hands-on style.
• Guests traveling with Regent Seven Seas Cruises will experience the Circles of Interest and Spotlight Series enrichment programs, available on selected fall voyages. These enlightening programs will feature distinguished lecturers and accomplished experts from the realms of art, history, cuisine and political commentary. The cooking presentations are designed to enhance and illuminate the traditions and culture of each cruises’ destinations.
• Holland America Line has retrofitted its ships to include a Culinary Arts Center on each one. The program, presented by Food & Wine magazine, schedules culinary demonstrations and cooking classes for every cruise, featuring celebrated chefs. Cooking demonstrations and classes are held during days at sea and sometimes while the ship is in port to provide an alternative for those who choose not to go ashore.
• Princess Cruises, as part of its Scholarship@Sea series, offers about 20 courses per voyage. These “edu-tainment” courses, as Princess calls them, cover a variety of topics, including cooking, visual arts, computer skills, photography and pottery. Today, every Princess ship offers passengers the opportunity to become Sea Scholars, and all vessels have been equipped with onboard pottery kilns. One of the Princess courses is particularly relevant to cruising regardless of the itinerary’s destination. A ship’s officer presents a discussion of navigation techniques and how they have evolved over time. This presentation provides guests with a greater understanding of the ship and how it operates.

On any cruise ship, these programs allow guests to dabble in activities they might rarely do at home such as ceramics or photography. Or they may expose us to new information that makes our travel more meaningful. Almost always, they are great fun.

Posted are links to photos of Budapest taken on December 28. Click here to launch a Flickr slideshow or click on the thumbnails below to view individual photos.

“A Caribbean cruise,” she replied. It was a dream that Chris was determined to make come true: his wife, suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, had only a few months longer to live.
But how to make the dream come true? Chris worked an hourly-wage job at Lowe’s, the home supply store, and he knew he would have a hard time earning enough to pay for a cruise on that salary alone.

Then one day, a couple walked into the store and delivered Chris a solution. They were there to buy fence posts to install on their farm. After making their purchase, they asked, “Do you know anyone who we could hire to install these?” Chris smiled, and said, “As a matter of fact, I do.”

They agreed on an hourly rate, and evenings after his work at Lowe’s, Chris broke the hard earth with post-hole diggers. He did so each day until the job was finished, then took a wad of cash to a travel agent who booked Chris and his wife on a weeklong Carnival cruise.

Chris returned home, laid the tickets in front of his wife and asked, “Now, what’s your next dream?”

During my two decades of cruising, I have met many people whose final wishes were to set sail one last time.

In the summer of 2006, I met two such people in Alaska who wanted only to see the Great Land before their battle with cancer ended. It was not an easy trip for either of them, but both were rewarded with what must have been the most spectacular week of the season, as you can see in the picture below.

“Death tugs at my ear and says, ‘Live, I am coming.’ ” wrote the poet, novelist and essayist Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. It’s not a pleasant thought, but it’s certainly a motivating one to remember that our time on this planet is finite.

Wrong. Two ships were in port in Copenhagen this week, and from our view the Baltic cruise season ends today, when Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Balmoral visits - and departs — Copenhagen on a Christmas cruise.Yesterday, P&O’s Aurora was tied up dockside at Langelinie. Passengers were met with Danish carols, Santa and traditional Christmas food.

The two ships calling on the Danish capital this week brought a total of 4,500 cruise passengers. They contributed to a total of 580,000 cruise passenger-visits in 2008, a record year for Copenhagen.

The Baltic recently overtook Alaska to become the world’s third most popular cruising destination after the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Last night, under clear but chilly conditions, activities included an orchestra, a marching band and fireworks. The mood of the passengers who stood on the outer decks singing along to Christmas carols was happy and festive.

Next year, four cruise ships, among them Queen Victoria, will come to Copenhagen for Christmas cruises.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

If you believe in buying low and selling high, then now is the time to invest in a cruise. The economy’s doldrums have hit the leisure travel business – just like any other industry — and cruise lines are responding with the best promotions ever seen.

The unprecedented deals are phenomenal. Crystal Cruises, for example, just announced savings up to $1,500 per person on most of its 2009 European sailings. For cruises booked before Monday, December 15, Seabourn Cruise Line offers savings of 60 percent off the brochure fares for seven voyages of seven to 14 days aboard the intimate Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend between April and August of 2009. Discounts on other cruise lines are up to 85 percent. Even the most dedicated bargain hunters will have to admit that today’s offers are some of the most attractive ever from the cruise lines.

Even sailings on some of the industry’s hottest new ships, such as the Celebrity Solstice and Ruby Princess, are available at bargains.

Cruise lines also are offering enticements such as discounts on air travel to and from the cruise or requiring smaller deposits. Silversea is offering free air on 16 new voyages to Europe; Crystal has a new premium air option on cruises to Northern Europe; Windstar Cruises is offering “Half The Deposit, All of the Luxury”; and SeaDream has created a “Cancel for Any Reason” program for travelers who are concerned about what’s lurking around the corner.

All of this combines to make now a perfect time to cruise — even abroad. Europe, which has been excruciatingly expensive for Americans, is now cheaper than it has been for quite a few years. The dollar has made significant gains against many foreign currencies.

Moreover, many Americans are now questioning their materialistic habits of collecting more and more possessions. The experiential value of traveling with friends and family will always be – as the MasterCard campaign says – priceless.

In any economic climate, cruising is going to be the best overall vacation value, providing a comprehensive combination of transportation, food, lodging and entertainment, at a price that is fixed prior to departure. Cruising is an exceptional choice, allowing travelers to avoid unexpectedly expensive surprises at hotels and restaurants. On a cruise, of course, the ship is the hotel and the primary restaurant.

Most of all, the cruise lines are reminding people that life is too short to spend it worrying about the unknown or the uncertain. Don’t put yours on hold. Explore, dream and discover; the world awaits.

Buy low. Sail high.

If you enjoyed Mark Twain’s pithy observation about travel, you also might appreciate these:

• “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller
• “Let your memory be your travel bag.” — Alexander Solzhenitsyn
• “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.” — Fitzhugh Mullan
• “They change their climate, not their soul, who rush across the sea.” — Horace
• “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” — St. Augustine

Spend an evening at Matsuhisa Restaurant in Beverly Hills, and you can easily rack up a tab totaling a few hundred dollars. Sushi of this quality does not come cheap. But at the famed chef’s restaurants on the two ships operated by Crystal Cruises, you’ll need to pony up only $7 per person after you’ve laid down your chop sticks for a final rest.

Long a land-based favorite, sushi has returned to the sea at Nobu’s restaurants on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. And at what a price. That $7 per person? It’s for suggested gratuities; Crystal charges nothing for dining at Nobu’s Silk Road and The Sushi Bar.

“Nobu is about as good as it gets,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president of hotel operations for Crystal Cruises. “His cuisine is unique, creative and healthy, and he has a name that resonates well around the world.”

While Crystal claims perhaps the world’s best known sushi chef, other cruise companies are introducing Asian-themed specialty restaurants aimed at rivaling the best of their land-based counterparts.

When launched in July, for example, Holland America Line’s Eurodam debuted the Asian-inspired Tamarind restaurant, specializing in sushi and sashimi.

For people who love sushi, cruises on these vessels, with rates that range from $100 to $500 per person per day, can prove to be quite a value, especially considering that you could dole out $100 or more per person for similar dining experiences ashore.

And it would be hard to swallow that the sushi is fresher elsewhere than in a restaurant floating directly over sushi’s natural habitat.