World’s Longest Cruise to Start Next Year

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. course / kɔrs, koʊrs / (n) – a certain period of time
    Example:

    I did not have my smartphone with me during the course of my trip.


  2. have a whale of a time / hæv ə weɪl ʌv ə taɪm / (idiom) – to have a very enjoyable time
    Example:

    We had a whale of a time during our trip to Japan.


  3. voyage / ˈvɔɪ ɪdʒ / (n) – a long trip to a place, usually through the sea
    Example:

    The voyage from England to New York took a week.


  4. on board / ɒn bɔrd / (idiom) – on a boat, ship, plane, or other huge vehicles
    Example:

    There are hundreds of people on board the huge ship.


  5. relish / ˈrɛl ɪʃ / (v) – to enjoy
    Example:

    I relished watching the concert of my favorite band last night.


Article

Read the text below.

The Ultimate World Cruise, the longest cruise trip in the world, will sail in August 2019.


Offered by European cruise operator Viking Cruises, the trip will last for a total of 245 days. It will visit 113 ports in 59 countries throughout its course. The trip will begin in London and cover European countries first. Then, passengers will visit attractions around North and South America.  Afterwards, they will travel across Oceania, Asia, and Africa, and then return to London at the end of the trip.


To ensure that the clients will have a whale of a time during their voyage, the company equipped the ship with amenities like a spa, gym, swimming pools, and unlimited Wi-Fi. There are also eight restaurants, which offer international cuisine, on board the ship.  The ship also boasts a luxurious exclusive suite with its own private library, living room, and dining area.  Aside from these, travelers may relish watching various cultural performances and classical concerts.


The Viking Sun, the ship that will be used for the cruise, can accommodate around 930 passengers. Because of the cruise’s long duration, majority of guests are expected to be retirees and people who do not have office work.


The fare for the full 245-day cruise starts at $92,990. Meanwhile, clients who do not want to join the whole course may opt for a 127-day trip called Viking World Treasures. It will only sail from London to Los Angeles, with fares starting at roughly $47,995. On the other hand, those who wish to spend only 119 days on their cruise can choose the Viking World Wonders, which will travel from Los Angeles to London, for approximately $45,995.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Would you be willing to spend almost $93,000 for a cruise? Why or why not?
• Do you think a 245-day cruise is too long? Discuss.

Discussion B

• If you had a 245-day vacation, how would you spend it?
• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having a long vacation?