Nothing catches the imagination of a traveler like the idea of a world cruise. Thanks to movies and television, most people have their own mental picture – lounging by the pool during the day, formal dinners with tuxedos and beautiful gowns, and romantic walks on the deck under the stars. Cruising and cruise ships, are part of our culture.

One of the cruise lines familiar around the world is Princess Cruises, made famous on “The Love Boat”. The original Pacific Princess featured in the show was retired in 2002, and was considered a luxurious marvel in its day, with an elevator, casino, and a beauty salon on board. Cruise ships have come a long way since then, but Princess Cruises offers one or two world cruises yearly, including one on the new Pacific Princess.

The Pacific Princess isn’t large as cruise ships go, carrying just 670 passengers, but she still has all the amenities. Choose between a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant, or visit the 24-hour buffet. Among the activities offered, passengers can visit the spa and fitness center, lounge by the pool, or check out the casino. Leaving from Ft. Lauderdale, the world cruise itinerary includes the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Fiji, and Australia, and ends up in Rome. The Pacific Princess is also one of the less expensive cruise ships, with prices starting below $17,000.

On the more luxurious end of the world cruise scale is Cunard Lines and the Queen Mary 2. The Queen Mary 2 is the largest passenger cruise ship ever built, and its world cruise usually features 40 or more ports in 25 countries. The 2010 cruise will include Sydney, Dubai, Cape Town, and Hong Kong among others, with prices starting around $21,000.

The Queen Mary 2 is regularly recognized as the best luxury cruise ship, and can accommodate over 3000 passengers. Even 4-legged passengers can be pampered, with a special kennel program that includes gift packs for your pet, and a full-time Kennel Master to see to their needs. It’s only to be expected from a ship that lavishes luxury on its human passengers.

Of course, there’s a spa, and a state-of-the-art gym, but how many ships have a planetarium? There are 14 decks with almost any imaginable amenity – not only shops, bars, and lounges, but 5 different pools and at least 10 restaurants. Three-quarters of the staterooms have balconies, and there are even 2-story apartments with private exercise equipment. Even the smallest staterooms are spacious, almost 200 square feet, and standard room amenities include the interactive TV and refrigerator.

For many people, a world cruise is a lifetime dream, and an once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re dreaming of a world cruise, you can be sure that among the dozens of cruise ships sailing the world, there’s a ship that can fulfill that dream.