How often do you return from a cruise with plans to return to one of your ports of call for a longer stay, giving you time to explore not only the particular port you have visited, but also to travel in the area, so particularly beautiful, unusual or interesting it was? How often have you pored over an itinerary, and realised that a particular destination is tantalisingly within your grasp – maybe just two or three hours away – but owing to sailing times, infuriatingly just too far to allow you a satisfactory visit? For me, the appeal of an overnight in port is that it gives you the freedom to hire a car and set forth, with no worries about getting back to the ship in time. When the ship is due to sail, you inevitably allow more time than you actually need to get back, and spend what time you have anxiously checking your watch and imagining what would happen if you got a puncture.

If these are scenarios that ring a bell with you, you should definitely be considering a cruise on The World for your next trip. Long stays in port and in-depth explorations of a particular country or area are key to the itinerary planning for this extraordinary residence afloat, and you can create your perfect holiday, with all the pluses of a cruise experience (familiar and comfortable accommodation, packing and unpacking just the once, outstanding service from personnel who have taken the time and trouble to understand your particular tastes and needs) combined with the freedom to travel further afield and explore in depth.

The year kicks off in Southern Africa, with the opportunity to explore not just South Africa, but also Senegal and Namibia with extended Stays in Walvis Bay and Cape Town. In February, South African explorations (with extended stays in Port Elizabeth and Durban) can be combined with Mauritius and Madagascar – the perfect solution for exploring a country with virtually no tourist infrastructure, and destination which can be reached only by water.

In March, you can spend time exploring the Seychelles before travelling northwards to the Middle East – time to visit Oman and United Arab Emirates. The ship stays for long periods of time in Muscat and Dubai, giving you the opportunity to travel inland and marvel at the extraordinary scenery, getting a true taste of the harsh lives lived by nomadic inhabitants.

A fantastic opportunity presents itself in April as you travel to India – take the time to fly to Delhi and explore the fascinating Golden Triangle region. Your home from home awaits in Mumbai. Then travel southwards visiting Cochin and exploring the green waterways of Kerala, to Sri Lanka, its fascinating treasures within your grasp during an extended stay in Galle, followed by a true island paradise, the Maldives.

In May, to Jordan and Egypt: from your sea borne home you can explore the fascinating sites bordering the Red Sea, then travel on to Port Said, your gateway to Cairo and the pyramids. Safely in the Mediterranean for June, you may feel these are areas well covered by a conventional cruise. But you can take leisurely time to explore the Eastern Mediterranean in depth, with extended stays in Fethiye, Rhodes, Bodrum and Kusadasi. Now you can investigate beyond the standard half day tours, with time to enjoy both the fascinating ancient remains of former cultures, and the beauties of crystal clear waters and pretty seaside villages.

July takes you to the Black Sea, and a most unusual opportunity to spend time in Sochi, Yalta and Odessa, not to mention bustling Istanbul. In August, travel westwards to the Adriatic, visiting Montenegro, Croatia and Italy – finish your journey with a long stay in Venice, bringing your own hotel with you! A glorious September programme gives you long days exploring the delights of Italy, the ancient and Renaissance treasures as well as the delights of Italian cuisine at is best. Linger in Sorrento and Portofino, as you would in your own private yacht.

October takes you to Monaco, France, Spain and Portugal. Linger in Monte Carlo, Corsica and Barcelona, or join the ship in November to cross the Atlantic, stopping off in Bermuda then reaching the coastal cities of the Colonial South before relaxing in Turks and Caicos. Venture further into the Caribbean in December, way off the beaten track in Colombia, Bonaire, Venezuela, the Grenadines and St. Barthelemy.

For the independent traveller, The World offers the very best of both worlds as you combine the security and familiarity of a cruise ship with a personally tailored shore programme which exactly meets your tastes and interests.