Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 in Sydney

Cunard liners Queen Elizabeth (front) and Queen Mary 2 (left) arrive in Sydney next to the Opera House (right) in the early morning of Feb. 22, 2011. The original 'Queen Elizabeth' and 'Queen Mary' cruise ships passed each other in Sydney in 1941, when both were being used as troop ships. (JAMES MORGAN, AFP/Getty Images / February 22, 2011)

By Arline and Sam Bleecker, Chicago Tribune

2:51 p.m. EST, February 28, 2011
Know yourself and make certain you won't get cabin fever gazing out to endless seas for months at a time. (Of course, if you don't want the whole she-bang, you need only book segments of the circumnavigation.) The experienced Petitprens also advise that world cruisers plan their wardrobe carefully.

Between formal nights and changing climates, you must think twice about what you will wear, they said.

Howie noted the importance of the itinerary in determining not only your garb but also in satisfying your wanderlust for exotic locales.

Howie and the Petitprens agree that it's vital to match your personality to that of the cruise line and to see if the entertainment and onboard enrichment programs suit your tastes.

With these tips under your belt, you can confidently set sail for the farthest reaches on the seven seas.

Plus, other luxe lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Lines, Celebrity and Crystal Cruises, among others, offer globetrotting vacations. For information contact a travel agent.

———

CIRCLING THE GLOBE

The Queen Elizabeth left Southampton, England, on its world cruise Jan. 5, reaching New York, its secondary embarkation point, Jan. 13. The major ports on the itinerary from there:

Jan. 29 — Los Angeles

Feb. 22 — Sydney

March 19 — Singapore

March 31 — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

April 19 — Southampton

April 26 — New York