R1-million, 8 months & 59 countries: would you take this epic world cruise?

Viking is to launch the longest continuous world cruise itinerary in history, with an eight-month voyage that will take in six continents, 59 countries and 113 ports.

The 245-day Ultimate World Cruise on the Viking Sun will set out from London on August 31 2019 to circumnavigate the globe. 

Some highlights of the itinerary include Reykjavik, Iceland; Quebec, Canada; New York, US; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sydney, Australia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Mumbai, India; and Luxor, Egypt.

Rates for the round trip start at $92,990 (that's a cool R1.17-million), which includes shore excursions in each port, all gratuities and service fees, wifi, and business-class airfare.

For those who can't get quite that much time off, there is the option to sign up for one of two shorter legs - either the 127-day sailing from London to Los Angeles, visiting 33 countries and 61 ports; or the 119-day journey from Los Angeles to London, visiting 29 countries and 55 ports. Those cost around $46,000 (R580,000).

The ship accommodates 930 guests in 465 staterooms (all with verandahs), has two pools, a spa, and eight dining options.