If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life on a luxury holiday then you will find no better way to relax and unwind than on a cruise.

And with so many different routes available to choose from, you may find that you have a difficult time deciding where to go and what to see.

This is where world cruises can be ideal, taking you to a wide range of destinations on one trip and giving you the chance to soak up the sights and sounds of other cultures and countries.

But planning a world cruise is not quite as easy as boarding a ship and setting sail; there are a few things you will need to consider when you are arranging your holiday.

First and foremost, you will need to decide where exactly you want to go on your world cruise. You may have one or two countries that you have always wanted to visit, or perhaps there is a particular landmark that you've always dreamed of seeing up close.

If this is the case, you may want to begin by searching for routes that stop off in these locations. This will have the added advantage of narrowing down your options, making it easier for you to choose the perfect break.

Another consideration for many people will be the cost. Before booking your luxury cruise, make sure you carry out a comparison between different liners offering similar itineraries.

You should also check what is included in the price of your cruise, such as food, drink and excursions. Some operators will charge extra for these things, so a price that initially seems cheap may jump up when you take this into account.

Finally, your port of departure is likely to be a factor in your decision about which cruise to take.

Because many world cruise routes are not circular, you will need to decide whether you would prefer to depart from a UK port and fly back from your final destination or fly to meet a ship which will then bring you back to the UK.

This will largely be down to your own personal preference, but with cruises leaving from ports such as Southampton, Sydney and Dubai, you will certainly have a variety of options when it comes to selecting your luxury cruise.